EP3128861B1 - A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture - Google Patents
A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3128861B1 EP3128861B1 EP15711485.1A EP15711485A EP3128861B1 EP 3128861 B1 EP3128861 B1 EP 3128861B1 EP 15711485 A EP15711485 A EP 15711485A EP 3128861 B1 EP3128861 B1 EP 3128861B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- suction
- rolling drum
- collation
- rolling
- tipping paper
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 title claims description 180
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title claims description 30
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims description 5
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 52
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 19
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 19
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019506 cigar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A24C5/47—Attaching filters or mouthpieces to cigars or cigarettes, e.g. inserting filters into cigarettes or their mouthpieces
- A24C5/471—Attaching filters or mouthpieces to cigars or cigarettes, e.g. inserting filters into cigarettes or their mouthpieces by means of a connecting band
-
- 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
- A24C5/47—Attaching filters or mouthpieces to cigars or cigarettes, e.g. inserting filters into cigarettes or their mouthpieces
-
- 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
- A24C5/10—Machines with wrapping rollers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
- A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
- A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
- A24C5/322—Transporting cigarettes during manufacturing
- A24C5/327—Construction details of the cigarette transport drum
Definitions
- This invention relates to a rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture, in particular to a rolling drum that rolls a tipping paper patch around a collation of rod articles.
- tipping paper patches are provided with adhesive and then anchored to tobacco and filter rods.
- the tobacco and filter rods are then rolled so that the tipping paper patch is wrapped around the tobacco and filter rods, thereby joining them together.
- Document GB 2 200 528 discloses an apparatus for rolling uniting bands around groups of rod-shaped articles.
- a rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture, the rolling drum assembly comprising:
- the collation rod articles may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod.
- the collation of rod articles may comprise two tobacco rods and one or more filter rod components.
- the one or more filter rod components may be disposed between the two tobacco rods.
- the tipping paper patch may be wrapped around the one or more filter rods and at least a part of each tobacco rod to join them together.
- the first and second flutes on the rolling drum may define segments of the rolling drum, and the roll hand may be adapted to roll the collation of rod articles over an odd number of segments of the rolling drum.
- the roll hand may be adapted to roll the collation of rod articles over three segments of the rolling drum.
- the roll hand may be adapted to roll the collation of rod articles at least 3.5 times over their circumference.
- the roll hand may comprise a rolling surface over which the collation of rod articles is rolled.
- the first suction holes may be axially offset from the second suction holes.
- the suction control component comprises a first suction channel that is aligned with the first suction holes upstream of the roll hand, and a second suction channel that is aligned with the second suction holes downstream of the roll hand.
- the suction control component includes a suction channel comprising a single track, wherein the distance of the track from the edge of the rolling drum varies so that a first portion of the track is aligned with the first suction holes upstream of the roll hand, and a second portion of the track is aligned with the second suction holes downstream of the roll hand.
- the peripheral surface of the rolling drum may further comprise tipping paper suction holes adapted to retain said tipping paper patches on the peripheral surface upstream of the roll hand.
- the rolling drum assembly may further comprise a suction control component adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes for at least a part of the time that the collation of rod articles is being rolled by the roll hand.
- the suction control component may be adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes for a beginning part of the rolling of the collation of rod articles by the roll hand.
- the suction control component may be adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes while the collation of rod articles is rolled at least once over its circumference.
- apparatus for assembling smoking articles comprising the rolling drum assembly described above.
- a method of assembling smoking articles comprising:
- the collations of rod articles may be rolled over an odd number of flutes.
- Suction may be applied to retain the tipping paper patch on the peripheral surface of the rolling drum for a time after the collation of rod articles starts to be rolled between the peripheral surface of the rolling drum and the rolling surface.
- FIGs 1a and 1b during assembly of smoking articles two tobacco rods 1 and at least one filter rod 2 are arranged in a collation. In the collation, the one or more filter rods 2 are disposed between the two tobacco rods 1. This collation is joined using a tipping paper patch 3 that is wrapped around the at least one filter rod 2 and a part of each tobacco rod 1.
- Figure 1a shows a single filter rod 2 disposed between two tobacco rods 1, but it will be appreciated that the collation of rod articles may include several filter rods 2.
- Tipping paper patches 3 are provided by apparatus that applies adhesive to one side of a web of tipping paper and cuts the web to form patches 3. Each tipping paper patch 3 is then anchored to a collation of rods 1, 2 in such a way that the tipping paper patch 3 overlies the one or more filter rods 2 and at least a part of each tobacco rod 1.
- the tipping paper patch 3 has adhesive applied to one side and one end region of the tipping paper patch 3 is pressed onto the collation of rods 1, 2 so that the tipping paper patch 3 is anchored to the collation of rods 1, 2 by the adhesive. In this way, when the collation of rods 1, 2 is rolled, the tipping paper patch 3 will be adhered around the circumference of the rods 1, 2, joining them together to form two smoking articles joined end-to-end. This can then be cut through the centre to form two smoking articles.
- the collation of rods 1, 2 and the tipping paper patch 3 are rolled by a rolling drum 4 so that the tipping paper patch 3 is wrapped around the collation of rods 1, 2.
- Figure 1b shows the collation of rods 1, 2 and the tipping paper patch 3 when they are received in a flute 5 of a rolling drum 4 after the tipping paper patch 3 has been anchored to the collation of rods 1, 2.
- the flute 5 is formed in the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4 and comprises a curved recess in which the collation of rods 1, 2 and tipping paper patch 3 are received.
- a single flute 5 is shown in Figure 1b
- a plurality of flutes are formed around the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4.
- Each flute 5 extends in an axial direction across the peripheral surface 6, such that the collations of rods 1, 2 move in a direction transverse to their length when the rolling drum 4 rotates.
- the anchorage between the tipping paper patch 3 and the collation of rods 1, 2 is created by a partial wrapping of the tipping paper patch 3 around the collation of rods 1, 2.
- the tipping paper patch 3 extends over the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4 in a trailing direction. That is, the rolling drum 4 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 7 and the tipping paper patch 3 extends in the opposite direction, so that it trails behind the collation of rods 1, 2.
- the collation of rods 1, 2 is caused to roll out of the flute 5 and along the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4 in the direction of arrow 8.
- the tipping paper patch 3 is wrapped around the collation of rods 1, 2, thereby joining them together.
- the wrapped collation is then received in another flute, which was previously upstream of the initial flute, and can be transferred to further apparatus.
- FIG 2 shows the rolling drum assembly of an apparatus for assembling smoking articles.
- the rolling drum assembly comprises a rolling drum 4 and a roll hand 9.
- the rolling drum 4 has a peripheral surface 6 with a plurality of flutes 5 to receive collations of rods 1, 2 with tipping paper patches 3 anchored thereto, as described with reference to Figure 1b .
- the rolling drum 4 rotates in the direction of arrow 7 and the roll hand 9 remains stationary to cause the rolling action previously described with reference to Figure 1b . That is, the roll hand 9 causes the collation of rods 1, 2 to roll out of the flute 5 and along the peripheral surface 6 and into an upstream flute, thereby wrapping the collation of rods 1, 2 with the tipping paper patch 3.
- the rolling drum 4 has a receiving position, indicated by line 10. As a flute 5 passes this receiving position 10 a collation of rods 1, 2 is transferred into that flute 5 together with a tipping paper patch 3.
- the collation of rods 1, 2 and tipping paper patch 3 can be transferred onto the rolling drum 4 from an upstream supply drum (not shown).
- the tobacco rods 1, at least one filter rod 2 and tipping paper patch 3 may be supplied by different drums (not shown).
- a flute 5 of the rolling drum 4 receives two tobacco rods 1, at least one filter rod 2, and a tipping paper patch 3.
- the roll hand 9 comprises a leading edge 11 that contacts the collation of rods 1, 2 and pushes it out of the flute 5 as the rolling drum 4 rotates.
- the roll hand 9 also comprises a rolling surface 12 which is parallel to and spaced from the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4. In other words, the rolling surface 12 is curved, with a larger radius than the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4 and centred on the axis of rotation of the rolling drum 4.
- the roll hand 9 is positioned relative to the rolling drum 4 so that, once the collation of rods 1, 2 is pushed out of the flute 5 and is disposed between the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4 and the rolling surface 12 of the roll hand 9, the collation of rods 1, 2 is slightly compressed. This ensures that the tipping paper patch 3 is tightly wrapped around the collation of rods 1, 2 to facilitate sufficient adhesion between the tipping paper patch 3 and the collation of rods 1, 2.
- a collation of rods 1, 2 is received on the rolling drum 4 in every other flute 5.
- the odd flutes will be considered as a first group of flutes 5a
- the even flutes will be considered as a second group of flutes 5b.
- the first flutes 5a and second flutes 5b are thus alternately arranged around the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4.
- the odd flutes 5a Upstream of the roll hand 9, the odd flutes 5a receive a collation of rods 2 and a tipping paper patch 3.
- the even flutes 5b which are disposed in between the odd flutes 5a, are empty before the roll hand 9. That is, the even flutes 5b do not receive a collation of rods 1, 2 before reaching the roll hand 9.
- the tipping paper patches 3 are designed to be wrapped around the collation of rods 1, 2 at least twice, so that two layers of tipping paper circumscribe the collation of rods 1, 2.
- the rolling surface 12 of the roll hand 9 extends from the leading edge 11 of the roll hand 9 in a direction around the circumference of the rolling drum 4. As shown, the roll hand 9 extends a distance equivalent to four flutes 5. In other words, if the space between two adjacent flutes 5 on the rolling drum 4 is considered to be one segment, the roll hand 9 extends the length of three segments around the rolling drum 4.
- the arc length may equate to between 1 and 3 rotations of the collation of rods 1, 2 over its circumference. Therefore, a collation of rods 1, 2 may be rolled between 3 and 9 times over its circumference, preferably at least 3.5 times. It will be appreciated that the exact number of times a collation of rods 1, 2 is rolled will depend on the diameter of the rods 1, 2, so will vary if the eventual smoking articles are slimmer or thicker.
- the rolling drum assembly also includes a suction control component 13.
- the rolling drum 4 rotates relative to the suction control component 13.
- the suction control component is configured to supply suction to suction holes in the odd and even flutes 5 of the rolling drum 4 during rotation of the rolling drum 4.
- suction control component 13 and suction holes in the rolling drum 4 are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 3a to 4b .
- Figure 3a shows a side view of the rolling drum 4 with odd flutes 5a and even flutes 5b, as described with reference to Figure 2 . Also shown in Figure 3a , the odd flutes 5a each comprise a pair of first suction holes 14 and the even flutes 5b each comprise a pair of second suction holes 15.
- the suction control component is configured so that upstream of the roll hand 9, the suction control component 13 applies suction to the first suction holes 14 and not to the second suction holes 15.
- the suction control component configured so that downstream of the roll hand 9, the suction control component 13 applies suction to the second suction holes 15 and not to the first suction holes 14.
- the first suction holes 14 are arranged in two rows of first suction holes 14, two suction holes 14 in each odd flute 5a. These rows of first suction holes 14 are aligned along the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4. That is, each row of first suction holes 14 is positioned the same distance from a centre line 17 of the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4.
- the second suction holes 15 are arranged in two rows of second suction holes 15, two suction holes 15 in each even flute 5b. These rows of second suction holes 15 are aligned along the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4. That is, each row of second suction holes 15 is positioned the same distance from a centre line 17 of the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4.
- first and second suction holes 14, 15 in the rolling drum 4 are axially separated. Each row of first suction holes 14 is aligned at a first distance from the centre line 17 of the rolling drum 4, while each row of second suction holes 15 is aligned at a second distance from the centre line 17 of the rolling drum 4.
- each flute 5 of the rolling drum 4 also comprises a pair of third suction holes 34.
- These third suction holes 34 are positioned closer to the centre line 17 of the rolling drum 4, that is, they are disposed between the first or second suction holes 14, 15.
- the third suction holes 34 are provided with suction upstream of the roll hand 9 and downstream of the roll hand 9, to retain the unwrapped filter rod 2 components upstream of the roll hand 9, and the filter part of the wrapped collation of rods 1, 2 downstream of the roll hand 9
- the rolling drum 4 is formed of a cylinder with a bore 18 extending through the rolling drum 4.
- the first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, 34 extend from the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4, through the rolling drum 4, and into the bore 18. Therefore, the first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, 34 each have an opening on the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4, and an opening on the inner surface 20 of the rolling drum 4.
- Figure 4a shows a suction control component 13 configured to be received within the bore 18 of the rolling drum 4.
- the suction control component 13 fits within the rolling drum 4, and the rolling drum 4 rotates around the stationary suction control component 13.
- An outer surface 21 of the suction control component 13 is in close proximity to the inner surface 20 of the rolling drum 4, and a seal may be provided to seal any gap between these surfaces.
- the suction control component 13 also comprises an inner space 22, which is connected to a suction source, for example a vacuum pump, so that air is evacuated from the inner space 22 of the suction control component 13.
- a suction source for example a vacuum pump
- the suction control component 13 comprises a plurality of suction channels 23, 24, 35 that are formed of passages extending through the suction control component 13 from the outer surface 21, which is in close proximity into the inner surface 20 of the rolling drum 4, to the inner space 22 of the suction control component 13, which is supplied with suction.
- the suction channels 23, 24 are arranged such that, as the rolling drum 4 rotates, the first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, move into and out of alignment with the suction channels 23, 24, 35. Therefore, the configuration of the suction channels 23, 24, 35 determines when suction is applied to the first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, 34 in the rolling drum 4 as the rolling drum 4 rotates.
- suction channels 23, 24, 35 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4b .
- the suction control component 13 has a first suction channel 23, second suction channels 24 and third suction channels 35.
- the first suction channel 23 is formed of an opening that aligns with the two rows of first suction holes 14 and the third suction holes 34 in the rolling drum 4. Therefore, as the rolling drum 4 rotates, the first suction holes 14 and the third suction holes 34 will be provided with suction as they pass over the first suction channel 23 in the suction control component 13.
- the second suction channels 24 are positioned so that the second suction holes 15 in the roll drum align with the second suction channels 24 during rotation, thereby to provide suction to the second suction holes 15.
- the two rows of second suction channels 24 are not aligned with the first suction channel 23, so that the first suction channel 23 does not provide suction to the second suction holes 15.
- the rolling drum rotates through a first region 25 defined between the receiving position 10 and the leading edge 11 of the roll hand 9.
- the first suction channel 23 is arranged to provide suction in this first region. Therefore, in this first region 25, suction is applied to the first suction holes 14 and not to the second suction holes 15. That is, suction is applied to the first suction holes 14 in the odd flutes 5a but not to the second suction holes 15 in the even flutes 5b.
- the odd flutes 5a are provided with a collation of rods 1, 2 as well as a tipping paper patch 3. Therefore, the first suction holes 14 act to retain the collation of rods 1, 2 in the odd flutes 5a upstream of the roll hand 9.
- suction is applied to the third suction holes 34 so that the one or more filter rods 2 in each odd flute 5a are retained in the odd flute 5a.
- the end of the first suction channel 23 is aligned with the leading edge 11 of the roll hand 9. Therefore, when a collation of rods 1, 2 reaches the start of the roll hand 9 the suction that retains them in the odd flute 5a is released and they are able to roll out of the odd flute 5a in the manner previously described.
- the rolling drum 4 also rotates through a second region 26 which corresponds to the length of the roll hand 9. Within this second region 26, no suction is applied to the first, second or third suction holes 14, 15 and the collations of rods 1, 2 roll out of the odd flute 5a and over the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4, so that the tipping paper patches 3 are wrapped around the collation of rods 1, 2 to form wrapped collations of rod articles 1, 2.
- the rolling drum also rotates through a third region 27.
- the second suction channels 24 are arranged to provide suction to the second suction holes 15 in this region.
- the second suction channels 24 are formed of spaced apart openings that extend around the outer surface 21 of the suction control component 13.
- the second suction channels 24 are not connected together across the outer surface 21.
- the second suction channels 24 may be at least partially connected across the outer surface 21.
- These second suction channels 24 are arranged to align with the second suction holes 15 in the even flutes 5b of the rolling drum 4.
- the first suction holes 14 in the odd flutes 5a of the rolling drum 4 are not aligned with the second suction channels 24, and are instead closed off by the peripheral surface 6 of the suction control component 13. Therefore, downstream of the roll hand 9, the second suction holes 15 in the even flutes 5b are provided with suction, for retaining the rolled collations of rod articles 1, 2.
- the third suction channels 35 also comprise spaced apart openings that extend around the outer surface 21 of the suction control component 13 in the third region 27.
- the third suction channels are arranged to align with the third suction holes 34. Therefore, the third suction channels 35 are arranged between the second suction channels 24. Therefore, downstream of the roll hand 9, the third suction holes 34 are activated to retain the filter part of the wrapped collation of rod articles 1, 2.
- the third region 27 extends from the end of the roll hand 9 to the transfer point 28 that the rolled collations of rod articles 1, 2 are released from the rolling drum 4 for transfer to another drum or conveyor (not shown).
- the suction control component 13 comprises a relief area 29, where the outer surface 21 is lowered so that it is not in close proximity to the inner surface 20 of the rolling drum 4.
- This relief area 29 that is open to the atmosphere or a reservoir. This relief area 29 allows the pressure to equalise, so that any residual suction or increased pressure is dissipated.
- the outer surface 21 of the suction control component 13 may have a recessed area 30 that is not in close proximity to the inner surface 20 of the rolling drum 4, so that the pressure may equalise by allowing any residual low pressure to dissipate. This prevents residual suction affecting the rolling process, for example by pulling the tipping paper patch 3 during rolling.
- the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4 also has groups of tipping paper suction holes 16. These correspond to the position of the tipping paper patch 3 in the first region 25, upstream of the roll hand 9.
- the groups of tipping paper suction holes 16 each comprise a plurality of suction holes 16 arranged in an array on a downstream side of each odd flute 5a, so that a tipping paper patch 3 covers the tipping paper suction holes 16 upstream of the roll hand 9, in the first region 25.
- the group of tipping paper suction holes 16 may extend over an adjacent even flute 5b.
- a tipping paper patch 3 suitable for wrapping twice around a collation of rods 1, 2 may be long enough to extend from the collation of rods 1, 2 in an odd flute 5a, over the adjacent even flute 5b in the trailing direction.
- the third suction holes 34 in that adjacent even flute 5b may act to retain a part of the tipping paper patch 3.
- the tipping paper suction holes 16 extend through the rolling drum 4, from the peripheral surface 6 to the inner surface 20.
- the tipping paper suction holes 16 are aligned with the first suction channel 23. Therefore, as the tipping paper suction holes 16 pass by the first suction channel 23, in the first region 25, they are provided with suction and the tipping paper patch 3 is pulled against the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4.
- the tipping paper suction holes 16 are not aligned with any of the first, second or third suction channels 23, 24, 35 and so are not provided with suction.
- the suction control component 13 is adapted to apply suction to the tipping paper suction holes 16 for a time after each collation of rods 1, 2 begins to be rolled by the roll hand 9.
- the suction control component 13 applies suction to the tipping paper patch 3 during the beginning part of the rolling process so that the trailing edge of the tipping paper patch 3 is controlled.
- the suction control component 13 comprises tipping paper suction channels 31 that extend from the end of the first suction channel 23 into the second region of rotation 26. These tipping paper suction channels 31 are aligned to the tipping paper suction holes 16 in the rolling drum 4.
- the time the tipping paper suction holes 16 remain activated in the second region 26 corresponds to between 0.5 and 2 rotations of a smoking article over its circumference between the rolling drum 4 and roll hand 9, preferably between 1 and 2 rotations of a smoking article over its circumference. More preferably, suction is applied to the tipping paper patch 3 via the tipping paper suction holes 16 during approximately the first 1.5 rotations of a smoking article over its circumference.
- Region 33 indicated in Figure 2 , shows the region where suction is provided to the tipping paper suction holes 16 at the beginning of the rolling process. As shown, this region 33 extends over slightly more than one segment of the rolling drum 4.
- the suction being applied to the tipping paper patch 3 is maintained for a time to control the trailing edge of the tipping paper patch 3 as the rolling process begins, but is deactivated in time to allow the smoking article to be rolled freely by the roll hand 9.
- the tipping paper patches 3 may have been curled prior to being cut and fed onto the rolling drum 4. Therefore, suction is provided to the tipping paper patch 3 during the beginning part of the rolling process to prevent the trailing edge of the tipping paper patches 3 elastically curling upwards, which may affect the rolling process.
- the length of the tipping paper suction channels 31 will determine the time for which the tipping paper suction holes 16 remain activated within the second region 26.
- the tipping paper suction channels 31 extend for a distance approximately corresponding to the distance between an odd flute 5a and an even flute 5b on the rolling drum 4. Therefore, as a collation of rods 1, 2 reaches the roll hand 9 and is rolled out of the odd flute 5a onto the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling drum 4, suction is provided to the tipping paper suction holes 16 approximately until the collation of rods 1, 2 reaches the adjacent even flute 5b.
- the tipping paper suction channels 31 and the recessed area 30 of the suction control component 13 are overlapping on the outer surface 21 of the suction control component 13.
- Channels 32 extend from the recessed area 30 in between the tipping paper suction channels 31 and these channels 32 are aligned with third suction holes 34, so that residual suction or pressure acting on the third suction holes 34 is dissipated and the one or more filter rods 2 in the collation of rods 1, 2 is released for rolling.
- upstream will be understood to mean in opposite direction to the rotation of the rolling drum 4.
- the rolling drum 4 rotates in the direction of arrow 7 and the term “upstream” will be understood to mean in a direction opposite to arrow 7.
- downstream will be understood to mean in direction of rotation of the rolling drum 4.
- the rolling drum 4 rotates in the direction of arrow 7 and the term “downstream” will be understood to mean in the direction of arrow 7.
- smoking article includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products.
- the smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.
- tipping paper includes and material suitable for attaching the filter to a rod of smokeable material and therefore includes any suitable type of paper, metallic foil, or other sheet material.
Landscapes
- Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates to a rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture, in particular to a rolling drum that rolls a tipping paper patch around a collation of rod articles.
- In the manufacture of cigarettes, tipping paper patches are provided with adhesive and then anchored to tobacco and filter rods. The tobacco and filter rods are then rolled so that the tipping paper patch is wrapped around the tobacco and filter rods, thereby joining them together.
Document GB 2 200 528 - According to the present invention, there is provided a rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture, the rolling drum assembly comprising:
- a rolling drum having a peripheral surface adapted to carry a collation of rod articles and a tipping paper patch; and,
- a roll hand adapted to roll the collation of rod articles between the peripheral surface of the rolling drum and the roll hand such that the tipping paper patch is wrapped around the rod articles to form a smoking article;
- wherein the rolling drum assembly is adapted to wrap a tipping paper patch at least twice around the collation of rod articles;
- wherein the peripheral surface of the rolling drum comprises first flutes and second flutes arranged alternately around the peripheral surface, the first flutes being adapted to receive a collation of rod articles upstream of the roll hand, and the second flutes being adapted to receive a wrapped smoking article downstream of the roll hand; each first flute comprising a first suction hole for retaining a collation of rod articles, and each second flute comprises a second suction hole for retaining a wrapped smoking article;
- and wherein the rolling drum assembly further comprises a suction control component adapted such that, upstream of the roll hand, suction is provided to the first suction holes and not to the second suction holes, and downstream of the roll hand, suction is provided to the second suction holes and not to the first suction holes.
- The collation rod articles may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The collation of rod articles may comprise two tobacco rods and one or more filter rod components. The one or more filter rod components may be disposed between the two tobacco rods. The tipping paper patch may be wrapped around the one or more filter rods and at least a part of each tobacco rod to join them together.
- The first and second flutes on the rolling drum may define segments of the rolling drum, and the roll hand may be adapted to roll the collation of rod articles over an odd number of segments of the rolling drum.
- The roll hand may be adapted to roll the collation of rod articles over three segments of the rolling drum.
- The roll hand may be adapted to roll the collation of rod articles at least 3.5 times over their circumference.
- The roll hand may comprise a rolling surface over which the collation of rod articles is rolled.
- The first suction holes may be axially offset from the second suction holes.
- In an embodiment, the suction control component comprises a first suction channel that is aligned with the first suction holes upstream of the roll hand, and a second suction channel that is aligned with the second suction holes downstream of the roll hand.
- In an embodiment, the suction control component includes a suction channel comprising a single track, wherein the distance of the track from the edge of the rolling drum varies so that a first portion of the track is aligned with the first suction holes upstream of the roll hand, and a second portion of the track is aligned with the second suction holes downstream of the roll hand.
- The peripheral surface of the rolling drum may further comprise tipping paper suction holes adapted to retain said tipping paper patches on the peripheral surface upstream of the roll hand.
- The rolling drum assembly may further comprise a suction control component adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes for at least a part of the time that the collation of rod articles is being rolled by the roll hand.
- The suction control component may be adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes for a beginning part of the rolling of the collation of rod articles by the roll hand.
- The suction control component may be adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes while the collation of rod articles is rolled at least once over its circumference.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for assembling smoking articles comprising the rolling drum assembly described above.
- According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling smoking articles comprising:
- carrying a collation of rod articles and a tipping paper patch on a peripheral surface of a rolling drum; and,
- rolling the collation of rod articles between the peripheral surface of the rolling drum and a rolling surface such that the tipping paper patch is wrapped around the rod articles to form a smoking article;
- wherein the tipping paper patch is wrapped at least twice around the collation of rod articles;
- wherein the collations of rod articles are carried in first flutes on the peripheral surface before rolling, and the wrapped smoking articles are carried in second flutes on the peripheral surface after rolling,
- and wherein each of the first flutes has a first suction hole and each of the second flutes has a second suction hole, and wherein suction is provided to the first suction holes and not to the second suction holes before rolling, and suction is provided to the second suction holes and not to the first suction holes after rolling.
- The collations of rod articles may be rolled over an odd number of flutes.
- Suction may be applied to retain the tipping paper patch on the peripheral surface of the rolling drum for a time after the collation of rod articles starts to be rolled between the peripheral surface of the rolling drum and the rolling surface.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1a shows a side view of a collation of rods, and a tipping paper patch; -
Figure 1b shows an end view of a collation of rods, and a tipping paper patch, all received in a flute of a rolling drum; -
Figure 2 shows an end view of the rolling drum; -
Figure 3a shows a side view of the rolling drum; -
Figure 3b shows a cross-section of the rolling drum; -
Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a suction control component; and, -
Figure 4b shows a first side view of the suction control component. - As shown in
Figures 1a and 1b , during assembly of smoking articles twotobacco rods 1 and at least onefilter rod 2 are arranged in a collation. In the collation, the one ormore filter rods 2 are disposed between the twotobacco rods 1. This collation is joined using a tippingpaper patch 3 that is wrapped around the at least onefilter rod 2 and a part of eachtobacco rod 1.Figure 1a shows asingle filter rod 2 disposed between twotobacco rods 1, but it will be appreciated that the collation of rod articles may includeseveral filter rods 2. - Tipping
paper patches 3 are provided by apparatus that applies adhesive to one side of a web of tipping paper and cuts the web to formpatches 3. Each tippingpaper patch 3 is then anchored to a collation ofrods paper patch 3 overlies the one ormore filter rods 2 and at least a part of eachtobacco rod 1. - The tipping
paper patch 3 has adhesive applied to one side and one end region of the tippingpaper patch 3 is pressed onto the collation ofrods paper patch 3 is anchored to the collation ofrods rods paper patch 3 will be adhered around the circumference of therods - The collation of
rods paper patch 3 are rolled by arolling drum 4 so that the tippingpaper patch 3 is wrapped around the collation ofrods -
Figure 1b shows the collation ofrods paper patch 3 when they are received in aflute 5 of arolling drum 4 after the tippingpaper patch 3 has been anchored to the collation ofrods flute 5 is formed in the peripheral surface 6 of therolling drum 4 and comprises a curved recess in which the collation ofrods paper patch 3 are received. Although asingle flute 5 is shown inFigure 1b , a plurality of flutes are formed around the peripheral surface 6 of therolling drum 4. Eachflute 5 extends in an axial direction across the peripheral surface 6, such that the collations ofrods rolling drum 4 rotates. - As shown, the anchorage between the tipping
paper patch 3 and the collation ofrods paper patch 3 around the collation ofrods paper patch 3 extends over the peripheral surface 6 of therolling drum 4 in a trailing direction. That is, therolling drum 4 rotates in the direction indicated byarrow 7 and the tippingpaper patch 3 extends in the opposite direction, so that it trails behind the collation ofrods - As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, as the rolling
drum 4 rotates in the direction ofarrow 7, the collation ofrods flute 5 and along the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4 in the direction ofarrow 8. As the collation ofrods paper patch 3 is wrapped around the collation ofrods -
Figure 2 shows the rolling drum assembly of an apparatus for assembling smoking articles. The rolling drum assembly comprises a rollingdrum 4 and a roll hand 9. The rollingdrum 4 has a peripheral surface 6 with a plurality offlutes 5 to receive collations ofrods paper patches 3 anchored thereto, as described with reference toFigure 1b . - The rolling
drum 4 rotates in the direction ofarrow 7 and the roll hand 9 remains stationary to cause the rolling action previously described with reference toFigure 1b . That is, the roll hand 9 causes the collation ofrods flute 5 and along the peripheral surface 6 and into an upstream flute, thereby wrapping the collation ofrods paper patch 3. - The rolling
drum 4 has a receiving position, indicated byline 10. As aflute 5 passes this receiving position 10 a collation ofrods flute 5 together with a tippingpaper patch 3. In this example, the collation ofrods paper patch 3 can be transferred onto the rollingdrum 4 from an upstream supply drum (not shown). In other examples, thetobacco rods 1, at least onefilter rod 2 and tippingpaper patch 3 may be supplied by different drums (not shown). Regardless, aflute 5 of the rollingdrum 4 receives twotobacco rods 1, at least onefilter rod 2, and atipping paper patch 3. - The collation of
rods flute 5 in the manner described with reference toFigure 1b , that is, with the tippingpaper patch 3 trailing over the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. The collation ofrods tipping paper patch 3 are retained in theflute 5 by suction holes, as described in more detailed with reference toFigures 3a to 4b . - As shown in
Figure 2 , as the rollingdrum 4 rotates, the collation ofrods paper patch 3 are carried to the roll hand 9. The roll hand 9 comprises aleading edge 11 that contacts the collation ofrods flute 5 as the rollingdrum 4 rotates. The roll hand 9 also comprises a rollingsurface 12 which is parallel to and spaced from the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. In other words, the rollingsurface 12 is curved, with a larger radius than the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4 and centred on the axis of rotation of the rollingdrum 4. - After the collation of
rods flute 5 it is rolled between the moving peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4 and thestationary rolling surface 12 of the roll hand 9. Due to the contact with the roll hand 9 and rollingdrum 4, the collation ofrods drum 4 and effectively roll backwards relative to the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4, such that the trailingtipping paper patch 3 is wrapped around the collation ofrods - It will be appreciated that during this rolling action the collation of
rods drum 4, while moving in a forwards direction relative to the stationary roll hand 9. That is, the collation ofrods drum 4 is moving in theforwards direction 7. - The roll hand 9 is positioned relative to the rolling
drum 4 so that, once the collation ofrods flute 5 and is disposed between the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4 and the rollingsurface 12 of the roll hand 9, the collation ofrods paper patch 3 is tightly wrapped around the collation ofrods paper patch 3 and the collation ofrods - As shown in
Figure 2 , a collation ofrods drum 4 in everyother flute 5. For the sake of clarity, the odd flutes will be considered as a first group offlutes 5a, and the even flutes will be considered as a second group offlutes 5b. Thefirst flutes 5a andsecond flutes 5b are thus alternately arranged around the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. - Upstream of the roll hand 9, the
odd flutes 5a receive a collation ofrods 2 and atipping paper patch 3. The even flutes 5b, which are disposed in between theodd flutes 5a, are empty before the roll hand 9. That is, the even flutes 5b do not receive a collation ofrods - In this example, the tipping
paper patches 3 are designed to be wrapped around the collation ofrods rods - The rolling
surface 12 of the roll hand 9 extends from the leadingedge 11 of the roll hand 9 in a direction around the circumference of the rollingdrum 4. As shown, the roll hand 9 extends a distance equivalent to fourflutes 5. In other words, if the space between twoadjacent flutes 5 on the rollingdrum 4 is considered to be one segment, the roll hand 9 extends the length of three segments around the rollingdrum 4. - Therefore, when a collation of
rods odd flute 5a, over aneven flute 5b, over a secondodd flute 5a, and will reach a second evenflute 5b as the rolled collation ofrods rods drum 4, from anodd flute 5a to aneven flute 5b. - In
Figure 2 , the arc length between eachflute 5 on the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4 corresponds to approximately 1.5 rotations of a collation ofrods rods rods - In other embodiments, the arc length may equate to between 1 and 3 rotations of the collation of
rods rods rods rods - It has been found that by rolling the collation of
rod articles paper patch 3 is wrapped twice around the collation ofrods - As explained above, upstream of the roll hand 9 a collation of
rods paper patch 3, is received in anodd flute 5a. As the rolled collation ofrods even flute 5b. - The rolling drum assembly also includes a
suction control component 13. The rollingdrum 4 rotates relative to thesuction control component 13. The suction control component is configured to supply suction to suction holes in the odd and even flutes 5 of the rollingdrum 4 during rotation of the rollingdrum 4. - The
suction control component 13 and suction holes in the rollingdrum 4 are described in more detail below with reference toFigures 3a to 4b . -
Figure 3a shows a side view of the rollingdrum 4 withodd flutes 5a and evenflutes 5b, as described with reference toFigure 2 . Also shown inFigure 3a , theodd flutes 5a each comprise a pair of first suction holes 14 and the even flutes 5b each comprise a pair of second suction holes 15. - The suction control component is configured so that upstream of the roll hand 9, the
suction control component 13 applies suction to the first suction holes 14 and not to the second suction holes 15. - The suction control component configured so that downstream of the roll hand 9, the
suction control component 13 applies suction to the second suction holes 15 and not to the first suction holes 14. - The first suction holes 14 are arranged in two rows of first suction holes 14, two
suction holes 14 in eachodd flute 5a. These rows of first suction holes 14 are aligned along the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. That is, each row of first suction holes 14 is positioned the same distance from acentre line 17 of the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. - The second suction holes 15 are arranged in two rows of second suction holes 15, two
suction holes 15 in eacheven flute 5b. These rows of second suction holes 15 are aligned along the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. That is, each row of second suction holes 15 is positioned the same distance from acentre line 17 of the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. - The rows of first and second suction holes 14, 15 in the rolling
drum 4 are axially separated. Each row of first suction holes 14 is aligned at a first distance from thecentre line 17 of the rollingdrum 4, while each row of second suction holes 15 is aligned at a second distance from thecentre line 17 of the rollingdrum 4. - Also shown in
Figure 3a , eachflute 5 of the rollingdrum 4 also comprises a pair of third suction holes 34. These third suction holes 34 are positioned closer to thecentre line 17 of the rollingdrum 4, that is, they are disposed between the first or second suction holes 14, 15. The third suction holes 34 are provided with suction upstream of the roll hand 9 and downstream of the roll hand 9, to retain the unwrappedfilter rod 2 components upstream of the roll hand 9, and the filter part of the wrapped collation ofrods - As shown in
Figure 3b , which is a cross-section taken through line A-A shown inFigure 3a , the rollingdrum 4 is formed of a cylinder with abore 18 extending through the rollingdrum 4. - The first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, 34 extend from the peripheral surface 6 of the rolling
drum 4, through the rollingdrum 4, and into thebore 18. Therefore, the first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, 34 each have an opening on the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4, and an opening on theinner surface 20 of the rollingdrum 4. -
Figure 4a shows asuction control component 13 configured to be received within thebore 18 of the rollingdrum 4. Thesuction control component 13 fits within the rollingdrum 4, and the rollingdrum 4 rotates around the stationarysuction control component 13. Anouter surface 21 of thesuction control component 13 is in close proximity to theinner surface 20 of the rollingdrum 4, and a seal may be provided to seal any gap between these surfaces. - The
suction control component 13 also comprises aninner space 22, which is connected to a suction source, for example a vacuum pump, so that air is evacuated from theinner space 22 of thesuction control component 13. - As shown in
Figure 4a , thesuction control component 13 comprises a plurality ofsuction channels suction control component 13 from theouter surface 21, which is in close proximity into theinner surface 20 of the rollingdrum 4, to theinner space 22 of thesuction control component 13, which is supplied with suction. - The
suction channels drum 4 rotates, the first, second and third suction holes 14, 15, move into and out of alignment with thesuction channels suction channels drum 4 as the rollingdrum 4 rotates. - The configuration of the
suction channels Figures 2 to 4b . - As shown in
Figures 4a and 4b , thesuction control component 13 has afirst suction channel 23,second suction channels 24 andthird suction channels 35. - The
first suction channel 23 is formed of an opening that aligns with the two rows of first suction holes 14 and the third suction holes 34 in the rollingdrum 4. Therefore, as the rollingdrum 4 rotates, the first suction holes 14 and the third suction holes 34 will be provided with suction as they pass over thefirst suction channel 23 in thesuction control component 13. Thesecond suction channels 24 are positioned so that the second suction holes 15 in the roll drum align with thesecond suction channels 24 during rotation, thereby to provide suction to the second suction holes 15. The two rows ofsecond suction channels 24 are not aligned with thefirst suction channel 23, so that thefirst suction channel 23 does not provide suction to the second suction holes 15. - As illustrated in
Figure 2 , the rolling drum rotates through afirst region 25 defined between the receivingposition 10 and the leadingedge 11 of the roll hand 9. Thefirst suction channel 23 is arranged to provide suction in this first region. Therefore, in thisfirst region 25, suction is applied to the first suction holes 14 and not to the second suction holes 15. That is, suction is applied to the first suction holes 14 in theodd flutes 5a but not to the second suction holes 15 in theeven flutes 5b. - As previously described, in the
first region 25 theodd flutes 5a are provided with a collation ofrods tipping paper patch 3. Therefore, the first suction holes 14 act to retain the collation ofrods odd flutes 5a upstream of the roll hand 9. - Also, within the
first region 25, suction is applied to the third suction holes 34 so that the one ormore filter rods 2 in eachodd flute 5a are retained in theodd flute 5a. - The end of the
first suction channel 23 is aligned with the leadingedge 11 of the roll hand 9. Therefore, when a collation ofrods odd flute 5a is released and they are able to roll out of theodd flute 5a in the manner previously described. - As indicated in
Figure 2 , the rollingdrum 4 also rotates through asecond region 26 which corresponds to the length of the roll hand 9. Within thissecond region 26, no suction is applied to the first, second or third suction holes 14, 15 and the collations ofrods odd flute 5a and over the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4, so that the tippingpaper patches 3 are wrapped around the collation ofrods rod articles - As shown in
Figure 2 , the rolling drum also rotates through athird region 27. Thesecond suction channels 24 are arranged to provide suction to the second suction holes 15 in this region. Referring toFigures 4a and 4b , thesecond suction channels 24 are formed of spaced apart openings that extend around theouter surface 21 of thesuction control component 13. Preferably, thesecond suction channels 24 are not connected together across theouter surface 21. However, in other examples, thesecond suction channels 24 may be at least partially connected across theouter surface 21. - These
second suction channels 24 are arranged to align with the second suction holes 15 in the even flutes 5b of the rollingdrum 4. On the other hand, the first suction holes 14 in theodd flutes 5a of the rollingdrum 4 are not aligned with thesecond suction channels 24, and are instead closed off by the peripheral surface 6 of thesuction control component 13. Therefore, downstream of the roll hand 9, the second suction holes 15 in the even flutes 5b are provided with suction, for retaining the rolled collations ofrod articles - The
third suction channels 35 also comprise spaced apart openings that extend around theouter surface 21 of thesuction control component 13 in thethird region 27. The third suction channels are arranged to align with the third suction holes 34. Therefore, thethird suction channels 35 are arranged between thesecond suction channels 24. Therefore, downstream of the roll hand 9, the third suction holes 34 are activated to retain the filter part of the wrapped collation ofrod articles - As shown in
Figure 2 , thethird region 27 extends from the end of the roll hand 9 to thetransfer point 28 that the rolled collations ofrod articles drum 4 for transfer to another drum or conveyor (not shown). - As shown in
Figure 4a , on an upstream side of thefirst suction channel 23, thesuction control component 13 comprises arelief area 29, where theouter surface 21 is lowered so that it is not in close proximity to theinner surface 20 of the rollingdrum 4. Thisrelief area 29 that is open to the atmosphere or a reservoir. Thisrelief area 29 allows the pressure to equalise, so that any residual suction or increased pressure is dissipated. - Furthermore, within the
second region 26, corresponding to the roll hand 9, theouter surface 21 of thesuction control component 13 may have a recessedarea 30 that is not in close proximity to theinner surface 20 of the rollingdrum 4, so that the pressure may equalise by allowing any residual low pressure to dissipate. This prevents residual suction affecting the rolling process, for example by pulling the tippingpaper patch 3 during rolling. - As shown in
Figures 3a and 3b , the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4 also has groups of tipping paper suction holes 16. These correspond to the position of the tippingpaper patch 3 in thefirst region 25, upstream of the roll hand 9. - The groups of tipping paper suction holes 16 each comprise a plurality of suction holes 16 arranged in an array on a downstream side of each
odd flute 5a, so that atipping paper patch 3 covers the tipping paper suction holes 16 upstream of the roll hand 9, in thefirst region 25. - As shown in
Figure 3a , the group of tipping paper suction holes 16 may extend over an adjacent evenflute 5b. For example, a tippingpaper patch 3 suitable for wrapping twice around a collation ofrods rods odd flute 5a, over the adjacent evenflute 5b in the trailing direction. In this case, the third suction holes 34 in that adjacent evenflute 5b may act to retain a part of the tippingpaper patch 3. - The tipping paper suction holes 16 extend through the rolling
drum 4, from the peripheral surface 6 to theinner surface 20. The tipping paper suction holes 16 are aligned with thefirst suction channel 23. Therefore, as the tipping paper suction holes 16 pass by thefirst suction channel 23, in thefirst region 25, they are provided with suction and thetipping paper patch 3 is pulled against the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4. - In the
third region 27, downstream of the roll hand 9, the tipping paper suction holes 16 are not aligned with any of the first, second orthird suction channels - In the
second region 26, corresponding to the roll hand 9, thesuction control component 13 is adapted to apply suction to the tipping paper suction holes 16 for a time after each collation ofrods suction control component 13 applies suction to thetipping paper patch 3 during the beginning part of the rolling process so that the trailing edge of the tippingpaper patch 3 is controlled. - As shown in
Figure 4b , thesuction control component 13 comprises tippingpaper suction channels 31 that extend from the end of thefirst suction channel 23 into the second region ofrotation 26. These tippingpaper suction channels 31 are aligned to the tipping paper suction holes 16 in the rollingdrum 4. - Therefore, at the end of the
first region 25, as a collation ofrods edge 11 of the roll hand 9 and enters thesecond region 26, suction being provided to the first suction holes 14 in theodd flutes 5a is deactivated, while suction being provided to the tipping paper suction holes 16 remains activated for a short time. - The time the tipping paper suction holes 16 remain activated in the
second region 26 corresponds to between 0.5 and 2 rotations of a smoking article over its circumference between the rollingdrum 4 and roll hand 9, preferably between 1 and 2 rotations of a smoking article over its circumference. More preferably, suction is applied to thetipping paper patch 3 via the tipping paper suction holes 16 during approximately the first 1.5 rotations of a smoking article over its circumference.Region 33, indicated inFigure 2 , shows the region where suction is provided to the tipping paper suction holes 16 at the beginning of the rolling process. As shown, thisregion 33 extends over slightly more than one segment of the rollingdrum 4. - Therefore, the suction being applied to the
tipping paper patch 3 is maintained for a time to control the trailing edge of the tippingpaper patch 3 as the rolling process begins, but is deactivated in time to allow the smoking article to be rolled freely by the roll hand 9. - The tipping
paper patches 3 may have been curled prior to being cut and fed onto the rollingdrum 4. Therefore, suction is provided to thetipping paper patch 3 during the beginning part of the rolling process to prevent the trailing edge of thetipping paper patches 3 elastically curling upwards, which may affect the rolling process. - The length of the tipping
paper suction channels 31 will determine the time for which the tipping paper suction holes 16 remain activated within thesecond region 26. In this example, the tippingpaper suction channels 31 extend for a distance approximately corresponding to the distance between anodd flute 5a and aneven flute 5b on the rollingdrum 4. Therefore, as a collation ofrods odd flute 5a onto the peripheral surface 6 of the rollingdrum 4, suction is provided to the tipping paper suction holes 16 approximately until the collation ofrods flute 5b. - Also shown in
Figure 4b , the tippingpaper suction channels 31 and the recessedarea 30 of thesuction control component 13 are overlapping on theouter surface 21 of thesuction control component 13.Channels 32 extend from the recessedarea 30 in between the tippingpaper suction channels 31 and thesechannels 32 are aligned with third suction holes 34, so that residual suction or pressure acting on the third suction holes 34 is dissipated and the one ormore filter rods 2 in the collation ofrods - As used herein, the term "upstream" will be understood to mean in opposite direction to the rotation of the rolling
drum 4. In particular, referring toFigure 2 , the rollingdrum 4 rotates in the direction ofarrow 7 and the term "upstream" will be understood to mean in a direction opposite toarrow 7. Similarly, the term "downstream" will be understood to mean in direction of rotation of the rollingdrum 4. In particular, referring toFigure 2 , the rollingdrum 4 rotates in the direction ofarrow 7 and the term "downstream" will be understood to mean in the direction ofarrow 7. - As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.
- As used herein, the term "tipping paper" includes and material suitable for attaching the filter to a rod of smokeable material and therefore includes any suitable type of paper, metallic foil, or other sheet material.
- In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a
superior rolling drum 4 assembly for assembling smoking articles. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc.
Claims (15)
- A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture, the rolling drum assembly comprising:a rolling drum (4) having a peripheral surface (6) adapted to carry a collation of rod articles (1, 2) and a tipping paper patch (3); and,a roll hand (9) adapted to roll the collation of rod articles between the peripheral surface of the rolling drum and the roll hand such that the tipping paper patch is wrapped around the rod articles to form a smoking article;wherein the rolling drum assembly is adapted to wrap a tipping paper patch (3) at least twice around the collation of rod articles (1, 2);wherein the peripheral surface (6) of the rolling drum (4) comprises first flutes (5a) and second flutes (5b) arranged alternately around the peripheral surface, the first flutes (5a) being adapted to receive a collation of rod articles (1, 2) upstream of the roll hand (9), and the second flutes (5b) being adapted to receive a wrapped smoking article downstream of the roll hand (9); each first flute (5a) comprising a first suction hole (14) for retaining a collation of rod articles, and each second flute (5b) comprises a second suction hole (15) for retaining a wrapped smoking article;and wherein the rolling drum assembly further comprises a suction control component (13) adapted such that, upstream of the roll hand (9), suction is provided to the first suction holes (14) and not to the second suction holes (15), and downstream of the roll hand (9), suction is provided to the second suction holes (15) and not to the first suction holes (14).
- The rolling drum assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second flutes (5a, 5b) on the rolling drum (4) define segments of the rolling drum, and wherein the roll hand (9) is adapted to roll the collation of rod articles (1, 2) over an odd number of segments of the rolling drum.
- The rolling drum assembly of claim 2, wherein the roll hand (9) is adapted to roll the collation of rod articles (1, 2) over three segments of the rolling drum (4).
- The rolling drum assembly of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roll hand (9) is adapted to roll the collation of rod articles (1, 2) at least 3.5 times over their circumference.
- The rolling drum assembly of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the roll hand (9) comprises a rolling surface (12) over which the collation of rod articles (1, 2) is rolled.
- The rolling drum assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first suction holes (14) are axially offset from the second suction holes (15).
- The rolling drum assembly of claim 6, wherein the suction control component (13) comprises a first suction channel (23) that is aligned with the first suction holes (14) upstream of the roll hand (9), and a second suction channel (24) that is aligned with the second suction holes (15) downstream of the roll hand (9).
- The rolling drum assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral surface (6) of the rolling drum (4) further comprises tipping paper suction holes (16) adapted to retain said tipping paper patches (3) on the peripheral surface upstream of the roll hand (9).
- The rolling drum assembly of claim 8, wherein the suction control component (13) is adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes (16) for at least a part of the time that the collation of rod articles (1, 2) is being rolled by the roll hand (9).
- The rolling drum assembly of claim 9, wherein the suction control component (13) is adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes (16) for a beginning part of the rolling of the collation of rod articles (1, 2) by the roll hand (9).
- The rolling drum assembly of claim 10, wherein the suction control component (13) is adapted to provide suction to the tipping paper suction holes (16) while the collation of rod articles (1, 2) is rolled at least once over its circumference.
- Apparatus for assembling smoking articles comprising the rolling drum assembly of any preceding claim.
- A method of assembling smoking articles comprising:carrying a collation of rod articles (1, 2) and a tipping paper patch (3) on a peripheral surface (6) of a rolling drum (4); and,rolling the collation of rod articles (1, 2) between the peripheral surface of the rolling drum and a rolling surface (12) such that the tipping paper patch is wrapped around the rod articles to form a smoking article;wherein the tipping paper patch is wrapped at least twice around the collation of rod articles;wherein the collations of rod articles (1, 2) are carried in first flutes (5a) on the peripheral surface before rolling, and the wrapped smoking articles are carried in second flutes (5b) on the peripheral surface after rolling,and wherein each of the first flutes (5a) has a first suction hole (14) and each of the second flutes (5b) has a second suction hole (15), and wherein suction is provided to the first suction holes (14) and not to the second suction holes (15) before rolling, and suction is provided to the second suction holes (15) and not to the first suction holes (14) after rolling.
- The method of claim 13, wherein the collations of rod articles (1, 2) are rolled over an odd number of flutes (5a, 5b).
- The method of any of claims 13 to 14, wherein suction is applied to retain the tipping paper patch (3) on the peripheral surface (6) of the rolling drum (4) for a time after the collation of rod articles (1, 2) starts to be rolled between the peripheral surface (6) of the rolling drum (4) and the rolling surface (12).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL15711485T PL3128861T3 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2015-03-18 | A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GBGB1406267.3A GB201406267D0 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2014-04-08 | A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture |
PCT/EP2015/055726 WO2015154959A1 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2015-03-18 | A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture |
Publications (2)
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EP3128861A1 EP3128861A1 (en) | 2017-02-15 |
EP3128861B1 true EP3128861B1 (en) | 2018-06-06 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP15711485.1A Not-in-force EP3128861B1 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2015-03-18 | A rolling drum assembly for use in smoking article manufacture |
Country Status (11)
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US (1) | US20170112186A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3128861B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6339228B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR101906824B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106572696B (en) |
BR (1) | BR112016023525A2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB201406267D0 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2016012226A (en) |
PL (1) | PL3128861T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2649261C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015154959A1 (en) |
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DE102019100210B4 (en) * | 2019-01-07 | 2023-01-26 | Körber Technologies Gmbh | Conveying of rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry |
IT201900017195A1 (en) * | 2019-09-25 | 2021-03-25 | Gd Spa | Drum and method for rolling rod-shaped articles |
DE102020100437A1 (en) | 2020-01-10 | 2021-07-15 | Hauni Maschinenbau Gmbh | Conveyor drum of the tobacco processing industry |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4020852A (en) * | 1976-07-07 | 1977-05-03 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Apparatus for applying uniting bands to co-axial rod-shaped articles |
IT1146133B (en) * | 1980-06-20 | 1986-11-12 | Gd Spa | DEVICE FOR THE APPLICATION OF CIGARETTE FILTERS |
SU1595328A3 (en) * | 1986-02-27 | 1990-09-23 | Филипп Моррис Инкорпорейтед (Фирма) | Device for assembling tobacco core with oval filter by overlap pasting with connection band |
DE3702915C2 (en) * | 1987-01-31 | 1998-09-24 | Hauni Werke Koerber & Co Kg | Device for connecting rod-shaped tobacco articles and filter plugs |
IT1207721B (en) * | 1987-06-08 | 1989-05-25 | Gd Spa | FILTER FEEDER MACHINE |
ITBO940276A1 (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1995-12-14 | Gd Spa | ROLLING DEVICE FOR EXTENDED ELEMENTS, ESPECIALLY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SMOKE ARTICLES |
WO1998057557A1 (en) * | 1996-04-17 | 1998-12-23 | Japan Tobacco Inc. | Filter mounting apparatus |
DE60136617D1 (en) * | 2000-03-28 | 2009-01-02 | Japan Tobacco Inc | STABILIZER FOR VENTILATION CHARACTERISTICS FOR FILTER CIGARETTES |
ITBO20020742A1 (en) * | 2002-11-25 | 2004-05-26 | Gd Spa | UNIT OF TRANSFER OF CIGARETTES OF CIGARETTES FROM ONE |
ITBO20030683A1 (en) * | 2003-11-17 | 2005-05-18 | Gd Spa | DRUM CENTERER FOR FILTER MACHINES |
US7789089B2 (en) * | 2006-08-04 | 2010-09-07 | R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Filtered cigarette possessing tipping material |
DE102006042237A1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2008-03-27 | Hauni Maschinenbau Aktiengesellschaft | V-shaped arrangement of suction openings |
UA113629C2 (en) * | 2011-06-03 | 2017-02-27 | MODULAR INSTALLATION FOR MANUFACTURE OF SMOKING PRODUCTS | |
ITBO20110419A1 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-01-15 | Gd Spa | DEVICE AND METHOD OF ROLLING OF CIGARETTES WITH FILTER. |
-
2014
- 2014-04-08 GB GBGB1406267.3A patent/GB201406267D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2015
- 2015-03-18 EP EP15711485.1A patent/EP3128861B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2015-03-18 KR KR1020167030606A patent/KR101906824B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-03-18 BR BR112016023525A patent/BR112016023525A2/en active Search and Examination
- 2015-03-18 PL PL15711485T patent/PL3128861T3/en unknown
- 2015-03-18 WO PCT/EP2015/055726 patent/WO2015154959A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-03-18 JP JP2016561291A patent/JP6339228B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2015-03-18 CN CN201580017943.8A patent/CN106572696B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2015-03-18 RU RU2016143592A patent/RU2649261C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2015-03-18 MX MX2016012226A patent/MX2016012226A/en unknown
- 2015-03-18 US US15/301,758 patent/US20170112186A1/en not_active Abandoned
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
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US20170112186A1 (en) | 2017-04-27 |
KR20160143720A (en) | 2016-12-14 |
GB201406267D0 (en) | 2014-05-21 |
CN106572696B (en) | 2018-10-19 |
JP2017510281A (en) | 2017-04-13 |
MX2016012226A (en) | 2017-05-01 |
CN106572696A (en) | 2017-04-19 |
BR112016023525A2 (en) | 2017-08-15 |
EP3128861A1 (en) | 2017-02-15 |
WO2015154959A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 |
PL3128861T3 (en) | 2018-12-31 |
KR101906824B1 (en) | 2018-12-07 |
JP6339228B2 (en) | 2018-06-06 |
RU2649261C1 (en) | 2018-03-30 |
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