Method for assembling an aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, wherein a first component (1) of the aerosol-generating article is arranged in a first recess (3) and an at least partially hollow second component (2) of the aerosol-generating article is arranged in a second recess (4). The first component (1) is pushed along the first recess (3) in the first direction (100) into the second component (2) in the second recess (4) by relatively moving the first recess (3) in a second direction (200) relative to a guide element (6) having an engagement surface (7) such that the engagement surface (7) engages and pushes the first component (1) in a first direction (100). The present invention also provides an apparatus for assembling an aerosol-generating article and the use of an inclined engagement surface (7) for inserting the first component (1) into the at least partially hollow second component (2) of the aerosol-generating article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling an aerosol-generating article, and the use of inclined engaging surfaces for inserting a first component into a second component of an aerosol-generating article. Background Art

[0002] It is known, for example, from prior art document EP 2 552 255 B1 to insert a capsule longitudinally into a hollow opening in the absorbent material of a cigarette.

[0003] EP 2 999 363 B1 and US 3,513,856 A teach the use of a plunger for inserting a filter element into the mouthpiece of a smoking article, wherein the plunger moves longitudinally in the groove direction of a rotatable assembly drum. More specifically, EP 2 999 363 B1 discloses a method for assembling segments of a smoking article, wherein a transfer tool moves a truncated hollow cone into the air intake duct of a heated smoking article. US 3,513,856 A discloses assembling a filter tip to the tubular end of a cigar mouthpiece, wherein a spring-loaded plunger pushes the filter tip into the mouthpiece along the groove. For this purpose, a stationary cam is provided, which engages the rear end of the spring-loaded plunger. DE 28 09 619 discloses a device for changing the distance in the axial direction between two adjacent rows of articles conveyed laterally in a groove, which can be used when assembling filter cigarettes. WO 03 / 049560 A1 discloses a device for transferring a first end filter element into a cigarette, wherein the cigarettes are arranged on a drum and a disc carrying a plurality of push rods is arranged across the drum with its axis of rotation inclined towards the axis of rotation of the drum. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide reliable apparatus, methods and uses for assembling components of an aerosol-generating article.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article is provided, wherein a first component of the aerosol-generating article is arranged in a first recess, and an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article is arranged in a second recess. The first component is pushed into the second component along the first recess in the first direction by relatively moving the first recess in the second direction relative to a guide element having an engagement surface such that the engagement surface engages and pushes the first component in the first direction. Specifically, the first recess moves in the second direction while the guide element remains stationary. In an alternative embodiment, the first recess may remain stationary while the guide element moves in the second direction. In another alternative embodiment, the first recess and the guide element may both move in opposite directions along the second direction.

[0006] The first and second directions are different and are preferably arranged obliquely or perpendicularly to each other. By being forced to move relative to the engagement surface in the second direction, the first component is pushed along the first groove in the first direction and into the hollow portion of the second component. Compared to the prior art, this eliminates the need for a plunger to push the components.

[0007] Specifically, the engagement surface is inclined relative to the second direction. The position of the engagement surface in the first direction can be defined by a function of the position of the engagement surface in the second direction. The function can specifically be a linear function, a differentiable function, or a continuous but non-differentiable function. When the engagement surface is defined by a linear function, the slope of the engagement surface is constant. This can ensure that while the movement speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant, the speed of the first component in the first direction is substantially constant.

[0008] When the engagement surface is defined by a differentiable function, the slope of the engagement surface changes only gradually, ie the engagement surface is smooth. This allows the speed of the first component in the first direction to vary while the speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.

[0009] When the engagement surface is defined by a continuous but non-differentiable function, there may be at least one sharp bend in the engagement surface. This may result in the velocity of the first component in the first direction varying in an unstable manner, such as increasing or decreasing abruptly, while the velocity of the first groove in the second direction is constant.

[0010] The inner circumferential surface of the first groove and the inner circumferential surface of the second groove can be flush and continuous with each other, specifically forming a section of a single, integral groove. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface of the first groove may not be flush with the inner circumferential surface of the second groove. In other words, a step may exist at the interface between the first and second grooves. Several groups of first and second grooves may be arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. The guide element may extend above at least several of the first grooves.

[0011] The first component has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the second component. The proximal end of the first component is the end of the first component that is closer to the second component in the initial arrangement. The distal end of the first component is the end of the first component that is farther away from the second component in the initial arrangement.

[0012] The first component may be a capsule comprising an alkaloid-containing powder, specifically nicotine dry powder. Therefore, it is important that the capsule is not damaged during insertion into the second component, as this could adversely affect the entire production line. The method can assemble over several thousand aerosol-generating articles per minute. Damaged capsules may require stopping assembly production and requiring cleaning operations.

[0013] The second component has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the first component. The proximal end of the second component is the end of the second component that is closer to the first component in the initial arrangement. The distal end of the second component is the end of the second component that is farther away from the first component in the initial arrangement.

[0014] The second component may be a tube, in particular formed from paper or cardboard. In some embodiments, the second component may be a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0015] The first component may have a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, wherein the diameter of the first section is larger than the diameter of the second section. Preferably, the first section of the first component is arranged at the proximal end of the first component relative to the second component. This arrangement may facilitate assembly because friction may be more constant during insertion. Alternatively, the first section of the first component may be arranged at the distal end of the first component relative to the second component. This may initially facilitate assembly but may result in higher friction towards the end of the assembly.

[0016] Specifically, the first component can be a two-part joint capsule. Specifically, the capsule is formed by inserting a cylindrical second section into a cylindrical first section. Preferably, the two cylindrical sections form a closed volume within the capsule. The capsule contents can be disposed within this closed volume. The contents can be an alkaloid-containing powder.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end near the first component. The wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end of the second component may correspond to the height of the step between the second groove and the first groove. Thus, the inner surface of the cavity and the surface of the first groove may be at least partially flush. This can facilitate insertion of the first component, as it can slide along this flush surface during insertion.

[0018] Specifically, the cavity may have the form of a cylinder or a truncated cone. The first groove and the second groove may have different depths or different radii of curvature, or different depths and radii of curvature. The difference in depth or radius of curvature may correspond to the height of the step between the second groove and the first groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first and second components are substantially aligned in their longitudinal direction to enable insertion, wherein in the event of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in the first direction by means of the first component. Specifically, in the event of misalignment, the first component, pushed by the guide element, applies a force to the second component that is greater than the retaining force of the second component in the second groove, causing the second component to be pushed out of the second groove. The second component can be retained by the retaining force due to at least one of friction and an air suction opening provided in the groove. Unaligned ejection of the second component can be facilitated by a slope at the distal end of the second groove or by an open end at the distal end of the second groove. Specifically, the distal end of the second groove is open. That is, the distal end of the second groove does not have a retaining wall.

[0020] A second guide element, in the form of a stationary downward retainer element, can be positioned above or radially outside the second groove. The second guide element provides an engagement surface at a constant height or radial distance from the second groove. This height or radial distance substantially corresponds to the height or diameter of the second component, ensuring that the second component cannot fall out of the second groove in height or radial direction.

[0021] Specifically, the first and second components are aligned by being arranged substantially coaxially so that the outer shape of the first component corresponds to the inner shape of the cavity of the second component. Therefore, when the first and second components are aligned, the primary driving force on the first component in the first direction is caused by the guide element, which gradually covers the first groove toward the second component in the second groove. The thrust must overcome the friction between the first and second components. The retention force of the second component in the second groove must be higher than the thrust. During assembly, if the first and second components are misaligned or otherwise malfunction, the retention force of the second component in the second groove may be lower than the thrust. As a result, the second component can be pushed out of the second groove.

[0022] Specifically, the first groove and the second groove may be provided on the drum in an axially aligned manner, wherein the drum rotates relative to the guide element, and wherein the guide element is arranged radially outside the drum and at least partially around the circumference of the drum. The first direction may be the axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0023] Specifically, the engagement surface is inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the drum. Consequently, rotation of the drum causes the first groove to gradually move beneath the guide element. This means that, from a relative perspective of the first groove, the engagement surface of the guide element moves in a first direction toward the second groove, pushing the first component along the first groove in the direction of the second component and into the second component disposed in the second groove.

[0024] Preferably, when the component is fully inserted into the second component, the engagement surface is arranged radially outward of the proximal end of the second groove relative to the first groove. The proximal end of the second groove relative to the first groove is the end of the second groove that is closest to or adjacent to the first groove. Since the second component is arranged in the second groove, this makes it possible to fully insert the first component into the second component.

[0025] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the second component is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first component, such that a friction fit retains the first component within the second component. The first component can be pushed or squeezed into a cavity or hollow portion of the second component. This can result in a friction fit between the first and second components that retains the first component within the second component. This friction fit can be achieved by the inner surface of the second component, or by resilient protrusions on the inner surface of the second component or the outer surface of the first component.

[0026] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the inner diameter of the second component may be larger than the outer diameter of the first component, so that the first component can be easily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guide element. Due to the size difference, the second component is less likely to exert resistance on the first component, thereby facilitating the insertion of the first component into the second component.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for assembling an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising a first recess for receiving a first component of the aerosol-generating article, a second recess for receiving an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article, and a guiding element having an inclined engaging surface. The first recess and the second recess extend in a first direction. The first recess and the second recess are movable relative to the guiding element in a second direction while the inclined engaging surface is arranged above the first recess or the second recess. The inclined engaging surface may be arranged to at least partially or completely overlap the first recess in the first direction, and optionally partially overlap the second recess in the first direction. The apparatus is capable of pushing the first component or the second component such that the first component is pushed into the second component, or the second component is pushed above the first component.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first and second grooves are formed on the drum, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum, and the inclined engagement surface is inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the drum. The first direction may be the axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be the circumferential direction of the drum. Therefore, rotation of the drum causes the inclined engagement surface to move relative to the first and second grooves in the corresponding axial directions.

[0029] The drum may be rotatable. A drive may be configured to rotate the drum. The guide element may be stationary. A feeding device for feeding the first and second components to the grooved drum may be positioned in a stationary position. Furthermore, an assembly element formed by inserting the first component into the second component may be ejected to a downstream device in the stationary position. The drum may transport the first and second components in a circumferential direction while inserting the first component into the second component.

[0030] The second groove may be open in its axial direction at its distal end relative to the first groove. The ramp may be provided at the distal end of the second groove. Specifically, the distal end of the second groove is open. That is, the distal end of the second groove has no abutment wall.

[0031] The first groove can be adapted to provide a lower retention force on the first component than the second groove provides on the second component. This can be achieved by having different numbers or sizes of air extraction openings or holes adapted to retain the components in the groove, or by applying different negative pressures to the air extraction openings or holes that retain the respective components. The first groove relative to the first component can have a lower coefficient of friction than the second groove relative to the second component. This can be achieved by having different coatings or materials for the grooves or components. For example, the first groove can be at least partially provided with a polymer coating, particularly a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, to reduce the coefficient of friction.

[0032] At least one of these features may enable movement of the second component in the first direction to be lower than movement of the first component in the first direction, which enables the first component to be inserted into the second component. Specifically, the second groove may be adapted to hold the second component stationary relative to the second groove.

[0033] The negative pressure maintaining device may be provided at least in the second groove, and may be adapted to ensure that the retaining force on the second component in the direction in which the second groove extends is greater than the retaining force on the first component in the direction in which the first groove extends. Specifically, the negative pressure maintaining device may be one or more air suction openings or holes connected to a negative pressure source.

[0034] A detection system may be provided, wherein the detection system may be adapted to detect the presence of the first component within the second component in the second recess. Preferably, the detection system is coupled to an ejection system for discarding any defective second components from the second recess. Specifically, the defect may be the absence of the first component within the second component, damage to the first or second component, or incorrect positioning of the second component in the second recess.

[0035] Specifically, the detection system can be a capacitive sensor that detects whether the first component is correctly inserted into the second component. If an improper insertion state is detected, the second component or the second component and the first component can be marked for ejection by the ejection system. A protective cover can be arranged between the second groove and the detection system, in particular a transparent protective cover composed of a transparent polymer, for example. The ejection system can be a nozzle or an orifice that provides a pressurized air jet, which applies an ejection force to the second component that is higher than the retaining force of the second groove. The pressurized air jet can be provided through an air suction opening or hole in the second groove, or through a separately provided nozzle, opening, or hole.

[0036] The apparatus may include an electronic controller adapted to perform method steps according to method embodiments according to the present invention. Specifically, the electronic controller may include input / output electronics for communicating with various components of the apparatus (particularly the drivers and actuators) and controlling them to perform the corresponding method steps. The drivers and actuators may be adapted to automatically perform the method steps based on instructions from the electronic controller.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of an inclined engagement surface for inserting a first component into an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol-generating article by engaging the first component with the inclined engagement surface and moving the first component along the engagement surface. In particular, the engagement surface is inclined relative to a direction of movement of the first component relative to the second component. The inclination may be defined by a linear function, a differentiable function, or a continuous but non-differentiable function. The direction of movement of the first component relative to the second component may be defined by a groove. The inclined engagement surface moves relative to the groove in an axial direction of the groove. In particular, the groove may be provided on a rotatable drum.

[0038] Specifically, the first groove and the second groove extend in the axial direction of the drum. Preferably, the first groove and the second groove are coaxial. Specifically, several groups of the first groove and the second groove are equidistantly arranged around the circumference of the drum. Specifically, the first groove and the second groove have different curvatures. Specifically, the first groove and the second groove have different bending radii.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove may have the same cross-section.

[0040] In particular, the apparatus, method and use according to the present invention can be used to manufacture a stick-shaped aerosol-generating article comprising a second component in the form of a hollow tube into which a first component in the form of a capsule is inserted.

[0041] The capsule may include an alkaloid-containing powder, specifically a nicotine dry powder formulation. Prior to use, the capsule may be adapted to be pierced by a piercing element, allowing the nicotine dry powder to be released for inhalation. The second component may be made of cardboard or wrapping paper rolled into a tube. The second component may have at least one open end for insertion into the first component. To facilitate insertion, the maximum outer diameter of the first component about its longitudinal axis may be equal to or less than the inner diameter of the second component. The first and second components are manufactured separately and provided in the apparatus, method, and use.

[0042] The method, apparatus and use according to the present invention can be operated to process more than 1000 first components and second components per minute, respectively. Specifically, the method and apparatus according to the present invention can enable the first component to be safely and effectively inserted into the interior of the second component without damaging or breaking the first component. The drum can be a rotating drum having a plurality of grooves arranged in parallel along the longitudinal axis of the drum on its outer surface. The grooves can each include a first groove and a second coaxial groove. There can be a suction system to maintain the contents of each groove (i.e., the first component or the second component).

[0043] Furthermore, the apparatus may include at least one feed roller or hopper that feeds the first component into the first groove and the second component into the second groove. The guide element system may be stationary and at least partially arranged in a fixed position around the circumference of the roller. The roller may rotate about a horizontal axis. The first component and the second component may be retained in their respective grooves by means of air suction while the roller is rotating. At least one first groove may extend from a first axial position of the roller to a second axial position of the roller. Specifically, the first axial position on the roller may be located at an axially inner position on the roller. At least one second groove may extend from the second axial position of the roller to a third axial position of the roller. The third axial position of the roller may be at an axial end of the roller. The first groove and the second groove may extend in the axial direction of the roller. The first groove and the second groove may be inclined relative to the axial direction of the roller. The first groove and the second groove may have the shape of a circular segment in their cross-section.

[0044] Specifically, the first groove may have a smaller radius of curvature than the second groove. The difference between the radius of curvature of the first groove and the radius of curvature of the second groove is preferably less than or equal to the difference between the outer radius of the second component and the outer radius of the first component. The second groove may be open at the axial end of the drum. Therefore, the second groove may not have a retaining wall. The guide element preferably covers a circumferential portion of the drum, so that as the insertion drum rotates, the guide element covering the circumferential portion of the drum gradually completely covers the first set of grooves from the first axial position to the second axial position.

[0045] The method and apparatus of the present invention enable a stationary guide element to gradually push the contents of the first set of grooves toward the contents of the second set of grooves. Consequently, the first component can be pushed from the first groove into the second groove beyond the second axial position. Specifically, the coaxial first and second grooves, having different radii of curvature, allow the first component to be gradually moved into the second component without any obstructions between the first and second grooves. Furthermore, if inserting the first component into the second component presents a problem, the open second groove at the axial end of the drum allows the second component to be pushed beyond the axial end of the drum.

[0046] In one embodiment, a detection system is provided, specifically positioned downstream of the guide element relative to the drum, to detect the insertion of the first component into the second component. Furthermore, the detection system can be adapted to check the integrity of the first component within the second component. The detection system can be a capacitive sensor. The detection system can be coupled to an ejection system to discard the first component, the second component, or both components if defects are detected.

[0047] The present invention also provides an insertion drum adapted to convey a first component in the form of a capsule and a second component comprising a cavity within a groove provided on the circumference of the drum. The groove may extend in the axial direction of the drum. The inclined engagement surface may be provided at least partially above the groove. Preferably, the groove is open at at least one axial end of the insertion drum, specifically by lacking a retaining wall. The groove may include a first groove and a second groove aligned.

[0048] The first groove and the second groove may have different curvature radii and depths. The step between the grooves may have a certain height corresponding to the radius difference between the first groove and the second groove.

[0049] Due to the difference in diameter between the first and second sections of the first component, the first component can be arranged slightly tilted in the first groove, specifically with the first section having the larger diameter facing the second groove. Specifically, the air extraction openings or holes in the first and second grooves are connected to a negative pressure source. Specifically, the pressure in the negative pressure source is adjusted so that the insertion force does not significantly move the second component in the axial direction during the insertion process.

[0050] The guide element covers the circumferential portion of the drum so that during rotation of the drum, the guide element gradually covers the first groove. Therefore, the guide element pushes the first component along the first groove and into the second component in the second groove.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the second component may be pushed towards the first component by the guide element such that the second component is pushed above the first component.

[0052] The first groove may be covered with a low friction material, in particular a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene, in order to reduce friction with respect to the first component.

[0053] Specifically, the first component is a fragile element including contents, and spillage of the contents into the device should be avoided. The second groove may have no abutment wall or have an ejection slope so that when there is a problem during insertion of the first component into the second component, the second component and the first component move relative to the second groove, thereby preventing high forces from being applied to the first component.

[0054] The open distal end of the second groove, relative to the first groove, reduces the risk of the first component, in the form of a capsule, breaking in the event of an insertion failure. This significantly reduces machine downtime by reducing the risk of capsule breakage, which could necessitate equipment cleaning and significantly impact the assembly process. The first and second components can be fed to the drum via two distinct upstream conveying elements, specifically rotating drums. The upstream conveying elements can be arranged so that the first component is positioned in the first groove and the second component is positioned in close proximity to each other in the second groove.

[0055] The inspection system may inspect the integrity of the first component after insertion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0057] Figure 1 shows a top view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 Shown as Figure 1 Cross section 400-400 shown;

[0059] Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0061] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] according to Figure 1The device enables the insertion of a first component 1 in the form of a capsule into a second component 2 in the form of a hollow tube. The first component 1 is arranged in a first groove 3, while the second component 2 is arranged in a second groove 4. The first groove 3 and the second groove 4 are arranged in the circumferential surface of the drum 5 and preferably extend parallel to the first direction 100 (i.e., the axial direction) of the drum 5. Specifically, several pairs of coaxial first and second grooves are distributed around the circumference of the drum, preferably equidistantly spaced in the second direction 200 (i.e., the circumferential direction).

[0063] The drum 5 is driven to rotate about a central axis 300. A stationary guide element 6 is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum 5. The guide element 6 comprises an engagement surface 7 at a proximal side of the guide element 6 with respect to the second groove 4. The engagement surface 7 is adapted to push the first component 1 into the second component 2 in an axial direction 100.

[0064] Specifically, the first component 1 rotates with the drum 5 and slides along the guide element 6. As the guide element 6 gradually covers the first groove 3 as the drum rotates relative to the guide element 6, the engagement surface 7 pushes the first component 1 into the second component 2.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In, it depicts Figure 1 The cross section 400-400 is shown in FIG. Figure 2 The beginning of the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2 is shown. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the first component 1 has a proximal end 8, which is close to the second component 2. The first component has a distal end 9, which is far away from the first component 2. The second component 2 has a proximal end 10, which is close to the first component 1. The second component 2 has a distal end 11, which is far away from the first component 1.

[0066] The first component 1 may include a cylindrical first section 12 and a cylindrical second section 13, wherein the diameter of the first section 12 is larger than the diameter of the second section 13. Specifically, the cylindrical first section 12 is positioned closer to the proximal end 8 of the first component 1 than to the distal end 9. Specifically, the first component 1 is a capsule, wherein the first section 12 and the second section 13 together form a capsule body, which is filled with a composition. Each of the first section 12 and the second section 13 serves as a cap. The open end of the first section 12 engages the open end of the second section 13, forming a closed volume within the capsule body. Therefore, by positioning the cylindrical first section 12 adjacent to the second component 2, the reaction force exerted by the second component 2 on the cylindrical first section 12 during insertion of the first component 1 into the second component 2 is directed in a direction toward closing the cylindrical first section 12, and the first component 1 remains closed during insertion. Furthermore, by arranging the cylindrical first section 12 close to the second part 2, there is no risk of the capsule tearing open, as the edge of the cylindrical first section 12 might get caught at the edge of the second part 2 during insertion.

[0067] The second component 2 comprises a cavity 14 at least at its proximal end 10. In this embodiment, the second component 2 is provided in the form of a hollow tube. The interior passage of the tube forms the cavity 14.

[0068] A step 15 exists between the first groove 3 and the second groove 4. Specifically, the first groove 3 has a first depth 500, and the second groove 4 has a second depth 600, wherein the height of the step 15 corresponds to the difference between the second depth 600 and the first depth 500. The second depth 600 is greater than the first depth 500. Specifically, the first groove 3 has a cross-section in the form of a circular segment, whose height is defined by the first depth 500. Specifically, the second groove 4 has a cross-section in the form of a circular segment, whose height is defined by the second depth 600. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the step 15 corresponds to the wall thickness of the second component 2 at its proximal end 10, so that the cavity 14 and the first groove 3 are at least partially flush. This facilitates the insertion of the first component 1 into the second component 2.

[0069] Specifically, at least one air suction opening 16 may be provided in the first groove 3 to hold the first component 1. At least one air suction opening 17 may be provided in the second groove 4 to hold the second component. The air suction openings 16, 17 may be holes or openings facing the interior of the drum 5. Preferably, several air suction openings 17 are provided in the second groove 4 along the longitudinal extension of the second groove 4 to enable the second component to be properly held during insertion of the first component 1.

[0070] The second groove 4 extends as far as the axial end side 18 of the drum 5. Therefore, the second groove 4 is open in the axial direction 100 at its distal end 19 relative to the first groove 3. The second component 2 can be pushed out of the second groove 4 via the axial end side 18 of the drum 5. If the force applied to the second component 2 in the longitudinal direction of the second groove 4 is greater than the retaining force and potential friction of the air suction opening 17, the second component 2 is pushed out of the second groove 4.

[0071] This enables ejection of the second component 2 in the event of a failure in the insertion of the first component 1, for example due to misalignment of the first component 1 and the second component 2. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the drum 5 can be formed by individual segments connected to each other in the axial direction. Specifically, the first segment can include a first groove 3, and the second segment can include a second groove 4.

[0072] exist Figure 1 , a detection system 20 is shown, which is arranged at the guide element 6, in particular at the circumferential downstream side of the guide element 6. The detection system 20 is adapted to check the presence of the first component 1 inside the second component 2. If such presence is not detected, the second component 2 is ejected from the drum 5, for example by using a jet of pressurized air.

[0073] The second guide element 21 is in the form of a stationary downward retainer that extends circumferentially over at least several of the second grooves 2 while the second grooves 3 convey the second component. The second guide element 21 is in the form of a circular arc that extends partially around the circumference of the drum 5. The second guide element 21 acts as a supplement to the suction force from the air suction openings 17 to help retain the second component 2 within the second grooves 4 during its rotational conveyance or insertion onto the drum 5.

[0074] Figure 3 A perspective front view of a drum 5 is shown rotating in a circumferential direction 200 about a central axis 300. Thus, in the relative coordinate system of the drum 5, the inclined engagement surface 7 moves in an axial direction 100 over the first groove 3 and the second groove 4. The engagement surface 7 pushes the first component 1 present in the first groove 3 into the second component 2, which remains in the second groove 4.

[0075] This principle is also Figure 4 , wherein the engagement surface 7 gradually pushes the first component 1 into the second component 2. The drum 5 and the first grooves 3 and the second grooves 4 arranged on the circumference of the drum 5 move in the circumferential direction 200, while the guide element 6 with the inclined engagement surface 7 remains stationary. The engagement surface 7 is inclined relative to the circumferential direction 200 and the axial direction 100.

[0076] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the circumferential movement of the groove due to the rotation of the drum, a linear movement of the groove in the second direction relative to the guide element can be provided, so that the inclined engagement surface pushes the first component into the second component in the first direction. Specifically, the movement of the groove in the second direction can be perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the groove in the first direction.

[0077] Figure 5 The ejection of the second component 2 is shown when the insertion of the first component 1 fails (specifically due to misalignment with the second component 2). Insertion may also fail when the outer diameter of the first component 1 is outside the tolerance range, or when the inner diameter of the second component 2 is outside the tolerance range. This can result in a higher axial force on the second component 2 applied during the insertion of the first component 1. During the insertion failure, the second component 2 can be pushed out of the second groove 4 in the first direction 100. This applies in particular when the insertion force is higher than the retaining force of the second component 2 in the longitudinal direction of the second groove 4. Thus, damage to the first component due to insertion failure can be avoided. The first and second components that cannot be correctly assembled are automatically removed from the assembly process.

Claims

1. A method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, placing a first component of the aerosol-generating article in the first recess, placing the at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article in the second recess, The first component is pushed in the first direction along the first groove into the second component in the second groove by relatively moving the first groove in the second direction relative to a guide element having an engagement surface so that the engagement surface engages and pushes the first component in the first direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a capsule comprising an alkaloid-containing powder. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first component has a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, wherein the diameter of the first section is greater than the diameter of the second section.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at a proximal end thereof, wherein a wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end corresponds to a height of a step between the second groove and the first groove.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal direction to enable insertion, and wherein in case of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in the first direction by means of the first component.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first groove and the second groove are provided on the drum in an axially aligned manner, wherein the drum rotates relative to the guide element, and wherein the guide element is arranged radially outside the drum and at least partially along the circumferential direction of the drum.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the engagement surface is disposed radially outward of the second groove relative to a proximal end of the first groove when the first component is fully inserted into the second component.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner diameter of the second component is larger than the outer diameter of the first component, so that the first component can be easily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guiding element.

9. Apparatus for assembling aerosol-generating articles, comprising a first recess for receiving a first component of the aerosol-generating article, a second recess for receiving an at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article, and a guide element having an inclined engagement surface, wherein the first groove and the second groove extend in a first direction, and wherein the first groove and the second groove are movable in a second direction relative to the guide element while the inclined engagement surface is arranged above the first groove or the second groove, The first groove and the second groove are formed on the drum, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially around the circumference of the drum, and the inclined engagement surface of the guide element is inclined relative to the circumferential direction of the drum.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the drum is rotatable and the guide element is stationary.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second groove is open in its axial direction on a distal end thereof relative to the first groove.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the negative pressure maintaining device is provided at least in the second groove, and is suitable for making the holding force on the second component in the extension direction of the second groove greater than the holding force on the first component in the extension direction of the first groove.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a detection system is provided, adapted to detect the presence of the first component inside the second component in the second recess.

14. Use of an inclined engagement surface for inserting a first component into an at least partially hollow second component of an aerosol-generating article by engaging the first component with the engagement surface and moving the first component along the engagement surface.

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