CN110519999B - Device, method and apparatus for inspecting embossed filters - Google Patents
Device, method and apparatus for inspecting embossed filters Download PDFInfo
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- CN110519999B CN110519999B CN201880022175.9A CN201880022175A CN110519999B CN 110519999 B CN110519999 B CN 110519999B CN 201880022175 A CN201880022175 A CN 201880022175A CN 110519999 B CN110519999 B CN 110519999B
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- embossed
- filters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
- A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
- A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
- A24C5/34—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes
- A24C5/3412—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes by means of light, radiation or electrostatic fields
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
- A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
- A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
- A24C5/322—Transporting cigarettes during manufacturing
- A24C5/326—Transporting cigarettes during manufacturing with lateral transferring means
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/025—Final operations, i.e. after the filter rod forming process
- A24D3/0258—Means for making grooves
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
- Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)
- Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
- Image Analysis (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device, method and apparatus for inspecting embossed filters. Each embossed filter plug (2) extends longitudinally and comprises at least a first portion (20) and a second portion (21), each having a first end (20a, 21a) and a second end (20b, 21 b). The second end (20b) of the first portion (20) is adjacent and contiguous with the first end (21a) of the second portion (21). The first portion (20) or the second portion (21) is embossed. The device (1) comprises: a rotating drum (3) comprising a plurality of seats (30) to receive in each seat an embossed filter (2); -image capturing means (4) for capturing an image of a first portion (5) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats of the drum (3), the first portion (5) extending parallel to the axis of extension (X) of the embossed filters (2) and at least from a first end (20a) of the first portion (20) to a first end (21a) of the second portion (21); a processing unit (6) for processing the above-mentioned image and calculating, on the basis of this image, the length (L) of the first portion (20) of the embossed filter (2) 1 )。
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a device for inspecting embossed filters. The invention also relates to a method and an apparatus for inspecting embossed filters.
Background
Filters for smoking articles consist in their most conventional form of a column of filter material (e.g. cellulose acetate) and a plug wrap covering the column of filter material.
Embossed filters (or more precisely, partially embossed filters) are known in the tobacco industry, such embossed filters being used as a substitute for filters of this type to provide different sensations during smoking.
In addition to conventional filters, embossed filters comprise embossed tipping paper placed between a column of filter material and the tipping paper. More specifically, the embossed tipping paper comprises portions of embossed tipping paper alternating with portions of smooth tipping paper.
In other words, the embossed filter comprises at least one embossed first portion (i.e. comprising a portion of the embossed tipping paper) and at least one second portion adjacent to and contiguous with the first portion, which is not embossed (i.e. the second portion does not comprise any portion of the embossed tipping paper).
A prior art production machine for making embossed filters comprising:
-an embossing station comprising embossing means for embossing the tipping paper strip to obtain an embossed tipping paper strip having embossed strip portions alternating with non-embossed (or smooth) strip portions along the paper strip;
-a first wrapping station, which wraps the rod of filter material with an embossed band of tipping paper to obtain a semi-finished rod;
-a second wrapping station downstream of the first wrapping station, which wraps the semi-finished rod with a band of tipping paper to obtain an embossed filter rod;
-a cutting device located downstream of the second wrapping station and cutting the embossed filter rods into embossed filters.
In order to obtain a high quality product, it is important that the embossed portion of the embossed filter has a suitable length. In other words, the length of the embossed portion of the embossed filter must not differ from the reference value by more than a certain tolerance. However, this is not always the case, particularly due to the elasticity of the embossed tipping paper tape (particularly the embossed portion of the tape).
In this respect, patent EP 2641481 (B1) discloses a device for inspecting embossed filter rods.
This prior art device comprises a camera which is located upstream of the cutting device of the machine for making embossed filters and which captures circumferential images of the embossed filter rod at a certain frequency as it moves towards the cutting device.
The device also comprises a processing unit which receives the images captured by the camera and, on the basis of these images, calculates the length of the embossed filters after the action of the cutting device. In order to calculate the length, the processing unit must receive not only the image captured by the camera, but also a phase signal related to the actual cutting position.
Finally, on the basis of the calculated length, the processing unit drives the cutting means of the embossed filter production machine and, if necessary, adjusts the position at which the embossed filter rods are cut.
However, when the embossed filter rod is moved towards the cutting device, the embossed filter rod tends to move uncontrollably. Therefore, the perimeter image captured at this stage does not always allow calculating the length of the embossing stretch with sufficient precision.
Furthermore, the processing unit must be supplied with a phase signal related to the actual cutting position, and therefore an electronic system capable of responding fast enough must be used to ensure accurate results. Thus, the prior art devices are relatively expensive.
Disclosure of Invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a device, a method and an apparatus for inspecting embossed filters, which overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks.
The above objects are achieved by a device, a method and an apparatus for inspecting embossed filters according to the enclosed claims.
Drawings
The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention,
in the drawings:
figure 1 is a schematic view of a machine for making embossed filters;
figures 2, 5, 7 and 9 are side views of respective embodiments of embossed filters;
figures 3, 6A, 8 and 10 are views of the embossed filter corresponding to figures 2, 5, 7 and 9, respectively, and highlight a first region of the embossed filter, an image of which is captured;
figures 4 and 6B are views similar to figures 3 and 6A, respectively, and highlight a second region of the embossed filter, the image of which is captured;
figure 11 is a top view of a portion of the apparatus for inspecting embossed filters of the invention;
figure 12 is a front view of an embodiment of the device for inspecting embossed filters of the present invention;
figure 13 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the device of figure 12;
figure 14 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the device of figure 12, with some parts cut away to better show other parts;
fig. 15 is a sectional view taken along line XV-XV of fig. 12.
Detailed Description
With reference to the figures, numeral 1 indicates as a whole a device for inspecting embossed filters.
The embossed filter 2 is a cylindrical member extending longitudinally along an extension axis X. For example, the embossed filter 2 may be coupled to a tobacco segment to manufacture a smoking article.
The embossed filter 2 is typically obtained from an embossed filter rod 108, the embossed filter rod 108 in turn being obtained by: the rod 104 is first wrapped with an embossed band of tipping paper 102 and then wrapped with a smooth band of tipping paper 107. In more detail, embossed tipping paper strip 102 is a longitudinally extending strip having embossed strip portions which are transverse to the extent of the strip and alternate with non-embossed (or smooth) strip portions.
Referring to fig. 1, a production machine 100 for making embossed filters 2 includes:
an embossing station comprising an embossing device 101 (for example, a pair of embossing rollers), the embossing device 101 being intended to emboss a band of tipping paper to obtain an embossed band of tipping paper 102, the embossed band of tipping paper 102 having embossed band portions alternating with non-embossed (or smooth) band portions;
a first wrapping station 103, which first wrapping station 103 wraps the sticks 104 of filter material with an embossed band 102 of tipping paper to obtain semi-finished sticks 105;
a second wrapping station 106, which second wrapping station 106 wraps the semi-finished rod 105 with a band of tipping paper 107 to obtain an embossed filter rod 108;
a cutting device 109, which cutting device 109 is located downstream of the second wrapping station 106 and cuts the embossed filter rods 108 into embossed filters 2.
The second wrapping station 106 may be located downstream of the first wrapping station 103. Alternatively, the first wrapping station 103 and the second wrapping station 106 may be substantially coincident so that the embossed band of tipping paper 102 and the band of tipping paper 107 are applied to the rod of filter material 104 substantially simultaneously.
The term "embossed filter" can be used to indicate a piece of embossed filter 2: the embossed filter 2 is equal in length to the filter of the smoking article. Alternatively, the term "embossed filter" may be used to denote a one-piece embossed filter as follows: the length of the embossed filter is twice the length of the filter of the smoking article.
Figures 2-10 schematically illustrate different embodiments of embossed filters 2.
In general, the embossed filter 2 includes at least a first portion 20 and a second portion 21, each of the first portion 20 and the second portion 21 having a first end 20a, 21a and a second end 20b, 21 b. The second end 20b of the first portion 20 is adjacent to and abuts the first end 21a of the second portion 21. Further, the first portion 20 or the second portion 21 is embossed.
Referring to figures 2, 3 and 4, an embossed filter plug 2 is shown having an embossed first portion 20 and an unembossed second portion 21.
Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the embossed filter 2 is shown to have an embossed first portion 20, an unembossed second portion 21, and a third portion 22 that is embossed and is adjacent to and adjacent to the second portion 21.
Referring to fig. 7 and 8, an embossed filter 2 is shown having an unembossed first portion 20, an embossed second portion 21, and an unembossed third portion 22 adjacent to and contiguous with the second portion 21.
Referring to fig. 9, the embossed filter 2 is shown to have an unembossed first portion 20, an embossed second portion 21, and an embossed third portion 22; the first portion 20 is arranged between the second portion 21 and the third portion 22.
Referring to fig. 10, the embossed filter 2 is shown to have an embossed first portion 20, an unembossed second portion 21, and an unembossed third portion 22; the first portion 20 is arranged between the second portion 21 and the third portion 22.
An embodiment of the device 1 for inspecting embossed filters 2 of the present invention is described below with reference to fig. 11 to 15.
The device 1 comprises:
a drum 3, which drum 3 is rotatable about an axis of rotation Y and comprises a plurality of seats 30 for receiving in each of them an embossing filter 2;
an image capturing device 4 for capturing an image of a first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 arranged in the seat of the drum 3, which first portion 5 extends parallel to the axis of extension X of the embossed filter 2 and at least from a first end 20a of the first portion 20 to a first end 21a of the second portion 21;
a processing unit 6, the processing unit 6 being adapted to process the above-mentioned image and to calculate, on the basis of the image, the length L of the first portion 20 of the embossed filter 2 1 。
"length L of first portion 20 of embossed filter 2 1 "refers to the length of the first portion 20 in the direction of the extension axis X.
The proposed device 1 captures an image of a first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 while the embossed filter 2 is held in the seat 30 of the drum 3. For this purpose, the drum 3 may comprise suction means which retain the embossed filters 2 in the respective seats 30. In any case, the embossed filter 2 is stable andthe captured image is such as to allow the length L to be calculated accurately 1 。
The first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2, the image of which is captured, preferably extends longitudinally. In other words, the length of the first portions 5 of the embossed filter 2 in a direction parallel to the extension axis X is greater than the height in a direction at right angles to the extension axis X.
More specifically, the captured image of the first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 is an image from the front (which image is equal to at most 180 degrees of a circle of the embossed filter 2; preferably, the image is equal to 150 degrees of a circle of the embossed filter 2).
The drum 3 can receive the embossed filters 2 from the above-described production machine 100 for producing the embossed filters 2.
In this case, the processing unit 6 may be connected to the cutting device 109 and/or the embossing device 102 of the production machine 100 for making embossed filters 2, so as to be based on the calculated length L 1 To drive the cutting means 109 and/or the embossing means 102.
Advantageously, since the inspection is performed on the embossed filter 2 (and not on the filter rod), no phase signal is required indicating the actual position of the cut. The proposed device 1 with feedback control can therefore be implemented with conventional electronic circuits, advantageously allowing cost restrictions.
Further, the proposed device 1 may comprise a discarding device 7, which discarding device 7 is connected to the processing unit 6 and is driven by the processing unit 6 to discard the embossed filters 2 based on the calculated length L1 (fig. 12).
With particular reference to figure 12, the image capturing means 4 comprise a first camera 40, this first camera 40 capturing an image of the first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 arranged in the seat 30 of the drum 3.
The image capturing means 4 can also comprise a first illuminator 41, which first illuminator 41 illuminates at least the aforesaid first portion 5 of the embossed filters 2 arranged in the seats 30 of the drum 3.
Advantageously, illuminating the first region 5 allows a sharper image to be captured, so that the length L can be calculated more accurately 1 。
The first camera 40 and the first illuminator 41 are driven in phase or simultaneously.
Preferably, the first camera 40, the first illuminator 41 and the drum 3 are mutually configured such that, during image capture, the embossed filter 2 is positioned between the first camera 40 and the first illuminator 41.
Thus, during image capture, light from the illuminator 41 passes through at least the first region 5 of the embossed filter 2 so as to allow a sharp image to be captured. More specifically, by processing the image, the length L of the first portion 20 of the embossed filter 2 can be accurately calculated 1 . Furthermore, the fact that light passes through the first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 makes it possible to inspect internal features, i.e. those internal features that are below the surface of the embossed filter 2.
The image capturing device 4 may also comprise a first diaphragm 44 between the first camera 40 and the first illuminator 41. Advantageously, the light from the first illuminator 41 is concentrated on the first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2.
With particular reference to figure 15, each seat 30 of the drum 3 is configured to receive only partially an embossed filter 2, so that at least a first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 protrudes from the drum 3. In this case, the first camera 40 and the first illuminator 41 are opposed to each other and are juxtaposed to the drum 3. This arrangement of the first camera 40 and the first illuminator 41 allows the use of a drum 3 of the type well known in the tobacco industry. The solution is therefore structurally simple and inexpensive.
Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the first illuminator or the first camera is at least partially arranged within the first bezel (preferably, the first illuminator is at least partially arranged within the bezel). In this case, each seat of the drum is shaped so as to allow the passage of light at least at the aforesaid first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 (for example, the seats of the drum may be made of transparent material or they may be formed in slits, slots or openings in the drum. advantageously, this embodiment of the device 1 is particularly compact.
Referring to the embodiment of the embossed filter 2 shown in fig. 5-10, the embossed filter 2 includes a third portion 22 having a first end 22a and a second end 22b, the first end 22a being adjacent and abutting the second end 21b of the second portion 21. More specifically, if the first portion 20 is embossed, the third portion 22 is also embossed; if the first portion 20 is smooth (i.e., not embossed), the third portion 22 is also smooth.
The image capture device 4 can be configured to capture an image of a second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2 arranged in the seat 30 of the drum 3, the second portion 8 being opposite the first portion 5 and extending parallel to the axis of extension X of the embossed filter 2 at least from the second end 22b of the third portion 22 to the second end 21b of the second portion 21.
In this case, the second portion 8 is diametrically opposed to the first portion 5, and is offset from the first portion 5 in the extending direction of the embossed filter 2 (fig. 6B). Alternatively, the second region 8 may face the first region 5 and be diametrically opposed to the first region 5.
The embossed filter 2 comprises a splice line of tipping paper tape 102 wrapped over a plug of filter material 104; the splice line is parallel to the direction of extension of the embossed filter 2. Thus, if the captured image is located at the stitching line, the length L will be 1 It may be complicated to calculate to sufficient accuracy. Advantageously, the capture of images of both the first region 5 and the second region 8 ensures that the length L can be calculated accurately 1 。
Referring to the embodiment of the embossed filter 2 shown in fig. 2-4, the second region 8 is opposite (i.e., diametrically opposed) the first region 5 and extends parallel to the axis of extension X of the embossed filter 2 at least from the first end 20a of the first portion 20 to the first end 21a of the second portion 21 (fig. 4). In this case, the second region 8 may be opposite the first region 5, i.e. facing the first region 5 and radially opposite the first region 5.
Alternatively, the second portion 8 may extend at least from the second end 20b of the first portion 20 to the second end 21b of the second portion 21. In this case, the second location 8 is diametrically opposite the first location 5 and is offset with respect to the first location 5 along the extension direction X.
The second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2, the image of which is captured, preferably extends longitudinally. In other words, the length of the second portions 8 of the embossed filter 2 in a direction parallel to the extension axis X is greater than the height in a direction at right angles to the extension axis X.
More specifically, the captured image of the second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2 is an image of the second portion 8 from the front (which image is equal to at most 180 degrees of the circle of the embossed filter 2; preferably, the image is equal to 150 degrees of the circle of the embossed filter 2).
In this embodiment, in which an image of the second location 8 is captured, the image capturing device 4 comprises: a second camera which captures images of a second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2 arranged in the seat 30 of the drum 3; a second illuminator which illuminates at least a second portion 8 of the embossed filters 2 arranged in the seats 30 of the drum 3.
The second camera and the second illuminator are driven in phase or simultaneously. The image capture device 4 may also include a second aperture located between the second camera and the second light emitter. Advantageously, the light from the second illuminator is concentrated on the second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2.
Referring specifically to fig. 11, a production machine 100 for making embossed filters may make two embossed filter rods and feed out pairs of embossed filters 2. In this case, the apparatus 1 may include a pair of (counter-rotating) transfer drums, i.e., a first drum 70 and a second drum 71, each of which receives one of a pair of embossed filters 2 fed from the machine 100. The first transfer drum 70 transfers the embossed filters to the drum 3, capturing an image of at least the first longitudinal portion 5 of the embossed filters 2 on the drum 3.
The second transfer drum 71 transfers the embossed filters 2 to another drum 72, which drum 72 is similar to the drum 3 and in the vicinity of the drum 72 there is at least one camera 42 and one illuminator 43 to capture images of at least a first longitudinal portion of the embossed filters 2 arranged in the seats of the drum 72.
According to the embodiment of the device 1 shown in the figures, the spacing between the seats 30 on the drum 3 is twice the spacing between the seats on the drum 72; the apparatus 1 may comprise further transfer drums 73, 74 (e.g. two drums) arranged between the drum 3 and the other drum 72 to transfer the embossed filters 2 from the drum 3 to the other drum 72.
Described below is a method for inspecting an embossed filter 2 according to the present invention. In particular, the method may be implemented by any of the embodiments of the device 1 described above.
The method comprises the following steps:
placing the embossed filter 2 in the seat 30 of the drum 3, wherein the embossed filter 2 extends longitudinally along an extension axis X and comprises at least a first portion 20 and a second portion 21, the first portion 20 and the second portion 21 each having a first end 20a, 21a and a second end 20b, 21 b; the second end 20b of the first portion 20 is adjacent and contiguous with the first end 21a of the second portion 21; the first portion 20 or the second portion 21 is embossed;
-capturing an image of a first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2, the first portion 5 extending at least from the first end 20a of the first portion 20 to the first end 21a of the second portion 21, parallel to the extension axis X of the embossed filter 2;
processing the image and calculating the length L of the first portion 20 of the embossed filter 2 based on the captured image 1 。
Advantageously, the proposed method allows to calculate the length L 1 Since the image is captured after the embossed filters 2 have been properly placed in the seats 30 of the drum 3.
The embossed filter 2 can be arranged in the seat 30 of the drum 3 by means of a production machine 100, the production machine 100 producing the embossed filter 2, the machine 100 comprising embossing means 101 for embossing a band of tipping paper and cutting means 109 for cutting an embossed filter rod 108 to obtain the embossed filter 2. Preferably, the method comprises calculating the length L based on the measured distance 1 To drive the cutting device 109 and/or the embossing device 101 of the production machine 100 for making embossed filters 2.
Advantageously, it is always ensured that the first portion 20 of the embossed filter 2 has a sufficient length L 1 . Furthermore, in contrast to the prior art, this method can be implemented easily and with inexpensive electronic circuits, since the inspection is performed on the embossed filter 2 (and not on the filter rod) and therefore no phase signal is required indicating the actual position of the cut.
The method may further include calculatingLength L of 1 And comparing with a reference value. Can be based on the calculated length L 1 The step of driving the cutting means 109 and/or the embossing means 101 of the machine 100 for producing embossed filters 2 is performed before this step.
The method may further comprise the step of discarding embossed filters having a length L1 different from the reference value; preferably, this step is performed after the step of comparing the calculated length L1 with a reference value.
Preferably, the step of capturing an image of the first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2 comprises the step of illuminating the first portion 5 of the embossed filter 2. More specifically, the step of illuminating the first portions 5 of the embossed filter 2 is performed in such a way that light passes through the first portions 5.
Advantageously, the captured image is particularly clear.
If the embossed filter 2 comprises a third portion 22, the third portion 22 having a first end 22a adjacent and contiguous to the second end 21b of the second portion 21 and a second end 22b, and if the third portion 22 is embossed only when the first portion 20 is embossed, the method may comprise the step of capturing an image of the second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2. The second portion 8 is opposite the first portion 5 and extends parallel to the axis of extension X of the embossed filter 2 at least from the second end 22b of the third portion 22 to the second end 21b of the second portion 21.
Thus, since the band of tipping paper wrapped around the rod of filter material 104 to form the embossed filter 2 has a splice line thereon that is parallel to the direction of extension of the embossed filter 2, capturing images of both the first and second locations 5, 8 ensures that the length L can be accurately calculated 1 。
Alternatively, the second location 8 may face the first location 5 and be diametrically opposed to the first location 5.
Referring to the embodiment of the embossed filter 2 shown in fig. 2-4, the second region 8 is opposite (i.e., diametrically opposed) the first region 5 and extends at least from the first end 20a of the first portion 20 to the first end 21a of the second portion 21 (fig. 4) parallel to the extension axis X of the embossed filter 2. In this case, the second region 8 may be opposite the first region 5, i.e. facing the first region 5 and radially opposite the first region 5. Alternatively, the second portion 8 may extend at least from the second end 20b of the first portion 20 to the second end 21b of the second portion 21. In this case, the second location 8 is diametrically opposite the first location 5 and is offset with respect to the first location 5 along the extension direction X.
Preferably, the step of capturing an image of the second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2 comprises the step of illuminating the second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2. Further, the step of illuminating the second portion 8 of the embossed filter 2 is performed in such a way that light passes through the second portion 8.
The invention also relates to a device 10 for inspecting embossed filters 2. The apparatus 10 comprises: a production machine 100 for making embossed filters 2, the machine 100 comprising embossing means 101 for embossing a band of tipping paper and cutting means 109 for cutting an embossed filter rod 108 to obtain embossed filters 2; the device 1 for inspecting embossed filters 2 according to any of the above embodiments. More specifically, the processing unit 6 of the device 1 is connected to the cutting device 109 and/or the embossing device 102 of the production machine 100 for making embossed filters 2, so as to drive the cutting device 109 and/or the embossing device 102.
Claims (12)
1. A device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2), wherein each embossed filter (2) extends longitudinally along an extension axis (X) and comprises at least a first portion (20) and a second portion (21), the first portion (20) and the second portion (21) each having a first end (20a, 21a) and a second end (20b, 21 b); the second end (20b) of the first portion (20) is adjacent and contiguous to the first end (21a) of the second portion (21); -the first portion (20) or the second portion (21) is embossed;
the device (1) comprises:
a drum (3) rotatable about an axis of rotation (Y) and comprising a plurality of seats (30) to receive in each of said seats the embossed filters (2);
-image capturing means (4) for capturing an image of a first portion (5) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats of the drum (3), the first portion (5) extending parallel to the axis of extension (X) of the embossed filters (2) and extending at least from the first end (20a) of the first portion (20) to the first end (21a) of the second portion (21);
a processing unit (6) for processing the above-mentioned image and calculating, on the basis of the image, the length (L) of the first portion (20) of the embossed filter (2) 1 ）；
Wherein the image capturing device (4) comprises: a first camera (40) which captures an image of a first portion (5) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats (30) of the drum (3); a first illuminator (41) which illuminates at least the first portion (5) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats (30) of the drum (3);
characterized in that said first illuminator or said first camera is at least partially arranged inside said drum, and wherein each said seat of said drum is shaped so as to allow the passage of light at least at said first portion (5) of said embossing filter (2).
2. Device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to claim 1,
said drum (3) receiving said embossed filter (2) from a production machine (100) that makes said embossed filter (2), said machine (100) comprising embossing means (101) for embossing a band of tipping paper and cutting means (109) for cutting an embossed filter rod (108) to obtain said embossed filter (2);
the processing unit (6) being connectable to the cutting device (109) and/or to the embossing device (101) of the production machine (100) for making the embossed filters (2) so as to be based on the calculated length (L) of the first portion (20) 1 ) To drive the cutting device-means (109) and/or said embossing device (101).
3. Device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first camera (40), the first illuminator (41) and the drum (3) are mutually configured such that during image capture the embossed filter (2) is positioned between the first camera (40) and the first illuminator (41).
4. Device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to claim 3,
each of said seats (30) of the drum (3) is configured to receive the embossed filters (2) only partially, so that at least the first portions (5) of the embossed filters (2) protrude from the drum (3);
the first camera (40) and the first illuminator (41) are opposite each other and side by side with the drum (3).
5. Device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that:
the embossed filter plug (2) comprising a third portion (22), the third portion (22) having a first end (22 a) and a second end (22 b), the first end (22 a) of the third portion (22) being adjacent and contiguous with the second end (21 b) of the second portion (21);
embossing the third portion (22) only when the first portion (20) is embossed;
the image capturing device (4) is configured to capture an image of a second portion (8) of the embossed filter (2) arranged in the seat (30) of the drum (3), the second portion (8) being opposite the first portion (5) and extending at least from the second end (22 b) of the third portion (22) to the second end (21 b) of the second portion (21) parallel to the axis of extension (X) of the embossed filter (2).
6. Device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the image capturing means (4) comprise:
a second camera which captures an image of the second portion (8) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats (30) of the drum (3);
a second illuminator that illuminates at least the second portion (8) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats (30) of the drum (3).
7. Device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising discarding means (7), the discarding means (7) being connected to the processing unit (6) and driven by the processing unit (6) to count the length (L) of the first portion (20) 1 ) Discarding said embossed filter (2) on the basis of (a).
8. A method for inspecting embossed filters (2), the method comprising, in order, the steps of:
placing an embossed filter (2) in a seat (30) of a drum (3), wherein the embossed filter (2) extends longitudinally along an extension axis (X) and comprises at least a first portion (20) and a second portion (21), the first portion (20) and the second portion (21) each having a first end (20a, 21a) and a second end (20b, 21 b); the second end (20b) of the first portion (20) is adjacent and contiguous to the first end (21a) of the second portion (21); the first portion (20) or the second portion (21) is embossed;
-capturing an image of a first portion (5) of the embossed filter (2), the first portion (5) extending parallel to the extension axis (X) of the embossed filter (2) at least from the first end (20a) of the first portion (20) to the first end (21a) of the second portion (21);
processing said image and calculating the length (L) of said first portion (20) of the embossed filter (2) on the basis of said captured image 1 ）；
Wherein the step of capturing an image of the first portion (5) of the embossed filter (2) comprises the step of illuminating the first portion (5) of the embossed filter (2);
characterized in that the step of illuminating the first portion (5) of the embossed filter (2) is performed in such a way that light passes through the first portion (5).
9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the embossed filter (2) is arranged in the seat (30) of the drum (3) by means of a production machine (100) for making the embossed filter (2), the machine (100) comprising embossing means (101) for embossing a tipping paper strip and cutting means (109) for cutting an embossed filter rod (108) to obtain the embossed filter (2);
the method comprises the step of driving the cutting device (109) and/or the embossing device (101) of the production machine (100) for making the embossed filter (2) on the basis of the calculated length (L1) of the first portion (20).
10. A method as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the embossed filter (2) comprises a third portion (22) having a first end (22 a) and a second end (22 b), the first end (22 a) of the third portion (22) being adjacent and abutting the second end (21 b) of the second portion (21); embossing the third portion (22) only when the first portion (20) is embossed; the method comprises a step of capturing an image of a second portion (8) of the embossed filter (2), the second portion (8) extending at least from the second end (22 b) of the third portion (22) to the second end (21 b) of the second portion (21) opposite the first portion (5) and parallel to the axis (X) of extension of the embossed filter (2).
11. An apparatus (10) for inspecting embossed filters (2), the apparatus comprising:
-a production machine (100) that makes embossed filters (2), said production machine (100) comprising embossing means (101) for embossing a tipping paper strip and cutting means (109) for cutting an embossed filter rod (108) to obtain said embossed filters (2);
device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7;
the processing unit (6) of the device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2) is connected to the cutting device (109) and/or the embossing device (101) of the production machine (100) that makes the embossed filters (2) in order to drive the cutting device (109) and/or the embossing device (101).
12. A device (1) for inspecting embossed filters (2), wherein each embossed filter (2) extends longitudinally along an extension axis (X) and comprises at least a first portion (20) and a second portion (21), the first portion (20) and the second portion (21) each having a first end (20a, 21a) and a second end (20b, 21 b); the second end (20b) of the first portion (20) is adjacent and contiguous to the first end (21a) of the second portion (21); -the first portion (20) or the second portion (21) is embossed;
the device (1) comprises:
a drum (3) rotatable about an axis of rotation (Y) and comprising a plurality of seats (30) to receive in each of said seats the embossed filters (2);
-image capturing means (4) for capturing an image of a first portion (5) of the embossed filter (2) arranged in the seat of the drum (3), the first portion (5) extending parallel to the axis (X) of extension of the embossed filter (2) and extending at least from the first end (20a) of the first portion (20) to the first end (21a) of the second portion (21);
a processing unit (6) for processing the above-mentioned image and calculating, on the basis of the image, the length (L) of the first portion (20) of the embossed filter (2) 1 ）；
Wherein the image capturing device (4) comprises: a first camera (40) which captures an image of a first portion (5) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats (30) of the drum (3); a first illuminator (41) illuminating at least the first portion (5) of the embossed filters (2) arranged in the seats (30) of the drum (3);
characterized in that each of said seats (30) of the drum (3) is configured to receive the embossed filter (2) only partially, so that at least said first portion (5) of the embossed filter (2) protrudes from the drum (3); the first camera (40) and the first illuminator (41) are opposite each other and side by side with the drum (3).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT102017000039700A IT201700039700A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2017-04-11 | Device, method and apparatus for checking pieces of embossed filter. |
| IT102017000039700 | 2017-04-11 | ||
| PCT/IB2018/052449 WO2018189645A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-04-09 | Device, method and apparatus for inspecting embossed filter segments |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN110519999A CN110519999A (en) | 2019-11-29 |
| CN110519999B true CN110519999B (en) | 2022-09-30 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201880022175.9A Active CN110519999B (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-04-09 | Device, method and apparatus for inspecting embossed filters |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3609353A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP7157076B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR102640310B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN110519999B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT201700039700A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2018189645A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102004063097A1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-07-06 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Module of a machine and method for perforating rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry |
| GB0809135D0 (en) * | 2008-05-20 | 2008-06-25 | British American Tobacco Co | Apparatus and method for making a smoking article |
| GB0917466D0 (en) * | 2009-10-06 | 2009-11-18 | British American Tobacco Co | Embossed paper for ventilation |
| GB0917468D0 (en) * | 2009-10-06 | 2009-11-18 | British American Tobacco Co | Printed and embossed wrapper for a smoking article and smoking article including a printed and embossed wrapper |
| DE102010063523A1 (en) * | 2010-12-20 | 2012-06-21 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Perforation of cigarettes |
| JP2014178117A (en) * | 2011-07-06 | 2014-09-25 | Japan Tobacco Inc | Capsule inspection device and capsule inspection method |
| DE102012204331A1 (en) * | 2012-03-19 | 2013-09-19 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Manufacturing machine and method for operating a manufacturing machine of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry |
| DE102013213936A1 (en) * | 2013-07-16 | 2015-01-22 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Arrangement and method for checking rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry |
| GB201404629D0 (en) * | 2014-03-14 | 2014-04-30 | British American Tobacco Co | A smoking article assembly machine |
-
2017
- 2017-04-11 IT IT102017000039700A patent/IT201700039700A1/en unknown
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2018
- 2018-04-09 JP JP2019555838A patent/JP7157076B2/en active Active
- 2018-04-09 CN CN201880022175.9A patent/CN110519999B/en active Active
- 2018-04-09 EP EP18718523.6A patent/EP3609353A1/en active Pending
- 2018-04-09 WO PCT/IB2018/052449 patent/WO2018189645A1/en unknown
- 2018-04-09 KR KR1020197029973A patent/KR102640310B1/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR102640310B1 (en) | 2024-02-23 |
| JP7157076B2 (en) | 2022-10-19 |
| JP2020512826A (en) | 2020-04-30 |
| WO2018189645A1 (en) | 2018-10-18 |
| IT201700039700A1 (en) | 2018-10-11 |
| CN110519999A (en) | 2019-11-29 |
| EP3609353A1 (en) | 2020-02-19 |
| KR20190136013A (en) | 2019-12-09 |
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