EP4683529A1 - Machine and method for producing smoking products - Google Patents

Machine and method for producing smoking products

Info

Publication number
EP4683529A1
EP4683529A1 EP24721773.0A EP24721773A EP4683529A1 EP 4683529 A1 EP4683529 A1 EP 4683529A1 EP 24721773 A EP24721773 A EP 24721773A EP 4683529 A1 EP4683529 A1 EP 4683529A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
protective sheet
sheet
unit
machine
tubular element
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP24721773.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fiorenzo Draghetti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Original Assignee
IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA filed Critical IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA
Publication of EP4683529A1 publication Critical patent/EP4683529A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES OF CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/02—Cigars; Cigarettes with special covers
    • A24D1/022—Papers for roll-your-own cigarettes
    • 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
    • A24C5/46—Making paper tubes for cigarettes

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a machine and a method for producing products, in particular tubular-shaped products, intended to form smoking articles.
  • the machine of the present invention can, for example, be part of a packaging plant, in which it is provided to arrange a machine for packaging the products downstream of the machine of the present invention.
  • the present invention also concerns various operating units comprised in the machine.
  • the invention concerns a unit for perforating a wrapping sheet, a coupling unit able to form a semi-finished product which comprises the wrapping sheet and is a precursor of the products to be produced, and a unit for feeding a smokable product sheet of plant origin.
  • One example of this type of product is smoking articles assembled directly by the smoker, who separately buys the filters, the shredded tobacco and the papers to be wrapped around the tobacco and the filter, to assemble everything and obtain the smoking product.
  • a purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, for the automated production of smoking products, comprising a sheet of material of plant origin, in particular of tobacco.
  • a purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, capable of rolling the tobacco sheet, which is initially in a flat configuration, without damaging or breaking the sheet itself, so as to give it the shape of a hollow cylinder, such as for example the shape of a so-called cigarillo.
  • a purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, for producing smoking products having a high productivity, of several hundred products per minute.
  • a purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, which are capable of associating an internal straw for structural support and an external protective wrapping sheet with the tobacco sheet, in a reliable and precise manner.
  • the Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.
  • a second feed unit configured to feed a smokable product sheet
  • a forming unit configured to receive the smokable product sheet from the second feed unit and the tubular element coupled to a respective protective sheet from the coupling unit, and to form a rolled smoking product by rolling the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet around the tubular element.
  • the first feed unit is placed upstream of the coupling unit, and the coupling unit and the second feed unit are placed upstream of the forming unit to supply the latter with, respectively, a semifinished product, formed by the association between a protective sheet and a tubular element, and the smokable product sheet.
  • the first feed unit, the coupling unit, the second feed unit and the forming unit are configured to interact with each other without a break in continuity, in order to guarantee the correct coordinated advance of the smokable product sheet, of the tubular element and of the protective sheet.
  • the forming unit comprises a transport member moving the smokable product sheet, the protective sheet and the tubular element along a forming path, and a forming member comprising a fixed rolling surface configured and arranged at a distance from the transport member such as to cause the rolling of the tubular element on the rolling surface and a simultaneous winding of the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet, so as to induce them to roll into a shaped tube around the tubular element.
  • each of the first and second cutting devices comprises a mobile member provided with one or more cutting blades and rotatable about an axis of rotation thereof, and cooperating with a fixed member provided with a counter-blade so that the interaction of the latter with one of the blades allows to cut to format the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet, respectively.
  • the coupling unit comprises an attachment device configured to attach, preferably by heat-sealing, the protective sheet on the tubular element forming the semi-finished product.
  • the second feed unit comprises a plurality of support and transfer members and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereof, each of the support and transfer members is provided with a transfer element configured to grip the smokable product sheet and to rotate about another axis of rotation thereof, oriented transversely with respect to the axis of rotation of the second feed unit.
  • the transport member is drum shaped and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation so that the forming path is a closed circular path.
  • the forming member further comprises a sealing element configured to secure, preferably by heat-sealing, the protective sheet so as to keep a cylindrical shape of the smoking product.
  • the machine further comprises a unit for perforating the protective sheet, placed upstream of the coupling unit, in order to create one or more lines of a plurality of through holes on the protective sheet.
  • the perforating unit comprises a plurality of pointed ends which are configured to perforate the protective sheet to make the through holes, and heating means for heating the pointed ends.
  • the perforating unit comprises one or more perforating wheels provided with the pointed ends and an adjustment system for adjusting the position of the perforating wheels with respect to the protective sheet so as to modify a distance between an axis of rotation of the one or more perforating wheels and an abutment surface of an abutment member onto which the protective sheet slides in order to vary the depth of penetration of the pointed ends into the protective sheet.
  • the machine comprises a transfer unit configured to transfer the smoking products from the forming unit to a transport line provided with a plurality of seatings each configured to receive a respective smoking product.
  • a method for producing smoking products which comprises the following steps:
  • the method comprises a step of perforating the protective sheet by means of a perforating unit which creates one or more lines of a plurality of through holes on the protective sheet.
  • the step of feeding the smokable product sheet comprises placing the smokable product sheet, arranged in a flat configuration, on the protective sheet coupled to a respective tubular element.
  • the forming unit before the step of rolling, holds the smokable product sheet by sucking it through the plurality of through holes, which allow the suction air to act on the smokable product sheet.
  • the smokable product sheet is positioned above the protective sheet so that the outermost layer of the rolled smoking product is formed by the protective layer.
  • the step of coupling is carried out by attaching, preferably by heat-sealing, an end side of the protective sheet along the tubular element.
  • the step of forming comprises rolling the tubular element, held by the forming unit, on a rolling surface in order to roll the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet into a shaped tube around the tubular element.
  • a method for perforating the protective sheet comprising a step of perforating to create one or more perforated lines on the protective sheet, each comprising a plurality of through holes, by means of one or more perforating wheels which are provided with a plurality of pointed ends which are configured to perforate the protective sheet, wherein there is also provided a step of heating the pointed ends by means of heating means, and a step of adjusting to adjust the position of the pointed ends with respect to the protective sheet so as to modify a distance between an axis of rotation of the perforating wheels and an abutment surface of an abutment member onto which the protective sheet slides in order to vary the depth of penetration of the pointed ends into the protective sheet, wherein it is provided to decrease this distance as the angular velocity of the perforating wheels increases, and to increase this distance as the angular velocity of the perforating wheels decreases.
  • a method for coupling one of the tubular elements to a portion of the protective sheet cut to size, wherein the method comprises a step of cutting the protective sheet to size by means of a first cutting device, a step of associating the tubular element with the portion of the protective sheet cut to size whereby the tubular element is placed in proximity to one side of the protective sheet, a step of holding, by suction, both the tubular element and also the portion of the protective sheet cut to size, a step of joining, by means of an attachment device equipped with heat-sealing members, the tubular element with the portion of the protective sheet cut to size so as to attach, preferably by heat-sealing, the tubular element and the portion cut to size.
  • a method for feeding a smokable product sheet by means of a feed unit, wherein the method comprises a step of cutting the smokable product sheet to size by means of a second cutting device, a step of picking up a portion of the smokable product sheet cut to size by means of gripping members of a transfer element, a step of transferring the portion wherein it is provided to modify the orientation of the portion, for example through a movement of rotation about an axis of rotation about which the transfer element rotates; wherein during the step of picking up it is provided to modify the relative speed between the feed unit and the second cutting device after at least one member comprised in the gripping members has come into contact with a first end of the portion and before at least another member comprised in the gripping members has come into contact with a second end, opposite the first end.
  • the machine, the units and the methods according to the present invention advantageously allow to produce tubular products comprising a smokable product sheet, a tubular element and a protective sheet in an efficient and reliable manner.
  • the machine and the method for producing tubular products according to the present invention advantageously allow to reach high productivity, even of several hundred tubular products per minute, for example up to 800 tubular products per minute, or even more.
  • the machine, the units and the methods for producing tubular products according to the present invention advantageously allow to automatically manage the movement of the smokeable product sheet, of the tubular element and of the protective sheet, joining them in a firm and stable manner. This is possible firstly thanks to the association between the tubular element and the protective sheet to obtain a semi-finished product, and subsequently thanks to the rolling step, during which the three components are rolled one on top of the other and at the end of which it is provided to stabilize the rolled shape of the product.
  • the machine, the units and the methods for producing tubular products according to the present invention advantageously allow to move and perform some processing steps on a smokable product sheet comprised in the tubular products, such as for example a sheet of tobacco, without damaging this sheet, which is by its nature brittle and easily broken.
  • - fig. 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a product obtainable with the machine and the method according to the present invention
  • - fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a semi-finished product which is the precursor of the product of fig. 1 ;
  • - fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view which shows the product of fig. 1 in an intermediate processing step
  • - fig. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a product obtainable with the machine and the method of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial and schematic front view of a machine for producing smoking products according to the present invention.
  • - figs. 6-8 and 10 are schematic front views, on an enlarged scale, of as many processing units comprised in the machine of fig. 5;
  • - fig. 9 is a partial and schematic three-dimensional view of a rotating member comprised in the operating unit shown in fig. 8.
  • a machine 10 is configured to produce smoking products 100, hereafter also simply called products 100 for short.
  • the product 100 comprises a sheet of a smokable product, in particular a tobacco sheet 101, a tubular element, in particular a straw 102 having a structural support function, and a protective sheet 103.
  • each product 100 can have an external diameter comprised between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, preferably between about 4 mm and about 10 mm, and a length comprised between about 80 mm and about 200 mm.
  • the tobacco sheet 101 is unwound from a reel of such material, from which the sheet is cut to size, and initially has a flat or extended configuration, with a rectangular shape.
  • the tobacco sheet 101 can comprise one or more laminar layers of tobacco overlapping with, and glued onto, each other.
  • the tobacco sheet 101 can possibly comprise a layer of an aromatic substance, of synthetic or natural origin, for example deriving from a liquid in which the tobacco sheet is soaked while transiting in a container of such liquid.
  • a substance can be given a fruity flavor, such as blueberry or cherry for example.
  • the protective sheet 103 is also unwound from a reel, from which it is cut to size, and it initially has a rectangular shape and a flat or extended configuration.
  • the extension area of the protective sheet 103 is slightly larger than that of the tobacco sheet 101.
  • the protective sheet 103 comprises a pair of short sides 104 and 105, parallel to and opposing each other, and a pair of long sides 106 and 107, also parallel to and opposing each other.
  • the short sides and the long sides alternate, contiguous one after the other, to form the perimeter of the rectangle.
  • the protective sheet 103 comprises a plurality of through holes 108.
  • the through holes 108 are distributed in the protective sheet 103 so as to form two perforated lines 109.
  • the two lines 109 are parallel to each other and to the pair of long sides 106 and 107.
  • the position and orientation of the lines 109 with respect to the sides 104, 105, 106 and 107 may be different from what shown in the drawings, being able for example to be inclined with respect to one or more sides by a predefined angle.
  • the protective sheet 103 can be made of a suitable polymeric material, for example polypropylene (PP).
  • PP polypropylene
  • the straws 102 of a cylindrical shape, can be made of a suitable plastic material, for example polypropylene, or of a cellulose-based material, such as paper or cardboard.
  • the machine 10 and the method according to the present invention allow to obtain the product 100 starting from a semi-finished product 110 (fig. 2), formed by joining the straw 102 and the protective sheet 103.
  • the product 100 comprises an attachment line 111 that extends along one end side of the protective sheet 103 to keep it stably associated with the straw
  • the attachment line 111 extends in correspondence with its short side 104, which has been partly wound around the straw 102.
  • the attachment line 111 can be replaced by a plurality of attachment points distributed along the short side 104.
  • the processing steps provide to roll the semi-finished product 110 as indicated by the arrows F after the tobacco sheet 101 has been placed on the protective sheet
  • a rolled product (fig. 4) with the straw 102 inside, onto which the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 are wound together, with the first placed on the internal side and the second placed on the external side.
  • the product 100 comprises a pair of joining points 112 that allow to keep the protective sheet 103 completely and correctly rolled, so as to stabilize the final shape of the product 100.
  • the short side 105 of the protective sheet 103 remains exposed in order to be easily grasped by the user.
  • the user grasps the short side 105 and unrolls the protective sheet 103, thus being able to pick up the rolled tobacco sheet 101 in order to assemble the smoking product, and at the same time throw away both the straw 102 as well as the protective sheet 103.
  • the machine 10 can transfer tubular products 100 different from those described above, such as for example other types of smoking articles, e-cigarette cartridges, or suchlike.
  • the machine 10 (fig. 5) comprises the following processing units, each of which is configured to automatically perform a corresponding processing step, as will be described in detail below: a first feed unit 11 configured to feed the straws 102, a perforating unit 12 for perforating the protective sheet 103, a coupling unit 13 able to form the semi-finished product 110, a second feed unit 14 for feeding the tobacco sheet 101, a forming unit 15 for forming the products 100 and a transfer unit 16 for transferring the products 100.
  • All six processing units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are mounted on a support structure 18, which is configured to be rested on a horizontal plane, for example consisting of a floor, through its own rest feet 19. All six processing units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are controlled by a central control unit, not shown, which controls and commands the operation of the drive members, such as for example engines, gearmotors or servomotors, particularly of the brushless or stepper type, in a coordinated manner, in order to set in motion the various mobile members comprised in the processing units, according to laws of motion suitable to allow the correct interaction between reciprocally cooperating bodies.
  • a central control unit not shown, which controls and commands the operation of the drive members, such as for example engines, gearmotors or servomotors, particularly of the brushless or stepper type, in a coordinated manner, in order to set in motion the various mobile members comprised in the processing units, according to laws of motion suitable to allow the correct interaction between reciprocally cooperating bodies.
  • the first feed unit 11 of the straws 102 comprises a storage container 20 configured to contain a plurality of straws 102, arranged in bulk.
  • the storage container 20 can comprise an aperture, for example arranged upward, to allow an operator to refill the storage container 20 with the straws 102.
  • the feed unit 11 can comprise one or more conveyor belts, or similar transport systems, which lead the straws 102 into the storage container 20.
  • the first feed unit 11 comprises a first cylindrical member 21, rotatable about a first axis of rotation XI in a first direction of rotation Rl, which in the example given here is counter-clockwise.
  • the peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member 21 is provided with a plurality of semi-cylindrical seatings 22, open toward the outside, whose longitudinal extension is arranged parallel to the first axis of rotation XI.
  • the first feed unit 11 comprises a first guide member 23, secured to the support structure 18 and arranged partly around the first cylindrical member 21, with a circular development of about 100°, with the function of preventing the straws 102 temporarily positioned in the semi-cylindrical seatings 22 from coming out of the latter.
  • the second cylindrical member 24 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation X2 in a second direction of rotation R2, in this case clockwise, opposite to that of the first cylindrical member 21.
  • Each seating 25 is configured to temporarily accommodate a straw 102 coming from the first cylindrical member 21, while the second cylindrical member 24 is rotating.
  • the second cylindrical member 24 has the function of increasing the angular distance between the straws 102, so that they can be processed more easily in the other processing units placed downstream with reference to the path of advance of the straws, that is, in the coupling unit 13 and in the forming unit 15, in which the distance between the straws 102, in the angular direction, remains the same (second pitch P2).
  • the first feed unit 11 comprises a second guide member 26, secured to the support structure 18 and arranged partly around the second cylindrical member 24, with a circular development of about 180°, with the function of preventing the straws 102 temporarily positioned in the seatings 25 from coming out of the latter.
  • the first and second guide members 23, 26 are arranged angularly around the first and second cylindrical members 21, 24 so as to allow the straws 102 to pass between them, and also allow both the arrival of the straws 102 from the storage container 20 to the first cylindrical member 21, and also the exit of the straws 102 from the second cylindrical member 24 toward the member placed downstream thereof.
  • the perforating unit 12 is configured to create the through holes 108 on the protective sheet 103, which is unwound from a reel A.
  • a plurality of tensioning rollers 17, of a known type configured to keep the protective sheet 103 extended with an appropriate tension during its advance.
  • the perforating unit 12 comprises a plurality of pointed ends 31.
  • the shape and size of the pointed ends 31 are correlated to the shape and size of the through holes 108 to be made.
  • the perforating unit 12 comprises one or more perforating wheels 30 provided with the pointed ends 31 , which are in particular distributed along the external circular edge of the wheels, according to a distribution having a uniform angular pitch.
  • three perforating wheels 30 are provided, all coaxial with respect to the same axis and rotating about the same axis of rotation, which in the context of the machine 10 is indicated as the third axis of rotation X3.
  • the perforating wheels 30 rotate about the third axis of rotation X3 in the first direction of rotation R1 , that is, counter-clockwise.
  • the perforating wheels 30 are angularly offset with respect to each other, with respect to the third axis of rotation X3, so that the pointed ends 31 of one wheel are arranged slightly offset in an angular direction with respect to the pointed ends 31 of the other wheels.
  • the three perforating wheels 30 can be driven by a same motor, for example an electric motor, or each of them can have its own independent drive.
  • the perforating unit 12 comprises heating means 32, schematized in fig. 6 with a dashed rectangle, and comprising heating members of a type known in the art, such as electrical resistors for example.
  • the perforating unit 12 further comprises an abutment member 33 provided with an abutment surface 34 onto which the protective sheet 103 slides while the pointed ends 31 create the through holes 108.
  • the abutment surface 34 comprises one or more elongated slots or slits (not shown), specifically one for each perforating wheel, to allow the passage of the pointed ends 31 without them interfering with the abutment member 33.
  • the perforating unit 12 comprises an adjustment system 35 for adjusting the position of the perforating wheels 30 with respect to the protective sheet 103.
  • the adjustment system 35 which can comprise a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic system, or a combination thereof, is a system known in the art that allows to modify the distance D between the third axis of rotation X3 and the abutment surface 34. By doing so, it is possible to vary the depth of the penetration of the pointed ends 31 into the protective sheet 103.
  • a control unit commands, in a coordinated manner, the adjustment system 35 and the motor that makes the perforating wheels 30 rotate.
  • control unit commands the adjustment system 35 to decrease the distance D (that is, to lower the position of the third axis of rotation X3) as the angular speed of the perforating wheels 30 increases. Conversely, the control unit commands the adjustment system 35 to increase the distance D (that is, to raise the position of the third axis of rotation X3) as the angular speed of the perforating wheels 30 decreases.
  • control unit can be the one that controls the machine as a whole, mentioned above.
  • the coupling unit 13, better visible in fig. 7, is configured to stably couple the straws 102 arriving from the second cylindrical member 24 to the protective sheets 103 arriving from the perforating unit 12.
  • the coupling unit 13 allows both to cut the protective sheets 103 to format, and also to associate each of these sheets, after it has been separated from the continuous strip unwound from the reel A, with a respective straw 102.
  • the coupling unit 13 comprises a first cutting device 40, comprising a mobile member 41 and a fixed member 42 cooperating with each other.
  • the first cutting device 40 comprises a body 43 in which a seating 44 is made in which the mobile member 41 is mounted.
  • the mobile member 41 is shaped as a cylindrical roller rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation X4.
  • the fixed member 42 is secured to the body 43 in a position adjacent to the seating 44, so as to be facing the mobile member 41.
  • the mobile member 41 comprises one or more cutting blades 45 and one or more means for holding the protective sheet 103 against the mobile member 41.
  • each of these means can hold the sheet after it has been cut to size by the respective blade.
  • three cutting blades 45 are provided, arranged angularly offset at 120° from each other, and placed on the peripheral edge of the roller.
  • the holding means are configured as a suction system comprising three groups of suction channels 46.
  • Each group of suction channels 46 comprises three channels flowing onto the lateral surface of the roller on which the protective sheet 103 adheres. All three channels are connected to a single feed collector 47, in turn connected to a source of air (not shown) at a pressure lower than atmospheric.
  • the coupling unit 13 comprises a third cylindrical member 49, rotating about a fifth axis of rotation X5 in a direction which, in the example shown here, corresponds to the first direction of rotation R1.
  • the third cylindrical member 49 comprises a plurality of housings 50, nine in the example shown, made on the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member
  • Each of these housings 50 has sizes correlated to those of the straws 102, being configured to receive a respective straw.
  • the third cylindrical member 49 comprises a plurality of first suction ducts 51, each connected to a source of pressurized air, lower than atmospheric pressure, to hold the straw 102 inside the respective housing 50. To this end, each of the first suction ducts 51 flows into a respective housing 50. In the example shown, nine first suction ducts 51 are provided, but in general their number is equal to that of the housings 50.
  • the third cylindrical member 49 further comprises a plurality of second suction ducts 52 and a plurality of third suction ducts 53, also all connected to a source of pressurized air, lower than atmospheric pressure.
  • the arrangement of the second suction ducts 52 and of the third suction ducts 53 is such that they flow out in proximity to the pair of short sides 104, 105 of the protective sheet 103.
  • the second suction ducts 52 can flow onto the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 49 in the position in which the short side 104 is located
  • the third suction ducts 53 can flow onto the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 49 in the position in which the short side 105 is located, or vice versa.
  • the coupling unit 13 further comprises an attachment device 54, which can comprise suitable heat-sealing members, schematized with dashed rectangles in fig. 7, which heat the semi-finished product 110 to a temperature sufficient to guarantee a localized melting of the plastic materials with which both the straws 102 and also the protective sheet 103 are made, in order to create the attachment line 111 and thus ensure a firm bond between them that is also stable over time.
  • an attachment device 54 which can comprise suitable heat-sealing members, schematized with dashed rectangles in fig. 7, which heat the semi-finished product 110 to a temperature sufficient to guarantee a localized melting of the plastic materials with which both the straws 102 and also the protective sheet 103 are made, in order to create the attachment line 111 and thus ensure a firm bond between them that is also stable over time.
  • the second cylindrical member 24 delivers a straw 102 inside a housing 50 of the third cylindrical member 49 in correspondence with a receiving position PR.
  • the rotation of the third cylindrical member 49 about the fifth axis of rotation X5 takes the housing 50, inside which the straw 102 is present, in correspondence with a coupling position PA.
  • a protective sheet 103 also arrives here, after having been cut to format by the first cutting device 40, in the manner described above.
  • the relative rotation between the mobile member 41 of the first cutting device 40 and the third cylindrical member 49 arranges the protective sheet 103 so that the short side 104 is positioned above the straw 102.
  • suction ducts 51, 52 and 53 are activated at least between the receiving position PR and the sealing position PS, in order to keep both the straw 102 as well as the protective sheet 103 in their respective positions to make sure that the sheet remains well extended against the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 49.
  • this guide member faces the third cylindrical member 49 with the function of preventing the unwanted escape of the straws.
  • this guide member is the same second guide member 26 described above in the context of the feed unit 11 , suitably shaped to also extend in proximity to the third cylindrical member 49.
  • Second feed unit 14 of the tobacco sheet 101 The second feed unit 14, best visible in figs. 8 and 9, is configured to feed the tobacco sheets 101.
  • the unit 14 allows both to cut the tobacco sheets 101 to size and also to transfer each of these sheets, after it has been suitably oriented, toward another processing unit placed downstream, with reference to the tobacco’s path of advance.
  • the unit 14 comprises a second cutting device 40’ for cutting the tobacco sheets 101 to size, separating them from the flat strip of tobacco unwound from a respective reel B (fig. 2).
  • the second cutting device 40’ is analogous to the first cutting device 40 indicated with reference number 40, visible in fig. 7 and described with reference to the coupling unit 13.
  • the transfer element 62 comprises a plurality of gripping members 63 of the tobacco sheet 101.
  • the gripping members 63 are configured as suckers, connected to a suitable suction system, not shown.
  • Four suckers can be provided, grouped into two pairs, wherein each pair of suckers is arranged in a position such as to be able to hold the tobacco sheet 101 in proximity to a respective end thereof.
  • Each support and transfer member 61 comprises a movement device, schematized with a dashed rectangle in fig. 8 and indicated with reference number 64.
  • the movement device 64 is configured to make the transfer element 62 rotate about another axis of rotation RR thereof, oriented in a transverse direction, in particular radial, with reference to the sixth axis of rotation X6.
  • the movement device 64 can comprise one or more mechanical members, such as cam mechanisms or gear mechanisms for example, or an electric motor or even another type of actuator known in the art, for example a hydraulic, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, or combinations of all the components listed above.
  • a further degree of freedom of movement of the support and transfer members 61 can be provided, because the latter can rotate, for example by a few degrees, about another axis of rotation RP thereof. The latter is parallel to the sixth axis of rotation X6 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation RR of the transfer element 62 connected to the same support and transfer member 61. The operation of the unit 14 is described below.
  • This speed variation occurs after the first pair of gripping members 63 has come into contact with one end of the tobacco sheet 101 , until the moment in which the other pair of gripping members 63 also comes into contact with the other end of the tobacco sheet 101.
  • This dynamic adjustment of the speed of the mobile member 41 and/or of the fourth cylindrical member 60 allows to guarantee that the tobacco sheet 101 is well extended when it is gripped by the transfer element 62.
  • the movement device 64 makes each transfer element 62 rotate by about 90° about its other axis of rotation RR. Thanks to this, it is possible to modify the orientation of the tobacco sheet 101 in such a way that it is delivered to the next forming unit 15 with an orientation that is perpendicular with respect to the orientation according to which the tobacco sheet 101 passes from the cutting device 40’ to the fourth cylindrical member 60.
  • the forming unit 15 best visible in the enlargement of fig. 10, comprises a transport member, shaped as a cylindrical member, which is indicated with reference number 65 and also called, in the present description, fifth cylindrical member.
  • the transport member is rotatable about an axis of rotation X7, called seventh axis of rotation in the present description.
  • the fifth cylindrical member 65 rotates in the second direction of rotation R2, that is, clockwise.
  • the fifth cylindrical member 65 comprises a first group of suction channels 66 and a second group of suction channels 67, all flowing onto the lateral surface of the fifth cylindrical member 65.
  • the arrangement of these channels is alternated so that one channel of the first group is followed, at a reduced angular distance, by one channel of the second group, then again by one channel of the first group, and so on.
  • the first group of suction channels 66 is configured to hold the straws 102 by suction
  • the second group of suction channels 67 is configured to hold both the protective sheet 103 and also the tobacco sheet 101 by suction, in the manner explained in more detail below with reference to the operation of the forming unit 15.
  • the forming unit 15 further comprises a forming member 68 of the products 100.
  • the forming member 68 is placed in proximity to the fifth cylindrical member 65, in an angular position such as to be adjacent to the operating unit placed immediately downstream, with reference to the flow of the products 100, that is - in this specific example - to the transfer unit 16.
  • the forming member 68 comprises a heating element, schematized with a dashed rectangle indicated with reference number 69 in fig. 10, for example configured as an electrical resistance or other suitable equivalent heating member capable of reaching the required temperatures.
  • the forming member 68 further comprises a rolling surface 70 facing the lateral surface of the fifth cylindrical member 65.
  • the rolling surface 70 is shaped and develops according to a concave profile, having a concavity correlated to the shape and/or sizes of the fifth cylindrical member 65, in particular its diameter, as a function of which the curvature gradient of its lateral surface changes.
  • the position of the forming member 68 with respect to the fifth cylindrical member 65 is adjustable in a step of setting up the machine.
  • the forming member 68 is mobile toward or away from the fifth cylindrical member 65 along a radial directrix, with respect to the seventh axis of rotation X7, in which it is driven in movement by a suitable actuator, not shown, for example an electric motor or a cylinder-piston assembly of the hydraulic or pneumatic type.
  • a suitable actuator not shown, for example an electric motor or a cylinder-piston assembly of the hydraulic or pneumatic type.
  • the adjustment of the position of the forming member 68 advantageously allows both to be able to perform maintenance operations on the forming unit 15 more easily, and also to adjust the hollow space through which the products 100 pass during the forming step, as a function of the size (in particular, the diameter) of the products themselves.
  • the operation of the forming unit 15 is as follows.
  • the fifth cylindrical member 65 receives the semi-fmished product 110 from the coupling unit 13.
  • the semi-finished product 110 passes from the third cylindrical member 49 to the fifth cylindrical member 65 in a position whereby the straw 102 is placed in correspondence with a suction channel of the first group of suction channels 66.
  • the fifth cylindrical member 65 continues its rotation about the seventh axis of rotation X7, it reaches a second operating position A2, in which the fifth cylindrical member 65 receives a tobacco sheet 101 from the second feed unit 14.
  • the tobacco sheet 101 passes from the transfer element 62 to the fifth cylindrical member 65.
  • the tobacco sheet 101 is arranged, in an extended configuration, on the protective sheet 103, which is therefore interposed between the tobacco sheet 101 and the lateral surface of the fifth cylindrical member 65.
  • the tobacco sheet 101 Since the tobacco sheet 101 is not in direct contact with the fifth cylindrical member 65, it can be held, by suction, thanks to the presence on the protective sheet 103 of the line 109, that is, of the through holes 108, which allow the flow of suction air to pass through the protective sheet 103 and reach the tobacco sheet 101.
  • the fifth cylindrical member 65 reaches a third operating position A3, of rolling start, and subsequently a fourth operating position A4, of rolling end, in correspondence with which the forming of the product 100 is completed and the product 100 is released to the transfer unit 16.
  • the product 100 is obtained thanks to the rolling of the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103, overlapping with each other with the tobacco sheet 101 placed above the protective sheet 103, around the straw 102.
  • the heating element 69 allows to reciprocally heat-seal one or more portions of the protective sheet 103, creating the joining points 112, so as to stabilize the rolled shape of the product 100.
  • the forming member 68 is mobile toward or away from the fifth cylindrical member 65, both for the purpose of adjusting the distance between them, and also when it is necessary to perform scheduled or extraordinary maintenance operations.
  • the transfer unit 16 (fig. 5) comprises a sixth cylindrical member 75 which is rotatable about an eighth axis of rotation X8, in particular, in the example shown, in the first direction of rotation Rl, that is, counter-clockwise.
  • the sixth cylindrical member 75 comprises a plurality of transfer seatings 76 for the products 100, wherein each product 100 is received in a respective transfer seating 76.
  • the transfer seatings 76 are arranged on a peripheral edge of the sixth cylindrical member 75 and are angularly equidistant from each other by a same center angle, measured with reference to the eighth axis of rotation X8.
  • an abutment element 77 can be provided in the path segment in which the products 100 are received in the transfer seatings 76.
  • the abutment element 77 is shaped so as to surround the sixth cylindrical member for an arc of circle corresponding to the path segment. Between the abutment element 77 and the peripheral edge of the sixth cylindrical member 75, there is defined a passage hollow space 78 in which the transfer seatings 76 transit.
  • the transfer unit 16 comprises a seventh cylindrical member 79 comprising at least one grasping member 80.
  • the seventh cylindrical member 79 is rotatable about a ninth axis of rotation X9, in particular, in the example shown, in the second direction of rotation R2, that is, clockwise.
  • Each grasping member 80 comprises a fixed arm 81 and a mobile arm 82.
  • the movement of the mobile arm 82 with respect to the fixed arm 81 is commanded by a cam mechanism, not shown, which alternately takes it neared to the fixed arm 81, when the grasping member 80 is holding a product 100, or distanced from the fixed arm 81 , when the grasping member 80 is not holding any product 100.
  • the seventh cylindrical member 79 comprises a fixed body 83, with respect to which the grasping members 80 are mobile, with different degrees of freedom of movement, for example three.
  • each grasping member 80 can oscillate, for example by a few degrees, with respect to the body 83, about an axis of oscillation thereof.
  • the transfer unit 16 further comprises a transport line 85 of the products 100, configured to receive the products from the seventh cylindrical member 79, in particular from the grasping members 80.
  • the transport line 85 advances the products 100 in an advance direction C, toward a subsequent processing station, for example a station for packaging the products inside a casing.
  • the transport line 85 comprises a conveyor belt 86, closed in a ring on two rollers (only one visible in the drawings), at least one of which being a motorized roller 87, to determine the advance of the conveyor belt 31 thanks to its rotation.
  • a plurality of seatings 88 are provided on the transport line 85, each configured to receive a respective product and having shape and sizes correlated to those of the products 100.
  • the seatings 33 are placed side by side to each other and are distanced by a linear pitch P, measured parallel to the advance direction C.
  • the transport line 85 comprises a plurality of transport elements 85, on which the seatings 88 are created.
  • the transport elements 34 are attached to the conveyor belt 86 in any known manner whatsoever, for example by means of attachment elements including screws or bolts.
  • the transport elements 89 are placed side by side one after the other in such a way that two consecutive seatings 88, created on two different transport elements
  • the operation of the transfer unit 16 is as follows.
  • the variation of the angular pitch has the function of facilitating the arrangement of the products on the transport line 85, and thus facilitate the subsequent packaging operations.
  • the products 100 are then released by the sixth cylindrical member to the seventh, in particular passing from the transfer seatings 76 to the grasping member 80.
  • the grasping member 80 grasps a product 100
  • the fixed arm 81 and the mobile arm 82 are neared, and after the rotation of the grasping member 80 by a certain angle with respect to the ninth axis of rotation X9, these arms 81, 82 are moved away from each other. This occurs when the grasping member 80 is placed above a respective rest seating 88, into which the product 100 falls by gravity as soon as the arms 81, 82 have been moved away from each other.
  • cylindrical member we mean a mechanical member, even complex and possibly comprising many parts and elements, which as a whole substantially has the shape of a cylinder.
  • Each cylindrical member is driven in rotation by a respective drive member, of a known type or one that will be developed in the future, for example a brushless or stepper type electric motor, not shown in the drawings, which is also controlled by the central control unit.
  • the latter commands the operation of all the drive members in a coordinated manner to guarantee that the various operating units can interact correctly with each other to produce the products 100.

Landscapes

  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
  • Perforating, Stamping-Out Or Severing By Means Other Than Cutting (AREA)

Abstract

A machine (10) for producing smoking products (100) comprises: - a first feed unit (11) configured to feed a plurality of tubular elements (102); - a coupling unit (13) configured to couple one of said tubular elements (102) to a respective protective sheet (103); - a second feed unit (14) for feeding a smokable product sheet (101); - a forming unit (15) for forming said smoking products (100) configured to receive the smokable product sheet from the second feed unit and the tubular element coupled to a respective protective sheet from the coupling unit to form a rolled smoking product.

Description

“MACHINE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SMOKING PRODUCTS”
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a machine and a method for producing products, in particular tubular-shaped products, intended to form smoking articles.
The machine of the present invention can, for example, be part of a packaging plant, in which it is provided to arrange a machine for packaging the products downstream of the machine of the present invention.
The present invention also concerns various operating units comprised in the machine. In particular, the invention concerns a unit for perforating a wrapping sheet, a coupling unit able to form a semi-finished product which comprises the wrapping sheet and is a precursor of the products to be produced, and a unit for feeding a smokable product sheet of plant origin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is known, there exist automated machines for packaging tubular products, in particular smoking articles or straws, in which there is the need to produce and package hundreds or thousands of products per minute into hermetic packagings. Some examples of machines for automatically creating products of this kind, or sub-parts thereof intended to be incorporated into such products, are described in patent applications WO 2020/194232 and DE 102015001618 Al.
With the growing success of smoking articles different from traditional cigarettes, there is the need to also automate the production of this type of products, which are currently produced mainly manually or by artisans.
Some examples of methods for the manual or artisanal production of some products of this type are described in US patent applications US 2016/366930 Al and US 2005/072439 Al.
One example of this type of product is smoking articles assembled directly by the smoker, who separately buys the filters, the shredded tobacco and the papers to be wrapped around the tobacco and the filter, to assemble everything and obtain the smoking product.
Another type of product, similar to the previous one, which is enjoying considerable commercial success in some countries provides that the papers are replaced by sheets of a vegetable product of natural origin, such as tobacco sheets for example. Compared to the wrapping paper, the tobacco sheet makes the product have a much stronger aroma and therefore significantly improves the sensory experience of the smoker.
These sheets have a significantly greater thickness than the papers. In addition, the inherent properties of the material make these sheets very delicate to handle, because they are very fragile and therefore can easily crack or brake.
For these products it is therefore not possible to supply the user with the unrolled tobacco sheets, as in the case of the papers, but they have to already be rolled because, due to their thickness and their mechanical characteristics, the smoker would not be able to roll the tobacco sheets in such a way as to give them a stable and permanent cylindrical shape. Furthermore, if this operation were left to the user, there would be breakages and cracks in the tobacco sheet.
However, by virtue of the friability of the tobacco sheets, they are made available to users packaged inside a flexible packaging, which usually contains a plurality of sheets rolled onto respective cylindrical straws and each protected by a respective wrapping sheet.
The solutions known in the state of the art provide that the arrangement of the rolled sheets of tobacco around the straws and the winding of the wrapping sheets around them occurs exclusively through manual operations, which are long and laborious and require considerable attention and care on the part of the operator.
In addition, these manual operations are also subject to a considerable waste rate of the tobacco sheets, which further reduces productivity and increases production costs.
There is therefore the need to provide a machine, and to perfect a corresponding method, for producing products, in particular tubular ones, that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.
A purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, for the automated production of smoking products, comprising a sheet of material of plant origin, in particular of tobacco. A purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, capable of rolling the tobacco sheet, which is initially in a flat configuration, without damaging or breaking the sheet itself, so as to give it the shape of a hollow cylinder, such as for example the shape of a so-called cigarillo.
A purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, for producing smoking products having a high productivity, of several hundred products per minute. A purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine, and perfect a corresponding method, which are capable of associating an internal straw for structural support and an external protective wrapping sheet with the tobacco sheet, in a reliable and precise manner.
The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.
In accordance with the above purposes, the invention concerns a machine for producing smoking products.
According to one aspect of the present invention, this machine comprises:
- a first feed unit configured to feed a plurality of tubular elements; - a coupling unit configured to receive the plurality of tubular elements from the first feed unit and to couple each of the tubular elements to a respective protective sheet;
- a second feed unit configured to feed a smokable product sheet, and
- a forming unit configured to receive the smokable product sheet from the second feed unit and the tubular element coupled to a respective protective sheet from the coupling unit, and to form a rolled smoking product by rolling the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet around the tubular element.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the first feed unit is placed upstream of the coupling unit, and the coupling unit and the second feed unit are placed upstream of the forming unit to supply the latter with, respectively, a semifinished product, formed by the association between a protective sheet and a tubular element, and the smokable product sheet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the first feed unit, the coupling unit, the second feed unit and the forming unit are configured to interact with each other without a break in continuity, in order to guarantee the correct coordinated advance of the smokable product sheet, of the tubular element and of the protective sheet. According to one aspect of the present invention, the forming unit comprises a transport member moving the smokable product sheet, the protective sheet and the tubular element along a forming path, and a forming member comprising a fixed rolling surface configured and arranged at a distance from the transport member such as to cause the rolling of the tubular element on the rolling surface and a simultaneous winding of the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet, so as to induce them to roll into a shaped tube around the tubular element.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the coupling unit, the second feed unit and the forming unit comprise suction means configured to hold by suction the smokable product sheet, the tubular element and the protective sheet. According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine further comprises a first and a second cutting devices, each provided with a respective cutting blade respectively configured to shear the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet from respective continuous strips.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the first cutting device is placed in the coupling unit and the second cutting device is placed in the second feed unit.
According to one aspect of the present invention, each of the first and second cutting devices comprises a mobile member provided with one or more cutting blades and rotatable about an axis of rotation thereof, and cooperating with a fixed member provided with a counter-blade so that the interaction of the latter with one of the blades allows to cut to format the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet, respectively.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the coupling unit comprises an attachment device configured to attach, preferably by heat-sealing, the protective sheet on the tubular element forming the semi-finished product.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the second feed unit comprises a plurality of support and transfer members and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation thereof, each of the support and transfer members is provided with a transfer element configured to grip the smokable product sheet and to rotate about another axis of rotation thereof, oriented transversely with respect to the axis of rotation of the second feed unit.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the transport member is drum shaped and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation so that the forming path is a closed circular path. The forming member further comprises a sealing element configured to secure, preferably by heat-sealing, the protective sheet so as to keep a cylindrical shape of the smoking product.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the transfer element comprises gripping members configured as suction means, for example suckers, to hold by suction the smokable product sheet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the coupling unit is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and comprises suction means configured to hold by suction the tubular element and the protective sheet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the machine further comprises a unit for perforating the protective sheet, placed upstream of the coupling unit, in order to create one or more lines of a plurality of through holes on the protective sheet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the perforating unit comprises a plurality of pointed ends which are configured to perforate the protective sheet to make the through holes, and heating means for heating the pointed ends.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the perforating unit comprises one or more perforating wheels provided with the pointed ends and an adjustment system for adjusting the position of the perforating wheels with respect to the protective sheet so as to modify a distance between an axis of rotation of the one or more perforating wheels and an abutment surface of an abutment member onto which the protective sheet slides in order to vary the depth of penetration of the pointed ends into the protective sheet.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the machine comprises a transfer unit configured to transfer the smoking products from the forming unit to a transport line provided with a plurality of seatings each configured to receive a respective smoking product.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for producing smoking products, which comprises the following steps:
- feeding a plurality of tubular elements by means of a first feed unit;
- coupling each of the tubular elements to a respective protective sheet by means of a coupling unit; - feeding a smokable product sheet by means of a second feed unit to a forming unit, and transferring the tubular elements coupled to the respective protective sheet from the coupling unit to the forming unit, and subsequently
- rolling the smokable product sheet and the protective sheet around the tubular element to form a rolled smoking product in a forming step thereof. According to one aspect of the present invention, before the step of coupling, the method comprises a step of perforating the protective sheet by means of a perforating unit which creates one or more lines of a plurality of through holes on the protective sheet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of feeding the smokable product sheet comprises placing the smokable product sheet, arranged in a flat configuration, on the protective sheet coupled to a respective tubular element.
According to one aspect of the present invention, before the step of rolling, the forming unit holds the smokable product sheet by sucking it through the plurality of through holes, which allow the suction air to act on the smokable product sheet.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the smokable product sheet is positioned above the protective sheet so that the outermost layer of the rolled smoking product is formed by the protective layer.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of coupling is carried out by attaching, preferably by heat-sealing, an end side of the protective sheet along the tubular element.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of forming comprises rolling the tubular element, held by the forming unit, on a rolling surface in order to roll the protective sheet and the smokable product sheet into a shaped tube around the tubular element.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for perforating the protective sheet, comprising a step of perforating to create one or more perforated lines on the protective sheet, each comprising a plurality of through holes, by means of one or more perforating wheels which are provided with a plurality of pointed ends which are configured to perforate the protective sheet, wherein there is also provided a step of heating the pointed ends by means of heating means, and a step of adjusting to adjust the position of the pointed ends with respect to the protective sheet so as to modify a distance between an axis of rotation of the perforating wheels and an abutment surface of an abutment member onto which the protective sheet slides in order to vary the depth of penetration of the pointed ends into the protective sheet, wherein it is provided to decrease this distance as the angular velocity of the perforating wheels increases, and to increase this distance as the angular velocity of the perforating wheels decreases.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for coupling one of the tubular elements to a portion of the protective sheet cut to size, wherein the method comprises a step of cutting the protective sheet to size by means of a first cutting device, a step of associating the tubular element with the portion of the protective sheet cut to size whereby the tubular element is placed in proximity to one side of the protective sheet, a step of holding, by suction, both the tubular element and also the portion of the protective sheet cut to size, a step of joining, by means of an attachment device equipped with heat-sealing members, the tubular element with the portion of the protective sheet cut to size so as to attach, preferably by heat-sealing, the tubular element and the portion cut to size.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for feeding a smokable product sheet by means of a feed unit, wherein the method comprises a step of cutting the smokable product sheet to size by means of a second cutting device, a step of picking up a portion of the smokable product sheet cut to size by means of gripping members of a transfer element, a step of transferring the portion wherein it is provided to modify the orientation of the portion, for example through a movement of rotation about an axis of rotation about which the transfer element rotates; wherein during the step of picking up it is provided to modify the relative speed between the feed unit and the second cutting device after at least one member comprised in the gripping members has come into contact with a first end of the portion and before at least another member comprised in the gripping members has come into contact with a second end, opposite the first end.
The machine, the units and the methods according to the present invention advantageously allow to produce tubular products comprising a smokable product sheet, a tubular element and a protective sheet in an efficient and reliable manner.
The machine and the method for producing tubular products according to the present invention advantageously allow to reach high productivity, even of several hundred tubular products per minute, for example up to 800 tubular products per minute, or even more.
The machine, the units and the methods for producing tubular products according to the present invention advantageously allow to automatically manage the movement of the smokeable product sheet, of the tubular element and of the protective sheet, joining them in a firm and stable manner. This is possible firstly thanks to the association between the tubular element and the protective sheet to obtain a semi-finished product, and subsequently thanks to the rolling step, during which the three components are rolled one on top of the other and at the end of which it is provided to stabilize the rolled shape of the product.
The machine, the units and the methods for producing tubular products according to the present invention advantageously allow to move and perform some processing steps on a smokable product sheet comprised in the tubular products, such as for example a sheet of tobacco, without damaging this sheet, which is by its nature brittle and easily broken.
The machine for producing tubular products according to the present invention is advantageously compact and allows to optimize the arrangement of the operating units in order to carry out the processing steps necessary to produce such products.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- fig. 1 is an exploded three-dimensional view of a product obtainable with the machine and the method according to the present invention;
- fig. 2 is a three-dimensional view of a semi-finished product which is the precursor of the product of fig. 1 ;
- fig. 3 is a three-dimensional view which shows the product of fig. 1 in an intermediate processing step;
- fig. 4 is a three-dimensional view of a product obtainable with the machine and the method of the present invention;
- fig. 5 is a partial and schematic front view of a machine for producing smoking products according to the present invention;
- figs. 6-8 and 10 are schematic front views, on an enlarged scale, of as many processing units comprised in the machine of fig. 5;
- fig. 6a is an enlarged detail of fig. 6;
- fig. 9 is a partial and schematic three-dimensional view of a rotating member comprised in the operating unit shown in fig. 8.
We must clarify that, in the present description, the phraseology and terminology used, such as for example the terms horizontal, vertical, lower, upper, high and low, with their declinations, have the sole function of better illustrating the present invention with reference to the attached drawings and must not be in any way used to limit the scope of the invention itself or the field of protection defined by the attached claims. For example, by the term “horizontal” we mean an axis or a plane, which can be either parallel to the line of the horizon or inclined, even by a number of degrees, for example up to 20°, with respect thereto.
Moreover, the people of skill in the art will recognize that certain sizes or characteristics in the drawings may have been enlarged, deformed or shown in an unconventional or non-proportional way, in order to give a version of the present invention that is easier to understand. When any sizes and/or values are specified in the following description, these sizes and/or values are provided for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention, unless such sizes and/or values are present in the attached claims.
To facilitate comprehension, identical reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
With reference to fig. 5, a machine 10 according to the present invention is configured to produce smoking products 100, hereafter also simply called products 100 for short.
For a better understanding of the machine 10 described below, we will first describe, with particular reference to figs. 1 -4, an example of a smoking product 100 suitable to be produced by such machine.
The product 100 comprises a sheet of a smokable product, in particular a tobacco sheet 101, a tubular element, in particular a straw 102 having a structural support function, and a protective sheet 103.
Purely by way of indication, and to better frame one of the fields of application of the present invention, each product 100 can have an external diameter comprised between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, preferably between about 4 mm and about 10 mm, and a length comprised between about 80 mm and about 200 mm. As will be clear from the following description, the tobacco sheet 101 is unwound from a reel of such material, from which the sheet is cut to size, and initially has a flat or extended configuration, with a rectangular shape.
In some embodiments provided here, the tobacco sheet 101 can comprise one or more laminar layers of tobacco overlapping with, and glued onto, each other. In some embodiments provided here, the tobacco sheet 101 can possibly comprise a layer of an aromatic substance, of synthetic or natural origin, for example deriving from a liquid in which the tobacco sheet is soaked while transiting in a container of such liquid. By way of a non-limiting example, such a substance can be given a fruity flavor, such as blueberry or cherry for example. The protective sheet 103 is also unwound from a reel, from which it is cut to size, and it initially has a rectangular shape and a flat or extended configuration. Preferably, the extension area of the protective sheet 103 is slightly larger than that of the tobacco sheet 101.
The protective sheet 103 comprises a pair of short sides 104 and 105, parallel to and opposing each other, and a pair of long sides 106 and 107, also parallel to and opposing each other. The short sides and the long sides alternate, contiguous one after the other, to form the perimeter of the rectangle.
The protective sheet 103 comprises a plurality of through holes 108. In the example given here, by way of a non-limiting example, the through holes 108 are distributed in the protective sheet 103 so as to form two perforated lines 109. The two lines 109 are parallel to each other and to the pair of long sides 106 and 107.
In other embodiments, not shown, the position and orientation of the lines 109 with respect to the sides 104, 105, 106 and 107 may be different from what shown in the drawings, being able for example to be inclined with respect to one or more sides by a predefined angle.
In other embodiments, not shown, a single perforated line 109 may be provided, or a number of lines 109 greater than or equal to three. In the example given here, each line 109 comprises three rows of through holes 108, but it is quite clear that in other embodiments a different number of rows of through holes 108 may be provided, or the holes may be arranged according to a different pattern, not being aligned in a row one after the other.
The protective sheet 103 can be made of a suitable polymeric material, for example polypropylene (PP).
The straws 102, of a cylindrical shape, can be made of a suitable plastic material, for example polypropylene, or of a cellulose-based material, such as paper or cardboard.
The machine 10 and the method according to the present invention allow to obtain the product 100 starting from a semi-finished product 110 (fig. 2), formed by joining the straw 102 and the protective sheet 103.
To this end, the product 100 comprises an attachment line 111 that extends along one end side of the protective sheet 103 to keep it stably associated with the straw
102 before the subsequent processing steps. In particular, the attachment line 111 extends in correspondence with its short side 104, which has been partly wound around the straw 102.
In other embodiments, the attachment line 111 can be replaced by a plurality of attachment points distributed along the short side 104.
The processing steps provide to roll the semi-finished product 110 as indicated by the arrows F after the tobacco sheet 101 has been placed on the protective sheet
103 (fig. 3).
At the end of the rolling step, there is a rolled product (fig. 4) with the straw 102 inside, onto which the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103 are wound together, with the first placed on the internal side and the second placed on the external side.
In the example given here, the product 100 comprises a pair of joining points 112 that allow to keep the protective sheet 103 completely and correctly rolled, so as to stabilize the final shape of the product 100. Please note that at the end of the rolling step, the short side 105 of the protective sheet 103 remains exposed in order to be easily grasped by the user. During use, the user grasps the short side 105 and unrolls the protective sheet 103, thus being able to pick up the rolled tobacco sheet 101 in order to assemble the smoking product, and at the same time throw away both the straw 102 as well as the protective sheet 103.
It is understood that, in other embodiments, the machine 10 can transfer tubular products 100 different from those described above, such as for example other types of smoking articles, e-cigarette cartridges, or suchlike. In the embodiment disclosed here, the machine 10 (fig. 5) comprises the following processing units, each of which is configured to automatically perform a corresponding processing step, as will be described in detail below: a first feed unit 11 configured to feed the straws 102, a perforating unit 12 for perforating the protective sheet 103, a coupling unit 13 able to form the semi-finished product 110, a second feed unit 14 for feeding the tobacco sheet 101, a forming unit 15 for forming the products 100 and a transfer unit 16 for transferring the products 100.
All six processing units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are mounted on a support structure 18, which is configured to be rested on a horizontal plane, for example consisting of a floor, through its own rest feet 19. All six processing units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are controlled by a central control unit, not shown, which controls and commands the operation of the drive members, such as for example engines, gearmotors or servomotors, particularly of the brushless or stepper type, in a coordinated manner, in order to set in motion the various mobile members comprised in the processing units, according to laws of motion suitable to allow the correct interaction between reciprocally cooperating bodies.
First feed unit 11 of the straws 102
The first feed unit 11 of the straws 102 comprises a storage container 20 configured to contain a plurality of straws 102, arranged in bulk. The storage container 20 can comprise an aperture, for example arranged upward, to allow an operator to refill the storage container 20 with the straws 102. In other embodiments, not shown, the feed unit 11 can comprise one or more conveyor belts, or similar transport systems, which lead the straws 102 into the storage container 20.
The first feed unit 11 comprises a first cylindrical member 21, rotatable about a first axis of rotation XI in a first direction of rotation Rl, which in the example given here is counter-clockwise. The peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member 21 is provided with a plurality of semi-cylindrical seatings 22, open toward the outside, whose longitudinal extension is arranged parallel to the first axis of rotation XI.
The semi-cylindrical seatings 22 are uniformly and angularly distanced from each other by a certain first pitch Pl, and have a transverse size that is slightly larger than the external diameter of each straw 102. The semi-cylindrical seatings 22 are configured to temporarily and individually accommodate the straws 102 coming from the storage container 20, while the first cylindrical member 21 is rotating.
The first feed unit 11 comprises a first guide member 23, secured to the support structure 18 and arranged partly around the first cylindrical member 21, with a circular development of about 100°, with the function of preventing the straws 102 temporarily positioned in the semi-cylindrical seatings 22 from coming out of the latter.
The first feed unit 11 further comprises a second cylindrical member 24, located immediately downstream of the first cylindrical member 21 with reference to the path of advance of the straws 102.
The second cylindrical member 24 is rotatable about a second axis of rotation X2 in a second direction of rotation R2, in this case clockwise, opposite to that of the first cylindrical member 21. The peripheral surface of the second cylindrical member 24, which is substantially tangent to the peripheral surface of the first cylindrical member 21 and is shaped so as to define a plurality of seatings 25, which are parallel to the second axis of rotation X2 and angularly distanced from each other by a certain second pitch P2, which is greater than the first pitch Pl. Each seating 25 is configured to temporarily accommodate a straw 102 coming from the first cylindrical member 21, while the second cylindrical member 24 is rotating.
The second cylindrical member 24 has the function of increasing the angular distance between the straws 102, so that they can be processed more easily in the other processing units placed downstream with reference to the path of advance of the straws, that is, in the coupling unit 13 and in the forming unit 15, in which the distance between the straws 102, in the angular direction, remains the same (second pitch P2).
The greater angular distancing of the straws 102 is obtained by commanding the second cylindrical member 24 so that it rotates at a second peripheral speed V2 higher than the first peripheral speed VI of the first cylindrical member 21, in the proportion V2:V1 = P2:P1.
The first feed unit 11 comprises a second guide member 26, secured to the support structure 18 and arranged partly around the second cylindrical member 24, with a circular development of about 180°, with the function of preventing the straws 102 temporarily positioned in the seatings 25 from coming out of the latter.
The first and second guide members 23, 26 are arranged angularly around the first and second cylindrical members 21, 24 so as to allow the straws 102 to pass between them, and also allow both the arrival of the straws 102 from the storage container 20 to the first cylindrical member 21, and also the exit of the straws 102 from the second cylindrical member 24 toward the member placed downstream thereof.
Perforating unit 12 of the protective sheet 103
The perforating unit 12, better visible in fig. 6, is configured to create the through holes 108 on the protective sheet 103, which is unwound from a reel A. In the path between the reel A and the perforating unit 12, as well as in the path between the latter and the subsequent processing unit placed downstream, with reference to the path of the protective sheet 103, there is provided a plurality of tensioning rollers 17, of a known type, configured to keep the protective sheet 103 extended with an appropriate tension during its advance.
The perforating unit 12 comprises a plurality of pointed ends 31. The shape and size of the pointed ends 31 are correlated to the shape and size of the through holes 108 to be made.
The perforating unit 12 comprises one or more perforating wheels 30 provided with the pointed ends 31 , which are in particular distributed along the external circular edge of the wheels, according to a distribution having a uniform angular pitch. In the example shown, three perforating wheels 30 are provided, all coaxial with respect to the same axis and rotating about the same axis of rotation, which in the context of the machine 10 is indicated as the third axis of rotation X3. In this example, in which the protective sheet 103 advances in the direction indicated by the arrow Fl (from left to right), the perforating wheels 30 rotate about the third axis of rotation X3 in the first direction of rotation R1 , that is, counter-clockwise.
The perforating wheels 30 are angularly offset with respect to each other, with respect to the third axis of rotation X3, so that the pointed ends 31 of one wheel are arranged slightly offset in an angular direction with respect to the pointed ends 31 of the other wheels.
The three perforating wheels 30 can be driven by a same motor, for example an electric motor, or each of them can have its own independent drive.
The perforating unit 12 comprises heating means 32, schematized in fig. 6 with a dashed rectangle, and comprising heating members of a type known in the art, such as electrical resistors for example.
The perforating unit 12 further comprises an abutment member 33 provided with an abutment surface 34 onto which the protective sheet 103 slides while the pointed ends 31 create the through holes 108. The abutment surface 34 comprises one or more elongated slots or slits (not shown), specifically one for each perforating wheel, to allow the passage of the pointed ends 31 without them interfering with the abutment member 33.
The perforating unit 12 comprises an adjustment system 35 for adjusting the position of the perforating wheels 30 with respect to the protective sheet 103. In particular, the adjustment system 35, which can comprise a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic system, or a combination thereof, is a system known in the art that allows to modify the distance D between the third axis of rotation X3 and the abutment surface 34. By doing so, it is possible to vary the depth of the penetration of the pointed ends 31 into the protective sheet 103.
The perforating method actuated by the perforating unit 12 to create the through holes 108 comprises the following steps:
- heating the perforating wheels 30 by means of the heating means 32;
- rotating the perforating wheels 30 about the third axis of rotation X3 with a desired angular speed correlated to the speed of advance of the protective sheet 103;
- slide the protective sheet 103 onto the abutment surface 34, so that during the rotation of the perforating wheels 30 the pointed ends 31 penetrate through the protective sheet 103 in order to create the through holes 108. Given the intrinsic nature of the plastic material, for example polypropylene, of which the protective sheet 103 is made, it has been verified that it is necessary to control the time and depth of penetration of the pointed ends 31 in order to create through holes 108 which are stable over time, and prevent them from closing immediately after the perforation step. To this end, it is provided that a control unit commands, in a coordinated manner, the adjustment system 35 and the motor that makes the perforating wheels 30 rotate. In particular, the control unit commands the adjustment system 35 to decrease the distance D (that is, to lower the position of the third axis of rotation X3) as the angular speed of the perforating wheels 30 increases. Conversely, the control unit commands the adjustment system 35 to increase the distance D (that is, to raise the position of the third axis of rotation X3) as the angular speed of the perforating wheels 30 decreases.
In the event that the perforating unit 12 is integrated into the machine 10, the control unit can be the one that controls the machine as a whole, mentioned above. Coupling unit 13 for coupling the straws 102 to the protective sheet 103
The coupling unit 13, better visible in fig. 7, is configured to stably couple the straws 102 arriving from the second cylindrical member 24 to the protective sheets 103 arriving from the perforating unit 12.
The coupling unit 13 allows both to cut the protective sheets 103 to format, and also to associate each of these sheets, after it has been separated from the continuous strip unwound from the reel A, with a respective straw 102.
The coupling unit 13 comprises a first cutting device 40, comprising a mobile member 41 and a fixed member 42 cooperating with each other.
The first cutting device 40 comprises a body 43 in which a seating 44 is made in which the mobile member 41 is mounted. In the example given here, the mobile member 41 is shaped as a cylindrical roller rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation X4.
The fixed member 42 is secured to the body 43 in a position adjacent to the seating 44, so as to be facing the mobile member 41.
The mobile member 41 comprises one or more cutting blades 45 and one or more means for holding the protective sheet 103 against the mobile member 41.
In general, there is provided a number of cutting blades 45 corresponding to the number of the holding means, so that each of these means can hold the sheet after it has been cut to size by the respective blade.
In the example shown, three cutting blades 45 are provided, arranged angularly offset at 120° from each other, and placed on the peripheral edge of the roller.
The holding means are configured as a suction system comprising three groups of suction channels 46. Each group of suction channels 46 comprises three channels flowing onto the lateral surface of the roller on which the protective sheet 103 adheres. All three channels are connected to a single feed collector 47, in turn connected to a source of air (not shown) at a pressure lower than atmospheric.
The first cutting device 40 also comprises a counter-blade 48, positioned on the fixed member 42. During the rotation of the mobile member 41 about the fourth axis of rotation X4, when a cutting blade 45 transits in front of the counter-blade
48, the cooperation between these blades 45, 48 determines the cutting to format of the protective sheet 103 that travels through a hollow space for passage between the blades.
The coupling unit 13 comprises a third cylindrical member 49, rotating about a fifth axis of rotation X5 in a direction which, in the example shown here, corresponds to the first direction of rotation R1.
The third cylindrical member 49 comprises a plurality of housings 50, nine in the example shown, made on the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member
49. Each of these housings 50 has sizes correlated to those of the straws 102, being configured to receive a respective straw.
The third cylindrical member 49 comprises a plurality of first suction ducts 51, each connected to a source of pressurized air, lower than atmospheric pressure, to hold the straw 102 inside the respective housing 50. To this end, each of the first suction ducts 51 flows into a respective housing 50. In the example shown, nine first suction ducts 51 are provided, but in general their number is equal to that of the housings 50.
The third cylindrical member 49 further comprises a plurality of second suction ducts 52 and a plurality of third suction ducts 53, also all connected to a source of pressurized air, lower than atmospheric pressure. The arrangement of the second suction ducts 52 and of the third suction ducts 53 is such that they flow out in proximity to the pair of short sides 104, 105 of the protective sheet 103. For example, the second suction ducts 52 can flow onto the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 49 in the position in which the short side 104 is located, and the third suction ducts 53 can flow onto the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 49 in the position in which the short side 105 is located, or vice versa. The coupling unit 13 further comprises an attachment device 54, which can comprise suitable heat-sealing members, schematized with dashed rectangles in fig. 7, which heat the semi-finished product 110 to a temperature sufficient to guarantee a localized melting of the plastic materials with which both the straws 102 and also the protective sheet 103 are made, in order to create the attachment line 111 and thus ensure a firm bond between them that is also stable over time.
The operation of the coupling unit 13 is as follows.
The second cylindrical member 24 delivers a straw 102 inside a housing 50 of the third cylindrical member 49 in correspondence with a receiving position PR. The rotation of the third cylindrical member 49 about the fifth axis of rotation X5 takes the housing 50, inside which the straw 102 is present, in correspondence with a coupling position PA. A protective sheet 103 also arrives here, after having been cut to format by the first cutting device 40, in the manner described above. The relative rotation between the mobile member 41 of the first cutting device 40 and the third cylindrical member 49 arranges the protective sheet 103 so that the short side 104 is positioned above the straw 102. The rotation of the third cylindrical member 49 about the fifth axis of rotation X5 then takes the straw 102 and the corresponding protective sheet 103 overlapping therewith to reach a sealing position PS, in which the semi-finished product 110 is formed thanks to the action of the attachment device 54 that creates the attachment line 111 to join the straw 102 to the protective sheet 103 by heat-sealing.
We must clarify that the suction ducts 51, 52 and 53 are activated at least between the receiving position PR and the sealing position PS, in order to keep both the straw 102 as well as the protective sheet 103 in their respective positions to make sure that the sheet remains well extended against the peripheral surface of the third cylindrical member 49.
Between the receiving position PR and the coupling position PA it can be provided that a guide member faces the third cylindrical member 49 with the function of preventing the unwanted escape of the straws. In the example shown, this guide member is the same second guide member 26 described above in the context of the feed unit 11 , suitably shaped to also extend in proximity to the third cylindrical member 49.
Second feed unit 14 of the tobacco sheet 101 The second feed unit 14, best visible in figs. 8 and 9, is configured to feed the tobacco sheets 101.
In particular, the unit 14 allows both to cut the tobacco sheets 101 to size and also to transfer each of these sheets, after it has been suitably oriented, toward another processing unit placed downstream, with reference to the tobacco’s path of advance.
The unit 14 comprises a second cutting device 40’ for cutting the tobacco sheets 101 to size, separating them from the flat strip of tobacco unwound from a respective reel B (fig. 2).
In the example given here, the second cutting device 40’ is analogous to the first cutting device 40 indicated with reference number 40, visible in fig. 7 and described with reference to the coupling unit 13.
For this reason, the same components already described previously will be identified with the same reference numbers, unless specified otherwise, and the description of the cutting device 40 will not be repeated here for reasons of brevity. Compared to the cutting device 40 described above, the cutting device visible in fig. 8 comprises only two cutting blades, in this case indicated with reference number 45’ and arranged angularly offset with respect to each other by about 180°, with reference to the fourth axis of rotation X4. Given the brittle and delicate nature of tobacco, each cutting blade 45’ is preceded and followed by a group of suction channels 46, each group comprising three suction channels for example.
The second feed unit 14 comprises a fourth cylindrical member 60, rotatable about a sixth axis of rotation X6, in particular in the first direction of rotation R1 in the example given here. The fourth cylindrical member 60 comprises a plurality of support and transfer members 61, in particular six support and transfer members in the example shown. The support and transfer members 61 are preferably angularly equidistant from each other with reference to the sixth axis of rotation X6. Each support and transfer member 61 comprises a transfer member 62 configured to grip the cut-to-size tobacco sheet 101, temporarily hold it while the fourth cylindrical member 60 rotates by a certain angle about the sixth axis of rotation X6, and thereby transfer it toward the forming unit 15.
The transfer element 62 comprises a plurality of gripping members 63 of the tobacco sheet 101. In the example given here, the gripping members 63 are configured as suckers, connected to a suitable suction system, not shown. Four suckers can be provided, grouped into two pairs, wherein each pair of suckers is arranged in a position such as to be able to hold the tobacco sheet 101 in proximity to a respective end thereof. Each support and transfer member 61 comprises a movement device, schematized with a dashed rectangle in fig. 8 and indicated with reference number 64. The movement device 64 is configured to make the transfer element 62 rotate about another axis of rotation RR thereof, oriented in a transverse direction, in particular radial, with reference to the sixth axis of rotation X6. By way of a non-limiting example, the movement device 64 can comprise one or more mechanical members, such as cam mechanisms or gear mechanisms for example, or an electric motor or even another type of actuator known in the art, for example a hydraulic, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, or combinations of all the components listed above. In one embodiment, a further degree of freedom of movement of the support and transfer members 61 can be provided, because the latter can rotate, for example by a few degrees, about another axis of rotation RP thereof. The latter is parallel to the sixth axis of rotation X6 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation RR of the transfer element 62 connected to the same support and transfer member 61. The operation of the unit 14 is described below.
The flat and continuous tobacco sheet unwound from the reel B reaches the second cutting device 40’, in which it is cut to size thanks to the interaction between the blade 45’ (on the mobile member 41) and the fixed counter-blade 48, to obtain the singularized tobacco sheets 101. The suction channels 46 keep these tobacco sheets 101 adhering on the mobile member 41 until the sheet is released to the gripping members 63 of the transfer element 62.
In some embodiments, it can be provided to vary the rotational speed of the mobile member 41 and/or of the fourth cylindrical member 60 so as to modify the relative movement between them. This speed variation occurs after the first pair of gripping members 63 has come into contact with one end of the tobacco sheet 101 , until the moment in which the other pair of gripping members 63 also comes into contact with the other end of the tobacco sheet 101. This dynamic adjustment of the speed of the mobile member 41 and/or of the fourth cylindrical member 60 allows to guarantee that the tobacco sheet 101 is well extended when it is gripped by the transfer element 62.
After this, the rotation of the fourth cylindrical member 60 about the sixth axis of rotation X6, for example by an angle slightly smaller than 180°, takes the transfer elements 62 to interact, in succession one after the other, with the forming unit 15, to which they release the tobacco sheet 101.
During this rotation, the movement device 64 makes each transfer element 62 rotate by about 90° about its other axis of rotation RR. Thanks to this, it is possible to modify the orientation of the tobacco sheet 101 in such a way that it is delivered to the next forming unit 15 with an orientation that is perpendicular with respect to the orientation according to which the tobacco sheet 101 passes from the cutting device 40’ to the fourth cylindrical member 60.
Forming unit 15 of the products 100
The forming unit 15, best visible in the enlargement of fig. 10, comprises a transport member, shaped as a cylindrical member, which is indicated with reference number 65 and also called, in the present description, fifth cylindrical member.
The transport member is rotatable about an axis of rotation X7, called seventh axis of rotation in the present description. In the example shown, the fifth cylindrical member 65 rotates in the second direction of rotation R2, that is, clockwise.
The fifth cylindrical member 65 comprises a first group of suction channels 66 and a second group of suction channels 67, all flowing onto the lateral surface of the fifth cylindrical member 65.
The arrangement of these channels is alternated so that one channel of the first group is followed, at a reduced angular distance, by one channel of the second group, then again by one channel of the first group, and so on. The first group of suction channels 66 is configured to hold the straws 102 by suction, while the second group of suction channels 67 is configured to hold both the protective sheet 103 and also the tobacco sheet 101 by suction, in the manner explained in more detail below with reference to the operation of the forming unit 15. The forming unit 15 further comprises a forming member 68 of the products 100.
The forming member 68 is placed in proximity to the fifth cylindrical member 65, in an angular position such as to be adjacent to the operating unit placed immediately downstream, with reference to the flow of the products 100, that is - in this specific example - to the transfer unit 16.
The forming member 68 comprises a heating element, schematized with a dashed rectangle indicated with reference number 69 in fig. 10, for example configured as an electrical resistance or other suitable equivalent heating member capable of reaching the required temperatures. The forming member 68 further comprises a rolling surface 70 facing the lateral surface of the fifth cylindrical member 65.
Preferably, the rolling surface 70 is shaped and develops according to a concave profile, having a concavity correlated to the shape and/or sizes of the fifth cylindrical member 65, in particular its diameter, as a function of which the curvature gradient of its lateral surface changes.
In one embodiment, the position of the forming member 68 with respect to the fifth cylindrical member 65 is adjustable in a step of setting up the machine. For example, the forming member 68 is mobile toward or away from the fifth cylindrical member 65 along a radial directrix, with respect to the seventh axis of rotation X7, in which it is driven in movement by a suitable actuator, not shown, for example an electric motor or a cylinder-piston assembly of the hydraulic or pneumatic type. The adjustment of the position of the forming member 68 advantageously allows both to be able to perform maintenance operations on the forming unit 15 more easily, and also to adjust the hollow space through which the products 100 pass during the forming step, as a function of the size (in particular, the diameter) of the products themselves.
The operation of the forming unit 15 is as follows. In a first operating position Al, the fifth cylindrical member 65 receives the semi-fmished product 110 from the coupling unit 13. In particular, in the first operating position Al the semi-finished product 110 passes from the third cylindrical member 49 to the fifth cylindrical member 65 in a position whereby the straw 102 is placed in correspondence with a suction channel of the first group of suction channels 66.
As the fifth cylindrical member 65 continues its rotation about the seventh axis of rotation X7, it reaches a second operating position A2, in which the fifth cylindrical member 65 receives a tobacco sheet 101 from the second feed unit 14. In particular, in the second operating position A2 the tobacco sheet 101 passes from the transfer element 62 to the fifth cylindrical member 65.
The tobacco sheet 101 is arranged, in an extended configuration, on the protective sheet 103, which is therefore interposed between the tobacco sheet 101 and the lateral surface of the fifth cylindrical member 65.
Since the tobacco sheet 101 is not in direct contact with the fifth cylindrical member 65, it can be held, by suction, thanks to the presence on the protective sheet 103 of the line 109, that is, of the through holes 108, which allow the flow of suction air to pass through the protective sheet 103 and reach the tobacco sheet 101.
Continuing in its rotation around the seventh axis of rotation X7, the fifth cylindrical member 65 reaches a third operating position A3, of rolling start, and subsequently a fourth operating position A4, of rolling end, in correspondence with which the forming of the product 100 is completed and the product 100 is released to the transfer unit 16.
Between the third and fourth operating positions A3 and A4, the cooperation between the rolling surface 70, which acts as a fixed contrast element, and the fifth cylindrical member 65, rotating about the seventh axis of rotation X7, determines the rolling of the straw 102 in the direction indicated by the arrow F2. In this way, the product 100 is obtained thanks to the rolling of the tobacco sheet 101 and the protective sheet 103, overlapping with each other with the tobacco sheet 101 placed above the protective sheet 103, around the straw 102.
During the rolling of the product 100, the heating element 69 allows to reciprocally heat-seal one or more portions of the protective sheet 103, creating the joining points 112, so as to stabilize the rolled shape of the product 100.
In one embodiment, the forming member 68 is mobile toward or away from the fifth cylindrical member 65, both for the purpose of adjusting the distance between them, and also when it is necessary to perform scheduled or extraordinary maintenance operations.
Transfer unit 16 of the products 100
The transfer unit 16 (fig. 5) comprises a sixth cylindrical member 75 which is rotatable about an eighth axis of rotation X8, in particular, in the example shown, in the first direction of rotation Rl, that is, counter-clockwise.
The sixth cylindrical member 75 comprises a plurality of transfer seatings 76 for the products 100, wherein each product 100 is received in a respective transfer seating 76. Preferably, the transfer seatings 76 are arranged on a peripheral edge of the sixth cylindrical member 75 and are angularly equidistant from each other by a same center angle, measured with reference to the eighth axis of rotation X8.
In the path segment in which the products 100 are received in the transfer seatings 76, an abutment element 77 can be provided. The abutment element 77 is shaped so as to surround the sixth cylindrical member for an arc of circle corresponding to the path segment. Between the abutment element 77 and the peripheral edge of the sixth cylindrical member 75, there is defined a passage hollow space 78 in which the transfer seatings 76 transit.
The transfer unit 16 comprises a seventh cylindrical member 79 comprising at least one grasping member 80. In the example shown, six grasping members are provided, angularly equidistant from each other, but it is clear that a higher or lower number of them can also be provided. The seventh cylindrical member 79 is rotatable about a ninth axis of rotation X9, in particular, in the example shown, in the second direction of rotation R2, that is, clockwise.
Each grasping member 80 comprises a fixed arm 81 and a mobile arm 82. The movement of the mobile arm 82 with respect to the fixed arm 81 is commanded by a cam mechanism, not shown, which alternately takes it neared to the fixed arm 81, when the grasping member 80 is holding a product 100, or distanced from the fixed arm 81 , when the grasping member 80 is not holding any product 100.
The seventh cylindrical member 79 comprises a fixed body 83, with respect to which the grasping members 80 are mobile, with different degrees of freedom of movement, for example three. In addition to being able to travel in the two- dimensional plane, each grasping member 80 can oscillate, for example by a few degrees, with respect to the body 83, about an axis of oscillation thereof.
The transfer unit 16 further comprises a transport line 85 of the products 100, configured to receive the products from the seventh cylindrical member 79, in particular from the grasping members 80. In the example given here, the transport line 85 advances the products 100 in an advance direction C, toward a subsequent processing station, for example a station for packaging the products inside a casing.
The transport line 85 comprises a conveyor belt 86, closed in a ring on two rollers (only one visible in the drawings), at least one of which being a motorized roller 87, to determine the advance of the conveyor belt 31 thanks to its rotation.
A plurality of seatings 88 are provided on the transport line 85, each configured to receive a respective product and having shape and sizes correlated to those of the products 100. The seatings 33 are placed side by side to each other and are distanced by a linear pitch P, measured parallel to the advance direction C. In the example given here, the transport line 85 comprises a plurality of transport elements 85, on which the seatings 88 are created. The transport elements 34 are attached to the conveyor belt 86 in any known manner whatsoever, for example by means of attachment elements including screws or bolts.
The transport elements 89 are placed side by side one after the other in such a way that two consecutive seatings 88, created on two different transport elements
34 placed side by side, remain distanced from each other by the linear pitch P.
The operation of the transfer unit 16 is as follows.
The sixth cylindrical member 75 receives the products 100 from the forming unit 15. Each product is received in a respective transfer seating 76 and held in position thanks to the presence of the abutment element 77 during the transit in the passage hollow space 78. The sixth cylindrical member 75 has the function of modifying the operating pitch between two consecutive products 100, between the operating units placed upstream of it and the seventh cylindrical member 79 placed downstream. In the example given here, two consecutive products 100 are distanced from each other by a first angular pitch, for example equal to 40°, in correspondence with the operating units 12, 13, 14 and 15, while they are distanced from each other by a second angular pitch, typically greater than the first angular pitch, for example equal to 60°, in correspondence with the seventh cylindrical member 79.
The variation of the angular pitch has the function of facilitating the arrangement of the products on the transport line 85, and thus facilitate the subsequent packaging operations. The products 100 are then released by the sixth cylindrical member to the seventh, in particular passing from the transfer seatings 76 to the grasping member 80. When the latter grasps a product 100, the fixed arm 81 and the mobile arm 82 are neared, and after the rotation of the grasping member 80 by a certain angle with respect to the ninth axis of rotation X9, these arms 81, 82 are moved away from each other. This occurs when the grasping member 80 is placed above a respective rest seating 88, into which the product 100 falls by gravity as soon as the arms 81, 82 have been moved away from each other.
We must clarify that the individual operating units 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 described above within the context of the machine 10 can also be provided independently of each other, and be installed in lines or plants or operating contexts different from the ones described above. Each of these can therefore be protected autonomously and independently.
With reference to the embodiment described above, we must clarify that by the term “cylindrical member” we mean a mechanical member, even complex and possibly comprising many parts and elements, which as a whole substantially has the shape of a cylinder.
Each cylindrical member is driven in rotation by a respective drive member, of a known type or one that will be developed in the future, for example a brushless or stepper type electric motor, not shown in the drawings, which is also controlled by the central control unit. The latter commands the operation of all the drive members in a coordinated manner to guarantee that the various operating units can interact correctly with each other to produce the products 100.
Finally, we must clarify that all the axes of rotation XI, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, X9 of the cylindrical members 21, 24, 49, 60, 65, 75, 79, as well as of the perforating wheels 30 and of the mobile cutting member 41, are all substantially parallel to each other.
It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the machine, units and methods as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.
For example, if the nature of the materials with which the straw 102 and the protective sheet 103 are made allowed it, these components could be attached to each other by gluing and not by heat-sealing, as previously described. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of machines, units and methods, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby. In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Machine (10) for producing smoking products (100), said machine comprising:
- a first feed unit (11) configured to feed a plurality of tubular elements (102);
- a coupling unit (13) configured to receive said plurality of tubular elements (102) from said first feed unit (11) and to couple each of said tubular elements (102) to a respective protective sheet (103); said machine being characterized by further comprising:
- a second feed unit (14) configured to feed a smokable product sheet (101), and
- a forming unit (15) configured to receive said smokable product sheet (101) from said second feed unit (14) and said tubular element (102) coupled to a respective protective sheet (103) from said coupling unit (13), and to form a rolled smoking product (100) by rolling said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) around said tubular element (102).
2. Machine (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that said forming unit (15) comprises a transport member (65) moving said smokable product sheet (101), said protective sheet (103) and said tubular element (102) along a forming path, and a forming member (68) comprising a fixed rolling surface (70) configured and arranged at a distance from said transport member (65) such as to cause the rolling of said tubular element (102) on said rolling surface (70) and a simultaneous winding of said protective sheet (103) and said smokable product sheet (101), so as to induce them to roll into a shaped tube around the tubular element (102).
3. Machine as in claim 2, characterized in that said transport member (65) is drum shaped and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (X7) so that the forming path is a closed circular path, and in that said forming member (68) further comprises a sealing element (69) configured to secure, preferably by heatsealing, said protective sheet (103) so as to keep a cylindrical shape of said smoking product (100).
4. Machine (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said forming unit (15) comprises suction means (66, 67) configured to hold by suction said smokable product sheet (101), said tubular element ( 102) and said protective sheet
(103).
5. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized by further comprising a first (40) and a second (40’) cutting devices each provided with a respective cutting blade (45, 45 ’) respectively configured to shear said protective sheet (103) and said smokable product sheet (101) from respective continuous strips.
6. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said coupling unit (13) comprises an attachment device (54) configured to attach, preferably by heat- sealing, said protective sheet (103) on said tubular element (102) forming a semifinished product (110). 7. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said second feed unit (14) comprises a plurality of support and transfer members (61) and is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (X6), each of said support and transfer members (61) being equipped with a transfer element (62) configured to grip said smokable product sheet (101) and to rotate about another axis of rotation (RR), oriented transversely with respect to the axis of rotation (X6) of the second feed unit (14).
8. Machine as in claim 7, characterized in that said transfer element (62) comprises gripping members (63) configured as suction means to hold by suction said smokable product sheet (101).
9. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said coupling unit (13) is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (X5), and comprises suction means (46, 47) configured to hold by suction said tubular element (102) and said protective sheet (103).
10. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized by further comprising a perforating unit (12) placed upstream of said coupling unit (13) and configured to perforate said protective sheet (103), in order to create one or more lines (109) of a plurality of through holes (108) on said protective sheet (103). 11. Machine as in claim 10, characterized in that said perforating unit (12) comprises a plurality of pointed ends (31) which are configured to perforate said protective sheet (103) to make said through holes (108), and heating means (32) for heating said pointed ends (31).
12. Machine as in claim 11, characterized in that said perforating unit (12) comprises one or more perforating wheels (30) provided with said pointed ends (31) and an adjustment system (35) for adjusting the position of said perforating wheels (30) with respect to said protective sheet (103) so as to modify a distance (D) between an axis of rotation (X3) of said one or more perforating wheels (30) and an abutment surface (34) onto which said protective sheet (103) slides, thereby varying the depth of penetration of said pointed ends (31) into said protective sheet (103).
13. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a transfer unit (16) configured to transfer said smoking products (100) from said forming unit (15) to a transport line (85) provided with a plurality of seatings (88) each configured to receive a respective smoking product (100).
14. Method for producing smoking products (100), wherein the method comprises the steps of: - feeding a plurality of tubular elements (102) by means of a first feed unit (11);
- coupling each of said tubular elements (102) to a respective protective sheet (103) by means of a coupling unit (13); the method being characterized by further comprising the steps of:
- feeding a smokable product sheet (101) by means of a second feed unit (14) to a forming unit (15), and transferring said tubular elements (102) coupled to the respective protective sheet (103) from said coupling unit (13) to said forming unit (15), and subsequently
- rolling said smokable product sheet (101) and said protective sheet (103) around said tubular element (102) to form a rolled smoking product (100) in a forming step thereof.
15. Method as in claim 14, characterized in that before said step of coupling, it comprises a step of perforating said protective sheet (103) by means of a perforating unit (12) which creates one or more lines (109) of a plurality of through holes (108) on said protective sheet (103). 16. Method as in claim 15, characterized in that said step of feeding said smokable product sheet (101) comprises arranging said smokable product sheet (101), in a flat configuration, on said protective sheet (103) coupled to a respective tubular element (102), and in that before said step of rolling, said forming unit (15) holds said smokable product sheet (101) by sucking the smokable product sheet (101) through said plurality of through holes (108), which allow the suction air to act on the smokable product sheet (101).
17. Method as in any claim 14 - 16, characterized in that said smokable product sheet (101) is positioned above said protective sheet (103) so that the outermost layer of said rolled smoking product (100) is formed by said protective sheet (103).
18. Method as in any claim 14 - 17, characterized in that said step of coupling is carried out by attaching, preferably by heat-sealing, an end side of said protective sheet (103) along said tubular element (102). 19. Method as in any claim 14 - 18, characterized in that said step of forming comprises rolling said tubular element (102), held by said forming unit (15), on a rolling surface (70) in order to roll said protective sheet (103) and said smokable product sheet (101) into a shaped tube around the tubular element (102).
EP24721773.0A 2023-03-21 2024-03-15 Machine and method for producing smoking products Pending EP4683529A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102023000005250A IT202300005250A1 (en) 2023-03-21 2023-03-21 MACHINE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TUBULAR PRODUCTS
PCT/IT2024/050055 WO2024194905A1 (en) 2023-03-21 2024-03-15 Machine and method for producing smoking products

Publications (1)

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EP4683529A1 true EP4683529A1 (en) 2026-01-28

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EP24721773.0A Pending EP4683529A1 (en) 2023-03-21 2024-03-15 Machine and method for producing smoking products

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EP (1) EP4683529A1 (en)
DO (1) DOP2025000225A (en)
IT (1) IT202300005250A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2025011108A (en)
WO (1) WO2024194905A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050072439A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-04-07 Darwish Ahmad Mohammad Cigar tobacco paper and a method for packaging the same
DE102015001618A1 (en) * 2015-02-09 2016-08-11 Ralf Stöcker Method and device for producing a rod-shaped article made of vegetable foil
US10111460B2 (en) * 2015-06-19 2018-10-30 Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc. Method and apparatus for custom rolling a smokable product
IT201900004557A1 (en) * 2019-03-27 2020-09-27 Gd Spa METHOD AND MACHINE FOR THE REALIZATION OF A SUB-UNIT OF A SMOKING ARTICLE

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WO2024194905A1 (en) 2024-09-26
IT202300005250A1 (en) 2024-09-21
MX2025011108A (en) 2025-10-01
DOP2025000225A (en) 2025-12-15

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