EP2502510A1 - Device and method for inserting objects into a filter component - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an insertion wheel (150) and a storage unit which stores multiple objects, where each object has a predetermined volume. The device has pockets, where each pocket has a shape which is configured to hold one of the objects with about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object that receives in the pocket. The rest of the volume of the object protrudes over outer circumference (150a) of the insertion wheel from the pocket. An independent claim is also included for a method for inserting one or multiple objects in a filter component of a tobacco rod.

Description

This patent application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 071,945 , filed on March 25, 2011, and no. 13 / 232.150 , filed on Sep. 14, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This patent application relates generally to apparatus and methods for making tobacco products. More particularly, this patent application relates to devices and methods for loading objects, such as capsules, into the filter component of the tobacco product. Generic within the meaning of the present invention are a device for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, comprising at least one memory device storing a plurality of objects, each object having a predetermined volume and at least one insert wheel receiving the objects stored in the storage device and loading the objects into at least one filter material band, each of the at least one insert wheels having an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets disposed in the outer circumference and distributed around the outer circumference, and a A method of loading one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, the method comprising conveying at least one filter material band, holding a plurality of the objects in pockets disposed on the outer periphery of at least one rotating insert wheel, and inserting the object or the Objects in the filter material includes.

International Publication No. WO 2010/107756 , whose disclosure is intended to be fully incorporated into this application, describes an apparatus and associated method of forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A filter material is formed from a continuous supply through a strand forming unit into a filter strand. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the filter strand. A strand separation unit is configured to divide the filter strand at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal axis into a plurality of filter rod sections such that each filter rod section comprises at least a first object and at least a second object disposed therein, the first objects being different from the first distinguish between different objects.

International patent application no. WO 2010/055120 , whose disclosure content is also to be incorporated herein by reference, describes a device for inserting objects into a device A smoking article comprising a reservoir for providing a plurality of objects to be inserted in the smoking article, a rotatable wheel for bringing the objects to the location where the objects are to be inserted into the smoking article, a transfer chamber for transferring the objects to the rotatable wheel, wherein the transfer chamber is disposed between the reservoir and the rotatable wheel and is configured such that the objects are aligned therein in a single, vertically disposed layer, and means for moving the objects from the single layer in the transfer chamber in a direction on the peripheral surface the rotatable wheel to or along the peripheral surface of the rotatable wheel.

Due to the structure and function of these and other known prior art devices, they are typically capable of operating at slower speeds than the desired strand speeds, for example, at maximum strand speeds of about 85 meters per minute.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for reliably inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod at high production speed.

The object is achieved by a device for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, comprising at least one storage device storing a plurality of objects, each object having a predetermined volume and at least one insert wheel storing the ones stored in the storage device Receives objects and inserts the objects in at least one filter material band, wherein each of the at least one insert wheels an outer circumference with a A plurality of pockets disposed in the outer circumference and distributed around the outer circumference, each pocket having a shape that is configured, one of the objects having between about one quarter and about half the volume of the object received in the pocket is to hold, and the remainder of the volume of the object protrudes from the pocket over the outer periphery of the insert wheel. According to an advantageous embodiment, each pocket may have a shape designed to hold one of the objects with approximately one third of the volume of the object received in the pocket, with the remainder of the volume of the object projecting from the pocket over the outer periphery of the insertion pad.

The device may also preferably comprise at least one, in particular substantially conically shaped, finger compressing the at least one filter material band into a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the at least one insert wheel inserts the objects directly into the filter material in the finger. In particular, the device may advantageously further comprise a first finger compressing a first filter material band into a substantially cylindrical shape and a second finger compressing a second filter material band into a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the first finger and the second finger are fitted, guiding the first and second filter material bands along substantially parallel paths, wherein the at least one inserter wheel includes a first loading wheel that receives the objects stored in the at least one storage device and inserts objects into the first filter material band, and a second loading wheel receiving the objects stored in the at least one storage device and inserting the objects into the second filter material web.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first finger and the second finger are substantially conical and each comprise a slot which is adapted to receive a portion of the respective loading wheel. According to a preferred embodiment, the finger or respectively the first finger and the second finger respectively determine a diameter in a region in which the at least one insert wheel or the first and second insert wheel deposit or deposit the objects in the filter material, and the pockets on the at least one insert wheel can hold the respective objects until they are introduced to a depth in the filter material that is approximately half of the finger diameter, thereby centering the object in the filter material. Accordingly, the first and second loading wheels are preferably each adapted to deposit the objects in the respective first and second filter material webs to a depth equal to or approximately half of each finger diameter.

According to one embodiment, the at least one finger comprises a substantially conical wall portion which encloses an inner portion of the finger and has a slot, wherein a portion of the inserter extends through the slot and into the inner portion of the finger.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first loading wheel and the second loading wheel are substantially parallel to each other. According to a likewise advantageous embodiment, each pocket in the first and second loading wheels has a shape adapted to hold one of the objects with approximately one third of the volume of the object received in the pocket, the remainder of the volume of the object being from the pocket protrudes beyond the outer periphery of the respective Einlegerads.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a tow guide, which is arranged in the strand conveying direction directly in front of the finger, wherein the tow guide has a substantially cylindrical or substantially conical interior and a rod-shaped plow is at least partially within the tow guide, the tow guide and the Plow the filter material band into a substantially U-shape or C-shape before entering the finger. The rod-shaped plow may be adjustable in position with respect to the tow guide. A pick roller may be arranged in the strand conveying direction in front of the finger, wherein the pick roller has a circumferential profile, which pre-folds the filter material band.

According to an advantageous embodiment of independent inventive rank comprises a generic or the device described above, in particular additionally, at least one metering wheel, in particular first and second metering wheels, which receives or receive the objects from the storage device, and at least one intermediate, in particular first and second idler wheels that receive the objects from each of the metering wheel or the first and second metering wheels and convey or convey the objects to the pockets in the loading wheel. According to a preferred embodiment, the first idler and the second idler may convey the objects to alternate pockets in the loader wheel. According to an advantageous embodiment, the idler or the first and second idler can rotate faster than the metering or as each of the first and second Dosierrad. According to one embodiment, the idler gear and the first and second idler gears may rotate at substantially the same speed as the loading wheel.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device moreover comprises at least one metering guide or a first metering guide, which is located between the, in particular first, metering wheel and the, in particular first, intermediate wheel, wherein the, in particular first, metering guide is adapted, at least one of the objects in the , in particular first, to retain the metering wheel, and in particular a second metering guide located between the second metering wheel and the second intermediate gear, wherein the second metering guide is adapted to retain at least one of the objects in the second metering wheel. Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one flat feed chamber for an object position ("single-plane") which feeds the objects from the storage device to the at least one metering wheel, in particular the first metering wheel and the second metering wheel.

According to a preferred embodiment of independent inventive rank, a generic or previously described device comprises at least one transfer chamber which transfers the objects from the storage device to the insert wheel, the transfer chamber having an inner periphery and at least one air source accelerating objects around the inner circumference of the transfer chamber. The at least one transfer chamber may comprise an object track which is arranged in the inner circumference. There may be a first transfer chamber and a second transfer chamber that bring the objects to alternate pockets in the insert wheel. The apparatus may thus comprise a first transfer chamber which transfers the objects from the at least one storage device to the first loading wheel, wherein the first transfer chamber comprises an inner periphery and a second transfer chamber which in the

Substantially parallel to the first transfer chamber, the second transfer chamber transferring the objects from the at least one storage device to the second loading wheel, the second transfer chamber comprising an inner periphery and an air source accelerating the objects around the inner peripheries of the first transfer chamber and the second transfer chamber. According to a preferred embodiment, the air source comprises a first air source accelerating the objects around the inner circumference of the first transfer chamber, and a second air source accelerating the objects around the inner circumference of the second transfer chamber. According to one embodiment, the first and second transfer chambers each comprise an object path which is arranged in the respective inner circumference. According to one embodiment, the first and second transfer chambers each include parallel upper and lower transfer chambers that convey the objects to alternate pockets in the respective first and second loading wheels.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one air source associated with the plurality of pockets in the at least one loading wheel and the first and second loading wheels, the at least one air source applying a vacuum to the pockets to move the objects during transport to the bag Pull filter material into the pockets, wherein the at least one air source blows out of the pockets to eject the objects when introduced into the filter material.

This patent application also relates to a method for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, the method comprising conveying at least one filter material band, holding a plurality of the objects in pockets located on the outer periphery of at least one rotating loading wheel having between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of each object received in the respective pocket and including the introduction of the object or objects into the filter material. In particular, the method may include conveying substantially parallel first and second filter material bands, holding a plurality of the objects in pockets disposed on the outer periphery of substantially parallel first and second insert wheels, between about one quarter and about one half the volume of each object which is received in the respective pocket and incorporating the objects into the parallel first and second filter material bands from the respective first and second loading wheels.

The method may further advantageously comprise compressing the at least one filter material band into at least one filter rod using at least one substantially conical finger, wherein the introduction of the object into the filter material comprises placing the object directly into the filter material in the finger through one in the finger Slot includes. The filter material may have a diameter, wherein the step of introducing the object into the filter material comprises placing the object to a depth of about one-half the diameter of the filter material. Accordingly, the method preferably includes compressing the first and second filter material bands into substantially parallel first and second filter rods using substantially parallel first and second fingers. In a preferred embodiment, the filter material has a diameter, and the step of introducing the objects into the first and second filter material bands comprises placing the objects to a depth of approximately one-half the diameter of the filter material. According to In one embodiment, placing the objects to a depth of about one-half the diameter of the filter material comprises holding the objects in the pockets until they have reached the depth of about one-half the diameter of the filter material.

Moreover, according to an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises folding the filter material in a substantially U-shape or C-shape in the strand conveying direction in front of the finger or fingers using a tow guide and a plow or tow guides and plows.

Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment of independent inventive rank, a generic method or method as described above comprises extracting the objects from a storage device using at least one metering wheel, in particular a first metering wheel and a second metering wheel, and transferring the objects from the at least one metering wheel , in particular the first metering wheel and the second metering wheel, to at least one intermediate gear, in particular to a first intermediate gear and a second intermediate gear, wherein the at least one intermediate gear, in particular the first and second idler, rotates or rotates faster than the at least one metering wheel, in particular the respective one first and second metering wheel. The method may further preferably include alternately transferring the objects from the first idler and the second idler to the pockets in the lay-up wheel, the lay-up wheel rotating at substantially the same speed as the first and second idlers, or alternatively as the at least one idler ,

A generic or the method described above can in an advantageous alternative or additional embodiment of independent inventive rank comprising feeding the objects to a transfer chamber located near the loader wheel and accelerating the objects around an inner circumference of the transfer chamber using compressed air. The method may further include supplying the objects to substantially parallel first and second transfer chambers located proximate each of the first and second loading wheels and accelerating the objects around inner peripheries of the first and second transfer chambers using compressed air. According to one embodiment, each of the first and second transfer chambers comprises an upper transfer chamber and a lower transfer chamber.

According to one embodiment, suction air may be applied to one of the pockets to hold the object in the pocket prior to complete insertion of the object into the filter material, and subsequently air may be blown out of the pocket after the object has been fully inserted into the filter material to eject the object from the bag.

The embodiments of the device and the method, each with independent inventive rank, in particular with the pockets of Einlegerades (a), in which the objects are partially received, with the metering wheels (b) and with the one or more transfer chambers (c), are According to the invention separately or in different combinations, ie (a), (b), (c), (a + b), (a + c), (b + c) or (a + b + c) combined or combined.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Einlegerads, von Teilungsrädern, Dosierrädern und anderen Bauteilen der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 1,

Fig. 3

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Abschnitts von Figur 2,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines Abschnitts des Einlegerads von Figur 1, die ein Objekt zeigt, das von einer Tasche in dem Einlegerad gehalten wird,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Abschnitts eines Einlegerads und eines Fingers von Figur 1,

Fig. 6

eine andere perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Abschnitts eines Einlegerads und eines Fingers von Figur 1,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer ObjektEinlegevorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht eines Einlegerads, von Beschleunigungskammern und anderen Bauteilen der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 7,

Fig. 9

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Abschnitts von Figur 8, und

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer alternativen Ausführung der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 7, umfassend zwei im Wesentlichen parallele Einlegeräder, die mit zwei im Wesentlichen parallelen Filtermaterialbändern zusammenwirken.

The invention is hereinafter without limiting the general inventive concept by means of embodiments below Reference is made to the drawings, with reference to all unspecified in the text details of the invention, reference is expressly made to the drawings. Other aspects, objects, and advantages, as well as the structure and function of exemplary embodiments, will become apparent from a consideration of the specification, the drawings, and the examples. The foregoing aspects and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar and / or structurally similar elements. Show it:

Fig. 1

a side view of an object insertion device according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

a side perspective view of Einlegerads, dividing wheels, metering wheels and other components of the object insertion device of FIG. 1 .

Fig. 3

an enlarged view of a section of FIG. 2 .

Fig. 4

a schematic side view of a portion of the loading of FIG. 1 showing an object being held by a pocket in the inserter wheel,

Fig. 5

a side perspective view of a portion of a Einlegeads and a finger of FIG. 1 .

Fig. 6

another perspective side view of a portion of a Einlegeads and a finger of FIG. 1 .

Fig. 7

3 a perspective side view of an object insertion device according to a second embodiment,

Fig. 8

a side perspective view of Einlegerads, acceleration chambers and other components of the object insertion device of FIG. 7 .

Fig. 9

an enlarged view of a section of FIG. 8 , and

Fig. 10

a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the object insertion device of FIG. 7 comprising two substantially parallel insert wheels cooperating with two substantially parallel filter material bands.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be discussed in detail. For the sake of clarity, specific terminology is used in the description of the embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the specific terminology so selected. One skilled in the art will recognize that other equivalent parts and other developed methods can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All references cited in this document are referred to as having each been referenced individually.

The present invention relates to devices and methods that can be used to place objects in a smoking article, such as those described in International Patent Applications Nos. 5,130,399 and 4,424,854. WO 2010/107756 A1 and WO 2010/055120 A1 described apparatus, the entire contents of which should be included in this document. These devices and methods of the present invention can be used to load objects into a component of a smoking article, such as the filter material. For example, the objects may be beads, capsules or spheres, but other types of objects are also possible. The objects can be used, for example, to improve the sensory properties of cigarette smoke. In particular, the objects may be used as a carrier to add flavor or other substances to the average smoke. Exemplary types of filter material that may be used with the present invention include cellulose acetate tow, accumulated acetate tissue, polypropylene tow, accumulated paper, fibers of the sheet tobacco, and the like.

Regarding FIG. 1 an exemplary object loading device 10 is shown. According to one embodiment, the object loading device 10 may be upstream or upstream (in FIG FIG. 1 right) of a conventional strand forming unit (not shown). Filter material may be processed using a filter material processing unit 12 (eg, a transport nozzle) and passed through the strand forming unit to form a strand. The object loading device 10 may be associated with the filter material processing unit 12 and / or the strand forming unit to place one or more objects within the strand length of the filter material or filter strand. The filter strand may then be cut into a plurality of strand sections using a strand cutting device (not shown) be subdivided, in each of which at least one object is located. The strand sections may be collected for further processing in a collection device, such as a chamfer, a compound rotary drum, a conveyor system, or the like. According to one embodiment, the strand sections may then be transported directly to a cigarette making machine. Various aspects of the object loader 10 described in this document allow operation at a higher speed than prior art object loaders.

Also with respect to FIG. 1 For example, the filter material processing unit 12 may meter an endless belt of the filter material (eg, filter tow) from a pair of feed rollers 14a, 14b to a pick roller 16 associated with the object loader 10. In one embodiment, the pick roller 16 may have a circumferential profile that pre-folds the filter material band to better facilitate object insertion. For example, the pick roller 16 may have a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped circumferential profile that bends and folds the filter material as it passes over the pick roller 16. However, other configurations are possible.

Feed roller 16 may deliver the filter material to a tow guide 18 and then to a downstream or downstream finger 20, as best shown in FIG Figures 2 . 5 and 6 you can see. After exiting the finger 20, the filter material passes through the remainder of the rod forming unit (not shown). Further details of the tow guide 18 and the finger 20 will be discussed in detail below.

With further reference to FIG. 1 can the object loading device 10 include a storage device 22, such as one or more magazines, that stores a plurality of the objects to be loaded into the filter material. In one embodiment, the objects may be substantially spherical and referred to as capsules, but other shapes and configurations are possible. For ease of discussion, the items in this document are generally referred to as "capsules."

In one embodiment, storage device 22 may deliver the capsules to one or more delivery chambers 24, 26, which in turn supply the capsules to first and second metering wheels 28, 30. In one embodiment, the delivery chamber 24 and / or the delivery chamber 26 includes a "single-plane" delivery chamber that supplies only a single level of capsules to the periphery of the respective metering wheels 28, 30. For example, the capsules that pass through the "one-level" delivery chamber may be limited to an assembly that is multiple capsules high and multiple capsules deep, but only a single capsule wide. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), storage device 22 may deliver the capsules to a delivery chamber, rather than two, as shown, and the delivery chamber may in turn deliver the capsules to a single metering wheel or multiple metering wheels. The storage device 22 and / or the delivery chambers 24, 26 may include vibrators or similar devices that help move the capsules from the storage device 22 to the metering wheels 28, 30.

Regarding Figures 2 and 3 the metering wheels 28, 30 are shown in more detail. The metering wheels 28, 30 each have an outer periphery 28a, 30a, a portion of which is in contact with the lower exit openings 24a, 26a of the respective supply chambers 24, 26 (see FIG. 2 ). The outer peripheries 28a, 30a may each have a set Dosierradtaschen 32, 34 which are distributed at the same distance around the respective outer peripheries 28a, 30a. The Dosierradtaschen 32, 34 are adapted to receive the capsules from the lower outlet openings 24a, 26a of the feed chambers 24, 26 and to transport the capsules at least partially within the metering wheels 28, 30.

In one embodiment, metering wheel pockets 32, 34 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may have a diameter and sufficient depth to receive all or a portion of the respective capsules. In the case of a cylindrical shape, the pockets may have a depth and a diameter equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the respective capsules to ensure precise positioning of the capsules within the pockets. In alternative embodiments, metering wheel pockets 32, 34 may be square, rectangular, conical, or other shapes known in the art, provided that the pockets can safely and precisely receive all or a portion of the respective capsules. A vacuum source (not shown) may be applied to the pockets 32, 34 to assist in the transfer of the capsules from the delivery chambers 24, 26 and / or to assist in holding the capsules within the pockets 32, 34 once they are there are.

With further reference to Figures 2 and 3 For example, the device 10 may include intermediate gears 36, 38 that receive capsules transmitted from the metering wheels 28, 30. Regarding FIG. 3 For example, the idler gears 36, 38 may each have an outer periphery 36a, 38a, each of which may include a set of idler pockets 40, 42 distributed equidistantly about the respective outer peripheries 36a, 38a. The intermediate wheel pockets 40, 42 are adapted to receive the capsules from the metering wheels 28, 30 and to transport the capsules at least partially within the intermediate gears 36, 38. The intermediate wheel pockets 40, 42 may be substantially the same as the previously described metering wheel pockets 32, 34 and will not be further described in this document. A vacuum source (not shown) may be applied to the idler pockets 40, 42 to assist in transferring the capsules from the metering wheel pockets 32, 34 to the idler pockets 40, 42 and / or while holding the capsules within the idler pockets 40, 42 help once they are there.

Regarding FIG. 3 For example, a first metering guide 44 may be located between the first metering wheel 28 and the first intermediate gear 36. Similarly, a second metering guide 46 may be located between the second metering wheel 30 and the second idler 42. The metering guides 44, 46 can help in the transfer of capsules between the Dosierradtaschen 32, 34 and the Zwischenradtaschen 40, 42. For example, the first metering guide 44 may cover or block a portion of the first idler pockets 32, as well as a portion of the first metering wheel pockets 40, until or just prior to which a metering wheel pocket 32 is in contact with a respective idler pocket 40. The second metering guide 46 may have a similar arrangement.

For the metering wheel pockets covered by the metering guides 44, 46, the vacuum source normally applied to the metering wheel pockets 32, 34 may be switched off and / or replaced by an airflow directed out of the covered metering wheel pockets 32, 34 , As soon as one of the metering wheel pockets 32, 34 rotates behind the metering guide 44, 46 and no longer is blocked by her, the air flow can drive the capsule from the Dosierradtasche and in the Zwischenradtasche 40, 42, which is in contact with her at the time. Thus, the metering guides 44, 46 may allow the flow of air blowing the capsules out of the pockets to be used earlier than if there were no metering guides 44, 46 without the risk of the capsules being expelled from the metering wheel pockets 32, 34 prematurely become. Thus, the speed and consistency of transferring capsules from the metering wheel pockets 32, 34 to the idler pockets 40, 42 can be improved.

With further reference to Figures 2 and 3 For example, the device 10 may include a loading pad 50 that receives capsules from the intermediate wheels 36, 38 and inserts them into the filter material band, for example as it passes through the finger 20 of the rod forming unit. The insert wheel 50 may include an outer periphery 50a having a plurality of inserter bump pockets 52 distributed equidistantly about the outer circumference 50a. Insertor pockets 52 at least partially receive the capsules and hold them on the inserter wheel 50, as described in more detail below. A vacuum source (not shown) may be applied to the inserter bump pockets 52 to assist in transferring the capsules from the idler pockets 40, 42 to the inserter bump pockets 52 and / or to help hold the capsules within the idler pockets 52 once there are.

The arrangement of the previously described metering wheels 28, 30, idler gears 36, 38, and loader wheels 50 may help to facilitate the faster operation of the object loader 10. For example, the metering wheels 28, 30 may operate at a relatively slow speed (for example, as measured at the outer peripheries 28a, 30a) for consistent transfer of the capsules from the feed chambers 24, 26 to the respective Dosierradtaschen 32, 34 to ensure. At the same time, the high speed inserter 50 can load the capsules into the filter material at a high feed rate.

According to one embodiment, a pitch or pitch extension and speed increase may occur in the transmission from the metering wheels 28, 30 to the intermediate wheels 36, 38. For example, according to one embodiment, the first and second intermediate gears 36, 38 may rotate faster than the respective metering wheels 28, 30. Additionally or alternatively, the idler pockets 40, 42 may be disposed at a greater pitch than the metering wheel pockets 32, 34.

In one embodiment, faster speeds may be provided by alternately transferring capsules from the first and second idler pockets 40, 42 to the inserter bump pockets 52. For example, an intermediate wheel pocket 40 in the first idler 36 may transfer a capsule to a loader pocket 52, and subsequently an idler gear pocket 42 in the second idler 38 may transfer capsules to the directly next loader pocket 52, and so on. An increase in pitch and / or an increase in speed can also occur during the transfer from the intermediate wheels 36, 38 to the loading wheel 50. In one embodiment, the first idler 36, the second idler 38, and the inserter 50 may rotate at substantially the same speed, although other configurations are possible. For example, the insert wheel 50 could alternatively rotate faster or slower than the first and second idler wheels 36, 38.

The following table lists exemplary parameters for operation an object loading device 10 on: TABLE A wheelset Holes / wheel Wheel diam. (Mm) Operation rpm Umfangsge-speed metering each 30th 137.5 133 1/3 57.6 m / min idlers every 10th 95 400 119.38 m / min insert wheels 20 190 400 238.76 m / min

When used to form 108 mm filter rods having four capsules per filter, one embodiment of the object loader 10 employing the aforementioned parameters resulted in a machine speed of approximately 216 m filter material per minute, with an output of 2000 filters per minute (8000 capsules per minute). One skilled in the art will recognize from this description that other parameters than those described above may be used.

Although the in FIGS. 1 to 6 As shown in the embodiment shown, having two metering wheels 28, 30 and two idler wheels 36, 38, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate based on this disclosure that alternative embodiments may employ a single metering wheel and / or a single idler. Similarly, one skilled in the art will appreciate based on this disclosure that alternative embodiments may include more than two metering wheels and / or more than two idler gears. Furthermore, based on this description, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that while the in Figures 1-6 embodiment shown two feed chambers 24, 26th includes, a single feed chamber or more than two feed chambers can be used.

Regarding FIG. 4 For example, a portion of a liner pad 50 is shown in detail that includes a liner pocket 52. The object loading device 10 may be configured to work with a capsule C having a predetermined shape and a predetermined volume. For ease of description, the invention will be described in connection with a spherical capsule C, but other forms and sizes of capsules are possible, as previously mentioned.

To facilitate accurate placement of the capsule C in the filter material, the inserter pocket 52 may support the capsule C such that a portion C1 of the capsule C, for example between about one fourth and about one half of the capsule volume, is seated within the pocket 52 the remainder C2 of the capsule C protrudes from the pocket 52 over the outer periphery 50a of the loading pad 50. Thus, the inlay wheel 50 can manually insert the capsule substantially to its desired position within the filter material without resorting to forced air to "shoot" the capsule C out of a deep pocket and into its desired position, resulting in greater control and accuracy in the placement of the capsule C leads and / or higher operating speeds allowed.

As in FIG. 4 As shown, the inserter pocket 52 for cylindrical capsules C may be formed as a portion of a sphere. However, other configurations of the pocket 52 are possible. For example, the insertor pocket may include a plurality of individual surfaces that contact and hold different points on the surface of the capsule C (eg, a cylindrical pocket may be sized) be to receive and hold a portion of a spherical capsule C). In one embodiment, inserter pockets 52 are configured to receive and support approximately one-third of the total volume of capsule C with the remainder of each capsule volume protruding from inserter pocket 52 and over the outer perimeter 50a of the inserter pad.

Regarding Figures 5 and 6 an embodiment is shown in which the insert wheel 50 inserts the capsules C directly into the finger 20 of the rod forming unit. As shown, the finger 20 may include a substantially conically shaped wall which compresses the filter material band as it is pulled by the finger 20, thereby causing the filter material to assume a cylindrical shape. A slot 60 may extend through the conical wall along the direction of travel of the filter material, and a portion of the insert pad 50 may extend through the slot 60 into the interior of the finger 20. As a result of this configuration, the insert wheel 50 may deposit the capsule C directly into the filter material as it is compressed by the finger 20. By placing the capsule C in the filter material as close to the strand formation point as reasonably possible, the capsule C can maintain its desired position within the filter material.

With further reference to Figures 5 and 6 For example, the inserter pocket 52 may remain in contact with the capsule C and hold it positive until the capsule C has been moved almost or completely to the desired position within the filter material. For example, with reference to FIG. 6 the conical wall of the finger 20 defines an inside diameter D at the point where the capsule C is to be placed in the filter material, and the finger 20 can form the filter material to be substantially the same diameter at the point. Insert pad 50 and inserter pocket 52 may keep capsule C active until insert wheel 50 positions capsule C at a depth Y within finger 20, as in FIG FIG. 5 shown. In one embodiment, the depth Y may be substantially half the diameter D of the finger 20, thereby causing the capsule C to be deposited substantially centered within the filter material. However, other embodiments are possible. After the loading wheel 50 and inserter pocket 52 have moved the capsule to its desired position within the filter material, as in FIG FIGS. 5 and 6 As shown, the vacuum normally applied to the inserter bumpers may optionally be switched to a short burst of positive pressurized air, for example, to accelerate the release of the capsules C from the respective inserter pocket 52.

According to one embodiment, the linear velocity of the outer periphery 50a of the liner 50, and thus the liner bumps, may be greater than the linear velocity of the filter material through the finger 20. This arrangement may result in greater accuracy in the placement of the capsules C in the filter material.

With further reference to Figures 5 and 6 For example, a tow guide 62 and a rod-shaped plow 64 may be disposed in front of the finger 20. The tow guide 62 may have a substantially conical or substantially cylindrical interior. The plow 64 may extend longitudinally within the tow guide 62 and, together with the plow 64, may preform or pre-fold the filter material into a substantially C-shape or U-shape prior to entry into the finger 20. As a result of preforming the filter material substantially in C-shape or U-shape, the Insert pad 50 insert capsule C through the opening in the C-shaped or U-shaped filter material and into the approximate center of the pleated filter material. As a result of this configuration, the pleated filter material can more reliably hold the capsule C in its desired position within the filter material and in the resulting filter. According to one embodiment, the position of the plow 64 with respect to the tow guide 62 may be adjusted, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the tow guide 62.

Regarding FIGS. 7 to 9 A second embodiment of an object loading device is shown. For purposes of this description, the object insertion device 110 differs from FIG FIGS. 7 to 9 from the object loading device 10, which is in FIGS. 1 to 6 only the structure and function of inserting the objects (e.g., capsules) from the storage device 122 to the loading wheel 150. Accordingly, for ease of explanation, the discussion of structures and functions that are the same or substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG FIGS. 1 to 6 are not repeated.

Regarding FIG. 7 For example, the object loader 110 may generally include first and second gravity feeders 170, 172 that deliver the capsules from the storage device 122 to the first and second transfer chambers 174, 176, respectively. Although not shown, gate valves, valves, or other metering devices may be used to dose the capsule flow from the storage device 122 to each of the first and second transfer chambers 174, 176, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. Although the in FIG. 7 As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two gravity feed devices 170, 172 and two transmission chambers 174, 146 will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure Embodiments only a single gravity feeder and a single transmission chamber, or alternatively, more than two gravity feeders and more than two transmission chambers apply.

Regarding FIG. 8 For example, the first and second transfer chambers 174, 176 and the inserter wheel 150 are shown in greater detail. The first and second transfer chambers 174, 176 may be adapted to accelerate the capsules C to a speed substantially equal to the linear velocity of the periphery 150a of the loading pad 150 and thus the inserter bumpers (not shown) to operate at high speeds Speeds to allow a reliable and consistent transfer of the capsules C to Einlegeradtaschen. In order to further facilitate the introduction of the capsules C through the loading wheel 150 at high speed, the first and second transfer chambers 174, 176 may alternately supply a capsule C to alternating pockets 152 in the loading wheel 150.

Regarding FIG. 8 For example, the first and second gravity feeders 170, 172 may provide continuous supply of the capsules C to the interior of the first and second transfer chambers 174, 176 through the input ports 178, 180, respectively. Each transfer chamber 174, 176 has an inner peripheral surface 182, 184, shown in FIG FIG. 9 , In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 9 For example, the inner peripheral surfaces 182, 184 are substantially circular. However, other shapes are possible, for example elliptical.

Regarding FIG. 9 For example, the inner peripheral surfaces 182, 184 may include sheets 182a, 184a that guide the capsules C about the inner peripheral surfaces in a predetermined pattern. A majority of air nozzles 186, 188 act on the capsules C located in the tracks 182a, 184a to accelerate the capsules C around the inner peripheral surfaces 182, 184 within the tracks 182a, 184a, respectively, until the capsules C reach a linear velocity, which is substantially equal to the linear velocity of the inserter bump pockets (not shown) on the inserter wheel 150.

With renewed reference to FIG. 8 For example, each transfer chamber 174, 176 may include an outlet 190, 192 (eg, an elongated slot through the peripheral surfaces 182, 184) that is located along the tracks 182a, 184a. A portion of the outer periphery 150a of the loading pad 150 may extend through each outlet 190, 192. The webs 182a, 184a may be configured to guide the capsules C about the inner peripheral surfaces 182, 184 under the force of the air nozzles 186, 188 until the capsules C reach the respective outlet 190, 192. After the respective outlet 190, 192 is reached, the capsule C may have the same or similar linear velocity as the outer periphery 150a of the loading wheel 150 and will be transferred to a loading bucket (not shown) on the loading wheel 150. The vacuum force applied to the inserter bumpers can aid in the transfer and retention of the capsules C into the inserter bumper pocket. In addition, according to one embodiment, a brush (not shown) may be located inside each transfer chamber 174, 176 at the trailing edge 190a, 192a of each outlet 190, 192 to assist in the transfer of the capsules C to the inserter bumpers. In addition, air nozzles 194, 196 may direct an air curtain at each outlet 190, 192, respectively, to protect the respective outlet 190, 192 and / or blow off additional capsules C which may be misplaced through the outlet 190, 192.

Regarding FIG. 10 A third embodiment of an object loading device is shown. For purposes of this description, the object loader 210 differs from FIG FIG. 10 from the in FIGS. 7 to 9 The object insertion device 110 shown primarily comprises two or more substantially parallel insertion wheels 250a, 250b and associated delivery components mounted on a common base. The arrangement of substantially parallel insert wheels 250a, 250b allows capsules to be inserted into two or more substantially parallel filter material bands. However, non-parallel embodiments are also possible. Accordingly, for ease of explanation, the discussion of structures and functions that are the same or substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG FIGS. 1 to 9 are not repeated. While the concept of an integrated object loading device for inserting capsules into two or more substantially parallel filter material bands in this document with respect to the embodiment of FIG FIGS. 7 to 9 may additionally be described using the in FIGS. 1 to 6 structures shown the same multi-strand feature can be applied.

As mentioned previously, the object loading device 210 of FIG FIG. 10 two substantially parallel insert wheels 250a, 250b, each of which may have the same or similar configuration as the insert wheels used in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 9 are described. For example, each inserter wheel 250a, 250b may include inserter bumpers 252a, 252b adapted to support a capsule C such that a portion of the capsule C, for example, between about one quarter and about one half of the capsule volume, is located inside the pocket 252a. 252b with the remainder of the capsule C projecting from the pocket 252a, 252b over the outer periphery of the respective loading wheel 250a, 250b, as previously described in this document. According to one embodiment, the inserter bump pockets 252a, 252b may be configured to receive and support approximately one third of the total volume of the capsule C, with the remainder of each capsule volume protruding from the inserter bump pockets 252a, 252b and over the outer periphery of the respective inserter pad 250a, 250b.

The insert wheels 250a, 250b may, for example, load the capsules C into substantially parallel filter material bands that are transported by substantially parallel fingers 220a, 220b. The fingers 220a, 220b may have the same or similar configurations as the finger 20 previously described and, for example, in FIG FIGS. 1 . 2 . 5 and 6 is shown.

As in FIG. 10 Each insert wheel 250a, 250b may be supplied with capsules from one or more transfer chambers. For example, an upper transfer chamber 276a and a lower transfer chamber 274a may feed the infeed wheel 250a, and an upper transfer chamber 276b and a lower transfer chamber 274b (hidden) may feed the infeed wheel 250b as described in connection with FIG FIGS. 7 to 9 shown and described. According to an alternative embodiment, not specifically shown, for example, the insert wheels 250a, 250b may be supplied with capsules of substantially parallel arrangements of metering wheel 28, metering wheel 30, intermediate wheel 36 and intermediate wheel 38, as in connection with FIG FIGS. 1 to 3 shown and described.

A single magazine (not shown) may supply capsules to all of the substantially parallel insert wheels 250a, 250b. Alternatively, a separate magazine (not shown) may encapsulate each of the insert wheels 250a, 250b or a subassembly of the insert wheels respectively. The object loading device 210 is not limited to two substantially parallel arrangements of the insert wheels 250a, 250b, as in FIG FIG. 10 Alternatively, for example, it may have as many substantially parallel configurations as desired, for example, to cope with production output needs.

The structures and operations discussed above may be used in methods to load one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art based upon this description. The structures and modes of operation may be used to load the objects into a single ribbon of filter material, or alternatively, into a plurality of substantially parallel ribbons. As previously mentioned, the structures and operations described in this document may result in a significant increase in speed and reliability as compared to prior art devices and methods. For example, the in FIGS. 1 to 6 The above apparatus has been operated with the parameters listed in Table A above to form a single row of 108 mm filter rods having four capsules per filter at a speed of approximately 216 meters of filter material per minute per row (ejection of 2000 filters per second) Minute) and with high consistency and reliability. The ejection speed is dramatically faster than is possible with prior art machines, typically limited to speeds of about 80 meters per minute, to reliably produce similar filter rods. One skilled in the art will recognize from this description that the parameters listed in Table A can be varied to provide similarly high ejection rates to process filter rods having different configurations.

The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended to teach those of skill in the art only the manner which the inventors believe is the best way to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification is intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and not limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied without departing from the invention as appreciated by those skilled in the art in view of the aforementioned teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Object insertion device

12

Filter material processing unit

14a, 14b

feed rollers

16

feed roller

18

Towführung

20

finger

22

storage device

24, 26

feeding chamber

24a, 26a

lower outlet opening

28, 30

first / second metering wheel

28a, 30a

outer periphery

32, 34

Dosierradtaschen

36, 38

idlers

36a, 38a

outer periphery

40, 42

Zwischenradtaschen

44, 46

first / second dosing guide

50

insertion wheel

50a

outer periphery

52

Einlegeradtasche

60

slot

62

Towführung

64

plow

110

Object insertion device

122

storage device

150

insertion wheel

150a

scope

152

Einlegeradtasche

170, 172

first / second gravity feeders

174, 176

first / second transmission chambers

178, 180

entry ports

182, 184

inner peripheral surface

182a, 184a

traces

186, 188

air nozzles

190, 192

outlet

190a, 192a

trailing edge

194, 196

air nozzles

210

Object insertion device

220a, 220b

finger

250a, 250b

insertion wheel

252a, 250b

Einlegeradtaschen

274a, 274b

lower transfer chamber

276a, 276b

upper transfer chamber

C

capsules

Claims (15)

Apparatus (10, 110, 210) for loading one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, the apparatus (10, 110, 210) including at least one storage device (22, 122) storing a plurality of objects, each object having a predetermined volume and comprising at least one inserter wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) receiving the objects stored in the storage device (22, 122) and loading the objects into at least one filter material band, each of the at least one insert wheels (50, 150; 150, 250a, 250b) has an outer periphery (50a, 150a) having a plurality of pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) disposed in the outer periphery (50a, 150a) and distributed around the outer periphery (50a, 150a) characterized in that each pocket (52, 152, 252a, 252b) has a shape that is configured to one of the objects having between about one quarter and about one half of the Volume of the object received in the pocket (52, 152, 252a, 252b), and the remainder of the volume of the object received from the pocket (52, 152, 252a, 252b) over the outer periphery (50a, 150a) of the loading wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) protrudes. Device (10, 110, 210) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one finger (20, 220a, 220b) which compresses the at least one strip of filter material into a substantially cylindrical shape, the at least one insert wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) inserts the objects directly into the filter material in the finger (20, 220a, 220b), wherein in particular the at least one finger (20, 220a, 220b) has a diameter in a region in which the at least one insert wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) deposits the objects in the filter material and the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) on the at least one insert wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) hold the respective objects until they are in place the filter material has been introduced to a depth equal to about half the diameter of the finger. Device (10, 110, 210) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one finger (20, 220a, 220b) is substantially conical and has a slot adapted to a portion of the at least one loading wheel (50, 150 , 250a, 250b). An apparatus (10, 110, 210) for loading one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, the apparatus (10, 110, 210) including at least one storage device (22, 122) storing a plurality of the objects, each Object a predetermined volume and at least one insert wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) which receives the objects stored in the storage device (22, 122) and inserts the objects in at least one filter material band, each of the at least one insert wheels (50, 150; 150, 250a, 250b) has an outer periphery (50a, 150a) having a plurality of pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) disposed in the outer periphery (50a, 150a) and distributed around the outer periphery (50a, 150a) , in particular according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises at least one metering wheel (28, 30) which receives the objects from the storage device (22, 122) and at least one intermediate wheel (36, 38) incorporating the Receiving objects each from the at least one metering wheel (28, 30) and conveying the objects to the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) in the loading wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b), in particular a first intermediate wheel (36). and a second idler (38) to change the objects in the loading wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b), wherein in particular the at least one intermediate wheel (36, 38) rotates faster than the at least one metering wheel (28, 30) and / or wherein the at least one intermediate wheel (36, 38) rotates at substantially the same speed as the insert wheel (28, 30). Device (10, 110, 210) according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises at least one metering guide (44, 46) extending between the at least one metering wheel (28, 30) and the at least one intermediate wheel (36, 38). wherein the metering guide (44, 46) is adapted to hold at least one of the objects in the metering wheel (28, 30). Device (10, 210) for inserting one or more objects in a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, the device (110, 210) comprising at least one storage device (122) storing a plurality of objects, each object having a predetermined volume, and at least one insert wheel (150, 250a, 250b), receiving the objects stored in the storage device (122) and loading the objects into at least one filter material band, each of the at least one insert wheels (150, 250a, 250b) having an outer periphery (150a) with a plurality of pockets (152, 252a, 252b) arranged in the outer periphery (150a) and distributed around the outer periphery (150a), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises at least one transmission chamber (174, 176, 274a, 274b, 276a, 276b ) transferring the objects from the storage device (122) to the loading wheel (150, 250a, 250b), the transfer chamber (174, 176, 274a, 274b, 276a, 276b) having an in and at least one air source (186, 188) which accelerates the objects about the inner circumference (182, 184) of the transfer chamber (174, 176, 274a, 274b, 276a, 276b). Apparatus (110, 210) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one transfer chamber (174, 176, 274a, 274b, 276a, 276b) comprises a specimen track disposed in the inner periphery (182, 184). Device (110, 210) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that at least one transmission chamber (174, 176, 274a, 274b, 276a, 276b), in particular a first transmission chamber (174, 274a, 274b) and a second transmission chamber (176 , 276a, 276b), is included or are, that or bring the objects to, in particular alternating, pockets (152, 252a, 252b) in the at least one insert wheel (150, 250a, 250b). Device (10, 110, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises an air source (194, 196) corresponding to the plurality of pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) in the at least one insert wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) and the first and second insert wheels (250a, 250b), respectively, wherein the at least one air source (194, 196) applies a vacuum to the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) pulling the objects into the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) during transport to the filter material, and blowing the at least one air source (194, 196) out of the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) to receive the Eject objects when introduced into the filter material. A method of loading one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, the method comprising conveying at least one filter material band, holding a plurality of the objects in pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) attached to the outer periphery (50a, 150a). at least one rotating insert wheel (50, 150, 250a, 250b) is arranged with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of each object received in the respective pocket (52, 152, 252a, 252b) and the introduction of the Object or objects in the filter material. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises compressing the at least one filter material band into at least one filter rod using at least a substantially conical finger (20, 220a, 220b), wherein the introduction of the object into the filter material comprises placing the object directly into the filter material in the finger (20, 220a, 220b) through a slot (60) formed in the finger (20, 220a, 220b), wherein in particular the filter material has a diameter and the step of introducing the object into the filter material, the insertion of the object to a depth of about one half of the diameter of the filter material and / or folding of the filter material in a substantially U-shape or C-shape in front of the finger (20, 220a, 220b) using a tow guide (62) and a plow (64). A method of loading one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, in particular according to claim 10 or 11, the method comprising conveying at least one filter material band, retaining a plurality of the objects in pockets (52) on the outer periphery (50a) at least a rotating insert wheel (50) are arranged, and the introduction of the object or the objects in the filter material, characterized in that the removal of the objects from a storage device (22) using at least one Dosierrads (28, 30), in particular a first Metering wheel (28) and a second metering wheel (30), and the transfer of the objects from the at least one metering wheel (28, 30), in particular the first metering wheel (28) and second metering wheel (30), at least one intermediate wheel (36, 38 ), in particular in each case to a first intermediate wheel (36) and a second intermediate wheel (38), wherein the at least one intermediate wheel (36, 38) or the first and second intermediate wheels (36, 38) rotate or rotate faster than the at least one metering wheel (28, 30) or as in each case the first and second metering wheels (28, 30). A method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises alternately transferring the objects from the first idler gear (36) and the second idler gear (38) to the pockets (52) in the loading wheel, the loading wheel (50) at substantially the same speed as the first and second intermediate wheels (36, 38) rotates. A method of loading one or more objects into a filter component of at least one tobacco rod, in particular according to one of claims 10 to 13, the method comprising conveying at least one filter material band, holding a plurality of the objects in pockets (152, 252a, 252b) the outer periphery (150a) of the at least one rotating insert wheel (150, 250a, 250b), and incorporating the object into the filter material, characterized in that it further comprises feeding the objects to at least one transfer chamber (174, 176, 274a , 274b, 276a, 276b) located near the at least one loading wheel (150, 250a, 250b), and accelerating the objects about an inner circumference (182, 184) of the at least one transferring chamber (174, 176, 274a, 274b , 276a, 276b) using compressed air. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises applying a suction air to one of the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) around the object prior to completing the insertion of the object into the filter material in the pocket ( 52, 152, 252a, 252b), and blowing the air from the pockets (52, 152, 252a, 252b) after completing the insertion of the object into the filter material around the object from the pocket (52, 152, 252a, 252b).

Images