KR20120038497A - Cigarette blank loading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a fill tube. The apparatus includes a filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and a pin formed to fit within the filling tube. The pin has a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a guide head. When the fill tube receives the second end of the fin, at least a portion of the guide head of the fin extends past the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank on the fill tube. Also disclosed is a method of loading a cigarette blank into a fill tube and an apparatus for dispensing the cigarette blank into a cigarette maker. The apparatus includes a base having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and a shake in communication with the base. The base further includes a retainer for holding at least one cigarette blank. Also disclosed are methods of separating and dispensing cigarette blanks.

Description

Cigarette blank loading device {CIGARETTE BLANK LOADING APPARATUS}

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a fill tube. The invention also generally relates to an apparatus for dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette maker. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fill tube and guide pins used to guide cigarette blanks onto the fill tube. More specifically, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for separating cigarette blanks from a plurality of cigarette blanks and for dispensing the separated cigarette blanks into a loading area. The invention also relates to a method of using a cigarette blank loading device. The invention also relates to a method of using a cigarette blank dispensing apparatus.

Prior to the invention of the electronic rolling machine, rolling their cigarettes was limited to attempts made to complete passive table top machines, handheld machines and personal single stick electric machines. These machines use a chamber for loading tobacco leaves, a manual lever for compressing tobacco leaves and a spoon mechanism for injecting tobacco leaves into a pre-assembled empty cigarette blank. Many attempts have been made with varying degrees of success to complete the tabletop electric machine. These are basically electronic improvements only using the same technology. The disadvantage is that the spoon mechanism cuts tobacco leaves. Second, loading an appropriate amount of tobacco leaves each time is extremely variable. Another obvious disadvantage is that the process is boring, and each cigarette blank must be manually mounted on the nozzle. Furthermore, empty cigarette blanks are extremely brittle and easily damaged during processing.

Other electronic machines have been developed for use in retail environments, but disadvantages remain with these machines. First, it is inaccurate to separate the cigarette blanks for individual loading into the fill tube. Second, loading the fragile cigarette blank into the fill tube often damages the cigarette blank and renders it unusable.

Accordingly, what is needed is an apparatus and method for separating and loading cigarette blanks into machines in a retail environment.

The present invention addresses the above mentioned disadvantages.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for loading cigarette blanks on a filling tube, said apparatus comprising a filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a fitting within said filling tube. A pin formed in size, the pin having a first end and a second end, the second end including a guide head, and when the fill tube receives the second end of the pin, At least a portion of the guide head of the pin relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a fill tube, characterized in that it extends beyond the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube.

The invention also relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a filling tube, the apparatus comprising a filling tube holder capable of holding a plurality of filling tubes and a plurality of filling tubes mounted to the filling tube holder, The filling tube is formed of a plurality of filling tubes having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a size fitted into the filling tube, and having a first end and a second end, The second end includes at least one pin including a guide head, wherein at least a portion of the guide head of the pin draws a cigarette blank onto the fill tube as each fill tube receives the second end of the pin. An apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a filling tube, characterized by extending beyond the second end of the filling tube for guiding. All.

The invention further relates to a method of placing a cigarette blank on a fill tube for receiving tobacco leaves, the method comprising providing a fill tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter; Providing a pin, the pin being sized to fit within the filling tube, the pin having a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a guide head, wherein at least a portion of the guide head of the pin is filled Inserting the pin into the filling tube extending beyond the second end of the tube, dispensing a cigarette blank onto the filling tube past the guide head, and withdrawing the pin from the filling tube. Further relates to a method of positioning a cigarette blank on a fill tube for containing tobacco leaves .

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a cigarette blank in a cigarette maker, comprising: an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side And a shaker in communication with the base, the base comprising a retainer for holding at least one cigarette blank.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for dispensing a cigarette blank in a cigarette maker, comprising: an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; A cigarette blank in a cigarette maker comprising: a base comprising a retainer for holding at least one cigarette blank, a shaker in communication with the base, and a cartridge accommodating a plurality of cigarette blanks and mountable to the base It relates to a device for dispensing.

The method further relates to a method for dispensing a cigarette blank in a cigarette maker, the method comprising a retainer for holding at least one cigarette blank, the upper end, the lower end facing the upper end, the first side, Providing a base having a second side opposite the first side, providing a shaker in communication with the base, holding a plurality of cigarette blanks on the base, and shaking the cigarette blank And retaining at least one cigarette blank with the retainer, and dispensing the cigarette blank to the loading area.

The present invention further relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a filling tube, comprising: a filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a size fitted within the filling tube; A hollow tube formed and having a first end and a second end, the second end including a guide head, the guide of the hollow tube when the filling tube receives the second end of the hollow tube. At least a portion of the head relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a fill tube, characterized in that it extends beyond the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube.

The invention also relates to an apparatus for loading a cigarette blank on a filling tube, the filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a size fitted within the filling tube. A filling tube having a first end and a second end, the second end including a hollow tube comprising a guide head, and a pin disposed in the hollow tube and having the first and second ends; When receiving the second end of the hollow tube, at least a portion of the guide head of the hollow tube extends past the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube, the guide head being A conical portion, the conical portion defining an interior cavity for receiving a second end of the pin It relates to an apparatus for loading a blank onto the cigarette.

The present invention provides the effect of quickly and accurately loading the cigarette blank into the filling tube, efficiently removing and separating the cigarette blank damaged during the process.

1 is a perspective view of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tobacco leaf input hopper of the present invention.
3A is a cross-sectional view of the tobacco leaf conveyance and compression device of the present invention.
3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the compression device of FIG. 3A.
4A is a perspective view of a fill tube of the present invention.
4B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fill tube of the present invention.
5A is a perspective view of the guide head and the pin of the present invention.
5B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a guide head and pin of the present invention.
6A is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube holding drum of the present invention.
6B is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube mounted in a drum that partially receives the guide head of the present invention.
6C is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube mounted in a drum fully receiving the guide head of the present invention.
FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube mounted in a drum fully containing the guide head of the present invention further showing a cigarette blank advanced into the fill tube. FIG.
FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube mounted in a drum fully containing the guide head of the present invention further showing a cigarette blank fully loaded in the fill tube. FIG.
6F is a cross sectional view of a tobacco leaf plug injected into a cigarette blank loaded into a fill tube of the present invention.
6G is a cross-sectional view of the finished cigarette discharged from the fill tube of the present invention.
6H is a cross-sectional view of an improperly loaded cigarette blank that exits the fill tube of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a side view of the cigarette blank loading cartridge of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view of a cigarette blank separating device of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view of the cigarette blank separating device of the present invention having a mounted cigarette blank loading cartridge in a lowered position for holding a plurality of cigarette blanks.
10 is a cross-sectional view of the cigarette blank separating device of the present invention having a mounted cigarette blank loading cartridge in an elevated position holding a plurality of cigarette blanks.
11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the guide head and the pin of the present invention.
12 is a cross-sectional view of the guide head and pin of FIG. 11 with a portion of the guide head folded out of the fill tube.
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the guide head and pin of FIG. 11 with a portion of the guide head extending out of the fill tube; FIG.

The cigarette manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. The apparatus 10 includes a tobacco leaf input hopper 100 (rotated upward for clarity), a tobacco leaf conveyance and compression device 200, a cigarette blank separation device 300, and a filling tube holder ( 400, material and product delivery mechanism 500, and discharge vessel (not shown).

The input hopper 100 shown in FIG. 2 has a main body 101 having a tobacco leaf inlet 102. The input hopper has an upper end 104, a lower end 105, a first side 106, a second opposing side 107, an outlet end 108, and an input end 109. The conveyor 103 may be mounted to the lower end 105 of the main body 101 to carry tobacco leaves from the input end 109 toward the strand separator 110 generally mounted to the discharge end 108. The conveyor may include a tension adjusting mechanism 116 to adjust the conveyor belt tension. A strand separator 110 having a shaft 111 and a plurality of pins or combs 112 extending outward from the shaft is mounted to the discharge end 108 of the main body 101. The strand separator shaft 111 may be rotatably driven by the electric motor 113. Depending on the desired rotational speed of the strand separator 110, a speed reduction mechanism 114 can be used to connect the electric motor 112 and the strand separator shaft 111.

In operation, the cut tobacco leaves are poured into the tobacco leaf inlet 102 of the input hopper 100. The cut tobacco leaves fall on the input end 109 of the conveyor 103 and are thereby conveyed towards the strand separator 110 and the discharge end 108 of the conveyor 103. After passing through the strand separator 110, the cut tobacco leaves are discharged from the input hopper 100 through the discharge opening 115.

3A shows tobacco leaf conveyance and compression device 200. The device 200 generally has an input end 201, a receiving hopper 215, and a tobacco leaf conveying area 218. The tobacco leaf conveyor system 210 includes a first conveyor 202 having an upper end 203 and a lower end 204, and a second conveyor 205 having an upper end 206 and a lower end 207. It includes. The first and second conveyors 202, 205 are mounted between the first side plate 217 and the second plate (not shown). The conveyor 202 has a conveyor belt 208, and the conveyor 205 has a conveyor belt 209. Conveyor belts 208 and 209 may have a stripe or finger on the belt to allow the moving belt to grip the cut tobacco leaf. The upper end 203 of the first conveyor 202 and the upper end 206 of the second conveyor 205 communicate with the receiving hopper 215. In general, the first and second conveyors 202 and 205 converge, respectively, as they move in the directions of arrows 211 and 212, respectively. At least one electric motor (not shown) may be used to drive the first conveyor 203 and the second conveyor 205.

In operation, the receiving hopper 215 receives the cut tobacco leaves coming from the outlet opening 115 of the input hopper 100 described above. Since the inner side 213 of the conveyor 202 and the inner side 214 of the conveyor 205 move downward, the cut tobacco leaves are received from the receiving hopper 215 and compressed by the conveyors 202, 205 and finally To the compressor device 250.

The tobacco leaf compression device 250 shown in FIG. 3B generally includes a first compression plate 251 and a second compression plate 252 that define a compression region 253. The first compression plate 251 is slidably mounted to the tobacco leaf compression device 250 and can move toward the second compression plate 252. The first compression plate 251 has a first end 254 and a second end 255, the second end defining a semicircular compression cavity 256 having an upper edge 257. Pneumatic cylinder 261 with piston rod 262 may be mounted to a frame (not shown), and piston rod 262 of pneumatic cylinder 261 is first end 254 of first compression plate 251. The first compression plate 251 can thereby be slidably operated toward and away from the second compression plate 252. Other methods such as servo motors or hydraulic cylinders may be used to slidably move the first compression plate 251. The second compression plate 252 has a first end 258 and a second end 259, the second end 259 defining a semicircular compression region 260. The second compression plate 252 has an upper edge 257 of the semicircular compression cavity 256 of the first compression plate 251 and an upper edge 266 of the semicircular compression cavity 260 of the second plate 252. And a knife 263 having a cutting edge 264 in the same plane as. The knife 263 is mounted not parallel to the upper edge 257 of the first compression plate 251, so that the first plate 251 when the first plate 251 slidably moves toward the second plate 252. ) May only make contact with a portion of the knife edge 264.

In operation, the inner sides 213, 214 moving downwards of the first and second conveyors 202, 205 partially compress the cut tobacco leaf, respectively, and deliver it to the compression cavity 253. The first and second conveyors 202 and 205 stop after delivering a certain amount of tobacco leaves that have been cut for a period of time to the compression cavity 253. The amount of tobacco leaves delivered to the compression cavity 253 may be within a predetermined range, the exact amount of which depends on the individual's preferences, which may include the "draw" of the operator's preferred cigarette, in particular. Can be set by the operator. The piston 261 then pushes the first compression plate 251 toward the second compression plate 252 by the piston rod 262 to further compress the tobacco leaf in the tobacco leaf cavity 253. As the first compression plate 251 moves towards the second compression plate 252, the upper edge 257 of the first compression plate 251 meets the cutting edge 264 of the knife 263. The cut tobacco leaves in the compression cavity 253 are sheared from the cut tobacco leaves in the tobacco leaf conveying region 214. The first compression plate 251 continues to move toward the second compression plate 252 to form a tobacco leaf plug 265. The first compression plate 251 is slightly retracted from the second compression plate 252 so that the tobacco leaf plug insertion pin 501 (FIG. 1) pushes the tobacco leaf plug 265 into the filling tube 350 in the compression cavity 253. ) (Described below). In general, the tobacco leaf plug 265 is smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the fill tube and cigarette blank, so that it can be easily inserted into the fill tube and cigarette blank.

4A shows a fill tube 350 having a first end 351, a second end 352, an inner diameter 353, and an outer diameter 354. These tubes are mounted to the fill tube drum 401 shown in FIG. Other shaped tubes, including square or octagonal tubes, can be used as the fill tube. The first end 351 of the fill tube may have a shoulder 355 to secure the fill tube 350 to a fill tube holder (not shown). Alternatively, the filling tube may be secured to the filling tube holder (not shown) by other means such as a press fit or welding. FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of a shoulderless fill tube 359 that can be press fit or welded to a fill tube holder (not shown). The inner diameter of the first end 351 may be provided with a taper 358 going from the outer diameter 356 of the first end 351 to the inner diameter 353 to accommodate the guide head 370. Also as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the second end 356 may be tapered to facilitate receipt of the cigarette blank.

5A illustrates one embodiment of a guide head 370. The guide head 370 has a distal end 371 and an adjacent end 372 and is sized to fit within the inner diameter 353 of the fill tube 350. Adjacent end 372 of guide head 370 has securing means 373 to attach guide head 370 to pin 374 having complementary securing means 375. The fastening means 374, 375 may be threaded connections, interference fits or other methods known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the guide head 370 and pin 374 can be made of a single piece of material. The distal end 371 of the guide head 370 has a substantially conical head 376. The maximum diameter 377 of the conical head 376 is generally equal to or greater than the outer diameter 354 of the fill tube 352. Therefore, the conical head 376 can be folded so that it can pass through the fill tube 350 and exit to the second end 352 of the fill tube 350.

Several means can be used to provide a collapsible guide head. In the embodiment 370 shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of longitudinal slots 365 are cut from the tip 378 of the conical head 376 to the slot end position 367. This slot generally terminates at radius 366 to reduce the stress that the slot can exert into the guide head material and thereby prevent the slot from propagating toward the adjacent end 372 of the guide head 370. The guide head 370 may be formed of various materials including plastic and metal. In general, hardened steels such as 01 steel hardened with 58-60 Rockwell C can be used for the guide head. Other means such as flexible rubber guide heads, polymer guide heads or inflatable guide heads can be used to create collapsible guide heads.

5B illustrates one embodiment of a pin 362 having a guide head 363 with an outer diameter of the pin 362 and the guide head 363 less than or equal to the inner diameter 353 of the fill tube 350. Illustrated. In this embodiment, the guide head 363 does not need to be folded to pass through the fill tube 350.

Referring to FIG. 6A, there is a fill tube holder 400 that includes a drum 401 having a first end 401 and a second end 403. The first end 402 of the drum 401 has a plurality of holes 404, 405 for receiving a plurality of fill tubes 350. Another hole (not shown) for receiving the fill tube may also be further disposed at the first end 402 of the drum 401.

This detailed description describes the fill tube 350 and the features of the drum 401 associated with the fill tube 350. Other fill tubes mounted to this drum may generally be mounted in a similar manner, and the drum may generally have similar characteristics to that for each other fill tube. One method of attaching the fill tube 350 to the drum 401 is to attach the clamping device 408 to the show rater 355 at the first end 351 of the fill tube 350. Alternatively, other means for attaching the fill tube to the fill tube holder may be used. For example, the filling tube and a plurality of holes in the holder for receiving the filling tube may be threaded. In addition, other methods may be used instead of the drum to secure the plurality of tubes, for example the filling tubes may be mounted on plates or belts.

A conical guide hole 411 having an adjacent end 412 and a distal end 413 is axially aligned with the fill tube hole 404. The distal end 413 of the conical shaped hole defines a larger diameter at the cone, and the diameter of the adjacent end of the conical shaped hole is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette blank (described below).

FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of drum 401 having fill tube 350 through which guide head 370 is generally attached to pin 374 (not shown). When the conical head 376 of the guide head 370 passes into the first end 351 of the filling tube 350, the filling tube 350 compresses the guide head 370 to fold the guide head 370. And the maximum diameter 377 of the guide head 370 is smaller than the inner diameter 353 of the fill tube 350.

FIG. 6C is a partial cross-sectional view of a drum 401 having a fill tube 350 through which a conical head 376 of a guide head 370 attached generally to a pin 374 (not shown). The conical head 376 passing through the guide tube 350 can be observed in a relaxed state where the maximum diameter 377 of the guide head 370 is now equal to or greater than the outer diameter 354 of the fill tube 350. Can be.

6D shows a cigarette blank loaded into fill tube 350. Conical head 376 extends beyond fill tube 350. A loading pin (not shown) forces the filter end 426 of the cigarette blank 425 to move the cigarette blank 425 toward the conical head 376 of the guide head 370. In this example, the open end 427 of the cigarette blank 425 is damaged, causing the usual circular shape of the end of the cigarette blank 425 to be oblong. As the cigarette blank 425 moves toward the guide head 370, the smaller diameter 412 of the conical hole 411 in the drum 401 has a more circular shape than the rectangular open end 427 of the cigarette blank 425. To return to. The cigarette blank 425 passes through the conical hole 411 and passes over the conical head 376 onto the fill tube 350.

FIG. 6E is similar to FIG. 6D except that cigarette blank 425 is fully inserted into fill tube 350 by cigarette blank insertion pin 504 (FIG. 1). The guide head 370 is then removed from the fill tube 350 by drawing it out through the first end 351 of the fill tube 350. Fill tube 350 and cigarette blank 425 are then ready to receive tobacco leaf plug 265 provided by compression device 250 described above.

FIG. 6F is similar to FIG. 6E and further includes removing the guide head (not shown) and inserting the tobacco leaf plug 265. Sensor 601 (FIG. 1) determines whether cigarette blank 425 has been provided to fill tube 350 and properly loaded before tobacco leaf plug 265 is injected into fill tube 350. After confirming that the fill tube 350 is ready to receive the tobacco leaf plug, the injection pin 501 pushes the tobacco leaf plug 265 into the filling tube 350 in the compression chamber. The injection pin 501 is then pulled out.

FIG. 6G shows a discharge pin 503 (FIG. 1) for discharging the finished cigarette tube 430 filled with tobacco leaf plug 265 from the fill tube 350. In general, discharge pin 503 is hollow and pressurized air may be injected into discharge pin 503 during the discharge process. Pressurized air leaking from the front end 510 of the discharge pin 503 makes it easier to discharge the finished cigarette tube 430.

As described above, the sensor 601 determines whether the cigarette blank is properly loaded into the fill tube before injecting the tobacco leaf plug into the fill tube and cigarette tube. If an improperly loaded cigarette blank is found, the cigarette blank plug is not injected and the improperly loaded cigarette blank continues to rotate in the drum, finally reaching the cigarette tube removal position. 6H illustrates removal of the cigarette tube rejected from the fill tube. FIG. 6H shows a removal pin 502 that presses the damaged cigarette blank 428 from the fill tube 350 toward the collection mechanism 510 (FIG. 1). Generally, the removal pins 502 are hollow and pressurized air can be injected into the removal pins 502 during the removal process. Pressurized air leaking from the front end 511 of the removal pin 502 makes it easier to remove the cigarette blank 428 by blowing air into the rejected cigarette blank 428. A collection mechanism 510, such as a vacuum, collects the rejected cigarette blank 428.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a first end wall 311, a second end wall 312, and side walls 313, 314 (not shown) and an upper portion disposed between these end walls 311, 312. There is a cigarette blank holding cartridge 310 having a rectangular box 321 with 322. The first end wall 311 has a lower edge 315, to which the lower cartridge 316 can be pivotally mounted using a hinge 317 or other similar pivot mounting means. . The first end wall 311 has a handle 318. A mounting tab 319 secured to the bottom 316 of the cartridge 310 is slidably mounted to the base plate 326 (FIG. 9). The mounting tab 320 secured to the second end wall 312 in the cartridge 310 is receivable into the cartridge tab receiving area 337 (FIG. 9) of the cigarette blank separating device 300. Generally, the cartridge 310 can hold a plurality of cigarettes, for example about 200 cigarette tubes. Generally, a cartridge is formed in a size that allows a user to set the entire box of cigarette blanks (200 cigarette blanks) into the cartridge without the user removing the cigarette blanks from the box before loading. The cartridge may also be sized to hold a box of 100 cigarette blanks. Alternatively, if one wants to use a box of cigarette blanks containing less than 200 cigarette blanks in a cartridge designed for 200 cigarette blanks, the blocks can be used to occupy extra space in the cartridge.

In operation, the user flips the cartridge 310 so that the bottom 316 is at the top and the bottom 316 is fully open. The user sets the entire box of cigarette blanks in the cartridge 310. The user can then tear the top off the cigarette box and close the cartridge bottom 316. The loaded cartridge is then ready for loading into the cartridge tube separation device 300.

8 shows a perspective view of a cigarette blank separating device 300 having a cartridge 310 received. Also shown is a sensing mechanism 601 and a collection mechanism 510 for collecting rejected cigarette blanks (not shown).

9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cigarette blank separating device 300 containing a cartridge 310 holding a plurality of blank cigarettes 325. The cartridge blank separating device 300 includes a base plate 326 having a lower end 327, an upper end 328, a first side 330, and an opposing second side. The first side plate 331 is disposed on the first side 330 of the base plate, and the opposing second side plate (not shown) is disposed on the opposing second side of the base plate 326.

Mounting and operation of the first side plate 331 are described herein, and mounting and operation of the opposing second side plate (not shown) are substantially similar to that of the first side plate 331. Cross bar 336 couples the first side plate 331 to a second side plate (not shown). The cross bar 336 has a cartridge tab receiving area 337 for receiving a mounting tab 320 disposed on the second end wall 312 of the cartridge box 321. The first side plate 331 has an upper end 332 that is pivotally mounted to a pivot point 338 adjacent to the upper end 328 of the base plate 326. A portion 335 of the first side plate 331 rests on an eccentric cam 333 that rotates with respect to the cam shaft 334. The cam shaft may be driven by a motor (not shown) or by other means available to impart rotational action to the cam shaft 334. 9 shows the first side plate 331 and the cigarette blank loading cartridge 310 in a lower position, where the user can insert a cigarette blank loading cartridge 310 comprising a plurality of cigarette blanks. to be.

When the cam 333 rotates about the camshaft 334, the second side plate (not shown) facing the first side plate 331 pivots about the pivot point 338 and thereby the first side plate. The lower end 339 of 331 and the lower end of the second side plate move along the upwardly facing arc 340. The transverse bar 336 attached between the first side plate 331 and the second side plate moves upwards. The cartridge box 321 also moves upwards because the mounting tab 320 of the cigarette blank loading cartridge 310 is housed in the cartridge tab receiving area 337 of the cross bar 336.

10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge blank separation device 300 having a cartridge box 310 in a raised position, a first side plate 331, and a second side plate (not shown).

The lower end 327 of the base plate 326 is adjacent to the shaking assembly 380. In one embodiment, the shaking assembly 380 has a shaking plate 381 rotatably mounted to the upper end 383 of the frame 382. The shaking plate 381 may be shaken by various methods, and one method of shaking the plate is by the eccentric cam 384. In operation, rotation of the eccentric cam pivots the plate about the upper end 383 of the shaking plate 381, thereby shaking the plurality of cigarette blanks 390. In general, the lower end 385 of the shaking plate 381 allows only the plurality of cigarette blanks 396 at the lowest level between the lower end 385 of the shaking plate 381 and the base plate 326 to pass through. It is at a sufficient distance from the base plate 326.

The plurality of cigarette blanks 390 have a first row 387, a second row 388, and an upper row 389. When the shaking plate 381 advances toward the upper end 328 of the base plate 326 by the rotation of the cam 384, the shaking plate 381 is plural toward the upper end 328 of the base plate 326. Cigarette blank 390 is pushed out. Base plate 326 has a retainer 391 that retains the position of the cigarette blank once the cigarette blanks have moved to the lower end 392 of the retainer. This retainer may be a step, finger or other article used to maintain the position of the cigarette blank. By shaking the second row 388 and the top row 389 of the plurality of cigarette blanks 390, the shaking plate breaks the pyramid structure 393, which typically forms between successive rows of cigarettes. In addition, retainer 391 prevents the lower plurality of cigarette blanks 396 from moving toward the upper end 328 of the base plate 326 and promotes the efficiency of the shaker breaking the pyramid structure 393. .

The cigarette blank loading region 394 is where it has a cigarette blank 395 ready to be loaded into the fill tube 350 as shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E. After the cigarette blank loading pin 504 pushes the cigarette blank 395 out of the cigarette blank loading area 394, a plurality of lowermost cigarette blanks 396 are advanced forward and other cigarette blanks are loaded into the cigarette blank loading area ( 394).

Referring again to FIG. 1, a material and product delivery mechanism 500 having a tobacco leaf plug injection pin 501, a finished cigarette discharge pin 503, and an improperly loaded cigarette blank removal pin 502 thereon. There is this. In general, the pins 501, 502, 503 are moved linearly along their axis by a plurality of pneumatic cylinders (not shown). The injection pin 501 and associated pneumatic cylinder are mounted to the slidable fixture 507. The fixture 507 slidably mounted to the frame 505 is slidable by the hand crank 506. The slidably mounted injection pin 501 allows the pin to be adjusted to accommodate cigarette blanks of various lengths.

1 shows a general operation of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus. In operation, a user fills a cigarette blank cartridge with a plurality of cigarette blanks and loads the cartridge 310 into the cigarette blank separation assembly 300. The user also pours tobacco leaves into the tobacco leaf inlet 102 of the input hopper 100. The user then starts the operation of the cigarette manufacturing apparatus 10. Automatic operation of the cigarette manufacturing device is generally controlled by an electronic circuit, such as a computer or a programmable logic controller ("PLC") (not shown), adapted to interface with the various components of the cigarette manufacturing device 10.

The cigarette blank separating device 300 separates the cigarette blank 395 from the plurality of tubes in the cartridge 310, causing the cigarette blank to flow into the loading region 394 as shown in FIG. 10. Filling tube 350, a portion of guide head 370 extending past second end 352 of fill tube 350 (FIG. 6C) mounted to drum 401, is in axial direction with cigarette blank 395. Aligned. The cigarette blank loading pin 504 then pushes the cigarette blank into the fill tube 350 and the guide head 370 is withdrawn from the fill tube 350 (as discussed with respect to FIGS. 6D and 6E). The drum 401 then advances forward in the direction shown by arrow 602.

Referring again to FIG. 1, when fill tube 350 having a cigarette blank thereon reaches position 603, sensor 601 ensures that the cigarette blank is properly loaded. If the sensor finds that the tube is properly loaded, the injection rod 501 injects the previously compressed tobacco leaf plug 295 into the fill tube 350 (as described above with respect to FIG. 6F). If the sensor 601 finds that the tube is improperly loaded, the cigarette manufacturing apparatus skips the tobacco leaf plug injection process and the drum 401 continues forward in the direction of the arrow 602.

After the tobacco leaf plug has been successfully injected into the fill tube 350 having the cigarette blank thereon, the drum 401 continues forward in the direction of the arrow 602 and then the fill tube 350 exits the finished cigarette. Position 604 is reached. Once reached, the discharge rod 503 discharges the finished cigarette from the fill tube 350 as shown in FIG. 6G. The finished cigarette falls into a collecting device (not shown) where it can be recovered by the operator.

If the sensor 601 finds an improperly loaded cigarette blank, the drum 401 continues forwarding the filling tube 350 holding the improperly loaded cigarette blank in the direction of the arrow 602 and injecting tobacco leaves. The process and the finished cigarette evacuation process are skipped and then an improperly loaded tube removal region 605 is reached. The removal pins 502 then push out the improperly loaded cigarette blanks from the fill tube (FIG. 6H).

After the process described above is complete and the finished cigarette is made (or after an improperly loaded cigarette blank is removed), the fill tube is ready to accept a new cigarette blank. In general, the process described above produces 25 finished cigarettes per minute with less than 4 removed cigarettes per 100 finished cigarettes.

In the drum 401 a plurality of filling tubes causes the steps to occur simultaneously. For example, cigarette blank plugs may be inserted into the fill tube at the same time that the tobacco leaf plugs are injected into the other fill tubes, and the tobacco leaf plugs may be injected into the other fill tubes as soon as the finished cigarette is removed from the fill tubes. It may occur, and at the same time that the improperly loaded cigarette blank is removed, the finished cigarette is removed from the fill tube. Additionally, conveying and compressing tobacco leaves and separating cigarette blanks may occur concurrently with the above steps.

Another embodiment of the guide head and the pin is shown in FIG. The inflatable head system 700 includes a guide head 701, a hollow tube 702, a spring shaft 703 having a collar 704, a spring 705, and a body 706.

As shown in FIG. 12, the body 706 has an internal bore 708 at the front end 709 to receive the spring shaft 703. The spring shaft 703 is slidably mounted to the inner bore 708 of the body 706. The friction reducing members 713, 714 may be disposed in the inner bore 708 between the body 706 and the spring shaft 703 to guide the spring shaft 703. The spring 705 is disposed on the spring shaft 703, which is held in the inner bore 708 by a stop 735 mounted to the rear end 710 of the spring shaft 703. The spring 705 remains compressed between the collar 704 of the spring shaft 703 and the front face 711 of the body 706. The washer 712 may be disposed on the spring shaft 703 in contact with the front surface 711 of the body 706 to receive the end 732 of the spring 705.

The first end 720 of the hollow tube 702 is attached to the collar 704 of the spring shaft 703 and the second end 733 of the hollow tube 702 receives the guide head 701. The inner bore 719 of the spring shaft 703 communicates with the hollow center portion 721 of the hollow tube 702. The pin 707 has a first end 715 attached to the rear end 718 of the body 706. The pin 707 passes through the inner bore 719 of the spring shaft 703, passes through the hollow tube 702, and ends at the guide head 701. The friction reducing members 722, 723 may be disposed in the inner bore 719 of the spring shaft 703 to guide the pin 707.

The second end 724 of the pin 707 terminates at the conical head portion 725 of the guide head 701. When the conical head portion 725 is folded in shape, the conical head portion 725 has a conical inner cavity 726 sized to receive the second end 724 of the pin 707 and also has a shape of the pin 707. It has an inner cavity 727 smaller than the second end 724. The guide head 701 may have a plurality of longitudinal slots similar to the embodiment of the guide head shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 12 shows the conical head portion 725 of the guide head 701 through the pin 707 in the retracted position and the second end 352 of the fill tube 350. 12 shows the distal end of the inflatable head system 700 enlarged to show in detail. When the pin 707 is in the retracted position, the conical head is folded so that the large diameter 728 of the conical head portion 725 is less than or equal to the inner diameter 353 of the fill tube 350. The expansion force of the spring 705 maintains the pin in the retracted position and maintains the position of the guide head 701 relative to the pin 707 until sufficient force is caused on the pin 707 to overcome the expansion force of the spring. .

FIG. 13 shows the conical head portion 725 of the guide head 701 through the pin 707 in the expanded position and the second end 352 of the fill tube 350. FIG. 13 shows the distal end of the inflatable head system 700 enlarged to illustrate in detail. When the fin 707 is in the inflated position, the second end 724 of the fin 707 passes into the inner cavity 727 of the conical head portion 725, whereby the inner diameter of the fill tube 350 ( Inflate the conical head portion 725 to a diameter that is generally larger than 353 and more generally a diameter 729 that is larger than the outer diameter 354 of the fill tube 350. In this position, the conical head portion 725 is positioned to receive the cigarette blank and guide it to the fill tube.

In operation, the guide head 701 passes through the filling tube until the conical head portion 725 passes through the second end 352 of the filling tube 350, wherein the means for stopping the spring shaft 703 is a spring. It serves to stop forward movement of the shaft 703, the hollow tube 702 and the guide head 701. The body 706 then continues to move forward by a distance 730 extending the second end 724 of the pin 707 into the inner cavity 727 of the conical head portion 725, whereby the guide head 701 Expands the conical head portion 725. The cigarette blank may be inserted into the fill tube 350 past the conical head portion 725. The body 706 then retracts, thereby retracting the second end 724 of the pin 707 from the inner cavity 727 to return the conical head portion 725 to the folded shape. Retraction of the body 706 continues to withdraw the guide head 701 and tube 702 from the fill tube 350.

Although the present invention has been illustrated by the detailed description of the above-described embodiments and the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, the invention is not intended to limit or limit the appended claims to these details. Additional advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods illustrated and described and illustrated examples. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims (45)

An apparatus for loading cigarette blanks on a fill tube, the apparatus comprising:
A filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter,
A pin formed in a size fitted into the filling tube, the pin having a first end and a second end, the second end having a guide head;
When the fill tube receives the second end of the fin, at least a portion of the guide head of the fin extends beyond the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube. Device. The method of claim 1,
And the guide head can be folded to a diameter at least as small as the inner diameter of the fill tube. The method of claim 2,
And the diameter of the guide head when the guide head is in a relaxed state is larger than the inner diameter of the filling tube. The method of claim 2,
And the diameter of the guide head when the guide head is in a relaxed state is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the filling tube. The method of claim 2,
And the guide head comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots. The method of claim 1,
And the pin comprises a shaft shaped to fit within the filling tube and a removable guide head mounted to the shaft. The method of claim 1,
And the guide head has a substantially conical shape. The method of claim 1,
And the second end of the fill tube is tapered. An apparatus for loading cigarette blanks on a fill tube, the apparatus comprising:
A filling tube holder capable of holding a plurality of filling tubes;
A plurality of filling tubes mounted to said filling tube holder, each filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter;
And at least one pin formed in a size to fit within the filling tube, the pin having a first end and a second end, the second end including a guide head.
When each of the fill tubes receives a second end of the fin, at least a portion of the guide head of the fin extends beyond the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube. Device. The method of claim 9,
And the tube holder is a drum. 11. The method of claim 10,
And the drum is rotatable. The method of claim 9,
And the guide head of the pin can be folded to a diameter at least as small as the inner diameter of the fill tube. The method of claim 12,
And the diameter of the guide head of the pin is greater than the inner diameter of the filling tube when the guide head is in a relaxed state. The method of claim 12,
And the diameter of the guide head of the pin is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the tube when the guide head is in a relaxed state. The method of claim 12,
And the guide head comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots. The method of claim 9,
And the pin comprises a shaft having a maximum cross-sectional measurement not greater than the inner diameter of the tube and a removable guide head mounted to the shaft. The method of claim 9,
And the guide head has a substantially conical shape. A method of placing a cigarette blank on a fill tube to receive tobacco leaves,
Providing a fill tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter;
Providing a pin that is sized to fit within the fill tube and has a first end and a second end, the second end comprising a guide head;
Inserting the pin into the fill tube such that at least a portion of the guide head of the pin extends beyond the second end of the fill tube;
Dispensing a cigarette blank past the guide head onto the fill tube;
Retracting the pin from the filling tube. The method of claim 18,
And discharging the cylinder of tobacco leaves into the filling tube. The method of claim 19,
And discharging the finished cigarette from the filling tube. The method of claim 20,
Producing cigarettes at a rate of at least 25 cigarettes per minute, wherein at least 95% of the cigarette blanks are made of finished cigarettes. An apparatus for dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette maker,
A base having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side;
And a shaker in communication with the base;
And the base comprises a retainer for retaining at least one cigarette blank. The method of claim 22,
And the retainer comprises a step. The method of claim 22,
And the retainer comprises a finger. The method of claim 22,
The shaker is located at the lower end of the base. The method of claim 25,
The shaker is a plate. The method of claim 25,
The shaker is driven by an eccentric cam. The method of claim 22,
And the device is configured to hold a plurality of cigarette blanks. An apparatus for dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette maker,
A base having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, the base including a retainer for retaining at least one cigarette blank;
A shaker in communication with the base;
And a cartridge mountable on the base to receive a plurality of cigarette blanks. The method of claim 29,
And said retainer comprises a step. The method of claim 29,
And the retainer comprises a finger. The method of claim 29,
The shaker is located at the lower end of the base. The method of claim 29,
The shaker is a plate. The method of claim 29,
The shaker is driven by an eccentric cam. The method of claim 29,
And the cartridge is configured to receive a cigarette blank formed of a plurality of boxes without having to remove the cigarette blank from the box. The method of claim 29,
And the cartridge is mechanically openable so that cigarette blanks can be dispensed from the cartridge after mounting the cartridge on the base. A method of dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette maker,
Providing a base comprising a retainer for holding at least one cigarette blank, said base having an upper end, a lower end opposite said upper end, a first side, and a second side opposite said first side;
Providing a shake in communication with the base;
Holding a plurality of cigarette blanks in the base;
Shaking the cigarette blank;
Supporting at least one cigarette blank with the retainer;
Distributing the cigarette blank to the loading region. 39. The method of claim 37,
Providing a cartridge for receiving a cigarette blank formed of a plurality of boxes without the need to remove the cigarette blank from the box. The method of claim 38,
And mechanically opening the cartridge for flowing a cigarette blank after mounting the cartridge on the base. An apparatus for loading a cigarette blank onto a fill tube,
A filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter,
A hollow tube formed in a size fitted within the filling tube, the hollow tube having a first end and a second end, the second end including a guide head
Including;
When the fill tube receives the second end of the hollow tube, at least a portion of the guide head of the hollow tube extends past the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube. Apparatus for loading a cigarette blank into the filling tube. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the diameter of the guide head when the guide head is in a relaxed state is smaller than the inner diameter of the fill tube. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the guide head comprises a plurality of longitudinal slots. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising a pin disposed in the hollow tube. An apparatus for loading cigarette blanks on a fill tube, the apparatus comprising:
A filling tube having a first end, a second end, an inner diameter and an outer diameter;
A hollow tube formed in a size fitted within the filling tube, the hollow tube having a first end and a second end, the second end including a guide head;
A pin disposed in the hollow tube and having a first end and a second end;
When the fill tube receives the second end of the hollow tube, at least a portion of the guide head of the hollow tube extends beyond the second end of the fill tube to guide the cigarette blank onto the fill tube,
The guide head comprises a conical portion, the conical portion defining an interior cavity for receiving a second end of the pin. 45. The method of claim 44,
And the diameter of the guide head when the guide head is in a relaxed state is equal to or smaller than or greater than the inner diameter of the filling tube.

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