EP2636322B1 - Device for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod and machine for the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod, comprising at least one storage device for storing a plurality of objects, at least one insert wheel for inserting the objects into at least one filter material band and at least one accelerator chamber for transferring the objects from the at least one a storage device to the at least one loading wheel, as well as a machine of the tobacco processing industry.

This patent application generally relates to apparatus and methods for making tobacco products. More particularly, this patent application relates to devices and methods for loading objects, such as capsules or balls, into the filter component of the tobacco product.

International Publication No. WO 2010/107756 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes an apparatus and associated method of forming a strand for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. An endless supply of a filter material is formed by a strand forming unit into a filter strand. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a majority of first objects and a majority of second objects into the filter strand. A strand subunit is configured to subdivide the filter strand into a plurality of filter strand sections at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal axis such that each filter strand section comprises at least a first object and a second object disposed therein, the first objects being from the second objects differ.

International patent application no. WO 2010/055120 , the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference, describes an apparatus for placing objects in a smoking article comprising a reservoir for providing a majority of objects to be inserted into the smoking article, a rotatable wheel for conveying the objects to the site, at which the objects are to be inserted into the smoking article, an accelerator chamber for transferring the objects to the rotatable wheel, wherein the accelerator chamber is disposed between the reservoir and the rotatable wheel and configured to orient the objects therein in a single, vertically disposed layer and means for moving the objects from the single layer in the accelerator chamber in a direction towards or along the peripheral surface of the rotatable wheel.

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

The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for reliable insertion of one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod at high production speed.

The object is achieved by a device for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod, comprising at least one storage device for storing a plurality of objects, at least one insert wheel for inserting the objects into at least one filter material band and at least one accelerator chamber for transferring the objects from the at least one storage device to the at least one loading wheel, the at least one accelerator chamber having a vortex chamber with a periphery and a peripheral opening, at least one air source accelerating the objects around the circumference of the at least one vortex chamber, and a dispensing drum rotating about the vortex chamber; wherein the dispensing drum has dispensing openings which are movable in alignment with the circumferential opening in the periphery of the vortex chamber, wherein the dispensing openings receive the objects through the peripheral opening in the periphery of Vortexkammer and de objects to de m transferred at least one insert wheel.

The device preferably further comprises at least one outer guide ring and at least one inner guide ring, wherein the circumferential opening in the periphery of Vortexkammer between the at least one outer guide ring and the at least an inner guide ring is arranged.

Preferably, the device further comprises at least one shield covering the peripheral opening between the at least one outer guide ring and the at least one inner guide ring over a portion of the circumference of the at least one vortex chamber.

Advantageously, the at least one outer guide ring and / or the at least one inner guide ring has or have a chamfer which is or are inclined to the discharge openings in the delivery drum.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one outer guide ring and the at least one inner guide ring form a chicane in a transmission region, wherein the chicane is aligned with the discharge openings in the delivery drum. In this case, the device advantageously comprises at least one blast air jet in the vicinity of the chicane, wherein the at least one blast air jet is adapted to divert the objects to the at least one insert wheel.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one guide extending around a portion of the at least one dispensing drum and covering the dispensing openings, the at least one guide holding the objects in the dispensing openings. In this case, the dispensing drum advantageously has an outer diameter, and the at least one guide has an inner diameter which is located at a distance from the outer diameter of the at least one dispensing drum, wherein the at least one guide comprises a ramped portion, the one has enlarged inner diameter, increasing the distance between the outer diameter of the at least one dispensing drum and the ramped portion. In addition, the dispensing openings may have a dispensing opening diameter, wherein a portion of the at least one guide superposing the dispensing openings has a guide width that is less than the dispensing opening diameter.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one delivery tube extending from the at least one storage device to the vortex chamber, the at least one delivery tube having a chamfered opening into the vortex chamber, and the chamfered opening being inclined with respect to the vortex chamber to collect the objects in the vortex chamber Substantially in the same path as the air source flowing into the vortex chamber.

In addition, the apparatus may advantageously further comprise at least one pneumatic cylinder adapted to lift the at least one insert wheel into a position out of contact with the at least one filter material band.

In an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus, the at least one loading wheel comprises a plurality of pockets, each pocket being adapted to support one of the objects, being received between approximately one quarter and one half of the volume of the object in the pocket, and the remainder of the volume of the article Object protruding from the bag. The device may further comprise a grooved portion in communication with each pocket, wherein the grooved portion has a substantially cross-shaped cross-section. In the context of the present invention, a bag is understood in particular to be an object seat, for example a depression which can be absorbed by the intake air.

In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises at least one first finger compressing the at least one filter material band into a substantially cylindrical shape, the at least one insert wheel loading the objects into the at least one filter material band, at least one second finger forming at least a second one Squeezing the filter material band into a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger are configured to guide the first and second filter material bands along substantially parallel paths, and at least one second insertion pad containing objects from at least one second accelerator chamber receives and inserts the objects in the at least one second filter material band. A finger is understood in this context as an inlet finger.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are equally applicable to single-strand, double-strand as well as multi-strand machines.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

The foregoing aspects and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar and / or structurally similar elements.

Figur 1

eine Vorderansicht einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung,

Figur 2

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Einlegerads, von Teilungsrädern, Abgaberädern und anderen Bauteilen der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Abschnitts von Figur 2,

Figur 4

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

Figur 5

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

Figur 6

eine weitere perspektivische Vorderansicht eines Abschnitts eines Einlegerads und eines Fingers von Figur 1,

Figur 7

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer weiteren nicht erfindungsgemäßen Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung,

Figur 8

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht eines Einlegerads, von Beschleunigerkammern und anderen Bauteilen der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 7,

Figur 9

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Abschnitts von Figur 8,

Figur 10

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Doppelfilterstrang-Ausführungsform der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 7,

Figur 11

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung,

Figur 12

eine Vorderansicht der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 11,

Figur 13

eine Ausführungsform der Beschleunigerkammer von Figur 11, gezeigt in verschiedenen auseinandergenommenen Zuständen,

Figur 13A

eine detaillierte Ansicht der Führungsringe von Figur 13,

Figur 14

eine transversale Querschnittsansicht der Beschleunigerkammer von Figur 11,

Figur 15

eine weitere transversale Querschnittsansicht der Beschleunigerkammer von Figur 11,

Figur 16

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Beschleunigerkammer von Figur 11, teilweise auseinandergenommen,

Figur 17

eine teilweise transversale Querschnittsansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform von Figuren 14 und 15,

Figur 18

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren nicht erfindungsgemäßen Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung,

Figur 19

eine seitliche Nahansicht eines Abschnitts des Magazins von Figur 18,

Figur 20

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Einzugsrolle und eines Pflugs zum Formen des Towbands vor der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 18,

Figur 21

eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht einer Einzugsrolle und eines Pflugs zum Formen des Towbands vor der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 18,

Figur 22

eine Vorderansicht der Objekt-Einlegevorrichtung von Figur 18, mit dem Einlegerad in angehobener Position in Bezug auf das Towband,

Figur 23A

eine Draufsicht eines Abschnitts eines Einlegerads, die eine Ausführungsform einer Einlegeradtasche zeigt; und

Figur 23B

eine Querschnittsansicht eines Abschnitts des Einlegerads von Figur 23A.

The invention will hereinafter be understood without limitation of the general The invention is described with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with regard to all details of the invention which are not explained in greater detail in the text. Show it:

FIG. 1

a front view of an object insertion device not according to the invention,

FIG. 2

a three-dimensional view of a loading wheel, dividing wheels, dispensing wheels and other components of the object insertion device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3

an enlarged view of a section of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4

a schematic side view of a portion of the loading of FIG. 1 showing an object supported by a pocket in the insert wheel,

FIG. 5

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

FIG. 6

Another perspective front view of a portion of a Einlegeads and a finger of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7

a three-dimensional view of another non-inventive object insertion device,

FIG. 8

3 is a three-dimensional view of a loading wheel, accelerator chambers and other components of the object loading device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9

an enlarged view of a section of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10

a side perspective view of a double filter strand embodiment of the object insertion device of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 11

a perspective view of an object insertion device according to the invention,

FIG. 12

a front view of the object insertion device of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13

an embodiment of the accelerator chamber of FIG. 11 shown in various disassembled states,

FIG. 13A

a detailed view of the guide rings of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 14

a transverse cross-sectional view of the accelerator chamber of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 15

a further transverse cross-sectional view of the accelerator chamber of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 16

a perspective view of the accelerator chamber of FIG. 11 , partially disassembled,

FIG. 17

a partial transverse cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of Figures 14 and 15 .

FIG. 18

a perspective view of another non-inventive object insertion device,

FIG. 19

a side close-up view of a section of the magazine of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20

a perspective view of a pick roller and a plow for forming the Towbands in front of the object insertion device of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 21

Another perspective view of a pick roller and a plow for forming the Towbands in front of the object insertion device of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 22

a front view of the object insertion device of FIG. 18 with the insert wheel in a raised position with respect to the towing band,

Figure 23A

a plan view of a portion of a loading wheel, showing an embodiment of Einlegeradtasche; and

FIG. 23B

a cross-sectional view of a portion of the Insertion pads from Figure 23A ,

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

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

The present invention relates to devices and methods that can be used to insert objects into a smoking article, such as those described in International Patent Applications Nos. 4,194,399 and 5,622,744. WO 2010/107756 A1 and WO 2010/055120 A1 described apparatus, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The devices and methods of the present invention can be used to insert objects into a component of a smoking article, such as the filter material. For example, the objects may be beads, capsules or pellets, but other types of objects are also possible. The objects can be used, for example, to improve the sensory properties of cigarette smoke. In particular, the objects may be used as a carrier to add flavor or other substances to the mainstream smoke. Exemplary filter material types associated with the present invention can be used include cellulose acetate tattoos, cellulose acetate tissue accumulated, polypropylene tare, accumulated paper, disintegrated tobacco fibers, and the like.

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

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

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

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

The storage device 22 may deliver the capsules to one or more delivery chambers 24, 26, which in turn supply the capsules to first and second delivery wheels 28, 30. The feed chamber 24 and / or the feed chamber 26 comprises a "one-level" feed chamber which supplies only a single capsule level to the periphery of the respective discharge wheels 28,30. For example, the capsules that pass through the "one-level" delivery chamber may be limited to an assembly that is multiple capsules high and several capsules deep, but only a single capsule wide. Alternatively, storage device 22 may deliver the capsules to a delivery chamber, rather than two as shown, and the delivery chamber may in turn deliver the capsules to a single or multiple delivery wheels. The storage device 22 and / or the delivery chambers 24, 26 may include vibrators or similar devices that help move the capsules from the storage device 22 to the delivery wheels 28, 30.

Regarding Figures 2 and 3 the dispensing wheels 28, 30 are shown in more detail. The dispenser wheels 28, 30 each have an outer periphery 28a, 30a, a portion of which is in contact with the lower exit openings 24a, 26a of the respective feed chambers 24, 26. Please refer FIG. 2 , The outer peripheries 28a, 30a may each define a set of delivery pods 32, 34 distributed equidistantly about the respective outer peripheries 28a, 30a. The delivery pods 32, 34 are adapted to receive the capsules from the lower exit ports 24a, 26a of the delivery chambers 24, 26 and to at least partially transport the capsules within the delivery wheels 28, 30.

Dispenser pockets 32, 34 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may have a diameter and sufficient depth to accommodate all or a portion of the respective capsules. In the case of a cylindrical shape, the pockets may have a depth and a diameter equal to or slightly greater than the diameter of the respective capsules to ensure precise positioning of the capsules within the pockets. Alternatively, the delivery pods 32, 34 may be square, rectangular, conical, or other shapes known in the art, provided that the pockets may securely all or part of the respective capsules and pick up and transport precisely. A vacuum source (not shown) may be applied to the pockets 32, 34 to assist in the transfer of the capsules from the delivery chambers 24, 26 and / or to assist in holding the capsules within the pockets 32, 34 once they are there are.

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

Regarding FIG. 3 For example, a first transfer guide 44 may be located between the first donor wheel 28 and the first idler 36. Similarly, a second transfer guide 46 may be located between the second donor wheel 30 and the second idler 42. The transfer guides 44, 46 may aid in the transfer of capsules between the delivery pods 32, 34 and the idler pockets 40, 42, respectively. For example, can the first transfer guide 44 covers or blocks a portion of the first idler pockets 32, and a portion of the first donor pods 40, until or just before a delivery bucket pocket 32 comes into contact with a respective idler pocket 40. The second transfer guide 46 may have a similar arrangement.

For the dispenser pockets that are covered by the transfer guides 44, 46, the vacuum source that is normally applied to the dispenser pockets 32, 34 may be turned off and / or replaced with a blast air jet discharged from the covered dispenser pockets 32, 34 , Once one of the delivery pods 32, 34 rotates past the transfer guide 44, 46 and is thus no longer blocked, the blower air jet may drive the pod out of the delivery pusher and into the idler pocket 40, 42, which is in contact with it at the time. Thus, the transfer guides 44, 46 may allow the blast air jet that blows the capsules out of the pockets to be applied earlier than if there were no transfer guides 44, 46 without the risk of prematurely dispensing the capsules from the donor pockets 32, 34 become. Accordingly, the speed and consistency with which the capsules are transferred from the delivery cycle pockets 32, 34 to the intermediate wheel pockets 40, 42 can be improved.

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

The previously described arrangement of the dispenser wheels 28, 30, idler wheels 36, 38, and loader wheel 50 may help to facilitate faster operation of the object loader 10. For example, the delivery wheels 28, 30 may operate at a relatively slow speed (e.g., as measured at the outer peripheries 28, 30) to ensure consistent transfer of the capsules from the delivery chambers 24, 26 to the respective delivery pods 33, 34. For a fast production rate, the loading wheel 50 can simultaneously insert the capsules into the filter material at a high feed rate.

An increase in pitch and an increase in speed may occur upon transfer from the donor wheels 28, 30 to the intermediate wheels 36, 38. For example, the first and second idle gears 36, 38 may rotate faster than the respective dispenser wheels 28, 30. Additionally or alternatively, the idler pockets 40, 42 may be disposed at a greater pitch than the dispenser sprockets 32, 34.

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

The following table lists exemplary parameters for the operation of an object insertion device 10: TABLE A wheelset Holes / wheel Wheel diameter (mm) Operation (rpm) circumferential speed delivery wheels each 30th 137.5 133 ⅓ 57.6 m / min idlers every 10th 95 400 119.38 m / min insert wheels 20 190 400 238.76 m / min

When used to form 108 mm filter rods having four capsules per filter, one embodiment of the object loader 10 employing the aforementioned parameters resulted in a machine speed of approximately 216 meters of filter material per minute for a production of 2000 filters per minute Minute (8000 capsules per minute). Other parameters may be used than those described above.

Although the in FIGS. 1 to 3 In the non-inventive apparatus shown having two dispensing wheels 28, 30 and two intermediate wheels 36, 38, alternative devices may be a single dispensing wheel and / or have a single intermediate. Similarly, alternative embodiments may include more than two dispenser wheels and / or more than two idler wheels. In addition, while the in FIGS. 1 to 3 embodiment shown comprises two feed chambers 24, 26, a single feed chamber or more than two feed chambers are used.

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

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

As in FIG. 4 As shown, the inserter pocket 52 for cylindrical capsules C may be formed as a portion of a sphere. There are However, other embodiments of the pocket 52 possible. For example, the insertor pocket may comprise a majority of individual surfaces that contact and support different points on the surface of the capsule C (eg, a cylindrical pocket may be sized to receive and support a portion of a spherical capsule C). In one embodiment, inserter pockets 52 are configured to receive and support approximately one-third of the total volume of capsule C with the remainder of each capsule volume protruding from inserter pocket 52 and over the outer perimeter 50a of the inserter pad. Additional details regarding the inserter bumpers are Figures 23A and 23B and the corresponding description.

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

With further reference to Figures 5 and 6 For example, the inserter pocket 52 may remain in contact with the capsule C and positively support it until the capsule C has been almost or completely moved to the desired position within the filter material. For example, with reference to FIG. 6 the conical wall of the finger 20 defines an inner diameter D at the point where the capsules C are to be inserted into the filter material, and the finger 20 can form the filter material to have substantially the same diameter at the point. The inserter wheel 50 and inserter pocket 52 can actively support the capsule C until the inserter pad 50 positions the capsule C at a depth Y within the finger 20, shown in FIG FIG. 5 , The depth Y may be substantially half of the diameter D of the finger 20, thereby causing the capsule C to be deposited substantially centrally in the filter material, although other configurations are possible. After the loading wheel 50 and inserter pocket 52 have moved the capsule to its desired position within the filter material, as in FIG Figures 5 and 6 2, the vacuum normally applied to the inserter bumpers may optionally be switched to a short burst of positive pressurized air, for example, to accelerate the release of the capsule C from the respective inserter bum pocket 52.

The linear velocity of the outer perimeter 50a of the inserter 50, and thus the inserter pocket 52, may be greater than the linear velocity of the filter material through the finger 20. This arrangement may result in greater accuracy in the placement of the capsules C in the filter material.

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

Regarding FIGS. 7 to 9 an object insertion device, also not according to the invention, is shown. For the purpose of this description, the object insertion device 110 differs FIGS. 7 to 9 from the object loading device 10 of FIGS. 1 to 6 only in the structure and function of feeding the objects (eg, capsules) from the storage device 122 to the loading wheel 150. Accordingly, for ease of explanation, the discussion of structures and functions that are the same or substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG Figures 1-6 are not repeated.

Regarding FIG. 7 For example, the object loader 110 may generally include first and second gravity feeders 170, 172 that deliver the capsules from the storage device 122 to first and second accelerator chambers 174, 176, respectively. Although not shown, pushers, valves, or other metering devices may be used to meter the capsule flow from the storage device 122 to each of the first and second accelerator chambers 174, 176, as would be understood by those skilled in the art will be apparent from this description. Although the in FIG. 7 In the apparatus shown in Figure 2, having two gravity feeders 170, 172 and two accelerator chambers 174, 146, alternative embodiments employ only a single gravity feeder and a single accelerator chamber, or alternatively, more than two gravity feeders and more than two accelerator chambers.

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

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

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

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

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

As previously mentioned, the object loader 210 of FIG. 10 may include two substantially parallel lay-in wheels 250a, 250b, each of which may be the same or similar in construction as the lay-in wheels associated with Figures 1 - 9 are described. For example, each inserter wheel 250a, 250b may include insertor pockets 252a, 252b adapted to support a capsule C such that a portion of the capsule C, for example, between about a quarter and about one half of the capsule volume, located inside the pocket 252a, 252b, with the remainder of the capsule C projecting from the pocket 252a, 252b over the outer periphery of the respective loading pad 250a, 250b, as previously described in this document. Insertor pockets 252a, 252b may be configured to receive and support approximately one-third of the total volume of capsule C with the remainder of each capsule volume protruding from inserter pocket 252a, 252b and over the perimeter of respective inserter pad 250a, 250b.

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

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

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

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

FIGS. 11 to 15 show an embodiment of an object insertion device according to the invention. For the purpose of this description, the object loading device 310 differs FIGS. 11 to 15 from the object loading device 210 of FIG FIGS. 7 to 9 primarily in the structure and function of the first and second accelerator chambers 374, 376 and the manner in which they provide capsules to the infeed wheel 350. Accordingly, for ease of explanation, the discussion of structures and functions that are the same or substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG FIGS. 7 to 9 are not repeated.

FIG. 13 shows the first accelerator chamber 374 at various stages of disassembly. The second accelerator chamber 376 may have the same or substantially similar structure as the first accelerator chamber 374. The accelerator chamber 374 may comprise a combination of rotating and non-rotating parts. For example, the accelerator chamber 374 may include a base 301 that is stationarily mounted on the object loader 310, for example, attached to the backplate 303 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) of the object loader 310. Outer and inner guide rings 305a, 305b may be fixedly mounted to the base plate 303, for example using screws or other fasteners. A cover plate 307 may be secured to the outer guide ring 305a using, for example, screws or other fasteners to form a substantially enclosed vortex chamber, which will be described in more detail in connection with Figs FIG. 14 is described. With further reference to FIG. 13 For example, the accelerator chamber 374 may also include a dispensing drum 309 which rotates with respect to the aforementioned stationary components (for example under the force of a drive motor as described later) to supply capsules to the loading wheel 350. FIG. 13A FIG. 14 is a detailed view of one embodiment of the guide rings 305a, 305b and will be described in more detail later.

FIG. 14 FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the accelerator chamber 374 showing the non-rotating components. FIG. 15 FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the accelerator chamber 374 showing both the non-rotating and rotating components. Regarding FIG. 14 The base 301, the guide rings 305a, 305b and the cover plate 307 form a vortex chamber 311 about which the capsules rotate, for example under the force of forced air supplied from the chamber 313 through the openings 315. In one embodiment, the forced air rotates the capsules within the vortex chamber 311 at between about 150 and about 300 meters per minute, more specifically at about 230 meters per minute, but other speeds are possible.

For a substantial portion of the circumference of the vortex chamber (eg, about 250 ° to about 300 °, or about 270 °), the capsules in the vortex chamber 311 may be intercepted by a shield 317, such as a shielding plate, which defines the space between the guide rings 305a Covering 305b. As above in FIG. 14 As shown, a transfer region 319 of the vortex chamber 311 may be uncovered by the shield plate, thereby allowing the capsules to escape from the vortex chamber 311 between the guide rings 305a, 305b. According to embodiments, the transfer region 319 may be about 60 ° to about 110 ° of the circumference of the vortex chamber or more specifically, about 90 ° of the circumference of the vortex chamber.

FIG. 15 is similar to that FIG. 14 except that the rotary dispensing drum 309 is added. The dispensing drum 309 can rotate under the force of a drive mechanism 321, such as a drive motor, whose output shaft is coupled to a hub mechanism 323 connected to the dispensing drum 309, but other drive structures are possible.

With further reference to FIG. 15 For example, the capsules exiting the vortex chamber 311 via the transfer area 319 are displaced into delivery pockets 325 (eg, holes) in the rotary dispensing drum 309 (see also Figs FIG. 16 ). Prior to transfer to the loading wheel 350, the capsules in the delivery pods 325 are held by a guide 327 (shown in FIG Figures 12 and 15 ) that covers the dispensing pods 325 until or just before the capsules are transferred to the pockets in the loading wheel 350. The outer and inner guide rings 305a, 305b may include beveled surfaces 331a, 331b. According to embodiments, the chamfered surfaces may be inclined at between about 30 ° and about 60 ° with respect to the horizontal, for example by about 45 degrees. The chamfered surfaces 331a, 331b may help to guide the capsules into alignment with the delivery pods 325.

With renewed reference to FIG. 12 For example, the accelerator chambers 374, 376 and, more particularly, the dispensing drums 309 are shown in position relative to the loading wheel 350. In one embodiment, the dispensing drums 309 may rotate at approximately half the speed of the loading wheel 350. At or about the transfer point T, the capsules that are in the Delivery drums 309 are held by guides 327, transferred to the Einlegeradtaschen 352. The loading wheel 350, inserter pocket 352 and associated structures and functions may be the same or similar to those described in connection with previous embodiments. The loading wheel 350 and / or the accelerator chambers 374, 376 may be mounted to the object loader using quick release mechanisms such as levers, thumbscrews or cams. The quick release mechanisms may allow the wheels to be released and subsequently rotated and or axially slid to allow alignment and / or registration of the accelerator chamber 374, 376 with the loader wheel 350.

With further reference to FIG. 12 For example, the capsules may be supplied to the accelerator chambers 374, 376 from the storage chamber 322 using a combined airlock and metering unit and delivery tubes 370, 372. According to one embodiment, the feed tubes 370, 372 may deliver the capsules to the accelerator chambers 374, 376 through openings 355, shown in FIG FIG. 16 , The apertures 355 may include a chamfer that directs the capsules into the vortex chamber 311 in or about the same path as the air flow passing through the chamber. According to one embodiment, a sensor may be located in the vortex chamber 311, which senses the amount of capsules in the chamber and controls the storage chamber 322 to deliver capsules to the vortex chamber 311 when the level sensed by the sensor falls below a predetermined level.

FIG. 16 FIG. 12 shows the discharge drum 309 away from the accelerator chamber 374, exposing the output shaft 329 of the drive mechanism 321 and the hub mechanism 323 connected to the discharge drum 309.

With renewed reference to FIG. 13A For example, embodiments of the guide rings 305a, 305b may include a baffle region. As previously explained, the guide rings 305a, 305b guide the capsules into the delivery pods 325. Once a capsule in one of the delivery pods 325 is fed to the loading wheel 350, a capsule in the vortex chamber 311 may subsequently enter the now clear pocket 325. The baffle area 333 prevents this from happening unintentionally.

The circumferential opening between the guide rings 305a, 305b is out of register with the dispensing pods 325 in the dispensing drum 309. The baffle area 333, which may substantially coincide with the transfer area 319, laterally deflects the capsules into alignment with the dispensing pods 325. This arrangement prevents a capsule from entering a dispenser pocket 325 at substantially the same time as the previous capsule is transferred to the loading wheel 350 and the subsequent second capsule is fed to the loading wheel 350. This may prevent inadvertent misfeeding of an additional capsule to the loading wheel 350.

With further reference to FIG. 13A For example, one or more blown air jets 351 may be ejected from the guide ring (s) in the vicinity of the chicane 333, the air being blown out perpendicular to the circumference of the rings. The blast air jets may help to redirect the capsule from movement, which is generally tangential to the circumference of the dispensing drum 309, into a movement that is generally perpendicular to the circumference, thereby enabling faster transfer to the loading wheel 350.

With renewed reference to FIG. 15 the guide 327 has a ramped area in front of the transfer point T (see FIG FIG. 12 ). For example, in one embodiment, the distance between the outer circumference of the dispensing drum 309 and the inner periphery of the guide 327 may normally be about 0.2 mm. However, over a distance of about 15 mm to 20 mm upstream of the transfer point T, the guide may have a ramped surface 353 (eg, increase in inside diameter) to increase the distance from the outer circumference of the delivery drum 309 , eg up to 3 mm. Thus, a capsule in the dispensing drum 309 may travel along the ramped surface 353 and ascend gradually high from the dispenser bucket 325 as it reaches the transfer point T, thereby ensuring a smooth and gradual transition of the capsule from the dispensing drum 309 to the inserter bucket 352 ,

Regarding FIG. 17 an alternative embodiment of the guide 327 is shown, wherein the guide 327 in total or a portion of the guide 327 has a width which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the delivery bumps 325. For example, in a machine equipped with 3.5 mm capsules operates, the dispenser pockets 325 have a diameter of about 4 mm, and the guide 327 may have a width of about 3 mm. The gap between the lateral sides of the guide 327 and the outer diameter of the delivery pods 325 may allow air to pass between the delivery drum 309 and the guide 327, which may be in close vertical proximity to each other (eg, separated by a gap of approximately zero) , 2 mm). By allowing air to pass between the delivery pods 325 and the sides of the guide 327, the capsules can be prevented from getting into the holes Flow 327 and / or burst under the air pressure applied to them by the air in the vortex chamber 311. According to the embodiments, the guide as a whole or a portion of the guide 327 may have a total width that is approximately 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm less than the width of the corresponding discharge pockets 325.

FIGS. 18 to 20 show a further non-inventive object insertion device according to a fifth embodiment. For the purpose of this description, the object loading device 410 differs from that in FIG FIGS. 11 to 17 The object insertion device 310 according to the invention shown mainly in the structure and function of the storage chamber 422 and the capsule-feeding mechanism. In addition, the object loader 410 includes a single accelerator chamber 474, rather than two in the embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, the discussion of structures and functions that are the same or substantially similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 17 are not repeated.

Regarding FIG. 19 Presses compressed air in a feed tube 461 capsules from a capsule magazine 463 to the accelerator chamber 474. With reference to FIG. 18 For example, a bridge 465 may separate the magazine 463 into an upper compartment 463a and a lower compartment 463b. In one embodiment, the upper compartment 463a may be sized to hold between about 3kg and about 4kg of capsules, and the lower compartment 463b may be sized to hold between about 200g and about 400g of capsules, however, other capacities are possible.

With further reference to FIG. 19 For example, the bridge 465 may include a hole (not visible) that is slightly larger than the capsule size (eg between about 8 mm and 12 mm in diameter, for example about 11.5 mm) for feeding capsules to the lower compartment 463b. The bridge 465 may serve as a restrictor to control the flow rate of the capsules into the lower compartment 463b, for example to about 11,000 capsules per minute.

In one embodiment, the bridge 465 and / or the lower compartment 463b may vibrate to facilitate delivery of the capsules. For example, if the level of capsules in lower compartment 463b, as measured by capsule delivery sensor 467, falls below a predetermined level, bridge 465 and / or lower compartment 463b may vibrate to deliver the capsules. When the level of the capsules in the accelerator chamber 474 falls below a predetermined level (eg, as measured by the level sensor in the vortex chamber), a venturi tube 469 guides the capsules through the feed tube 461 to the accelerator chamber 474. In a machine operating at 30 m / min and feeding capsules at a rate of about 11600 capsules per minute, the magazine may deliver about 12,000 capsules per minute. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other machine speeds and capsule feed rates are possible.

The object loading device 410 may include a capsule reservoir (not shown), for example, having a capacity of 5 to 20 kilograms. The capsule storage may cooperate with a sensor associated with the magazine 463. If the sensor detects that additional capsules are needed in the magazine 463, a pneumatic conveyor may deliver the capsules from the capsule store to the magazine 463 to fill the magazine 463.

Regarding Figures 20 and 21 is a form of pick roller 416 and plow 464. As previously in connection with FIG. 1 The pick roller 416 may act as a point of articulation to smooth the filter material band before it enters the finger 420. Additionally or alternatively, the pick roller may pre-fold the filter material band to better facilitate object insertion. According to one embodiment, the tow band passing through the pick roller 416 may have a diameter of about 30 mm.

The plow 464 may then fold the filter material into an open-topped U-shape through which the loading wheel 450 inserts the capsules. According to one embodiment, the plow 464 may have a tapered cross-section, e.g. For example, it may taper conically from a larger cross-section at the upstream end (near feed roller 416) to a smaller cross-section at the downstream end (near feed wheel 450). According to one embodiment, the downstream end may have a downstream cross section that is substantially equal in size to the width of the outer periphery of the insert wheel 450. For example, the upstream end of the plow 464 may have a diameter of about 8 mm, and the downstream tip of the plow 464 may have a diameter of about 5 mm, and the outer periphery of the loading wheel 450 may also have a width of about 5 mm. While the plow 464 is shown as having a circular cross section, other cross sections are possible, such as square or rectangular. For example, an embodiment may have a square cross section of 8 mm, which tapers to the dimension of the inserter.

The plow 464 may be about 100 mm long from the upstream end to the downstream end. How best in FIG. 6 to As can be seen, the downstream end of the plow 64 may be tapered to a shape that complements the loading wheel 50, eg, is generally tangential to the outer circumference of the insert wheel.

With renewed reference to Figures 20 and 21 For example, the plow 464 may pre-fold the filter material into a U-shape or C-shape into which the loading wheel 450 places the capsules. By tapering the plow 464, as previously described, the resulting fold in the filter material may gradually decrease in size until just prior to loading the capsules, at which point the opening in the top of the pleated filter material is equal to or slightly greater than the width of the plug Insertion Pads 450. By reducing the size of the fold in the filter material, the capsule can be inserted into a fold that is the same size or slightly larger than the capsule itself, providing increased accuracy and stability in the placement of each capsule in the filter material.

Regarding FIG. 22 For example, the object loading device may be adapted from a capsule production mode to a capsule-free ("white filter") mode in which the capsules are not added to the filter material. The insert wheel 450 can be lifted from the towing band (eg, by about 160 mm to 220 mm) to the position shown in FIG FIG. 22 is shown. This can be done to disable capsule loading into the filter material. The inserter wheel 450 may subsequently be lowered back into the toweling belt to resume the capsule production mode.

The raising and lowering of the loading wheel 450 may be pneumatic, for example using hydraulic cylinders that lift at least the insert wheel 450 with respect to the filter material. For example, the insert wheel 450 and, optionally, other components on a vertical track may be configured with respect to slide the rest of the object loader 410 under the force of hydraulic cylinders. One or more control buttons 471 may be used to activate the cylinders. Pick roller 416 and plow 464 (see FIG. 20 ) can be selectively removed in the "white filter" mode, for example using thumbscrews or other quick release mechanisms.

Lifting the loading wheel 450 into the "white filter" mode may take only one minute. The object loader 410 may operate at 500-700 meters / minute in white filter mode, for example at 600 meters / minute. In addition, the object loader 410 may operate at 200 to 400 meters / minute in capsule production mode, for example at 300 meters / minute, but with faster speeds possible.

Figure 23A shows a plan view of a portion of the loading wheel 450, and FIG. 23B Figure 14 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the loading wheel 450. The inserting wheel pockets 452 may define a frusto-conical or bullet-shaped counterbore or countersink 473 which receives the capsule. A grooved portion 475 may be in fluid communication with each counterbore 473 to apply pressure and / or vacuum to the capsules located in the pockets 452. The entire or a portion of the grooved portion 475 may have a cross-shaped (eg, in the form of a four-leaf clover) cross-section to provide increased volume. The grooved portions 475 may rotate about a feed wheel 477 having vacuum ports 479, some of which vacuum and exhaust other compressed air. The vacuum ports 479 may cooperate with the grooved portions 475 to provide vacuum or pressure, depending on the location of the pockets in the process cycle. With reference to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 23B For example, the insert wheel 450 may be tapered from the center region to the outer peripheral region to facilitate insertion of the liner pad 450 and the capsules carried thereinto into the filter material that is folded into a U-shape.

Regarding FIG. 10 For example, the examples of the non-inventive object insertion device used in conjunction with FIGS. 11 to 23 can also be used in double filter rod or multifilament production, which means that multiple insert wheels can be mounted side-by-side on a common base to insert capsules in substantially parallel bands of filter material, but also non-insertable. parallel embodiments are possible. According to the dual-strand and multi-strand embodiments, multiple accelerator chambers may be arranged side by side in contact with side-by-side loading wheels. A single capsule storage mechanism may serve all loaders or a single storage mechanism may serve each loader wheel. For each filter material band, the embodiments may further include a plurality of accelerator chambers for supplying capsules to each insert wheel (see, eg, US Pat Figures 11 and 12 in which the loading wheel 350 is supplied by the accelerator chambers 374, 376) or a single accelerator chamber can provide each insert wheel with capsules (see eg FIG. 18 in which the loading wheel 450 is supplied with capsules by the accelerator chamber 474). Alternatively, an accelerator chamber may be used to provide capsules to multiple insert wheels.

According to the previously discussed duplex or multi-strand embodiments, two or more side-by-side loader wheels may be mounted on a single drive shaft. Similarly, each set of side by side accelerator chambers (eg, the dispensing drums) may be mounted on a single drive shaft. A single drive motor can be used to rotate all shafts, for example using a gearbox. Alternatively, a separate drive motor can be used for each shaft.

According to an alternative arrangement, each wheel, whether it be a loading wheel or the dispensing drum of an accelerator chamber, may be on its own shaft and driven by its own motor. In addition, combinations of individual and shared motors are possible. For example, the delivery drums of two side-by-side accelerator chambers may be mounted in a single location and driven by a single motor while two side-by-side loader wheels are mounted on individual shafts and driven by separate motors, or vice versa. One skilled in the art will recognize from this description that various combinations and sub-combinations of direct and common drive are possible regardless of whether the object loader is a single, dual-strand or multi-strand embodiment.

Further developments of the subject loading device described in this document can be used to provide either symmetrical spacing or asymmetric spacing of the capsules along the length of the filter material. When asymmetric spacing is provided, the insert wheel may include a position sensor used in conjunction with a controller (eg, a PLC, programmable logic controller) to timing the position of the inserter bumpers or timing of the cutting head time to tune. The cutting head is a knife located behind the loading wheel, which cuts the filter material, wrapped in paper, into filter bar segments. For example, a proximity or light sensor on the insert wheel may be in contact with a particular inserter pocket to synchronize the position of the inserter pocket with the downstream cutting head stroke. Alternatively, a shaft encoder may be used on the insert wheel to synchronize the inserter bumpers with the downstream cutting head stroke.

For asymmetric spacing of the capsules, an asymmetric insert wheel may be used. More specifically, the inserter wheel pockets of the inserter wheel may be asymmetrically spaced around its circumference. For example, adjacent inserter bumpers may be spaced at alternating intervals of 27 mm and 28 mm, but other pitches are possible. In an asymmetrical insert wheel, after being synchronized with the cutting head, the wheel may rotate at a substantially constant speed with respect to the filter material and insert the capsules into the filter material at the selected asymmetrical intervals.

Alternatively, an electronic controller with a PLC may be used to provide asymmetric spacing of the capsules with a fixed pitch insert wheel, for example, by varying the speed of the inserter with respect to the filter material to increase or decrease the interval between capsules. In addition, regardless of whether symmetrical or asymmetric insertion of the capsules is used, electronic control with a programmable logic controller (PLC) can be used to encapsulate the filter material insert at a greater or lesser distance than the physical spacing between the inserter bumpers. For example, for a loading wheel having a spacing of 30 mm between the inserter bump pockets, electronic control can be used to over-rotate the inserter wheel with respect to the filter material to obtain a 25 mm capsule spacing. Alternatively, for the same insert wheel, an electronic control can be used to undercut the insert wheel with respect to the filter material to obtain a spacing of 35 mm. One skilled in the art will understand from the above description that various combinations of symmetrical and asymmetrical lay-up wheels as well as electronic control schemes can be used to obtain various symmetrical and asymmetric distances between capsules in the filter material.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification with reference to the figures are merely intended to bring those skilled in the art closer to the manner which, in the inventors' opinion, is the best way to make and use the invention. All examples presented are representative and not limiting. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, the invention being defined by the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Object insertion device

12

Filter material processing unit

14a, 14b

feed rollers

16

feed roller

18

Towführung

20

finger

22

storage device

24, 26

feeding chamber

24a, 26a

output port

28, 30

payout wheel

28a, 30a

outer periphery

32, 34

Abgaberadtaschen

36, 38

idler

36a, 38a

outer periphery

40, 42

Zwischenradtaschen

44, 46

Transfer guide

50

insertion wheel

50a

outer periphery

52

Einlegeradtaschen

60

slot

62

Towführung

64

plow

110

Object insertion device

122

storage device

150

insertion wheel

150a

scope

170, 172

Schwerkraftzuführvorrichtung

174, 176

accelerator chamber

178, 180

input port

182, 184

inner peripheral surface

182a, 184a

train

186, 188

air nozzle

190, 192

exit

190a, 192a

trailing edge

210

Object insertion device

220a, 220b

finger

250a, 250b

insertion wheel

252a, 252b

Einlegeradtaschen

274a, 274b

lower accelerator chamber

276a, 276b

upper accelerator chamber

301

Base

303

backplate

305a, 305b

guide ring

307

cover

309

Dispenser

310

Object insertion device

311

Vortex chamber

313

chamber

315

opening

317

shielding

319

Frequency response

321

drive mechanism

322

storage chamber

323

hub mechanism

325

Abgaberadtaschen

327

guide

329

output shaft

331a, 331b

bevel

333

chicane area

350

insertion wheel

351

air jet

352

Einlegeradtaschen

353

ramped area

355

opening

370, 372

feed

374, 376

accelerator chamber

410

Object insertion device

416

feed roller

420

finger

422

storage chamber

450

insertion wheel

452

Einlegeradtaschen

461

feed

463

capsule magazine

463a, 463b

subject

464

plow

465

bridge

467

Capsule feed sensor

469

Venturi

471

control knob

473

countersink

474

accelerator chamber

475

grooved section

477

feeding wheel

479

vacuum connection

C

capsule

C1, C2

capsule section

D

Inner diameter

T

transfer point

Y

depth

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod, including at least one storage apparatus (322) for storing a plurality of the objects, at least one inserter wheel (350) for inserting the objects into at least one band of filter material and at least one accelerator chamber (374, 376) for transferring the objects from the at least one storage apparatus (322) to the at least one inserter wheel (350), wherein the at least one accelerator chamber (374, 376) includes a vortex chamber (311) having a periphery and a peripheral opening and at least one source of air that accelerates the objects around the periphery of the at least one vortex chamber (311), characterised in that the at least one accelerator chamber (374, 376) includes a delivery drum (309) which rotates about the vortex chamber (311), wherein the delivery drum (309) has delivery holes which can be moved into alignment with the peripheral opening in the periphery of the vortex chamber (311), wherein the delivery holes receive the objects through the peripheral opening in the periphery of the vortex chamber (311) and transfer the objects to the at least one inserter wheel (350).
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that at least one outer guide ring (305a) and at least one inner guide ring (305b) are included, wherein the peripheral opening in the periphery of the vortex chamber (311) is disposed between the at least one outer guide ring (305a) and the at least one inner guide ring (305b), wherein in particular at least one shield (317) is included, which covers the peripheral opening between the at least one outer guide ring (305a) and the at least one inner guide ring (305b) over a portion of the periphery of the vortex chamber (311), and/or the at least one outer guide ring (305a) and/or the at least one inner guide ring (305b) has or have a slope (331a, 331b) that is or are inclined toward the delivery holes in the delivery drum (309).
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that, in a transfer region (319), the at least one outer guide ring (305a) and the at least one inner guide ring (305b) form a deflector (333), wherein the deflector (333) is aligned with the delivery holes in the delivery drum (309), wherein in particular an air jet (351), which is adapted to redirect the objects to the at least one inserter wheel (350), is included in the vicinity of the deflector.
4. Apparatus according any of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one guide (327) is included, which extends around a portion of the at least one delivery drum (309) and covers the delivery holes, wherein the at least one guide (327) holds the objects in the delivery holes, wherein the delivery drum (309) in particular has an outer diameter and the at least one guide (327) has an inner diameter located at a distance from the outer diameter of the at least one delivery drum (309), wherein the at least one guide (327) includes a ramped portion (353) having an enlarged inner diameter which increases the distance between the outer diameter of the at least one delivery drum (309) and the ramped portion (353).
5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, characterised in that the delivery holes have a delivery hole diameter, wherein a portion of the at least one guide (327) overlaying the delivery holes has a guide width that is smaller than the delivery hole diameter.
6. Apparatus according any of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that at least one feed tube (370, 372) is included, which extends from the at least one storage apparatus (322) to the vortex chamber (311), wherein the at least one feed tube (370, 372) has a bevelled opening (355) into the vortex chamber (311), and the bevelled opening (355) is inclined with respect to the vortex chamber (311) in order to convey the objects in substantially the same trajectory as the source of air flowing into the vortex chamber (311).
7. Apparatus according any of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one pneumatic cylinder is included, which is adapted to raise the at least one inserter wheel (350) into a position out of contact with the at least one band of filter material.
8. Apparatus according any of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the at least one inserter wheel (350) includes several pockets (352), wherein each pocket (352) is adapted to support one of the objects, wherein between a quarter and a half of the volume of the object is received in the pocket (352) and the remainder of the volume of the object protrudes from the pocket (352), wherein in particular a grooved portion is included, which is connected with each pocket (352) and has a substantially cross-shaped cross section.
9. Apparatus according any of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that said apparatus further includes at least one first finger, which compresses the at least one band of filter material into a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the at least one inserter wheel inserts the objects into the at least one filter material, at least one second finger, which compresses the at least one second band of filter material into a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger are configured to guide the first and the second band of filter material along substantially parallel paths, and at least one second inserter wheel, which receives the objects from at least one second accelerator chamber and inserts the objects into the at least one second band of filter material.
10. Machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a filter rod machine, with an apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 9.

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