Apparatus and method for shaping ovality of continuous strip for aerosol-generating article

Abstract

An apparatus for shaping an ovality of a continuous strip for an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a frame (44); a plurality of propellers (45) supported by the frame (44); a plurality of spring means (46), each pusher (45) being supported on the frame (44) by a respective spring means (46). The propellers (45) are arranged about a reference axis (X-X) and each propeller (45) has a working portion (47) facing the reference axis (X-X) and configured to abut against an outer surface of a continuous strip (17, 40) for aerosol-generating articles (2) passing between the propellers (45). Each spring device (46) is configured such that the respective pusher (45) is movable towards or away from the reference axis (X-X). Each spring device (46) has a rest position in which the respective elastic force is zero. Each spring device exerts an elastic force if each spring device (46) is moved from a respective rest position and away from the reference axis (X-X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles. This disclosure also relates to an apparatus and process for manufacturing continuous strips for aerosol generation articles, including such an apparatus and method. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles or heated non-combustible consumables include an aerosol-generating matrix that is heated rather than burned. The aerosol-generating matrix is, for example, a tobacco-free herbal or plant-based cast sheet or a biodegradable fibrous material. Typically, in such heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol-generating matrix or material. During use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into an electronically heated device including a heat source. Volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating matrix through heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] Aerosol-generating articles are assemblies of different types of segments or rods (small cylinders) encapsulated in one or more encapsulating materials. For example, one rod is typically made of a compressed matrix sheet that generates aerosol when heated. Another rod may be made of polylactic acid, which helps cool the air heated in the matrix rod before it reaches the consumer. Yet another rod may be made of cellulose acetate with a filtering function.

[0004] To manufacture each type of bar, the main material of the bar, typically supplied in strip form (e.g., aerosol-generating matrix, polylactic acid, or cellulose acetate), undergoes various pretreatments, followed by a "strip forming" stage where the material strip is guided into a converging device and exits as a strip of material with a desired diameter. The strip is then wrapped in a continuous wrapping paper strip that gradually closes over the strip. A seam adhesive line is applied to one of the inner edges of the wrapping paper, and this edge is folded over the outer surface of the other edge of the wrapping paper. The wrapped strip then moves through a station where heated bars apply vertical pressure from top to bottom on the top of the closed wrapped strip to dry and cure the seam adhesive line. The resulting continuous wrapped strip is then cut by a rotary cutter into smaller strips that are fed into the assembly line.

[0005] In the assembly line, smaller strips of different materials are cut into multiple bars, and then the different types of bars are aligned, joined, and wrapped in sheet material to form a continuous strip. The sheet material is sealed around the different bars and sealed by depositing glue lines on one edge of the strip and then heating and pressing the glue lines in a manner similar to that disclosed above. The continuous wrapped strip made of different bars is then cut into smaller strips for manufacturing the final consumable, for example, by attaching cigarette holders to each smaller strip via splicing paper.

[0006] Prior art document EP3193642B1 discloses a method and apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generated semi-finished products, wherein the following steps are performed along a motion path: feeding a flow of at least three different segments along the motion path, thereby arranging at least three segments in an alternating sequence, wrapping the flow of at least three segments in a sheet material, thereby forming an endless segment strip, and cutting the endless segment strip, thereby separating the endless segment strip into wrapped segment strips.

[0007] Prior art document GB761754A discloses a machine for measuring the mass of a cigarette strip by means of a radiation beam, wherein the strip passes between guides spaced apart by a distance not exceeding the size of the strip between the guides. The guides then contact the cigarette strip, thereby preventing the formation of air spaces and ensuring that the shape presented to the radiometer is as constant as possible.

[0008] In this technical field, it is desirable to improve known equipment and processes for manufacturing continuous strips for aerosol-generating articles and for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, in order to improve the quality of aerosol-generating articles and the user's inhalation experience.

[0009] It is desirable that the aerosol-generated article conforms to the design characteristics as closely as possible. It is desirable to ensure that the cross-section of the continuous strip used for the aerosol-generated article and the cross-section of the aerosol-generated article obtained from the continuous strip used for the aerosol-generated article conform to the design cross-section.

[0010] It is particularly desirable that this cross-section allows the aerosol-generating article to be properly contained in an electronic heating device, which includes a heat source configured to heat the aerosol-generating matrix portion of the article in order to release volatile compounds to be inhaled by a user.

[0011] The goal is to ensure that the electronic heating device operates correctly when heating the aerosol-generating matrix in order to provide users with the best and most consistent inhalation experience.

[0012] It is also desirable that the cross-section of the continuous strip be as close as possible to the design cross-section to avoid friction along the conveying path and during manufacturing process steps, which could damage or break the strip or bar, or may require slowing down the running speed of the continuous strip, and thus the speed of all production lines. Summary of the Invention

[0013] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles.

[0014] This disclosure also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles. The apparatus may include means for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles.

[0015] An apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles may include: a frame; a plurality of actuators supported by the frame; and a plurality of spring devices. Each actuator may be supported on the frame by a corresponding spring device. The actuators may be arranged about a reference axis. Each actuator may have a working portion facing the reference axis and configured to abut against the outer surface of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles passing between the actuators. Each spring device may be configured such that the corresponding actuator is movable toward or away from the reference axis. Each spring device may have a neutral or stationary position in which the corresponding elastic force is zero. If each spring device moves from the corresponding stationary position away from the reference axis, each spring device may apply an elastic force.

[0016] The spring mechanism allows the pressure applied to the continuous strip by each pusher to increase as the strip surface in contact with the pusher extends beyond the intended perimeter of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles, and to be zero when the strip surface is inside the intended perimeter.

[0017] The inventors have discovered that operations performed upstream of the disclosed apparatus for shaping ellipticity on a continuous strip can affect the cross-sectional shape of the continuous strip and the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generated article made from said continuous strip. The inventors have also discovered that the disclosed apparatus for shaping ellipticity can restore the desired or designed cross-sectional shape and prevent potential drawbacks associated with cross-sectional shapes other than the designed shape.

[0018] The inventors have discovered that shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip using the apparatus disclosed herein allows for the provision of the correct shape (e.g., circular shape) to both the continuous strip and the aerosol-generating article. This correct shape has a positive visual quality impact on the user. The correct shape allows the aerosol-generating article to be properly contained within the electronic heating device. The correct shape ensures that the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​properly heated by the heat source and that volatile compounds are properly released. The correct shape allows for optimization of the heating process and provides the user with an optimal and consistent inhalation experience.

[0019] The inventors have also discovered that ensuring the correct cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circular shape) prevents undesirable friction of continuous strips in the production line. This prevents potential damage or breakage of the strips and allows for maintaining optimal manufacturing speed.

[0020] Optionally, in the rest position of the spring assembly, the working parts of all the thrusters are radially equidistant from the reference axis.

[0021] Optionally, each spring device is configured such that the corresponding thruster is movable in the radial direction relative to the reference axis.

[0022] In some embodiments, the thrusters are arranged at equal intervals at an angle around a reference axis. The number of thrusters can be N, and they can be arranged at 360 / N degree intervals around the reference axis. The thrusters can be arranged according to radial symmetry relative to the reference axis.

[0023] Optionally, the number of thrusters is two to six, for example, four thrusters.

[0024] A plane perpendicular to the reference axis may intersect the working parts of all thrusters. Optionally, the working parts of all thrusters are positioned on a plane perpendicular to the reference axis.

[0025] In some embodiments, the end stroke element is operatively coupled to the pusher and configured to prevent the pusher from approaching the reference axis beyond a minimum distance, and to prevent the pusher from pressing the strip inward and damaging it. The minimum distance may correspond to the outer perimeter of the continuous strip.

[0026] In some embodiments, each propeller includes a roller pivotally connected about a rotation axis to a corresponding spring device. The working portion may be a peripheral surface of the roller. The peripheral surface may be concave, flat, or convex. The peripheral surface may be shaped as an arc resembling a circumference. The circumferential arc may have a radius equal to the radius of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles. The rotation axis may be orthogonal to a reference axis. The rotation axes of all rollers may lie in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis.

[0027] In some embodiments, each propeller includes a ball partially housed in a housing connected to a corresponding spring mechanism, the ball being freely rotatable within the housing. The working portion is a part of the ball that protrudes from the housing.

[0028] The inventors have discovered that rollers or balls rolling on a continuous strip allow friction on the continuous strip to be kept to a minimum and prevent damage to the strip.

[0029] The inventors have discovered that a concave surface allows for a larger contact area between the roller and the continuous strip, and limits the risk of excessive pressure and compression of the strip contents.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the spring device includes at least one spring. The at least one spring may include a compression or extension spring. The at least one spring may be a helical spring. The at least one spring may include a pneumatic spring. The at least one spring may include a magnetic spring. A magnetic spring may include a magnet and / or an electromagnet. According to some embodiments, the spring device also includes a damper (e.g., an oil damper). According to some embodiments, the at least one spring includes at least one of the following: a compression or extension spring, a magnetic spring, and a pneumatic spring.

[0031] The spring mechanism may include a piston and a chamber, with the piston movable inside the chamber. The piston may be coupled to a thruster, and the chamber may be coupled to a frame, or the piston may be coupled to a frame, and the chamber may be coupled to a thruster.

[0032] The spring device may include a linkage mechanism, which may include multiple rods and be connected to the spring. In some embodiments, the rods form at least one hinged quadrilateral. In some embodiments, the spring device includes a piston and a chamber, as well as the linkage mechanism.

[0033] In some embodiments, the stiffness of the spring device is adjustable and / or the preload of the spring device is adjustable and / or the rest position of the spring device is adjustable.

[0034] The inventors have discovered that stiffness and / or preload and / or rest position can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the continuous strip, such as the size and material of the continuous strip.

[0035] The apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol generation may also include, or may be coupled to, at least one conveyor for conveying the continuous strip for aerosol generation between propellers and along a conveying path. The conveying path may be parallel to a reference axis, at least at the frame.

[0036] In some embodiments, the frame is blocked along the conveying path (i.e., preventing any longitudinal movement of the frame along the conveying path).

[0037] In some embodiments, the frame is rotatably stable (i.e., the frame does not rotate about a reference axis).

[0038] In some embodiments, the frame is rotatable about a reference axis. A device for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strips used for aerosol generation articles may include a motor connected to the frame and configured to rotate the frame about the reference axis.

[0039] The inventors have discovered that a rotatable frame allows the force applied by the actuator to diffuse around a continuous strip, making the shaping action more efficient. The inventors have also discovered that if significant radial deformation is detected at a specific radial location, the rotational speed of the frame can be slowed down (potentially to a complete stop) so that the actuator remains at the radial location of the strip where the deformation occurs for a longer period.

[0040] In some embodiments, the frame is a ring coaxial with a reference axis. A thruster can project inward from the ring.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to detect radial deformation of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to detect the position and / or movement of the propeller. In some embodiments, at least one sensor is configured to detect the operating parameters and / or geometry of the spring assembly. At least one sensor may be configured to detect radial deformation by detecting the position and / or movement of the propeller and / or the operating parameters and / or geometry of the spring assembly.

[0042] At least one sensor may be selected from the group consisting of: strain sensors, capacitive sensors, pressure sensors, optical sensors, and cameras.

[0043] The control unit (optionally, an electronic control unit) can be operatively connected to at least one sensor.

[0044] The control unit can be configured to perform the following procedure: receive signals from at least one sensor; and derive the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol-generated articles based on the received signals.

[0045] The program that the control unit is configured to execute may include: identifying any segment of the continuous strip used for aerosol-generating articles that has radial deformation that is outside the acceptable range.

[0046] The program configured to be executed by the control unit may include adjusting the stiffness of the spring device according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles. The stiffness adjustment can be performed online (i.e., during operation of the device used to shape the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles).

[0047] The program configured to be executed by the control unit may also include: adjusting the preload of the spring device according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles. The preload adjustment can be performed online (i.e., during operation of the device used to shape the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles).

[0048] The program configured to be executed by the control unit may include adjusting the rest position of the spring device according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles. Adjusting the rest position can be performed online (i.e., during operation of the device used to shape the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles).

[0049] The program configured to be executed by the control unit may include adjusting the linear speed of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation based on the radial deformation of the continuous strip. The adjustment of the linear speed can be performed online (i.e., during operation of the apparatus used to shape the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation).

[0050] The program configured to be executed by the control unit may include adjusting the rotational speed of the frame about a reference axis based on the radial deformation of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles. Adjusting the rotational speed can be performed online (i.e., during operation of the apparatus used to shape the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles).

[0051] Equipment for manufacturing continuous strips for aerosol generation articles may include at least one conveyor for conveying the continuous strips for aerosol generation articles along a conveying path. Devices for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strips for aerosol generation articles may be positioned along the conveying path.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the conveyor is configured to convey material in a strip configuration, and the apparatus further includes a wrapping device configured to wrap a package strip around the strip-configured material to form a continuous strip for aerosol-generating articles. The apparatus may also include a sealing device configured to join two longitudinal edges of the package strip to each other to form a longitudinal seal. The sealing device may operate in a pressing direction and may be configured to press one of the two longitudinal edges against the other.

[0053] The apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of continuous strips used to generate aerosol products can be placed downstream of the sealing device.

[0054] The inventors have discovered that shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip can be very effective and useful when performed immediately downstream of a sealing device, because the pressure applied by the sealing device can compress the continuous strip and profoundly affect its cross-sectional shape.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the strip-shaped material includes a plurality of aerosol generating rods aligned along a conveying direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating rods. The strip-shaped material may also include a plurality of auxiliary rods placed between the aerosol generating rods.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the strip-shaped material includes aggregated material sheets.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a cutting device placed downstream of the device for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, and configured to cut the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles into a plurality of smaller strips.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the control unit is configured to perform the following procedure: identify non-conforming strips from one or more segments having radial deformation outside the acceptable range; and send a warning signal to reject the non-conforming strips.

[0059] This disclosure relates to a method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles.

[0060] This disclosure also relates to a process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles. The process may include a method for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles.

[0061] A method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for an aerosol generating article may include: moving the continuous strip for the aerosol generating article along a respective longitudinal axis; and applying a plurality of forces to the outer surface of the continuous strip for the aerosol generating article. The forces may be positioned around the continuous strip for the aerosol generating article and may be directed towards the longitudinal axis. The forces may increase as the outer surface extends radially beyond a desired perimeter of the continuous strip for the aerosol generating article, and may be zero when the outer surface is within the desired perimeter.

[0062] The perimeter is expected to be a circle, with the longitudinal axis passing through the center of the circle. The circle may be the nominal circumference of a continuous strip used for aerosol-generating articles.

[0063] In some embodiments, the force is radially oriented relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0064] In some embodiments, the forces are arranged at equal intervals at angles around the longitudinal axis. The number of forces can be N, and they can be arranged at 360 / N degree intervals around the longitudinal axis. The forces can be arranged according to radial symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis. The number of forces can be two to six (e.g., four forces).

[0065] In some embodiments, the force is located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0066] In some embodiments, the force is applied by a roller or ball rolling on the outer surface of a continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles.

[0067] In some embodiments, the continuous strip moves relative to the force along a respective longitudinal axis.

[0068] In some embodiments, the force is rotationally stable (i.e., the force does not rotate about the longitudinal axis).

[0069] In some embodiments, the method includes rotating a force relative to and about a corresponding longitudinal axis of the continuous strip such that the force acts along a helical path on the outer surface of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles.

[0070] The method may include: deriving the radial deformation of a continuous strip for aerosol-generating articles. The method may also include: identifying any segments of the continuous strip for aerosol-generating articles that have radial deformation outside acceptable limits.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the magnitude of a detected radial deformation force. The adjustment can be performed online (i.e., during the shaping of the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol-generated articles).

[0072] In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the linear speed of a continuous strip for aerosol generation article along a corresponding longitudinal axis based on detected radial deformation. The adjustment of the linear speed can be performed online (i.e., during the shaping of the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article).

[0073] In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting the rotational speed about a longitudinal axis based on a detected radial deformation force. The adjustment of the rotational speed can be performed online (i.e., during the shaping of the ellipticity of a continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles).

[0074] A method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles can be performed by an apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, wherein such an apparatus includes: a frame; a plurality of actuators supported by the frame; and a plurality of spring devices. Each actuator can be supported on the frame by a corresponding spring device. The actuators can be arranged about a reference axis.

[0075] Each propeller may have a working portion facing a reference axis and configured to abut against the outer surface of a continuous strip of aerosol-generating article passing between the propellers. Each spring device may be configured such that the corresponding propeller is movable toward or away from the reference axis. Each spring device may have a rest position in which the corresponding elastic force is zero. If each spring device moves from its respective rest position away from the reference axis, each spring device may apply an elastic force.

[0076] Multiple forces can be applied through the device's thrusters.

[0077] When the continuous strips used to generate aerosol articles are shaped in the apparatus, the reference axis and the longitudinal axis can be substantially matched.

[0078] A process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles may include: conveying a strip-shaped material along a conveying direction; wrapping a packaging strip around the strip-shaped material; and joining two longitudinal edges of the packaging strip to each other to form a longitudinal seal and a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles. The process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles may further include: pressing one longitudinal edge of the packaging strip onto the other along a pressing direction.

[0079] The process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles may further include: shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles by means of shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, wherein the method includes: moving the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles along a respective longitudinal axis; applying a plurality of forces to the outer surface of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles. The forces may be positioned around the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles and may be directed towards the longitudinal axis. The forces may increase as the outer surface extends radially beyond a desired perimeter of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, and may be zero when the outer surface is inside the desired perimeter.

[0080] According to some embodiments, conveying material in a strip configuration includes: arranging a plurality of aerosol generating rods spaced apart from each other along a conveying direction, and placing auxiliary rods between the aerosol generating rods before wrapping a packaging strip around the aerosol generating rods and a plurality of auxiliary rods.

[0081] According to some embodiments, conveying material in a strip-shaped structure includes: aggregating material sheets to form a strip structure.

[0082] The process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles may further include: after shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, cutting the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles into multiple smaller strips.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles further includes: identifying non-conforming strips from one or more segments having radial deformation outside acceptable limits. The process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles may also include: sending a warning signal to reject the non-conforming strips.

[0084] As used in this specification, "continuous strip for aerosol generating articles" is a continuous strip of material in a strip-shaped structure that is manufactured in a process for making aerosol generating articles and includes a strip wrapped in a packaging strip.

[0085] As used in this specification, "material in a strip-like structure" can be a material aggregated into a continuous strip shape (e.g., an aggregated or rolled-up sheet of material), or it can be formed from multiple bars aligned one after another along the conveying direction.

[0086] As used in this specification, "spring device" means any device that can apply an elastic force when moved or deformed (by external force) from the rest or neutral position or construction of such a device.

[0087] As used in this specification, "elastic force" is the force that allows a spring device to return to its original position / configuration after being moved or deformed.

[0088] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0089] EX1. An apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising:

[0090] frame;

[0091] Multiple thrusters supported by the frame;

[0092] Multiple spring devices, each propeller is supported on the frame by a corresponding spring device;

[0093] The thrusters are arranged around a reference axis, and each thruster has a working portion facing the reference axis and configured to abut against the outer surface of a continuous strip for aerosol-generating articles passing between the thrusters.

[0094] Each spring device is configured such that the corresponding thruster is movable toward or away from the reference axis;

[0095] Each spring device has a rest position, in which the corresponding elastic force is zero;

[0096] If each spring device moves from its respective rest position away from the reference axis, then each spring device applies the elastic force.

[0097] EX2. According to the device of EX1, in the rest position of the spring device, all the working parts of the thrusters are radially equidistant from the reference axis.

[0098] EX3. The device according to EX1 or EX2, wherein each spring device is configured such that the corresponding thruster is movable in the radial direction relative to the reference axis.

[0099] EX4. The apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX3, wherein the thrusters are arranged at equal intervals at angles around the reference axis.

[0100] EX5. The apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX4, wherein the number of propellers is N, and they are arranged at 360 / N degree intervals around the reference axis.

[0101] EX6. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX5, wherein the propeller is arranged according to radial symmetry with respect to the reference axis.

[0102] EX7. The apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX6, wherein the number of said propellers is two to six, optionally, the number of said propellers is four.

[0103] EX8. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX7, wherein a plane perpendicular to the reference axis intersects the working portions of all the propellers, and / or the working portions of all the propellers are positioned on a plane perpendicular to the reference axis.

[0104] EX9. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX8, comprising an end-stroke element operatively coupled to the thruster and configured to prevent the thruster from approaching the reference axis beyond a minimum distance.

[0105] EX10. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX9, wherein each propeller includes a roller pivotally connected about a rotation axis to the respective spring device; optionally, each propeller includes a ball partially housed in a housing connected to the respective spring device, the ball being freely rotatable within the housing.

[0106] EX11. The apparatus according to EX10, wherein the working portion is the peripheral surface of the roller; optionally, the working portion is a portion of the ball protruding from the housing.

[0107] EX12. The device according to EX11, wherein the peripheral surface is concave, flat, or convex.

[0108] EX13. According to the device of EX12, the peripheral surface is shaped as an arc similar to a circumference.

[0109] EX14. The apparatus according to EX13, wherein the arc of the circumference has a radius equal to the radius of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles.

[0110] EX15. An apparatus according to any one of EX10 to EX14, wherein the axis of rotation is orthogonal to the reference axis.

[0111] EX16. An apparatus according to any one of EX10 to EX15, wherein the rotation axis of all said rollers lies in a plane perpendicular to said reference axis.

[0112] EX17. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX16, wherein the spring device comprises at least one spring.

[0113] EX18. The device according to EX17, wherein the at least one spring comprises a compression spring or extension spring, optionally a helical spring.

[0114] EX19. The device according to EX17 or EX18, wherein the at least one spring comprises a pneumatic spring.

[0115] EX20. An apparatus according to any one of EX17 to EX19, wherein the at least one spring comprises a magnetic spring, the magnetic spring comprising a magnet and / or an electromagnet.

[0116] EX21. The device according to any one of EX17 to EX20, wherein the spring device further includes a damper, optionally an oil damper.

[0117] EX22. The device according to any one of EX17 to EX21, wherein the spring device includes a piston and a chamber, the piston being movable inside the chamber.

[0118] EX23. The device according to EX22, wherein the piston is connected to the propeller and the chamber is connected to the frame, or the piston is connected to the frame and the chamber is connected to the propeller.

[0119] EX24. An apparatus according to any one of EX17 to EX23, wherein the spring device includes a linkage mechanism comprising a plurality of rods connected to a spring; optionally, the rods form at least one hinged quadrilateral.

[0120] EX25. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX24, wherein the stiffness of the spring device is adjustable.

[0121] EX26. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX25, wherein the preload of the spring device is adjustable.

[0122] EX27. The device according to any one of EX1 to EX26, wherein the rest position of the spring device is adjustable.

[0123] EX28. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX27, comprising or connected to at least one conveyor for conveying a continuous strip of aerosol-generating articles between the propellers and along a conveying path, the conveying path being parallel to the reference axis at least at the frame.

[0124] EX29. The apparatus according to EX28, wherein the frame is blocked along the conveying path (i.e., preventing any longitudinal movement of the frame along the conveying path).

[0125] EX30. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX29, wherein the frame is rotatably stable, or the frame is rotatable about the reference axis.

[0126] EX31. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX30, comprising a motor connected to the frame and configured to rotate the frame about the reference axis.

[0127] EX32. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX31, wherein the frame is a ring coaxial with the reference axis, and the pusher protrudes inward from the ring.

[0128] EX33. An apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX32, comprising at least one sensor configured to detect radial deformation of a continuous strip for aerosol-generating articles or to detect the position and / or movement of the propeller.

[0129] EX34. The apparatus according to EX33, wherein the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of: strain sensor, capacitive sensor, pressure sensor, optical sensor, and camera.

[0130] EX35. The apparatus according to EX33 or EX34, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect the operating parameters and / or geometry of the spring assembly.

[0131] EX36. An apparatus according to any one of EX33 to EX35, comprising a control unit, optionally an electronic control unit, the control unit being operatively connected to the at least one sensor and configured to perform the following procedure: receiving a signal from the at least one sensor; deriving radial deformation of a continuous strip for aerosol generation article based on the received signal; optionally identifying any segment of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article having radial deformation outside an acceptable range.

[0132] EX37. An apparatus according to EX36 when EX33 is according to EX25, wherein the program to be executed by the control unit further includes: adjusting the stiffness of the spring device according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles; optionally, the adjustment of the stiffness is performed online (i.e. during operation of the apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles).

[0133] EX38. The apparatus according to EX36 when EX33 is according to EX26, wherein the program configured to be executed by the control unit further includes: adjusting the preload of the spring device according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles; optionally, the adjustment of the preload is performed online (i.e. during operation of the apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles).

[0134] EX39. An apparatus according to EX36 when EX33 is according to EX27, wherein the program to be executed by the control unit further includes: adjusting the rest position of the spring device according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles; optionally, the adjustment of the rest position is performed online (i.e. during operation of the apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles).

[0135] EX40. An apparatus according to any one of EX36 to EX39, wherein the program to be executed by the control unit further includes: adjusting the linear speed of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article; optionally, the adjustment of the linear speed is performed online (i.e. during operation of the apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article).

[0136] EX41. An apparatus according to any one of EX30 to EX32 when EX33 is according to any one of EX30 to EX39, wherein the program to be executed by the control unit further includes: adjusting the rotational speed of the frame about the reference axis according to the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article; optionally, the adjustment of the rotational speed is performed online (i.e. during operation of the apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article).

[0137] EX42. An apparatus for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, said apparatus comprising means for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles according to any one of EX1 to EX42.

[0138] EX43. The apparatus according to EX42 includes at least one conveyor for conveying a continuous strip of aerosol-generating articles along a conveying path, wherein means for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip of aerosol-generating articles is placed along the conveying path.

[0139] EX44. The device according to EX42 or EX43, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey material in a strip-like structure; wherein the device further includes:

[0140] A wrapping device configured to wrap a strip of material in a strip-like structure around the material to form a continuous strip for aerosol-generating articles;

[0141] A sealing device configured to connect two longitudinal edges of the packaging strip to each other to form a longitudinal seal; the sealing device operates in a pressing direction and is configured to press one of the two longitudinal edges onto the other.

[0142] The device for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip used to generate aerosol articles is located downstream of the sealing device.

[0143] EX45. The apparatus according to EX44, wherein the material, which is constructed in a strip shape, comprises a plurality of aerosol generating rods aligned along a conveying direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating rods.

[0144] EX46. According to the device of EX45, the material, which is constructed in a strip shape, further includes a plurality of auxiliary rods placed between the aerosol generating rods.

[0145] EX47. The apparatus according to EX44, wherein the material, which is constructed in a strip shape, comprises aggregated sheets of material.

[0146] EX48. The apparatus according to any one of EX42 to EX47 further includes a cutting device placed downstream of the device for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, and configured to cut the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles into a plurality of smaller strips.

[0147] EX49. The device according to EX48, wherein the control unit according to any one of EX36 to EX41 is configured to execute the following procedure:

[0148] Identify non-conforming strips from one or more segments having radial deformation that is outside the acceptable range;

[0149] Send a warning signal to reject the non-compliant strip.

[0150] EX50. A method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising:

[0151] A continuous strip for generating aerosol products moves along the corresponding longitudinal axis;

[0152] Multiple forces are applied to the outer surface of a continuous strip for aerosol generation, the forces being positioned around the continuous strip for aerosol generation and pointing toward the longitudinal axis.

[0153] The force increases as the outer surface extends radially outward from the intended perimeter of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, and is zero when the outer surface is inside the intended perimeter.

[0154] EX51. According to the method of EX50, wherein the intended perimeter is a circle, and the longitudinal axis passes through the center of the circle.

[0155] EX52. According to the method of EX51, the circumference is the nominal circumference of the continuous strip used for aerosol-generating articles.

[0156] EX53. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX52, wherein the force is radially oriented relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0157] EX54. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX53, wherein the forces are set at equal intervals at angles around the longitudinal axis.

[0158] EX55. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX54, wherein the number of forces is N, and they are arranged at 360 / N degree angles around the longitudinal axis.

[0159] EX56. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX55, wherein the force is set according to radial symmetry relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0160] EX57. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX56, wherein the number of said forces is two to six, optionally, the number of said forces is four.

[0161] EX58. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX57, wherein the force is located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0162] EX59. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX58, wherein the force is applied by a roller or ball rolling on the outer surface of a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles.

[0163] EX60. According to any one of EX50 to EX59, wherein the continuous strip moves relative to the force along the respective longitudinal axis.

[0164] EX61. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX60, wherein the force is rotatably stable (i.e., the force does not rotate about the longitudinal axis), or wherein the method comprises: rotating the force relative to the continuous strip and about the respective longitudinal axis such that the force acts along a helical path on the outer surface of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles.

[0165] EX62. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX61, comprising: deriving the radial deformation of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles; optionally identifying any segment of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles having radial deformation outside the acceptable range.

[0166] EX63. The method according to EX62 includes: adjusting the magnitude of the force based on the detected radial deformation; optionally, the adjustment of the magnitude is performed online (i.e., during the shaping of the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles).

[0167] EX64. The method according to EX62 or EX63 includes: adjusting the linear speed of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article along the corresponding longitudinal axis according to the detected radial deformation; optionally, the adjustment of the linear speed is performed online (i.e. during the shaping of the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation article).

[0168] EX65. When EX62 is according to EX61, the method according to any one of EX62 to EX64 includes: adjusting the rotational speed of the force about the longitudinal axis according to the detected radial deformation; optionally, the adjustment of the rotational speed is performed online (i.e. during the shaping of the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles).

[0169] EX66. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX64, wherein the method is performed by an apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX41.

[0170] EX67. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX66, wherein the plurality of forces are applied by a propeller of a device according to any one of EX1 to EX40.

[0171] EX68. The method according to any one of EX50 to EX67, wherein when the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles is shaped in the apparatus according to any one of EX1 to EX40, the reference axis and the longitudinal axis are substantially matched.

[0172] EX69. A process for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, said process comprising a method for shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip for aerosol generation articles according to any one of EX50 to EX68.

[0173] EX70. Based on the process of EX69, including:

[0174] Conveying strip-shaped materials along the conveying direction;

[0175] The material is wrapped around a strip of packaging material, and the two longitudinal edges of the packaging strip are joined together to form a longitudinal seal and a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles;

[0176] Press one of the two longitudinal edges of the packaging strip onto the other along the pressing direction;

[0177] The ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles is shaped by any one of the methods in EX49 to EX66.

[0178] EX71. According to the process of EX70, the conveying of the material in a strip configuration includes: arranging a plurality of aerosol generating rods spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction, and placing the auxiliary rods between the aerosol generating rods before wrapping the packaging strip around the aerosol generating rods and the plurality of auxiliary rods.

[0179] EX72. According to the process of EX70, the conveying of the material in a strip-shaped structure includes: aggregating material sheets to form the strip-shaped structure.

[0180] EX73. The process according to any one of EX69 to EX72 further includes: after shaping the ellipticity of the continuous strip used for aerosol generation, cutting the continuous strip used for aerosol generation into multiple smaller strips.

[0181] EX74. When the method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip used for aerosol generation articles is according to any one of EX62 to EX65, the process according to EX73 further includes:

[0182] Identify non-conforming strips from one or more segments having radial deformation that is outside the acceptable range;

[0183] Send a warning signal to reject the non-compliant strip. Attached Figure Description

[0184] The examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0185] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generated articles is shown;

[0186] Figure 2 It is used to make continuous strips. Figure 1 The amplification portion of the equipment;

[0187] Figures 3A-3D It shows in Figure 2 The sequence of steps executed in the amplified portion;

[0188] Figure 4 Is Figure 1 An exploded view of the aerosol-generated product produced in the equipment;

[0189] Figure 5A , 5B And 5C shows the use of in Figure 1 A view of an embodiment of an apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of continuous strips used to generate aerosol articles, implemented in a device;

[0190] Figure 6A and 6B It shows Figure 5A and 5B A view of another embodiment of the device;

[0191] Figure 7A and 7B It shows Figure 5A and 5B A view of another embodiment of the device;

[0192] Figure 8 It shows Figure 5A and 5B This is part of another embodiment of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0193] exist Figure 1 The image shows an apparatus 1 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article 2. An exemplary embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 2 is shown below. Figure 4 Depicted in the exploded view, and including (in Figure 4 From left to right: Front rod 3 (solid rod), aerosol generating rod 4, tubular rod 5 (hollow rod, such as cellulose acetate hollow rod), thin tubular rod 6 (similar to tubular rod 5 but with thinner walls), and filter tip section 7 (usually a cigarette filter made of tow). Each rod has its own packaging to help properly contain its contents. Figure 4 (Not detailed). The tipping paper 8 connects the filter tip section 7 to the remaining rods, and the front rod 3, aerosol generating rod 4, tubular rod 5, and thin tubular rod 6 are wrapped together in the packaging paper 9.

[0194] The aerosol generating rod 4 includes an aerosol generating matrix 10 made of aerosol generating material sheets 11 aggregated into a continuous strip shape. The aerosol generating material may include recycled tobacco or tobacco-free herbal or plant-based materials, or biodegradable fiber-based materials.

[0195] The equipment 1 for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles 2 includes ( Figure 1 and 2 The reel carrier 12 carries the aerosol generating material sheet wound in the reel 13. The aerosol generating material sheet 11, unwound from the reel carrier 13, is fed along a feed path in the feed direction "F". Downstream of the reel carrier 12 relative to the feed direction "F", the device 1 includes a folding device 14 configured to move the aerosol generating material sheet from a flat structure (upstream of the folding device 14) to an aggregated strip structure (downstream of the folding device 14). The folding device 14 can be shaped like a conical funnel.

[0196] The wrapping device 15, located downstream of the folding device 14, is configured to wrap the packaging paper 9, which is unwound from the corresponding packaging paper reel 16, around the aggregated aerosol generating material sheet 11 in order to obtain a continuous aerosol generating strip 17.

[0197] The sealing device 18 is configured to connect the two longitudinal edges of the packaging paper 9 to each other to form a longitudinal seal on the continuous aerosol generating strip 17. Figure 1 and 2 In the diagram, the wrapping device 15 and the sealing device 18 are schematically represented as two frames. In summary, the wrapping device 15 and the sealing device 18 can be integrated into, for example, a container... Figures 3A to 3D The site describes several tools.

[0198] Figure 3A A U-shaped guide or moving band 19 is shown, which folds the first longitudinal edge of the two longitudinal edges of the wrapping paper 9 onto the generating matrix 10, which is assembled in a continuous strip shape, using possible other tools (not shown). The U-shaped guide or moving band 19 and possible other tools are part of the wrapping device 15.

[0199] Then, the glue applicator 20 (part of the sealing device 18) applies glue line 21 along the inside of the second longitudinal edge of the two longitudinal edges of the wrapping paper 9. Figure 3B Then the second longitudinal edge is folded over the first longitudinal edge. Figure 3C ).

[0200] The pressing device 22 (part of the sealing device 18 and located downstream of the adhesive applicator 20) operates in the pressing direction "P" and presses the two longitudinal edges one onto the other while simultaneously heating and curing the adhesive line 21. Figure 3D This forms a continuous aerosol generating strip 17. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing direction "P" is vertical. The pressing device 22 diffuses the adhesive and can compress the continuous aerosol generating strip 17. In the disclosed embodiment, the pressing device 22 includes a heating rod provided with a heating element (e.g., a resistance heating element).

[0201] Downstream of the wrapping device 15 and the sealing device 18, the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 is cut by the cutter "C" into a plurality of elongated aerosol generating strips 17', which are then passed to a plurality of cutters 23, such as rotating cutters, configured to cut the plurality of elongated aerosol generating strips 18' into aerosol generating rods 4 as detailed above.

[0202] The aerosol generating rod 4 is fed to the first feeder 24. The first feeder 24 is a rotating drum (i.e., a drum rotated by a motor not shown) and the aerosol generating rod 4 is placed and held on the peripheral portion of the rotating drum, wherein the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating rod is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating drum.

[0203] The aerosol generating rod 4 is held on its peripheral portion by a suction device (not shown) of the first feeder 24 and conveyed to the merging feeder 25, specifically to the upper branch 26 of the belt conveyor merging feeder 25 (which includes two pulleys with a closed loop belt rotating around it, the two pulleys being rotated by respective motors) located below the first feeder 24. The peripheral speed of the first feeder 24 and the speed of the upper branch 26 of the belt conveyor merging feeder 25 cause the aerosol generating rod 4 to be positioned on the upper branch 26 with a small gap between them and along its longitudinal axis.

[0204] The second feeder 27 is positioned above the merging feeder 25 and downstream of the first feeder 24 in the direction of movement relative to the upper branch 26 of the belt conveyor merging feeder 25. The second feeder 27 is configured to carry a plurality of tubular rods 5 from the respective production line 100 and to place the tubular rods 5 on the upper branch 26 of the belt conveyor merging feeder 25 between aerosol generating rods 4. Each tubular rod 5 is placed between two aerosol generating rods 4 with a small gap between them.

[0205] The second feeder 27 is a rotating drum (i.e., a drum rotated by a motor not shown) and a tubular rod 5 is placed and held on the peripheral portion of the rotating drum, wherein the longitudinal axis of the tubular rod is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating drum.

[0206] The first feeder 24, the second feeder 27, and the merging feeder 25 constitute a combiner device 28, which is configured to combine different rods (in this exemplary embodiment: aerosol generating rod 4 and tubular rod 5).

[0207] The upper branch 26 of the merging feeder 25 conveys multiple aerosol generating rods 4 and multiple tubular rods 5 toward the parcel station 29. A transfer assembly 30 is operatively positioned between the merging feeder 25 and the parcel station 29. The transfer assembly 30 includes multiple transfer conveyors, such as rotating rollers. Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the delivery assembly 30 includes a first rotating roller 31, followed by a second rotating roller 32. A third rotating roller 33 is located between the second rotating roller 32 and the wrapping device 30.

[0208] Aerosol generating rod 4 and tubular rod 5 are placed and held on the periphery of the first rotating roller 31, the second rotating roller 32, and the third rotating roller 33. Aerosol generating rod 4 and tubular rod 5 are transferred from the first rotating roller 31 to the second rotating roller 32 and then to the third rotating roller 33. The third rotating roller 33 places the aerosol generating rod 4 and tubular rod 5 on the packaging station 29.

[0209] Parcel station 29 includes a parcel conveyor 34. Parcel conveyor 34 is a belt conveyor including two pulleys having a closed loop belt rotating around them. One of the two pulleys is rotated by a corresponding motor. Parcel station 29 also includes a packaging belt feeder 35 configured to feed a packaging belt 36 onto an upper branch 37 of parcel conveyor 34. Figure 1 The packaging tape feeder 35 includes a reel carrier 38 that carries the packaging tape 36 wound in a reel 39.

[0210] The package strip 36 unwound from reel 39 is placed on the upper branch 37 of the parcel conveyor 34 and moves together with the upper branch 37 along the conveying direction. A third rotating roller 33 is placed above the first end of the parcel conveyor 34 and configured to release aerosol generating rods 4 and tubular rods 5 onto the package strip 36 supported and moving by the upper branch 37 of the parcel conveyor 34.

[0211] The peripheral speed of the third rotating roller 33 and the speed of the upper branch 37 of the package conveyor 34 cause the aerosol generating rod 4 and the tubular rod 5 to approach and abut against each other once they are on the packaging belt 36 placed on the upper branch 37.

[0212] Parcel station 29 also includes parcel device 15' and sealing device 18', which can be connected to Figure 2 The wrapping device 15 and sealing device 18 are the same as or similar to, or may include, the same as, the sealing device 18. Figures 3A to 3D The tools depicted are similar to several other tools.

[0213] The wrapping device 15' and sealing device 18' wrap the packaging strip 36 around the aerosol generating rod 4 and the tubular rod 5, forming a continuous strip 40 with a longitudinal seal. In the sealing device 18', the two longitudinal edges of the wrapping strip are pressed against each other while the adhesive is heated and cured (with the sealant). Figure 3D (Similar to the middle), and can be extruded into continuous strips of 40.

[0214] Downstream of the wrapping device 15' and the sealing device 18', the cutting device 41 (e.g., a rotary cutter) cuts the continuous strip 40 into a plurality of segments 42, wherein each segment 42 may be the final aerosol-generated article 2 or may be a part of the aerosol-generated article 2.

[0215] For example, as through Figure 1 The exemplary device 1 is manufactured such that segment 42 includes an aerosol generating rod 4 and a tubular rod 5 wrapped in packaging paper 9, which is part of packaging strip 36. For example, segment 42 includes aerosol generating rod 4 and a tubular rod 5 wrapped in packaging paper 9. Figure 4 The packaging paper 9 contains a front rod 3, an aerosol generating rod 4, a tubular rod 5, and a thin tubular rod 6. Then, each segment 42 is connected to a filter tip segment 7 to obtain the final aerosol generating article 2.

[0216] Figure 1 The reel carrier 12 of the reel 13 containing aerosol generating material 11, the folding device 14, the wrapping paper reel 16 of the wrapping paper 9, the wrapping device 15, and the sealing device 18 are part of a first apparatus for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generating articles, and said continuous strip is a continuous aerosol generating strip 17. The wrapping station 29 is a second apparatus for manufacturing a continuous strip for aerosol generating articles, and said continuous strip is a continuous strip 40.

[0217] A device 43 for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip used to generate aerosol articles is placed downstream of the sealing device 18 of the first apparatus for manufacturing the continuous strip. Such a device 43 is... Figure 1 and 2 The diagram is used to represent this.

[0218] exist Figure 5A , 5B And 5C shows a first exemplary embodiment of a device 43 for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol-generated articles. These Figure 5A and 5B The device 43 is configured to shape the ellipticity of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 from the sealing device 18 of the first equipment for manufacturing continuous strips.

[0219] The device 43 includes a frame 44 shaped as a ring coaxial with a reference axis XX that matches the longitudinal axis of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17. Four thrusters 45 are supported by the frame 44 and project radially inward from the ring toward the reference axis XX. The four thrusters 45 are arranged at 90° intervals according to radial symmetry with respect to the reference axis XX. Each thruster 45 is connected to the frame 44 by a spring device 46. Figure 5A and 5B The spring assembly 46 is a helical spring. The first end of each helical spring is attached to the frame 44, and the second opposite end is connected to a corresponding actuator 45. Each actuator 45 is a roller pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding helical spring about a rotation axis YY orthogonal to the reference axis XX. The roller rotates freely about its rotation axis YY, and the rotation axes YY of all rollers lie in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis XX.

[0220] A continuous aerosol generating strip 17 from the sealing device 18 passes through the ring and between the rollers. The peripheral surfaces of the rollers face the reference axis XX and are configured to abut against the outer surface of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 passing between them. When facing the reference axis XX and abutting against the outer surface, the peripheral surfaces roll on the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 and define the working portion 47 of the pusher 45.

[0221] The working portions 47 of all thrusters 45 contact the outer surface of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 along the line or strip. The line is positioned in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis XX, or a plane perpendicular to the reference axis XX intersects all strips.

[0222] Figure 5C The roller is shown to consist of a central cylinder and two opposing truncated cones, such that the cross-section of the peripheral surface configured to contact the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 includes a central flat surface 48 and two opposing inclined surfaces 49. In other embodiments, the peripheral surface may be concave, flat, or convex. The peripheral surface may be shaped as an arc resembling a circle, the arc having a radius equal to or close to the radius of the continuous strip used for the aerosol generating article.

[0223] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, each propeller includes a ball partially housed in a housing connected to a corresponding spring mechanism, the ball rotating freely within the housing. The working portion is a part of the ball protruding from the housing.

[0224] Each spring device 46 has a neutral or stationary position in which the corresponding elastic force is zero, and is configured such that if the pusher is pushed radially outward (i.e. away from the neutral or stationary position and away from the reference axis XX), the helical spring is compressed and applies an elastic force pushing toward the reference axis XX.

[0225] The four propellers 45 are arranged such that, in the rest position, the working portion 47 of the propellers 45 is located on or near the intended perimeter of the aerosol generating strip 17, such that when the strip surface is on or inside the intended perimeter, the pressure exerted by each propeller 45 on the aerosol generating strip 17 is zero. The pressure exerted by each propeller 45 on the aerosol generating strip 17 increases as the strip surface in contact with the propeller 45 extends beyond the intended perimeter.

[0226] The expected perimeter is typically the nominal circumference of the aerosol generating strip 17 and may have a diameter of a few millimeters (e.g., 6 mm to 8 mm).

[0227] The device 43 for shaping ellipticity may further include an end-stroke element (not shown in the figure), operatively coupled to the pusher 45 and configured to prevent the pusher 45 from approaching the reference axis XX beyond a minimum distance, where the minimum distance corresponds to the outer perimeter of the aerosol generating strip 17. The end-stroke element prevents the pusher 45 from pressing the strip inward and damaging it.

[0228] exist Figure 1 and 2 The conveyor, not shown, is configured to convey the aerosol generating strip 17 along a conveying path that matches its longitudinal axis. The ring is stable (i.e., it prevents any longitudinal movement of the frame along and around the conveying path), and the aerosol generating strip 17 is guided through the ring and between the thrusters 45.

[0229] The apparatus 43 for shaping ellipticity is configured to perform a method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol-generated articles.

[0230] As the aerosol generating strip 17 moves along its respective longitudinal axis and between the propellers 45, if its cross-section extends beyond the intended perimeter, the propellers 45 apply a corresponding radial elastic force to the outer surface of the aerosol generating strip 17. The more the cross-section extends beyond the intended perimeter, the greater the elastic force will be.

[0231] Similar to thruster 45, the force is located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is set at 90° intervals according to radial symmetry with respect to reference axis XX.

[0232] If the aerosol generating strip 17 has a squeezed or elliptical portion (e.g., due to the action of the pressing device 22 operating upstream), the elastic force squeezes the aerosol generating strip 17 at the elliptical portion and restores its circular shape.

[0233] exist Figure 6A and 6B In the variant embodiment shown, the frame 44 disclosed above is still blocked along the reference axis XX, but the frame 44 is configured to rotate about the reference axis XX. The frame 44 includes a rail 50 formed on the periphery of the ring. The device 43 for shaping the ellipticity includes a fixed support structure 51 with a freewheel 52. The freewheel 52 engages with and rolls on the rail 50, such that the frame 44 is suspended on the fixed support structure 51. The ring has an outer annular groove 53 into which a portion of a drive belt 54 is fitted. The drive belt 54 is also wound around a pulley 55 connected to and driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). In other embodiments not shown, the ring has an external gear that engages with a pinion of the motor.

[0234] As in Figure 6B As shown, when the aerosol generating strip 17 moves along the corresponding longitudinal axis, the frame 44 and the thruster 45 rotate about the reference axis XX, so that the force acts along the helical path E on the outer surface of the aerosol generating strip 17.

[0235] exist Figure 7A and 7B In the variant embodiment shown, the spring device 46 includes a linkage mechanism 51 with a plurality of links arranged to form two hinged quadrilaterals connected by a rotation axis. One end of each of the two links carries a roller that pivots freely about the rotation axis YY to that end. An extension spring 53 connects opposite vertices of the hinged quadrilaterals. When the actuator 45 moves radially outward, the extension spring extends, thus generating an elastic force toward the reference axis XX.

[0236] The linkage mechanism 51 is connected to the frame 44 via an L-shaped portion 52. The radial position of the L-shaped portion 52 on the frame 44 can be changed. Specifically, the L-shaped portion 52 is provided with multiple holes 54, and a screw 55 can be engaged in one of the holes 54 to attach the L-shaped portion 52 to the frame 44 according to multiple radial positions. This allows adjustment of the rest position of the spring device 46.

[0237] Figure 5A , 5B Springs 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B can be replaced with other springs of different stiffness and / or can be preloaded.

[0238] Figure 8Another embodiment of the spring device 46 is shown, which includes a piston 56 that moves within a chamber 57 of a cylinder 58 (similar to a shock absorber). A fork 59 is connected to the piston 56 and carries one of the thrusters 45 (i.e., one of the rollers that pivots to the fork 59 to rotate about a rotation axis YY). Oil is contained in the chamber 57, and the piston 56 has a passage for oil between two volumes defined by the piston 58 within the chamber 57. The chamber 57 is mounted on a frame 44. In a variant embodiment (not shown), the piston 58 is connected to the frame 44, and the chamber 57 is coupled to the thruster 45.

[0239] Chamber 57 is fluidly connected to reservoir 60 via a pipe. Reservoir 60 houses a floating piston 61 that divides reservoir 60 into an upper chamber for oil and a lower chamber 62 for pressurized gas (e.g., nitrogen) connected to a gas pump 63 via a corresponding pipe 64. The pressure of the gas in lower chamber 62 is adjustable (increased or decreased) by gas pump 63. Therefore, Figure 8 The spring device 46 is a pneumatic spring (gas) equipped with a damper (oil).

[0240] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the spring device 46 includes a magnetic spring provided with a magnet and / or an electromagnet. For example, a piston / chamber structure includes a magnet mounted on a piston and another magnet mounted on a chamber. The magnets are arranged with poles that push each other away. If an electromagnet is used, the strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted.

[0241] In other embodiments not shown in the accompanying drawings, the spring device 46 includes a combination and / or a combination of structures (e.g., a piston / chamber structure combined with a linkage mechanism) with or without damping, including the spring elements (compression or extension springs, magnetic springs, pneumatic springs).

[0242] The device 43 for shaping ellipticity also includes one or more sensors 65 configured to detect radial deformation of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 by detecting the position and / or movement of the thruster 45 or the operating parameters and / or geometry of the spring device 46.

[0243] exist Figure 5A , 7A In example 8, sensor 65 is shown only schematically. For example, sensor 65 is a capacitor sensor having one portion made of an electret attached to the thruster 45 and another portion fixed to the frame 44. For example, sensor 65 is a strain sensor that measures the elongation of a spring. For example, sensor 65 is an optical sensor or camera that focuses and captures markings on the thruster 45. Figure 8In this embodiment, sensor 65 is a pressure sensor capable of capturing the gas pressure in the lower chamber 62. An increase in gas pressure means that the thruster 45 moves toward the chamber 57.

[0244] One or more sensors 65 are operatively connected to the electronic control unit 66 (only when...) Figure 8 (Illustrated schematically). The electronic control unit 66 may be a control unit for the equipment 1 used to manufacture the aerosol generating article 2 or a control unit for the device 43 used to shape the ellipticity.

[0245] The electronic control unit 66 is configured and / or programmed to receive signals from the sensor 65, process signals, and derive the radial deformation or ellipticity of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 from said signals. For example, the radial deformation or ellipticity of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 may be derived from the capacitance of a capacitor sensor or a signal from a strain sensor or the pressure in chamber 57 or from the movement of a marker detected by an optical sensor or camera, since all of these values ​​are related to the position of the thruster 45, which is determined by the shape of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17.

[0246] The electronic control unit 66 is configured to compare the derived radial deformation or ellipticity with an acceptable value or range, and to distinguish whether the derived radial deformation or ellipticity is below or above the acceptable value or within or outside the acceptable range.

[0247] The electronic control unit 66 is configured to identify any non-compliant section of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 that has radial deformation that is above acceptable or outside the acceptable range.

[0248] For example, the equipment 1 used to manufacture continuous strips for aerosol generation articles includes a clock that runs during manufacturing, and the electronic control unit 66 correlates the derived radial deformation or ellipticity with that time. Since the running speed of the continuous aerosol generation strip 17 is known, the electronic control unit 66 is able to identify the non-compliant sections, as well as elongated aerosol generation strips 17' cut by the cutter "C" and / or aerosol generation rods 4 cut by the blade 23 from the non-compliant sections. When non-compliant elongated aerosol generation strips 17' and / or aerosol generation rods 4 (non-compliant strips) are identified, the electronic control unit 66 issues a warning signal, which can be used to automatically reject the articles and / or warn personnel.

[0249] In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 66 may also be operatively connected to an actuator (not shown) coupled to the spring assembly 43 and configured to change the stiffness of the spring assembly 43 according to the radial deformation or ellipticity of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 (e.g., in...). Figure 8The pressure of the gas in the lower chamber 62 or the current fed to the magnet), preload, or rest position. These changes can be performed between one production cycle and the next or online (i.e., during the manufacture of the aerosol-generated article 2). Thus, the magnitude of the force applied by the thruster 45 changes according to the detected radial deformation.

[0250] In some embodiments, the electronic control unit 66 may also be operatively connected to a conveyor that moves the continuous aerosol generating strip 17 to adjust the linear speed V of the aerosol generating strip 17 according to radial deformation or ellipticity. Figure 6A and 6B In a variant embodiment, the electronic control unit 66 is connected to and controls a motor configured to rotate the frame 44, and can adjust the rotational speed R of the frame 44 according to the radial deformation of the continuous aerosol generating strip 17. The linear and / or adjustment of the rotational speeds V and R can be performed between one production cycle and the next or online (i.e., during the manufacture of the aerosol generating article 2).

[0251] In accordance with the above-disclosed and Figure 5A , 5B A device 43 for shaping ellipticity, similar or identical to the devices shown in 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8, is also placed downstream of the sealing device 18' of the second equipment for manufacturing continuous strips. This other device 43 is configured to shape the ellipticity of the continuous strip 40 from the sealing device 18' of the second equipment for manufacturing continuous strips (i.e., from the packaging station 29).

[0252] The features and operation of this other device 43 may be the same as those disclosed above. Through this other device 43, the electronic control unit 66 is able to identify and discard non-conforming segments 42 (non-conforming strips).

[0253] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be 5% of A ± A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for aerosol generation articles, the apparatus comprising: Framework (44); Multiple thrusters (45) supported by the frame (44); Multiple spring devices (46), each thruster (45) is supported on the frame (44) by a corresponding spring device (46); The thrusters (45) are arranged around a reference axis (XX), and each thruster (45) has a working portion (47) facing the reference axis (XX) and configured to abut against the outer surface of a continuous strip (17, 40) for aerosol generation article (2) passing between the thrusters (45); Each spring device (46) is configured such that the corresponding thruster (45) is movable toward or away from the reference axis (XX); Each of the spring devices (46) has a rest position in which the corresponding elastic force is zero; If each spring device (46) moves from its respective rest position and away from the reference axis (XX), then each spring device applies the elastic force.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein in the rest position of the spring device (46), the working portions (47) of all the thrusters (45) are radially equidistant from the reference axis (XX).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thrusters (45) are arranged at equal intervals around the reference axis (XX).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plane perpendicular to the reference axis (XX) intersects the working portion (47) of all the thrusters (45).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each propeller (45) includes a roller pivotally connected to the corresponding spring device (46) about a rotation axis (YY), and the working portion (47) is the peripheral surface of the roller; the rotation axis (YY) is orthogonal to the reference axis (XX).

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the peripheral surface is concave, and optionally, the peripheral surface is shaped as an arc similar to a circumference.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a motor connected to the frame (44) and configured to rotate the frame (44) about the reference axis (XX).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: At least one sensor (64) configured to detect the position and / or movement of the thruster (45); A control unit (65), operatively connected to the at least one sensor (64) and configured to perform the following procedure: Receive signals from the at least one sensor (64); The radial deformation of the continuous strips (17, 40) used for aerosol generation articles (2) is derived from the received signals.

9. A method for shaping the ellipticity of a continuous strip for an aerosol-generating article, the method comprising: The continuous strips (17, 40) for aerosol generation articles (2) are moved along the corresponding longitudinal axis. Multiple forces (Fn) are applied to the outer surface of the continuous strip (17, 40) for aerosol generation article (2), the forces (Fn) being arranged around the continuous strip (17, 40) for aerosol generation article (2) and pointing toward the longitudinal axis; The force (Fn) increases as the outer surface extends radially outward from the intended perimeter of the continuous strips (17, 40) for aerosol generation (2), and is zero when the outer surface is inside the intended perimeter.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the intended perimeter is a circle, and the longitudinal axis passes through the center of the circle.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the force (Fn) is radially oriented relative to the longitudinal axis.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the continuous strip (17, 40) moves relative to the force (Fn) along the respective longitudinal axis.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, comprising: The force (Fn) is rotated relative to the continuous strips (17, 40) and about the respective longitudinal axes, such that the force acts along a spiral path on the outer surface of the continuous strips (17, 40) for aerosol generation (2).

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the force (Fn) is applied by a roller rolling on the outer surface of a continuous strip (17, 40) for aerosol generation article (2).

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, further comprising: Derive the radial deformation of the continuous strips (17, 40) used for aerosol-generated articles (2); The magnitude of the force (Fn) is adjusted based on the detected radial deformation; and / or Adjust the rotational speed of the force (Fn) about the longitudinal axis based on the detected radial deformation; and / or The linear speed (V) of the continuous strips (17, 40) used for aerosol generation articles (2) is adjusted along the corresponding longitudinal axis according to the detected radial deformation.

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