Apparatus for manufacturing a reception cup of an aerosol device, associated installation and method

Abstract

The apparatus (42) is configured for manufacturing a reception cup (14) for an aerosol generating device (10), the reception cup (14) being intended to receive an aerosol generating article, the apparatus (42) comprising: - a holding system (50) comprising a holding tool (52) configured for holding the reception cup (14); - a coating system (60) comprising an internal coating tool (62) extending along an internal coating tool axis and configured for making an internal antiadhesive coating of the reception cup (14), such that the internal antiadhesive coating covers an internal surface of a tubular reception wall (16) of the reception cup (14), the internal antiadhesive coating being able to prevent the adhesion upon heating of an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article onto the internal surface.

Description

[0001] Apparatus for manufacturing a reception cup of an aerosol device, associated installation and method

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns an apparatus for manufacturing a reception cup for an aerosol generation device. The reception cup is intended to receive an aerosol generating article.

[0004] The aerosol generating article is configured to operate with the aerosol generating device to produce aerosol. In particular, the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate and is able to generate aerosol when heated.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is known in the art to use, a reception cup for the aerosol generating devices. Such a reception cup comprises a tubular reception wall extending along a reception wall axis and comprising an internal surface delimiting a reception space intended to receive the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device further comprises a heater configured for heating the reception space.

[0007] During the use of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article may be damaged and the aerosol generating substrate (for example tobacco leaves) may break up into residues remaining within the reception space onto the walls of the reception cup even after the end of the smoking session. These residues are difficult to remove. If not entirely cleaned up, these residues may burn in the next smoking session creating unpleasant smell and flavour.

[0008] To facilitate the cleaning of the reception cup, it is known to coat the inner surface of the reception cup with an antiadhesive coating. With such a coating, the aerosol generating substrate falls out of the reception space without the need of intensive cleaning, for example thanks to gravity.

[0009] However, the coating of the reception cup is difficult to implement. It is hard to achieve an effective, durable coating quickly and easily. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One of the aims of the invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a reception cup for an aerosol generating device, wherein the manufacturing, and in particular the realisation of the antiadhesive coating, is fast, effective and easy.

[0011] For this purpose, the invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a reception cup for an aerosol generating device, the reception cup being intended to receive an aerosol generating article, the apparatus comprising:

[0012] - a holding system comprising a holding tool configured for holding the reception cup;

[0013] - a coating system comprising an internal coating tool extending along an internal coating tool axis and configured for making an internal antiadhesive coating of the reception cup, such that the internal antiadhesive coating covers an internal surface of a tubular reception wall of the reception cup, the internal antiadhesive coating being able to prevent the adhesion upon heating of an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article onto the internal surface.

[0014] Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating is applied in a precise, efficient and fast manner.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the holding tool comprises a magnetic attachment designed to hold the reception cup by magnetic attraction, in particular by magnetic attraction of a free edge of the tubular reception wall.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the internal coating tool is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating of the reception wall hold by the holding tool, during a joint displacement in rotation of both the internal coating tool and the holding tool, in particular around a main axis of a manufacturing installation, for instance from a feeding system of the manufacturing installation to a discharging system of the manufacturing installation.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the internal coating tool comprises:

[0018] - at least one rod extending along the internal coating tool axis;

[0019] - at least a spraying nozzle mounted onto the at least one rod; the at least one rod being designed to be displaced within a reception space delimited by the internal surface of the tubular reception wall at least along a reception wall axis, the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool being configured to spray an antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating when the rod is displaced within the reception space.

[0020] Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating is applied on all the internal surface of the tubular reception wall. The rod makes it possible to reach areas of the tubular reception wall that are deep within the reception space.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the internal coating tool comprises a single rod and a plurality of spraying nozzles.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool is mounted on a detachable coating head which is removably mounted onto the rod.

[0023] Thanks to these features, the cleaning of the spraying nozzles is made easier.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the internal coating tool further comprises a curing unit configured for curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool, the curing unit being designed to be displaced within the reception space at least along the reception wall axis.

[0025] Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating is efficiently cured. The displacement of the curing unit within the reception space makes it possible to reach areas of the tubular reception wall that are deep within the reception space. Furthermore, the internal coating tool ensures both the spraying and the curing of the coating, which makes the apparatus particularly efficient at realising the coating.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the curing unit is a light curing unit configured for emitting light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the light curing unit comprises an annular support arranged around the rod, a printed circuit board mounted onto the annular support, a plurality of light emitting sources mounted onto the printed circuit board and a tubular light guide mounted onto the annular support and extending around the corresponding rod. According to some embodiments, the light curing unit of the internal coating tool is configured for emitting UV-light.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the curing unit is a thermal curing unit configured for transferring heat to the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the magnetic attachment has an annular shape with a circular central passage, the circular central passage being arranged to allow the passage of at least part of the internal coating tool, for instance the at least one rod and / or the at least one nozzle of the internal coating tool.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the coating system further comprises an external coating tool extending along an external coating tool axis and configured for making an external antiadhesive coating covering an external surface of the reception wall, the external surface being opposite the internal surface.

[0031] Thanks to these features, the external antiadhesive coating is applied in a precise, efficient and fast manner.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool is configured for making the external antiadhesive coating such that the external antiadhesive coating further covers the free edge of the reception wall, the free edge of the reception wall connecting the internal and external surfaces, so that the internal antiadhesive coating and the external antiadhesive coating are substantially seamlessly connected.

[0033] Thanks to these features, the external antiadhesive coating contributes to the mechanical stability of the internal antiadhesive coating. The external antiadhesive coating may prevent the internal antiadhesive coating from undergoing peeling due to the tensile stress across the coating generated during manufacturing as well as during the use of the device (during which heating cycles may be applied to the reception wall).

[0034] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool is configured for making the external antiadhesive coating of the reception wall hold by the holding tool, during a joint displacement in rotation of both the external coating tool and the holding tool, in particular around a main axis of the manufacturing installation, for instance from the feeding system to the discharging system.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool comprises:

[0036] - at least one arm extending along the external coating tool axis;

[0037] - at least a spraying nozzle mounted onto the at least one arm; the at least one arm being designed to be arranged parallel to the reception wall when the reception cup is hold by the holding tool, the at least one arm being configured for being displaced in rotation around the reception wall relatively to the reception wall axis, the at least one spraying nozzle of the external coating tool being configured to spray an antiadhesive coating material to make the external antiadhesive coating when the at least one arm is displaced in rotation around the reception wall.

[0038] Thanks to these features, the rotation of the arm around the reception wall axis makes it possible to apply the coating homogeneously around the tubular reception wall.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool further comprises an arm support, a shaft and a motor, the arm support supporting the at least one arm and being connected to the shaft, the shaft extending substantially parallel to the external coating tool axis and being mounted onto the motor, the motor being configured for driving the shaft of the external coating tool, and consequently the arm support and the at least one arm in rotation around the external coating tool axis.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool comprises two arms, in particular symmetrically arranged with respect to the external coating tool axis, and a plurality of spraying nozzles.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the rotation speed of the at least one arm around the reception wall is between 20 rpm and 60 rpm.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool further comprises a curing unit configured for curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the external coating tool. Thanks to these features, the external antiadhesive coating is efficiently cured. Furthermore, the external coating tool ensures both the spraying and the curing of the coating, which makes the apparatus particularly efficient at realising the coating.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the curing unit of the external coating tool is a light curing unit mounted onto the at least one arm and configured for emitting light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the external coating tool to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the light curing unit of the external coating tool is configured for emitting UV-light.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the curing unit of the external coating tool is a thermal curing unit configured for transferring heat to the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the external coating tool to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the internal coating tool and the external coating tool are arranged axially on either side of the holding tool so that the internal coating tool axis, the reception wall axis and the external coating tool axis coincide when the reception wall is hold by the holding tool.

[0047] Thanks to these features, the holding tool and the internal and external coating tools are arranged so that both the internal and external antiadhesive coating can be realised simultaneously.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the coating system is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating and / or the external antiadhesive coating made up of an antiadhesive coating material comprising:

[0049] - polyethersulfone;

[0050] - polytetrafluoroethylene;

[0051] - silicone; and / or

[0052] - ceramic.

[0053] Thanks to these features, the internal and external antiadhesive coatings present satisfying antiadhesive properties. According to some embodiments, the coating system is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating and / or the external antiadhesive coating made up of an antiadhesive coating material comprising a light-curable material and further comprising:

[0054] - polyethersulfone;

[0055] - polytetrafluoroethylene;

[0056] - silicone; and / or

[0057] - ceramic

[0058] According to some embodiments, the light-curable material is a UV-curable material.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the light-curable material is a thermally resistant material, for example an epoxy resin.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the coating system is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating and / or the external antiadhesive coating made up of an antiadhesive coating material comprising a heat-curable material, for example comprising:

[0061] - polyethersulfone;

[0062] - polytetrafluoroethylene;

[0063] - silicone; and / or

[0064] - ceramic.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the internal antiadhesive coating presents a thickness between 5 pm and 30 pm.

[0066] According to some embodiments, when the internal antiadhesive coating comprises silicon, the internal antiadhesive coating presents a thickness between 11 pm and 30 pm.

[0067] According to some embodiments, when the internal antiadhesive coating comprises ceramic, the internal antiadhesive coating presents a thickness between 5 pm and 25 pm.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the external antiadhesive coating presents a thickness between 5 pm and 30 pm.

[0069] According to some embodiments, when the external antiadhesive coating comprises silicon, the external antiadhesive coating presents a thickness between 11 pm and 30 pm. According to some embodiments, when the external antiadhesive coating comprises ceramic, the external antiadhesive coating presents a thickness between 5 pm and 25 pm.

[0070] The invention also concerns a manufacturing installation comprising a plurality of apparatuses as described above, the installation comprising:

[0071] - a holding tool support rotatably movable around a main axis and onto which each holding tool of the plurality of apparatuses is mounted;

[0072] - an internal coating tool support rotatably movable around the main axis and onto which each internal coating tool of the plurality of apparatuses is mounted;

[0073] - a feeding system configured for conveying reception walls to be coated to the holding tools;

[0074] - a discharging system configured for conveying coated reception walls away from the holding tools; each internal coating tool being configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating of a reception wall hold by a corresponding holding tool, during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool from the feeding system to the discharging system.

[0075] Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating of several reception cups can be realised in a continuous process.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the rods of the internal coating tools of the plurality of apparatuses are arranged onto a spraying plate of the internal coating tool support and the curing units of the internal coating tools of the plurality of apparatus are arranged onto a curing plate of the internal coating tool support.

[0077] According to some embodiments, the spraying plate is moveable along the main axis between an idle position and a spraying position, each rod of the plurality of apparatuses being displaced within the corresponding reception space and each corresponding spraying nozzle spraying the antiadhesive material to make the internal antiadhesive coating when the spraying plate is displaced between the idle and spraying positions.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the curing plate is moveable along the main axis between an idle position and a spraying position, each curing unit being in the pulled-out position when the curing plate is in the idle position and each curing unit being in the inserted position when the curing plate is in the curing position.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the manufacturing installation further comprises a first preheater configured for preheating the reception walls to be coated, for instance between 30°C and 60°C, advantageously substantially at 40°C.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the manufacturing installation further comprises a second preheater configured for preheating the coated reception walls 16, for instance between 60°C and 100°C, advantageously substantially at 80°C.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the manufacturing installation further comprises a baking unit configured heating the coated reception walls 16 between 350°C and 400°C, advantageously substantially at 380°C, for instance for a duration between 5 min and 15 min, advantageously for a duration substantially equal to 10 min.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the holding tool support comprises an attachment plate extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis, the attachment plate comprising the magnetic attachments of the holding tools of the plurality of apparatuses.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the feeding system is configured for conveying the reception walls to be coated in a first conveying direction substantially perpendicular to the main axis.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the feeding system comprises a conveyor belt configured for carrying the reception walls to be coated to the holding tools.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the discharging system is configured for conveying the coated reception walls in a second conveying direction substantially perpendicular to the main axis.

[0086] According to some embodiments, the discharging system comprises a conveyor belt configured for carrying the coated reception walls away from the holding tools.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are substantially parallel. According to some embodiments, the manufacturing installation further comprises an external coating tool support rotatably movable around the main axis and onto which each external coating tool of the plurality of apparatuses is mounted; each external coating tool being configured for making the external antiadhesive coating of a reception wall hold by the corresponding holding tool, during the displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool from the feeding system to the discharging system.

[0088] Thanks to these features, the external antiadhesive coating of several reception cups can be realised in a continuous process.

[0089] According to some embodiments, the external coating tool support comprises a support plate supporting the shafts and the motors of the external coating tools of the plurality of apparatuses.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the manufacturing installation further comprises a central shaft moveable in rotation around the main axis and a motor configured for driving the central shaft in rotation, the central shaft supporting the holding tool support, the internal coating tool support and the external coating tool support.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the central shaft drives the holding tool support, the internal coating tool support and, advantageously, the external coating tool support in rotation around the main axis.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the rotation speed of the central shaft is between 2 rpm and 10 rpm.

[0093] The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing a reception cup of an aerosol generating device with an apparatus as described above, the reception cup being intended to receive an aerosol generating article, the method comprising the following steps:

[0094] - holding of the reception wall by a holding tool of a holding system;

[0095] - making of the internal antiadhesive coating by an internal coating tool of a coating system. Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating is applied in a precise, efficient and fast manner.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating comprises:

[0097] - displacing at least one rod of the internal coating tool within the reception space at least along the reception wall axis; and

[0098] - during the displacing of the at least one rod, spraying, by at least a spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool, of an antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating.

[0099] Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating is applied on all the internal surface of the tubular reception wall. The rod makes it possible to reach areas of the tubular reception wall that are deep within the reception space.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprises displacing the at least one rod out of the reception space.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprises displacing the curing unit of the internal coating tool in the inserted position and, when the curing unit is in the inserted position, curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool. For instance, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprises displacing the curing unit in the pulled out position.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the curing unit is a light curing unit, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprising displacing the light curing unit of the internal coating tool in the inserted position and, when the light curing unit is in the inserted position, emitting light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. For instance, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprises displacing the light curing unit in the pulled out position.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the curing unit is a thermal curing unit, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprising displacing the thermal curing unit of the internal coating tool in the inserted position and, when the thermal curing unit is in the inserted position, transferring heat to the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle of the internal coating tool to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. For instance, the step of making the internal antiadhesive coating further comprises displacing the thermal curing unit in the pulled out position.

[0104] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises making of an external antiadhesive coating by an external coating tool of the coating system, the external antiadhesive coating covering an external surface of the reception wall, the external surface being opposite the internal surface, the step of making the external antiadhesive coating comprising:

[0105] - arranging at least one arm of the external coating tool parallel to the reception wall;

[0106] - displacing the at least one arm in rotation around the reception wall relatively to the reception wall axis;

[0107] - during the displacement in rotation of the at least one arm, spraying, by at least one spraying nozzle of the external coating tool, of an antiadhesive coating material to make the external antiadhesive coating.

[0108] Thanks to these features, the rotation of the arm around the reception wall axis makes it possible to apply the coating homogeneously around the tubular reception wall.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the making of the external antiadhesive coating is such that the external antiadhesive coating further covers a free edge of the reception wall, the free edge of the reception wall connecting the internal and external surfaces, so that the internal antiadhesive coating and the external antiadhesive coating are substantially seamlessly connected.

[0110] The invention also concerns a process for manufacturing a plurality of reception cups of aerosol generating devices, the process comprising the following steps:

[0111] - conveying of reception walls to be coated to a plurality of holding tools of a manufacturing installation comprising a plurality of apparatuses, the plurality of holding tools being mounted onto a holding tool support rotatably movable around a main axis;

[0112] - for each reception wall hold by a corresponding holding tool, realisation of the method as described above, the making of the internal antiadhesive coating being carried out by a corresponding internal coating tool, during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool from the feeding system to the discharging system; - conveying of coated reception walls away from the holding tools by a discharging system.

[0113] Thanks to these features, the internal antiadhesive coating of several reception cups can be realised in a continuous process.

[0114] According to some embodiments, for each reception wall hold by a corresponding holding tool, the process comprises making by corresponding external coating tools mounted onto an external coating tool support rotatably movable around the main axis, of external antiadhesive coatings of reception walls hold by corresponding holding tools, during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tools from the feeding system to the discharging system.

[0115] Thanks to these features, the external antiadhesive coating of several reception cups can be realised in a continuous process.

[0116] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting example and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0118] - Figure 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising a reception cup receiving the aerosol generating article;

[0119] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of an internal coating tool of an apparatus for manufacturing the reception cup of figure 1 , according to the invention;

[0120] - Figure 3 is a perspective view of an external coating tool of an apparatus for manufacturing the reception cup of figure 1 , according to the invention;

[0121] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a manufacturing installation for manufacturing a plurality of reception cups, said manufacturing installation comprising a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses according to the invention, a spraying plate and a light curing plate of an internal coating tool support of the installation being respectively in an idle position;

[0122] - Figure 5 is a perspective view of the manufacturing installation of figure 4, wherein the spraying plate is in a spraying position, the light curing plate being in an idle position, the internal coating tool support, a holding tool support and an external coating tool support being rotated around a main axis in comparison to figure 4;

[0123] - Figure 6 is a perspective view of the manufacturing installation of figures 4 and 5, wherein the spraying plate and the light curing plate are respectively in the idle position, the internal coating tool support, the holding tool support and the external coating tool support being rotated around the main axis in comparison to figure 5;

[0124] - Figure 7 is a perspective view of the manufacturing installation of figures 4 to 6, wherein the spraying plate is the idle position, the light curing plate being in a curing position, the internal coating tool support, the holding tool support and the external coating tool support being rotated around the main axis in comparison to figure 6;

[0125] - Figure 8 is a perspective view of the manufacturing installation of figures 4 to 7, wherein the spraying plate and the light curing plate are respectively in the idle position, the internal coating tool support, the holding tool support and the external coating tool support being rotated around the main axis in comparison to figure 7;

[0126] - Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a process for manufacturing a plurality of reception cups of aerosol generating devices, according to the invention.

[0127] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0128] Before describing the invention, it is to be understood that it is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

[0129] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a vaping device to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, by means of a heater element explained in further detail below. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, e.g. by activating the heater element for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol), which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a vaping button and / or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation to enable a variable amount of vapour to be provided (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.). The device may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and / or the heated aerosol generating substance (aerosol pre-cursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter to maintain the temperature at the target temperature that enables efficient generation of aerosol.

[0130] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0131] As used herein, the terms “aerosol generating substrate” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binding agent, a stabilizing agent, and a humectant.

[0132] FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0133] In the following, a first embodiment of the invention is described.

[0134] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol generating article 1.

[0135] The aerosol generating device 10 is intended to operate with the aerosol generating article 1 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generating article 1 comprises an aerosol generating substrate and is designed to generate aerosol when heated.

[0136] The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a device body 12, a reception cup 14 and a heater 26. Advantageously, the aerosol generating device 10 further comprises various parts designed to carry out different functionalities of the device 10, such as a fluid reservoir, a battery, a control module, etc. These elements are knows as such and will not be further disclosed below.

[0137] The reception cup 14 comprises a tubular reception wall 16 extending along a reception wall axis A.

[0138] The tubular reception wall 16 comprises an internal surface 18, an internal antiadhesive coating 20, an external surface 22 and advantageously an external antiadhesive coating 24. As shown on the example of figures 1 and 3, the tubular reception wall 16 is closed at an end 16A and open at an opposite free edge 16B. Advantageously, the tubular reception wall 16 comprises a lateral portion 15 extending substantially parallel to the reception wall axis A between the end 16A and the free edge 16B. For instance, the free edge 16B of the reception wall 16 connects the internal surface 18 and the external surface 22. For instance, the tubular reception wall 16 further comprises a bottom portion 17 extending substantially perpendicular to the reception wall axis A, for example at the end 16A. For example, the lateral portion 15 and the bottom portion 17 are in one piece.

[0139] The internal surface 18 delimits a reception space 19 intended to receive the aerosol generating article 1. For instance, the internal surface 18 comprises an internal surface of the lateral portion 15 and an internal surface of the bottom portion 17. The internal surface of the lateral portion 15 is oriented toward the reception wall axis A.

[0140] The internal antiadhesive coating 20 covers the internal surface 18, advantageously the internal surface of the lateral portion 15 and the internal surface of the bottom portion 17. The internal antiadhesive coating 20 is able to prevent adhesion upon heating of the aerosol generating substrate onto the internal surface 18, in particular upon heating of the reception space 19 by the heater 26. For example, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 is made up of an antiadhesive coating material comprising a light-curable material and further comprising polyethersulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone and / or ceramic. For instance, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 presents a thickness between 5 pm and 30 pm. Advantageously, when the internal antiadhesive coating 20 comprises silicon, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 presents a thickness between 11 pm and 30 pm. Advantageously, when the internal antiadhesive coating 20 comprises ceramic, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 presents a thickness between 5 pm and 25 pm.

[0141] The external surface 22 is opposite the internal surface 18. For instance, the external surface 22 comprises an external surface of the lateral portion 15 and an external surface of the bottom portion 17. The external surface of the lateral portion 15 faces away from the reception wall axis A.

[0142] The external antiadhesive coating 24 covers the external surface 22. Advantageously, the external surface 22 comprises an external surface of the lateral portion 15 and an external surface of the bottom portion 17. Preferably, the external antiadhesive coating 24 covers the external surface 22 and the free edge 16B of the reception wall 16, advantageously so that the internal antiadhesive coating 20 and the external antiadhesive coating 24 are substantially seamlessly connected. For example, the external antiadhesive coating 24 is made up of the antiadhesive coating material. For instance, the external antiadhesive coating 24 presents a thickness between 5 pm and 30 pm. Advantageously, when the external antiadhesive coating 24 comprises silicon, the external antiadhesive coating 24 presents a thickness between 11 pm and 30 pm. Advantageously, when the external antiadhesive coating 24 comprises ceramic, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 presents a thickness between 5 pm and 25 pm.

[0143] The heater 26 is configured for heating the reception space 19, advantageously in order to heat the aerosol generating article 1 and to generate aerosol.

[0144] Figures 4 to 8 show an installation 40 for manufacturing a plurality of reception cups 14. The manufacturing installation 40 comprises a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses 42. The manufacturing installation 40 further comprises a holding tool support 110, an internal coating tool support 120, a feeding system 140 and a discharging system 150. Advantageously, the manufacturing installation 40 further comprises an external coating tool support 130. For instance, as shown on the example of figure 4 to 8, the manufacturing installation 40 further comprises a central shaft 100. For example, the installation 40 further comprises:

[0145] - a device (not shown) for degreasing and roughening, for example by sandblasting, reception walls 16 to be coated; - a source of antiadhesive coating material (not shown);

[0146] - pipes 98 fluidically connecting the antiadhesive coating material source to the plurality of manufacturing apparatuses 42;

[0147] - a device for stirring the antiadhesive coating material (not shown);

[0148] - a device for filtering the antiadhesive coating material (not shown);

[0149] - a first preheater configured for preheating the reception walls 16 to be coated, for instance between 30°C and 60°C, advantageously substantially at 40°C;

[0150] - a second preheater configured for preheating the coated reception walls 16, for instance between 60°C and 100°C, advantageously substantially at 80°C;

[0151] - a baking unit configured for heating the coated reception walls 16 between 350°C and 400°C, advantageously substantially at 380°C, for instance for a duration between 5 min and 15 min, advantageously for a duration substantially equal to 10 min.

[0152] In reference to figures 2 to 8, a manufacturing apparatus 42 of the plurality of manufacturing apparatuses 42 is described below. This description is applicable to each and every one of the apparatuses 42 of the manufacturing installation 40. The manufacturing apparatus 42 is configured for manufacturing a reception cup 14 of an aerosol generating device 10. The apparatus 42 comprises a holding system 50 and a coating system 60.

[0153] The holding system 50 comprises a holding tool 52 configured for holding the reception cup 14. For example, as shown on figures 4 to 8, the holding tool 52 is mounted onto the holding tool support 110 which will be further described below. For instance, the holding tool 52 comprises a magnetic attachment 54 designed to hold the reception cup 14 by magnetic attraction. In particular, as it will be further described below, the holding tool 52 is configured for taking hold of a reception cup 14 to be coated provided by the feeding system 140 and for releasing the coated corresponding reception cup 14 into the discharging system 150. As shown on the example of figures 4 to 8, the magnetic attachment 54 is designed to hold the reception cup 14 by magnetic attraction of the free edge 16B of the tubular reception wall 16.

[0154] The magnetic attachment 54 is designed to take hold of the reception cup 14 brought to it by the feeding system 140 and is designed to release the reception cup 14 into the discharging system 150. As shown on the example of figures 4 to 8, the magnetic attachment 54 is designed to hold the reception cup 14 by the free edge 16B of the tubular reception wall 16. Advantageously, the magnetic attachment 54 has an annular shape with a circular central passage which is arranged to allow the passage of at least part of the internal coating tool 62, for example at least one rod 64 and / or at least one curing unit of the internal coating tool 62. In particular, the circular central passage defines a centre which coincides with the reception wall axis A of a corresponding reception cup 14, when said reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52.

[0155] The coating system 60 comprises an internal coating tool 62 and advantageously an external coating tool 80.

[0156] The internal coating tool 62 extends along an internal coating tool axis 11 and is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating 20 of the reception cup 14, such that the internal antiadhesive coating 20 covers the internal surface 18 of the tubular reception wall 16 of the reception cup 14. For example, as shown on figures 4 to 8, the internal coating tool 62 is mounted onto the internal coating tool support 120 which will be further described below. Advantageously, as it will be described in more detail below, the internal coating tool 62 is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating 20 of a corresponding reception wall 16 hold by a corresponding holding tool 52, during a joint displacement in rotation of both the internal coating tool 62 and the corresponding holding tool 52, in particular around a main axis X-X’. For instance, the internal coating tool 62 comprises at least a rod 64 extending along the internal coating tool axis 11 and at least a spraying nozzle 68 mounted onto the at least one rod 64. As shown on the example of figures 2 to 8, the internal coating tool 62 comprises a single rod 64 and a plurality of spraying nozzles 68. In the following, a single rod 64 is described. Of course, the description is applicable to each and every one of the rods 64 when the internal coating tool 62 comprises several rods 64. Advantageously, the internal coating tool 62 and the holding tool 52 are arranged so that when the reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52, the reception wall axis A and the internal coating tool axis 11 are coincident. Advantageously again, the reception wall axis A and the internal coating tool axis 11 remain coincident during the joint rotation of the internal coating tool 62 and the corresponding holding tool 52. For example, the internal coating tool 62 further comprises a curing unit, advantageously one curing unit per rod 64. As shown on figures 4 to 8, the internal coating tools 62 of the plurality of apparatuses 42 are arranged onto the internal coating tool support 120 on a circle, the centre of which coinciding with the main axis X-X’. In particular, the rods 64 and the curing units of the internal coating tools 62 of the plurality of apparatuses 42 are arranged onto respectively a spraying plate 122 and a curing plate 124 of the internal coating tool support 120 on a respective circle, the centre of which coinciding with the main axis X-X’. The rod 64 is designed to be displaced within the reception space 19 at least along the reception wall axis A, and in particular through the circular central passage of the magnetic attachment 54. For instance, the rod 64 comprises a duct 66 in which the antiadhesive coating material is designed to flow. The duct 66 is in fluidic communication with the at least one spraying nozzle 68. Advantageously, the duct 66 is in fluidic communication with a source of antiadhesive coating material (not shown). For instance, as shown on figures 2, 4 and 6 to 8, the rod 64 extends between a first end 64A and a second end 64B. The first end 64A is attached to a spraying plate 122 of the internal coating tool support 120.

[0157] The at least one spraying nozzle 68 is configured to spray the antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating 20 when the rod 64 is displaced within the reception space 19. For instance, the at least one spraying nozzle 68 is mounted onto the second end 64B of the rod 64. For example, at least one spraying nozzle 68A is configured for spraying antiadhesive coating material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the internal coating tool axis 11. Said at least one spraying nozzle 68A is advantageously designed to spray antiadhesive coating material onto the internal surface of the lateral portion 15 of the reception wall 16. For example, at least one spraying nozzle 68B is configured for spraying antiadhesive coating material in a direction substantially parallel to the internal coating tool axis 11. Said at least one spraying nozzle 68B is advantageously designed to spray antiadhesive coating material onto the internal surface of the bottom portion 17 of the reception wall 16. For example, the at least one spraying nozzle 68 is mounted on a detachable coating head 70 which is removably mounted onto the rod 64. This makes the cleaning of the spraying nozzles 68 easier. For instance, the detachable coating head 70 is mounted onto the rod 64 by screwing along the internal coating tool axis 11 and, as shown on figure 2, comprises gripping grooves, which make the screwing and unscrewing of the head 70 easier.

[0158] The curing unit of the internal coating tool 62 is configured for curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle 68. In particular, curing unit of the internal coating tool 62 is a light curing unit 72 configured for emitting light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle 68 to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. For instance, the light curing unit 72 is configured for emitting light toward the internal surface 18 of the tubular reception wall, in particular toward the internal surface of the lateral portion 15 and toward the internal surface of the bottom portion 17. The light curing unit 72 is designed to be displaced at least along the reception wall axis A between an inserted position and a pulled-out position, and in particular through the circular central passage of the magnetic attachment 54. In the inserted position, the light curing unit 72 extends at least partially within the reception space 19. In the pulled-out position, the light curing unit 72 extends outside the reception space 19. The light curing unit 72 is configured to emit light toward the sprayed antiadhesive coating material when the light curing unit 72 is in the inserted position. Advantageously, the light curing unit 72 is designed to be displaced within the reception space 19 independently from the rod 64. Preferably, the light curing unit 72 is designed to be displaced within the reception space 19 once the rod 64 is pulled out from the reception space 19. This makes it possible to avoid curing any residue of antiadhesive coating material remaining on the nozzles 68 and thus clogging the nozzles 68. For instance, as shown on figure 2, the light curing unit 72 comprises an annular support 74 arranged around the corresponding rod 64, a printed circuit board (PCB; not shown) mounted onto the annular support 74, a plurality of light emitting sources (not shown) mounted onto the PCB and a tubular light guide 76 mounted onto the annular support 74 and extending around the corresponding rod 64. For example, the light emitting sources are configured for emitting UV-light. For instance, the light emitting sources are LED diodes. For example, the tubular light guide 76 is made up of acrylic. The tubular light guide 76 is designed to guide the light emitted by the light emitting sources toward the internal surface of the lateral portion 15 and toward the internal surface of the bottom portion 17. For instance, as shown on figures 4 to 8, the annular support 74 is mounted onto a curing plate 124 of the internal coating tool support 120. For instance, as shown on figure 2, the tubular light guide 76 extends according to the internal coating tool axis 11.

[0159] The external coating tool 80 extends along an external coating tool axis E1 and is configured for making the external antiadhesive coating 24 of the reception cup 14, such that the external antiadhesive coating 24 covers the external surface 22 of the tubular reception wall 16 of the reception cup 14. Advantageously, the external coating tool 80 is configured for making the external antiadhesive coating 24 of the reception cup 14, such that the external antiadhesive coating 24 further covers the free edge 16B of the reception wall 16, so that the internal antiadhesive coating 20 and the external antiadhesive coating 24 are substantially seamlessly connected. For example, as shown on figures 4 to 8, the external coating tool 80 is mounted onto the external coating tool support 130 which will be further described below. Advantageously, as it will be described in more details below, the external coating tool 80 is configured for making the external antiadhesive coating 24 of a corresponding reception wall 16 hold by a corresponding holding tool 52, during the joint displacement in rotation of both the external coating tool 80 and corresponding holding tool 52. For instance, the external coating tool 80 comprises at least one arm 82 and at least a spraying nozzle 88. As shown on the example of figure 3, the external coating tool 80 comprises two arms 82 and a plurality of nozzles 88. In the following, unless otherwise stated, a single arm 82 is described. Of course, the description is applicable to each and every one of arms 82 when the external coating tool 80 comprises several arms 82. As shown on the example of Figure 3, the external coating tool 80 further comprises an arm support 81 , a shaft 84 and a motor 86. For instance, the external coating tool 82, the holding tool 52, and advantageously the internal coating tool 62 are arranged so that when the reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52, the reception wall 16, the external coating tool 82 and the internal coating tool 62 are coaxially arranged. In other words, when the reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52, the reception wall axis A, the external coating tool axis E1 , and advantageously the internal coating tool axis 11 are coincident. In other words, the external coating tool 80 and the internal coating tool 62 are arranged axially on either side of the holding tool 52 so that the external coating tool axis E1 , the reception wall axis A and the internal coating tool axis 11 coincide when the reception wall 16 is hold by the holding tool 52. Advantageously again, the reception wall axis A, the external coating tool axis E1 and the internal coating tool axis 11 remain coincident during the joint rotation of the external coating tool 80 and the corresponding holding tool 52. For example, the external coating tool 82 further comprises a curing unit. As shown on figures 4 to 8, the external coating tools 80 of the plurality of apparatuses 42 are arranged onto the external coating tool support 130, in particular onto a support plate 132, on a circle, the centre of which coinciding with the main axis X-X’.

[0160] The arm support 81 supports the arm 82, advantageously the two arms 82 and is connected to the shaft 84. As shown on the example of figure 3, the arm support 81 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the external coating tool axis E1 between two edges.

[0161] The arm 82 extends along the external coating tool axis E1 , advantageously from the arm support 81. The arm 82 is designed to be arranged parallel to the reception wall 16 when the reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52. The arm 82 is configured for being displaced in rotation around the reception wall 16 relatively to the external coating tool axis E1 , advantageously relatively to the reception wall axis A. For instance, both arms 82 extends from the edges of the arm support 81 symmetrically with respect to the external coating tool axis E1. For instance, the rotation speed of the arm 82 around the reception wall 16 is between 20 rpm and 60 rpm.

[0162] The shaft 84 extends substantially parallel to the external coating tool axis E1. The shaft 84 is mounted onto the motor 86 and is connected to the arm support 81.

[0163] The motor 86 is configured for driving the shaft 84, and consequently the arm support 81 and the arm 82 in rotation around the external coating tool axis E1 .

[0164] The at least one spraying nozzle 88 is mounted onto the arm 82. The at least one spraying nozzle 88 is configured to spray the antiadhesive coating material to make the external antiadhesive coating 24 when the corresponding arm 82 is displaced in rotation around the reception wall 16. For instance, the at least one spraying nozzle 88 is arranged onto the arm 82 so that it radially extends toward the external coating tool axis E1 , that is toward the reception wall axis A when the reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52. The at least one spraying nozzle 88 is advantageously designed to spray antiadhesive coating material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the external coating tool axis E1 . Said at least one spraying nozzle 88 is advantageously designed to spray antiadhesive coating material onto the external surface of the lateral portion 15 of the reception wall 16. For instance, for each arm 82, the nozzles 88 of the plurality of nozzles 88 are evenly distributed along the external coating tool axis E1 between two opposite ends of the corresponding arm 82.

[0165] Advantageously, at least one auxiliary spraying nozzle 89 of the external coating tool 80 is mounted onto the arm support 81. Advantageously, the auxiliary spraying nozzle 89 is arranged so that it extends substantially parallel to the external coating tool axis E1 , that is substantially parallel to the reception wall axis A when the reception cup 14 is hold by the holding tool 52. The at least one auxiliary spraying nozzle 89 is advantageously designed to spray antiadhesive coating material in a direction substantially parallel to the external coating tool axis E1. Said at least one auxiliary spraying nozzle 89 is advantageously designed to spray antiadhesive coating material onto the external surface of the bottom portion 17 of the reception wall 16.

[0166] The curing unit of the external coating tool 80 is configured for curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by that at least one spraying nozzle 88, 89. In particular, the curing unit of the external coating tool 80 is a light curing unit 90 mounted on the at least one arm 82, advantageously onto the at least one arm 82 and onto the arm support 81. The light curing unit 90 is configured for emitting light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle 88, advantageously by the at least one spraying nozzle 88 and the at least one auxiliary spraying nozzle 89, to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. In particular, the light curing unit 90 is configured for emitting light toward the external surface 22 of the tubular reception wall 16, in particular toward the external surface of the lateral portion 15 and of the bottom portion 17, preferably toward the external surface of the lateral portion 15, the external surface of the bottom portion 17 and the free edge 16B. For example, the light curing unit 90 comprises a PCB (not shown) extending within the arm 82 and / or the arm support 81 and a plurality of light emitting sources 92 mounted onto the PCB. For example, the light emitting sources 92 are configured for emitting UV-light. For instance, the light emitting sources are LED diodes. Advantageously, the light curing unit 90 comprises, for each light emitting source 92, a fused silica glass panel covering the corresponding light emitting source 92. As shown on the example of figure 3, for each arm 82, the light emitting sources 92 of the plurality of light emitting sources 92 are evenly distributed along the external coating tool axis E1 between the two opposite ends of the corresponding arm 82. For instance, the light emitting sources 92 are configured for emitting light toward the external surface of the lateral portion 15. Advantageously, for each arm 82, each light emitting source 92 is arranged between two successive spraying nozzle 88 along the external coating tool axis E1. Advantageously, at least one light emitting source 92 is arranged onto the arm support 81. For instance, the at least one light emitting source 92 arranged onto the arm support 81 is configured for emitting light toward the external surface of the bottom portion 17.

[0167] With reference to figures 4 to 8, the central shaft 100 of the manufacturing installation 40 is moveable in rotation around the main axis X-X’. For instance, a motor (not shown) of the manufacturing installation 40 is configured for driving the central shaft 100 in rotation. For example, the rotation speed of the central shaft 100 is between 2 rpm and 10 rpm. For instance, the central shaft 100 supports the holding tool support 110, the internal coating tool support 120 and the external coating tool support 130. Advantageously, the holding tool support 110, the internal coating tool support 120 and the external coating tool support 130 are arranged to rotate around the main axis X-X’ at the same rotation speed.

[0168] The holding tool support 110 is rotatably movable around the main axis X-X’ and is configured for supporting the holding tools 52 of a plurality of apparatuses 42. For instance, the holding tool support 110 is movable in rotation to displace each holding tool 52 from the feeding system 140 to the discharging system 150 and vice versa. Advantageously, the holding tool support 110 is mounted onto the central shaft 100. For instance, the internal holding tool support 110 is driven in rotation by the central shaft 100. As shown on the example of figures 4 to 8, the holding tool support 110 comprises an attachment plate 112 extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X’. Advantageously, the attachment plate 112 comprises the magnetic attachments 54 of the holding tools 52. The magnetic attachments 54 are arranged onto the plate 112 on a circle, the centre of which coinciding with the main axis X-X’.

[0169] The internal coating tool support 120 is rotatably movable around the main axis X-X’ and is configured for supporting the internal coating tools 62 of the plurality of apparatuses 42. Advantageously, the internal coating tool support 120 is mounted onto the central shaft 100. For instance, the internal coating tool support 120 is driven in rotation by the central shaft 100. As shown on the example of figures 4 to 8, the internal coating tool support 120 comprises a spraying plate 122 and a curing plate 124.

[0170] The spraying plate 122 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X’. Advantageously, the spraying plate 122 supports the rods 64 of the internal coating tools 62 of the plurality of apparatuses 42. The spraying plate 122 is moveable along the main axis X-X’ between an idle position (figures 4 and 6 to 8) and a spraying position (figure 5). When the spraying plate 122 is displaced between the idle position and the spraying position, each rod 64 is displaced within the corresponding reception space 19 and the corresponding at least one spraying nozzle 68 sprays the antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating 20. When the spraying plate 122 is displaced between the idle position and the spraying position, the rods 64 are all simultaneously displaced.

[0171] The curing plate 124 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X’. Advantageously, the curing plate 124 supports the curing units of the internal coating tools 62 of the plurality of apparatuses 42. The curing plate 124 is moveable along the main axis X-X’ between an idle position (figures 4 to 6 and 8) and a curing position (figure 7). In the idle position of the curing plate 124, each curing unit of the internal coating tools 62 is in the pulled-out position. In the curing position of the curing plate 124, each curing unit of the internal coating tools 62 is in the inserted position. In particular, when the curing plate 124 is in the curing position, each light curing unit 72 emits light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed onto the internal surface 18 of the tubular reception wall 16. When the curing plate 124 is displaced between the idle position and the curing position, the curing units of the internal coating tools 62 are all simultaneously displaced.

[0172] The external coating tool support 130 is rotatably movable around the main axis X-X’ and is configured for supporting the external coating tools 80 of the plurality of apparatuses 42. Advantageously, the external coating tool support 130 is mounted onto the central shaft 100. For instance, the external coating tool support 130 is driven in rotation by the central shaft 100. As shown on the example of figures 4 to 8, the external coating tool support 130 comprises a support plate 132.

[0173] The support plate 132 extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X’. Advantageously, the support plate 132 supports the shafts 84 and the motors 86 of the external coating tools 80 of the plurality of apparatuses 42. As shown on the example of figures 4 to 8, the support plate 132 is arranged so that the arm supports 81 and the arms 82 of the external coating tools 80 extend between the support plate 132 and the attachment plate 112 of the holding tool support 110. For instance, the spraying plate 132 is immobile along the main axis X-X’ relatively to the shaft 100, advantageously relatively to the holding tool support 110. The support plate 132 is rotatably movable around the main axis X-X’.

[0174] The feeding system 140 is configured for conveying reception walls 16 to be coated to the holding tools 52. For instance, the feeding system 140 is configured for conveying the reception walls 16 to be coated in a first conveying direction D1 substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X’. In particular, as shown on figure 4, 6 and 8, the feeding system 140 is configured for conveying the reception walls 16 to be coated in front of the magnetic attachments 54 of the attachment plate 112 so that the magnetic attachments 54 are able to take hold of reception cups 14 brought to them. For instance, the feeding system 140 comprises a conveyor belt 142 configured for carrying the reception walls 16 to be coated to the holding tools 52.

[0175] The discharging system 150 is configured for conveying coated reception walls away from the holding tools 52. In particular, the discharging system 150 is configured for conveying the coated reception walls 16 in a second conveying direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the main axis X-X’. For instance, the second conveying direction D2 and the first conveying direction D1 are substantially parallel. For instance, as shown on figures 4, 6 and 8, the discharging system 150 is configured for conveying the coated reception walls 16 from below the magnetic attachments 54 of the attachment plate 112 so that the magnetic attachments 54 are able to release the reception cups 14 into the discharging system 150. For example, the discharging system 150 comprises a conveyor belt 152 configured for carrying the coated reception walls 16 away from the holding tools 52. For instance, as shown on the example of figures 4, 6 and 8, the discharging system 150 is arranged next to the feeding system 140, in particular below the feeding system 140, advantageously so that the first and second conveying directions D1 , D2 are substantially opposite directions.

[0176] In reference to figure 9, a process 200 for manufacturing a plurality of reception cups 14 of aerosol generating devices 10.

[0177] The process 200 comprises a step 210 of conveying the reception walls 16 to be coated to the plurality of holding tools 52 of the manufacturing installation 40.

[0178] Advantageously, the process 200 further comprises a step 215 of taking hold of reception walls 16 to be coated by the holding tools 52 of the manufacturing installation. In particular, the holding tools 52 successively take hold of the reception walls 16 to be coated as the reception walls 16 to be coated are successively brought to the holding tools 52 by the feeding system 140 and as the holding tool support 110 rotates around the main axis X-X’.

[0179] The process 200 further comprises for each reception wall 16 hold by a corresponding holding tool 52, the realisation of a method 220 for manufacturing the corresponding reception cup 14 with the corresponding apparatus 42.

[0180] The method 220 comprises a step 221 of holding the reception wall 16 by a corresponding holding tool 52.

[0181] The method 220 further comprises a step 222 of making the internal antiadhesive coating 20 by a corresponding internal coating tool 62. Advantageously, the step 222 comprises displacing 222A the corresponding at least one rod 64 within the corresponding reception space 19, for example at least along the reception wall axis and, during the displacing 222A of the at least one rod 64, spraying 222B by the corresponding at least one spraying nozzle 68, of the antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating. Advantageously, the step 222 further comprises displacing 222C the corresponding at least one rod 64 out of the corresponding reception space 19. Advantageously, the step 222 further comprises displacing 222 D the corresponding light curing unit 72 of the corresponding internal coating tool 62 in the inserted position, and when the corresponding light curing unit 72 is in the inserted position, emitting 222E light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the corresponding at least one spraying nozzle 68 to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. For instance, the step 222 further comprises displacing 222F the corresponding light curing unit 72 in the pulled-out position.

[0182] Advantageously, the method 220 further comprises a step 223 of making the external antiadhesive coating 24 by a corresponding external coating tool 80. For instance, the step 222 and 223 are carried out simultaneously, as the corresponding holding tool 52, internal coating tool 62 and external coating tool 80 rotate around the main axis X-X’. The step 223 comprises arranging 223A the corresponding at least one arm 82 of the corresponding external coating tool 80 parallel to the reception wall 16, displacing 223B the corresponding at least one arm 82 in rotation around the reception wall 16 relatively to the reception wall axis A and, during the displacement 223B in rotation of the at least one arm 82, spraying 223C, by at least one spraying nozzle 88, 89 of the corresponding external coating tool 80, of the antiadhesive coating material to make the external antiadhesive coating 24. Advantageously, the step 223 comprises emitting light toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle 88, 89 of the corresponding external coating tool 80 by the corresponding light curing unit 90 to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material.

[0183] Advantageously, during the realisation of the method 220, the making of the internal antiadhesive coating 20 is carried out during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool 52 from the feeding system 140 to the discharging system 150.

[0184] Advantageously, during the realisation of the method 220, the making of the external antiadhesive coating 24 is carried out during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool 52 from the feeding system 140 to the discharging system 150.

[0185] Advantageously, the process 200 further comprises a step 225 of releasing the coated reception walls 16 by the holding tools 52 of the manufacturing installation, onto the discharging system 150. In particular, the holding tools 52 successively release the coated reception walls 16 as the coated reception walls 16 are successively brought to the discharging system 150 by the holding tools 52 and as the holding tool support 110 rotates around the main axis X-X’.

[0186] The process 200 further comprises a step 230 of conveying the coated reception walls 16 away from the holding tools 52 of the manufacturing installation 40.

[0187] For example, the manufacturing of a reception cup 14 illustrated in grey on figures 4 to 8 is described. This reception cup 14 comprises a tubular reception wall, the reference numeral of which is 16X to better distinguish it from the reception wall 16 of other reception cups 14. First, during step 210, the tubular reception wall 16X to be coated is conveyed to a holding tool 52 of the manufacturing installation 40 for example by the feeding system 140. As shown on figure 4, during step 215, a holding tool 52 of the manufacturing installation 40 takes hold of the reception wall 16X. During the realisation of the method 220 and during step 221 , the reception wall 16X is hold by the corresponding holding tool 52. As shown on figure 5, during step 222, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 of the tubular reception wall 16X is made. In particular, as shown on figure 5, the corresponding rod 64 is displaced 222A within the reception space 19 of the tubular reception wall 16X, and during the displacing 222A of the corresponding rod 64, the at least one spraying nozzle 68 sprays 222B the antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating. As shown on figure 5, to do so, the spraying plate 122 is displaced in the spraying position. Then, as shown on figure 6, the corresponding rod 64 is displaced 222C out of the reception space 19 of the tubular reception wall 16X. As shown on figure 6, to do so, the spraying plate 122 is displaced in the idle position. Then, as shown on figure 7, the corresponding light curing unit 72 is displaced 222D in the inserted position and, when the corresponding light curing unit 72 is in the inserted position, light is emitted 222E toward the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the corresponding at least one spraying nozzle 68. To do so, as shown on figure 7, the curing plate 124 is displaced in the curing position. Then, as shown on figure 8, the light curing unit 72 is displaced 222F in the pulled-out position. To do so, as shown on figure 8, the curing plate 124 is displaced in the idle position. The step 222 of making the internal antiadhesive coating of tubular reception wall 16X and the step 223 of making the external antiadhesive coating of tubular reception wall 16 are advantageously realized simultaneously, as the corresponding holding tool 52, internal coating tool 62 and external coating tool 80 are moved in rotation around the main axis X-X’. Then, during step 225, the coated reception wall 16X is released by the corresponding holding tool 52, onto the discharging system 150. Then during step 230, the coated reception wall 16X is conveyed away from the holding tools 52 of the manufacturing installation 40. SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0188] In the following, a second embodiment of the invention is described. This second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment described above, except for the features detailed below.

[0189] In this second embodiment, the internal antiadhesive coating 20 is made up of an antiadhesive coating material comprising a heat-curable material, for example comprising polyethersulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone and / or ceramic. In particular, in this second embodiment, the antiadhesive coating material does not comprise any UV-curable material.

[0190] Also, in this second embodiment, the external antiadhesive coating 24 is made up of the same antiadhesive coating material as the internal antiadhesive coating 20.

[0191] The curing unit of the internal coating tool 62 is a thermal curing unit. In particular, the thermal curing unit of the internal coating tool 62 is configured for transferring heat to the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle 68 to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. For instance, the thermal curing unit is configured for transferring heat toward the internal surface 18 of the tubular reception wall, in particular toward the internal surface of the lateral portion 15 and toward the internal surface of the bottom portion 17. The thermal curing unit is designed to be displaced at least along the reception wall axis A between an inserted position and a pulled-out position, and in particular through the circular central passage of the magnetic attachment 54. In the inserted position, the thermal curing unit extends at least partially within the reception space 19. In the pulled-out position, the thermal curing unit extends outside the reception space 19. The thermal curing unit is configured to transfer heat to the sprayed antiadhesive coating material when the thermal curing unit is in the inserted position. Advantageously, the thermal curing unit is designed to be displaced within the reception space 19 independently from the rod 64. Preferably, the thermal curing unit is designed to be displaced within the reception space 19 once the rod 64 is pulled out from the reception space 19. This makes it possible to avoid curing any residue of antiadhesive coating material remaining on the nozzles 68 and thus clogging the nozzles 68. In particular, the spraying plate 122 is designed to be put in the idle position before the curing plate 124 is put in the curing position. The curing unit of the external coating tool 80 is a thermal curing unit. For instance, the thermal curing unit is mounted on the at least one arm 82, advantageously onto the at least one arm 82 and onto the arm support 81 . The thermal curing unit is configured for transferring heat to the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle 88, advantageously by the at least one spraying nozzle 88 and the at least one auxiliary spraying nozzle 89, to cure said sprayed antiadhesive coating material. In particular, the thermal curing unit is configured for transferring heat toward the external surface 22 of the tubular reception wall 16, in particular toward the external surface of the lateral portion 15 and of the bottom portion 17, preferably toward the external surface of the lateral portion 15, the external surface of the bottom portion 17 and the free edge 16B. Advantageously, in this second embodiment, the thermal curing unit and / or the nozzles 88, 89 are arranged so that the nozzles 88, 89 are thermally isolated from the curing unit. This prevents curing of any residue of antiadhesive coating material remaining on the nozzles 88, 89 occurs and prevents any clogging of the nozzles 88, 89.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A manufacturing installation (40) comprising a plurality of apparatuses (42), each apparatus (42) being an apparatus (42) for manufacturing a reception cup (14) for an aerosol generating device (10), the reception cup (14) being intended to receive an aerosol generating article (1), the apparatus (42) comprising:- a holding system (50) comprising a holding tool (52) configured for holding the reception cup (14);- a coating system (60) comprising an internal coating tool (62) extending along an internal coating tool axis (11) and configured for making an internal antiadhesive coating (20) of the reception cup (14), such that the internal antiadhesive coating (20) covers an internal surface (18) of a tubular reception wall (16) of the reception cup (14), the internal antiadhesive coating (20) being able to prevent the adhesion upon heating of an aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article (1) onto the internal surface (18); the installation (40) comprising:- a holding tool support (110) rotatably movable around a main axis (X-X’) and onto which each holding tool (52) of the plurality of apparatuses (42) is mounted;- an internal coating tool support (120) rotatably movable around the main axis (X- X’) and onto which each internal coating tool (62) of the plurality of apparatuses (42) is mounted;- a feeding system (140) configured for conveying reception walls (16) to be coated to the holding tools (52);- a discharging system (150) configured for conveying coated reception walls (16) away from the holding tools (52); each internal coating tool (62) being configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating of a reception wall (16) hold by a corresponding holding tool (52), during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool (52) from the feeding system (140) to the discharging system (150).2.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to claim 1 , wherein for each apparatus (42), the internal coating tool (62) comprises:- at least one rod (64) extending along the internal coating tool axis (11);- at least a spraying nozzle (68) mounted onto the at least one rod (64); the at least one rod (64) being designed to be displaced within a reception space (19) delimited by the internal surface (18) of the tubular reception wall (16) at least along areception wall axis (A), the at least one spraying nozzle (68) of the internal coating tool (62) being configured to spray an antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating (20) when the rod (64) is displaced within the reception space (19).3.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to claim 2, wherein for each apparatus (42), the internal coating tool (62) further comprises a curing unit (72) configured for curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle (68) of the internal coating tool (62), the curing unit (72) being designed to be displaced within the reception space (19) at least along the reception wall axis (A).4.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each apparatus (42), the coating system (60) further comprises an external coating tool (80) extending along an external coating tool axis (E1) and configured for making an external antiadhesive coating (24) covering an external surface (22) of the reception wall (16), the external surface (22) being opposite the internal surface (18).5.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to claim 4, wherein for each apparatus (42), the external coating tool (80) comprises:- at least one arm (82) extending along the external coating tool axis (E1);- at least a spraying nozzle (88) mounted onto the at least one arm (82); the at least one arm (82) being designed to be arranged parallel to the reception wall (16) when the reception cup (14) is hold by the holding tool (52), the at least one arm (82) being configured for being displaced in rotation around the reception wall (16) relatively to the reception wall axis (A), the at least one spraying nozzle (88) of the external coating tool (80) being configured to spray an antiadhesive coating material to make the external antiadhesive coating (24) when the at least one arm (82) is displaced in rotation around the reception wall (16).6.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to claim 5, wherein for each apparatus (42), the external coating tool (80) further comprises a curing unit (90) configured for curing the antiadhesive coating material sprayed by the at least one spraying nozzle (88) of the external coating tool (80).7.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein for each apparatus (42), the internal coating tool (62) and the external coating tool (80) are arranged axially on either side of the holding tool (52) so that the internal coating tool axis(11), the reception wall axis (A) and the external coating tool axis (E1) are able to coincide when the reception wall (16) is hold by the holding tool (52).8.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each apparatus (42), the coating system (60) is configured for making the internal antiadhesive coating (20) and / or the external antiadhesive coating (24) made up of an antiadhesive coating material comprising:- polyethersulfone;- polytetrafluoroethylene;- silicone; and / or- ceramic.9.- The manufacturing installation (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an external coating tool support (130) rotatably movable around the main axis (X-X’) and onto which each external coating tool (80) of the plurality of apparatuses (42) is mounted; each external coating tool (80) being configured for making the external antiadhesive coating (24) of a reception wall (16) hold by the corresponding holding tool (52), during the displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tool (52) from the feeding system (140) to the discharging system (150).10.- Process (200) for manufacturing a plurality of reception cups (14) of aerosol generating devices (10), the process (200) comprising the following steps:- conveying (210) of reception walls (16) to be coated to a plurality of holding tools (52) of a manufacturing installation (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 9;- for each reception wall (16) hold by a corresponding holding tool (52), realisation of a method (220) for manufacturing a reception cup (14) of an aerosol generating device (10) with an apparatus (42) of the manufacturing installation (40), the method (220) comprising the following steps:- holding (221) of the reception wall (16) by a holding tool (52) of a holding system (50);- making (222) of the internal antiadhesive coating (20) by an internal coating tool (62) of a coating system (60); the making (222) of the internal antiadhesive coating (20) being carried out by a corresponding internal coating tool (62), during a displacement in rotation of thecorresponding holding tool (52) from the feeding system (140) to the discharging system (150);- conveying (230) of coated reception walls (16) away from the holding tools (52) by a discharging system (150).11.- Process (200) according to claim 10, wherein the step of making (222) the internal antiadhesive coating (20) comprises:- displacing (222A) at least one rod (64) of the internal coating tool (62) within the reception space (19) at least along the reception wall axis (A); and- during the displacing (222A) of the at least one rod (64), spraying (222B), by at least a spraying nozzle (68) of the internal coating tool (62), of an antiadhesive coating material to make the internal antiadhesive coating (20).12.- Process (200) according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the method (220) further comprises making (223) of an external antiadhesive coating (24) by an external coating tool (80) of the coating system (60), the external antiadhesive coating (24) covering an external surface (22) of the reception wall (16), the external surface (22) being opposite the internal surface (18) the step (223) of making the external antiadhesive coating (24) comprising:- arranging (223A) at least one arm (82) of the external coating tool (80) parallel to the reception wall (16);- displacing (223B) the at least one arm (82) in rotation around the reception wall (16) relatively to the reception wall axis (A);- during the displacement (223B) in rotation of the at least one arm (82), spraying (223C), by at least one spraying nozzle (88) of the external coating tool (80), of an antiadhesive coating material to make the external antiadhesive coating (24).13.- Process (200) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein for each reception wall (16) hold by a corresponding holding tool (52), the process (200) comprises making by corresponding external coating tools (80) mounted onto an external coating tool support (130) rotatably movable around the main axis (X-X’), of external antiadhesive coatings (24) of reception walls (16) hold by corresponding holding tools (52), during a displacement in rotation of the corresponding holding tools (52) from the feeding system (140) to the discharging system (150).

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