ITBO20110390A1 - MACHINE FOR CIGAR PRODUCTION - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

"MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CIGARS"

The present invention relates to a machine for producing cigars. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for the production of cigars of the Toscano <®> type and having a bitroncoconical or cylindrical shape.

The present invention also relates to a method for feeding bands, a method for dosing fiber, a band made from a tobacco leaf and a cigar comprising this band.

It is known to make a Toscano <®> type cigar by wrapping filling material inside a band obtained by die-cutting from a tobacco leaf. It is noted that the filling material is generally indicated with the term "filler" and comprises (in particular it consists of) a mixture of tobacco fiber particles. Sometimes, the filler can be treated with flavoring substances.

It is known to use a machine for the production of cigars comprising: a feeding system of bands, a system for dosing doses of filler and a system for rolling each dose of filler inside a respective band so as to form a cigar . A known machine also comprises a system for transferring each strip from the feeding system to the rolling system, a gluing system suitable for applying a certain trace of glue above the strip before being rolled around the respective filler. , and a system for transferring each dose of filler from the dosing system to the rolling system.

A machine for the production of cigars of the known type has several drawbacks among which we mention: quality of cigars produced not always high and often uneven, relatively low yields (for example due to a high number of rejects and a low production speed) , use of high quantities of raw material (mainly to compensate for the poor precision of the production systems).

To feed the tobacco bands to the machine, it is known to use a reel comprising a tape on which a plurality of bands aligned and spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the tape are applied. In this regard, it is noted that in the band feeding system there is an intrinsic occurrence of translation or rotation errors of the bands with respect to the optimal position, mainly due to the materials (for example the belt is made of extensible cloth), to the positioning (semi-automatic or manual) of the bands, to the punching of the tobacco leaf into bands and to the winding of the tape in reel.

The bands are then transferred to the rolling station in non-optimal positions and / or orientations.

Generally, for a reel the number of bands arranged incorrectly is high; this affects the quality of the cigars produced and the size of the bands themselves, which are oversized in order to compensate for any incorrect positioning and therefore reduce the number of cigars to be discarded.

To singularize the filler starting from a charge of fibrous material, it is known to use a metering device in which the tobacco fiber is inserted inside a compacting chamber of standard dimensions. Inside the compacting chamber it is known to arrange a presser which compresses the tobacco fiber at a constant pressure, then a portion of the compressed tobacco fiber is separated from the remaining part according to a predefined volume so as to form the single filler portion.

A device of this type has the disadvantage of producing, under the action of the presser, a progressive comminution of the fibers of the filler which are not used immediately for the formation of the filler and, therefore, remain for an indeterminate number of cycles within the compaction chamber. Consequently, the known type dosing system allows to produce filler portions with constant volume but with different apparent density and not determinable a priori. This affects the quality of the cigars produced, as the draw capacity of each cigar varies as the bulk density of the respective filler varies.

It is known to inject flavoring substances into completed cigars; however, this process is slow, a uniform distribution of the aroma within the cigar itself is not obtained, it is not possible to insert solid flavoring substances such as microcapsules or granules, the draft of the cigar itself can be compromised.

It is also known to treat the tobacco fiber particles with flavoring substances upstream of the metering system; however, the volatilization of the flavoring substance is high causing a strong dispersion of the flavoring substance itself applied to the tobacco fiber particles. Furthermore, the flavoring substance generally appears as a sticky material that dirties the machine requiring frequent maintenance interventions.

The gluing system of a known type of machine is adapted to apply a trace of glue above the band itself so as to guarantee the adhesion of the envelope obtained by wrapping the band around the filler.

In a known type of gluing system, the trace of glue engages a significant percentage of the band, resulting in an inevitable alteration of the flavor of the cigar as well as a significant use of adhesive material.

In a known type of machine, the rolling system comprises: a rolling plate having a flat working surface, a roller movable in a direction of travel substantially parallel to the flat working surface, a winding cloth stretched at least in part on the surface work surface and able to house a band in a first position and a second position for the filling material, a roller actuation system and a manipulation device integral with a free end of the fabric itself. In particular, the handling device is adapted to keep the fabric under tension during the rolling step. A known type of rolling system has the drawback that the manipulation device is complicated to manufacture and does not lend itself to the realization of trajectories not previously foreseen in the design phase. Therefore, a handling device of the type described above has the disadvantage of not being able to readily adapt to the different possible shapes assumed by the roller during the rolling phase, with the consequent risk of wrinkling in the canvas, which can lead to the production of cigars. flawed and, therefore, to be discarded.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a machine for producing cigars, a method for feeding bands, a method for dosing tobacco fiber, a method for applying a flavoring substance to the tobacco fiber, a band made by means of tobacco leaf and a cigar comprising this band, which allow to overcome, at least partially, the drawbacks of the state of the art and are possibly easy and cheap to make.

According to the present invention, a machine for the production of cigars, a method for feeding bands, a method for dosing fiber, a band made by means of a tobacco leaf and a cigar comprising this band according to what is disclosed in the independent claims are provided. attached and, preferably, in the claims dependent on them.

The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate a non-limiting example of embodiment, in which:

- figure 1 is a schematic and plan view, with parts removed for clarity, of a machine for the production of cigars according to the present invention in a first operative configuration;

Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 and illustrates the machine in a second operating configuration;

Figure 3 is a view, with parts removed for clarity, along the line III-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrates a band usable in a machine according to Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a section along the line V-V of Figure 1 and illustrates a second detail in a first operative conformation;

Figures 6 to 8 are similar to Figure 5, with parts removed for clarity, and illustrate the second detail in respective different operating configurations;

Figure 9 is similar to Figure 5 and illustrates a variant of the second detail of Figure 5;

Figures 10 to 13 are similar to Figure 9 and illustrate the variant of the second detail in respective different operating configurations;

- Figures 14 to 16 show, with parts removed for clarity, a detail of Figure 9 in respective different operating configurations;

- Figures 17 to 19 show, with parts removed for clarity, a variant of the detail of Figure 9 in respective different operating configurations;

Figure 20 is similar to Figure 5 and illustrates a further variant of the second detail of Figure 5;

- Figures 21 and 22 show, on an enlarged scale and with parts removed for clarity, a third detail of Figure 1 in respective different operating configurations;

- figure 23 is a plan view of a variant of the third detail of figure 1;

Figure 24 is a side view and with parts removed for clarity of Figure 23;

Figures 25, 26 and 27 illustrate a further variant of the third detail of Figure 1 in respective different operating configurations and with parts removed for clarity;

- figures 28, 29 and 30 show schematically and with parts removed for clarity of the third detail of figure 21 in respective different operating configurations; And

Figures 31 and 32 are a side view and, respectively, a plan view of a fourth detail of Figure 1.

In figure 1, 1 indicates as a whole a machine for the production of the production of C cigars, in particular cigars of the Tuscan type <®> and having a bi-truncated cone shape or with degenerate taper, in other words cylindrical cigars ( of a known type and not illustrated).

The machine 1 is an intermittent machine, for the sake of simplicity reference will be made hereinafter to the production of a single cigar C without losing its generic nature.

In particular, the machine 1 comprises a feeding system 2 of bands 3, each of which is defined by a portion made (in a known way and not illustrated) by punching a tobacco leaf, a dosing system 4 (or 120) of a 5 dose of filling material or tobacco fiber, generally also known as filler. The filler mainly comprises a compound of particles of (possibly different types of) tobacco. The machine 1 also comprises a rolling system 7 in which the dose 5 of filler is wrapped, as will be explained better below, inside the band 3 for the production of the cigar C; a central control unit 6, which is connected in a known way, as will be better illustrated hereinafter, to the feeding system 2, to the metering system 4 (or 120) and to the rolling system 7 so as to synchronize them for the production of the C.

The feeding system 2 in turn comprises a transfer system 8 for introducing the band 3 into the rolling system 7 at a rolling station T. While, the metering system 4 (or 120) comprises a transfer 9 for the insertion of a dose 5 of filler into the rolling system 7 at a feeding station F. According to a variant not shown, the metering system 4 (or 120) is arranged in proximity to the feeding station F and the dose 5 of filler is fed directly from the metering system 4 (or 120) to the feeding station F without the interposition of the transfer system 9. Preferably, the metering system 4 (or 120) is arranged vertically above of the feeding station F and the dose 5 of filler is transferred to the feeding station F itself by gravity.

Furthermore, the rolling system 7 comprises a gluing system 10 adapted to apply a trace 11 of glue (shown in Figure 4) above the band 3 once it has been inserted into the rolling system 7 itself and before rolling.

In particular, the rolling system 7 compacts the dose 5 of filler so as to substantially give it a cylindrical shape and wrap it inside the band 3, as will be explained better below.

Finally, the machine 1 has a control station B arranged at the outlet from the rolling system 7, in correspondence with which the cigars C at the outlet from the rolling system 7 are controlled; in particular, at the control station B the diameter Dp of the cigar C is detected at a determined longitudinal position of the cigar C itself. For example, in correspondence with the control station B the diameter Dp of the cigar C is detected in a central position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BAND FEEDING SYSTEM

According to what is illustrated in Figure 1, the feeding system 2 of the bands 3 comprises a reel holder 12, a reel 13 and a motor 14 for adjusting the unwinding of the reel 13. In particular, the reel holder 12 is made as a form support cylindrical, along which a seat H is defined to house the reel 13. The seat H has a longitudinal extension substantially equivalent to the width of the reel 13. Furthermore, the reel 13 comprises a tape 15 having a longitudinal axis 16 and which is advanced along a horizontal section in the direction of advance P. The bands 3 are applied to the belt 15 and are distributed in succession along the axis 16. The bands 3 are applied semi-automatically (sometimes manually) to the belt 15 and can be distributed in a uneven way on the belt 15 itself. In other words, the bands 3 can be translated and / or rotated with respect to their ideal positioning I (illustrated with a dashed line in Figure 1). Also, it is not possible to keep the belt perfectly aligned with machine 1.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 1, the feeding system 2 comprises one or more sensors 17 (optical) arranged above the belt 15 and able to detect the position and orientation of each band 3. Preferably, the sensor 17 is a camera. The feeding system 2 also comprises a regulation unit 18, which is connected to the central control unit 6 of the machine 1. The regulation unit 18 is also connected to the transfer system 8, to the sensor 17 and to the motor 14. The adjustment unit 18 controls, as will be better explained below, the operation of the motor 14 of the coil 13 and of the transfer system 8 on the basis of the data detected by the sensor 17. Preferably, the unit control 18 is a system commonly known as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Alternatively, the adjustment unit 18 is a system commonly known as CNC (Computer Numerical Control), which is particularly suitable for interpolating a multi-axis system. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, it can be observed that the sensor 17 is substantially arranged in a central position of the belt 15 and is aligned with the axis 16. Preferably, the sensor 17 is able to detect the center of gravity and the angle of a certain band 3.

According to a further variant, the sensor 17 is able to detect the position and orientation of an external edge of the band 3, so as to adjust the manipulation of the band 3 according to the desired position of the external edge detected once the band has been released. 3 inside the rolling system 7. In particular, the edge of the band 3 is detected along which the trace 11 of glue will be applied (Figure 4), as will be better explained below.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the transfer system 8 of the band 3 comprises a mechanical arm 21 and a suction hood 19, which is integral with the arm 21, as will be explained better below. In particular, the arm 21 has a longitudinal axis 22, an end 23, which is hinged around a vertical axis 24, and a free end 25, which supports the hood 19. Preferably, the axis 24 is incident with the axis 16 of the belt 15. It should be observed that the axis 16 is an axis of symmetry of the belt 15. The axis 24 lies on a plane which cuts the belt 15 longitudinally approximately in half. The aforementioned plane is transverse (substantially perpendicular) to the belt 15. In other words, the axis 24 lies on a plane which cuts the seat H approximately in half lengthwise, in this way the axis 22 of the arm 21 can be aligned with the axis 16 of the belt 15 itself.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the transfer system 8 further comprises a motor 26 adapted to rotate the mechanical arm 21 around the axis 24. The motor 26 is connected in a known way to the adjustment unit 18.

The transfer system 8 also comprises a motor 28 which is mounted on the arm 21 at the end 25 and is interposed between the arm 21 itself and the hood 19. According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the extractor hood 19 it has a longitudinal axis 20 and is hinged to the free end 25 of the arm 21 by means of the motor 28. The hood 19 is mounted rotatably about an axis 27 (parallel to the axis 24). With reference to Figure 3, the motor 28 is fixed to the end 25 of the arm 21 and the hood 19 comprises a cylindrical rod 30 coaxial to the axis 27 and constrained to the motor 28 in a known way and illustrated schematically. In particular, the motor 28 is adapted to selectively rotate (Figure 1) the suction hood 19 around the axis 27, so that, consequently, the axis 20 of the hood 19 can be arranged perpendicular to the axis 16 (Figure 2) or it can assume another angle with respect to the axis 16. The motor 28 of the transfer system 8 is connected in a known way and schematically illustrated to the adjustment unit 18.

The transfer system 8 also comprises an actuator 29 (per se known and illustrated schematically), which is adapted to adjust the positioning of the hood 19 parallel (in particular, along) to the axis 27. The actuator 29 is mounted at the end 25 of the arm 21. In other words, the actuator 29 adjusts the vertical translation of the suction hood 19 through the motor 28. The actuator 29 is connected to the adjustment unit 18 in a known way and illustrated schematically.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the hood 19 has an oval shape in plan. It can be observed that the transfer system 8 also comprises a pneumatic circuit (not illustrated and of a per se known type) for depressing the hood 19 during the suction phase and the transport phase of the band 3.

According to a variant, not shown, the hood 19 is integral with a slide which is movable with respect to the direction of advancement P of the belt 15; in particular, the hood 19 is movable transversely with respect to the direction of advance P.

In use, the belt 15 is advanced in the direction of advance P so as to convey a band 3 in correspondence with a transfer station Q. The sensor 17 detects, during the transport of the band 3 at the belt 15, the center of gravity of the last of at least part of the band 3 and the angle of the band 3 on the belt 15. If the adjustment unit 18 determines an error in the positioning of the band 3 (Figure 1 shows a band 3 fed by the belt 15 arranged in a incorrect with respect to the ideal positioning I), the advancement of the belt 15 and the angle of the hood 19 are adjusted so as to compensate for the calculated error and correctly position the band 3 inside the rolling system 7.

In particular, the adjustment unit 18 controls the actuation of the belt 15 to compensate for any pitch errors, that is to say for any displacements along the axis 16. The adjustment unit 18 also controls the rotation of the arm 21 around the axis 24 and the rotation of the hood 19 about the axis 27 to compensate for incorrect inclinations and / or displacements of the band 3 in the transverse direction (in particular, perpendicular) to the direction of advancement P determined.

For example, in figure 1 the arm 21 and the hood 19 are shown during the suction phase of the band 3 arranged in an incorrect position in correspondence with the transfer station Q; it is observed that the arm 21 and the hood 19 are inclined with respect to the axis 16 so as to compensate for the positioning errors of the band 3 itself. In particular, by means of the inclination of the hood 19 and / or of the arm 21 when the band 3 is removed, it is possible to compensate for any type of displacement or incorrect orientation of the band 3 with respect to the belt 15. Furthermore, the alignment of the arm 21 with the belt 15 it allows to position the band 3 inside the rolling system 7 with the least possible number of movements.

Figure 2 illustrates (dashed line) the hood 19 brought back to an initial position with the axis 22 of the arm 21 aligned with the axis 16 of the belt 15; and the hood 19 is shown (solid line) once it has aspirated the band 3 and is arranged in correspondence with the rolling station T of the rolling system 7. To release the band 3 in the rolling station T the hood 19 is moved in a U direction parallel to axis 27.

In particular, Figure 3 illustrates the hood 19 while releasing the band 3 in the rolling station T of the rolling system 7.

From the above it follows that a feeding system 2 of the band 3 of the type described above allows to compensate for any type of error in the positioning of a given band 3 above a belt 15. In particular, the feeding system 2 allows to compensate for any inclinations and / or translations of a band 3 with respect to axis 16 in a relatively simple and inexpensive way. Therefore, a feeding system 2 significantly reduces the positioning errors of the band 3 inside the rolling system 7 and therefore allows to reduce the dimensions of the bands 3 with a consequent reduction in production costs. Furthermore, a feeding system 2 of the type described above, if it regulates the manipulation of the band 3 according to the position and orientation of the edge along which the glue track 11 is to be applied, allows to avoid the use of a further system of control for adjusting the gluing system 10. Furthermore, the feeding system 2 of the type described above allows the band 3 to be released inside the rolling system 7 according to any type of desired orientation (the orientation of the band 3 being depending on the type of cigar to be produced).

DESCRIPTION OF THE BAND GLUING

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the gluing system 10 comprises a glue application device 31, which is adapted to apply the glue trace 11 to the strip 3 arranged in the rolling station T. According to what is illustrated in Figure 2, the application device 31 is defined by a mobile applicator from a rest position (solid line) to the rolling station T (dashed line) and vice versa. The application device 31 is made in a known way and illustrated schematically; for example, the application device 31 comprises a sprayer or a brush.

With reference to Figure 4, the band 3 has an elongated shape in plan with a longitudinal axis 32 which extends along a greater extension than the band 3 itself. In other words, the axis 32 is defined by the largest diagonal of the band 3. In particular, the band 3 comprises a pair of end edges 33 (indicated below with 33a and, respectively, 33b) and a pair of side edges 34 (indicated below with 34a and 34b respectively) and a surface 35. With reference to Figure 3, the end edges 33a and 33b are rectilinear and inclined with respect to the axis 32; while, the lateral edges 34a and 34b are curved. As illustrated in Figure 3, the lateral edges 34 each have two portions with opposite concavity. Basically, the lateral edges 34 have a sinusoidal shape. The glue track 11 is arranged on the surface 35. In particular, the surface 35 comprises an end zone 36 provided with glue, which is arranged in correspondence with the end edge 33a and has a determined extension towards the end edge 33b , and an intermediate zone 37 provided with glue, which is arranged so that its distance from the end edge 33a is from 0.8 to 1.2 times its distance from the second end edge 33b.

The surface 35 also comprises a longitudinal zone 38 provided with glue which is arranged in correspondence with the lateral edge 34a. In particular, the longitudinal zone 38 extends at the lateral edge 34a substantially from the end edge 33a to the end edge 33b. In addition, the longitudinal zone 38 joins the end zone 36 and the intermediate zone 37. Preferably, the longitudinal zone 38 has an extension transversal to the axis 32 increasing from the end edge 33b to the end edge 33a.

The surface 35 also comprises an area 39a without glue, which is arranged between the end area 36 and the intermediate area 37. The area 39a has a length measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis 32 of at least once and means the extension of the end zone 36 along the axis 32 itself.

The surface 35 additionally includes a glue-free area 39b which extends between the intermediate area 37 and the end edge 33b. The area 39b extends along the axis 32 and has a width, measured perpendicular to the axis 32, greater than half the width of the band 3.

With reference to Figure 4, the end zone 36 and the intermediate zone 37 are arranged in correspondence with the lateral edge 34a and extend on the surface 35 transversely to the axis 32. Furthermore, the intermediate zone 37 is distant from the lateral edge 34b by a distance included between 0.25 and 0.5 times the width of band 3 measured transversely to axis 32.

This particular application of the glue track 11 allows to optimize the gluing of the band 3 during rolling, allowing to significantly reduce the quantity of glue applied on the band 3 itself. Preferably, the width of the glue trace 11 increases in the winding direction of the band 3, so that the portion of the band 3 having an abstention of the major glue trace 11 is arranged externally when the cigar C is completed. Given the reduced use of the quantity of glue, the properties of the tobacco leaf are not contaminated by the glue itself, thus maintaining the aroma almost unchanged.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DOSING SYSTEM WITH SHAVING E

RECIRCULATION OF EXCESS TOBACCO

According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the dosing system 4 of the packaging machine 1 comprises a device 40 for feeding a dose of 41 starting tobacco fiber (filling material) for the realization of the dose 5 of filler, a preload chamber 42, a presser 43, which is adapted to push the fiber exiting the feeding device 40 inside the preload chamber 42 at a predefined pressure so as to obtain a predefined dose 44 of filling material, a screed 45 to discard an excess dose 46 of the starting dose 41 and an accumulation chamber 47 arranged downstream of the preload chamber 42 and able to house a column 48 defined by a plurality of overlapping doses 44. As illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the scraper 45 removes the excess dose 46 once the preload chamber 42 has been filled. According to a variant not shown, the excess dose 46 can simply be separated from the predefined dose 44; for example, the excess dose 46 can be maintained at the preload chamber 42 after being separated from the predefined dose 44.

The metering system 4 further comprises a presser 49 for compacting one or more overlapping doses 44 in the column 48, as will be better explained hereinafter. It is observed that the presser 49 is slidably mounted inside the accumulation chamber 47 from a lower position (illustrated in Figures 7 and 8) to an upper position (illustrated in Figures 5 and 6) and vice versa. Again with reference to Figures 5 to 8, the dosing system 4 further comprises a singling system 50 to separate from the column 48 the dose 5 of filling material, or filler, to be sent to the feeding station F. In particular , a portion of the column 48 is separated so as to obtain a dose 5 of filler of constant volume and with a predefined bulk density. The metering system 4 additionally comprises a recirculation system 51, which is adapted to convey the excess dose 46 back to the feeding device 40, as will be better explained hereinafter.

In particular, the feeding device 40 comprises a frame 52, inside which a housing 53 with circular section and axis 54 is obtained, and a drum 55 coaxial to the axis 54 and mounted rotating in a direction of rotation W at interior of the housing 53. With reference to Figures 5 to 8, the drum 55 has a cross section in the shape of a star. In other words, the drum 55 comprises a plurality of seats 57 each suitable for housing fibrous material. Radial teeth 56 uniformly distributed around the axis 54 laterally delimit the seats 57.

More precisely, the frame 52, together with a pair of adjacent teeth 56, defines each seat 57. It is observed that each tooth 56 comprises a scraper element 58, which is mounted on the front side, with respect to the direction of rotation W, of the tooth 56 and it is in contact with the frame 52 so as to prevent the interposition of tobacco fibers in the sliding area of each tooth 56 on the frame 52.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the metering system 4 comprises a hopper 59 having an outlet mouth 61 for feeding a charge 60 of tobacco fiber. The mouth 61 faces the inside of the housing 53 and is adapted to feed the charge 60 to each seat 57 of the drum 55. The metering system 4 also comprises an adjustment element 62, which is able to open and / or closing (in a known and schematically illustrated manner) the mouth 61 according to the needs, as will be better explained hereinafter.

As illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the recirculation system 51 faces inside the housing 53 and feeds an excess dose 46 inside a respective seat 57 in correspondence with a loading station 0. With respect to the direction of rotation W the loading station 0 is arranged upstream of the hopper 59, so that the excess dose 46 is inserted first inside a seat 57 and subsequently the charge 60. Each seat 57 is suitable for housing a partial dose 65 comprising an excess dose 46 mixed together with a filler 60.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the feeding device 40 comprises a loading chamber 67, which is arranged downstream of the drum 55, and the frame 52 has a radial outlet 66 which puts the drum in direct communication. 55 with the loading chamber 67. It can be observed that the loading chamber 67 is able to receive, by gravity through the outlet 66, the contents of at least one seat 57 (in particular of two adjacent seats 57) of the drum 55. It is observed that preferably a starting dose 41 is formed by a partial dose 65 and a batch 60 fed from two adjacent seats 57 of the drum 55. The fact that the starting dose 41 is divided into batch 60 and partial dose 65 allows to improve controlling the tobacco feeder 40. According to a variant not shown, the feeding device 40 feeds an unfractionated starting dose 41; in other words, the starting dose 41 at the outlet from the feeding device 40 comprises only one or more fillers 60 or, alternatively, one or more partial doses 65.

The feeding device 40 also comprises a pusher 68, which is slidably mounted inside the loading chamber 67 along a horizontal axis 69 and is adapted to push and group a partial dose 65 and the respective charge 60 so as to form the starting dose 41.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the feeding device 40 also comprises a chimney 70 which is arranged downstream of the loading chamber 67 and is in direct communication with the loading chamber 67 through a window 64. The chimney 70 has a vertical axis 71 and is delimited at the bottom by a shoulder wall 72, which slides transversely to the axis 71. The shoulder wall 72 is inclined (mainly to avoid friction between the presser 43 and the shoulder wall 72 and " scraping "of the presser 43 due to possible tobacco fibers deposited on the shoulder wall 72 itself) with respect to the axis 71 and can be selectively translated from a closed position (illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 7) to an open position (illustrated in Figure 8) and vice versa. When the shoulder wall 72 is in the closed position it defines a provisional bottom of the chimney 70 on which the starting dose 41 pushed out of the loading chamber 67 by the pusher 68 through the window 64 can be deposited. Furthermore, the chimney 70 it is laterally delimited by a wall 73 in which the preload chamber 42 is formed. In particular, the preload chamber 42 has a lateral opening 74 facing the inside of the chimney 70 and a lateral opening 75 facing the inside of the chamber accumulation 47. The opening 74 is arranged in correspondence with the shoulder wall 72 and is interposed along the axis 71 between the loading chamber 67 and the shoulder wall 72.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the presser 43 is mounted sliding along a horizontal axis 79 and is able to cross the chimney 70 transversely from a rest position (illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 8) to a working position (shown in Figure 7) and vice versa. In particular, the presser 43 faces the accumulation chamber 47 through the preload chamber 42. When the shoulder wall 72 is in the closed position, the presser 43 is able to push the dose 44 into the accumulation chamber by pushing part of the dose starting point 41 deposited on the shoulder wall 72 inside the preload chamber 42. The presser 43 is operated in a known and schematically illustrated manner.

The metering system 4 also comprises a scraper 45, which is mounted slidingly inside the chimney 70 alternately along the axis 71 from an upper position (illustrated in figure 5) to a lower position (illustrated in figure 8) and viceversa. The screed 45 is operated in a known and schematic manner and can also be arranged at least in an intermediate position along the axis 71 (illustrated in Figures 6 and 7). The screed 45 adheres to the internal walls of the chimney 70 and comprises a head 78 transversal to the axis 71 from which a wall 76 in contact with the wall 73 and a wall 77 designed to close the window 64 protrude laterally, upwards. depending on the position of the screed 45 along the axis 71. In particular, when the screed 45 is in the lower and / or intermediate position (illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8) the wall 77 is positioned to close the window 64; while, when the screed 45 is in the upper position (illustrated in Figure 5) the window 64 is open and the loading chamber 67 is in communication with the chimney 70.

With reference to Figures 5 to 8, the recirculation system 51 comprises a belt conveyor 81, which has a horizontal transport section 82 and advances the excess doses 46 in the direction L, and a chain conveyor 83 having a section 84 vertical transport. Part of the transport section 82 of the conveyor 81 extends inside the chimney 70 and delimits the chimney 70 below when the shoulder wall 72 is in the open position.

The conveyor 83 comprises a plurality of fins 85 which are connected (hinged) to the chain of the conveyor 83 itself. In particular, the fins 85 can be arranged horizontally so as to interpose in correspondence with an exchange station E between the conveyor 81 and the conveyor 83. Each fin 85 is adapted to house a respective excess dose 46. In particular, each fin 85 is adapted to transport the respective excess dose 46 from the exchange station E to the loading station 0. It is also observed that the recirculation system 51 comprises a pusher 87, which is arranged in proximity to the loading station 0 and is adapted to push an excess dose 46 from the flap 85 into a seat 57 of the drum 55. In particular, the pusher 87 is mounted sliding along a horizontal axis 88 from a rest position (illustrated in Figures 6 and 8 ) to a working position (illustrated in figures 5 and 7) and vice versa.

The recirculation system 51 also comprises a filling transducer 89 which is adapted to regulate the quantity of charge 60 to be fed into the seat 57 as a function of the amount of the corresponding excess dose 46 (already inserted in the seat 57). According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the transducer 89 comprises a fin 90 hinged to the frame 52 and protruding inside the housing 53. According to a variant not shown, instead of the transducer 89, the recirculation system 51 comprises a system for detecting the mass or volume occupied by the excess dose 46 fed in recirculation to the drum 55.

Finally, the recirculation system 51 comprises a series of leveling pendulums 91 facing the transport section 82 to adjust the height of the excess dose 46 fed to the conveyor 83.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the metering system 4 also comprises:

a wall 94 opposite the wall 73 to laterally delimit the accumulation chamber 47, which has a vertical axis 95,

a shoulder wall 96 which is transversal to the axis 95, delimits the accumulation chamber 47 at the bottom and is slidably mounted (in a known way and schematically illustrated) along the axis 95 from an upper position (illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 ) to a lower position (illustrated in Figures 5 and 6),

a closing wall 97, which is aligned with the wall 94 and is adapted to selectively open a respective window 98 for the discharge of the dose 5 of filler, and a pusher 99 having a horizontal axis 100 and able to translate transversely to the axis 95.

In particular, the pusher 99 is arranged in a lower position of the accumulation chamber 47, faces the window 98 and is mounted sliding (in a known way and schematically illustrated) along the axis 100 from a rest position (illustrated in the Figures 6, 7 and 8) to a working position (illustrated in Figure 5) and vice versa. In particular, the assembly formed by the shoulder wall 96, the closing wall 97, the window 98 and the pusher 99 defines an outlet unit 101 for feeding the dose 5 of filler to the transfer system 9. With reference to the figures 5 to 8, the separating system 50 is arranged in a lower position of the accumulation chamber 47. In particular, the separating system 50 is defined by a blade, which is interposed along the axis 95 between the wall 94 and the output unit 101. The blade 50 is slidably mounted transversely to the axis 95 from a rest position (illustrated in Figure 7) to a working position (illustrated in Figures 5, 6 and 8). The blade 50 is adapted to divide from the column of fibrous material inserted in the accumulation chamber 47 a terminal and lower portion having a predefined volume and bulk density. In other words, the blade 50 is adapted to divide the dose 5 of filler from the column 48 of fibrous material, to be fed to the rolling system 7. It is observed that the position during the actuation of the blade 50, the position of the shoulder wall 96 along the axis 95 determines the volume of the dose 5 of filler leaving the dispensing system 4.

It can be observed that the metering system 4 also comprises a control unit 113, which is connected to the central control unit 6 of the machine 1, and an excessively empty sensor 104 (of a known type and illustrated schematically ) which detects the filling level of the accumulation chamber 47 and is connected in a known way to the control unit 113.

The dosing system 4 also comprises a flavoring system 102, which is adapted to introduce a flavoring substance 103 inside a certain portion of the column 48 upstream of the singling system 50. According to what is illustrated in Figures 5 to 8, the flavoring system 102 comprises an injector (of a known type and illustrated schematically) which inserts a certain quantity of aromas and / or tanning in the liquid or solid or gaseous state into a dose 44.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the filler dose 5 transfer system 9 comprises an arm 108, which is selectively oscillating around a vertical axis 110 (parallel to the axis 24 of the transfer system 8 of the band 3 ) and has a longitudinal axis 109. A seat 111 is formed on the arm 108, which is adapted to house the dose 5 of filler and extends along the axis 109. According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the arm 108 of the transfer system 9 is able to be arranged in correspondence with a position for receiving the dose 5 of filler leaving the metering system 4 (solid line in Figures 1 and 2) and is able to be arranged in correspondence with the feeding station F of the dose 5 of filler inside the rolling system 7 (dashed line in Figures 1 and 2). The transfer system 9 comprises an actuator 112 which is able to rotate the arm 108 around the axis 110. The activator 112 is connected in a known and schematic way to the control unit 113 of the metering system 4, which is connected (in a known way and schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) preferably with the central control unit 6 and is synchronized with the adjustment unit 18 of the feeding system 2 of the bands 3. According to a variant not shown, the metering system 4 is arranged in proximity to the feeding station F and the dose 5 of filler is fed directly from the metering system 4 to the feeding station F without the interposition of the transfer system 9.

Furthermore, the control unit 113 is connected (in a known way and schematically illustrated in Figure 5) to the adjustment element 62 and to the transducer 89 so as to fill the seat 57 with a predetermined quantity of tobacco fiber in making the dose 65. Finally, the control unit 113 is connected to the pushers 68 and 87, to the presser 43, to the screed 45, to the shoulder wall 72 and to the outlet unit 101 (substantially to the shoulder wall 96, to the closure 97 and pusher 99). The control unit 113 is connected to the flavoring system 102. The control unit 113 is connected to drive systems (of a known type and illustrated schematically) of the conveyors 81 and 83. The control unit 113 is suitable for to regulate the operation of the dispensing system 4.

The operation of the metering system 4 of the type described above is illustrated in the following.

During the rotation of the drum 55 in the direction of rotation W, an empty seat 57:

it passes through the loading station 0, in which an excess dose 46 is pushed from inside the seat 57 itself by the pusher 87;

it slides in front of the transducer 89, which detects the quantity of the excess dose 46 inserted in the seat 57 itself;

it passes under the mouth 61 into which the hopper 59 inserts a charge 60 of new fiber, according to the data detected by the transducer 89, and so as to form the partial dose 65.

It is observed that in a pair of adjacent seats 57, one is filled with a partial dose 65 and the other with a charge 60. As illustrated in Figure 6, the drum 55 releases a charge 60 inside the loading chamber 67 through the outlet 66.

Then, the presser 68 is translated (Figure 7) along the axis 69 and pushes the charge 60 into a lateral position of the loading chamber 67 (Figure 8). Basically the charge 60 is arranged in contact with the side wall 77 of the screed 45.

Similarly to what has been described above, another seat 57 discharges a partial dose 65, or a simple charge 60, into the loading chamber 67 (Figure 8).

Then, the screed 45 is translated along the axis 71 towards the upper position, opening the window 64 so as to put the loading chamber 67 in communication with the chimney 70. At the same time, the shoulder wall 72 is translated transversely to the axis 71 and is brought into the lower closing position of the chimney 70.

Subsequently, the pusher 68 translates along the axis 69 so as to group the partial dose 65 and the charge 60 to form the starting dose 41, which with the continuation of the translation of the pusher 68 is brought through the window 64 and to the inside the chimney 70 (figure 5).

The starting dose 41 falling into the chimney 70 is deposited above the shoulder wall 72 at a transfer station S. In particular, the starting dose 41 is placed in contact with a singularized dose 44 during a previous work cycle and already inserted inside the preload chamber 42 (figure 6).

Then, the presser 43 is translated along the axis 79 so as to push the dose 44 inside the accumulation chamber 47 by means of the action of the starting dose 41, which is in turn inserted at least partially into the preload 42 (figure 7).

Subsequently, the presser 49 is translated along the axis 95 so as to press the column 48 of overlapping doses 44 upwards inside the accumulation chamber 47 (Figures 7 and 8). It is observed that the displacement of the presser 49 is regulated in a known way and not illustrated by the control unit 113. The force applied by the presser 49 determines the bulk density of a given dose 44.

The presser 49 also closes, while in the lower position, the opening 75 of the preload chamber 42, isolating the accumulation chamber 47 (Figure 8). At the same time, the presser 43 continues its translation along the axis 77 compacting the starting dose 41 inside the preload chamber 42 at a predefined pressure. It is observed that during this phase, the blade 50 is in the rest position, the closing wall 97 is arranged to close the window 98 and the shoulder wall 96 supports the dose column 48 at the bottom 44. By adjusting the relative position between the presser 49 and the shoulder wall 96 determines the apparent density of the dose column 44. The aromatization system 102 distributes a determined quantity of flavoring substance 103 within a dose 44. Then the blade 50 is translated transversely to the axis 95 in so as to separate the dose 5 of filler (figure 8). Subsequently, the shoulder wall 96 and the closing wall 97 are lowered and the dose 5 of filler is pushed out of the metering system 4 by means of the pusher 99 through the window 98 (Figure 5). The dose 5 of filler leaving the metering system 4 is inserted inside the seat 111 of the transfer system 9. Then the arm 108 is oscillated around the axis 110 so as to release the dose 5 of filler in the feeding station F of the rolling system 7.

Simultaneously with what has been described above, during the pushing and compacting of the starting dose 41 in the preload chamber 42, the scraper 45 is kept in the intermediate position (Figures 6 and 7) so as to prevent flows in the vertical direction of the fiber of the dose 44 during compaction. Since the starting dose 41 is calibrated in excess of the quantity of fiber to be contained in the preload chamber 42, part of the compacted fiber protrudes inside the chimney 70 (Figure 7). To remove the excess dose 46 that is not inserted during compaction in the preload chamber 42, the presser 43 and the shoulder wall 72 translate so as to free the chimney 70 and the screed 45 is lowered so as to discard the dose in excess 46 of the starting dose 41 (Figure 8). The excess dose 46 falls by gravity above the section 82 of the conveyor 81 and is transported back to the drum 55 by means of the conveyor 83 and the pusher 87.

It follows from the foregoing that the metering system 4 of the type described above makes it possible to produce doses 5 of filler with constant quality during the operation of the metering system 4, greatly reducing waste. Finally, it is observed that the excess dose 46 is separated from the starting dose 41 upstream of the flavoring system 102, in this way the flavoring substances are not scattered inside the dosing system, avoiding contamination; in addition, the quantity of aroma contained in a dose 5 of filler is not influenced by the percentage of fiber recirculated which makes up the dose 5 of the filler itself.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DOSING SYSTEM WITH DETERMINATION

OF THE APPARENT DENSITY

Figures 9 to 13 illustrate a variant of the previously described metering system 4. In particular, figures 9 to 13 illustrate a metering system 120 comprising:

a system 116 for intermittently feeding tobacco fiber charges 122 which in turn comprises a belt 117 and a hopper 121;

a compaction chamber 123 (illustrated in Figure 9) having a vertical axis 129,

a pusher 124 for transferring the charge 122 exiting the hopper 121 to the compacting chamber 123,

a compression system 125 of the charge 122 so as to obtain inside the compacting chamber 123 a dose 126 of fibrous material with a predefined bulk density,

a singling system 127 to separate the filler dose 5 from the dose 126, ed

a removal unit 128, which is in communication with the compacting chamber 123 and feeds the dose 5 of filler towards the transfer system 9 (illustrated in Figures 1 and 2).

The removal unit 128 comprises, in turn:

an outlet channel 130 transversal to axis 129

a movable divider 131, which is adapted to selectively separate the compacting chamber 123 from the channel 130, is parallel to the vertical axis 129 and is mounted slidingly from an upper position (illustrated in Figures 9 to 11) to a lower position (illustrated in figures 12 and 13) and vice versa; and

a pusher 132 which is opposed to the divider 131 with respect to the compaction chamber 123 and is adapted to push the dose 5 of filler from the compaction chamber 123 into the channel 130 when the divider 131 is in a lower position (Figure 12 and 13).

In particular, the pusher 132 is mounted sliding along a horizontal axis 133 from a rest position (illustrated in Figures 9 to 11) to a working position (illustrated in Figure 13) and vice versa.

The compression system 125 comprises, in turn, a metering device 134 and a presser 135, which are mounted sliding along a working direction D inside the compacting chamber 123; it can be observed that the working direction D is parallel to the axis 129. The metering device 134 is arranged in a lower position, while the presser 135 is arranged in an upper position of the compaction chamber 123. In particular, the metering device is able to delimit below the compaction chamber 123 during a compaction step. The presser 135 is adapted to delimit the compaction chamber 123 from the top.

The metering device 134 comprises, in turn, a shoulder element 118, which faces the inside of the compaction chamber 123 and is able to be arranged in contact with the dose 126, and a resistant device 119 which is connected to the element 118 and is movable in the working direction D. The resistant device 119 is able to apply, through the shoulder element 118, to the dose 126 a linearly increasing resistant force with the displacement of the shoulder element 118 with respect to a position SO along the axis 129. According to what is illustrated in Figures 9 to 13, the resistant device 119 is defined by an elastically yielding element, in particular by a spring. According to a further variant (not shown), the resistant device 119 is defined by a pneumatic actuator.

The compression system 125 comprises a transducer 136 suitable for detecting the displacement of the shoulder element 118 of the metering device 134 in the working direction D, a transducer 137 suitable for detecting the displacement of the presser 135 in the working direction D, and a unit control unit 138, which is connected in a known and schematically illustrated manner to the central control unit 6 of the machine 1. The control unit 138 regulates the operation of the dispenser 134 and the presser 135, according to the data detected by the transducers 136 and 137, as will be explained further below.

The compression system 125 also comprises an actuation system 149 of the presser 135, which is connected in a known way to the control unit 138. In particular, the actuation system 149 is adapted to vary the force to be applied to the dose. 126 by means of the presser 135. Preferably, the actuation system 149 is defined by a pneumatic actuator.

As illustrated in Figures 9 to 13, the separating system 127 crosses the compacting chamber 123 transversely to axis 129 and is arranged upstream of the removal unit 128. Preferably, the separating system 127 comprises a blade which delimits at the bottom, the compacting chamber 123 during a singling phase and is adapted to translate alternatively and selectively along a horizontal axis.

Preferably, the metering device 134 can be selectively arranged, as will be explained better below, with respect to the axis 129, in a predefined base position SO or at the top (illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11) or in a lower position V ( illustrated in Figures 12 and 13). The compression system 125 also comprises an actuation system 148, which is connected to the control unit 138 and is adapted to arrange the metering device 134 in a predetermined position along the axis 129. Preferably, the actuation system 148 includes a linear motor. It is observed that the position SO of the shoulder member 118 is adjusted by the drive system 148.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 9 to 13, the metering system 120 also comprises a preload chamber 139 having a horizontal axis 143 along which the pusher 124 is slidably mounted. The preload chamber 139 faces through a window 140, inside the compacting chamber 123 in an intermediate position between the upper position of the presser 135 (illustrated in Figures 9, 12 and 13) and the metering device 134.

The dosing system 120 additionally comprises a flavoring system 102, which is adapted to insert within a dose 126 of the flavoring substances 103.

Finally, the metering system 120 comprises a pair of oscillating fins 144 and 145 which are interposed between the hopper 121 and the preload chamber 139. In particular, the fin 144 is adapted to open and close a lower mouth 146 of the hopper 121 , while the flap 145 defines a wall for containing the charge inside the preload chamber 139 during the insertion of the charge 122 in the compacting chamber 123.

According to the variant illustrated in Figure 20, the axis 129 of the compacting chamber 123 is substantially horizontal with respect to a support plane of the machine 1 and the presser 135 and the metering device 134 are movable in the working direction D which is also horizontal. Again with reference to Figure 20, it can be seen that the outlet mouth of the hopper 121 faces vertically in an intermediate position of the compacting chamber 123. The metering system 120 also comprises a closing element 147, which has a section shaped of a quarter of a circumference around a Z axis and is rotatably mounted around the Z axis from an open position (shown in a solid line in Figure 20) to a closed position (shown in a broken line in Figure 20). In particular, the closing element 147 has a shoulder side wall Gl adapted to laterally delimit the portion between the hopper 121 and the compacting chamber 123 when the closing element 147 is in the open position. Furthermore, the closing element 147 has a shoulder side wall G2, which is adapted to laterally delimit the compacting chamber 123 when the closing element 147 is in the closed position and to laterally delimit the portion between the hopper 121 and compacting chamber 123 when the closing element 147 is in the open position (illustrated in Figure 20). Again with reference to Figure 20, it can be observed that the pusher 132 is vertically movable from top to bottom and is adapted to feed the final dose 5 out of the metering system 120 vertically downwards. This type of fiber feeding allows to reduce the vertical dimensions of the metering system 120. Preferably, the metering system 120 illustrated in Figure 20 is arranged above the rolling system 7 and the dose 5 of filler is fed directly to the station power supply F without the interposition of the transfer system 9 (illustrated in Figures 1 and 2).

In use, a charge 122 of tobacco fiber fed from the belt 117 through the hopper 121 is inserted into the preload chamber 139 through the mouth 146 of the hopper 121. It is observed that the charge 122 is fed intermittently inside the hopper 121 in a known and not illustrated manner (for example by means of a conveyor belt).

Once inserted inside the preload chamber 139, the flap 145 is arranged so as to delimit the preload chamber 139 at the top and the pusher 124 pushes the charge 122 inside the compaction chamber 123. Inside the compacting chamber 123, the charge 122 is deposited on the element 118; in particular, the batch 122 is arranged between the metering device 134 and the presser 135. Upon insertion of the batch 122, the shoulder element 118 of the metering device 134 is arranged in correspondence with a position SO determined by the actuation system 148, as will be explained better later.

Then, by keeping the pusher 124 in the closing position of the window 140 (Figure 10), the presser 135 is translated in the working direction D. In particular, the presser 135 is brought towards the metering device 134 so as to apply to the charge 122 up to a predefined final compression force Fc (Figures 14 to 16). During the action of the presser 135, the metering device 134 exerts a resisting force Fr on the charge 122 when the wall is in correspondence with the position SO.

Preferably the resisting force Fr exerted by the metering device 134 is linearly increasing with the displacement performed by the element 118 in the working direction D, for example the resisting force Fr is applied by means of a motif.

It is observed that the dosing system 120 can be realized in two different ways:

in a first case, the metering device 134 is mobile during the phase of application of the final compression force Fc (hereinafter referred to as "mobile metering control"); And

in a second case the metering device 134 is mounted sliding along the axis 129 during a setting phase and is kept fixed in the position SO during the application of the final compression force Fc (hereinafter referred to as "fixed metering control") .

DESCRIPTION OF THE MOBILE DOSER CONTROL

The movable doser control 134 is schematically illustrated in Figures 14 to 16; in particular, it can be observed that Figure 14 illustrates an ideal situation in which the presser 135 is in contact with the charge 122 and the element 118 of the metering device 134 is stationary in the position SO, substantially supporting only the weight of the charge 122 itself.

Figure 15 illustrates the presser 135 when it applies to the charge 122 a compressive force greater than the resisting force Fr of the shoulder element 118 at the position SO. When the force applied by the presser 135 on the charge 122 exceeds the value of the resisting force Fr at the position SO, the element 118 is translated along the working direction D with respect to its position SO. The transducer 137 detects the position Ul, along the working direction D and with respect to a fixed reference point A, of the presser 135 when the element 118 crosses a predefined reference position SI along the working direction D. Preferably, the transducer 137 detects the position U1 at the moment of the beginning of the translation of the displacement of the element 118 from the position SO; in other words, the position SO substantially corresponds to the position SI.

When the element 118 crosses, during the translation along the working direction D, a predefined reference position S2, the transducer 137 detects the corresponding position U2 of the presser 135 (Figure 16).

As a function of the detected data of U1 and U2, the control unit 138 determines a physical characteristic Kf of the dose 126. The physical characteristic Kf is indicative of the apparent density of the dose 126. In particular, the physical characteristic Kf is given by the relation:

in which:

50 indicates a predefined distance measured in the working direction D between a reference point A and the shoulder element 118 at the beginning of the pressing step;

51 indicates a predefined distance between the reference point A and element 118 (preferably SI corresponds to SO);

S2 indicates a predefined distance between the reference point A and element 118;

Fr indicates the predefined resisting force applied by the metering device 134 to the charge 122 at the position SO;

H indicates the elastic constant of the metering device 134 (preferably the metering device 134 comprises a spring as a resistant element);

U1 indicates the position of the presser 135 along the working direction D and with respect to the reference point A when the element 118 is in correspondence with the position SO; and

U2 indicates a distance measured in the working direction D between the reference point A and the presser 135 when the element 118 is in correspondence with the predefined position S2.

With reference to what has been described above in the mobile doser control 134, the compression force that the presser 135 instantaneously applies to the charge 122 is not directly detected. Therefore, the characteristic Kf is calculated on the basis of the displacements Ul, U2, SI, and SO both of the presser 135 and of the shoulder element 118 of the metering device 134.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIXED DOSER CONTROL According to the variant illustrated in Figures 17 to 19, the presser 135 also comprises a sensor 150, which is connected to the control unit 138 (in a known way and not illustrated) and is able to detect the force applied instantaneously to charge 122. For example, sensor 150 comprises a load cell. Figure 17 illustrates an ideal situation in which the presser 135 during the application of the final compression force Fc is in contact with the charge 122 (not compressing it) and the element 118 of the dispenser 134 is stationary in the position SO supporting substantially only the weight of the charge 122 itself.

When the load cell 150 detects that the force applied by the presser 135 to the charge 122 reaches a predefined value Fcl, the transducer 137 detects the position U1 of the presser 135 itself along the working direction D with respect to the reference point A.

When the force applied by the presser 135 to the charge 122 reaches a value Fc2 the transducer 137 detects the position U2 of the presser 135 itself along the working direction D with respect to the reference point A.

As a function of the detected data of U1 and U2, the control unit 138 determines a physical characteristic Kf of the dose 126. In particular, the control unit 138 determines the characteristic Kf as a function of the values of Ul, U2, Fcl and Fc2 . The physical characteristic Kf is indicative of the apparent density of the dose 126. In particular, the physical characteristic Kf is given by the relation:

wherein, Fcl indicates a predefined compression force for a first detection of the position U1 of the presser 135;

Fc2 indicates a predefined compression force for a second detection of the position U2 of the presser 135;

U1 indicates a distance measured in the working direction D between the reference position A and the position of the presser 135 at the moment of applying the force Fcl to the charge 122;

U2 indicates a distance measured in the working direction D between the reference position A and the position of the presser 135 at the moment of applying the force Fc2 to the charge 122; and

SO indicates a distance measured in the working direction D between the reference position A and a fixed predefined position of the dispenser 134.

With reference to what has been described above, in the fixed doser control 134 in the position SO, the compression force is detected which the presser 135 instantaneously applies to the charge 122. Therefore, the characteristic Kf is calculated on the basis of the displacements U1 and U2 of the presser 135 at the moment application of respective predefined compression forces Fcl and Fc2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE DOSING SYSTEM

WITH APPARENT DENSITY CONTROL

In both solutions for detecting the characteristic Kf, the presser 135 is able to apply to the charge 122 up to a predefined final compression force Fc. At the end of the application of the final compression force Fc, the element 118 is brought to a reference position S3 (illustrated in Figure 11) for the separation of the filler dose 5. When the element 118 is in the position S3, the blade 127 is driven through the compacting chamber 123 so as to separate the dose 5 of filler from the charge 122. The dose 5 of filler substantially consists of the tobacco fiber arranged in the compaction chamber 123 at a greater distance by a determined distance (position defined by the element 118) with respect to an inlet, through which the tobacco fiber is inserted into the chamber. compaction 123 itself. The volume of the dose 5 of filler is adjusted according to the selected position S3.

Then, the element 118 is brought into the lower position V while the blade 127 demarcates the compacting chamber 123 at the bottom.

Subsequently, the pusher 132 of the removal unit 128 pushes the dose 5 of filler in the channel 130 towards the transfer system 9, which releases (in a known and schematically illustrated manner) the dose 5 of filler in the feeding station F of the rolling system 7. According to a variant not shown, the metering system 120 is arranged in proximity to the feeding station F and the dose 5 of filler is fed directly from the metering system 120 to the feeding station F without the interposition of the transfer system 9.

After having discharged the dose 5 of filler, the shoulder element 118 of the metering device 134 is arranged by the actuation system 148 in a position SO (up) determined on the basis of the value of the diameter Dp of the cigar C exiting the rolling system 7, as will be better illustrated later, and / or on the basis of the Kf value calculated in the previous work cycle.

Then the blade 127 releases the compacting chamber 123 at the bottom and a further charge 122 is pushed in the manner described above into the compacting chamber 123 so as to form the dose 126 with the quantity of tobacco fiber already present from the cycle. above inside the compacting chamber 123. The compression and unloading operations indicated above are then repeated, in this regard it can be observed that, during the compression steps indicated above, the tobacco fiber of a batch 122 partially yields and crumbles. Therefore, the size of the fibers and the gaps between them reduce during subsequent cycles and / or as the applied pressure increases. To avoid compacting the fiber of a filler 122 too much and, therefore, gradually obtaining doses 5 of filler with different bulk density and, therefore, of different draft, the control unit 138 is able to regulate the final compression force. Fc applied by the presser 135 to the charge 122 so as to keep the quality of the dose 5 of filler leaving the metering system 120 constant over time. In other words, the control unit 138 is able to vary the final compression force Fc , so as to obtain during the subsequent dosing cycle a dose 5 of filler having a Kf value within a predetermined range.

Preferably, the final compression force Fc and the position SO are defined as a function of the Kf calculated during the previous cycle, as will be explained below.

After having discharged the dose 5 of filler, the shoulder element 118 of the dispenser 134 is arranged by the actuation system 148 in a position SO (top) determined on the basis of the calculated Kf value and / or the diameter Dp of the cigar C at the outlet from the rolling system 7. Then, the blade 127 releases the compaction chamber 123 at the bottom and a further charge 122 is pushed in the manner described above into the compaction chamber 123 so as to form the dose 126 with the quantity of tobacco fiber already present from the previous cycle inside the compaction chamber 123.

With reference to the adjustments indicated above, the calculated Kf value is compared by the control unit 138 with a predefined sample KfO value according to the type of cigar C to be produced.

Self

M.> 1.25

Kfo

the final compression force Fc of the next dispensing cycle is increased.

Self

Kf <0.75

K / 0

the final compression force Fc of the next dispensing cycle is decreased.

In other words, if:

0.75 1.25

the final compression force Fc remains unchanged between one dosing cycle and the next.

KfO is a calibration parameter determined by laboratory analysis.

Preferably, the position SO is determined as a function of the diameter Dp of the cigar C detected at the outlet from the rolling system 7 in comparison with a predefined standard DpO value according to the type of cigar to be produced. Preferably, the diameter Dp defines the diameter of the belly of the cigar C, i.e. the diameter of the cigar C at the center line. In particular, if:

1.05

the base position SO is determined so as to reduce the volume of the compaction chamber 123 of the subsequent metering cycle.

On the contrary, if:

Dp

<0.95

DpO

the base position SO is determined so as to increase the volume of the compaction chamber 123 of the subsequent metering cycle.

In other words, if

0.95

the basic position SO remains unchanged between one cycle and the next; position SO defining the volume of the compacting chamber 123.

Alternatively, the initial position SO is determined also taking into account the determined Kf value. For example, the base position SO is determined so as to decrease the volume of the compaction chamber 123 of the subsequent metering cycle if the value of Kf exceeds a predetermined value (in particular if Kf> Kf0xl, 25). Similarly, the base position SO is determined so as to increase the volume of the compacting chamber 123 of the subsequent metering cycle if the value of Kf is lower than a predetermined value (in particular if Kf <Kf0x0.75).

In addition, the initial position SO is determined taking into account both the diameter Dp of the cigar leaving the rolling system 7 and the value of Kf.

The metering system 120 further comprises an excessively empty sensor 141 which faces the inside of the compaction chamber 123 and is able to detect the filling level of the compaction chamber 123 itself. The sensor 141 is connected in a known and schematically illustrated manner to the control unit 128. If the charge level 122 inside the compacting chamber 123 is too low, the control unit 138 drives the supply belt 117 in a manner that is to feed one or more charges 122 inside the compacting chamber 123 in order to reach a minimum filling level.

In the case of the production of flavored C cigars, the flavoring system 102 inserts the flavoring substance 103 into the compaction chamber 123 so as to treat the dose 126 of fiber inserted into the compaction chamber 123 and upstream of the system. of singularization 127.

A dosing system 120 of the type described above (with both a mobile and a fixed doser) has the advantage of producing doses 5 of filler with an almost constant bulk density (Kf value kept within a predefined range), of being able to be installed easily and economically inside other dosing systems (for example the dosing system 4 illustrated in Figures 5 to 8) and to have a high operating precision.

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMBINATION OF THE DOSING SYSTEM WITH SHAVING AND RECIRCULATION OF THE EXCESS TOBACCO AND OF THE DOSING SYSTEM WITH APPARENT DENSITY CONTROL According to a variant not shown, the dosage system 120 includes, upstream of the compacting chamber 123, a feeding system the charge 122 comparable to that of the metering system 4 illustrated in Figures 5 to 8; the charge 122 being defined by the tobacco fiber leaving the preload chamber 42 after the separation of the excess dose 46.

In other words, the metering system 4 illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 comprises a metering device 134, a presser 135 and a control unit 138 of the type illustrated for the metering system 120; in this way the pre-metering in the preload chamber 42 is combined with the combined actuation of the presser 135 and the metering device 134 according to the parameter Kf, which is determined at each cycle for each dose 5 of final filler to be fed to the system rolling 7.

TOBACCO FIBER FLAVORING SYSTEM

In Figure 9, a flavoring system 102 is shown in particular, which is suitable for treating the tobacco fiber before separating and expelling the dose 5 of filler to be fed to the rolling system 7. With reference to Figure 9, the flavoring 102 comprises a reservoir 260 of flavoring substance, a plurality of applicator elements 261 for distributing the flavoring substance 103, a conduit 262, which is traversed by the flavoring substance 103 and connects the reservoir 260 to each applicator element 261 (illustrated in figure 9), and a valve 263, which regulates the flow of the flavoring substance 103 inside the conduit 262. Preferably, the valve 263 is a solenoid valve and is connected in a known way and not shown to the control unit 113 ( or 138).

In particular, the flavoring system 102 comprises a manifold 264, to which each application element 261 is hydraulically connected, and an actuation system 265, which is able to alternately translate the application elements 261 from a working position (illustrated in figure 9) to a rest position (not shown) and vice versa along a working direction J. As shown in figure 9, the drive system 265 is connected to the collector 264, which is mounted sliding in the working direction J and the application elements 261 are translated by drive system 265 through the manifold 264 itself.

When the collector 264 is in the working position (Figure 9) the needles are inserted inside the compaction chamber 123 (or in the accumulation chamber 47 of Figures 5 to 8). Preferably, the drive system 265 comprises a piston mounted sliding in the working direction J. The application elements 261 are inserted transversely to the working direction D inside the compaction chamber 123. The drive system 265 is connected in feedback, in a known way and not illustrated, to a control unit 113 or 138.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 9, the application elements 261 are needles; alternatively, the application elements 261 can be selected from a group of different application elements 261 comprising for example: nozzles, injectors and nebulizers.

Preferably, the tank 260 is of the pressurized type and comprises an upper chamber 266, which is adapted to be filled with a gas under pressure, and a lower chamber 267, which is adapted to be filled with the flavoring substance 103.

The flavoring system 102 also comprises a system 268 for feeding gas under pressure to the upper chamber 266 and a system 269 for feeding the flavoring substance 103 to the lower chamber 267.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 9, the supply system 268 comprises a solenoid valve 270 and a pressure gauge 271. Preferably, the solenoid valve 270 is connected in a known way and not shown in the illustration to a control unit, for example to the control unit 113 or 138.

Again according to what is illustrated in Figure 9, the supply system 269 comprises a tap 272, arranged upstream of the tank 260.

It is observed that the flavoring substance 103 can be of the liquid, gaseous type or in the form of granules and / or capsules. Preferably, microcapsules containing liquid flavoring substances can be inserted into the fibrous material. Preferably, the microcapsules are made by means of polymeric membranes, which are able to release the liquid in the cigar C under certain conditions, for example above predefined temperatures or pressures.

The application of the flavoring substance 103 upstream of the singling system 50 or 127 allows the use of flavoring systems 102 with relatively large application areas capable of quickly feeding granular products, capsules or viscous liquids. Furthermore, the diffusion of the flavoring substance inside the fibrous material is optimized and the dispersion by evaporation of the aroma itself in the external environment is reduced before rolling.

The flavoring system 102 can be installed on a dosing system 4 with shaving and recirculation of the excess tobacco (illustrated in Figures 5 to 8) or on a dosing system 120 with control of physical characteristics, such as bulk density, at the end of the pressing operation (illustrated in Figures 9 to 19).

According to a variant not shown, the flavoring system 102 is installed on a metering system 4 or 120 comprising an accumulation chamber 47 or 123 and a singling system 101 or 127 for the separation of a dose 5 of (final) filler from the accumulation chamber 47 or 123; in particular, the flavoring system 102 comprises application elements 261 suitable for distributing the flavoring substance 103 inside the accumulation chamber 47 or 123 and upstream of the singling system 101 or 127.

From the above it follows that the flavoring system 102 allows to treat the charge 122 of tobacco fiber which is actually fed to the rolling system 7, minimizing the dispersion of the flavoring substance 103 before making the cigar C itself. Furthermore, the flavoring system 102 allows the flavoring substance 103 to be distributed extensively and uniformly within the charge 122, optimizing the distribution of the flavoring substance 103 within the cigar C produced.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLLING SYSTEM

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the rolling system 7 comprises:

a rolling plate 153 having a flat working surface 152 and a longitudinal axis 154,

a roller 155 having an axis 156 and movable with respect to the flat surface 152 of the plate 153,

a drive system 157 of the roller 155,

a wrapping cloth 158 (illustrated in Figure 3), which is spread at least in part above the flat surface 152 and interacts with the roller 155 so as to roll and wrap the dose 5 of filler inside the band 3,

a manipulation device 159 of the web 158 comprising an articulated robotic arm,

an unloading device 163 which is adapted to receive the finished cigars C and pushed in the direction of advance R out of the plate 153.

The cloth 158 is partly spread over the plate 153 (figure 3) and is made of a material permeable to air. In particular, the cloth 158 protrudes, in a rest position (illustrated in Figure 3), along the axis 154 from the plate 153 and is able to form a pocket 162 at the feeding station F of the dose 5 of filler. The ply 158 is fixed at one end to a ply holder 164, which is integral (in a known way and schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2) to a free end of the manipulation device 159.

At the rolling station T, the rolling plate 153 has a plurality of suction holes 161, which are adapted to maintain, through the ply 158, a band 3 adhering to the plate 153 during the winding step.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the manipulation device 159 is defined by an articulated robotic system of a known type and generally indicated by the name SCARA. (Selective Compliant Assembly Robot Arm). A SCARA articulated robotic system is known to have a movable end with three degrees of freedom in one plane. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the manipulation device 159 comprises a pair of arms indicated by 165 and 166 respectively (Figures 21 and 22), which are hinged together, and a head 167 movable in a parallel plane to the flat surface 152 of the plate 153. In particular, the arm 165 is hinged at a first free end about a vertical axis 168. The arm 166 is interposed between the head 167 and the arm 165. The arm 166 is hinged, about a vertical axis 169, to the free end of the arm 165. The head 167 is hinged to the arm 166 about a vertical axis 170. The arms 165 and 166 and the head 167 are operated in a known manner and illustrated schematically.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the roller 155 is mounted in a sliding manner along the axis 154 of the rolling plate 153. In particular, the roller 155 is mounted pivoting with respect to the axis 154 of the plate 153.

The operation of the rolling system 7 is described in the following.

In an initial phase (illustrated in Figure 3), the roller 155 is arranged in an initial position at the feed station F of the dose 5 of filler and is oriented so that its axis 156 is transverse to the axis 154 of the plate 153 In particular, the roller 155 is interposed along the axis 154 between the plate 153 and the support 164. The cloth 158 is stretched over the plate 153 at the rolling station T, protrudes along the axis 154 from the plate 153 itself and rests above the roller 155 so as to form the bag 162 at the feeding station F of the dose 5 of filler.

The dose 5 of filler is released, in a known way, inside the bag 162 by the transfer system 9.

A band 3 is arranged by the transfer system 8 above the wire 158 and in a position 160 in correspondence with the rolling station T.

The band 3 is kept stationary above the ply 158, in correspondence with the position 160, by aspiration of the holes 161. The application device 31 distributes a trace 11 of glue above the band 3.

The roller 155 is made to slide along the axis 154 and above the plate 153 in the direction R so as to:

close the bag 162 around the filler dose 5, compact the filler dose 5 and push it over the plate 153,

wrap dose 5 of filler inside band 3,

selectively inclining the roller 155 with respect to the axis 154 during the winding step so as to impart a certain taper to the assembly formed by the band 3 and the dose 5 of filler depending on the cigar C to be produced;

push the cigar C out of the rolling system 7.

During the rolling phase of the bitroncoconical type cigar C, the roller 155 and the holder 164 are operated in such a way as to follow known trajectories described, for example, in the patent application GB 2557748 A. During the rolling phase, moreover, the manipulation device 159 of the cloth 158 is operated and synchronized with the actuation system 157 of the roller 155 so as to keep the cloth 158 in tension and in such a way as to compensate the inclinations imparted to the roller 155 to avoid the formation of wrinkles in the cloth 158 itself.

At the end of the rolling phase, the cigar C is pushed out of the plate 153 towards the discharge device 163.

From the above it follows that the use of a handling device 159 of the SCARA type is particularly flexible and easily adapts to different arrangements of the roller 155.

DRIVE SYSTEM 157A DESCRIPTION - HYBRID

As illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, the drive system 157a of the roller 155 comprises a pair of linear guides 178 and 179, each of which has an axis 180 and, respectively, 181 parallel to the axis 154 of the plate 153. Each guide linear guide 178 and 179 faces externally to a respective longitudinal edge of the plate 153. In other words, the plate 153 is interposed, transversely to the axis 154, between the two linear guides 178 and 179. Each linear guide 178 and 179 comprises a slide 182 and 183 respectively. The roller 155 has an end hinged to the slide 182 around an axis 184 and an end hinged to the slide 183 about an axis 185. Furthermore, the roller 155 is connected to the slides 182 and 183, so as to be able to rotate around its own axis 156. The slides 182 and 183 are mounted sliding along the axis 180 and, respectively, 181 in a known way and illustrated schematically. In particular, each linear guide 178 and 179 comprises an actuator 191 and, respectively, 192 of the linear type. The actuator 191 is adapted to actuate the slide 182 along the axis 180. Similarly, the actuator 192 is adapted to actuate the slide 183 along the axis 181. The actuators 191 and 192 can be operated independently of each other. . The actuators 191 and 192 are operable in a coordinated manner.

With reference to Figures 21 and 22, the linear guide 178 is fixed, while the linear guide 179 is mounted sliding transversely to the axis 154; Figures 21 and 22 show the linear guide 179 in different operating configurations. It is observed that the roller 155 is mounted sliding along the axis 156 with respect to the slide 182. According to what is illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, the linear guide 179 defines the connecting rod of an articulated quadrilateral 186. In other words, the linear guide 179 is hinged (in a known and schematically illustrated way) to a pair of cranks indicated with 187 and 188 respectively, each of which is mounted rotatably around a vertical axis 189 and 190 respectively. In particular, the articulated quadrilateral 186 comprises an actuator 193 adapted to rotate the crank 187 around the axis 189.

According to variants not illustrated, the drive system 157a comprises an actuator with a degree of freedom adapted to translate the guide 179 transversely to the direction of advance R. For example, the drive system 157a comprises, as an alternative to the articulated quadrilateral 186, a cross slide (not shown) to translate the guide 179 transversely to the direction of advance 179.

In addition, the drive system 157a comprises a control device 194 to the central control unit 6 of the machine 1, according to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The control device 194 is also connected (in a known and schematically illustrated manner) to the manipulation device 159, to the actuators 191, 192 of the linear guides 178 and 179 and to the actuator 193 of the articulated quadrilateral 186. The control device 194 is adapted to synchronize the movements of the slides 182, 183 and of the linear guide 179 to each other of the actuation system 157a and to synchronize the actuation system 157a itself with the handling device 159. In particular, the control device 194 is adapted to control the actuation system 157a and the handling device 159 in a coordinated manner, in a to obtain C cigars with a bi-truncated cone shape. In particular, the actuation system 157a of the type described above makes it possible to produce any type of double-conical, cylindrical or asymmetrical cigar and also allows the taper of the C cigar to be rapidly varied.

Furthermore, the drive system 157a mainly comprises rotoidal couplings, which are particularly resistant and suitable for the dusty and humid environment that characterizes the rolling station T.

In what follows, the operation of the rolling system 7 comprising an actuation system 157a of the type described above is described.

The actuation of each linear guide 178 and 179 determines the translation of a respective end of the roller 155, which is inclined according to the relative position assumed by the slides 182 and 183 along the axis 154. The articulated quadrilateral 186 compensates for any slippage of the roller 155 transversely to the axis 154 and allows to vary the distance measured perpendicular to the direction of advancement R between the linear guide 179 and a reference point of the plate 153.

Once the rolling action of a cigar C has been completed, the roller 155 is returned to its initial position (illustrated in Figures 3 and 21).

From the above it follows that the drive system 157a allows:

tilting the roller 155 with respect to the axis 154, translating the roller 155 along the axis 154, and

translate the roller 155 transversely to the axis 154.

DRIVE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 157B - SCARA

According to what is illustrated in figure 23, the drive system 157b comprises a robotic system of the SCARA type similar to the handling device 159. According to a variant not shown, the machine 1 comprises the drive system 157b instead of the drive system 157a illustrated in the figures 1 and 2.

The drive system 157b comprises an arm 200, which is hinged at a free end about a vertical axis 201, and an arm 202, which is hinged about a vertical axis 203 at the other end of the arm 200 and a control device 208. According to a variant not shown, the control device 208 is connected to the central control unit 6 of the machine 1. The control device 208 is also connected in a known and schematically illustrated manner to the handling device 159 and to the actuation system 157b and is adapted to control the actuation system 157b and the manipulation device 159 in a coordinated manner so as to obtain bi-truncated cone shaped cigars C.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 23, the roller 155 is integral with the arm 202. In particular, the actuation system 157b comprises a pair of support elements 204 and 205, each of which is fixed to the arm 202 and is coupled in a rotary manner with a respective end of the roller 155. The roller 155 is rotatable about its own axis 156.

The support elements 204 and 205 are adapted to keep the roller 155 raised from the arm 202 so that the plate 153 can slide between the roller 155 and the arm 202.

The actuation system 157b also comprises an actuator 206, which is able to rotate the arm 200 around the axis 201, an actuator 207, which is able to rotate the arm 202 around the axis 203. In particular, the control device 208 is connected to the actuators 206 and 207 of the actuation system 157b.

The actuation system 157b has the advantage of comprising only rotoidal couplings, which are particularly resistant and suitable for being applied in dusty and humid environments such as in the vicinity of the rolling station T.

The operation of the rolling system 7 comprising an actuation system 157b of the type described above is described in the following.

The arm 202 assumes different positions in the horizontal plane parallel to the flat surface 152 of the plate 153 according to its angle around the axis 203 and the angle of the arm 200 with respect to the axis 201. The roller 155 is integral with the arm 202 and is translated and / or inclined with respect to axis 154 depending on the position assumed by the arm 202. Figure 23 illustrates the rolling system 7 in different operating configurations

157C DRIVE SYSTEM DESCRIPTION -

UNIDIRECTIONAL

According to a variant not shown, the machine 1 comprises an actuation system 157c instead of the actuation system 157a illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

As illustrated in Figures 25 to 27, the drive system 157c comprises a pair of chain conveyors 220 and 221, each of which is closed in a loop and slides around a pair of idler wheels 222 in a known manner and illustrated in schematic way. Each conveyor 220 and 221 comprises an actuator 218 and, respectively, 219. The actuators 218 and 219 can be operated independently from each other. Both the conveyor 220 and the conveyor 221 have a working section 223 and a return section 225. According to what is illustrated in Figures 25 to 27, the working section 223 and the return section 225 of the conveyors 220 and 221 are parallel to the direction of advancement R. According to a variant not illustrated, the working sections 223 of the conveyors 220 and 221 are parallel to the direction of advancement R, while the return sections 225 extend along a different trajectory. According to a variant not shown, the conveyors 220 and 221 are toothed belts.

The drive system 157c is able to simultaneously translate a pair of rollers indicated below with the numbers 155a and 155b. In particular, the actuation system 157c comprises a pair of supports 227 integral with the conveyor 220 and a pair of supports 228 integral with the conveyor 221. In what follows, for simplicity, only the connection of a support 227 to the respective conveyor 220 will be described; a support 228 is connected to the respective conveyor 221 in a similar way. It is observed that the supports 227 are similar to the supports 228; in the following and in Figures 25 to 27, the common elements relating to the supports 227 are indicated with the letter a, while the common elements relating to the supports 228 are indicated with the letter b.

Each support 227 comprises a base 229a, which is fixed (in a known way and schematically illustrated) to a portion of the respective conveyor 220, and a support element 231a, which is hinged to the base 229a so as to be rotatable around to an axis 232a perpendicular to the respective portion of the chain 220. The support element 231a comprises a cylindrical housing 233a having an axis 234a perpendicular to the axis 232a of the base 229a.

Similarly, each support 228 comprises a base 229b, which is fixed (in a known way and illustrated schematically) to a portion of the respective conveyor 221, and a support element 231b, which is hinged to the base 229b so as to be rotatable about an axis 232b perpendicular to the respective portion of the chain 221. The support 231b comprises a cylindrical housing 233b having an axis 234b perpendicular to the axis 232b of the base 229b.

It is observed that the distance between an axis 234 and the respective working section 223 is such as to allow the arrangement of the roller 155 above the flat working surface 152 of the plate 153 and to allow the wrapping of the band 3 around the dose 5 of fillers.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 25 to 27, each roller 155 comprises a cylindrical rolling body 235, which has an axis 156, and a pair of appendages indicated with 236 and 237 respectively, each of which has a cylindrical shape and is coaxial to the axis 156 and protrudes laterally from a respective end of the cylindrical body 235. It can be observed that each appendix 236 is inserted inside a respective housing 233a and is rotatable around the respective axis 156. In a similar way, each appendix 237 is inserted inside The interior of a respective housing 233b and is rotatable about the respective axis 156. Each appendix 236, 237 is coupled with the respective housing 233 in a known and schematically illustrated manner, for example by the interposition of bushings or bearings. Each appendix 236 and 237 is adapted to protrude laterally from the respective conveyors 220 and 221. Furthermore, each appendix 237 comprises an abutment element 244 which is adapted to interact with an external thrust element 239 (shown schematically), for example against a cam profile. The thrust element 239 is adapted to make each roller 155a or 155b slide transversely to the direction of advancement R in a determined position along the working section 223. Alternatively, the thrust element 239 is defined by a system operated by a actuator for example a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

According to what is illustrated in Figures 25 to 27, each roller 155 with the relative supports 227 and 228 respectively forms a rolling unit 238. In particular, the drive system 157c comprises a pair of rolling units 238 indicated herein followed with 238a and, respectively, 238b. The rolling units 238a and 238b are opposed to each other with respect to each conveyor 220 or 221; in other words, when the supports 227 and 228 of a rolling unit 238a are integral with the respective working sections 223, the supports 227 and 228 of the other rolling unit 238b are integral with the respective return sections 225.

Each rolling unit 238 is movable from a loading station 240 (illustrated in Figure 27), which is in proximity to the feed station F of the dose 5 of filler, to an unloading station 241, as will be better explained hereinafter. It is observed that at the unloading station 241, the actuation system 157c comprises a plate 242, which fixes a free end of the cloth 158. The roller 155 is spaced from the conveyors 220 and 221 so as to slide between the plate 242 and the conveyors 220 and 221 themselves so as to disengage the ply 158. Furthermore, the actuation system 157c comprises a deflection device 243, which is defined by a wall inclined with respect to the plate 153 and is adapted to direct a cigar C towards a station exhaust 241.

According to what is illustrated in Figure 26, the drive system 157c also comprises a control device 247. According to a variant not shown, the control device 247 is connected in a known way to the central control unit 6 of the machine 1. The device control device 247 is also connected to both the actuators 218 and 219 and to the manipulation device 159. the control device 247 is adapted to actuate the actuators 218 and 219 independently of each other. In the event that the shoulder member 239 is operated by an actuator, the control device 247 is also connected to the actuator of the thrust member. The control device 247 is adapted to synchronize the movements of the components 115a and 155b with the handling device 159 so as to obtain bi-truncated cone shaped cigars C.

In what follows the operation of the rolling system 7 comprising an actuation system 157c is described.

In use, each rolling unit 238 is translated along the axis 154 of the plate 153 according to the advancement of the conveyors 220 and 221; if one of the conveyors 220 advances at a speed different from the advancement speed of the other conveyor 221, the roller 155 is inclined with respect to the axis 154.

The control device 247 (illustrated in Figure 26) adjusts the actuation of the conveyors 220 and 221 so as to produce a cigar C with a predefined taper.

As illustrated in Figures 25 to 27, the conveyors 220 and 221 are operated so as to translate each rolling unit 238 in the direction of advance R from the loading station 240 to the unloading station 241.

At the loading station 240, the cloth 158 partially wrapped around the filler dose 5 is interposed between the roller 155 and the plate 153. During the advancement along the working section 223, the filler dose 5 is wrapped inside of a band 3 and the roller 155 is inclined with respect to the axis 154 and the appendix 237 is pushed transversely with respect to the axis 154 with the consequent axial translation of the cylindrical body 235 according to the characteristics of the cigar C to be produced. At the unloading station 241, the cigar C is thrown against the deflection device 243. With reference to Figures 25 to 27, it can be observed that while one rolling unit 238a runs along the working section 223, the other rolling unit 238b is operated, in a similar way, along the return section 225. In particular, Figure 27 shows the rolling unit 238a after releasing a completed cigar C outside the rolling system 7 and the rolling unit 238b while it approaches the feeding station F of the filler dose 5 to engage with the cloth 158 and the filler dose 5 so as to start the rolling step (illustrated in Figure 25).

It follows from the foregoing that the actuation system 157c enables production times to be considerably reduced since each rolling unit 238a is arranged in correspondence with the loading station 240 as soon as the other rolling unit 238b is located in correspondence with the station. 241 and vice versa.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLLER ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SYSTEM

HYBRID AND ONE-WAY DRIVE

As will be explained better below, the actuation systems 157a and 157c are adapted to vary the position of a rotation center 212 (schematically illustrated in Figures 28 and 29) parallel to the direction of advance R during the production of a respective section Ci or C2 of the cigar C. Furthermore, the actuation systems 157a and 157c are adapted to vary the position of the center 212 of rotation perpendicular to the direction of advance R.

Figures 28 and 29 schematically show two different rolling sequences showing respective different positions of the rotation centers 212 along the direction of advance R in order to produce two cigars C with different helices of the band 3.

With reference to the above, it can be observed that the previously described actuation systems 157a and 157c allow to vary the position of the rotation center 212 (illustrated in Figures 28 and 29) with respect to a reference point of the band 3. Preferably, the actuation systems 157a and 157c allow to vary the position of the rotation center 212 with respect to a reference point positioned on the axis 32 of the band 3. It can be observed that based on the variation of the position of the rotation center 212 parallel to the axis 32 , that is to say parallel to the direction of advancement R, it is possible to modify at will the inclination of the helix of the band 3 and the inclination of each trunk CI and C2 of the cigar C while wrapping the band 3 itself around the dose 5 of fillers.

In the drive system 157a the center of rotation 212 is arranged on the axis 156 of the roller 155. In particular, in the drive system 157a the center of rotation 212 is defined, during rolling, of a respective trunk CI or C2 of the cigar C from the position assumed by each slide 182 and 183 along the corresponding linear guide 178 and 179 respectively. The axis 184 defines the positioning of the center 212 for the slide 182 during the production of a respective section C1. Similarly, the axis 185 defines the positioning of the center 212 for the slide 183 during the production of a respective section C2.

In the actuation system 157c, the relative position assumed by each support 227 and 228 along the corresponding conveyor 220 and, respectively, 221 determines the positioning of the center of rotation 212 along the direction of advancement R (consequently with respect to a reference position along the axis 32 of band 3) for making a respective trunk C1 or C2 of cigar C (Figures 25 to 27). In particular, the axis 232a defines the center of rotation 212 for the support 227; similarly, the axis 232b defines the center of rotation 212 for the support 228.

Furthermore, the actuation systems 157a and 157c allow to realize a plurality of different bi-truncated cone shaped cigars C, which differ from each other by the inclination imparted to each trunk CI or C2 of the cigar C, depending on the distance between the center 212 of rotation and a reference point of the strip calculated perpendicular to the direction of advance R. Figure 30 shows, for example, a scheme of wrapping the strip 3 around a dose 5 of filler with proportions different from those illustrated in the sequence of figures 28 and 29. In particular, the cigar C shown in figure 30 has trunks CI and C2 with a lower inclination along their longitudinal axis with respect to the trunks CI and C2 illustrated in figures 28 and 29. It is observed that the inclination of each trunk CI and C2 along the longitudinal axis of the cigar C depends on the distance, hereinafter referred to as radius 213, between the center 212 of rotation and a reference point eriment, for example the axis 32, of the band 3 calculated perpendicular to the direction of advancement R.

In the drive system 157a, the rolling radius 213 can be modified by the translation of the guide 179 perpendicular to the direction of feed R and / or by a different positioning of the band 3 on the rolling plate 153 (preferably for adjustment with respect to the linear guide 178).

In the actuation system 157c (Figures 25 to 27) the rolling radius 213 depends on the translation imparted by the thrust element 239 to the roller 155 along the axis 156.

It is also observed that in the drive systems 157a and 157c, the roller 155 is movable with three degrees of freedom in a plane substantially parallel to the flat working surface 152 of the plate 153. The combination of the three degrees of freedom of the roller 155 with the three degrees of freedom of the manipulation device 159 in the plane parallel to the flat work surface 152 makes it possible to produce a wide range of cigars C having different geometries. In particular, the drive systems 157a and 157c described above have the advantage of being able to produce a wide range of cigars C different from each other both for the inclination of each trunk CI and C2 and for the inclination of the edge of the winding helix of the band 3 around dose 5 of filler.

In other words, the actuation systems 157a and 157c allow to realize a plurality of different bi-truncated cone shaped cigars C, which differ from each other by the inclination of the helix formed by an edge 34a and 34b of the band 3 with respect to a principal longitudinal axis of the cigar C as a function of the distance calculated parallel to the direction of advance R between the center 212 of rotation and a reference point.

Furthermore, the actuation systems 157a and 157 c allow to realize a plurality of different bi-truncated cone shaped cigars C, which differ from each other for the inclination of each truncated cone Ci and C2 of the cigar C as a function of the calculated distance. perpendicular to the direction of advancement R between the rotation center 212 and a reference point.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CIGAR EXHAUST DEVICE IN

EXIT FROM THE ROLLING SYSTEM

Figures 31 and 32 show the unloading device 163 of the cigars C leaving the rolling system 7. The unloading device 163 comprises a pair of conveyors 276a and 276b, which are parallel to each other and each have a working section 277 substantially horizontal, and a plurality of carriages 278, which are connected to both conveyors 276a and 276b and are transported along a direction of travel M from a receiving station N to a control station B, through a cutting station Y Each conveyor 276a and 276b is operated by a respective actuator 275a and 275b, respectively. Each carriage 278 has a housing 279 adapted to receive a respective bi-truncated cone cigar C. In particular, each cigar C inserted in the respective housing 279 is transverse to the direction of advance M. In other words, a cigar C inserted in a respective housing 279 is arranged with its longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the direction of advance M. exhaust 163 also includes a cutting unit 280.

The unloading device 163 further comprises a control unit 281 adapted to detect the diameter Dp of the cigar C in a determined position. For example, the control unit 281 is adapted to detect the diameter Dp of the cigar C in a central position.

As illustrated in Figures 31 and 32, the control unit 281 is arranged downstream of the cutting unit 280 with respect to the direction of advancement M.

The cutting unit 280 comprises two pairs of blades 285 and 286, which are concave and opposed to scissors. The blades 285 and 286 avoid, after the cutting operation, to come into contact against the tips of the cigar C. It is observed that in order to avoid contact between the ends of the cigar C the blades 285 and 286 after the cutting operation are away from the trajectory of the C cigar. Alternatively, the C cigar is drawn from the same side as it entered between the blades 285 and 286.

The control unit 281 is connected in feedback (in a known and not illustrated way) to the control unit 113 (or 138) of the metering system 4 (or 120). As previously stated, the detected value of the diameter Dp of the cigar C is used to establish the initial position SO of the dispenser 134.

Preferably, the control unit 281 comprises an optical laser detection system; in particular, the control unit 281 comprises an emitter 282 and a receiver 283 of a laser beam 284. In particular, the control unit 281 is adapted to translate the laser beam 284 during the control of the cigar C. In other words , during the detection of the diameter Dp of the cigar C, the laser beam 284 is translated from one to the other end of the emitter 282 (the end positions of the laser beam 284 during the control phase are shown in figure 31 with a solid line and , respectively, dashed line).

The cigar C is released downstream of the control station B. According to what is illustrated in Figures 31 and 32, the cigar C is released during the advancement of the carriage 278 along a return section of the conveyors 277.

Furthermore, it follows from the foregoing that the packaging machine 1 of the type described above has a high precision in the operations of withdrawing the bands 3 from the reel 13 and in the operations of positioning them in correspondence with a rolling station T. Furthermore, the central control unit 6 allows the various components of the machine to be synchronized in a fast and highly flexible way, allowing the production parameters to be rapidly varied according to the type of cigar C to be produced. For example, by means of the central control unit 6 it is possible to adjust, according to the type of cigar C to be produced, the operations of picking up and orienting the band 3 deposited inside the rolling system 7, the volume and the bulk density the dose 5 of filler fed to the rolling system 7 and the operation of the drive system 157.

The machine 1 allows to produce C cigars having a reduced quantity of glue. Furthermore, a machine 1 of the type described above comprises a system for dosing doses 5 of filler which is particularly precise and constant over time so as to ensure the production of cigars C of constant quality. In addition, the packaging machine 1 comprises a particularly flexible rolling system 7, resistant to the critical working conditions encountered in the vicinity of the rolling station T and capable of keeping the cloth 158 taut and wrinkle-free during the execution of different rolling operations. Finally, the actuation systems 157a and 157b allow to produce in an extremely flexible way a plurality of cigars C different from each other; in particular, the drive systems 157a and 157b allow to produce C cigars with different shapes.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS 1. Method for dosing tobacco fiber into a cigar making machine (1) (C); the method including the steps of: to feed a starting dose (41) of tobacco fiber; bringing at least part of the starting dose (41) into a preload chamber (42) having a predetermined volume through an inlet (74) of the preload chamber (42) itself; the starting dose (41) being pushed to a predefined pressure so that the tobacco fiber fills the preload chamber (42); separate, at the end of the filling of the predetermined volume, any excess dose (46) of the said starting dose (41) not inserted inside the preload chamber (42) at the predefined pressure, from a final dose (44) of tobacco fiber arranged inside the preload chamber (42); remove the final dose (44) from the preload chamber (42), after the excess dose (46) has been separated. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step of separating the excess dose (46) involves removing the excess dose (46) from the preload chamber so as to free the inlet (74) of the preload chamber ( 42). Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the excess dose (46) is recirculated and the starting dose (41) comprises partly an excess dose (46) and partly a new filler (60) of tobacco fiber. The method according to claim 3, wherein the amount of tobacco fiber contained by the new filler (60) depends on the amount of tobacco fiber of the corresponding excess dose (46). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which two or more final doses (44) are accumulated in an accumulation chamber (47), which has a longitudinal axis (95), so as to form a continuous series (48) of final doses (44); the continuous series (48) is pushed along the said axis (95) at constant pressure each time a final dose (44) is inserted into the accumulation chamber (47). Method according to claim 5, and comprising the step of introducing a flavoring substance (103) into the accumulation chamber (47). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two final doses (44) are arranged together in an accumulation chamber (47) and subsequently singularized with respect to each other. 8. Machine for producing curtains (C), comprising a metering system (4) for tobacco fiber for making cigars (C); the machine (1) being characterized in that the metering system (4) comprises: a feeding device (40) for conveying the starting dose (41) to a transfer station (5); a preload chamber (42), which has a predetermined volume, at least one inlet (74) and is adapted to house at least part of the starting dose (41); a first pressing system (43), which is able to bring at least part of the starting dose (41) from the transfer station (S), through the inlet (74) of the preload chamber (42), into the preload chamber (42) itself at a predefined pressure so that the tobacco fiber fills the preload chamber (42) and a final dose (44) is obtained inside the preload chamber (42); a scraper (45) to separate an excess dose (46) of the starting dose (41), in which the excess dose (46) is defined by a portion of the starting dose (41) not inserted inside the chamber preload (42) at the predefined pressure. Machine according to claim 8, wherein the metering system (4) comprises a recirculation system (51), which is adapted to convey the excess dose (46) back to the feeding device (40). Machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the feeding device (40) comprises: a conveyor (55), which has a plurality of radial peripheral seats (57), each of which is adapted to house tobacco fiber, and is adapted to move the seats (57) through a loading station (0), at which the recirculation system (51) feeds the excess doses (46) to the seats (57), a transducer (89) able to determine the filling level of the seats (57) with the respective excess doses (46), a feed hopper (59) having an outlet mouth (61), which faces the conveyor (55) and is able to feed new charges (60) of tobacco fiber inside said seats (57), and a control unit (113) which is connected to said transducer (89) and adjusts the opening of the mouth (61) at the outlet of the hopper (59) according to what is detected by the transducer (89) itself. 11. Machine according to one of claims 8 to 10 and comprising: an accumulation chamber (47) having a longitudinal axis (95), arranged downstream of the preload chamber (42) and able to house a continuous series (48) of a plurality of said final doses (44) arranged in succession along the said longitudinal axis (95); a second pressing system (49) for pressing the final doses (44) arranged in the accumulation chamber (47) at a constant pressure; a singling system (50) for separating from said column (48) a final dose (5) with predefined volume.