Coupling unit and method for inserting a support fitted with a hygroscopic pad in a base during the manufacture of a disposable cartridge for an electronic cigarette

1. A coupling unit ( 25 ) for inserting a support ( 4 ) fitted with a hygroscopic pad ( 14 ) in a base ( 5 ) during the manufacture of a disposable cartridge ( 3 ) for an electronic cigarette ( 1 ); the coupling unit ( 25 ) comprising:

a first seat ( 19 ) that accepts the support ( 4 ) fitted with the hygroscopic pad ( 14 );

a second seat ( 22 ) that accepts the base ( 5 ) and can be axially aligned with the first seat ( 19 ); and

a transfer device that inserts the support ( 4 ) fitted with the hygroscopic pad ( 14 ) in the base ( 5 ) by applying a relative axial movement between the support ( 4 ) fitted with the hygroscopic pad ( 14 ) and the base ( 5 );

the coupling unit ( 25 ) being characterized in that it comprises a suction device ( 28 ), which is coupled to a first end ( 29 ) of the base ( 5 ) opposite to a second end ( 30 ) of the base ( 5 ) through which the support ( 4 ) fitted with the hygroscopic pad ( 14 ) enters, and causes suction that acts inside the base ( 5 ).

2. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 1 and comprising a pneumatic suction pump, which generates depression due to the Venturi effect by exploiting a flow of compressed air and is pneumatically connected to the suction device ( 28 ).

3. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the suction device ( 28 ) is mounted such that it can axially move closer to the first end ( 29 ) of the base ( 5 ) before insertion of the support ( 4 ) fitted with the hygroscopic pad ( 14 ) and move away from the first end ( 29 ) of the base ( 5 ) after insertion of the support ( 4 ) fitted with the hygroscopic pad ( 14 ).

4. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 1 and comprising a compression device ( 32 ), which is placed between the first seat ( 19 ) and the second seat ( 22 ) and transversely compresses the hygroscopic pad ( 14 ) immediately upstream of the base ( 5 ) carried by the second seat ( 22 ).

5. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 4 , wherein the compression device ( 32 ) has a through duct ( 33 ), which places the first seat ( 19 ) in communication with the second seat ( 22 ) and has a truncated-cone shape that progressively reduces its internal diameter towards the second seat ( 22 ).

6. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 5 , wherein the compression device ( 32 ) comprises at least two opposite walls ( 34 ) that delimit the duct ( 33 ) and are mounted so as to move transversely to vary the internal diameter of the duct ( 33 ) by moving closer or further away from each other.

7. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 6 , wherein the compression device ( 32 ) comprises elastic elements ( 36 ), each of which acts on a corresponding wall ( 34 ) to push the wall ( 34 ) towards a position of minimum diameter for the duct ( 33 ).

8. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 6 , wherein the compression device ( 32 ) comprises an actuator ( 39 ), which acts on the walls ( 34 ) to move the walls ( 34 ) closer or apart, thereby varying the internal diameter of the duct ( 33 ).

9. A coupling unit ( 25 ) according to claim 1 and comprising:

a first feed conveyor ( 16 ) supporting a gripping head ( 18 ), which has a tubular shape, is composed of two clamshell elements ( 24 ) moveable with respect to one another and internally defining the first seat ( 19 ); and

a second feed conveyor ( 20 ), which supports the second seat ( 22 ) and partially overlaps the first feed conveyor ( 16 ).