CN101674738A

CN101674738A - A method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles

Info

Publication number: CN101674738A
Application number: CN200880004950A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·麦克莱伦
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Co Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-13
Filing date: 2008-01-18
Publication date: 2010-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-18
Also published as: KR20090121325A; CN101674738B; PL2117365T3; BRPI0806958A2; EP2117365B1; RU2009134220A; RU2450778C2; ZA200905266B; GB0702769D0; JP5261403B2; WO2008098815A1; AR065340A1; DE602008005271D1; MY152121A; CA2676152A1; CO6210784A2; US20100224202A1; HK1140385A1; EP2117365A1; JP2010517548A

Abstract

One embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article. The apparatus comprises a conveyor (60) for a tobacco rod (65). The direction of conveyance is parallel- to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod (65). The apparatus further comprises an applicator (72) for applying a liquid additive to the tobacco rod (65) on the conveyor (60). The applicator (72) is configured such that liquid additive received into the tobacco rod (65) has a distribution in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod (65) that is substantially symmetrical about the central axis. In one embodiment, the applicator (65) comprises a plurality of dispensing heads (75A, 75B) disposed around the tobacco rod (65). In anotherembodiment, the applicator (72) includes a plough (91) for creating a furrow within the tobacco rod (65) and a dispensing head (92) for dispensing additive into the furrow.

Description

The method and apparatus that is used for manufacture of smoking articles

Technical field

The present invention relates to for example cigarette and relate to and be used for its method for processing and device of smoking product.

Background technology

It is known applying additive to cigarette or other smoking products.Additive can be used in multiple purpose, and for example, it can comprise spices (for example menthol), adhesive (for example starch) or be used to control some material of cigarette burning character.

The C.B.Kaymich ﹠amp of Sheffield, GBR; Co company (referring to Www.kaymich.co.uk) produce and to be used for that for example filter tip, cigarette paper and tobacco apply the various systems of additive to the different piece of cigarette.Kaymich CSS1000 system can be used to add adhesive to cigarette paper.(authorizing Kaymich's) WO2006/010895 discloses a kind of method that is used for applying to the filter tip material of cigarette additive.Kaymich UFA1000 system be designed to spices for example menthol be added into the various piece of cigarette, comprise cigarette paper and tobacco bunch (tobacco rods).

A kind of known being used for comprises that to the system of tobacco rods interpolation spices near the atomizing the tobacco rods that is set at process adds stub bar.The spices of solvent or undiluted form by with stable speed from the tobacco rods that adds stub bar and scatter to process.Regain preventing and too much spices is added on certain ad-hoc location of tobacco rods adding stub bar between down period.

The amount that is added to the spices of tobacco rods or other additives is known as and adds loading amount.It has been found in practice that for fear of playing a spot for example have maximum to add the loading amount restriction the menthol for spices.If it is too high therefore to add loading amount, too much menthol just may gather and form (yellow) spot on the paper of cigarette in packet.(or additionally) alternatively, too much spices or other additives may for example form (brown) spot from the tannic acid of tobacco by the leaching material in wrapper.

Play existing of spot phenomenon unhappy ground and the outward appearance of having uglified product significantly.Have been found that adding loading amount by above-mentioned adding method interpolation with the maximum safety of the menthol of having avoided spot is approximately every cigarette 5-6mg, but this numerical value is somewhat dependent upon multiple factor for example humidity and temperature (increasing the possibility that humidity and/or temperature may increase spot).

Popular tendency in tobacco industry is the amount that increases menthol in the cigarette always in recent years.Because the maximum that can be added to tobacco rods self adds the restriction that loading amount has been subjected to spot, so a kind of selection is to increase the amount of menthol in the every cigarette by other spices being added to filter tip of other parts except that tobacco rods of cigarette-just and/or cigarette paper.But this may cause other shortcoming.For example, comprise that in cigarette package the In Aluminium Foil Packing that contains menthol is known.Menthol is transferred to from such aluminium foil needs about 14-21 days in tobacco and/or the filter tip.This delay can make the management of stock's control and level of processing difficult more.

The another kind of selection is that menthol is added in large quantities of tobaccos, in other words is exactly to add before tobacco rods is shaped.But adding spices to large quantities of tobaccos needs batch process, does not therefore always have cost-benefit, particularly all the more so for the production process of short-term.And large quantities of interpolation spices can cause the pollution of spices to whole production line before tobacco enters processing unit (plant).This may cause the problem of some machining aspect, and switches to another kind of spices (perhaps switching to perfume-free) if desired, so also needs considerable time and resource to come production line is cleared up.

Summary of the invention

One embodiment of the present of invention provide the device that is used for manufacture of smoking articles.This device comprises the conveyer that is used for tobacco rods, and wherein direction of transfer is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.This device comprises that further the tobacco rods that is used on conveyer applies for example feeder of menthol of liquid additive.Feeder is set to make the liquid additive that receives in the tobacco rods to have in the cross section perpendicular to the tobacco rods central longitudinal axis around the basic symmetrical distribution of central longitudinal axis.

Known feeder relate to additive from a sidescattering in tobacco rods.This can cause the asymmetric distribution of additive in tobacco rods.As a comparison, provide the symmetrical distribution of additive in tobacco rods to improve uniformity, and help avoid the peak value of the additive concentration that may cause spot thus.Therefore so permission in tobacco rods, reach with utilize known feeder the obtainable loading amount that adds compare higher additive and add the loading amount risk of spot (and can not increase).This higher loading amount that adds has just been avoided immediately and must have been applied (extra) additive to filter tip or packing in the tobacco rods, applies the complexity that (extra) additive will increase cost and process to filter tip or packing.

In one embodiment, feeder comprises a plurality of scatter heads that are used for liquid additive is added to tobacco rods.Scatter head can have around the rotational symmetric structure of the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods so that additive required symmetrical distribution in tobacco rods to be provided.For example, a pair of scatter head can flatly be arranged on the relative both sides of tobacco rods.Other embodiment can have the scatter head of varying number and/or structure.

In one embodiment, feeder comprises plough and head, and plough is used for forming ditch dug with a plow in the tobacco rods in plough downstream, and head is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods.Head is provided so that it is positioned in the ditch dug with a plow of tobacco rods in operation, and it can extend near the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.This structure allows head that liquid is deeper scattered in the tobacco rods, and helps to be reduced in the possibility that plays spot on the tobacco rods surface thus.And, can help in the inner liquid distribution more uniformly that forms of tobacco rods from the center scattering of tobacco rods.

In one embodiment, plough is static.Such plough has towards the upstream usually to face the tip of the tobacco rods that arrives.This allows in the tobacco bunch that the plough incision arrives, thereby opens ditch dug with a plow and can not cut off tobacco rods fully.In another embodiment, plough can rotate, and for example stretches into the cutting wheel of certain form in the tobacco rods, and wherein the rotating shaft of cutting wheel is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.Cutting wheel can rotate so that its with the essentially identical linear velocity of tobacco rods under move.

In one embodiment, plough and head all are set to enter tobacco rods from the top.But other form also is feasible, for example, plough and head can be alternatively from the below or enter tobacco rods from the side.

In one embodiment, each head of feeder all is set to regain from tobacco rods when conveyer stops.This helps to reduce too much additive is scattered to risk in the fixed position of static tobacco rods.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides the device that is used for manufacture of smoking articles, comprising: be used for the conveyer of tobacco rods, wherein direction of transfer is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods; And be used for the feeder that tobacco rods on conveyer applies liquid additive.Feeder has a plurality of heads, is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods simultaneously.Should be appreciated that such device can be from being benefited with relevant the introduction the identical special characteristic of previous embodiment.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides the device that is used for manufacture of smoking articles, comprising: be used for the conveyer of tobacco rods, wherein direction of transfer is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods; And be used for the feeder that tobacco rods on conveyer applies liquid additive.Feeder comprises plough and head, and plough is used for forming ditch dug with a plow in the tobacco rods in plough downstream, and head is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods.Head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.Equally, should be appreciated that such device can be from being benefited with relevant the introduction the identical special characteristic of previous embodiment.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles, comprising: the direction along the central longitudinal axis that is parallel to tobacco rods transmits tobacco rods; And liquid additive is added on the tobacco rods of transmission so that receive liquid additive in the tobacco rods and in cross section, has distribution around the basic symmetry of described central axis perpendicular to the tobacco rods central longitudinal axis.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles, comprising: the direction along the central longitudinal axis that is parallel to tobacco rods transmits tobacco rods; And liquid additive is added on the tobacco rods of transmission with feeder, wherein feeder has a plurality of heads, is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods simultaneously.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles, comprising: the direction along the central longitudinal axis that is parallel to tobacco rods transmits tobacco rods; And by forming ditch dug with a plow by plough in tobacco rods and liquid additive being added on the tobacco rods of transmission with feeder, wherein ditch dug with a plow forms in the downstream of plough, and liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods from the head.Head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

The embodiment that should be appreciated that the whole bag of tricks of the present invention can be benefited from the special characteristic identical with the embodiment of apparatus of the present invention.

An alternative embodiment of the invention provides a kind of smoking product of producing by above-mentioned method or device, for example cigarette, cigar or cigarlet.

The method of Jie Shaoing has realized spices or other additives higher loading amount that adds in tobacco herein, thereby has avoided spices is added to filter tip and/or packing, and has therefore saved time and resource.This permission process is more simple also can to help to improve the quality (because it only relates to spices in a stage of process), and more easy cleaning and workload still less are provided, thereby has reduced waste.

Description of drawings

Only various embodiment of the present invention are described in detail referring now to accompanying drawing as example:

Fig. 1 is the schematic plan of cigarette processing unit (plant) according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the schematic sectional view of passing a part of processing unit (plant) among Fig. 1 according to one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 A-Fig. 3 C is the schematic diagram that different embodiment according to the subject invention is used for the possible head device of Fig. 1 processing unit (plant).

Fig. 4 is the schematic plan of cigarette processing unit (plant) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram that shows the cigarette processing unit (plant) operation among Fig. 4 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 A-Fig. 6 D is the schematic sectional view of passing Fig. 5 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1 is the schematic plan (being not to draw in proportion) of cigarette processing unit (plant) according to an embodiment of the invention.Device comprises the hopper 40 that large quantities of tobaccos are housed, and it sends into by absorption tobacco with in 60 tobacco rods (or tobacco bunch) 65 that are shaped.When transmitting tobacco by the vacuum of absorption in 60, its main flow in tobacco bunch 65 is along by the direction shown in the arrow A among Fig. 1.

Tobacco rods 65 is pruned by a pair of ecreteur disk 70.Therefore, the tobacco rods 65 that leaves ecreteur disk is slightly less than the tobacco rods that enters ecreteur disk.After process ecreteur disk 70, tobacco rods 65 arrives spices adders 72.Spices adder 72 can be set in the suction chamber (not shown) of conventional cigarette system of processing.Comprise the spices that is added into for example the tobacco rods 65 of menthol enter decorative zones 80 subsequently, tobacco rods is a plurality of parts by cutting and links to each other to be used for packing subsequently with filter tip at this.

Be noted that upstream device (for example ecreteur disk 70) is avoided being polluted by spices by the spices adder being arranged on this position on the production line.This makes and production line to be switched to preparation to have a cigarette of different interpolation spices (or not having interpolation spices) more easy, is cleaned and/or adjusts with the device of realizing this change less relatively because need on the production line.In addition, slower relatively aborning stage interpolation spices has reduced waste (for example compare with spices being added into large quantities of tobaccos, because the certain proportion in large quantities of tobacco can consume, and can not arrive in the final products) in the normal process process.

Can find out with the current system that is used to add spices and compare that spices adder 72 comprises a pair of head 75A that is set at tobacco rods 65 both sides, 75B.In one embodiment, two

head

75A, 75B are general conical (or similar pin) shapes.

Two

head

75A, 75B is used to the spices that atomizes, and spices is sprayed in the tobacco rods from two heads.From container (not shown among Fig. 1), give two

head

75A, 75B with spices with liquid form.In one embodiment, each head is all by the container that is provided with himself (so it all needs to replenish separately usually).Two heads can be shared the common container that is used for liquid spice alternatively.In one embodiment, two heads can be by slightly heated to help the scattering (such heating can be used also and can not use, and depends on the character of employed specific spices) of spices.

Control the amount of flavorants of spraying from the head in conjunction with the speed of conveyer 60.In other words, if conveyer advance fast, 75A so from the head, the spraying that 75B ejects is more, and if conveyer advance slower, 75A so from the head, the spraying that 75B ejects is less.This device helps the menthol of constant number is offered the tobacco rods 65 of specified weight or length.In one embodiment,

head

75A, 75B are recoverable, and if tobacco rods 65 stop to advance-for example because absorption band is switched to and shuts down and stop to advance, head 75A so, 75B can be recalled from tobacco rods 65.

In the embodiment in figure 1, each

head

75A, 75B are inserted in the tobacco rods 65 slightly.Therefore this spraying that just allows to be atomized is directly scattered to tobacco self inside.The distance of inserting is less than the radius of tobacco rods 65 (cracked with the fracture of avoiding tobacco rods 65 or other).

Fig. 2 is according to the diagrammatic vertical sectional view (be not in proportion draw) of one embodiment of the invention to a part of device among Fig. 1.This cross section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tobacco rods 65; In other words, the arrow A of the planar quadrature among Fig. 2 in Fig. 1.In Fig. 2, tobacco rods 65 is shown as the cross section with general square shape, but in other embodiments, how to be formed and to prune according to tobacco rods, and this cross section also can be circle, rectangle, ellipse or other suitable shapes arbitrarily.

Also show two head 75A of spices adder 72 among Fig. 2,75B.The spices that will be added to tobacco rods 65 from container 120 is given this two heads with gravity transfer.In certain embodiments, (by the pump of certain appropriate format) can be dynamicly assisted in the conveying of head, and/or each head can be provided with himself independent container as mentioned above.

Spices 75A is from the head represented with shadow region 110A to tobacco rods 65 interior roughly being scattered among Fig. 2.Similarly, spices from the head 75B roughly being scattered among Fig. 2 in the tobacco rods 65 represent with shadow region 110B.The scattering that is noted that spices is basic symmetrical around the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods 65, shown in "+" that mark with Reference numeral 115 among Fig. 2.Reflect head 75A so conversely, 75B is around the symmetrically arranged fact of the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods 65 similarly.

Head construction among Fig. 2 allows the cross section scattering spices (being used for comparing to the known mechanical of tobacco rods 65 interpolation spices with using single head) more equably by tobacco rods 65.The spices that helps to allow to provide higher concentration so conversely in tobacco rods is menthol and can not increase the risk of spot for example.This is more may appear at the highest zone of concentration usually because play spot.But by the spices distribution (comparing with known mechanical) of (with symmetrical more) is provided in tobacco rods 65 more evenly, total spices that just can increase in the tobacco rods 65 adds loading amount and can not improve the Cmax of any one position, thereby helps avoid a spot risk of any increase.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, two

head

75A, 75B is horizontally disposed with by the central longitudinal axis around tobacco rods 65.Be noted that in the present embodiment the influence of gravity in spices scattering region 110 is for two

head

75A, 75B is identical, and this can help uniformity and symmetry.In other embodiment, also can use the slightly different head of structure.For example, head can be biased to tobacco rods 65 central longitudinal axis above or below, perhaps begin to rotate everywhere from horizontal direction-for example, head upwards refer to from the central longitudinal axis below of tobacco rods 65 and head from the central longitudinal axis top of tobacco rods 65 finger downwards.

In other embodiment, the head 75 that is used for spices is sprayed in the tobacco rods 65 can be more than two.Fig. 3 A-Fig. 3 C shows several such embodiment.In the embodiment of Fig. 3 A, from two levels among the embodiment of Fig. 2 towards

head

75A, 75B has been replenished is positioned at tobacco rods 65 tops, direction the 3rd head 75C down.In the embodiment of Fig. 3 B, three heads are still arranged, but two head 75A of tobacco rods both sides in the present embodiment, 75B be moved downward and rotate to be make progress slightly towards.So just formed the structure that has (three rank) rotational symmetry around the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.In the embodiment of Fig. 3 C, from two levels among the embodiment of Fig. 2 towards

head

75A, 75B has been replenished is positioned at tobacco rods 65 tops, direction the 3rd head 75C down, and the 75D of four-head portion that is positioned at tobacco rods 65 belows, is directed upwardly.Structure among Fig. 3 C has (quadravalence) rotational symmetry around the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.Those of ordinary skills should recognize other feasible configurations that are used for head 75 except those structures shown in Fig. 3 A-3C.

In certain embodiments, different heads can be used to different additives is scattered in the tobacco rods 65.For example, in the structure of Fig. 3 C,

head

75A and 75B can scatter to a kind of additive in the tobacco rods 65, and

head

75C and 75D scatter to second kind of additive in the tobacco rods simultaneously.In some cases, multiple additives may interact with each other or mix.For example, a kind of additive can be adhesive with help second additive for example spices adhere to tobacco.

(comparing with a pair of head shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2) increases other head 75 for spices adder 72, and uniformity and the symmetry that the spices that provides in the tobacco rods 65 distributes can be provided.Can allow higher spices to add loading amount so conversely and can not increase (significantly) risk of spot.On the other hand, increase complexity and the cost that other head 75 also can increase spices adder 72 for spices adder 72.

Fig. 4 shows the processing unit (plant) that is used for smoking product according to a further embodiment of the invention.Each parts and the parts among Fig. 1 of present embodiment are basic identical, the component exception that spices adder 72 is correlated with.Thus in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the spices adder comprises and is used for liquid additive is scattered in single fog-spray nozzle 92 in the tobacco rods 65.Head 92 can be roughly the same with the head 75A and the 75B that are introduced among the embodiment of Fig. 1.In other embodiment, head 92 can comprise hypodermic needle (rather than atomized spray).Head 92 can be connected to suitable liquid additive container (not shown in Fig. 4).

Spices adder among Fig. 4 also comprises the plough 91 that is set at head 92 upstreams.Be noted that in certain embodiments plough 91 and head 92 can be shaped as discrete component.Plough 91 causes ditch dug with a plow to open the tobacco bunch 65 through plough.Head 92 is set at by in plough 91 ditch dug with a plows that cause (slip-stream).

Fig. 5 represents to plough 91 and the further schematic diagram of head 92 actions according to one embodiment of the invention.Fig. 5 illustrates tobacco rods 65 and advances in the direction of arrow A through plough 91.Plough is opened ditch dug with a plow or gap 210 in tobacco rods, extend in its downstream at plough.Be noted that owing to the pressure in intrinsic dynamic characteristics and the tobacco rods 65 ditch dug with a plow 210 is along with it begins further to advance downstream and narrow down gradually from plough.Final ditch dug with a plow (in Fig. 5 with 211 positions of representing) closure, tobacco bunch 65 has reverted to its original shape substantially at this.

Head 92 is set in the ditch dug with a plow 210 that is caused by plough.As preceding about as described in the embodiment among Fig. 1, moving the stopping of tobacco bunch that head 92 (and also may comprise plough 91) if can be set to is undertaken by conveyer 60 just from tobacco bunch 65 withdrawals.

Being provided with among Fig. 5 allows head deeper to thrust in the tobacco bunch 65 than the embodiment among Fig. 1.This allow conversely head 92 near the position at tobacco bunch center with liquid-scattering in tobacco bunch.Therefore, can in tobacco rods 65, obtain more evenly the liquid distribution of (rotation symmetry).This can not increase the risk of spot with regard to allow to increase additive in the tobacco rods and add loading amount.And, because the center of the close more tobacco rods of the injection of additive, so any certain additive concentration too high also can tending to of having taken place is accommodated within the main body of tobacco rods, and can not move on to surface (just self can be shown as visible spot from the teeth outwards).

Fig. 6 A-Fig. 6 D corresponds respectively to the schematic sectional view that the arrow C 1-C4 among Fig. 5 passes tobacco rods 65 according to one embodiment of present invention.In other words, the specified portions of tobacco rods 65 is passed through Fig. 6 A at it successively when conveyer 60 is advanced, 6B, the stage among 6C and the 6D subsequently.Attention is in Fig. 6 A-6D, and tobacco rods 65 is assumed that the cross section with essentially rectangular, but other embodiment also can adopt different cross sections to be used for tobacco rods-for example circle, ellipse etc.

Fig. 6 A shows the upstream portion of plough 91 according to one embodiment of present invention.This a part of relative narrower of plough, and also more shallow relatively, so that it can cut tobacco rods 65 to form ditch dug with a plow 210.Fig. 6 B shows the more part in downstream of plough 91 according to one embodiment of present invention.Plough this part of 91 is than wideer among Fig. 6 A and longer, thereby increased the width and the degree of depth of ditch dug with a plow 210.The big streamlined structure in the little rear portion, this front portion of plough 91 is provided by the destruction minimum (except leaving ditch dug with a plow 210) that flows and provide through the tobacco bunch 65 of ploughing.Be noted that the part that ditch dug with a plow 210 is the darkest, as shown in Fig. 6 B, approximately extend to the center of tobacco rods 65.

Fig. 6 C shows the operation of head 92 in ditch dug with a plow 210 according to one embodiment of present invention.Because the main trend of ditch dug with a plow 210 is along with downstream and then the closure of tobacco to plough 91, so the ditch dug with a plow among Fig. 6 C 210 is than narrower (but than shown in Fig. 6 A wideer) shown in Fig. 6 B.Even so, it also is enough dark and enough wide that the ditch dug with a plow 210 among Fig. 6 C is used to hold head 92, so it can scatter to the liquid from container 120 in the tobacco rods 65 internally.

In one embodiment, head 92 92 tip scatters to liquid in the tobacco rods 65 from the head, and the tip of head 92 is set at or near the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods 65.So just cause additive 220 roughly distribution as shown in Fig. 6 C in tobacco rods 65.Can find out because from the center of the spray site of head 92, so additive is concentrated in the core of tobacco rods 65, away from the surface of tobacco rods.This spot phenomenon that rises that can take place when helping to make too much additive near the cigarette surface minimizes.

Center from the internal spray point of head 92 also allows additive more evenly distribution of (or rotation symmetry) in tobacco rods 65.This helps equally to realize that additive adds the increase of loading amount (with comparing from the known mechanical of a side additive spray) in tobacco rods, and to gather the risk of (can cause spot subsequently) lower because form additive in the specific region.

In certain embodiments, head 92 self thrusts in the tobacco rods (bottom that just exceeds ditch dug with a plow 210) slightly, is similar to the situation shown in Fig. 2.Thisly can help additive is scattered in the tobacco (and can prevent that additive from scattering in the ditch dug with a plow 210, in this case the additive surface of migration tobacco rods 65 relatively more easily) by thrusting of head 92.

Scattering angle from head 92 quite wide (comparing) with the narrower scattering phase from

head

75A and 75B shown in Fig. 2.For example, from head 75A, the scattering of 75B forms a cone, and it has and roughly is in 20 and spends (partly) angles that for example are approximately 30 degree in the 65 degree scopes.As a comparison, from taper (partly) angle of the scattering of head 92 greater than 120 degree, and can be near 180 degree (size and the geometry that depend on head 92 self and ditch dug with a plow 210).From head 75A, the angle and the shape of 75B and 92 scattering can be controlled by suitable head design.(the scattering shape is not to be necessary for taper, passes through head as long as remember vertically moving of tobacco rods.)

In certain embodiments, can be less relatively from the scattering angle of head 92, for example have 50 the degree or littler, 30 the degree or littler or 15 the degree or littler taper half-angles.If desired additive is substantially limited in the center of tobacco rods, the output from the relative narrower (limited) of head 92 is particularly suitable so.In the case, it is very little that the radius that tobacco rods comprises the part of additive is compared with the radius of tobacco rods, for example perhaps only is 50%, 30% or 15% of latter's radius.This limited setting, and along the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods perfumed beads is set basically, between the outer surface of spices and cigarette, keep tangible gap, and therefore helped protection to prevent spot.

Fig. 6 D shows the tobacco rods in head 92 downstreams.Along with tobacco rods is moved along conveyer 60, because the action naturally in the tobacco rods is closed in these position ditch dug with a plow 210 beginnings.Usually, this closure of ditch dug with a plow 210 has strengthened the uniformity and the symmetry of tobacco rods 65 inner additives distribution 220.

In the specific embodiment of Fig. 4, plough 91 and head 92 are shown as and enter tobacco rods from the side.But plough 91 and head 92 also can (perhaps from any other angles) enter tobacco rods from the bottom or from the top.Enter the destruction that to cause tobacco rods still less (except forming ditch dug with a plow 210) from the top.

Use static plough although Fig. 4-6 shows, in other embodiments, also can use the plough of rotation.The rotating shaft of such plough is basically perpendicular to the flow direction of tobacco rods 65.In the case, the operation of plough can be considered to be similar to a certain extent the annular saw in the incision tobacco rods 65.In a certain embodiments, the rotating speed of plough cutting wheel is by synchronous with moving of tobacco rods, so that the linear velocity (speed) at wheel edge is identical or approximate with the speed that tobacco bunch moves.Very little relatively moving between wheel and the tobacco rods so just is provided at the cut point place, thereby can have helped to avoid destruction tobacco bunch.Usually, structure and the operation that is used for the plough 91 of given tobacco bunch can be set to provide ditch dug with a plow the most stable, reliable and optimum shape to be used for this specific tobacco bunch (with the scattering head).

Each embodiment of Jie Shaoing can be used to the scattering multiple additives herein, comprises spices for example menthol, adhesive or adhesive etc.Additive can be the form of any appropriate, for example solution, undiluted liquid etc.The header type (for example atomized spray, hypodermic needle first-class) that is used for the scattering additive can depend on the special properties of desired additives.Similarly, head may need to heat accurate scattering (for example, if additive does not just at room temperature heat quite thickness) to be used for additive in some cases.

In a word, those of ordinary skills should recognize about multiple feasible modification and the distortion of the embodiment of by the agency of.For example, although introduced this method under the background of cigarette processing, the tobacco product that it also can be used to other is cigar for example.Therefore, protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims and the equivalent form of value thereof.

Claims (according to the modification of the 19th of treaty)

1, be used for the device of manufacture of smoking articles, comprise:

Be used for the conveyer (60) of tobacco rods (65), wherein direction of transfer is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods; With

Be used for the feeder (72) that tobacco rods on conveyer applies liquid additive,

Wherein said feeder comprises and is used for that liquid additive is added to a plurality of scatter heads of tobacco rods (75A, 75B), and described a plurality of scatter head has the central longitudinal axis symmetrical structure around tobacco rods.

2, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said feeder are set to make the liquid additive that receives in the tobacco rods to have in the cross section perpendicular to the tobacco rods central longitudinal axis around the basic symmetrical distribution of described central longitudinal axis.

3, device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said a plurality of scatter heads have around the rotational symmetric structure of the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.

4, as any described device in the claim 1 to 3, wherein said feeder comprises a pair of scatter head that is set at the relative both sides of tobacco rods.

5, device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said a pair of scatter head flatly is provided with respect to tobacco rods.

6, as any described device in the claim 1 to 5, each in the wherein said head is all thrust in the tobacco rods.

7, device as claimed in claim 6, wherein to thrust that distance in the tobacco rods compares with the cross sectional dimensions of tobacco rods be smaller to head.

8, as any described device in the claim 1 to 7, each in the wherein said head all is provided with being used for to the reinforced liquid additive container (120) of tobacco rods of himself.

9, any described device in the claim as described above, wherein said feeder comprises plough (91), be used for forming ditch dug with a plow (210) in the tobacco rods in plough downstream, and one of wherein said head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

10, device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the ditch dug with a plow that is become by plow-shape extends near the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.

11, as claim 9 or 10 described devices, wherein plough is static.

12, as claim 9 or 10 described devices, wherein plough rotates.

13, device as claimed in claim 12 is wherein ploughed the speed linear velocity about equally that has at its edge with the tobacco rods that is transmitted.

14, as any described device in the claim 9 to 13, it is neighbouring with the scattering liquid additive that wherein said head is set at the ditch dug with a plow bottom.

15, as any described device in the claim 9 to 14, wherein said plough and described head all are set to enter tobacco rods from the top.

16, as any described device in the claim 9 to 15, wherein the additive of scattering is limited in the central area of tobacco rods, and the radius of wherein said central area to compare with the radius of tobacco rods be smaller.

17, any described device in the claim as described above, wherein said a plurality of heads are used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods simultaneously.

18, as any described device in the claim 1 to 17, wherein each head of feeder all is set to regain when conveyer stops.

19, any described device in the claim as described above, wherein said conveyer comprises the absorption band.

20, any described device in the claim as described above, wherein said liquid additive comprises menthol.

21, a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles comprises:

Direction along the central longitudinal axis that is parallel to tobacco rods transmits tobacco rods (65); With

Liquid additive is added on the tobacco rods of transmission;

Wherein (75A 75B) adds to liquid additive tobacco rods, and described a plurality of scatter head has the central longitudinal axis symmetrical structure around tobacco rods by a plurality of scatter heads.

22, method as claimed in claim 21 wherein is added to liquid additive on the tobacco rods of transmission so that receive liquid additive in the tobacco rods has distribution around the basic symmetry of described central axis in the cross section perpendicular to the tobacco rods central longitudinal axis.

23, as claim 21 or 22 described methods, wherein said a plurality of scatter heads have around the rotational symmetric structure of the central axis of tobacco rods.

24, as any described method in the claim 21 to 23, wherein said a plurality of scatter heads are made of a pair of scatter head that is arranged on the relative both sides of tobacco rods.

25, method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said a pair of scatter head flatly is provided with respect to tobacco rods.

26, as any described method in the claim 21 to 25, each in the wherein said head is all thrust in the tobacco rods.

27, method as claimed in claim 26, wherein to thrust that distance in the tobacco rods compares with the cross sectional dimensions of tobacco rods be smaller to head.

28, as any described method in the claim 21 to 27, each in the wherein said head all is provided with being used for to the reinforced liquid additive container of tobacco rods of himself.

29, as any described method in the claim 21 to 28, wherein said method further comprises:

Form ditch dug with a plow with plough in tobacco rods, described ditch dug with a plow is formed in the downstream of plough; With

With one of described head liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods, described head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

30, method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the ditch dug with a plow that is become by plow-shape extends near the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.

31, as claim 29 or 30 described methods, wherein plough is static.

32, as claim 29 or 30 described methods, wherein plough rotates.

33, method as claimed in claim 32 is wherein ploughed the speed linear velocity about equally that has at its edge with the tobacco rods that is transmitted.

34,, further comprise head is arranged near the ditch dug with a plow bottom with the scattering liquid additive as any described method in the claim 29 to 33.

35,, further comprise plough and head all are set to enter tobacco rods from the top as any described method in the claim 29 to 34.

36, as any described method in the claim 29 to 35, wherein the additive of scattering is limited in the central area of tobacco rods, and the radius of wherein said central area to compare with the radius of tobacco rods be smaller.

37, as any described method in the claim 21 to 36, wherein said a plurality of heads are used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods simultaneously.

38,, further be included in each head of regaining feeder when conveyer stops as any described method in the claim 21 to 37.

39, as any described method in the claim 21 to 38, wherein said transmission is undertaken by the absorption band.

40, as any described method in the claim 21 to 39, wherein said liquid additive comprises menthol.

41, a kind of by any smoking product that described method is produced in the claim 21 to 40.

42, a kind of by any smoking product that described device is produced in the claim 1 to 20.

Claims

1, be used for the device of manufacture of smoking articles, comprise:

The conveyer that is used for tobacco rods, wherein direction of transfer is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods; With

Be used for the feeder that tobacco rods on conveyer applies liquid additive, wherein said feeder is set to make the liquid additive that receives in the tobacco rods to have distribution around the basic symmetry of described central longitudinal axis in the cross section perpendicular to the tobacco rods central longitudinal axis.

2, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said feeder comprise a plurality of scatter heads that are used for liquid additive is added to tobacco rods.

3, device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said a plurality of scatter heads have around the rotational symmetric structure of the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.

4, device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said feeder comprise a pair of scatter head that is set at the relative both sides of tobacco rods.

6, as any described device in the claim 2 to 5, each in the wherein said head is all thrust in the tobacco rods.

8, as any described device in the claim 2 to 7, each in the wherein said head all is provided with being used for to the reinforced liquid additive container of tobacco rods of himself.

9, device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said feeder comprises:

Plough is used for forming ditch dug with a plow in the tobacco rods in plough downstream; With

Head is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods, and described head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

11, as claim 9 or 10 described devices, wherein plough is static.

12, as claim 9 or 10 described devices, wherein plough rotates.

17, be used for the device of manufacture of smoking articles, comprise:

Be used for the feeder that tobacco rods on conveyer applies liquid additive, wherein said feeder has a plurality of heads, is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods simultaneously.

18, be used for the device of manufacture of smoking articles, comprise:

Be used for the feeder that tobacco rods on conveyer applies liquid additive, wherein said feeder comprises plough and head, plough is used for forming ditch dug with a plow in the tobacco rods in plough downstream, head is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods, and described head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

19, as any described device in the claim 2 to 18, wherein each head of feeder all is set to regain when conveyer stops.

20, any described device in the claim as described above, wherein said conveyer comprises the absorption band.

21, any described device in the claim as described above, wherein said liquid additive comprises menthol.

22, a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles comprises:

Direction along the central longitudinal axis that is parallel to tobacco rods transmits tobacco rods; With

Liquid additive is added on the tobacco rods of transmission so that receive liquid additive in the tobacco rods and in cross section, has distribution around the basic symmetry of described central axis perpendicular to the tobacco rods central longitudinal axis.

23, method as claimed in claim 22 wherein adds to tobacco rods by a plurality of scatter heads with liquid additive.

24, method as claimed in claim 23, wherein said a plurality of scatter heads have around the rotational symmetric structure of the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.

25, method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said a plurality of scatter heads are made of a pair of scatter head that is arranged on the relative both sides of tobacco rods.

26, method as claimed in claim 25, wherein said a pair of scatter head flatly is provided with respect to tobacco rods.

27, as any described method in the claim 23 to 26, each in the wherein said head is all thrust in the tobacco rods.

28, method as claimed in claim 27, wherein to thrust that distance in the tobacco rods compares with the cross sectional dimensions of tobacco rods be smaller to head.

29, as any described method in the claim 23 to 28, each in the wherein said head all is provided with being used for to the reinforced liquid additive container of tobacco rods of himself.

30, method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said method further comprises:

With head liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods, described head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

31, method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the ditch dug with a plow that is become by plow-shape extends near the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rods.

32, as claim 30 or 31 described methods, wherein plough is static.

33, as claim 30 or 31 described methods, wherein plough rotates.

34, method as claimed in claim 33 is wherein ploughed the speed linear velocity about equally that has at its edge with the tobacco rods that is transmitted.

35,, further comprise head is arranged near the ditch dug with a plow bottom with the scattering liquid additive as any described method in the claim 30 to 34.

36,, further comprise plough and head all are set to enter tobacco rods from the top as any described method in the claim 30 to 35.

37, as any described method in the claim 30 to 36, wherein the additive of scattering is limited in the central area of tobacco rods, and the radius of wherein said central area to compare with the radius of tobacco rods be smaller.

38, a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles comprises:

Liquid additive is added on the tobacco rods of transmission with feeder, wherein said feeder has a plurality of heads, is used for liquid additive is scattered in the tobacco rods simultaneously.

39, a kind of method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles comprises:

By in tobacco rods, forming ditch dug with a plow and liquid additive be added on the tobacco rods of transmission with feeder by plough, wherein said ditch dug with a plow forms in the downstream of plough, and liquid additive scattered in the tobacco rods from the head, described head is set to make in its ditch dug with a plow that is positioned in tobacco rods.

40,, further be included in each head of regaining feeder when conveyer stops as any described method in the claim 23 to 39.

41, as any described method in the claim 22 to 40, wherein said transmission is undertaken by the absorption band.

42, as any described method in the claim 22 to 41, wherein said liquid additive comprises menthol.

43, a kind of by any smoking product that described method is produced in the claim 22 to 42.

44, a kind of by any smoking product that described device is produced in the claim 1 to 21.

45, basically as herein with reference to the device that is used for manufacture of smoking articles as described in the accompanying drawing.

46, basically as herein with reference to the method that is used for manufacture of smoking articles as described in the accompanying drawing.