How to Assemble the Cartridge

Abstract

A method of assembling a cartridge is provided. The method of assembling a cartridge 1 includes the following: providing a plurality of outer tubes (10); each of the plurality of outer tubes (10) has a seal (20) at a first end (11); loading a tobacco (30) into the outer tube (10) from a second end (12) opposite the first end (11); identifying a sealed end 41 of a cooling tube (40) and mounting the cooling tube (40) into the outer tube (10) from the second end (12) such that the sealed end 41 is located adjacent to the tobacco (30); the cooling tube (40) has a sealed end 41 and an open end (42) opposite the sealed end 41; mounting a filter (50) into the outer tube (10) from the second end (12) such that the filter (50) is located adjacent to the cooling tube (40). The heat-non-combustion cartridges manufactured by this cartridge assembling method have excellent quality.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202210302142.8, filed on March 25, 2022, for an invention entitled "Method for Assembling a Cartridge," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of electronic cigarette manufacturing, and in particular to a method of assembling a cartridge. [Background technology]

[0003] With the development of science and technology, the number of users using heat-to-burn cartridges is increasing. In the process of manufacturing heat-to-burn cartridges by assembly, the unsealed end of the cooling tube, which is sealed at one end, may be adjacent to the tobacco during the assembly process. This may cause the tobacco in the heat-to-burn cartridge to fall into the cooling tube, affecting the use of the heat-to-burn cartridge and reducing the quality of the heat-to-burn cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an embodiment of the present application, a method of assembling a cartridge is provided, the method of assembling a cartridge includes providing a plurality of outer tubes, each of the plurality of outer tubes having a seal at a first end, loading a tobacco from a second end of the outer tube opposite the first end, identifying a sealed end of a cooling tube and mounting the cooling tube from the second end within the outer tube such that the sealed end is located adjacent to the tobacco, the cooling tube having a sealed end and an open end opposite the sealed end, and mounting a filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is located adjacent to the cooling tube. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for the embodiments of the present application. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for assembling a cartridge according to one embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a cooling pipe in a method for assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of assembling a cartridge in a method of assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of attaching a cooling tube in a method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of mounting a cooling tube in a method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of identifying the orientation of an open end of a cooling tube in a method of assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of sealing an outer tube in a method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a process for mounting a filter in a method for assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of mounting a filter in a method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the attachment position of the filter in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of packing and inspecting a cartridge in a method of assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a schematic structural view of the cartridge in a method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of position I of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of conveying an outer tube along a preset direction in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flow chart of testing a plurality of cartridges in a method of assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, a method of assembling a cartridge is provided, the method of assembling a cartridge includes providing a plurality of outer tubes, each of the plurality of outer tubes having a seal at a first end, loading a tobacco from a second end of the outer tube opposite the first end, identifying a sealed end of a cooling tube and mounting the cooling tube from the second end within the outer tube such that the sealed end is located adjacent to the tobacco, the cooling tube having a sealed end and an open end opposite the sealed end, and mounting a filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is located adjacent to the cooling tube.

[0007] Identifying the sealed ends of the cooling tubes and fitting the cooling tubes from the second ends into the outer tube such that the sealed ends are positioned adjacent to the tobacco includes transporting the plurality of cooling tubes along a predetermined direction; identifying an orientation of an open end of each cooling tube of the plurality of cooling tubes; if the open end of a cooling tube faces the predetermined direction, inverting the cooling tube so that the inverted sealed end faces the predetermined direction; transporting the plurality of cooling tubes to the plurality of outer tubes such that the sealed ends are closer to the second end than the open ends; and fitting the cooling tubes from the second ends into the outer tube.

[0008] Identifying the orientation of the open end of each of the plurality of cooling pipes includes identifying the orientation of the open end of each of the plurality of cooling pipes multiple times during the course of transporting the plurality of cooling pipes.

[0009] Providing the plurality of outer tubes includes applying an adhesive to a first end of each of the plurality of outer tubes; laminating a sealant to the first end of each of the plurality of outer tubes; applying heat and pressure to the portion of each of the plurality of outer tubes where the sealant is laminated to the first end; and cutting the sealant along an outer contour of each of the plurality of outer tubes to form a sealing portion that seals the first end of each of the plurality of outer tubes.

[0010] The time t for heating the portion of each of the multiple outer tubes where the sealing material is attached to the first end satisfies 5s≦t≦8s, the temperature T satisfies 120°C≦T≦200°C, and the pressure P applied to the outer tube satisfies 100 Pa≦P≦300 Pa.

[0011] Mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is positioned adjacent to the cooling tube includes providing a plurality of filters, transporting the plurality of filters to the plurality of outer tubes, aligning the centers of the filters with the outer tubes and positioning the filters adjacent to the second end, and mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end.

[0012] Mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end includes mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end, with one end of the filter remote from the cooling tube being flush with the second end.

[0013] After mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is positioned adjacent to the cooling tube, the method of assembling the cartridge further includes transporting the plurality of outer tubes along a preset direction, wrapping an outer surface of each of the plurality of outer tubes with a packaging material to form a plurality of cartridges, inspecting the plurality of cartridges, and storing the plurality of cartridges after inspection.

[0014] Conveying the multiple outer tube bodies along the predetermined direction includes conveying the multiple outer tube bodies along a first direction, where the length direction of the outer tube bodies coincides with the first direction, and changing the conveying direction of the multiple outer tube bodies to convey the multiple outer tube bodies along the predetermined direction, where the length direction of the outer tube bodies is perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0015] Inspecting the plurality of cartridges includes transporting the plurality of cartridges in sequence to an inspection point, inspecting the periphery, interior, and opposing ends of the plurality of cartridges, and removing any cartridges that fail.

[0016] The material of the sealing part is 10~50g / m 2 Silk paper, 10~50g / m 2 Highly breathable paper and 45~105g / m 2 It contains at least one of the following butter papers:

[0017] The sealing end has a breathable sealing part, and the material of the breathable sealing part is 10 to 50 g / m 2 Silk paper, 10~50g / m 2 Highly breathable paper and 45~105g / m 2 It contains at least one of the following butter papers:

[0018] The breathable seal includes one or more through holes.

[0019] The sealed edge is identified by a method such as visual detection, contact detection, or infrared sensing detection.

[0020] The sealed end abuts the tobacco.

[0021] The sealed end is spaced apart from the tobacco.

[0022] An end of the filter remote from the second end is spaced apart from the open end.

[0023] The end of the filter remote from the second end abuts the open end.

[0024] An end of the filter remote from the second end abuts the open end, and a portion of the filter passes through the open end and enters the cooling tube.

[0025] The cooling tubes may be transported by one or more of the following means, including but not limited to a conveyor belt, a guide rail, a transport device, and a robotic arm.

[0026] Hereinafter, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, but not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without creative efforts belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0027] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims and the above drawings of this application are intended to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order. Also, the terms "comprise", "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover and not exclude the inclusion of other elements. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of operations or units is not limited to the listed operations or units, and may optionally include unlisted operations or units, or may optionally include other operations or units inherent to those processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0028] An "example" or "embodiment" referred to in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example or embodiment can be included in at least one example of the present application. The appearance of such words anywhere in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same example, nor does it refer to an independent example or a candidate example that is mutually exclusive with other examples. Those skilled in the art can understand, explicitly or implicitly, that the examples described herein can be combined with other examples.

[0029] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for assembling a cartridge 1. With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for assembling a cartridge according to an embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cooling tube in the method for assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of assembling a cartridge in the method for assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the method for assembling a cartridge 1 includes the following contents: Providing a plurality of outer tubes 10. Each outer tube 10 of the plurality of outer tubes 10 has a sealing portion 20 at a first end 11. Loading a cigarette 30 from a second end 12 opposite to the first end 11 of the outer tube 10. Identifying a sealed end 41 of the cooling tube 40, and fitting the cooling tube 40 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 such that the sealed end 41 is disposed adjacent to the cigarette 30. The cooling tube 40 has a sealed end 41 and an open end 42 opposite to the sealed end 41. A filter 50 is mounted within the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 such that the filter 50 is positioned adjacent to the cooling tube 40 .

[0030] The method for assembling the cartridge 1 in this embodiment is used to manufacture the cartridge 1. Specifically, the method for assembling the cartridge 1 includes steps S1, S2, S3, and S4. Next, steps S1, S2, S3, and S4 will be described in detail.

[0031] S1: Provide a plurality of outer tubes 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10 has a sealing portion 20. The sealing portion 20 is used to seal the first end 11 of the outer tube 10, and is made of a food-grade material. For example, the material of the sealing portion 20 is 10 to 50 g / m 2 Silk paper, 10~50g / m 2 Highly breathable paper and 45~105g / m 2 For a user of the cartridge 1, the first end 11 of the outer tube 10 is an end far from the lips, and the second end 12 of the outer tube 10 opposite the first end 11 is an end close to the lips. The multiple outer tubes 10 are vertically arranged with the first ends 11 facing downward, i.e., the second ends 12 of the multiple outer tubes 10 are above the first ends 11.

[0033] In this embodiment, for example, the multiple outer tubes 10 can be mounted by a mounting assembly having multiple mounting holes. Specifically, the multiple outer tubes 10 are provided in multiple mounting holes, and each outer tube 10 is arranged corresponding to one mounting hole, so that the mounting assembly can simultaneously mount the multiple outer tubes 10, thereby improving the efficiency of assembling the cartridge 1.

[0034] S2: The cigarettes 30 are loaded into the second end 12 of the outer tube 10, which is opposite to the first end 11.

[0035] In this embodiment, the tobacco 30 may be in the form of, but is not limited to, granules, strips, or blocks. The tobacco 30 can enter the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 by at least one of its own weight or an external force, but the manner in which the tobacco 30 enters the outer tube 10 is not limited to these. The tobacco 30 also abuts against a surface of the sealing portion 20 facing the second end 12.

[0036] S3: Identify the sealed end 41 of the cooling tube 40 and install the cooling tube 40 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 such that the sealed end 41 is positioned adjacent to the tobacco 30.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cooling tube 40 has a sealed end 41 and an open end 42 opposite to the sealed end 41. The sealed end 41 has a breathable seal 43, which is made of a food grade material. For example, the material of the breathable seal 43 is 10 to 50 g / m 2 Silk paper, 10~50g / m 2 Highly breathable paper and 45~105g / m 2 The cooling tube 40 may include at least one of the butter papers. The breathable sealing part 43 may have one or more through holes to enhance the breathability of the cooling part. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the through hole of the breathable sealing part 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cigarette 30. This prevents the cigarette 30 from entering the cooling tube 40 and affecting the smoking effect of the entire cartridge 1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the identification of the sealed end 41 of the cooling pipe 40 can be realized by a method such as visual detection, contact detection, or infrared sensing detection, but the identification method is not limited thereto. It is sufficient to be able to distinguish the sealed end 41 from the open end 42.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cooling tube 40 is mounted in the outer tube body 10 from the second end 12 such that the sealed end 41 is disposed adjacent to the tobacco 30. The sealed end 41 is used to prevent the tobacco 30 from entering the cooling tube 40, which would cause the tobacco 30 to be sparsely distributed and affect the heating effect of the tobacco 30. Furthermore, by preventing the tobacco 30 from entering the cooling tube 40, the tobacco 30 is prevented from affecting the cooling effect of the cooling tube 40. In one embodiment, the sealed end 41 abuts the tobacco 30. In another embodiment, the sealed end 41 is spaced apart from the tobacco 30 to provide a flow space for the tobacco 30 when the cartridge 1 is inserted into the smoking device, to prevent the tobacco 30 from being compressed and increasing the inhalation resistance.

[0040] S4: The filter 50 is mounted within the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 such that the filter 50 is positioned adjacent to the cooling tube 40.

[0041] In this embodiment, the filter 50 is made of a porous fluffy material such as polylactic acid (PLA). The filter 50 is mounted within the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 such that the filter 50 is disposed adjacent to the open end 42 of the cooling tube 40. In one embodiment, an end of the filter 50 remote from the second end 12 is spaced apart from the open end 42. In another embodiment, an end of the filter 50 remote from the second end 12 abuts the open end 42. In yet another embodiment, an end of the filter 50 remote from the second end 12 abuts the open end 42, and a portion of the filter 50 enters the cooling tube 40 through the open end 42.

[0042] The present application provides a method for assembling a cartridge 1. In the method for assembling a cartridge 1, before fitting the cooling tube 40 into the outer tube body 10, first identify the sealed end 41 of the cooling tube 40, and then fit the cooling tube 40 into the outer tube body 10 so that the sealed end 41 of the cooling tube 40 is located adjacent to the cigarette 30. The sealed end 41 can prevent the cigarette 30 from entering the cooling tube 40, so that the cigarette 30 in the cartridge 1 will not fall into the cooling tube 40, and the cartridge 1 has excellent quality. Therefore, the heat-not-burn cartridge 1 manufactured by the method for assembling a cartridge 1 of the present application has high quality.

[0043] 4 and 5, FIG. 4 is a flow chart of installing a cooling tube in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of installing a cooling tube in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, identifying the sealed end 41 of the cooling tube 40 and installing the cooling tube 40 from the second end 12 into the outer tube body 10 such that the sealed end 41 is disposed adjacent to the cigarette 30 includes: transporting a plurality of cooling tubes 40 along a preset direction; identifying an orientation of the open end 42 of each cooling tube 40 of the plurality of cooling tubes 40; if the open end 42 of the cooling tube 40 faces the preset direction, inverting the cooling tube 40 so that the inverted sealed end 41 faces the preset direction; transporting the plurality of cooling tubes 40 to a plurality of outer tube bodies 10 such that the sealed end 41 is closer to the second end 12 than the open end 42; installing the cooling tube 40 from the second end 12 into the outer tube body 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, by identifying the orientation of the open end 42 of each cooling tube 40 among the plurality of cooling tubes 40, it is ensured that the cooling tube 40 is mounted into the outer tube body 10 from the second end 12 such that the open end 42 of the cooling tube 40 faces the outer tube body 10. Specifically, the method for mounting the plurality of cooling tubes 40 to the plurality of outer tube bodies 10 includes steps S31, S32, S33, S34, and S35. Next, steps S31, S32, S33, S34, and S35 will be described in detail.

[0045] S31: The cooling pipes 40 are transported along a preset direction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the preset direction refers to a direction in which the multiple cooling pipes 40 are transported to the multiple outer pipe bodies 10. The multiple cooling pipes 40 may be transported by a conveyor belt, a guide rail, a transport device, a robot arm, or the like, but the transport method is not limited to these. It is sufficient if the multiple cooling pipes 40 can be transported along the preset direction. In addition, the multiple cooling pipes 40 can be transported by a combination of multiple methods among the conveyor belt, the guide rail, the transport device, and the robot arm.

[0047] S32: Identify the orientation of the open end 42 of each cooling tube 40 among the plurality of cooling tubes 40.

[0048] In this embodiment, identifying the orientation of the open end 42 of each of the multiple cooling pipes 40 may be performed by a method such as visual detection, contact detection, or infrared sensing detection, but the identification method is not limited to these as long as it is possible to distinguish between the sealed end 41 and the open end 42. Specifically, since the sealed end 41 has the breathable sealing portion 43 and the open end 42 has no sealing member, the sealed end 41 and the open end 42 are identified by identifying whether or not a sealing member exists at the end of the cooling pipe 40.

[0049] S33: If the open end 42 of the cooling pipe 40 faces a preset direction, the cooling pipe 40 is inverted so that the inverted sealed end 41 faces the preset direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, the orientation of the opening ends 42 or the orientation of the sealed ends 41 of the multiple cooling pipes 40 is determined by identifying the opening ends 42 and the sealed ends 41 of the multiple cooling pipes 40. When the cooling pipe 40 is transported, if the sealed ends 41 face a preset direction, the orientation of the cooling pipe 40 is maintained and the cooling pipe 40 continues to be transported along the preset direction. When the cooling pipe 40 is transported, if the opening ends 42 face a preset direction, the cooling pipe 40 is inverted and transported so that the inverted sealed ends 41 face the preset direction.

[0051] S34: The cooling tubes 40 are transported to the outer tubes 10, with the sealed ends 41 being closer to the second end than the open ends 42.

[0052] In this embodiment, multiple cooling pipes 40 are transported to multiple outer pipes 10, one cooling pipe 40 is provided corresponding to one outer pipe 10, and the sealed end 41 of each cooling pipe 40 is closer to the second end 12 than the open end 42. The multiple cooling pipes 40 may be transported to the multiple outer pipes 10 by one or more methods such as a conveyor belt, a guide rail, a carrying device, and a robot arm, but the transport method is not limited thereto. Thus, the multiple cooling pipes 40 are arranged corresponding to the multiple outer pipes 10. Take for example that the distance from the sealed end 41 of the cooling pipe 40 to the second end 12 of the outer pipe 10 is x0.

[0053] S35: The cooling tube 40 is installed into the outer tube body 10 from the second end 12.

[0054] In this embodiment, the cooling tube 40 is inserted into the outer tube body 10 from the second end 12. Specifically, an external force is applied to make the cooling tube 40 enter the outer tube body 10. The cooling tube 40 is advanced toward the outer tube body 10, and the advanced distance y1 satisfies y1=x0+x1, so that the cooling tube 40 enters the outer tube body 10 and the sealed end 41 is located adjacent to the cigarette 30. Here, x1=L1-18mm, where L1 is the length of the outer tube body 10. Specifically, L1 satisfies 42mm≦L1≦46mm.

[0055] Referring to Fig. 6, Fig. 6 is a flow chart of identifying an orientation of an open end of a cooling tube in a method of assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of Fig. 4. In this embodiment, identifying the orientation of the open end 42 of each cooling tube 40 of the plurality of cooling tubes 40 includes identifying the orientation of the open end 42 of each cooling tube 40 of the plurality of cooling tubes 40 multiple times during transportation of the plurality of cooling tubes 40.

[0056] In this embodiment, identifying the orientation of the open end 42 of each cooling tube 40 among the plurality of cooling tubes 40 includes step S321. Specifically, step S321 will now be described in detail.

[0057] S321: In the process of transporting the plurality of cooling pipes 40, the orientation of the open end 42 of each of the plurality of cooling pipes 40 is identified a plurality of times.

[0058] In this embodiment, the orientations of the open ends 42 of the multiple cooling pipes 40 are identified multiple times, which may be, but are not limited to, two, three or more times, thereby increasing the accuracy of identifying the orientations of the open ends 42 of the cooling pipes 40, reducing the error rate of the installation orientation of the cooling pipes 40, and improving the assembly quality of the cartridge 1.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 7, Fig. 7 is a flow chart of sealing the outer tube in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of Fig. 1. In this embodiment, providing the multiple outer tubes 10 includes the following: Applying adhesive to the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10; Laminating a sealant to the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10; Heating and pressurizing the portion where the sealant is laminated to the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10; Cutting the sealant along the outer contour of each of the multiple outer tubes 10 to form a sealing portion 20 that seals the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, multiple outer tubes 10 need to be sealed, and a sealing portion 20 is formed to seal the first end 11 so that multiple outer tubes 10 can be loaded. Specifically, the process of sealing multiple outer tubes 10 includes steps S11, S12, S13, and S14. Next, steps S11, S12, S13, and S14 will be described in detail.

[0061] S11: Apply adhesive to the first end 11 of each of the outer tubes 10 among the multiple outer tubes 10.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first ends 11 of the plurality of outer tubes 10 are coated with adhesive. The adhesive is a food-grade adhesive, which is prevented from producing harmful substances when the adhesive is heated. For example, the adhesive may be a food-grade adhesive, such as, but not limited to, glutinous rice glue, lap glue, straw glue, white emulsion glue, etc. In one embodiment, the first ends 11 of the plurality of outer tubes 10 are dipped into the adhesive, such that the first ends 11 of the plurality of outer tubes 10 are coated with the adhesive. In another embodiment, a container containing the adhesive is moved to the plurality of outer tubes 10, and the adhesive is brought into contact with the first ends 11 of the plurality of outer tubes 10, such that the first ends 11 of the plurality of outer tubes 10 are coated with the adhesive.

[0063] S12: A sealant is attached to the first end 11 of each of the outer tubes 10 among the plurality of outer tubes 10.

[0064] In this embodiment, the sealant is attached to the first ends 11 of the multiple outer tubes 10, and seals the first ends 11 of the multiple outer tubes 10. The sealant is made of a food grade material. For example, the material of the sealant has a density of 10 to 50 g / m 2 Silk paper, 10~50g / m 2 Highly breathable paper and 45~105g / m 2 It contains at least one of the following butter papers:

[0065] S13: The portion of the first end 11 of each of the outer tubes 10 where the sealing material is attached is heated and pressurized.

[0066] In this embodiment, the portion of the outer tube 10 where the sealant is bonded to the first end 11 is heated and pressurized to improve the stability of the bonding between the sealant and the first end 11 .

[0067] S14: The sealing material is cut along the outer contour of each of the multiple outer tubes 10 to form a sealing portion 20 that seals the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sealant is cut along the outer contours of the multiple outer tubes 10. Specifically, in one embodiment, a laser is used to cut the sealant along the outer contours of the multiple outer tubes 10 to form the sealing portions 20 that seal the first ends 11 of the multiple outer tubes 10. In another embodiment, a cutter is used to cut the sealant along the outer contours of the multiple outer tubes 10 to form the sealing portions 20 that seal the first ends 11 of the multiple outer tubes 10.

[0069] In one embodiment, in step S13, the time t for heating the portion where the sealing material is attached to the first end 11 of each of the multiple outer tubes 10 satisfies 5s≦t≦8s, the temperature T satisfies 120°C≦T≦200°C, and the pressure P applied to the outer tube 10 satisfies 100 Pa≦P≦300 Pa.

[0070] In this embodiment, since the adhesive is a viscous solid-liquid mixture at room temperature, the first end 11 to which the adhesive is applied and the sealant are attached at room temperature, and therefore the sealant cannot be firmly attached to the first end 11. In this embodiment, the adhesive at the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11 is completely melted by heating the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11, and the moisture therein is evaporated, thereby improving the adhesive strength. In addition, the odor of the adhesive is released by heating the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11, and the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11 becomes odorless when it is heated again. In addition, the sealant is firmly attached to the first end 11 by applying pressure to the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11. After the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11 is cooled, the adhesive at the sealant-attached portion of the first end 11 solidifies due to the evaporation of moisture, and the sealant is fixed to the first end 11. After the application of heat and pressure, the sealant is more tightly attached to the first end 11 and more firmly bonded compared to before the application of heat and pressure. Specifically, for example, the time t for heating the portion of the first end 11 to which the sealant is attached satisfies 5s≦t≦8s, the temperature T satisfies 120°C≦T≦200°C, and the pressure P applied to the outer tube 10 satisfies 100Pa≦P≦300Pa. In order to avoid damage to the outer tube 10 and the sealant, the heating time should not be too long, the heating temperature should not be too high, and the pressure should not be too high. In order to avoid insufficient heating of the adhesive and thus insufficient bonding between the first end 11 and the sealant, the heating time should not be too short, the heating temperature should not be too low, and the pressure should not be too low.

[0071] 8 and 9, FIG. 8 is a flow chart of mounting a filter in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of mounting a filter in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 8. In this embodiment, mounting the filter 50 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 so that the filter 50 is disposed adjacent to the cooling tube 40 includes the following: Provide a plurality of filters 50. Transport the plurality of filters 50 to the plurality of outer tubes 10, align the center of the filter 50 with the outer tube 10, and place the filter 50 adjacent to the second end 12. Mount the filter 50 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12.

[0072] In this embodiment, the process of mounting the filter 50 inside the outer tube body 10 includes steps S41, S42, and S43. Next, steps S41, S42, and S43 will be described in detail.

[0073] S41: Providing a plurality of filters 50.

[0074] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the filter 50 is larger than the inner diameter of the outer tube 10. Specifically, the inner diameter d0 of the outer tube 10 satisfies 6.4 mm≦d0≦6.65 mm, and the outer diameter d1 of the filter 50 satisfies 6.5 mm≦d1≦7 mm.

[0075] S42: The plurality of filters 50 are transported to the plurality of outer tubes 10, and the centers of the filters 50 are aligned with the outer tubes 10, and the filters 50 are disposed adjacent to the second ends 12.

[0076] In this embodiment, the multiple filters 50 can be transported to the multiple outer tubes 10 via at least one of a conveyor belt, a guide rail, a transport device, a robot arm, and the like, but the transport method is not limited thereto. In addition, in order to improve the mounting accuracy of the filters 50, the center of the filter 50 is aligned with the outer tube 10.

[0077] S43: The filter 50 is attached into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12.

[0078] In this embodiment, since the filter 50 is made of a porous fluffy material such as PLA, the filter 50 is compressed when a force is applied. Using the material properties of the filter 50, the filter 50 is fitted into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 by applying an external force. Although the outer diameter of the filter 50 is larger than the inner diameter of the outer tube 10, the filter 50 can be fitted into the outer tube 10 when the filter 50 is compressed by an external force, and after entering the outer tube 10, the filter 50 fits tightly with the outer tube 10 due to its own expansion to seal the second end 12.

[0079] 9 and 10, Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a filter mounting position in a method for assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of Fig. 9. In this embodiment, mounting the filter 50 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 includes mounting the filter 50 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12, and one end of the filter 50 away from the cooling tube 40 being flush with the second end 12.

[0080] In this embodiment, mounting the filter 50 into the outer tube body 10 from the second end 12 includes step S431. Next, step S431 will be described in detail.

[0081] S431: The filter 50 is mounted in the outer tube body 10 from the second end 12, and one end of the filter 50 remote from the cooling tube 40 is flush with the second end 12.

[0082] In this embodiment, when the center of the filter 50 is aligned with the outer tube 10 in step S42, the distance between the one end of the filter 50 adjacent to the second end 12 and the second end 12 is taken as x2. The filter 50 is pushed toward the outer tube 10 by an external force, and the pushing distance y2 satisfies y2=x2+L2. L2 is the length of the filter 50, and specifically, L2 satisfies 8mm≦L2≦10mm. Therefore, by controlling the pushing distance of the filter 50, it is possible to ensure that the one end of the filter 50 remote from the cooling pipe 40 is flush with the second end 12 after the filter 50 is attached to the outer tube 10.

[0083] 11, 12 and 13, FIG. 11 is a flow chart of packing and inspecting the cartridge in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of the cartridge in the method of assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of position I of the cartridge according to the embodiment of FIG. 12. In this embodiment, after mounting the filter 50 in the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 so that the filter 50 is disposed adjacent to the cooling tube 40, the method of assembling the cartridge 1 further includes the following contents: Transporting the plurality of outer tubes 10 along a preset direction; Wrapping the outer surface of each of the plurality of outer tubes 10 with a packaging material 60 to form a plurality of cartridges 1; Inspecting the plurality of cartridges 1; Storing the plurality of cartridges 1 after inspection.

[0084] In this embodiment, after completing step S4, a plurality of cartridges 1 can be formed by packing a plurality of outer tubes 10, and then the plurality of cartridges 1 are inspected to ensure the manufacturing quality of the plurality of cartridges 1. Specifically, after mounting the filter 50 into the outer tube 10 from the second end 12 such that the filter 50 is disposed adjacent to the cooling tube 40, the method of assembling the cartridge 1 includes steps S5, S6, S7, and S8. Next, steps S5, S6, S7, and S8 will be described in detail.

[0085] S5: The outer tubes 10 are transported in a preset direction.

[0086] In this embodiment, the preset direction refers to a direction in which the multiple outer tubes 10 are transported to a station for packing the multiple outer tubes 10. The outer tubes 10 may be transported by one or more of the following means: a conveyor belt, a guide rail, a transport device, a robot arm, etc., but the transport means are not limited thereto.

[0087] S6: The outer surface of each of the outer tubes 10 is wrapped with the packaging material 60 to form a plurality of cartridges 1.

[0088] In this embodiment, the outer surface of each of the outer tubes 10 is wrapped with a packaging material 60 to form a plurality of cartridges 1. The packaging material 60 is made of a food-grade material to prevent the generation of toxic substances when heated. Specifically, the packaging material 60 has a weight of 32 to 40 g / m 2 The tipping paper may be, but is not limited to, a tipping paper of the type described above. By applying an adhesive to the surface of the packaging material 60 that is bonded to the outer tube 10, the outer tube 10 can be packed in the packaging material 60. By wrapping the outer tube 10 in the packaging material 60, it is possible to protect the outer surface of the outer tube 10 from dirt and windings.

[0089] S7: Inspect multiple cartridges 1.

[0090] In this embodiment, the inspection of the cartridges 1 can be performed by, but is not limited to, visual detection or infrared sensing detection, specifically, whether the first end 11 of the outer tube 10 is sealed, whether the filter 50 is complete, whether the wrapping and adhesion of the packaging material 60 are good, whether the outer surface of the packaging material 60 is dirty, whether the tobacco 30 in the cartridge 1 is fully loaded, whether the cooling tube 40 is oriented correctly, etc.

[0091] S8: Store the multiple cartridges 1 after inspection.

[0092] In this embodiment, the smoke cartridge 1 that has passed the inspection is stored. Passing the inspection means that the characteristics of all components in the cartridge 1 inspected in step S7 are intact. Specifically, the first end 11 of the outer tube 10 is completely sealed, the filter 50 is complete, the wrapping and adhesion of the packaging material 60 are good, the outer surface of the packaging material 60 is clean, the tobacco 30 in the cartridge 1 is fully loaded and the cooling tube 40 is oriented correctly.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 14, Fig. 14 is a flowchart of conveying outer tubes along a preset direction in the method for assembling the cartridge according to the embodiment of Fig. 11. In this embodiment, conveying the multiple outer tubes 10 along the preset direction includes the following: Conveying the multiple outer tubes 10 along a first direction, and the length direction of the outer tubes 10 coincides with the first direction; Changing the conveying direction of the multiple outer tubes 10 to convey the multiple outer tubes 10 along the preset direction; The length direction of the outer tubes 10 is perpendicular to the preset direction.

[0094] In the above embodiment, step S5 specifically includes steps S51 and S52. Next, steps S51 and S52 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0095] S51: A plurality of outer tubes 10 are transported along a first direction.

[0096] In this embodiment, the length direction of the outer pipes 10 coincides with the first direction. In this embodiment, the outer pipes 10 are transported using a first transport belt.

[0097] S52: The conveying direction of the outer tube bodies 10 is changed, and the outer tube bodies 10 are conveyed along a preset direction.

[0098] In this embodiment, the length direction of the outer tube body 10 is perpendicular to a preset direction, so that the outer tube body 10 can be easily wrapped in the packaging material 60. In this embodiment, the second conveyor belt is used to convey the outer tube body 10, and the transport direction of the second conveyor belt is perpendicular to the direction of the first conveyor belt. In this embodiment, the conveying direction of the outer tube body 10 is changed by transferring the outer tube body 10 from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt. For example, the outer tube body 10 may be transferred from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt by gripping with a robot arm, suction with a suction device, or pushing out with a push rod mechanism, but the transfer method is not limited thereto.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 15, Fig. 15 is a flow chart of inspecting a plurality of cartridges in the method of assembling a cartridge according to the embodiment of Fig. 11. In this embodiment, inspecting the plurality of cartridges 1 includes the following contents: Transporting the plurality of cartridges 1 to an inspection point in sequence; Inspecting the peripheral side, interior, and opposite ends of the plurality of cartridges 1; Removing any cartridges 1 that fail.

[0100] In this embodiment, step S7 in the above embodiment specifically includes steps S71, S72, and S73. Next, steps S71, S72, and S73 will be described in detail.

[0101] S71: A plurality of cartridges 1 are transported to an inspection point in sequence.

[0102] In this embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 1 are transported in sequence to an inspection point, and the cartridges 1 are inspected at the inspection point.

[0103] S72: The peripheral side surfaces, the inside, and both opposing ends of the multiple cartridges 1 are inspected.

[0104] In this embodiment, the cartridges 1 are inspected for pass-quality by inspecting the circumferential surface, interior, and opposing ends of a plurality of cartridges 1. Specifically, it is detected whether the first end 11 of the outer tube 10 is sealed, whether the filter 50 is complete, whether the wrapping and adhesion of the packaging material 60 are good, whether the outer surface of the packaging material 60 is dirty, whether the tobacco 30 in the cartridge 1 is loaded without leaks, whether the cooling tube 40 is oriented correctly, and so on.

[0105] S73: Remove the failed cartridge 1.

[0106] In this embodiment, rejected cartridges 1 among the multiple cartridges 1 can be removed by grabbing with a robot arm, suction with a suction device, or pushing with a push rod mechanism, but the removal method is not limited to these.

[0107] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, the above embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the present application. Those skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present application. These improvements and embellishments should also fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. 1. A method of assembling a cartridge, comprising: providing a plurality of outer tubes, each outer tube of the plurality of outer tubes having a seal at a first end; loading tobacco into a second end of the outer tube opposite the first end; identifying a sealed end of a cooling tube and installing the cooling tube from the second end into the outer tube such that the sealed end is positioned adjacent to the tobacco, the cooling tube having the sealed end and an open end opposite the sealed end; mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is positioned adjacent to the cooling tube; Including, A method for assembling a cartridge comprising the steps of:

2. said identifying a sealed end of said cooling tube and mounting said cooling tube from said second end into said outer tube such that said sealed end is positioned adjacent said tobacco comprises: conveying the plurality of cooling pipes along a preset direction; identifying an orientation of an open end of each cooling tube of the plurality of cooling tubes; if the open end of the cooling tube faces the preset direction, inverting the cooling tube so that the inverted sealed end faces the preset direction; conveying the cooling tubes to the outer tubes such that the sealed ends are closer to the second ends than the open ends; installing the cooling tube into the outer tube from the second end; Including, A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

3. The identifying an orientation of an open end of each cooling tube of the plurality of cooling tubes includes: identifying an orientation of an open end of each of the plurality of cooling pipes a plurality of times during a process of transporting the plurality of cooling pipes. A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 2.

4. Providing a plurality of outer tubes includes: applying an adhesive to a first end of each outer tube of the plurality of outer tubes; laminating a sealant to a first end of each of the plurality of outer tubes; applying heat and pressure to a portion of each of the outer tubes where the sealing material is attached to a first end of each of the outer tubes; cutting the sealant along an outer contour of each of the plurality of outer tubes to form a seal that seals a first end of each of the plurality of outer tubes; Including, A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

5. a time t for heating the portion of each of the first ends of the outer tubes where the sealing material is attached satisfies 5s≦t≦8s, a temperature T satisfies 120° C.≦T≦200° C., and a pressure P applied to the outer tube satisfies 100 Pa≦P≦300 Pa. A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 4.

6. The step of mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is disposed adjacent to the cooling tube includes: Providing multiple filters; transporting the plurality of filters to the plurality of outer tubes, centering the filters on the outer tubes, and positioning the filters adjacent the second end; mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end; Including, A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

7. The step of attaching the filter into the outer tube from the second end includes: the filter is attached to the outer tube from the second end, and one end of the filter remote from the cooling tube is flush with the second end. A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 6.

8. After the step of mounting the filter within the outer tube from the second end such that the filter is positioned adjacent to the cooling tube, the method of assembling the cartridge further comprises: conveying the outer tube bodies along a preset direction; wrapping an outer surface of each of the plurality of outer tubes with a packaging material to form a plurality of cartridges; inspecting the plurality of cartridges; storing the plurality of cartridges after inspection; Including, A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

9. The conveying of the plurality of outer tube bodies along a preset direction includes: conveying the outer tubes along a first direction, a length direction of the outer tubes being aligned with the first direction; changing a conveying direction of the plurality of outer tube bodies and conveying the plurality of outer tube bodies along the predetermined direction, wherein a length direction of the outer tube bodies is perpendicular to the predetermined direction; Including, A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 8.

10. Inspecting the plurality of cartridges includes: transporting the plurality of cartridges in sequence to an inspection point; inspecting the periphery, interior, and opposing ends of the plurality of cartridges; Removing rejected cartridges; Including, A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 8.

11. The material of the sealing part is 10 to 50 g / m ２ Silk paper, 10-50g / m ２ and 45 to 105 g / m ２ The butter paper contains at least one of the following: A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

12. The sealing end has a breathable sealing part, and the material of the breathable sealing part is 10 to 50 g / m ２ Silk paper, 10-50g / m ２ and 45 to 105 g / m ２ The butter paper contains at least one of the following: A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

13. The breathable sealing portion includes one or more through holes. A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 12.

14. Identifying the sealed end by a method such as visual detection, contact detection, or infrared sensor detection; A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

15. the sealed end abuts the tobacco; A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

16. the sealed end is spaced apart from the tobacco; A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

17. The end of the filter remote from the second end is spaced apart from the open end. A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

18. An end of the filter remote from the second end abuts against the open end. A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

19. an end of the filter remote from the second end abuts against the open end, and a portion of the filter passes through the open end and enters the cooling pipe; A method for assembling the cartridge of claim 1.

20. The cooling pipes may be transported by one or more of the following means: a conveyor belt, a guide rail, a transport device, a robot arm, etc., but the transport means are not limited thereto; A method for assembling a cartridge according to claim 3.

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