EP1296573B1 - Device for forming a flow of tobacco fibres - Google Patents

Device for forming a flow of tobacco fibres Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1296573B1
EP1296573B1 EP00938448A EP00938448A EP1296573B1 EP 1296573 B1 EP1296573 B1 EP 1296573B1 EP 00938448 A EP00938448 A EP 00938448A EP 00938448 A EP00938448 A EP 00938448A EP 1296573 B1 EP1296573 B1 EP 1296573B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tobacco
portions
receiving surface
layer
receiving
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00938448A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1296573A1 (en
Inventor
David Vuilleumier
Jean-Pierre Fiems
Marc Budin
Roberto Rizzolo
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Philip Morris Products SA
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Philip Morris Products SA
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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
    • A24C5/39—Tobacco feeding devices
    • 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
    • A24C5/39—Tobacco feeding devices
    • A24C5/393—Tobacco feeding devices with a vibrating conveyor
    • 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
    • A24C5/39—Tobacco feeding devices
    • A24C5/397—Tobacco feeding devices with means for regulating the tobacco quantity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for, from a tobacco fiber mass contained in a reservoir, forming a flow of tobacco fibers, each cross section of which contains the same amount of uniformly distributed tobacco fibers.
  • grouping these portions indicates that the portions taken from the reservoir are brought closer so as to eliminate the spaces which separate them according to any one of the dimensions of the layer.
  • One result that the invention aims to obtain is a device which makes it possible to constitute a flow of tobacco fibers, each cross section of which contains the same quantity of tobacco fibers which are uniformly distributed.
  • the subject of the invention is a device according to claim 1.
  • the formation of stream 4 is one of the stages of preparation of tobacco that are implemented in a machine for manufacturing a tobacco rod 5, such as a tobacco rod used in the manufacture of products of the tobacco industry.
  • the apparatus 6, on the one hand, for taking tobacco portions 7 from the reservoir, and, on the other hand, for transferring these portions 7 to the so-called spill zone 8, comprises a clipping member 6A, for example rotary type, which limits to a fixed value the height of the portions poured over the edge 8A.
  • FIGS. 1 and 3 the position of the discharge edge 8A has been symbolized by a cross.
  • the apparatus 6 for withdrawing into the reservoir 3 successive portions 7 of tobacco takes these portions on a dimension T1 which is substantially equal to the transverse dimension T2 of the layer 4A to be formed.
  • the elongated receiving surface 11A of the first functional element 11 of the receiving apparatus 9 extends longitudinally in a direction D1 substantially parallel to the discharge edge 8A and is arranged to receive the tobacco portions 7 from the sampling device 6, as and when their discharge, and on substantially the entire transverse dimension T2 of the stream 4 to form.
  • the apparatus 9 for receiving successive portions 7 of tobacco comprises at least one second element 12, which has a surface 12A arranged to, on the one hand, accommodate the tobacco crossing the free bank 11B of the first element 11 and, on the other hand, transfer it in the form of a layer 4A, to another station 10, and this, at a determined speed, in a direction D3 substantially perpendicular to the bank 11B, for the purpose of constituting of the tobacco fiber stream 4, each cross section of which contains the same amount of tobacco fibers which are uniformly distributed.
  • the first element 11 has reciprocating movement in at least one direction D2 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 of its receiving surface 11A.
  • the first element 11 has a reciprocating movement substantially in a direction D2 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 of its receiving surface 11A.
  • each cross-section of said formed tobacco fiber layer 4A contains a single amount of tobacco fiber that is evenly distributed.
  • the apparatus 6 for taking, in the reservoir 3, successive portions 7 of tobacco obviously operates so as to supply the apparatus 9 for receiving these portions, a tobacco flow rate which is adjusted according to the tobacco flow rate required at downstream station, such as a tobacco rod forming station 10.
  • the transfer of the layer 4A which is born after passage of the first element 11 of the receiving apparatus 9 is therefore carried out at a determined speed which is adjusted according to the tobacco flow rate required at said downstream station, such as the station. 10 forming a tobacco rod.
  • the second element 12 consists of a belt conveyor 12B.
  • the belt 12B circulates between return rollers 12C which, relative to a fixed support 1B, are guided in rotation and at least one of which is rotated by a drive member 12D which drives the belt at a speed capable of ensuring the flow of tobacco. selected.
  • Respect for the above-mentioned technical features makes it possible to construct, particularly economically, a device for obtaining the result announced for the invention.
  • the receiving surface 11A is substantially planar.
  • the tobacco portions 7 taken from the tank have a certain height H.
  • the receiving surface 11A has a width L which extends over a multiple of the height H of the portions.
  • the first element 11 of the device 1 can perform its function of uniformizing the thickness of the tobacco layer 4A which is born on the receiving surface 11A.
  • the first element 11 consists of a table 11 which, on the one hand, is, by a mechanism 14, supported and guided in translation at least in a direction D2 substantially parallel to the direction D1 in which it s' longitudinally extends, on the other hand, is connected to a reciprocating mechanism 15 in this direction D2.
  • the table 11 has side walls 11C, which rise above its receiving surface 11A.
  • the device 1 comprises a frame 1A and the fixed support 1B is, for example, at least indirectly, constituted by a part of this frame.
  • the links 14A extend under the plane of the table 11.
  • the reciprocating motion has an amplitude value of between two and twenty millimeters.
  • the amplitude of the movement is ten millimeters.
  • the skilled person is able to choose the length of the rods so that, depending on the range of motion sought for the table, this movement is as straight as possible.
  • the reciprocating motion has a value of between six hundred and two thousand cycles per minute.
  • the reciprocating mechanism 15 comprises meanwhile a motor 15A with a rotary shaft 15B which supports a crank 15C connected to a connecting rod 15D, itself at least indirectly connected to the table 11.
  • the link 15D of the reciprocating mechanism is connected to one of the rods 14A of the mechanism 14 for guiding the table 11, but it can be connected to the table.
  • the receiving surface 11A of the first element 11 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, of an A value between ten degrees and forty five degrees, so that the combined actions of the reciprocating movement and gravity induce the transverse displacement of the tobacco towards the free bank 11B of this surface.
  • the receiving surface 11A of the first member 11 is structured to have increased roughness in the direction D2 of the reciprocating motion.
  • the surface advantageously has grooves in a direction perpendicular to its direction of displacement D2 alternating.
  • These grooves have a depth sufficient to constitute the desired roughness.
  • the material constituting the receiving surface 11B may also be chosen to present these roughness features.
  • the surface 12A of the second element 12 arranged to receive the tobacco from the first element 11 and transfer it at a predetermined speed and in the form of a layer 4A is, in the direction of transfer, bounded by a bank 12B, beyond from which the tobacco layer 4A leaves this surface.
  • the first rotary member 16 of the mechanism 13 is arranged in such a way that the ducts 16A that it carries, penetrate substantially the entire thickness of the layer 4 and accompanies it in its movement towards a bank 12E of the second transfer element 12 through which said layer 4 leaves its surface 12A.
  • the plane P is advantageously approximately perpendicular to the surface 12A of the second element 12.
  • the plane P is advantageously the median plane of a duct 18 oriented to channel the fall of the tobacco from the destructured layer 4 to a low zone of the duct which is placed in a depression, such as the entrance to a training station of a tobacco pudding.
  • the mechanism 13 of course comprises functional elements for the support as well as the rotation guidance and the rotational control of said first and second rotary members 16, 17.
  • the device 1 comprises a frame 1A and the support and the guiding of the rotary members 16, 17 are, at least indirectly, constituted by means of a part of this frame 1A.

Landscapes

  • Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)
  • Preliminary Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)

Description

L'invention se rapporte à un dispositif pour, à partir d'une masse fibres de tabac contenue dans un réservoir, former un flux de fibres de tabac dont chaque section transversale contient une même quantité de fibres de tabac uniformément réparties.The invention relates to a device for, from a tobacco fiber mass contained in a reservoir, forming a flow of tobacco fibers, each cross section of which contains the same amount of uniformly distributed tobacco fibers.

L'invention intéresse plus particulièrement un dispositif de type comprenant,

  • un appareil, d'une part, de prélèvement, dans le réservoir, de portions successives de tabac, notamment sur une dimension qui est sensiblement égale à la largeur du flux à former et, d'autre part, de transfert de ses portions vers une zone dite de déversement,
  • dans la zone dite de déversement, un appareil de réception des portions successives de tabac pour, de manière continue, grouper ces portions afin de constituer une couche et transférer le tabac formant cette couche vers un autre poste, tel un poste de formation d'un boudin.
The invention more particularly concerns a device of the type comprising,
  • an apparatus, on the one hand, of sampling, in the tank, of successive portions of tobacco, in particular on a dimension which is substantially equal to the width of the stream to be formed and, on the other hand, of transfer of its portions to a so-called spill area,
  • in the so-called spill area, an apparatus for receiving successive portions of tobacco to continuously group these portions to form a layer and transfer the tobacco forming this layer to another position, such as a training station of a black pudding.

L'expression "en groupant ces portions" signale qu'on rapproche les portions prélevées dans le réservoir de manière à supprimer les espaces qui les séparent selon l'une quelconque des dimensions de la couche.The expression "grouping these portions" indicates that the portions taken from the reservoir are brought closer so as to eliminate the spaces which separate them according to any one of the dimensions of the layer.

Les dispositifs connus, tel le dispositif décrit et revendiqué dans la demande WO 99/23899 , permettent de constituer un flux de fibres de tabac dont l'uniformité est satisfaisante par rapport à l'état de la technique lié à cette demande, mais qui peut tout de même être encore améliorée.Known devices, such as the device described and claimed in the application WO 99/23899 , allow to constitute a flow of tobacco fibers whose uniformity is satisfactory compared to the state of the art related to this request, but which can still be further improved.

Différentes solutions décrites dans les documents DE 18 71 954 ; US 4,617,943 ; WO 98/18699 ; US 2,385,089 ; GB 1 533 451 ) avaient déjà été imaginées.Different solutions described in the documents DE 18 71 954 ; US 4,617,943 ; WO 98/18699 ; US 2,385,089 ; GB 1,533,451 ) had already been imagined.

Ces solutions ont pour point commun de mettre en oeuvre un élément fonctionnel sur lequel le flux de tabac transite et qui, d'une part comporte une surface destinée à supporter ledit flux de tabac et, d'autre part, est animé d'un mouvement alternatif ou vibratoire destiné assurer une répartion homogène des fibres de tabac, en vue de former une couche d'épaisseur uniforme. Cependant, ces solutions n'ont pas apporté totale satisfaction.These solutions have the common point of implementing a functional element on which the flow of tobacco transits and which, on the one hand comprises a surface intended to support said flow of tobacco and, on the other hand, is driven by an alternating or vibratory movement intended to ensure homogeneous distribution of the tobacco fibers, in order to form a layer of uniform thickness. However, these solutions have not brought complete satisfaction.

Un résultat que l'invention vise à obtenir est un dispositif qui permette de constituer un flux de fibres de tabac dont chaque section transversale contient une même quantité de fibres de tabac qui sont uniformément réparties.One result that the invention aims to obtain is a device which makes it possible to constitute a flow of tobacco fibers, each cross section of which contains the same quantity of tobacco fibers which are uniformly distributed.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device according to claim 1.

L'invention sera bien comprise à la lecture de la description ci-après faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en regard du dessin ci-annexé qui représente :

  • Figure 1 : vue en coupe selon un plan transversal approximativement vertical, un dispositif selon l'invention, fortement schématisé,
  • Figure 2 : également à plus grande échelle une vue selon F de la figure 1.
  • Figure 3 : à plus grande échelle, un détail de réalisation de la figure 1.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawing which represents:
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view along an approximately vertical transverse plane, a device according to the invention, strongly schematized,
  • Figure 2: also on a larger scale a view along F of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3: on a larger scale, a detail of embodiment of Figure 1.

En se reportant au dessin, on voit un dispositif 1 pour, à partir d'une masse 2 de fibres de tabac contenue dans un réservoir 3, former un flux 4 de fibres de tabac dont chaque section transversale contient une même quantité de fibres de tabac uniformément réparties. Par exemple la formation du flux 4 constitue l'une des étapes de préparation du tabac qui sont mises en oeuvre dans une machine de fabrication d'un boudin de tabac 5, tel un boudin de tabac entrant dans la fabrication de produits de l'industrie du tabac.Referring to the drawing, there is shown a device 1 for, from a mass 2 of tobacco fibers contained in a reservoir 3, forming a stream 4 of tobacco fibers, each cross section of which contains the same amount of tobacco fibers. evenly distributed. For example, the formation of stream 4 is one of the stages of preparation of tobacco that are implemented in a machine for manufacturing a tobacco rod 5, such as a tobacco rod used in the manufacture of products of the tobacco industry.

Sur les dessins, les fibres de tabac ont été symbolisées par de petites croix. En figure 2 notamment, les croix n'ont pas été représentées sur toute la surface de la bande 12B afin de faciliter la lecture du dessin.In the drawings, the tobacco fibers were symbolized by small crosses. In Figure 2 in particular, the crosses have not been represented on the entire surface of the strip 12B to facilitate reading of the drawing.

Tel que cela apparaît au dessin, le dispositif 1 est de type comprenant :

  • un appareil 6, d'une part, de prélèvement, dans le réservoir, de portions 7 successives de tabac et, d'autre part, de transfert de ses portions 7 vers une zone 8 dite de déversement par-dessus au moins une arête 8A qui s'étend approximativement transversalement au flux 4 à former,
  • dans la zone 8 dite de déversement, un appareil 9 de réception des portions 7 successives de tabac pour, de manière continue, grouper ces portions afin de constituer une couche 4A et transférer le tabac formant cette couche 4A vers un autre poste 10, tel un poste de formation d'un boudin 5.
As it appears in the drawing, the device 1 is of type comprising:
  • an apparatus 6, on the one hand, sampling, in the reservoir, successive portions 7 of tobacco and, on the other hand, transfer of its portions 7 to a so-called spill zone 8 over at least one edge 8A which extends approximately transversely to the flow 4 to be formed,
  • in the so-called spill zone 8, an apparatus 9 for receiving successive tobacco portions 7 in order to continuously group these portions in order to form a layer 4A and transfer the tobacco forming this layer 4A to another station 10, such as a boudin training station 5.

Avantageusement, l'appareil 6, d'une part, de prélèvement de portions 7 de tabac dans le réservoir, et, d'autre part, de transfert de ces portions 7 vers la zone 8 dite de déversement, comprend un organe écrêteur 6A, par exemple de type rotatif, qui limite à une valeur déterminée la hauteur des portions déversées par-dessus l'arête 8A.Advantageously, the apparatus 6, on the one hand, for taking tobacco portions 7 from the reservoir, and, on the other hand, for transferring these portions 7 to the so-called spill zone 8, comprises a clipping member 6A, for example rotary type, which limits to a fixed value the height of the portions poured over the edge 8A.

En figures 1 et 3, la position de l'arête 8A de déversement a été symbolisée par une croix.In FIGS. 1 and 3, the position of the discharge edge 8A has been symbolized by a cross.

En figure 2, la situation de cette arête a été symbolisée par un trait mixte.In Figure 2, the situation of this edge has been symbolized by a dashed line.

Le dispositif est remarquable en ce qu'il comporte un appareil 9 de réception des portions 7 successives de tabac comprenant au moins un élément fonctionnel 11, 12, 13 consistant en un premier élément 11 qui :

  • présente une surface réceptrice 11A allongée, laquelle s'étend longitudinalement dans une direction D1 sensiblement parallèle à l'arête de déversement 8A et est disposée pour recevoir les portions 7 de tabac issues de l'appareil de prélèvement 6, au fur et à mesure de leur déversement,
  • a un mouvement alternatif dans au moins une direction D2,
  • présente une rive libre 11B au niveau de laquelle le tabac quitte sa surface réceptrice 11A.
The device is remarkable in that it comprises an apparatus 9 for receiving successive portions 7 of tobacco comprising at least one functional element 11, 12, 13 consisting of a first element 11 which:
  • has an elongate receiver surface 11A, which extends longitudinally in a direction D1 substantially parallel to the discharge edge 8A and is arranged to receive the tobacco portions 7 from the sampling apparatus 6, as and when their spill,
  • reciprocates in at least one direction D2,
  • has a free bank 11B at which the tobacco leaves its receiving surface 11A.

De manière notable, l'appareil 6 de prélèvement dans le réservoir 3 de portions 7 successives de tabac, prélève ces portions sur une dimension T1 qui est sensiblement égale à la dimension transversale T2 de la couche 4A à former.Notably, the apparatus 6 for withdrawing into the reservoir 3 successive portions 7 of tobacco, takes these portions on a dimension T1 which is substantially equal to the transverse dimension T2 of the layer 4A to be formed.

De manière préférentielle et remarquable, la surface réceptrice 11A allongée du premier élément 11 fonctionnel de l'appareil 9 de réception s'étend longitudinalement dans une direction D1 sensiblement parallèle à l'arête de déversement 8A et est disposée pour recevoir les portions 7 de tabac issues de l'appareil de prélèvement 6, au fur et à mesure de leur déversement, et ce, sur sensiblement toute la dimension transversale T2 du flux 4 à former.Preferably and remarkably, the elongated receiving surface 11A of the first functional element 11 of the receiving apparatus 9 extends longitudinally in a direction D1 substantially parallel to the discharge edge 8A and is arranged to receive the tobacco portions 7 from the sampling device 6, as and when their discharge, and on substantially the entire transverse dimension T2 of the stream 4 to form.

De manière également préférentielle et remarquable, l'appareil 9 de réception des portions 7 successives de tabac comprend au moins un second élément 12, qui présente une surface 12A disposée pour, d'une part, accueillir le tabac franchissant la rive libre 11B du premier élément 11 et, d'autre part, le transférer sous la forme d'une couche 4A, vers un autre poste 10, et ce, à une vitesse déterminée, dans une direction D3 sensiblement perpendiculaire à la rive 11B, en vue de la constitution du flux 4 de fibres de tabac dont chaque section transversale contient une même quantité de fibres de tabac qui sont uniformément réparties.Also preferably and remarkably, the apparatus 9 for receiving successive portions 7 of tobacco comprises at least one second element 12, which has a surface 12A arranged to, on the one hand, accommodate the tobacco crossing the free bank 11B of the first element 11 and, on the other hand, transfer it in the form of a layer 4A, to another station 10, and this, at a determined speed, in a direction D3 substantially perpendicular to the bank 11B, for the purpose of constituting of the tobacco fiber stream 4, each cross section of which contains the same amount of tobacco fibers which are uniformly distributed.

Le premier élément 11 a un mouvement alternatif selon au moins une direction D2 qui est sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale D1 sa surface réceptrice 11A.The first element 11 has reciprocating movement in at least one direction D2 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 of its receiving surface 11A.

De préférence, le premier élément 11 a un mouvement alternatif essentiellement selon une direction D2 qui est sensiblement parallèle à la direction longitudinale D1 de sa surface réceptrice 11A.Preferably, the first element 11 has a reciprocating movement substantially in a direction D2 which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 of its receiving surface 11A.

Par la mise en oeuvre de cet appareil de réception 9, qui sollicite la couche de tabac supportée par la surface réceptrice 11A dans une direction perpendiculaire au déplacement du flux de tabac, chaque section transversale de ladite couche 4A de fibres de tabac formée contient une même quantité de fibres de tabac qui sont uniformément réparties.By the use of this receiving apparatus 9, which urges the tobacco layer supported by the receiving surface 11A in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the tobacco flow, each cross-section of said formed tobacco fiber layer 4A contains a single amount of tobacco fiber that is evenly distributed.

L'appareil 6 de prélèvement, dans le réservoir 3, de portions 7 successives de tabac fonctionne évidemment de manière à fournir à l'appareil 9 de réception de ces portions, un débit de tabac qui est réglé en fonction du débit de tabac exigé au niveau d'un poste situé en aval, tel un poste 10 de formation d'un boudin 5 de tabac.The apparatus 6 for taking, in the reservoir 3, successive portions 7 of tobacco obviously operates so as to supply the apparatus 9 for receiving these portions, a tobacco flow rate which is adjusted according to the tobacco flow rate required at downstream station, such as a tobacco rod forming station 10.

Le transfert de la couche 4A qui naît après passage du premier élément 11 de l'appareil 9 de réception s'effectue donc à une vitesse déterminée qui est réglée en fonction du débit de tabac exigé au niveau dudit poste situé en aval, tel le poste 10 de formation d'un boudin 5 de tabac.The transfer of the layer 4A which is born after passage of the first element 11 of the receiving apparatus 9 is therefore carried out at a determined speed which is adjusted according to the tobacco flow rate required at said downstream station, such as the station. 10 forming a tobacco rod.

De préférence, le second élément 12 consiste en un transporteur à bande 12B.Preferably, the second element 12 consists of a belt conveyor 12B.

La bande 12B circule entre des rouleaux de renvoi 12C qui sont, relativement à un support fixe 1B, guidés en rotation et dont un au moins est entraîné en rotation par un organe moteur 12D qui entraîne la bande à une vitesse pouvant assurer le débit de tabac choisi.The belt 12B circulates between return rollers 12C which, relative to a fixed support 1B, are guided in rotation and at least one of which is rotated by a drive member 12D which drives the belt at a speed capable of ensuring the flow of tobacco. selected.

Le respect des particularités techniques précitées permet de construire, notamment de manière économique, un dispositif en vue de l'obtention du résultat annoncé pour l'invention.Respect for the above-mentioned technical features makes it possible to construct, particularly economically, a device for obtaining the result announced for the invention.

De manière remarquable, la surface réceptrice 11A est sensiblement plane.Remarkably, the receiving surface 11A is substantially planar.

Tel que cela apparaît au dessin, les portions 7 de tabac prélevées dans le réservoir ont une certaine hauteur H.As shown in the drawing, the tobacco portions 7 taken from the tank have a certain height H.

De manière remarquable, la surface réceptrice 11A a une largeur L qui s'étend sur un multiple de la hauteur H des portions.Remarkably, the receiving surface 11A has a width L which extends over a multiple of the height H of the portions.

Par cela le premier élément 11 du dispositif 1 peut assurer sa fonction d'uniformisation de l'épaisseur de la couche de tabac 4A qui naît sur la surface réceptrice 11A.By this the first element 11 of the device 1 can perform its function of uniformizing the thickness of the tobacco layer 4A which is born on the receiving surface 11A.

Le respect de ces particularités techniques permet d'obtenir une couche 4A de tabac dont la section transversale est régulière et dont la densité est uniforme.The respect of these technical particularities makes it possible to obtain a tobacco layer 4A whose cross section is regular and whose density is uniform.

De manière également remarquable, le premier élément 11 consiste en une table 11 qui, d'une part, est, par un mécanisme 14, supportée et guidée en translation au moins selon une direction D2 sensiblement parallèle à la direction D1 dans laquelle elle s'étend longitudinalement, d'autre part, est relié à un mécanisme 15 de déplacement alternatif selon cette direction D2.Also remarkably, the first element 11 consists of a table 11 which, on the one hand, is, by a mechanism 14, supported and guided in translation at least in a direction D2 substantially parallel to the direction D1 in which it s' longitudinally extends, on the other hand, is connected to a reciprocating mechanism 15 in this direction D2.

De préférence, la table 11 présente des parois latérales 11C, qui s'élèvent au-dessus de sa surface 11A réceptrice.Preferably, the table 11 has side walls 11C, which rise above its receiving surface 11A.

Dans une forme de réalisation, le mécanisme 14 de support et guidage de la table 11 comprend au moins deux biellettes 14A qui, chacune située sensiblement au niveau d'une extrémité de la table 11 :

  • sont chacune, par une première extrémité, articulée à la table 11 selon un axe sensiblement orthogonal à la surface 11A réceptrice et, par une seconde extrémité articulée à un support fixe 1B, également selon un axe sensiblement orthogonal à la surface 11A réceptrice,
  • s'étendent sensiblement parallèlement entre elles et sont orientées de manière à définir la direction de guidage D2 recherchée.
In one embodiment, the mechanism 14 for supporting and guiding the table 11 comprises at least two links 14A which, each located substantially at one end of the table 11:
  • are each, at a first end, hinged to the table 11 along an axis substantially orthogonal to the receiving surface 11A and, by a second end hinged to a fixed support 1B, also along an axis substantially orthogonal to the receiving surface 11A,
  • extend substantially parallel to each other and are oriented so as to define the desired guide direction D2.

Le dispositif 1 comprend un châssis 1A et le support fixe 1B est, par exemple, au moins indirectement, constitué par une partie de ce châssis.The device 1 comprises a frame 1A and the fixed support 1B is, for example, at least indirectly, constituted by a part of this frame.

Sur la figure 3, le support fixe 1B second élément 12 est symbolisé en traits mixtes fins.In Figure 3, the fixed support 1B second element 12 is symbolized in fine mixed lines.

De manière préférentielle, mais non obligatoire, les biellettes 14A s'étendent sous le plan de la table 11.Preferably, but not mandatory, the links 14A extend under the plane of the table 11.

De manière notable, le mouvement alternatif à une valeur d'amplitude comprise entre deux et vingt millimètres.Notably, the reciprocating motion has an amplitude value of between two and twenty millimeters.

De préférence, pour une largeur de table de cent soixante millimètres, l'amplitude du mouvement est de dix millimètres.Preferably, for a table width of one hundred and sixty millimeters, the amplitude of the movement is ten millimeters.

L'homme du métier est à même de choisir la longueur des biellettes afin que, en fonction de l'amplitude du mouvement recherché pour la table, ce mouvement soit le plus rectiligne possible.The skilled person is able to choose the length of the rods so that, depending on the range of motion sought for the table, this movement is as straight as possible.

De manière notable, le mouvement alternatif a une valeur comprise entre six cent et deux mille cycles par minute.Notably, the reciprocating motion has a value of between six hundred and two thousand cycles per minute.

On a obtenu de bons résultats avec un mouvement de mille cent cycles par minutes pour un débit de tabac compris entre un et trois cent décimètres cubes par minute.Good results have been obtained with a movement of one thousand one hundred cycles per minute for a tobacco flow of between one and three hundred cubic decimetres per minute.

Le mécanisme 15 de déplacement alternatif comprend quant à lui un moteur 15A avec un arbre rotatif 15B qui supporte une manivelle 15C reliée à une bielle 15D, elle-même au moins indirectement reliée à la table 11.The reciprocating mechanism 15 comprises meanwhile a motor 15A with a rotary shaft 15B which supports a crank 15C connected to a connecting rod 15D, itself at least indirectly connected to the table 11.

Par exemple, la biellette 15D du mécanisme de déplacement alternatif est reliée à l'une des biellettes 14A du mécanisme 14 de guidage de la table 11, mais elle peut être reliée à la table.For example, the link 15D of the reciprocating mechanism is connected to one of the rods 14A of the mechanism 14 for guiding the table 11, but it can be connected to the table.

Pour faciliter la compréhension, le mécanisme 15 de déplacement alternatif a été représenté dans le plan de la figure 2.For ease of understanding, the reciprocating mechanism 15 has been shown in the plane of FIG.

De manière encore remarquable, la surface réceptrice 11A du premier élément 11 est inclinée par rapport à un plan horizontal, d'une valeur A comprise entre dix degrés et quarante cinq degrés, de manière telle que les actions combinées du mouvement alternatif et de la gravité induisent le déplacement transversal du tabac vers la rive libre 11B de cette surface.Remarkably, the receiving surface 11A of the first element 11 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, of an A value between ten degrees and forty five degrees, so that the combined actions of the reciprocating movement and gravity induce the transverse displacement of the tobacco towards the free bank 11B of this surface.

De manière encore remarquable, la surface réceptrice 11A du premier élément 11 est structurée de manière à présenter une rugosité accrue dans la direction D2 du mouvement alternatif.Remarkably, the receiving surface 11A of the first member 11 is structured to have increased roughness in the direction D2 of the reciprocating motion.

Pour être structurée, la surface présente avantageusement des rainures dans une direction perpendiculaire à sa direction D2 de déplacement alternatif.To be structured, the surface advantageously has grooves in a direction perpendicular to its direction of displacement D2 alternating.

Ces rainures ont une profondeur suffisante pour constituer la rugosité recherchée.These grooves have a depth sufficient to constitute the desired roughness.

Cela permet de transmettre efficacement le mouvement de la table 11 aux fibres de tabac 2 qui sont situées sur cette table 11.This effectively transmits the movement of the table 11 to tobacco fibers 2 which are located on this table 11.

Le matériau qui constitue la surface réceptrice 11B peut également être choisi pour présenter ces particularités de rugosité.The material constituting the receiving surface 11B may also be chosen to present these roughness features.

La surface 12A du second élément 12 disposée pour accueillir le tabac issu du premier élément 11 et le transférer à une vitesse déterminée et sous la forme d'une couche 4A est, dans la direction du transfert, délimitée par une rive 12B, au-delà de laquelle la couche de tabac 4A quitte cette surface.The surface 12A of the second element 12 arranged to receive the tobacco from the first element 11 and transfer it at a predetermined speed and in the form of a layer 4A is, in the direction of transfer, bounded by a bank 12B, beyond from which the tobacco layer 4A leaves this surface.

De manière avantageuse et remarquable, le dispositif 1 comporte un mécanisme 13 qui comprend :

  • un premier organe rotatif 16, entraîné en rotation et présentant une pluralité de doigts 16A disposés pour pénétrer sur sensiblement toute l'épaisseur de la couche 4 et l'accompagner dans son déplacement vers une rive libre 12E de l'élément 12 qui la supporte,
  • un second organe rotatif 17 qui, portant également une pluralité de doigts radiaux 17A, est disposé et entraîné en rotation à une vitesse telle qu'après avoir pénétré dans la couche 4A, lesdits doigts 17A destructurent la couche 4A de tabac en projetant le tabac dans un plan P d'orientation déterminée par rapport à la surface 12A du second élément 12 de manière à former un flux 4 de tabac dont chaque section transversale contient une même quantité de fibres de tabac qui sont uniformément réparties.
Advantageously and remarkably, the device 1 comprises a mechanism 13 which comprises:
  • a first rotary member 16, rotated and having a plurality of fingers 16A arranged to penetrate substantially the entire thickness of the layer 4 and accompany it in its movement to a free bank 12E of the element 12 which supports it,
  • a second rotary member 17 which, also carrying a plurality of radial fingers 17A, is arranged and rotated at a speed such that after entering the layer 4A, said fingers 17A destructure the tobacco layer 4A by projecting the tobacco into a plane P of orientation determined with respect to the surface 12A of the second element 12 so as to form a flow 4 of tobacco, each cross section contains the same amount of tobacco fibers which are uniformly distributed.

De manière notable, le premier organe rotatif 16 du mécanisme 13 est disposé de manière telle que les doitgs 16A qu'il porte, pénétrent sur sensiblement toute l'épaisseur de la couche 4 et l'accompagne dans son déplacement vers une rive 12E du second élément de transfert 12 par laquelle ladite couche 4 quitte sa surface 12A.Notably, the first rotary member 16 of the mechanism 13 is arranged in such a way that the ducts 16A that it carries, penetrate substantially the entire thickness of the layer 4 and accompanies it in its movement towards a bank 12E of the second transfer element 12 through which said layer 4 leaves its surface 12A.

Le plan P est avantageusement approximativement perpendiculaire à la surface 12A du second élément 12.The plane P is advantageously approximately perpendicular to the surface 12A of the second element 12.

Le plan P est avantageusement le plan médian d'un conduit 18 orienté pour canaliser la chute du tabac de la couche 4 destructurée vers une zone basse du conduit qui est placée en dépression, telle l'entrée d'un poste de formation d'un boudin 5 de tabac.The plane P is advantageously the median plane of a duct 18 oriented to channel the fall of the tobacco from the destructured layer 4 to a low zone of the duct which is placed in a depression, such as the entrance to a training station of a tobacco pudding.

Le mécanisme 13 comprend bien entendu des éléments fonctionnels pour le support ainsi que le guidage en rotation et la commande en rotation de ses dits premier et second organes rotatifs 16, 17.The mechanism 13 of course comprises functional elements for the support as well as the rotation guidance and the rotational control of said first and second rotary members 16, 17.

Tel que cela a déjà été précisé, le dispositif 1 comprend un châssis 1A et le support ainsi que le guidage des organes rotatifs 16, 17 sont, au moins indirectement, constitués au moyen d'une partie de ce châssis 1A.As already mentioned, the device 1 comprises a frame 1A and the support and the guiding of the rotary members 16, 17 are, at least indirectly, constituted by means of a part of this frame 1A.

Claims (11)

  1. Device for forming, starting from a heap (2) of tobacco fibres contained in a reservoir (3), a flow (4) of tobacco fibres, every cross-section of which contains the same quantity of uniformly distributed tobacco fibres,
    this device (1) having:
    - an apparatus (6), on the one hand, for withdrawing in the reservoir (3) successive portions (7) of tobacco and, on the other hand, transferring these portions (7) to a so-called zone (8) of dumping over at least one edge (8A)
    - in the so-called dumping zone (8), an apparatus (9) for receiving successive portions (7) of tobacco for continuously grouping these portions so as to constitute a layer (4A) and for transferring the tobacco forming this layer (4A) to another station (10),
    - this device (1) being characterised in that it has an apparatus (9) for receiving successive portions (7) of tobacco including at least one functional element (11, 12, 13) having a first element (11) which:
    has an elongated receiving surface (11A) extending longitudinally in a direction (D1) substantially parallel to the dumping edge (8A) and disposed for receiving the portions (7) of tobacco issuing from the withdrawal apparatus (6) as they are dumped,
    has an alternating movement in at least one direction (D2),
    has a free lip (11B) at the level of which the tobacco leaves its receiving surface (11A),
    • the elongated receiving surface (11A) of the first functional element (11) of the receiving apparatus (9) extends longitudinally in a direction (D1) substantially parallel to the dumping edge (8A) and being disposed for receiving the portions (7) of tobacco issuing from the withdrawal apparatus (6) during their dumping, and this over substantially the whole transverse dimension (T2) of the flow (4) to be formed,
    characterised in that the first element (11) has an alternating movement in at least one direction (D2) which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (D1) of its receiving surface (11A).
  2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes the first element (11) consisting of a table (11), which, for its part, on the one hand, is supported and guided by a mechanism (14) at least in a translatory way in a direction (D2) substantially parallel to the direction (D1) in which it extends longitudinally, <and> on the other hand is connected to a mechanism (15) of alternating movement in this direction (D2).
  3. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the receiving surface (11A) of the first element (11) is inclined relative to a horizontal plane by a value (A) of between 10 and 45 degrees in such a way that the combined actions of alternating movement and gravity bring about the transverse movement of the tobacco towards the free lip (11B) of this surface.
  4. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that, the receiving surface (11A) of the first element (11) is so structured as to exhibit an increased roughness in the direction (D2) of the alternating movement.
  5. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised:
    - in that in addition to the first functional element (11), the apparatus (9) for receiving successive portions (7) of tobacco comprises at least one second element (12) having a surface (12A) disposed for, on the one hand, collecting the tobacco passing over the free lip (11B) of the first element (11), and, on the other hand, transferring it in the form of a layer (4A) to another station (10), and this at a predetermined speed, in a direction (D3) substantially perpendicular to the lip (11B), for the purpose of forming the flow (4) of tobacco fibres, every cross-section of which contains the same quantity of tobacco fibres which are uniformly distributed, and
    - in that it comprises a mechanism (13) having:
    - a first rotary component (16), rotatingly driven and having a plurality of fingers (16A) disposed so as to penetrate over substantially the whole thickness of the layer (4) and to accompany it in its movement towards a free lip (12E) of the element (12) supporting it,
    - a second rotary component (17), also bearing a plurality of radial fingers (17A), which is disposed and driven rotatingly at a speed such that, after having penetrated into the layer (4A), the fingers (17A) destructure the layer (4A) of tobacco by projecting the tobacco in a plane (P) of predetermined orientation relative to the surface (12A) of the second element (12) so as to form a flow (4) of tobacco wherein every cross-section contains the same quantity of uniformly distributed tobacco fibres.
  6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that the first rotary component (16) of the mechanism (13) is disposed in such a way that the fingers (16A) which it bears penetrate over substantially the whole thickness of the layer (4) and accompany it in its movement towards a lip (12E) of the second transfer element (12) by which said layer (4) leaves its surface (12A).
  7. Device (1) according to any one of the claims 2 to 6, characterised in that it includes a mechanism (14) for supporting and guiding the table (11) having at least two small connecting rods (14A) which, each situated substantially at the level of one end of the table (11), :
    - are each hinged, by a first end, to the table (11) along an axis substantially at right angles to the receiving surface (11A), and, by a second end, hinged to a fixed support (1B), likewise along an axis substantially at right angles to the receiving surface (11A),
    - extend substantially parallel to one another and are oriented so as to define the desired guidance direction (D2).
  8. Device according to any one of the claims 2 to 7, characterised in that it includes an alternating-movement mechanism (15) itself comprising a motor (15A) having a rotary shaft (15B) supporting a crank (15C) connected to a connecting rod (15D) which is in turn connected, at least indirectly, to the table (11).
  9. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that that the alternating movement has a value of between 600 and 2000 cycles per minute.
  10. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it has a substantially flat receiving surface (11A).
  11. Device according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it has a receiving surface (11A) having a width (L) which extends over a multiple of the height (H) of the portions (7) of tobacco.
EP00938448A 2000-07-05 2000-07-05 Device for forming a flow of tobacco fibres Expired - Lifetime EP1296573B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH2000/000367 WO2002001973A1 (en) 2000-07-05 2000-07-05 Device for forming a flow of tobacco fibres

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1296573A1 EP1296573A1 (en) 2003-04-02
EP1296573B1 true EP1296573B1 (en) 2007-07-25

Family

ID=4358101

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00938448A Expired - Lifetime EP1296573B1 (en) 2000-07-05 2000-07-05 Device for forming a flow of tobacco fibres

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1296573B1 (en)
AR (1) AR029552A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE367744T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2000253856A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60035714T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2288857T3 (en)
MY (1) MY134710A (en)
WO (1) WO2002001973A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITBO20040358A1 (en) * 2004-06-04 2004-09-04 Gd Spa CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2395089A (en) * 1937-04-15 1946-02-19 American Mach & Foundry Tobacco conveyer for cigarette machines
DE1871954U (en) * 1960-12-16 1963-05-09 Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A TOBACCO ROPE.
GB1533451A (en) * 1976-07-08 1978-11-22 Imp Group Ltd Vibratory conveyor system
IT1179339B (en) * 1984-05-18 1987-09-16 Gd Spa CIGARETTE PACKAGING MACHINE
GB9601230D0 (en) * 1996-01-22 1996-03-20 Molins Plc Cigarette manufacture
EP0937003A1 (en) * 1996-10-30 1999-08-25 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Conveying tobacco

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2000253856A1 (en) 2002-01-14
MY134710A (en) 2007-12-31
DE60035714T2 (en) 2008-04-30
DE60035714D1 (en) 2007-09-06
EP1296573A1 (en) 2003-04-02
ATE367744T1 (en) 2007-08-15
WO2002001973A1 (en) 2002-01-10
AR029552A1 (en) 2003-07-02
ES2288857T3 (en) 2008-02-01

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