Apparatus for assembling articles for aerosol supply

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular apparatus (1) for assembling articles (2) for aerosol supply and a method for manufacturing articles (2) for aerosol supply. The modular apparatus (1) comprises a plurality of modules (11). Each of the plurality of modules (11) comprises a plurality of functional units (16). The plurality of modules comprises a first module (12) and a second module (13). The first module (12) comprises a cutting unit (21) and a separation unit (22). The first module (12) is configured to receive a plurality of double-length rods (3) formed from rods (4) of aerosol-generating material (5) between two first filter rods (6). The second module (13) is located downstream of the first module (12) and comprises a filter insertion unit (24), a wrapping unit (25), and a cutting unit (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular device for an assembly of an article for aerosol supply. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an article for aerosol supply.

Background Art

[0002] Products of certain tobacco industries generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user during use. For example, a tobacco heating device forms an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate such as tobacco, rather than burning the substrate.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a first aspect, a modular device for an assembly of an article for aerosol supply is provided. The modular device includes a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules includes a plurality of functional units, and the plurality of modules includes a first module including a cutting unit and a separating unit, the first module being configured to receive a plurality of doubled rods formed from a rod of aerosol-forming material between two first filter rods. A second module is provided, which is located downstream of the first module and includes a filter insertion unit, a wrapping unit, and a cutting unit.

[0004] In some embodiments, the cutting unit of the first module may be configured to cut the plurality of doubled rods in half through the midpoints of the doubled rods to form a first rod group and a second rod group, each of the first and second rod groups including a first filter rod and a rod of smokable material.

[0005] In some embodiments, the separation unit may be located downstream of the cutting unit and may be configured to separate the first rod group from the second rod group, thereby forming a filter rod receiving space between the rods of aerosol-generating material in the first rod group and the rods of aerosol-generating material in the second rod group.

[0006] In some embodiments, the filter insertion unit of the second module may be configured to insert double-length filter rods into the filter rod receiving space to form a single rod article group.

[0007] In some embodiments, the wrapping unit may be located downstream of the filter insertion unit and configured to wrap packaging material around a single rod group of articles to form a double-length article.

[0008] In some embodiments, the wrapping unit may be configured to wrap the packaging material around the entire length of the double-length filter rod and around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating material of the double-length article.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cutting unit of the second module may be located downstream of the wrapping unit and may be configured to cut the double-length article in half through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod to form a first article and a second article, each of the first and second articles comprising a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol-generating material, and a second filter rod.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second module may further include a rotating unit located downstream of the cutting unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rotating unit may include a rotating drum having a plurality of article receiving sections, the rotating drum may be configured to receive first and second articles in a configuration in which the second filter rods face each other in a longitudinally aligned first and second section of a plurality of rod receiving sections, and to discharge the first and second articles in a first and second section of a plurality of rod receiving sections adjacent to each other at circumferential intervals.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rotating drum may include a rotating mechanism having a swivel arm configured to rotate 180 degrees to reverse the direction of one of the first and second articles, with the first and second portions of a plurality of rod receiving portions arranged circumferentially spaced apart on the rotating drum, such that the first and second articles are positioned in the same orientation and spaced apart circumferentially.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second module may further comprise a perforating unit configured to perforate an article.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second module may further include an inspection unit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second module may further include a dispensing unit.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present invention, a second aspect provides a manufacturing system for assembling articles for aerosol supply, the manufacturing system comprising a doubling rod forming system configured to assemble a plurality of doubling rods formed from rods of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods, and a modular apparatus according to any one of the prior claims.

[0017] In some embodiments, the double-length rod forming system may include a tobacco rod manufacturing machine configured to produce a plurality of quadruple-length tobacco rods.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lengthening rod forming system may further include a transfer machine configured to move a plurality of quadruple lengthening tobacco rods from a state in which they are transported in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes to a state in which they are transported in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes.

[0019] In some embodiments, the lengthening rod forming system may further include a lengthening tobacco rod former comprising a cutting unit configured to cut a plurality of quadruple lengthening tobacco rods in half, and a rotating unit configured to rotate one of the lengthening tobacco rods to align the lengthening tobacco rods laterally.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lengthening rod forming system may further include a filter inserter configured to insert a lengthening filter rod into one end of each lengthening tobacco rod to form a rod group.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lengthening rod forming system may further include a second transfer device configured to transfer rod groups from a state in which they are transported in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes to a state in which they are transported in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the lengthening rod forming system may further include a rod coupling machine configured to align rod groups so that lengthening filter rods and lengthening tobacco rods face each other, and to wrap around multiple rod groups to form an endless rod.

[0023] In some embodiments, the rod coupling machine may be configured to cut an endless rod at the midpoint of a double-length filter rod, forming a plurality of double-length rods formed from a rod of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, a third aspect provides a method for manufacturing articles for aerosol supply, the method comprising: providing a plurality of length rods, each comprising length rods of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods; cutting the length rods in half through the midpoint of the length rods of aerosol-generating material to form a first rod group and a second rod group; separating the first rod group from the second rod group to form a filter rod receiving space between the rods of aerosol-generating material of the first rod group and the rods of aerosol-generating material of the second rod group; inserting length filter rods into the filter rod receiving space to form a single rod article group; wrapping packaging material around the single rod article group to form a length article; and cutting the length article in half through the midpoint of the length filter rods to form a first article and a second article arranged longitudinally, each of the first and second articles comprising a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol-generating material, and a second filter rod.

[0025] In some embodiments, the step of separating the first rod group from the second rod group may include applying an attractive force to the first filter rod ends of the first and second rod groups.

[0026] In some embodiments, the step of wrapping a single rod article group to form a double-length article may include wrapping the packaging material around the entire length of the double-length filter rod and at least a portion of the length of the rods of the aerosol-generating material of the first and second rod groups.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of rotating one of the first or second article to reverse its orientation so that the first and second articles are aligned laterally in the same direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of piercing an article.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of inspecting an article.

[0030] In some embodiments, the step of providing a plurality of double-length rods including a rod of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods includes forming an endless rod of aerosol-generating material and cutting it into quadruple-length rods, cutting the quadruple-length rods in half to form double-length rods, rotating one of the double-length rods so that two double-length rods are moved from being longitudinally aligned with each other to being laterally aligned adjacent to each other, inserting a first double-length filter rod at each end of the double-length rods to form a rod group, joining and wrapping the rod group with the double-length filter rods facing the double-length rods to form an endless rod, and cutting the endless rod at the midpoint of the double-length filter rods to form a plurality of double-length rods including a rod of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods.

[0031] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] A schematic view of a modular device for the assembly of an article for aerosol supply is shown. [Figure 2a] A cross-sectional side view of a double-length rod is shown. [Figure 2b] A cross-sectional side view of a rod is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic side view of a first module is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic view of an operation performed in a first module is shown. [Figure 5] A schematic side view of a second module is shown. [Figure 6]A schematic diagram of the operations performed in the second module is shown. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view of the rotating drum is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of a system for manufacturing double-length rods is shown. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram of a manufacturing system for assembling articles for aerosol supply is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass a system for delivering at least one substance to a user. Combustion aerosol supply systems for cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes, hand-rolled cigarettes, or homemade cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokeable materials), This includes non-combustion aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the materials, such as hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosol-generating materials.

[0034] According to this disclosure, a “combustion-type” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating material (or its components) that make up the aerosol supply system is burned or incinerated during use in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0035] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustion-type aerosol delivery system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0036] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to components for use in a combustion aerosol supply system, such as filters, filter rods, filter segments, tobacco rods, twists, aerosol modifier release components, such as capsules, threads, or beads, or paper, such as plug wraps, chip paper, or cigarette paper.

[0037] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, for example, contain tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0041] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0043] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0045] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, suction nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0046] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may include one or more other components such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0047] Aerosol-generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, or gels, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be called a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid, or about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0048] The aerosol-generating material may contain one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0049] In some embodiments, the delivered substance may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, any of the materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0050] Aerosol modifiers are typically substances located downstream of the aerosol generation region and are configured to modify the generated aerosol by altering, for example, the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristics of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be supplied within an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0051] The aerosol modifier may be, for example, an additive or an adsorbent. The aerosol modifier may contain, for example, one or more of the following: flavorings, colorings, water, and carbon adsorbents. The aerosol modifier may be, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier may be in the form of a powder, thread, or granules. The aerosol modifier may not contain any filtration material.

[0052] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance.

[0053] The active substances used herein may be physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances may be selected from, for example, nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychotropic drugs. Active substances may be naturally derived or obtained synthetically. Active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. Active substances may also include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or other plant substances.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0055] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plant substances, or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term “plant substance” includes, but is not limited to, any material derived from a plant, including extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, exoskeletons, or shells. Alternatively, the material may include synthetically obtained active compounds that are naturally present in the plant substance. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, flakes, strips, or sheets. Examples of plants include tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed, basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, and lavender. - Lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, shiso, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, kalbi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, Korean ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. Mint may be selected from the following mint varieties: American mint, mint cv, Egyptian mint, European mint, eau de cologne mint cv, European mint cv, curly mint, mint cordifolia, horse mint, pineapple mint, pennyroyal mint, green mint cv, and apple mint.

[0056] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substance being tobacco.

[0057] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and hemp.

[0058] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts, the plant substances being selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0059] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes flavorings.

[0060] As used herein, the terms “flavoring” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that may be used to create a desired taste, aroma, or other somatosensory effect in products intended for adult consumers, to the extent permitted by local regulations.These are naturally occurring flavorings, plant substances, extracts of plant substances, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit). Caramel fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel nut, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, Sage, fennel, wasabi, pimento, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil from any of the Mentha species, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, mate, orange peel, rose, tea such as green or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, shiso, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, majolica It may also contain other additives such as lamb, olives, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, kalbi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), as well as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plant matter, or breath fresheners.They may be imitations, synthetic materials, natural materials, or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, such as a liquid like oil, a solid like powder, or a gas.

[0061] In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and / or red berry flavor components. In some embodiments, the flavor includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0062] In some embodiments, the flavor may include a sensory stimulant, which is usually chemically induced and intended to achieve somatosensation perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) in addition to or instead of the aromatic or gustatory nerves, and may include agents that produce a heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable thermal agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3.

[0063] Referring here to Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a modular apparatus 1 for assembling article 2 for aerosol supply is shown. Modular apparatus 1 is an article assembly machine. That is, modular apparatus 1 is configured to assemble article 2 as shown in Figure 2. Specifically, modular apparatus 1 is configured to receive a plurality of double-length rods 3 and to assemble article 2 starting from the plurality of double-length rods 3. The double-length rods 3 include a rod 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6. Article 2 is transported along a transport path through modular apparatus 1 and assembled from the double-length rods 3 by undergoing a series of operations.

[0064] Specifically, referring to Figure 2a, a cross-sectional side view of the extension rod 3 is shown. In this embodiment, the extension rod 3 has a substantially cylindrical rod shape. The extension rod 3 has a maximum length dimension, i.e., a longitudinal axis L extending along its length. The extension rod 3 includes a rod 4 of the aerosol generating material 5. The rod 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 is the extension rod 7 of the aerosol generating material. The extension rod 3 also includes first filter rods 6 positioned at both ends of the extension rod 7 of the aerosol generating material. The extension rod 7 of the aerosol generating material and the two first filter rods 6 may be joined to each other by a first packaging material 8.

[0065] Specifically, referring to Figure 2b, a cross-sectional side view of article 2 is shown. In this embodiment, article 2 includes a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of aerosol-generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9. The second filter rod 9 is configured to be the mouthpiece end of article 2. Thus, the first filter rod 6 forms the upstream end of article 2. The rod 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 is located downstream of the first filter rod 6. The second filter rod 9 is located downstream of the rod 4 of aerosol-generating material 5. The second filter rod 9 may be joined to the rod 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 by a second packaging material 10.

[0066] Referring back to Figure 1, the modular device 1 comprises a plurality of modules 11. The plurality of modules 11 include at least a first module 12 and a second module 13.

[0067] Each of the multiple modules 11 to 13 may include a base unit 15 which can have at least one functional unit 16. At least one module 11 may include multiple functional units 16. Each of the multiple functional units 16 may include at least one drum 17. Therefore, each of the multiple modules 11 to 13 may include multiple drums 17 attached to the base unit 15. The multiple drums 17 may be rotatable drums that rotate around their central axis A. The multiple functional units 16 may form a transport path through the modular device 1. If each of the multiple functional units 16 includes at least one drum 17, the multiple drums 17 may form a transport path through the modular device 1.

[0068] The first module 12 comprises a cutting unit 21 and a separation unit 22. The first module 12 is configured to receive a plurality of double-length rods 3 formed from double-length rods 7 of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods 6. The second module 13 is located downstream of the first module 12. The second module 13 comprises a filter insertion unit 24, a wrapping unit 25, and a cutting unit 26.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, a schematic side view of the first module 12 is shown. The first module 12 is configured to receive a plurality of doubling rods 3 formed from doubling rods 7 of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods 6. The first module 12 may be configured to receive the doubling rods 3 sequentially. The first module 12 may be configured to receive the doubling rods 3 in a orientation in which the doubling rods 3 move in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axes.

[0070] The cutting unit 21 of the first module 12 may be configured to cut multiple double-length rods 3 in half through their midpoints to form a first rod group 28 and a second rod group 29. Each of the first rod group 28 and the second rod group 29 may include a first filter rod 6 and a rod 4 of the smokeable material 5, as shown in Figure 4. That is, the cutting unit 21 may be configured to cut the double-length rods 3 through the center of the double-length rod 7 of the aerosol-generating material.

[0071] As shown in the embodiment in Figure 3, the first module 12 may include a supply drum 31. The supply drum 31 may be configured to receive a flow of double-length rods 3. The supply drum 31 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 32 configured to receive double-length rods 3. The plurality of rod receiving sections 32 may be formed as channels, also called grooves, on the circumferential surface 33 of the supply drum 31. The rod receiving sections 32 may extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the supply drum 31 and be spaced circumferentially around the supply drum 31. The rod receiving sections 32 may include at least one hole (not shown) through which a suction force can be applied to the double-length rods 3 to hold the double-length rods 3 in their respective rod receiving sections 32.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first module 12 further comprises a hopper 34. In such embodiments, the extension rod 3 may be received from the hopper 34 by a feed drum 31. However, as will be described in more detail below, in alternative embodiments, the first module 12 does not have to comprise a hopper 34, and the extension rod 3 may be received directly from another machine by a feed drum 31.

[0073] The first module 12 further comprises a cutting unit 21. The cutting unit may be located downstream of the supply unit 31. The cutting unit 21 may be located immediately downstream of the supply unit 31 so that the cutting unit 21 receives the double-length rod 3 from the supply drum 31. The cutting drum 36 may be configured to receive the double-length rod 3 from the supply unit 31.

[0074] The cutting unit 21 may include a cutting drum 36. The cutting drum 36 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 37 configured to receive the extension rods 3. The plurality of rod receiving sections 37 may be formed on the circumferential surface 38 of the cutting drum 36 as channels, also called grooves. The rod receiving sections 37 may extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the cutting drum 36 and be spaced circumferentially around the cutting drum 36. The rod receiving sections 37 may include at least one hole (not shown) through which a suction force can be applied to the extension rods 3 to hold the extension rods 3 in their respective rod receiving sections 37.

[0075] The cutting unit 21 may further include a cutting knife 39. The cutting knife 39 may be a circular knife. The cutting knife 39 may be configured to cut the double-length rod 3 by cutting the midpoint of the double-length rod, i.e., the center of the rod 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5, thereby forming a first rod group 28 and a second rod group 29.

[0076] The cutting drum 36 may be configured to rotate the extension rod 3 and move it toward the cutting knife 39. When the extension rod 3 reaches the cutting knife 39, the cutting knife 39 cuts the extension rod 3 in half through its midpoint. Thus, referring to Figure 4, the cutting unit 21 creates identical first rod group 28 and second rod group 29. Each of the first rod group 28 and the second rod group 29 may include a first filter rod 6 and a rod 4 of the aerosol generating material 5. The first and second rod groups 28 and 29 can be aligned in the rod receiving section 32 of the cutting drum 36 so that the rod 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 faces the rod 4 of the aerosol generating material 5.

[0077] Referring back to Figure 3, the first module 12 may further comprise a transfer drum 41. The transfer drum 41 may be located downstream of the cutting drum 36. The transfer drum 41 may be located immediately downstream of the cutting drum 36. Thus, the transfer drum 41 may be configured to receive the first and second rod groups 28, 29 in an orientation in which the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 face the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5.

[0078] The transfer drum 41 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 42 configured to receive first and second rod groups 28, 29. The plurality of rod receiving sections 42 may be formed as channels, also called grooves, on the circumferential surface 43 of the transfer drum 41. The rod receiving sections 42 may extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the transfer drum 41 and be spaced circumferentially around the transfer drum 41. The rod receiving sections 42 may include at least one hole (not shown) through which an attractive force can be applied to the first and second rod groups 28, 29, and through which the first and second rod groups 28, 29 can be held in their respective rod receiving sections 42.

[0079] The first module 12 further comprises a separation unit 22. The separation unit 22 may comprise a separation drum 45. The separation drum 45 may be located downstream of the cutting unit 21. The separation drum 45 may be located downstream of the transfer drum 41. In this embodiment, the separation drum 45 is located immediately downstream of the transfer drum 41. Thus, the separation drum 45 may be configured to receive the first and second rod groups 28, 29 in an orientation in which the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 face the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material.

[0080] However, in alternative embodiments, it will be understood that the separation drum 45 may be located immediately downstream of the cutting drum 36 and optionally immediately upstream of the transfer drum 41. In such a scenario, the separation drum 45 may be configured to receive the first and second rod groups 28, 29 from the cutting unit 21 in an orientation relative to the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5.

[0081] The separation drum 45 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 46 configured to receive first and second rod groups 28, 29. The plurality of rod receiving sections 46 may be formed as channels, also called grooves, on the circumferential surface 47 of the separation drum 45. The rod receiving sections 47 may extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the separation drum 45 and be spaced circumferentially around the separation drum 45. The rod receiving sections 47 may include at least one hole (not shown) through which an suction force can be applied to the first and second rod groups 28, 29, and through which the first and second rod groups 28, 29 can be held in their respective rod receiving sections 47.

[0082] The separation unit 22 may be configured to perform a separation operation as shown in Figure 4. The separation unit 22 may be configured to separate the first rod group 28 from the second rod group 29 to form a filter rod receiving space 48 between the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 of the first rod group 28 and the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 of the second rod group 29. The filter rod receiving space 48 may be large enough to accommodate double-length filter rods, which are the size of two second filter rods 9.

[0083] The separation unit 22 may include a separation mechanism 49. The separation mechanism may include vacuum nozzles (not shown) at both ends of the separation drum 45. The vacuum nozzles may be configured to pull the first and second rod groups 28, 29 apart to both ends of the rod receiving section 46. Alternatively or additionally, the separation mechanism may include a fixed plow (not shown) or barrel cam (not shown) configured to separate the first and second rod groups 28, 29 to form a filter rod receiving space 48. Such separation mechanisms are generally known and therefore a detailed description is omitted here.

[0084] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic side view of the second module 13 is shown. The second module 13 is located downstream of the first module 12. The second module 13 may be located immediately downstream of the first module 12. That is, the second module 13 may be configured to receive the spaced-out first and second rod groups 28, 29 from the first module 12, with the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 of the first rod group 28 spaced apart from the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 of the second rod group 29. That is, the second module 13 is configured to receive the first and second rod groups 28, 29 having a filter rod receiving space 48 between the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 of the first and second rod groups 28, 29, with the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5 arranged or oriented relative to the rods 4 of the aerosol generating material 5. The second module 13 comprises a filter insertion unit 24, a wrapping unit 25, and a cutting unit 26.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second module 13 may include a feed drum, but the feed drum is not shown in the embodiments depicted in the drawings. The feed drum (not shown) may be configured to receive the flow of the first and second rod groups 28, 29, which are spaced apart by a filter rod receiving space 48. The feed drum may be essentially the same as the feed drum 31 described above, so a detailed description is omitted here. However, it will be understood that the feed drum of the second module 13 may have a longer rod receiving section (not shown) to accommodate the length of the first and second rod groups 28, 29 aligned longitudinally with the filter rod receiving space 48 between them.

[0086] The second module 13 includes a filter insertion unit 24. The filter insertion unit 24 may be located at the upstream end of the second module 13. The filter insertion unit 24 may also be the first unit in the second module 13. That is, the filter insertion unit 24 may directly receive the spaced-out first and second rod groups 28, 29 from the first module 12. In another embodiment, the filter insertion unit 24 may be located downstream of the supply drum, if present, or optionally just downstream of the supply drum.

[0087] The filter insertion unit 24 may be configured to insert the double-length filter rod 51 into the filter rod receiving space 48 to form a single rod article group 52, as shown in Figure 6. That is, the filter insertion unit 24 may be configured to insert the double-length filter rod 51 into the filter rod receiving space 48 between the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 of the first rod group 28 and the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 of the second rod group 29.

[0088] The filter insertion unit 24 may include a hopper 54 configured to receive a double-length filter rod 51. The filter insertion unit 24 may further include a filter rod insertion drum 55 and a filter rod receiving drum 56. The filter rod insertion drum 55 and the filter rod receiving drum 56 may be essentially the same as the aforementioned drums, such as the supply drum 31.

[0089] The filter rod insertion drum 55 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 58 configured to receive double-length filter rods 51. The double-length filter rods 51 may include a double-length second filter rod 9, i.e., two second filter rods 9 that have not yet been separated, as shown in Figure 2. The plurality of rod receiving sections 58 may be formed as channels, also called grooves, on the circumferential surface 59 of the filter rod insertion drum 55. The rod receiving sections 58 may extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the filter rod insertion drum 55 and be spaced circumferentially around the filter rod insertion drum 55. The rod receiving sections 58 may include at least one hole (not shown) through which a suction force can be applied to the double-length filter rods 51 to hold the double-length filter rods 51 in each rod receiving section 58.

[0090] The filter rod receiving drum 56 may also have a plurality of rod receiving sections 61. The rod receiving sections 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56 can be configured to receive a first rod group 28 and a second rod group 29 separated by a filter rod receiving space 48, and a double-length filter rod 51 in the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first and second rod groups 28, 29.

[0091] Multiple rod receiving sections 61 may be formed as channels, also called grooves, on the circumferential surface 62 of the filter rod receiving drum 56. Each rod receiving section 61 may have at least one hole (not shown) through which suction force can be applied to the double-length filter rod 51 and the first and second rod groups 28, 29, as well as to hold the double-length filter rod 51 and the first and second rod groups 28, 29 in their rod receiving sections 61 along the transport path.

[0092] The filter rod insertion drum 55 may be configured to receive the double-length filter rod 51 from the hopper 54 and to place the double-length filter rod 51 directly into the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first rod group 28 and the second rod group 29 in the rod receiving section 62 on the filter rod receiving drum 56. The filter rod receiving drum 56 may be configured to receive the double-length filter rod 51 into the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first and second rod groups 28, 29 in the rod receiving section 61.

[0093] In some cases, the filter rod insertion drum 55 may be omitted, and the hopper 54 may directly supply the double-length filter rod 51 to the rod receiving section 61 on the filter rod receiving drum 56.

[0094] In practice, depending on the module arrangement, the double-length filter rod 51 may be placed in the filter rod receiving space 48 by being placed in the rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56 which already houses the spaced-apart first and second rod groups 28, 29, or the double-length filter rod 51 may be placed in an empty rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56 which is part of the rod receiving section 61, in which case, when the first and second rod groups 28, 29 are subsequently transferred to the rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56, a filter rod receiving space 48 will be present between the first and second rod groups 28, 29.

[0095] The second module 13 comprises a wrapping unit 25. The wrapping unit 25 may be located downstream of the filter insertion unit 24. The wrapping unit 25 may be located immediately downstream of the filter insertion unit 24. The wrapping unit 25 can be configured to wrap the second packaging material 10 around a single rod group of articles 52 to form a double-length article 65.

[0096] In this embodiment, the wrapping unit 25 is configured to wrap the second packaging material 10 around the entire length of the double-length filter rod 51 and at least a portion of the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 on both sides of the double-length filter rod 51, i.e., at least a portion of the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 of the first rod group 28 and at least a portion of the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 of the second rod group 29.

[0097] In some embodiments, the wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap the second packaging material 10 around the entire length of the double filter rod 51 and the entire length of the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 on both sides of the double filter rod 51. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap the second packaging material 10 around the entire length of the double filter rod 51 and the entire length of the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 on both sides of the double filter rod 51, and at least a portion of the first filter rods 6 at both ends of the single rod article group 52. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap the second packaging material 10 around the entire length of the single rod article group 52.

[0098] The wrapping unit 25 may include a swashplate drum 71. The swashplate drum 71 may be configured to press together a first rod group 28, a double-length filter rod 51, and a second rod group 29. The wrapping unit 25 may further include a rolling drum 72. The rolling drum 72 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 73 configured to receive a single rod article group 52, namely the first rod group 28, the double-length filter rod 51, and the second rod group 29.

[0099] The wrapping unit 25 may further comprise a chipper unit 74 and an adhesive unit 75. The chipper unit 74 may comprise a cutting knife (not shown) that cuts the second packaging material 10 to the required length by pressing it against a cutting drum (not shown). The chipper unit 74 then transfers the cut second packaging material 10 onto a single rod article group 52. The adhesive unit 75 may comprise an adhesive roller (not shown) that runs through the adhesive and a transfer roller that the adhesive roller transfers the adhesive to. The transfer roller may be configured to transfer the adhesive to the second packaging material 10. It will be understood that the chipper unit 74 and the adhesive unit 75 may be integrated as shown. Since the chipper unit 74 and the adhesive unit 75 are commonly known in the art, further detailed descriptions and illustrations are omitted herein.

[0100] The wrapping unit 25 may further comprise a roll hand 77. The roll hand may be a static curved block positioned adjacent to the rolling drum 52. The roll hand 57 may comprise a kicker bar 78. When a single rod article group 52 on the rolling drum 2 reaches the entry point of the roll hand 77, the kicker bar 78 pushes the single rod article group 52 out of the rod receiving section 73 of the rolling drum 72, and the single rod article group 52 is then rolled between the rolling drum 52 and the roll hand 57 until the second packaging material 10 is wrapped around the single rod article group to form a double-length article 65, and the double-length article 65 falls into the next rod receiving section 73 on the rolling drum 72.

[0101] The second module 13 further comprises a cutting unit 26. The cutting unit 26 may be located downstream of the wrapping unit 25. The cutting unit 26 may be located immediately downstream of the wrapping unit 25. That is, the cutting unit 26 may be configured to receive the double-length article 65 from the wrapping unit 25. The cutting unit 26 may be configured to cut the double-length article 65 in half through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod 51 to form a first article 2a and a second article 2b. Each of the first article 2a and the second article 2b may include a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9.

[0102] The cutting unit 26 may include a cutting drum 81. The cutting drum 81 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 82 configured to receive double-length articles 65 from the wrapping unit 25. The plurality of rod receiving sections 82 may be formed as channels, also called grooves, on the circumferential surface 83 of the cutting drum 81. The rod receiving sections 82 may include at least one hole (not shown) through which an attractive force can be applied to the double-length articles 65, allowing the double-length articles 65 to be held in each rod receiving section 82 along the transport path. That is, the cutting drum 81 may be positioned immediately downstream of the rolling drum 72 on the transport path of rod articles through the modular device 1.

[0103] The cutting unit 81 may further comprise a cutting knife 85. The cutting knife 85 may be a circular knife. The cutting knife 85 may be configured to cut through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod 51 at the center of the double-length article 65 to produce a first article 2a and a second article 2b. That is, the cutting knife 85 may be configured to cut through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod 51 at the center of the double-length article 65 to create two second filter rods 9, the first second filter rod 9 forming part of the first article 2a and the other second filter rod 9 forming part of the second article 2b.

[0104] The cutting drum 81 may be configured to rotate the double-length article 65 and move it toward the cutting knife 85. When the double-length article 65 reaches the cutting knife 85, the cutting knife 85 cuts the double-length article 65 in half through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod 51. Thus, the cutting unit 26 produces two identical articles 2a, 2b, each containing a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9. Once cut, the two identical articles 2a, 2b can be aligned longitudinally within the rod receiving section 82 of the cutting drum 81, with the second filter rod 9 facing the second filter rod 9.

[0105] The second module 13 may further include a rotating unit 91. The rotating unit 91 may be located downstream of the cutting unit 26. The rotating unit 91 may be located immediately downstream of the cutting unit 26. That is, the rotating unit 91 may be configured to receive the first article 2a and the second article 2b from the cutting unit 26. The rotating unit 91 may receive the first article 2a and the second article 2b in an arrangement where the second filter rods 9 face each other.

[0106] The rotating unit 91 may include a rotating drum 92. The rotating drum 92 may be configured to rotate one of the first articles 2a or the second articles 2b, moving them from a state aligned longitudinally to a state aligned laterally, i.e., continuously in the direction of travel along the transport path. The rotating drum 92 may include a plurality of rod receiving sections 93. The plurality of rod receiving sections 93 may be formed on the circumferential surface 94 of the rotating drum 92 as channels, also called grooves. As shown in Figure 7, the rod receiving sections 93 are formed by channels of convex blocks on the circumferential surface 94 of the rotating drum 92. The rod receiving sections 93 may extend parallel to the rotation axis A of the rotating drum 92 and be spaced circumferentially around the rotating drum 92.

[0107] Referring to Figure 7, the rotating drum 92 may be configured such that each rod receiving section 93 comprises a first section 96 and a second section 97. The first section 96 of the rod receiving section 93 may be configured to receive a first article 2a, and the second section 97 of the rod receiving section 93 may be configured to receive a second article 2b. When initially receiving the first and second articles 2a, 2b, the rotating drum 92 can be configured such that the first and second sections 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 are in a first position. In the first position, the first and second sections 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 may be aligned longitudinally. Thus, the first and second articles 2a, 2b may be aligned longitudinally on the rotating drum 92 when received from the drum of the upstream unit.

[0108] The rotating drum 92 may be configured to release the first and second articles 2a and 2b in adjacent first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. That is, one of the first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 may be configured to move to a second position. In the cross-sectional position, one of the first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving portion 92 may be configured to move circumferentially apart from the other of the first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving portion 93. Therefore, when the first and second articles 2a and 2b are released from the rotating drum 92, the first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 may extend parallel to each other, or they may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the circumferential surface 94 of the rotating drum 92.

[0109] The rotating drum 92 may be equipped with a positioning mechanism in the form of a rotating mechanism 101. The rotating mechanism 101 may be configured to position the first and second parts 96, 97, and thus the first and second articles 2a, 2b, laterally adjacent to each other and spaced apart circumferentially, so that the first and second articles 2a, 2b are oriented in the same direction. That is, the rotating mechanism 101 may be configured to rotate one of the first part 96 and the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 so that the articles 2a, 2b held inside it are oriented in the same direction and the first filter rods 6 of the articles 2a, 2b are located on the same side of the rotating drum 92 with respect to the rotation axis of the rotating drum 92.

[0110] In particular, the rotation mechanism 101 of the rotating drum 92 may be configured to rotate the second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 so that it is aligned parallel to the first portion 96 of the rod receiving portion 93 but spaced apart in the circumferential direction. That is, the rotation mechanism 101 may be configured to remove the second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 from longitudinal alignment with the first portion 96 of the rod receiving portion 93, and rotate the second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 so that it is aligned parallel to the first portion 96 of the rod receiving portion 93 but spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0111] As shown in Figure 7, the rotating mechanism 101 may comprise a plurality of swivel arms 102. The plurality of swivel arms 102 are distributed around the rotating drum 92. The plurality of swivel arms 102 may be arranged along one side of the rotating drum 92, i.e., on the same longitudinal side of the rotating drum 92. Each of the swivel arms 102 may form a second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 of the rotating drum 92. When the first and second articles 2a, 2b are loaded onto the rotating drum 92 and the swivel arms 102 are in their first positions, longitudinally adjacent to each of the swivel arms 102 is the corresponding first portion 96 of the rod receiving portion 93.

[0112] Each swivel arm 102 may be configured to swivel about a swivel axis X that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the rotating drum 92. Each swivel arm 92 may be configured to rotate by an angle of 180 degrees about the swivel axis X between a first position and a second position. The swivel axis X may extend along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93, and therefore to the second article 2b held therein.

[0113] In other words, each swivel arm 102 may be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 of the swivel arm 102 is longitudinally aligned with the associated first portion 96 of the rod receiving portion 93. In the second position, the second portion 97 of the rod receiving portion 93 of the swivel arm 102 is parallel to but spaced apart from the first portion 96 of the rod receiving portion of the rotating drum 92 in the rotational or circumferential direction of the rotating drum 92.

[0114] Therefore, the rotating drum 92 can receive the first and second consumables 2a and 2b into the first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving section 93, which are aligned longitudinally and facing opposite directions. That is, the first filter rods 6 of the first and second articles 2a and 2b are arranged on both sides of the rotating drum 92 with the second filter rods 9 facing each other, and the second filter rods 9 are adjacent to each other longitudinally. Then, as the rotating drum 92 rotates, the swivel arm 102 can be rotated 180 degrees. The swivel arm 102 can be rotated so that the first and second articles 2a and 2b are held in the first and second portions 96 and 97 of the rod receiving section 93, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, so that the first and second articles 2a and 2b face the same direction, that is, the first filter rods 6 of the first and second articles 2a and 2b are arranged on the same side of the rotating drum 92.

[0115] Thus, in this embodiment, the rotating unit 91 is configured to reverse the orientation of the second article 2b. When articles 2a, 2b are passed onto the next functional unit / drum, the rotating drum 92 rotates the rod receiving section 93 back to the feeding point from the previous unit / drum, allowing the swivel arm 102 to return to the first position to repeat the process with another pair of articles 2aa, 2b.

[0116] Referring back to Figure 5, the second module 13 may further comprise a perforating unit 104. The perforating unit 104 may be configured to perforate the second packaging material 10 to improve the breathability of the article 2. The perforating unit 104 may be located downstream of the rotating unit 91. The perforating unit 104 may be located immediately downstream of the rotating unit 91. That is, the perforating unit 104 may directly receive the article 2 from the rotating unit 91.

[0117] The perforation unit 104 may include a conveying drum 105. The conveying drum 105 may be located downstream of the rotating unit 91. The conveying drum 105 may be located immediately downstream of the rotating unit 91. That is, the conveying drum 105 may be configured to receive a flow of laterally aligned articles 2 from the rotating drum 92 of the rotating unit 91.

[0118] The perforation unit 104 may further comprise a perforation device 106. The perforation device 106 may be configured to perforate the second packaging material 10 of article 2 to create ventilation holes therein. The perforation device 106 may be a laser. Alternatively, the perforation device 106 may comprise a drum having radially extending pins configured to puncture the second packaging material 10 of article 2 to form ventilation holes.

[0119] In some embodiments, the second module 13 may further comprise an inspection unit 107. The inspection unit 107 may be configured to inspect the quality of the finished article 2. The inspection unit 107 may also comprise a transfer drum 108. The transfer drum 108 may be configured to transport the article 2 through the inspection unit 107.

[0120] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the perforation unit 104 and the inspection unit 107 may be combined to form the perforation and inspection units 104 and 107. In such embodiments, the transport drum 105 and the transfer drum 108 may be the same drum.

[0121] The inspection unit 107 may further comprise at least one inspection device 109. The inspection device 109 may be configured to determine the quality of the article 2 produced by the modular apparatus 1. In some embodiments, the inspection unit 107 may comprise a plurality of inspection devices 109. The inspection device 109 may be configured to inspect the article 2 for flagged ends, i.e., corners of the packaging material that are not properly sealed, for example, but not limited to image sensors. At least one of the inspection devices 109 may be configured to determine whether the density of the rod is within or outside the acceptable range, i.e., whether there is not enough filtering material or enough aerosol-generating material.

[0122] In some embodiments, it will be understood that the second module 13 may further comprise a delivery unit (not shown) in the form of a delivery drum (not shown). In some embodiments, the transport drum 105 and / or transfer drum 108 may also be delivery drums.

[0123] As described above, the modular apparatus 1 can receive the double-length rod 3 into the hopper 34. However, in another embodiment, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 8, the double-length rod 3 may be received directly from another machine by the supply drum 31 of the first module 11.

[0124] Referring to Figure 8, a schematic top view shows a system 200 for manufacturing double-length rods 3. The system 200 comprises several separate dedicated machines 201. The system 200 can be collectively referred to as a consumables manufacturing machine. The consumables manufacturing machine may be configured to assemble several double-length rods 3, as described with reference to Figure 2a. Thus, when the system 200 or consumables manufacturing machine is coupled with the modular apparatus 1, a manufacturing system 300 for assembling articles for aerosol supply is formed, as schematically shown in Figure 9.

[0125] The system 200 may include a first machine 203. The first machine 203 may be a tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203. The tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203 may be configured to manufacture a plurality of four-times-long tobacco rods. The tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203 may manufacture a connected tobacco rod and then cut it into a plurality of four-times-long tobacco rods. Thus, the tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203 may include a rod forming unit 204 and a cutting unit 205.

[0126] The system 200 may further include a second machine 207. The second machine 20 may be a transfer machine 207. The transfer machine 207 may include a transfer unit 208. The transfer unit 208 may be configured to transfer a plurality of four-times-long tobacco rods from a state in which they are transported in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes to a state in which they are transported in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes.

[0127] The system 200 may further comprise a third machine 211. The third machine 211 may be a lengthening tobacco rod former 211. The third machine 211 may comprise a cutting unit 212. The cutting unit 212 may be configured to cut a plurality of quadruple lengthening tobacco rods in half. The lengthening tobacco rod former 211 may further comprise a rotating unit 213. The rotating unit 213 may be configured to rotate one end of the lengthening tobacco rods to align them laterally.

[0128] The system 200 may further include a fourth machine 215. The fourth machine 215 may be a filter inserter 215. The filter inserter 215 may include a filter inserter unit 216. The filter inserter 215 may be configured to insert a double-length filter rod into one end of each double-length tobacco rod to form a rod group.

[0129] The system 200 may further include a fifth machine 218. The fifth machine may be a second transfer machine 218. The second transfer machine 218 may be configured to transfer rod groups from a state in which they are transported in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes to a state in which they are transported in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes.

[0130] The system 200 may further comprise a sixth machine 221, which may be a rod coupling machine 221. The rod coupling machine 221 may comprise an alignment unit 222, which may be configured to align rod groups so that the double-length filter rods and double-length tobacco rods face each other. The rod coupling machine 221 may further comprise a wrapping unit 223, which may be configured to wrap multiple rod groups to form an endless rod.

[0131] The rod coupling machine 221 may further include a cutting unit 224. The cutting unit 224 may be configured to cut the endless rod at the midpoint of the doubled-length filter rod to form a plurality of doubled-length rods 3 formed from the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6.

[0132] As explained in detail above, for clarity, a method for manufacturing article 2 for aerosol supply will be described here. The method is as follows: providing a plurality of double-length rods 3 containing rods 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6; cutting the double-length rods 3 in half through the midpoint of the double-length rods 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 to form a first rod group 28 and a second rod group 29; separating the first rod group 28 from the second rod group 29 to form a filter rod receiving space 48 between the rods 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 of the first rod group 28 and the rods 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 of the second rod group 29; The process includes the steps of: inserting a long filter rod 51 into a filter rod receiving space 48 to form a single rod article group 52; wrapping a packaging material 10 around the single rod article group 52 to form a double-length article 65; and cutting the double-length article 65 in half through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod 52 to form a first article 2a and a second article 2b arranged longitudinally, wherein each of the first and second articles 2a and 2b includes a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of aerosol-generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9.

[0133] The step of separating the first rod group 28 from the second rod group 29 may include applying suction force to the first filter rod 6 ends of the first and second rod groups 28 and 29.

[0134] The step of wrapping a single rod article group 52 to form an extra-long article 65 may include wrapping the packaging material 10 around the entire length of the extra-long filter rod 51 and at least a portion of the length of the rods 4 of the aerosol-generating material 5 of the first and second rod groups 28, 29.

[0135] The method may further include the step of rotating one of the first article 2a and the second article 2b to reverse its orientation so that the first and second articles 2a and 2b are aligned laterally in the same direction.

[0136] The method may further include a step of perforating article 2. The method may further include a step of inspecting article 2.

[0137] The step of providing a plurality of double-length rods 3 containing rods 4 of aerosol-generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6 includes the steps of forming an endless rod of aerosol-generating material and cutting it into four-times-length rods; cutting the four-times-length rods in half to make double-length rods and rotating one of the double-length rods so that the two double-length rods are moved from being aligned longitudinally to being aligned laterally next to each other; inserting the first double-length filter rods 6 into one end of each of the double-length rods 4 to form a rod group; joining and wrapping the rod group with the double-length filter rods oriented relative to the double-length tobacco rods to form an endless rod; and cutting the endless rod at the midpoint of the double-length filter rods 6 to form a plurality of double-length rods 3 containing rods of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods.

[0138] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may preferably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A modular apparatus for assembling articles for aerosol supply, wherein the modular apparatus comprises, It comprises multiple modules, each of which comprises multiple functional units, and the multiple modules comprise, A first module comprising a cutting unit and a separation unit, the first module configured to receive a plurality of double-length rods formed from rods of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods, A second module located downstream of the first module, comprising a filter insertion unit, a wrapping unit, and a cutting unit, A modular device equipped with the following features.

2. The modular apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting unit of the first module is configured to cut the plurality of double-length rods in half through the midpoint of the double-length rods to form a first rod group and a second rod group, and each of the first and second rod groups includes the first filter rod and a rod of smokeable material.

3. The modular apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the separation unit is located downstream of the cutting unit and is configured to separate the first rod group from the second rod group, thereby forming a filter rod receiving space between the rods of the aerosol generating material in the first rod group and the rods of the aerosol generating material in the second rod group.

4. The modular apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the filter insertion unit of the second module is configured to insert a double-length filter rod into the filter rod receiving space to form a single rod article group.

5. The modular apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the wrapping unit is located downstream of the filter insertion unit and is configured to wrap packaging material around a single rod group of articles to form a double-length article.

6. The modular apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the wrapping unit is configured to wrap packaging material around the entire length of the double-length filter rod and around at least a portion of the rod of the aerosol-generating material of the double-length article.

7. The modular apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the cutting unit of the second module is located downstream of the wrapping unit and is configured to cut the double-length article in half through the midpoint of the double-length filter rod to form a first article and a second article, and each of the first and second articles includes a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol-generating material and a second filter rod.

8. The modular apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second module further comprises a rotating unit located downstream of the cutting unit.

9. The modular apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the rotating unit comprises a rotating drum having a plurality of article receiving sections, the rotating drum is configured to receive a first article and a second article in a configuration in which the second filter rods face each other in a first section and a second section aligned longitudinally in the plurality of rod receiving sections, and to discharge the first article and the second article in the first section and the second section adjacent to each other at a distance in the circumferential direction of the plurality of rod receiving sections.

10. The modular apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a rotating mechanism having a swivel arm configured to rotate 180 degrees so as to reverse the direction of one of the first and second articles, with the first and second portions of the plurality of rod receiving portions arranged at circumferential intervals on the rotating drum such that the first article and the second article are arranged in the same orientation and at circumferential intervals on the rotating drum.

11. The modular apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second module further comprises a perforating unit configured to perforate the article.

12. The modular apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second module further comprises an inspection unit.

13. The modular apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second module further comprises a dispensing unit.

14. A manufacturing system for assembling articles for aerosol supply, A rod-forming system configured to assemble multiple rods formed from rods of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods, and A manufacturing system comprising a modular apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The manufacturing system according to claim 14, further comprising a tobacco rod manufacturing machine configured to produce a plurality of four-times-long tobacco rods.

16. The manufacturing system according to claim 15, wherein the double-length rod forming system further comprises a transfer machine configured to transfer the plurality of quadruple-length tobacco rods from a state in which they are transported in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axes to a state in which they are transported in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes.

17. The manufacturing system according to claim 16, further comprising a tobacco rod forming machine comprising: a cutting unit configured to cut the plurality of quadruple-length tobacco rods in half; and a rotating unit configured to rotate one of the plurality of quadruple-length tobacco rods and align the plurality of quadruple-length tobacco rods laterally.

18. The manufacturing system according to claim 17, wherein the lengthening rod forming system further comprises a filter inserter configured to insert a lengthening filter rod into one end of each lengthening tobacco rod to form a rod group.

19. The manufacturing system according to claim 18, further comprising a second transfer machine configured to transfer the rod group from a state in which it is transported in a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis to a state in which it is transported in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis.

20. The manufacturing system according to claim 19, further comprising a rod coupling machine configured to align the rod groups so that the double-length rods and double-length tobacco rods face each other, and to wrap around a plurality of the rod groups to form an endless rod.

21. The manufacturing system according to claim 20, wherein the rod coupling machine is configured to cut the endless rod at the midpoint of the plurality of lengthening filter rods to form the plurality of lengthening rods formed from the rod of the aerosol-generating material between two of the first filter rods.

22. A method for manufacturing an article for aerosol supply, wherein the method is A step of providing multiple length rods, including a length rod of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods, The steps of forming a first rod group and a second rod group by cutting the elongated rod of the aerosol generating material in half through the midpoint of the elongated rod, The steps include: separating the first rod group from the second rod group to form a filter rod receiving space between the rods of the aerosol generating material in the first rod group and the rods of the aerosol generating material in the second rod group; The steps include inserting the double-length filter rod into the filter rod receiving space to form a single rod article group, The steps of wrapping packaging material around the single rod group of articles to form a doubled-length article, and A method comprising the steps of cutting the elongated article in half through the midpoint of the elongated filter rod to form a first article and a second article arranged longitudinally, wherein each of the first article and the second article includes the first filter rod, a rod of the aerosol-generating material, and a second filter rod.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of wrapping the single rod article group and forming the elongated article includes wrapping a packaging material around the entire length of the elongated filter rod and at least a portion of the length of the rods of the aerosol-generating material of the first and second rod groups.

24. The method according to any one of claim 22 or 23, further comprising the step of rotating one of the first article and the second article to reverse its orientation such that the first article and the second article are aligned laterally in the same orientation.

25. The step of providing a plurality of double-length rods, including a rod of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods, A process of forming an endless rod of aerosol-generating material and cutting it into a rod four times longer, The process involves cutting the aforementioned four-times-long rod in half to make a double-length rod, and rotating one of the double-length rods so that the two double-length rods are moved from a state where they are aligned longitudinally to a state where they are adjacent to each other and aligned transversely. A step of inserting the first double-length filter rod into one end of each of the double-length rods to form a rod group, A step of joining the rod group so that the double-length filter rod faces the double-length rod, wrapping it to form an endless rod, and The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, comprising the step of cutting the endless rod at the midpoint of the lengthening filter rod to form a plurality of lengthening rods including a rod of aerosol-generating material between two first filter rods.

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