CN115302107A

CN115302107A - Device and method for producing perforated sections for the tobacco industry

Info

Publication number: CN115302107A
Application number: CN202210475652.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·罗马尼奥利; F·罗夫朗科; F·曼格里; G·加姆博里尼
Original assignee: GD SpA
Current assignee: GD SpA
Priority date: 2021-05-04
Filing date: 2022-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-08
Also published as: IT202100011279A1; DE102022110541A1

Abstract

A device for producing a section (S) of the tobacco industry provided with perforations (P), comprising a feeding device (2) for feeding a paper web (100), a feeding device (3) for feeding a filler material (200), a forming beam (4) for forming a continuous rod (C) by wrapping the paper web (100) around the filler material (200), a cutting device (5) for cutting the continuous rod (C) into a series of sections (S), a perforating device (10) located downstream of the rod forming beam (4), the perforating device (10) being arranged and/or configured to make a series of perforations (P) on the continuous rod (C) or the series of sections (S) when the continuous rod (C) or the series of sections (S) is fed longitudinally.

Description

Device and method for producing perforated sections for the tobacco industry

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a perforated segment for the tobacco industry.

Background

It is known to perforate the outer surface of articles, in particular holes made around the entire circumference of a cigarette, in order to modify the ventilation or combustion characteristics of the article, such as a cigarette. During use, when made on paper wrapped around tobacco, these perforations create additional channels for air to flow in towards the combustion zone during inhalation, which is particularly advantageous when lighting a cigarette. On the other hand, when made on filters, they allow the user to create a bypass for fresh air and, more importantly, to make adjustments by covering or exposing the perforations with fingers. The perforation process is typically performed in a filter attachment machine, where the articles are fed laterally by means of rollers. In these machines, it is generally necessary to rotate the articles themselves, exposing the entire peripheral surface of each article to a laser head, or alternatively, to use at least two rollers to support two opposite angular zones of the article, so that in this case also the entire surface of the article is exposed to a series of laser heads.

The applicant has perceived the need to provide an alternative to the above-mentioned prior art solutions in order to adapt the perforation process also in situations where it is not possible or problematic to perforate articles in filter attachment machines.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method for producing a perforated segment of the tobacco industry which overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

Said object is substantially achieved by a device and a method for producing perforated segments for the tobacco industry, comprising the technical features set forth in claims 1 and 9, respectively, and/or in one or more of the claims depending therefrom.

According to the invention, the apparatus is intended in particular for the production of cigarette segments and comprises a feeding device for feeding a paper web, a feeding device for feeding a filling material in the form of a stream of tobacco fibres, a forming beam for forming a continuous rod by wrapping the paper web around the filling material, a cutting device for cutting the continuous rod into a series of segments, and a perforating device located downstream of the rod forming beam and arranged and/or configured to make a series of perforations in the continuous rod or series of segments as it is fed longitudinally.

In a variant embodiment, the apparatus is intended in particular for producing filter sections and comprises feeding means for feeding a paper web, feeding means for feeding a filler material in the form of a stream of filter material, a forming beam for forming a continuous rod by wrapping the paper web around the filler material, cutting means for cutting the continuous rod into a series of sections, and perforating means located downstream of the rod forming beam and arranged and/or configured to make a series of perforations on the continuous rod or series of sections when the latter are fed longitudinally.

In a variant embodiment, the apparatus is intended in particular for producing empty tubular sections and comprises feeding means for feeding the paper web, a forming beam for forming a continuous tubular element by wrapping the paper web around a longitudinal axis, cutting means for cutting the continuous tubular element into a series of tubular sections, and perforating means located downstream of the rod forming beam and arranged and/or configured to make a series of perforations on the continuous tubular element or series of tubular sections as it is fed longitudinally.

Regardless of the application selected from the above, the forming beam is configured to wrap the web to form a linear seal defined by overlapping side edges of the web. Furthermore, the perforation means are arranged in such a way as to make at least some perforations in the sealing strip, in particular vertically above the sealing strip.

In one embodiment, the perforating device is disposed between the forming beam and the cutting device.

In a different embodiment, the perforating device is arranged downstream of the cutting device.

Preferably, the device further comprises a transfer unit downstream of the cutting device for transferring the segments from a longitudinal feed path exiting the cutting device to a transverse feed path, defined for example by a train of rollers. In one embodiment, the perforation device is arranged between the cutting device and the transfer unit.

Preferably, the device further comprises an inspection device, in particular an optical inspection device, for inspecting the perforations made by the perforation device. The inspection device is preferably located downstream of the cutting device and more preferably between the cutting device and the transfer unit.

In a different embodiment, the inspection device is located downstream of the transfer unit, so that in the zone of transverse feeding of the articles, the perforation device is in any case located upstream of the transfer unit, in the zone of longitudinal feeding of the continuous rod/tubular element.

Another object of the invention is a method for producing a perforated segment of the tobacco industry, in particular a cigarette segment, comprising the steps of: the method comprises feeding a paper web and a filler material, in particular a tobacco fibre stream, to a forming beam, forming a continuous rod in the rod forming beam by wrapping the paper web around the filler material, cutting the continuous rod into a series of sections, and making a plurality of perforations on the continuous rod or series of sections downstream of the rod forming beam as the continuous rod or series of sections is fed longitudinally.

In a different embodiment, the method is particularly intended for producing a filter segment and comprises the following steps: the method includes feeding a web and a filler material (in the form of a flow of filter material) to a forming beam, forming a continuous rod in the rod forming beam by wrapping the web around the filler material, cutting the continuous rod into a series of sections, and making a plurality of perforations on the continuous rod or series of sections downstream of the rod forming beam as the continuous rod or series of sections is fed longitudinally.

In a different embodiment, the method is particularly intended for producing empty tubular sections and comprises the following steps: the method comprises feeding the web to a forming beam, forming a continuous tubular element in the forming beam by wrapping the web around a longitudinal axis, cutting the continuous tubular element into a series of tubular sections, and making a plurality of perforations on the continuous tubular element or series of tubular sections downstream of the rod forming beam as the continuous tubular element or series of tubular sections is fed longitudinally. In more detail, the step of making the perforations is performed after the continuous rod or continuous tubular element has been completely formed.

More specifically, the step of wrapping the web forms a longitudinal, rectilinear sealing strip defined by overlapping side edges of the web. Preferably, the step of making the perforations is performed at least partially on the sealing strip.

In one embodiment, the step of making the perforations is performed after the continuous rod or continuous tubular element is fully formed, and before the cutting step.

In a different embodiment, the step of making the perforations is performed after the cutting step.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of inspecting the segments to inspect at least one (quality) parameter of the perforation. The step of inspecting the section is preferably done by optical inspection.

In one embodiment, the inspection step is performed in the region of a longitudinally fed section or continuous rod or continuous tubular element.

Another object of the invention is a method for modifying an existing making machine for producing sections of the tobacco industry, in particular tubular and/or rod-shaped sections, wherein the machine comprises a feeding device for feeding a paper web, a forming beam for forming a continuous rod or a continuous tubular element by wrapping the paper web around a longitudinal axis, a cutting device for cutting the continuous tubular element or the continuous rod into a series of sections, the method further comprising the step of installing a modified perforating device in the existing machine at a position downstream of the forming beam, such that the perforating device makes a series of perforations on the continuous rod or the continuous tubular element or the series of sections when the continuous rod or the continuous tubular element or the series of sections is fed longitudinally.

Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent in the illustrative and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, which is an apparatus and a method for producing a perforated segment for the tobacco industry, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

figure 5 is a perspective view of a section of the tobacco industry (semi-finished product) obtained using the apparatus and method according to the invention.

Detailed Description

In the figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates as a whole an apparatus for producing perforated segments for the tobacco industry according to a first embodiment of the invention.

In the context of the present invention, by "segment of the tobacco industry" it is intended to indicate an article of predetermined length (generally single or double length of the finished product to be manufactured), such as a segment of a cigarette or filter rod, defined by a paper tubular element containing a filler material (tobacco or filter material, respectively) or by a hollow tubular element of paper delimited by a hollow inside. In any case, these sections are obtained by cutting a continuous rod or a continuous tubular element obtained by wrapping a paper web, as described below.

In its main features, with reference to the embodiment of fig. 1, the device 1 comprises:

a feeding device 2 for feeding a paper web 100 (or other suitably shaped material);

a feeding device 3 for feeding a filling material 200, in this particular case a tobacco stream;

-forming a beam 4 for forming a continuous rod C by wrapping the web 100 around the filling material 200;

a cutting device 5 for cutting the continuous rod C into a series of sections S.

Downstream of the cutting device 5 there may also be mounted a transfer unit 6, which transfer unit 6 is intended to transfer the sections S from a longitudinal feed path leaving the cutting device 5 to a transverse feed path (defined for example by a row of rollers, not shown).

According to the invention, the apparatus 1 further comprises a perforating device 10, the perforating device 10 being adapted to make a plurality of perforations P in the paper web 100, in particular in the paper web 100 after the paper web 100 has been completely wrapped around the filler material 200. The perforating device 10 is therefore advantageously arranged downstream of the forming beam 4.

Preferably, the perforating device 10 comprises a laser perforating head and, in addition to a laser source, may also comprise one or more of the following features: the optical path diversion (e.g. obtained by mirrors/reflecting surfaces), splitting into two beams if necessary when the machine is a two-bar machine, focusing, adjusting the power, duration of the pulses, pulse length and number of pulses. The perforating device 10 is therefore extremely flexible and capable of making perforations P of any type and any configuration.

Advantageously, the use of a laser source provides the perforating device 10 with optimal flexibility, since it allows making different patterns of perforations P, the pattern being selectable as desired. For example, the pattern of the perforations P may be selected according to the degree of ventilation/depressurization required to improve the end user experience, or according to the form or brand of the product to be manufactured. The perforations P formed by the perforating device 10 according to the present invention are preferably defined by groups of holes that are discontinuously arranged (i.e. spaced apart from each other) along the longitudinal feeding direction of the continuous rod C. In this way, for example, as shown in fig. 5, each set of holes is provided at a corresponding portion (end portion) of the finished product to be manufactured. In the particular embodiment of fig. 5, each segment S obtained by cutting has a length twice that of the finished product to be manufactured, in particular defining a double-length rod segment which, in a later stage, will be cut in half when fed transversely. In this embodiment, the double length section S has two sets of holes, one at each end of the section S. Alternatively, the two sets of holes may be located closer together in the central portion of the section S. In both cases, the sections S are subsequently cut into individual lengths of sections, each section having a set of holes (corresponding to the butts in the finished cigarette) at one end.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, the section S leaving the cutting device 5 is already a single length section. In this case, one end of the section S has a single set of holes.

The perforations P are through holes, in other words, they pass directly through all the paper layers in which they are made, allowing the air to flow through them.

Preferably, the holes of each group of holes are aligned successively along a direction parallel to the longitudinal feed direction of the continuous rod C and are arranged in one or more parallel rows.

Further, the holes in each set of holes may be arranged in a one-dimensional linear sequence or in a two-dimensional pattern.

The forming beam 4 is configured to wrap the web 100 in such a manner as to form a straight-line sealing strip F defined by overlapping the overlapping sides of the web 100. In other words, wrapping the web 100 creates a longitudinal overlap that defines the sealing strip F. In this case, the perforation means 10 are preferably arranged to form at least some perforations P in the sealing strip F. This has the advantage that making the perforations P in areas thicker than the single thickness of the paper web 100 (also including glue) makes these perforations P a good means of identifying counterfeits, as such perforation methods are difficult to imitate using common production methods for making counterfeit smoking articles.

This solution is also useful as an anti-counterfeiting tool, since the perforations P are particularly clearly visible on the sealing strip F, where the overlap between the overlapping sides of the web 100 makes the normally white color of the web 100 more intense (thereby enhancing the visibility of the contrast with the holes).

Furthermore, the fact that the perforations P are made at the sealing strips F where the glue is present and therefore in a particularly strong area means that the series of perforations P (holes or slots) made in this area is unlikely to reduce the tear strength of the web 100 itself, once the continuous rod C is formed, the web 100 is subjected to pressure from the filler material 200 from the inside, the web 100 also being subjected to wrapping tension and stress applied to the section S during subsequent processing and transport. In particular, the perforating device 10 is therefore positioned so that it operates after the web 100 has been formed into a tube (after gluing, measuring and drying), and therefore in an already stabilized area.

Fig. 2 shows a different embodiment, in particular an apparatus 1 for making a section S in the form of a filter section. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 1 only in that the means 3 for feeding the filling material 200 feed a flow of filtering material.

Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment, in particular an apparatus 1 for making a section S in the form of a hollow tubular element. In this embodiment, no means 3 for feeding the filler material are provided, the forming beam 4 wrapping the paper web 100 around the longitudinal axis onto the paper web 100 itself to define a continuous hollow tubular element T, if necessary wrapped by means of the buffer core 7.

In all three embodiments described above, the perforation device 10 can work in the same way, in particular, preferably forming at least some perforations P on the sealing strips F defined by the longitudinal superimposed joining zones made on the web 100 by the forming beam 4.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 3, the perforating device 10 is located between the forming beam 4 and the cutting device 5.

In a variant embodiment, as shown in fig. 4, the perforating device 10 is located downstream of the cutting device 5, preferably between the cutting device 5 and the transfer unit 6.

These positioning possibilities are particularly suitable for using existing space in prior art fabricators and are therefore ideal for retrofit applications of the perforating device 10.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fact that the perforating device 10 is located in the vicinity of the cutting device 5 ensures an optimal timing for repeatable positioning of the perforations P in their intended position (in the case shown in fig. 5, at the end of the finished product to be manufactured). In the embodiment of fig. 1 to 3, the apparatus 1 further comprises an inspection device 20, preferably an optical inspection device, for inspecting the perforations P formed by the perforation device 10 on the paper web 100.

More specifically, the inspection device 20 may be configured to inspect the perforation P taking into account the following parameters: their actual number compared to the predetermined number, the fact that they effectively penetrate the paper, without burns or other quality defects, their position with respect to each other, their position with respect to the continuous beam C or with respect to the finished product.

Preferably, when the perforating device 10 is positioned between the forming beam 4 and the cutting device 5, the inspection device 20 is positioned downstream of the cutting device 5, more preferably between the cutting device 5 and the transfer unit 6.

Alternatively, in a variant not shown, when the perforating device 10 is also located downstream of the cutting device 5, more preferably between the cutting device 5 and the transfer unit 6, the inspection device 20 can be located downstream of the cutting device 5, more preferably between the cutting device 5 and the transfer unit 6.

More generally, the inspection device 20 preferably (but not necessarily) operates while feeding longitudinally a continuous rod C or a continuous tubular element T or a section S. In this case, too, the inspection device 20 is particularly suitable for using the existing space in existing prior art machines and can therefore be installed during manufacture as a retrofit application for machines not provided with an inspection device 20. In more detail, another object of the invention is a method for modifying an existing machine (called "manufacturing machine" in technical jargon) for producing sections S of the tobacco industry, in particular tubular and/or rod-shaped sections, wherein the machine comprises (according to known techniques) a feeding device for feeding a paper web, a forming beam for forming a continuous rod or a continuous tubular element by wrapping the paper web around a longitudinal axis (therefore, with or without filler material), a cutting device for cutting the continuous tubular element or the continuous rod into a series of sections, and according to the inventive concept of the present patent application, comprises the step of installing a perforating device adapted in the existing machine at a position downstream of the forming beam, so that the perforating device makes a series of perforations on the continuous rod or the continuous tubular element or the series of sections when the continuous rod or the continuous tubular element or the series of sections are fed longitudinally.

The particular adaptation of the perforation device and, if necessary, the inspection device is carried out according to the above-described embodiments.

As described herein, the present invention allows for various embodiments that fall within the scope of the same inventive concept. For example, the device may be of the double-or double-rod/double-tubular element type for making two parallel rod/tubular elements. In this case, each production line is provided with a respective perforating device (and similarly, if necessary, with a respective inspection device).

The present invention achieves the intended objects and overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

The use of the perforating device in said specific position, i.e. downstream of the forming beam, allows to optimize the existing space when the rod/tubular element or cutting section is longitudinally advanced, as well as to retrofit existing machines with the perforating device without major modifications to the existing machines.

Furthermore, perforating as the manufactured article advances along the longitudinal feed path allows perforations to be made in the overlapping portions of the web, thereby providing an optimal security feature.

Furthermore, the positioning which allows functioning while the longitudinal feeding movement is in progress allows to easily make groups of perforations defined by sequences of holes aligned longitudinally one after the other.

Claims

1. Apparatus for producing a section (S) provided with perforations (P) of the tobacco industry, in particular a cigarette section, comprising: a feeding device (2) for feeding a paper web (100); a feeding device (3) for feeding a flow of filling material (200), in particular tobacco fibres; -a forming beam (4) for forming a continuous rod (C) by wrapping a paper web (100) around a filling material (200), -a cutting device (5) for cutting the continuous rod (C) into a series of sections (S), characterized in that said apparatus comprises a perforating device (10), said perforating device (10) being located downstream of said rod-forming beam (4) and being arranged and/or configured to make a series of perforations (P) on said continuous rod (C) or said series of sections (S) when said continuous rod (C) or said series of sections (S) are fed longitudinally.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bar-forming beam (4) is configured to wrap a web (100) in such a way as to form a rectilinear sealing strip (F) defined by overlapping side edges of the web, and wherein the perforation means (10) are arranged in such a way as to form at least some perforations (P) in the sealing strip (F), the perforation means (10) being arranged in particular vertically above the sealing strip (F).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the perforating means (10) are arranged between the rod-forming beam (4) and the cutting means (5).

4. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the perforating device (10) is located downstream of the cutting device (5).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a transfer unit (6) downstream of the cutting device (5), the transfer unit (6) being intended to transfer the section (S) away from the cutting device (5) from a longitudinal feed path to a transverse feed path, and in that the perforating device (10) is located between the cutting device (5) and the transfer unit (6).

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising inspection means (20), preferably optical inspection means, for inspecting the perforations (P) made by the perforation means (10), the inspection means (20) being preferably located downstream of the cutting means (5) and more preferably located between the cutting means (5) and the transfer unit (6).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said perforating means (10) comprise a laser perforating head.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perforating device (10) is configured to make a series of groups of holes, wherein the holes of each group are arranged according to a predetermined pattern, preferably modifiable according to one or more predetermined schemes.

9. Method for producing a segment (S) of the tobacco industry provided with perforations (P), comprising the following steps: -feeding a paper web (100) and a filling material (200), in particular a tobacco fibre flow, to a forming beam (4), -forming a continuous rod (C) in the rod-forming beam (4) by wrapping the paper web (100) around the filling material (200), -cutting the continuous rod (C) into a series of sections (S), characterized in that the method comprises the step of making a plurality of perforations (P) on the continuous rod (C) or the series of sections (S) downstream of the rod-forming beam (4) while feeding the continuous rod (C) or the series of sections (S) longitudinally.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of wrapping the web (100) forms a longitudinal, straight sealing strip (F) defined by overlapping sides of the web (100), and wherein the step of making perforations (P) is performed at least partially on the sealing strip (F).

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the step of making the perforations (P) is performed after the bars (C) have been completely formed and before the cutting step.

12. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said step of making perforations (P) is performed after said cutting step.

13. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises a step of inspecting said section (S) to inspect at least one parameter of said perforation (P), said step of inspecting said section (S) preferably being done by optical inspection.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the step of making a plurality of perforations (P) is accomplished by making a series of groups of holes, wherein the holes of each group are arranged according to a predetermined pattern, preferably modifiable according to one or more predetermined schemes; said step of making the perforations (P) is preferably performed by a laser perforating head.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the step of making a plurality of perforations (P) is accomplished by making a series of sets of holes at a location such that, after cutting, each article has a single set of holes at one end, or alternatively, two sets of holes at both ends of the article, or two sets of holes close together in a central portion of the article.

16. A method for modifying an existing manufacturing machine for producing segments (S) of the tobacco industry, wherein the machine comprises: -a feeding device (2) for feeding a paper web (100), -a forming beam (4) for forming a continuous rod (B) by wrapping the paper web (100) around a longitudinal axis to enclose a filler material, -a cutting device (5) for cutting the continuous rod (B) into a series of sections (S), characterized in that the method comprises the step of installing a modified perforating device (10) at a position downstream of the rod forming beam (4) in an existing machine, such that the perforating device (10) makes a series of perforations (P) on the continuous rod (C) or the series of sections (S) when feeding the continuous rod (C) or the series of sections (S) longitudinally.