Method for assembling an aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, wherein a first component 1 of the aerosol-generating article is disposed in a first groove 3 and an at least partially hollow second component 2 of the aerosol-generating article is disposed in a second groove 4. The first component 1 is urged along the first groove 3 in a first direction 100 into the second component 2 in the second groove 4 by moving the first groove 3 in a second direction 200 relative to a guide element 6 having an engagement surface 7, whereby the engagement surface 7 engages and urges the first component 1 in the first direction 100. The present invention further provides equipment for assembling an aerosol-generating article and the use of an inclined engagement surface 7 for inserting the first component 1 into the at least partially hollow second component 2 of the aerosol-generating article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and equipment for assembling aerosol-generating articles, and to the use of an inclined engagement surface for inserting a first component into a second component of an aerosol-generating article.

Background Art

[0002] Inserting a capsule axially into a hollow opening in the absorbent material of a cigarette is known, for example, from the prior art document European Patent No. EP 2 552 255 B1.

[0003] European Patent No. EP 2 999 363 B1 and US Patent No. US 3,513,856 A teach the use of a plunger for inserting a filter element into the mouthpiece of a smoking article, the plunger moving axially in the direction of the groove of a rotatable assembly drum. More specifically, European Patent No. 2 999 363 B1 discloses a method for combining segments of a smoking article, in which a moving tool moves a frustum of a cone into the air intake tube of a heated smoking article. US Patent No. 3,513,856 A discloses the assembly of a filter into the tubular end of the mouthpiece of a cigar, in which a spring-loaded plunger pushes the filter into the mouthpiece along a groove. For this purpose, a fixed cam is provided that engages the rear end of the spring-loaded plunger. German Patent No. DE 28 09 619 discloses equipment for modifying the axial distance between two adjacent rows of items transported laterally in a trough, which can be used when assembling filter-tipped cigarettes. International Publication No. WO 03 / 049560 A1 discloses an apparatus for displacing a first end filter element in a cigarette, in which the cigarette is disposed on a drum, and a disk carrying a plurality of punches is disposed across the drum, the axis of rotation of which is inclined towards the axis of rotation of the drum.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a reliable facility, method, and use for assembling components of aerosol-generating articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article is provided, wherein a first component of the aerosol-generating article is disposed in a first groove, and at least a partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article is disposed in a second groove. The first component is pushed into the second component in a first direction along the first groove by relatively moving the first groove in a second direction with respect to a guiding element having an engaging surface, whereby the engaging surface engages the first component and pushes it in the first direction. In particular, the first groove is moved in the second direction while the guiding element remains stationary. In an alternative embodiment, the first groove may remain stationary while the guiding element is moved in the second direction. In a further alternative embodiment, both the first groove and the guiding element may be moved in opposite directions along the second direction.

[0006] The first direction and the second direction are preferably different, inclined with respect to each other, or perpendicular to each other. By being forced to move in the second direction with respect to the engaging surface, the first component is pushed into the hollow portion of the second component in the first direction along the first groove. In contrast to the prior art, there is no need to provide a plunger for pushing the components.

[0007] In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the second direction. The position of the engagement surface in the first direction may be defined by a function of the position of the engagement surface in the second direction. This function may in particular be a linear function, a differentiable function, or a continuous but non-differentiable function. When the engagement surface is defined by a linear function, the inclination of the engagement surface is constant. This may enable the speed of the first component in the first direction to be substantially constant while the moving speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.

[0008] When the engagement surface is defined by a differentiable function, the inclination of the engagement surface only changes gradually, that is, the engagement surface is smooth. This may enable the speed of the first component in the first direction to change while the moving speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.

[0009] When the engagement surface is defined by a continuous but non-differentiable function, there may be at least one sharp bend in the engagement surface. This may enable the speed of the first component in the first direction to change in an irregular manner (for example, increase or decrease suddenly) while the moving speed of the first groove in the second direction is constant.

[0010] The inner circumferential surface of the first groove and the inner circumferential surface of the second groove may be in the same plane and continuous with respect to each other, and in particular form the cross-section of one integral groove. As another method, the inner circumferential surface of the first groove may not be in the same plane as the inner circumferential surface of the second groove. That is, there may be a step on the joint surface between the first groove and the second groove. Some sets of the first groove and the second groove may be arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. The guide element may extend over at least some of the first grooves.

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

[0012] The first component may be a capsule containing an alkaloid-containing powder, particularly nicotine dry powder. Therefore, it is important that the capsule is not damaged during insertion into the second component, otherwise the entire production line may be adversely affected. The method may assemble thousands of aerosol-generating articles per minute. A damaged capsule may require stopping the production of the assembled product and performing a cleaning operation.

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

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

[0015] The first component may have a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, and the diameter of the first section is larger than the diameter of the second section. It is preferable that the first section of the first component is disposed on the proximal end of the first component with respect to the second component. This arrangement may facilitate assembly because the frictional force may be more constant during insertion. Alternatively, the first section of the first component may be disposed on the distal end of the first component with respect to the second component. This may facilitate initial assembly, but may result in a higher frictional force towards the end of assembly.

[0016] In particular, the first component may be a coupling capsule made of two parts. That is, the capsule is formed by inserting a cylindrical second section into a cylindrical first section. The two cylindrical sections preferably form an enclosed volume inside the capsule. The contents of the capsule may be disposed within this enclosed volume. The contents may be an alkaloid-containing powder.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end with respect to the first component. The wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end of the second component may correspond to the height of the step between the second groove and the first groove. Therefore, the inner surface of the cavity and the surface of the first groove may be at least partially in the same plane. This may facilitate the insertion of the first component because the first component can slide along the surface in the same plane during insertion.

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

[0019] In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal axes to enable insertion, and in the case of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in a first direction by the first component. In particular, in the case of misalignment, the first component pushed by the guiding element applies a force to the second component that is greater than the holding force of the second component within the second groove, whereby the second component is pushed out of the second groove. The second component may be held by the holding force due to at least one of friction and an air suction opening provided within the groove. The discharge of the misalignment of the second element may be facilitated by an inclined path at the distal end of the second groove or by an open end at the distal end of the second groove. In particular, the distal end of the second groove is open. That is, the distal end of the second groove has no opposing wall.

[0020] The second guiding element in the form of a stationary lower holding element may be provided above or radially outside the second groove. The second guiding element provides an engagement surface at a certain height or radial distance from the second groove. This height or radial distance substantially corresponds to the height or diameter of the second component, ensuring that the second component cannot fall out of the second groove in the height or radial direction.

[0021] The first component and the second component are particularly aligned by being disposed substantially coaxially such that the outer shape of the first component corresponds to the inner shape of the cavity of the second component. Therefore, when the first component and the second component are aligned, the main pushing force on the first component in the first direction is caused by a guiding element that gradually covers the first groove towards the second component within the second groove. The pushing force needs to overcome the friction between the first component and the second component. The holding force of the second component in the second groove must be stronger than the pushing force. In the case of misalignment of the first component and the second component or other malfunctions during assembly, the holding force of the second component in the second groove may be weaker than the pushing force. As a result, the second component may be pushed out of the second groove.

[0022] In particular, the first groove and the second groove may be provided in axial alignment on the drum, the drum rotates relative to the guide element, and the guide element is disposed radially outside the drum and at least partially around the circumference of the drum. The first direction may be the axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be the circumferential direction of the drum.

[0023] In particular, the engagement surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum. Therefore, the rotation of the drum leads to a smooth movement of the first groove under the guide element. This means that, from the relative perspective of the first groove, the engagement surface of the guide element moves in the first direction towards the second groove, pushes the first component along the first groove in the direction of the second component, and presses into the second component disposed in the second groove.

[0024] When the component is fully inserted into the second component, the engagement surface is preferably disposed radially outside the proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove. The proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove is the end of the second groove closest to or adjacent to the first groove. Since the second component is disposed in the second groove, this enables the first component to be fully inserted into the second component.

[0025] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the second component is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first component, whereby the friction fit holds the first component within the second component. The first component may be pushed or inserted into the cavity or hollow portion of the second component. This may enable a friction fit between the first component and the second component to hold the first component within the second component. This friction fit may be enabled by the inner surface of the second component or provided by elastic protrusions on the inner surface of the second component or the outer surface of the first component.

[0026] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the inner diameter of the second component may be larger than the outer diameter of the first component, such that the first component can be easily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guiding element. Due to the dimensional difference, the second component is less likely to impose resistance on the first component, and thus the insertion of the first component into the second component is facilitated.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a facility for assembling an aerosol generating article, comprising a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol generating article, a second groove for receiving at least a partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article, and a guiding element having an inclined engagement surface. The first groove and the second groove extend in a first direction. The first groove and the second groove are movable in a second direction relative to the guiding element, while the inclined engagement surface is disposed above the first groove or the second groove. The inclined engagement surface may be disposed at least partially or completely overlapping with the first groove in the first direction and optionally partially overlapping with the second groove in the first direction. The facility enables pushing the first component or the second component, whereby the first component is pushed into the second component or the second component is pushed outside the first component.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first groove and the second groove are formed on a drum, the guiding element is disposed at least partially around the circumference of the drum, and the inclined engagement surface is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum. The first direction may be the axial direction of the drum. The second direction may be the circumferential direction of the drum. Therefore, the rotation of the drum enables the inclined engagement surface to move in the respective axial directions with respect to the first groove and the second groove.

[0029] The drum may be rotatable. The drive unit may be configured to rotate the drum. The guide element may be stationary. The supply facility for supplying the first and second components to the grooved drum may be arranged at a stationary location. Further, the assembled element consisting of the first component inserted into the second component may be discharged to a downstream device at a stationary location. The drum may convey the first and second components in the circumferential direction and, on the other hand, insert the first component into the second component.

[0030] The second groove may be axially open with respect to the first groove at its distal end. An inclined path may be provided at the distal end of the second groove. In particular, the distal end of the second groove is open. That is, the distal end of the second groove has no opposing wall.

[0031] The first groove may be adapted to provide a lower holding force to the first component than the holding force provided by the second groove provided in the second component to the second component. This may be enabled by different numbers or sizes of air suction openings or holes adapted to hold the components in the grooves, or by different negative pressures applied to the air suction openings or holes holding the respective components. The first groove with respect to the first component may have a lower coefficient of friction than the second groove with respect to the second component. This may be enabled by different coatings or materials of the grooves or components. For example, in order to reduce the coefficient of friction, the first groove may be at least partially provided with a polymer coating, in particular a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

[0032] At least one of these features may enable the movement of the second component in the first direction to be lower than the movement of the first component in the first direction, which enables the insertion of the first component into the second component. In particular, the second groove may be adapted to fixedly hold the second component with respect to the second groove.

[0033] The negative pressure holding means may be provided at least in the second groove, which is adapted such that the holding force regarding the second component in the direction of the extension of the second groove is greater than the holding force regarding the first component in the direction of the extension of the first groove. In particular, the negative pressure holding means may be one or several air suction openings or holes connected to a negative pressure supply source.

[0034] A detection system may be provided, which may be adapted to detect the presence of the first component inside the second component in the second groove. The detection system is preferably connected to a discharge system for disposing of any defective second component from the second groove. The defect may specifically be the absence of the first component in the second component, a damaged first or second component, or an inaccurate positioning of the second component in the second groove.

[0035] In particular, the detection system may be a capacitance sensor that captures whether the first component is properly inserted into the second component. If a defective insertion state is detected, the second component, or the second and the first components, may be marked for discharge by the discharge system. A protective cover may be arranged between the second groove and the detection system (in particular a transparent protective cover made of, for example, a transparent polymer). The discharge system may be a nozzle or a hole that provides a pressurized air injection applying a discharge force higher than the holding force of the second groove to the second component. The pressurized air injection may be provided through the air suction opening or hole of the second groove or through a separately provided nozzle, opening, or hole.

[0036] The facility may comprise an electronic controller adapted to execute method steps according to an embodiment of the method according to the invention. In particular, the electronic controller may have input / output electronics that communicate with and control various parts of the facility, in particular the drive units and the actuators, to execute the corresponding method steps. The drive units and the actuators may be adapted to automatically execute the method steps in accordance with the instructions of the electronic controller.

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

[0038] In particular, the first groove and the second groove extend axially of the drum. The first groove and the second groove are preferably coaxial. In particular, several sets of the first groove and the second groove are equidistantly arranged around the circumference of the drum. In particular, the first groove and the second groove have different curvatures. In particular, the first groove and the second groove have different radii of curvature.

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

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

[0041] The capsule may contain an alkaloid-containing powder, particularly a nicotine dry powder formulation. The capsule may be adapted to be penetrated by a piercing element prior to use so that the nicotine dry powder can be released for consumption. The second component may be made of a carton or wrapping paper rolled into the form of a tube. The second component may have at least one open end for insertion of the first component. The maximum outer diameter of the first component around the longitudinal axis of the first component may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the second component for easy insertion. The first component and the second component are manufactured separately and provided for equipment, method, and use.

[0042] The method, equipment, and use according to the present invention may be operated to process more than 1000 first components and second components per minute respectively. The method and equipment according to the present invention may enable the first component to be reliably and efficiently inserted into the second component, particularly without damaging or breaking the first component. The drum may be a rotating drum having a plurality of grooves disposed on its outer surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drum. Each groove may comprise a first groove and a second coaxial groove. There may be a suction system for holding the contents of each groove, i.e., the first component or the second component.

[0043] Furthermore, the equipment may comprise at least one supply drum or hopper for supplying a first component into a first groove and a second component into a second groove. The guide element system may be stationary and may be provided at least partially at a fixed position around the drum. The drum may rotate about a horizontal axis. The first component and the second component may be held in their respective grooves by air suction while the drum is rotating. At least one first groove may extend from a first axial position of the drum to a second axial position of the drum. In particular, the first axial position on the drum may be an inner axial position on the drum. At least one second groove may extend from a second axial position of the drum to a third axial position of the drum. The third axial position of the drum may be an axial end of the drum. The first groove and the second groove may extend axially of the drum. The first groove and the second groove may be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the drum. The first groove and the second groove may have a shape of a circular segment in their cross-sections.

[0044] In particular, the first groove may have a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the second groove. The difference between the radius of curvature of the first groove and the radius of curvature of the second groove is preferably smaller than or equal to the difference between the outer radius of the second component and the outer radius of the first component. The second groove may be open at the axial end of the drum. Therefore, the second groove may not have an opposing wall. Along the rotation of the insertion drum, it is preferable that a guide element covering the circumferential part of the drum gradually and completely covers a set of the first grooves from the first axial position to the second axial position.

[0045] The method and equipment of the present invention may enable a stationary guide element to gradually push the contents of the first set of grooves towards the contents of the second set of grooves. Therefore, the first component may be pushed from the first groove through a second axial position into the second groove. Coaxial first and second grooves having different radii of curvature, in particular, enable the first component to gradually move into the second component without any obstacles between the first and second grooves. Further, an open second groove at the axial end of the drum enables the second component to be pushed out through the axial end of the drum if there is a problem with the insertion of the first component into the second component.

[0046] In one embodiment, a detection system for the drum, particularly disposed downstream of the guide element, is provided, and this system detects the insertion of the first component into the second component. Further, the detection system may be adapted to check the integrity of the first component within the second component. The detection system may be a capacitance sensor. The detection system may be connected to a discharge system for disposing of the first component, or the second component, or both if they are detected as defective.

[0047] The present invention also provides an insertion drum adapted to convey both a first component in the form of a capsule and a second component having a cavity within grooves provided on the periphery of the drum. The grooves may extend axially of the drum. An inclined engagement surface may be provided at least partially outside the grooves. Preferably, the grooves are open at at least one axial end side of the insertion drum, particularly by having no opposing walls. The grooves may comprise aligned first and second grooves.

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

[0049] Due to the difference in diameter between the first section and the second section of the first component, the first component may be disposed slightly inclined within the first groove. In particular, the first section has a larger diameter towards the second groove. In particular, the air suction openings or holes within the first groove and the second groove are connected to a negative pressure supply source. In particular, the pressure of the negative pressure supply source is adjusted, whereby the insertion force does not significantly axially move the second component during the insertion process.

[0050] The guiding element covers the circumferential part of the drum such that the guiding element gradually covers the first groove during the rotation of the drum. Therefore, the guiding element pushes the first component along the first groove into the second component within the second groove.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the second component may be pushed by the guiding element towards the first component, whereby the second component is pushed outside the first component.

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

[0053] In particular, the first component is a fragile element containing contents for which leakage into the equipment should be avoided. The second groove may not have an opposing wall or may have an inclined discharge path, whereby in case of problems during the insertion of the first component into the second component, the second component and the first component move with respect to the second groove, preventing a high force from being applied to the first component.

[0054] The open distal end of the second groove relative to the first groove reduces the risk of the first component in the form of a capsule being damaged when the insertion operation fails. By reducing the risk of capsule breakage, which leads to the need to clean the device and thus can significantly affect the assembly process, the machine downtime is greatly reduced. The supply of the first component and the second component may be provided to the drum by two different upstream conveying elements, particularly a rotating drum. The upstream conveying elements may be arranged such that the first component is disposed within the first groove and the second component is disposed within the second groove that is closely adjacent to each other.

[0055] The detection system may detect the integrity of the first component after insertion.

[0056] Here, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be further described with reference to the following figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0057]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0058] The installation according to FIG. 1 allows for the insertion of the first component 1 in the form of a capsule into the second component 2 in the form of a hollow tube. The first component 1 is arranged in the first groove 3, while the second component 2 is arranged in the second groove 4. The first groove 3 and the second groove 4 are arranged in the circumferential plane of the drum 5 and preferably extend parallel to the first direction 100 of the drum 5, i.e., axially. In particular, several pairs of coaxial first and second grooves are preferably equidistantly distributed around the circumference of the drum, preferably in the second direction 200, i.e., circumferentially.

[0059] The drum 5 is driven to rotate around the central axis 300. The stationary guide element 6 is at least partially arranged around the circumference of the drum 5. The guide element 6 has an engagement surface 7 on the proximal side of the guide element 6 with respect to the second groove 4. The engagement surface 7 is adapted to push the first component 1 axially into the second component 2.

[0060] In particular, the first component 1 rotates with the drum 5 and slides along the guide element 6. Since the guide element 6 gradually covers the first groove 3 when the drum rotates relative to the guide element 6, the engagement surface 7 pushes the first component 1 into the second component 2.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows the cross-section 400-400 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates the start of the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the first component 1 has a proximal end 8 close to the second component 2. The first component has a distal end 9 far from the first component 2. The second component 2 has a proximal end 10 close to the first component 1. The second component 2 has a distal end 11 far from the first component 1.

[0062] The first component 1 may comprise a cylindrical first section 12 and a cylindrical second section 13, and the diameter of the first section 12 is larger than the diameter of the second section 13. In particular, the cylindrical first section 12 is disposed closer to the proximal end 8 than to the distal end 9 of the first component 1. Specifically, the first component 1 is a capsule, and the first section 12 and the second section 13 together form a capsule body filled with components. Each of the first section 12 and the second section 13 is a cap. The open end of the first section 12 is fixed on the open end of the second section 13, forming an enclosed volume inside the capsule body. Therefore, by disposing the cylindrical first section 12 proximally with respect to the second component 2, during the insertion of the first component 1 into the second component 2, the reaction force applied by the second component 2 onto the cylindrical first section 12 is directed in the closing direction of the cylindrical first section 12, and the first component 1 remains closed during insertion. Further, by disposing the cylindrical first section 12 proximally to the second component 2, there is no risk of the capsule being torn when the edge of the cylindrical first section 12 may stick to the edge of the second component 2 during insertion.

[0063] The second component 2 comprises a cavity 14 provided at least at its proximal end 10. In the present embodiment, the second component 2 is provided in the form of a hollow tube. The inner passage of the tube forms the cavity 14.

[0064] There is a step 15 between the first groove 3 and the second groove 4. In particular, the first groove 3 has a first depth 500, and the second groove 4 has a second depth 600. The height of the step 15 corresponds to the difference between the second depth 600 and the first depth 500. The second depth 600 is greater than the first depth 500. In particular, the first groove 3 has a cross-section in the form of a circular segment whose height is defined by the first depth 500. In particular, the second groove 4 has a cross-section in the form of a circular segment, and its height is defined by the second depth 600. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the step 15 corresponds to the wall thickness of the second component 2 at its proximal end 10, whereby the cavity 14 and the first groove 3 are at least partially in the same plane. This facilitates the insertion process of the first component 1 into the second component 2.

[0065] In particular, at least one air suction opening 16 may be provided in the first groove 3 to hold the first component 1. At least one air suction opening 17 may be provided in the second groove 4 to hold the second component. The air suction openings 16, 17 may be holes or apertures leading towards the interior of the drum 5. In order to enable proper holding of the second component during the insertion of the first component 1, it is preferred that several air suction openings 17 are provided in the second groove 4 along the longitudinal axis extension of the second groove 4.

[0066] The second groove 4 extends up to the axial end side 18 of the drum 5. Therefore, the second groove 4 is open in the axial direction 100 on its distal end 19 with respect to the first groove 3. The second component 2 may be pushed out of the second groove 4 via the axial end side 18 of the drum 5. When a longitudinal force of the second groove 4 greater than the holding force and potential frictional force of the air suction opening 17 is applied to the second component 2, the second component 2 is pushed out of the second groove 4.

[0067] This enables the ejection of the second component 2 in the event of a failed insertion of the first component 1, for example due to a misalignment between the first component 1 and the second component 2. As can be seen in Figure 2, the drum 5 may be formed from individual segments that are axially interconnected. In particular, the first segment may comprise a first groove 3 and the second segment may comprise a second groove 4.

[0068] In Figure 1, a detection system 20 arranged on the guide element 6 is shown, particularly on the circumferential downstream side of the guide element 6. The detection system 20 is adapted to check for the presence of the first component 1 inside the second component 2. If such presence is not detected, the second component 2 may be ejected from the drum 5, for example by using an injection of pressurized air.

[0069] A second guide element 21 in the form of a stationary lower holding part, which extends circumferentially on the outside of at least some of the second grooves 2, while the second groove 3 conveys the second component. The second guide element 21 is in the form of an arc that extends partially around the circumference of the drum 5. The second guide element 21 acts as an aid to the suction force from the air suction opening 17 and helps to hold the second component 2 in the second groove 4 during rotational transport or insertion onto the drum 5.

[0070] Figure 3 shows a perspective front view of the drum 5 rotating in the circumferential direction 200 around the central axis 300. Therefore, in the relative coordinate system of the drum 5, the inclined engagement surface 7 moves axially 100 outside the first and second grooves 3, 4. The engagement surface 7 presses the first component 1 present in the first groove 3 into the second component 2 held in the second groove 4.

[0071] This principle is also shown in Fig. 4, where the engagement surface 7 gradually presses the first component 1 into the second component 2. The drum 5, and the first groove 3 and the second groove 4 disposed above the circumference of the drum 5, are moved in the circumferential direction 200, while the guide element 6 having the inclined engagement surface 7 remains stationary. The engagement surface 7 is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction 200 and the axial direction 100.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the circumferential movement of the groove due to the rotation of the drum, a linear movement of the groove in a second direction with respect to the guide element may be provided, whereby the inclined engagement surface presses the first component into the second component in a first direction. Specifically, the movement of the groove in the second direction may be perpendicular to the extension of the major axis of the groove in the first direction.

[0073] Fig. 5 shows the ejection of the second component 2 when the insertion of the first component 1 fails, particularly due to misalignment with the second component 2. The insertion may also fail when the outer diameter of the first component 1 is outside the tolerance range or the inner diameter of the second component 2 is outside the tolerance range. This may lead to a higher axial force applied to the second component 2 during the insertion of the first component 1. During a failed insertion, the second component 2 may be pushed out of the second groove 4 in the first direction 100. This applies particularly when the insertion force is higher than the holding force of the second component 2 in the major axis direction of the second groove 4. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a failed insertion leading to a damaged first component. The first and second components that could not be properly assembled are automatically removed from the assembly process.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for assembling an aerosol-generating article, comprising: disposing a first component of the aerosol-generating article in a first groove; disposing at least partially hollow second component of the aerosol-generating article in a second groove; pushing the first component into the second component within the second groove in a first direction along the first groove by relatively moving the first groove in a second direction with respect to a guiding element having an engaging surface, whereby the engaging surface engages and pushes the first component in the first direction. Claim 2 The method according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a capsule containing an alkaloid-containing powder. Claim 3 The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component has a cylindrical first section and a cylindrical second section, and the diameter of the first section is larger than the diameter of the second section. Claim 4 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second component is at least partially formed as a cavity at its proximal end, and the wall thickness of the cavity at the proximal end corresponds to the height of a step between the second groove and the first groove. Claim 5 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first component and the second component are substantially aligned in their longitudinal axis directions to enable insertion, and in the case of misalignment, the second component is pushed out of the second groove in the first direction by the first component. Claim 6 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first groove and the second groove are provided axially aligned on a drum, the drum rotates with respect to the guiding element, and the guiding element is disposed at least partially along the circumferential direction of the drum radially outside the drum. Claim 7 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the engaging surface is disposed radially outside the proximal end of the second groove with respect to the first groove when the first component is fully inserted into the second component. Claim 8 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner diameter of the second component is larger than the outer diameter of the first component, whereby the first component can be easily pushed into the second component by the insertion force from the guiding element.

9. Equipment for assembling an aerosol generating article, comprising: a first groove for receiving a first component of the aerosol generating article; a second groove for receiving at least a partially hollow second component of the aerosol generating article; a guiding element having an inclined engagement surface; wherein the first groove and the second groove extend in a first direction; wherein the first groove and the second groove are movable relative to the guiding element in a second direction, while the inclined engagement surface is disposed above the first groove or the second groove; wherein the first groove and the second groove are formed on a drum, the guiding element is at least partially disposed around the circumference of the drum, and the engagement surface of the guiding element is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the drum.

10. The equipment according to claim 9, wherein the drum is rotatable and the guiding element is stationary.

11. The equipment according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the second groove is axially open at its distal end with respect to the first groove.

12. The equipment according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein negative pressure holding means is provided at least in the second groove and is adapted such that the holding force regarding the second component in the direction of the extension of the second groove is greater than the holding force regarding the first component in the direction of the extension of the first groove.

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

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

Images