Apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft and at least four discs. The discs each comprise a central shaft aperture. The shaft extends through the central shaft apertures of the discs. The discs are arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft. The outer periphery of the discs each comprise supporting groves for the rod-shaped elements. The apparatus further comprises at least one circular knife-blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two discs. The circular knife-blades are configured movable between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft. The circular knife-blades are configured to cut the rod-shaped elements. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting cutting length of the apparatus. The method comprises the steps of axially moving the discs between a first disc position and a second disc position and axially moving the circular knife-blade between the first blade position and the second blade position such that the distance between the circular knife-blades changes between the first blade position and the second blade position.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR CUTTING ROD-SHAPED ELEMENTS

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus.

[0003] It is known to provide aerosol-generating articles for aerosol-generating devices. The aerosol-generating article may comprise aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosolgenerating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. For manufacturing of the aerosol-generating articles, rods of aerosol-forming substrate or rods for other components of the aerosol-generating article such as filter elements or cooling portions are provided as comparatively large rods which are subsequently cut into smaller rod-shaped elements for use in individual aerosol-generating articles. Lately, a large variety of aerosolgenerating articles has been developed in line with different aerosol-generating devices. The individual rod-shaped elements of these aerosol-generating articles may have different lengths.

[0004] It would be desirable to have an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to have an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article with improved cutting of the rod-shaped elements. It would be desirable to have an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosolgenerating article with the option of easily changing the cutting length for the rod-shaped elements. It would be desirable to have a method for adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus may comprise a shaft. The shaft may extend along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The shaft may be configured rotatable around the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may comprise at least four discs. The discs each may comprise a central shaft aperture. The shaft may extend through the central shaft apertures of the discs. The discs may be arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft. The outer periphery of the discs may each comprise supporting groves for the rod-shaped elements. The apparatus may comprise at least one circular knifeblade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two discs. The circular knife-blade may be arranged movable between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft. The circular knife-blade may be configured to cut the rod-shaped elements. According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus comprises a shaft. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The shaft is configured rotatable around the longitudinal axis. The apparatus comprises at least four discs. The discs each comprise a central shaft aperture. The shaft extends through the central shaft apertures of the discs. The discs are arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft. The outer periphery of the discs each comprise supporting grooves for the rod-shaped elements. The apparatus comprises at least one circular knife-blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two discs. The circular knife-blade is arranged movable between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft. The circular knife-blade is configured to cut the rod-shaped elements.

[0006] By providing an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article comprising at least four discs being arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft, improved cutting of the rod-shaped elements may be provided. By providing an apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article comprising at least four discs being arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft, an apparatus with the option of easily changing the cutting length for the rod-shaped elements may be provided.

[0007] The rod-shaped element may be tubular. The rod-shaped element may be cylindrical. The rod-shaped element may be elongate. The rod-shaped element may have a length, measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, greater than a diameter. The rod-shaped element may comprise, preferably consist of, filter material wrapped in a wrapping paper and constituting filter elements. Alternatively, the rod-shaped element may comprise, preferably consist of, aerosol-forming substrate wrapped in a wrapping paper and constituting substrate portions. Alternatively, the rod-shaped element may comprise, preferably consist of, hollow tubular acetate tow wrapped in a wrapping paper and constituting cooling sections.

[0008] The shaft may be tubular. The shaft may be cylindrical. The shaft may be elongate. The shaft may have a length, measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, greater than a diameter. The shaft may have a circular cross section. The shaft may have a cubic cross-section. The shaft may have a triangular cross-section. The shaft may have a hexagonal cross-section. The shaft may have a cross-section with n edges, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12. The shaft may comprise a metal. The shaft may essentially consist of metal. The shaft may be made from metal. The shaft may be configured such that multiple discs can be mounted on the shaft. The shaft may be configured such that multiple discs can be mounted axially parallel on the shaft. The shaft may be rotated by a motor. The shaft may be connected to a motor.

[0009] Each disc may have a tubular shape. The hollow inner of each disc may be formed by a respective central shaft aperture. Each disc may have a round shape. Each disc may have a thickness smaller than diameter. Each disc may be made from metal. Each disc may be configured to be mounted on the shaft. Each disc may be configured to be mounted next to another disc.

[0010] Each central shaft aperture may have a shape matching the cross-section of the shaft. An area of a cross-section of the shaft aperture may be approximately the same as an area of the cross-section of the shaft. The area of the cross-section of the shaft aperture may be 1 , 2, 3, 4, or 5 percent larger than the area of the cross-section of the shaft. Each central shaft aperture may have a circular cross-section. Each central shaft aperture may have a rectangular cross-section. Each central shaft aperture may have a triangle shape. Each central shaft aperture may have a hexagonal shape. Each central shaft aperture may have a shape with n edges wherein n is an integer from 1 to 12. Each central shaft aperture may have an outer diameter larger than a thickness parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0011] The supporting groves each may have a semicircular cross-section. The supporting groves each may have a smaller diameter than the disc. An inner diameter of each supporting groove may correspond to an outer diameter of the rod-shaped element. Each supporting groove may be configured to support the rod-shaped element such that the rod-shaped element is held in the supporting groove during the cutting of the rod-shaped element. In other words, each supporting groove may be configured to support the rod-shaped element such that the rod-shaped element does not move with respect to the outer periphery of the disc during the cutting of the rod-shaped element. The semicircular cross-section of each supporting groove may enable insertion of the rod-shaped element into and removal from each supporting groove of the rod-shaped element.

[0012] The circular knife-blade may have a disc shape. The circular knife-blade may have a smooth blade. The circular knife-blade may have a serrated blade. The circular knife-blade may be arranged to transversally cut the rod-shaped element. The diameter of the circular knife-blade may extend in a transversal direction to the shaft. The diameter of the circular knifeblade may extend in a transversal direction to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The circular knife-blade may be arranged rotatable. The circular knife-blade may be arranged rotatable around a central longitudinal axis of the circular knife-blade. The central longitudinal axis of the circular knife-blade may be parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the shaft. The central longitudinal axis of the circular knife-blade may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The slot may be formed between two adjacent discs. The apparatus may comprise at least three slots formed between the four discs. Every second slot formed between two discs may be configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade. Every other slot formed between two discs may be configured as a knife-free slot. Every slot configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade may be surrounded by two knife-free slots. Thus, in case of four discs, the apparatus comprises three slots wherein the central slot is a slot configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade and the two surrounding outer slots are knife-free slots.

[0013] The apparatus may comprise a sequence of discs. The apparatus may comprise at least two end discs configured to support the ends of the long uncut rod-shaped elements. The apparatus may comprise two end discs configured to support the ends of the long uncut rodshaped elements. The apparatus may further comprise paired discs. The paired discs may form the slot where the circular knife-blade may be inserted. The circular knife-blade may be inserted when the shaft and the longitudinal axis of the circular knife-blade are arranged in a distance able to cut the rod-shaped element. The apparatus may comprise a pair of discs for each cut to be made. The apparatus may comprise a disc under each end of the expected cut rod-shaped elements. The knife-free slot may be not configured for insertion of a circular knifeblade. The part of the rod-shaped element adjacent the knife-free slot may be not cut. The knife-free slot may be arranged for varying the distance between adjacent discs in order to change the cutting length for the to-be-cut rods.

[0014] The slot configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade may have a smaller width than the knife-free slot. In other words, the distance between paired discs may be smaller than the distance between two pairs of paired discs. Again, in other words, the slot between paired discs may be smaller than the knife-free slot.

[0015] Configuring every second slot formed between two discs for insertion of the circular knife-blade may provide a disc under adjacent ends of cut segments after cutting of the rodshaped element. By configuring the slot provided with the circular knife-blade smaller than the slot with no circular knife-blade may help the rod-shaped elements to sustain pressure of the cut by the circular knife-blade. By configuring the knife-free slot bigger than the slot for insertion of a circular knife-blade may provide a space for moving the discs along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The axial length of the knife-free slot may vary according to the cutting length of the cut rod-shaped elements. The axial width of two discs and the axial length of the knife-free slot may define the length of the cut rod-shaped element.

[0016] The circular knife-blade may be configured rotatable. The shaft may be configured for rotation in one direction and the circular knife-blade may be configured for rotation in both directions. By configuring the circular knife-blade rotatable the circular knife-blade may be able to cut the rod-shaped elements in the transversal direction. Rotation of the shaft and the circular knife-blade in opposite directions may help to fix the rod-shaped elements in the supporting grooves of the discs.

[0017] The shaft may comprise a tongue extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The discs may each comprise a groove. The discs may be mounted on the tongue to prevent relative rotation between shaft and discs. The tongue may be integrally formed with the shaft. The tongue may be separate from the shaft. The tongue of the shaft and each groove of the discs may have matching shapes.

[0018] The tongue may be arranged on the otherwise circular outer periphery of the shaft. Each disc may be mounted on the tongue by engagement of the respective groove of the disc with the tongue of the shaft. A form-fitting mounting of each disc on the shaft may be facilitated in this way. The tongue may have a rectangular cross-section. The tongue may be made of metal. The tongue may be solid. The tongue may be configured as a protrusion. The tongue may be attached to the outer periphery of the shaft. The tongue may have a constant cross- sectional shape. The tongue may be any protrusion part at the shaft configured for attaching the discs at the shaft. The tongue may be formed by multiple separate protruding parts arranged at the shaft. The tongue may be formed by multiple screw holes at the shaft configured for attaching the discs by grub screws. At one end, one or both of the shaft and the tongue may have a stopper to prevent discs from being pushed over an end of the shaft. The stopper may be configured as a protrusion extending radially over one or both of the shaft and the tongue.

[0019] Providing the tongue parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may help aligning the discs each in the same orientation relative to each other. The longitudinal axis of the shaft may be identical to the longitudinal central axis of the shaft.

[0020] Providing the tongue parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may result in a predefined arrangement of all discs. Providing a tongue parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may result in a correct angular position of the discs. Providing a tongue parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft may provide attachment of the discs to the shaft in a correct angular position.

[0021] The apparatus may comprise a number of 2n discs for providing a number of n cut rodshaped elements from one rod._N may be an integer of at least 2. In other words, the apparatus may comprise two discs for each cut to be made. The apparatus may comprise at least two end discs and at least two paired discs to provide at least two cut rod-shaped elements. For each further cut a further pair of discs may be added. The apparatus may comprise a number of n-1 circular knife-blades and a number of 2n discs. N may be an integer of at least 2. In other words, each circular knife-blade may be inserted into a slot between two paired discs. The apparatus may further comprise two end discs.

[0022] The apparatus may comprise 2n discs, n-1 circular knives for providing n cut rodshaped elements, wherein n is an integer of at least 2. The discs may enclose 2n - 1 slots. The apparatus may comprise n-1 slots configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade and n knife-free slots.

[0023] Providing 2n discs for cutting a number of n cut rod-shaped elements may provide at least one disc under each end of an expected cut segment to keep the cut segment into the grove after the cut. Providing 2n discs for cutting a number of n cut rod-shaped elements may sustain the pressure of the cut by the circular knife-blade.

[0024] The supporting grooves of the discs may match the diameter of a rod-shaped element. Providing supporting groves of the discs that match the diameter of a rod-shaped element may provide a predefined destination for uncut rod-shaped elements. Providing supporting groves of the discs that match the diameter of a rod-shaped element may provide fixation of the rodshaped elements for the cutting process.

[0025] The discs each may comprise fixation means. The fixation means may comprise a protruding part, configured for fixing the discs by screws at one or both of shaft and tongue. Each disc may comprise at least one fixation means. The fixation means may be mounted on a first sidewall of each disc. The first sidewall may be a proximal or distal sidewall in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. An opposite second sidewall of each disc may have no fixation means. The fixation means may comprise a protruding part. The fixation means may be mounted adjacent to the central shaft aperture of the disc. The paired discs may be arranged at the shaft such that no fixation means is inside the slot provided for the circular knife-blade.

[0026] By providing discs each comprising a fixation means the discs may be fixable to a longitudinal position of the shaft. By providing a protruding part the discs may be fixed by a screw to the shaft at a predefined longitudinal position.

[0027] The protruding part may be an element extending in transversal direction to the disc’s diameter. The protruding part may be a cubic element. The protruding part may be a semicircular element. The protruding part may have a hole configured to be passed by a screw. The protruding part may be arranged adjacent to the central shaft aperture of the disc.

[0028] The discs each may comprise fixation means. The fixation means may comprise at least one of pin-means, cotter pin, split pin, R-clip, wherein one or both of shaft and tongue comprises mating holes, configured for a pre-defined positioning of the discs by the fixation means. The pin may be configured to fix a disc. The pin may be arranged through the hole of the protruding part. The pin may be arranged in transversal direction to the shaft. The pin may connect the disc with one or both of shaft and tongue. The pin may be arranged preferably where one or both of shaft and tongue provide a mating hole. The pin may be aligned through the shaft. The pin may connect the shaft and the protruding part of the disc. The mating holes may be configured to mark a position at one or both of shaft and tongue. The mating holes may be configured for positioning a disc by a pin at a predefined position.

[0029] By providing at least one of pin-means, cotter pin, split pin, R-clip an exact fixation of a disc at one or both of shaft and tongue may be provided. By providing mating holes a disc may be exactly fixed at a predetermined position of at least one of shaft and tongue. The discs may each comprise fixation means. The fixation means may each comprise a toggle button. The toggle button may comprise a pin and a push-release-button. The push-release button may be configured to attach and detach the pin from a fixation means. The push-release button may be arranged at one end of the longitudinal axis of the pin. By pressing the push-release button a pin may switch between an attached and a detached configuration. The push-release button may be arranged at a top portion of the pin. The push release-button may be accessible in any configuration.

[0030] By providing the fixation means comprising a pin, wherein the pin comprises a pushrelease button, the pin may be easily switched between an attached and a detached configuration.

[0031] The discs may comprise a ferromagnetic material. The shaft may comprise a magnet preferably a flat electric magnet. The electric magnet may be configured for fixation of the discs. The shaft may comprise a planar magnet arranged surrounding the shaft. The magnet may be configured switchable between an on and of configuration. The shaft may comprise a controller configured for switching the planar magnet between an on and of configuration. The discs may comprise a ferromagnetic material arranged surrounding the central shaft aperture.

[0032] By providing a shaft with a flat magnet and a disc comprising a ferromagnetic material the disc may be magnetically attached and detached by switching the magnet between an on and off configuration. By providing a controller configured for switching the planar magnet between an on and of configuration the apparatus may be able to magnetically attach and detach the discs.

[0033] The apparatus may comprise a feeding hopper, configured for supplying the rodshaped elements to the supporting grooves of the discs. The feeding hopper may be arranged above the shaft comprising the discs. The feeding hopper may store the rod-shaped elements before cut. The rod-shaped elements may fall by gravity from the feeding hopper into the groves formed by the discs. The feeding hopper may provide one rod into each groove formed by the discs.

[0034] By providing a feeding hopper, configured for supplying the rod-shaped elements to the supporting groves of the discs, a storage of rod-shaped elements may be automatically provided to the groves of the cutting apparatus.

[0035] According to the invention there is provided a method for adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus. The method may comprise the steps of: axially moving the discs between a first disc position and a second disc position, and axially moving the circular knife-blade between a first blade position and a second blade position.

[0036] The apparatus may comprise a receiving drum comprising adjustable supporting grooves configured for receiving the cut rod-shaped elements.

[0037] According to the invention there is provided a method for adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus. The method comprises the steps of: axially moving the discs between a first disc position and a second disc position, and axially moving the circular knife-blade between a first blade position and a second blade position.

[0038] By providing a method adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus comprising the steps of: axially moving the discs between a first disc position and a second disc position, and axially moving the circular knife-blade between a first blade position and a second blade position, the cutting length of rod-shaped elements may be easily changed between different predetermined settings. The cutting length may be different for all segments made from one rod. The method may comprise: moving at least two circular knife-blades between the first blade position and the second blade position such that the distance between the circular knife-blades changes between the first blade position and the second blade position.

[0039] As used herein, the term ‘rod-shaped-element’ refers to an element configured to be used in an aerosol-generating article. The rod-shaped-element may be a filter plug. The rod- shaped-element may be a substrate section. The rod-shaped-element may be a cooling section.

[0040] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

[0041] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosolgenerating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate. The aerosolforming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod shaped.

[0042] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between approximately 30 mm and approximately 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at a downstream end of the aerosolgenerating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug is approximately 7 mm in length in one embodiment, but may have a length of between approximately 5 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0043] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter of approximately 7.2 mm. Further, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of approximately 10 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of approximately 12 mm. Further, the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate may be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer paper wrapper. Further, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a separation between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 mm, but may be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm.

[0044] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or smoking article.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0046] The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be inserted and heated by an aerosol-generating device.

[0047] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein. Example 1 . An apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising: a shaft, wherein the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, wherein the shaft is configured rotatable around the longitudinal axis; at least four discs, wherein the discs each comprise a central shaft aperture, wherein the shaft extends through the central shaft apertures of the discs, wherein the discs are arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft, wherein the outer periphery of the discs each comprise supporting grooves for the rod-shaped elements; and at least one circular knife-blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two discs, wherein the circular knife-blade is arranged movable between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft, wherein the circular knife-blade is configured to cut the rodshaped elements.

[0048] Example 2. The apparatus according to example 1 , wherein every second slot formed between two discs is configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade.

[0049] Example 3. The apparatus according to example 2, wherein every other slot is configured as a knife-free slot.

[0050] Example 4. The apparatus according to example 2 or 3, wherein the slot is configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade has a smaller width than the slot with no circular knife-blade.

[0051] Example 5. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the circular knife-blade is configured rotatable.

[0052] Example 6. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the shaft is configured for rotation in one direction and the circular knife-blade configured for rotation in both directions.

[0053] Example 7. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the shaft further comprises a tongue extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and wherein the discs each comprise a groove, wherein the discs are mounted on the tongue to prevent relative rotation between shaft and discs.

[0054] Example 8. The apparatus according to example 7, wherein the tongue is integrally formed with the shaft.

[0055] Example 9. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, comprising a number of 2n discs for providing a number of n cut rod-shaped elements from one rod, wherein n is an integer of at least 2.

[0056] Example 10. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, comprising a number of n-1 circular knife-blades and a number of 2n discs, wherein n is an integer of at least 2. Example 11. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the supporting grooves of the discs match the diameter of a rod-shaped element.

[0057] Example 12. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the discs each comprise fixation means, wherein the fixations means comprise a protruding part, configured for fixing the discs by screws at one or both of shaft and tongue.

[0058] Example 13. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the discs each comprise fixation means, wherein the fixation means comprise at least one of pin, cotter pin, split pin, R-clip, wherein one or both of shaft and tongue comprises mating holes, configured for a pre-defined positioning of the discs by the fixation means.

[0059] Example 14. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the discs each comprise fixation means, wherein the fixation means each comprise a toggle button, wherein the toggle button comprises a pin and a push-release-button.

[0060] Example 15. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples, wherein the discs comprise a ferromagnetic material, wherein the shaft comprises a magnet, preferably a flat electric magnet, wherein the electric magnet is configured for fixation of the discs.

[0061] Example 16. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples further comprising a feeding hopper, configured for supplying the rod-shaped elements to the supporting grooves of the discs.

[0062] Example 17. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding examples further comprising a receiving drum comprising adjustable supporting grooves configured for receiving the cut rod-shaped elements.

[0063] Example 18. A method for adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the method comprises the steps of: axially moving the discs between a first disc position and a second disc position, and axially moving the circular knife-blade between a first blade position and a second blade position.

[0064] Example 19. The method according to example 18, wherein the method comprises moving at least two circular knife-blades between the first blade position and the second blade position such that the distance between the circular knife-blades changes between the first blade position and the second blade position.

[0065] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention. The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of an apparatus for cutting-rod shaped elements.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows a 3D view of a shaft and two discs.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows a 3D view of a shaft arranged with six movable discs.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a lateral view of the apparatus with six discs.

[0070] Fig. 5 shows a lateral view of the apparatus with four discs.

[0071] Fig. 6 shows a lateral view of the apparatus with six discs.

[0072] Fig. 7 shows a 3D view of a shaft and two discs comprising a screw attachment.

[0073] Fig. 8 shows a 3D view of a shaft and two discs comprising a magnetic attachment.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows two discs with a toggle button in attached and detached configuration.

[0075] Fig. 10 shows a toggle button in attached and detached configuration and a pair of discs attached to shaft and tongue by the toggle button.

[0076] Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of an apparatus 10 for cutting rod-shaped elements 18 of an aerosol-generating article. The apparatus 10 comprises a shaft 12, six discs 14 and two circular knife-blades 24 and 24’ mounted on a knife-shaft 22 and 22’. The shaft 12 is configured rotatable in a direction 16. The knife-shafts 22 and 22’ are each configured rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the knife-shaft in both directions. The circular knife-blades 24 and 24’ are configured to cut the rod-shaped element 18 in cut segments 20. The apparatus 10 is not limited to the presence of six discs 14. The apparatus 10 comprises 2n discs 14, n-1 knifeblades 24, for providing n cut rod-shaped elements 20.

[0077] Fig. 2 shows a 3D view of a shaft 12 and a tongue 26 configured to extend through the central shaft apertures 32 of the discs 14 and 14’. The tongue 26 is configured to extend through the groove 28 of the discs 14 and 14’. The discs 14 and 14’ are configured to be arranged at variable positions of the shaft 12.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows six discs 14 arranged at a shaft 12 and a tongue 26. The tongue 26 is configured to prevent relative rotation between the shaft 12 and the discs 14. The six discs 14 comprise two end discs 36 and 36’ and two paired discs. The end discs 36 and 36’ are configured as single discs to support the ends of the rod-shaped elements 18. The paired discs 38 and 38’ from a slot 34 for insertion of a circular-knife blade. The paired discs 38 and 38’ are configured to support the new ends of the plugs generated by a cut. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus 10 with six discs. The end discs 36 and the paired discs 38 are arranged at the shaft 12. The paired discs 38 and 38’ form a slot 34 and 34’ for insertion of a circular-knife blade 24. The apparatus 10 comprises a first cutting zone 40 where a first cut is performed. The apparatus comprises a second cutting zone 42 where a second cut is performed. The rod-shaped element 18 is provided in a supporting groove 30. The rod-shaped element 18 is cut in three segments 20.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a lateral view of the apparatus 10. The shaft 12 with a length S is mounted on an engine 44. The engine 44 is configured to rotate the shaft 12. The shaft 12 is illustrated with four discs. For providing two cut segments 20 the shaft 12 is configured with two end discs 36 and 36’ and one pair of discs 38. The rod-shaped element 18 with a length L is cut in two cut segments 20 with a length L / 2.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a lateral view of the apparatus 10. The shaft 12 with a length S is mounted on an engine 44. The engine 44 is configured to rotate the shaft 12. The shaft 12 is illustrated with six discs. For providing three cut segments 20 the shaft 12 is configured with two end discs 36 and 36’ and two pairs of discs 38 and 38’. The rod-shaped element 18 with a length L is cut in three segments 20 with a length L / 3.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows a 3D view of a shaft 12 and two discs 14 comprising a screw 48 attachment. The discs 14 each comprise a protruding part 46. The protruding part comprises a hole 50. A screw 48 is screwed through the hole 50 to attach the disc 14 at the shaft 12.

[0082] Fig. 8 shows a 3D view of a shaft 12 and two discs 14 comprising a magnetic attachment. The shaft 12 comprises a flat electric magnet 54. The flat electric magnet 54 is configured for applying a magnetic field 52. The discs 14 each comprise a ferromagnetic layer 56 configured to attach the disc 14 at the shaft 12 by the electric field 52.

[0083] Fig. 9 shows attachment of a disc 14 by a toggle button 58. The disc 14 comprises a protruding part 46. The toggle button 58 is configured to connect the protruding part at the tongue 26 to attach the disc 14 at the shaft 12.

[0084] Fig. 10 shows a toggle button 58 in attached and detached configuration and a pair of discs 38 attached to shaft 12 and tongue 26 by the toggle button 58. The toggle button 58 comprises a pin 62. The pin 62 is configured to be switched between an attached and a detached position by a push-release button 60. The push-release button 60 comprises a zigzag groove 64 and an arm 68. A spring 66 biases the push-release button 60. The push release button is configured to be set in two different positions to attach and detach the disc 14. The toggle button 58 is arranged outside the slot 34 formed between a pair of discs 38.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for cutting rod-shaped elements of an aerosol-generating article, the apparatus comprising: a shaft, wherein the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, wherein the shaft is configured rotatable around the longitudinal axis; at least four discs, wherein the discs each comprise a central shaft aperture, wherein the shaft extends through the central shaft apertures of the discs, wherein the discs are arranged movable between variable axial positions along the shaft, wherein the outer periphery of the discs each comprise supporting grooves for the rod-shaped elements; and at least one circular knife-blade configured to be inserted into a slot formed between two discs, wherein the circular knife-blade is arranged movable between variable axial positions parallel to the shaft, wherein the circular knife-blade is configured to cut the rodshaped elements.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein every second slot formed between two discs is configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein every other slot is configured as a knife-free slot.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the slot configured for insertion of the circular knife-blade has a smaller width than the slot with no circular knifeblade.

5. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the shaft further comprises a tongue extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and wherein the discs each comprise a groove, wherein the discs are mounted on the tongue to prevent relative rotation between shaft and discs.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tongue is integrally formed with the shaft.

7. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, comprising a number of 2n discs for providing a number of n cut rod-shaped elements from one rod, wherein n is an integer of at least 2.

8. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, comprising a number of n-1 circular knife-blades and a number of 2n discs, wherein n is an integer of at least 2.

9. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the supporting grooves of the discs match the diameter of a rod-shaped element.

10. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the discs each comprise fixation means, wherein the fixations means comprise a protruding part, configured for fixing the discs by screws at one or both of shaft and tongue.

11. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the discs each comprise fixation means, wherein the fixation means comprise at least one of pin, cotter pin, split pin, R-clip, wherein one or both of shaft and tongue comprises mating holes, configured for a pre-defined positioning of the discs by the fixation means.

12. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims, wherein the discs each comprise fixation means, wherein the fixation means each comprise a toggle button, wherein the toggle button comprises a pin and a push-release-button.

13. The apparatus according to any of the proceeding claims further comprising a receiving drum comprising adjustable supporting grooves configured for receiving the cut rodshaped elements.

14. A method for adjusting cutting-length of the apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the steps of: axially moving the discs between a first disc position and a second disc position, and axially moving the circular knife-blade between a first blade position and a second blade position.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises moving at least two circular knife-blades between the first blade position and the second blade position such that the distance between the circular knife-blades changes between the first blade position and the second blade position.

Images