JP2010508863A5

JP2010508863A5 -

Info

Publication number: JP2010508863A5
Application number: JP2009536781A
Authority: JP
Filing date: 2007-11-01
Publication date: 2010-12-09

Claims

Providing a fully or partially assembled smoking article comprising at least a tobacco rod made of tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper;
Gluing the foldable paper to the cigarette paper and surrounding the tobacco rod with the foldable paper so that the foldable paper projects over the cigarette paper at the end of the ignited tobacco rod;
Folding the overhanging foldable paper so that the end of the tobacco rod substantially covers the tobacco.

The method of claim 1, wherein the foldable paper is glued to the outside of a cigarette paper.

The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the foldable paper is porous paper.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the foldable paper has a porosity of greater than 3,000 CU, greater than 6,000 CU, greater than 12,000 CU, or greater than 24,000 CU.

5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the foldable paper is a porous plug wrap paper.

The foldable paper is provided with one or more crease lines by embossing, and the protruding foldable paper portion is folded along the lines. Method.

Before embedding the foldable paper to the cigarette paper, including an embossing step for providing one or more lines for folding the foldable paper extending over the end of the cigarette along the line. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the foldable paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over only a portion of the length of the tobacco rod.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foldable paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod.

Bonding the foldable paper to cigarette paper,
Applying an adhesive to the foldable paper;
Contacting the smoking article with the foldable paper and bonding the edge of the foldable paper to the cigarette paper;
Conveying a smoking article in a vacuum groove on the outer surface of the rotating drum,
The smoking article is such that its longitudinal axis is parallel to the drum's axis of rotation in order to bring the smoking article into contact with a curved stationary plate located at a distance less than the diameter of the smoking article and away from the drum. Placed, thereby rotating the smoking article about its longitudinal axis by contact with the plate, and when the drum rotates, the smoking article rotates on the plate, and this rotation allows the foldable paper to be folded. 10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by wrapping.

After the foldable paper is folded, an edge is formed so that the foldable paper portion extends beyond the cigarette with an edge profile that reduces the amount of paper that overlaps compared to the straight edge. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein:

The process of bonding foldable paper to cigarette paper
Placing the smoking article in sequence with the ends end to end with a distance equal to the desired length of the foldable paper portion overhanging the tobacco; and
Providing a continuous length of foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the tobacco rod on these sequentially arranged smoking articles;
Wrapping the smoking article with a foldable paper so that it surrounds the cigarette rod, bonding the paper in place, and cutting the foldable paper flush with the end of each smoking article to divide the smoking article And forming a foldable paper portion overhanging the cigarette.

The process of adhering the foldable paper to the cigarette paper causes the smoking articles to be paired end to end, with each pair of smoking articles abutting at their adjacent ends, and Arranging the smoking articles in order so that the distance between them is a distance equal to twice the desired length of the foldable part overhanging the cigarette;
Providing a continuous length of foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the tobacco rod on these sequentially arranged smoking articles;
Wrapping the smoking article in a foldable paper so as to surround the tobacco rod, and bonding the paper in place;
Cutting the foldable paper where each pair of smoking articles abuts and in the middle of the space between the pair to divide the smoking article to form a foldable paper portion that extends beyond the cigarette. 10. The method of claim 9, comprising:

The folding process of the collapsible paper part overhanging the cigarette supports the smoking article in a vacuum groove on the outer surface of one or more rotating drums and places the part inward on the cigarette at the end of the cigarette rod. 14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the step of contacting with one or more devices for folding.

The one or more folding devices have a width less than the diameter of the smoking article, partially extend over the end of the tobacco rod, and are flush with the tobacco in the rod to form a first fold And then retreating reciprocating tucker, and having a width smaller than the diameter of the tobacco rod and flush with the tobacco, the end of the tobacco rod passing through this surface, A fixed tucker forming a second fold opposite one of the folds, and a tapered edge which is flush with the cigarette and is arranged opposite the cigarette, against the edges of the tobacco rod 15. A set of fixed saddle-shaped folding devices through which ends pass and form third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds. the method of.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and are curved away from the rotating drum, and the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis as the drum rotates. A contact portion with the plate to be fixed, a surface fixed to the plate and flush with the end of the tobacco rod, and having an edge tapered toward the drum in the direction of rotation of the drum, thereby smoking As the article rolls over the plate, the end of the tobacco rod passes through the surface and the part of the foldable paper that projects beyond the cigarette engages the tapered edge, which is gradually moved onto the cigarette. 15. A method according to claim 14, comprising a saddle-like folding device that continuously folds inwardly.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and are curved away from the rotating drum, and the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis as the drum rotates. And a series of teeth extending from the plate toward the drum and having a flush surface with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth extending over the tobacco 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein a fold is formed as the smoking article rolls on the plate, each fold overlaps a previously formed fold.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and are curved away from the rotating drum, and the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis as the drum rotates. And a rotatable cam cooperating with each vacuum groove on the rotating drum, each cam having a flush surface with the end of the tobacco rod so that the smoking article is on the plate The edge of the cam pushes the foldable paper part overhanging the cigarette so that it rolls over the end of the cigarette rod. 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the method is folded inwardly to the heel.

The method of claim 18, wherein the cam has smooth edges that form a continuous fold.

The method of claim 18, wherein the cam has toothed edges that form a series of overlapping folds.

The one or more folding devices move so as to sweep outward from the rear of the smoking article over the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article is conveyed by the rotating drum, and the first and second folds are moved. It has a pair of adjacent surfaces that are flush with the end of the tobacco rod to be formed, and a surface that is flush with the end of the tobacco rod, and the end of the tobacco rod passes through the surface. 15. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising a stationary tucker forming a third fold.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and spaced from the rotating drum, and a curved fixed plate; and the smoking article so that the smoking article rolls on the plate as the drum rotates. And a rotating screw having a rotation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating drum and substantially tangential to the periphery of the drum. The crested surface is flush with the end of the tobacco rod, so that the foldable paper with the thread overhanging the cigarette and the smoking article engages as it rolls across the plate. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the paper is folded inward onto the cigarette by rotation of a screw.

The one or more folding devices push a portion of the foldable paper portion that projects over the cigarette inwardly into the cigarette when the smoking article enters the vacuum groove to form a first fold. Protrusion located in the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and the vacuum groove of the second rotating drum adjacent to the first drum, the smoking article is sent from the first drum, and the smoking article enters the vacuum groove Sometimes a further protrusion that pushes a portion of the foldable paper that extends over the cigarette over the cigarette to form a second fold opposite the first fold, and is flush with the end of the tobacco rod. A third surface, provided with faces arranged opposite to each other, having tapered edges, through which the ends of the tobacco rod pass, face each other and are orthogonal to the first and second folds; And the fourth fold The method of claim 14, characterized in that it comprises a pair of fixed hoe-shaped folding device for forming.

The one or more folding devices push a portion of the foldable paper portion that projects over the cigarette inwardly into the cigarette when the smoking article enters the vacuum groove to form a first fold. Protrusion located in the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and the vacuum groove of the second rotating drum adjacent to the first drum, the smoking article is sent from the first drum, and the smoking article enters the vacuum groove A further protrusion that sometimes pushes a portion of the foldable paper overhanging the cigarette onto the cigarette to form a second fold opposite the first fold, and inward across the end of the tobacco rod A set of reciprocating folding devices that move to sweep and then retract and face each other to form third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds; Claim 1 The method described.

The one or more folding devices push a portion of the foldable paper portion that protrudes beyond the cigarette into the cigarette and inwardly into the cigarette as the smoking article enters the vacuum groove to form a first fold. Protrusions located in the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and a vacuum groove of the second rotating drum adjacent to the first drum, the smoking article is sent from the first drum, and the smoking article is placed in the vacuum groove. A further protrusion that pushes a portion of the foldable paper that protrudes over the cigarette upon entry onto the cigarette to form a second fold opposite the first fold, and the cigarette when the smoking article enters the vacuum groove A smoking article from a second drum that engages with a foldable paper portion that projects beyond and pushes the paper inwardly onto the cigarette to form a third fold orthogonal to the first and second folds. Sent A fixed folding device disposed on the side of three adjacent rotating drums, and a foldable paper portion that projects over the cigarette as the smoking article enters the vacuum groove, and the paper is placed on the cigarette A further fixed folding device arranged on the side of the vacuum groove of the fourth adjacent rotating drum, the smoking article being pushed inward to form a fourth fold opposite the third fold is fed from the third drum 15. The method of claim 14, comprising:

The one or both protrusions and further protrusions are retracted so that the protrusions do not protrude into the groove after the folds have been extended and the folds have been extended as the smoking article enters the vacuum groove. 26. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the method is configured to move between positions.

The one or more folding devices are in an open position to receive a foldable paper portion that is longitudinally aligned with the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and extends beyond the tobacco of the smoking article in the vacuum groove. A first pliers that are biased and closed upon receipt of the foldable paper portion and push the opposing portion inwardly onto the cigarette to form opposing first and second folds; When the smoking article is transferred to the vacuum groove of the second drum after being aligned with the vacuum groove of the rotary drum of 2 and the longitudinal axis of the drum and folding in the vacuum groove of the first rotary drum To foldable paper parts that extend beyond the cigarette of the smoking article, and are biased to an open position, closed at the unfolded position of the paper parts, and the opposing parts are When pushing inward, perpendicular to the first and second folding method according to claim 14, wherein the includes a second pliers forming a folded third and fourth opposed to each other.

The one or more folding devices are in an open position to receive a foldable paper portion that is longitudinally aligned with the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and extends beyond the tobacco of the smoking article in the vacuum groove. A first pliers that are biased and closed upon receipt of the foldable paper portion and push the opposing portions inwardly onto the cigarette to form opposing first and second folds; After folding with a second drum, in cooperation with a second rotating drum arranged to receive the smoking article, the remaining opposite part of the paper part is pushed inward onto the cigarette, the first and second folding 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising one or more auxiliary folding devices that form third and fourth folds orthogonal to each other and opposite each other.

The process of bonding foldable paper to cigarette paper
Applying an adhesive to the foldable paper;
Contacting the smoking article with the foldable paper so that the edge of the smoking article adheres to the cigarette paper;
Introducing the smoking article onto a lower surface located at a distance shorter than its diameter and away from the upper surface, the upper surface being parallel to the upper and lower surfaces and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. Is movable with respect to the lower surface along the direction, so that the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis by contact with the upper and lower surfaces, and as the upper surface moves, the smoking article rolls on the lower surface and is folded by this rolling. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the possible paper is wound on a smoking article.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the top surface includes an endless belt that rotates about a set of rollers.

The process of folding the paper portion that extends beyond the tobacco smokes on the lower surface to contact the paper portion with one or more folding devices that fold the portion inwardly onto the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod. 31. A method according to claim 29 or 30, comprising the step of rolling the article.

The one or more folding devices include a series of teeth extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and having a flush surface with the end of the tobacco rod, each of the teeth being foldable overhanging the tobacco. Claims characterized in that it engages with a part of the paper part and forms a fold as the smoking article rolls on the lower surface, each fold overlaid on a fold formed before it. 31. The method according to 31.

Folding the foldable paper overhanging the cigarette includes pushing a portion of the paper portion inwardly to form a first fold, pushing another portion of the paper portion, 15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising forming a second fold opposite the fold and cutting off some or all of the remaining unfolded portion.

After folding the foldable paper part that overhangs the cigarette, push the end of the tobacco rod with a pin that has a width smaller than the diameter of the smoking article, push down the foldable paper, and better maintain its folding position 34. A method according to any one of claims 1-33.

Adhesive is applied to all or part of the inner surface of the paper portion that extends over the cigarette and the foldable paper portion that further extends beyond the cigarette is folded, and then the tobacco rod is folded. 35. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including the step of pushing the end of the sheet to bond the foldable paper to its folded position.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the adhesive is a heat activated adhesive and the step of pushing the end of the tobacco rod includes the step of applying heat to the end of the tobacco rod.

37. If the smoking article is a partially formed smoking article, the method further comprises the step of attaching a filter unit to the end of the tobacco rod opposite the lit end. The method described in the paragraph.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the filter unit is attached to the end of the tobacco rod simultaneously with the folding and folding of the foldable paper.

After folding the paper that overhangs the cigarette,
Detecting a defect in the folded paper part;
39. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 38, further comprising the step of removing a smoking article if a defect is found in the overhanging paper portion.

The detection step comprises
Capturing one or more images of a folded overhanging paper;
40. The method of claim 39, comprising comparing the one or more images to one or more stored images of a folded overlaid paper that is free of defects.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the one or more captured images include at least one of an end image and a side image of the folded overhanging paper.

The apparatus for enforcing the manufacturing method of the smoking article of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 41.

A tobacco rod containing cigarettes wrapped in cigarette paper, and
A foldable paper bonded to the cigarette paper, whereby the foldable paper surrounds the cigarette rod and projects over the cigarette paper at the end of the ignited tobacco rod, the overhanging portion of the cigarette rod A smoking article that is folded so as to substantially cover the cigarette at the end of the.

44. The smoking article according to claim 43, wherein the foldable paper is adhered to the outside of the cigarette paper.

45. The smoking article according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the foldable paper is a porous paper.

46. The smoking article of claim 45, wherein the foldable paper has a porosity of greater than 3,000 CU, greater than 6,000 CU, greater than 12,000 CU, or greater than 24,000 CU.

47. A smoking article according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the foldable paper is a porous plug wrap paper.

48. The foldable paper is provided with one or more crease lines by embossing, and the overhanging foldable paper portion is folded along this line. Smoking goods.

49. A smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 48, wherein the foldable paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends only over a portion of the length of the tobacco rod.

49. A smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 48, wherein the foldable paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends over substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod.

After the foldable paper is folded, an edge is formed so that the foldable paper portion extends beyond the cigarette with an edge profile that reduces the amount of paper that overlaps compared to the straight edge. 51. The smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 50, wherein the smoking article is provided.

A foldable paper projecting over the cigarette includes a first foldable portion, a second foldable portion facing the first foldable portion, a third foldable portion orthogonal to the first and second foldable portions, and a fourth foldable perpendicular to the first foldable portion. 52. The smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 51, wherein the smoking article is folded at a folding part.

52. The smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 51, wherein the foldable foldable paper portion is folded at a plurality of foldable portions, and each foldable portion overlaps an adjacent foldable portion.

54. A smoking article according to any one of claims 43 to 53, further comprising a filter unit attached to the end of the tobacco rod opposite the end to be ignited.

Can receive a fully or partially formed smoking article including at least a cigarette rod wrapped around cigarette paper, wraps around the cigarette rod and folds over the cigarette paper at the end of the ignited cigarette rod A first sub-device for adhering the correct paper to the cigarette paper;
A second smoking article for receiving a smoking article having an overhangable foldable paper produced by the first sub-device and folding over the foldable paper overhanging the cigarette substantially at the end of the tobacco rod. A device for manufacturing a smoking article, comprising a sub-device.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the first sub-device is operative to adhere a foldable paper to the outside of the cigarette paper.

And further comprising one or more embossing devices through which foldable paper passes before being fed to the first sub-device, the embossing devices being provided with one or more fold lines on the foldable paper, 57. A device according to claim 55 or 56, wherein the foldable foldable paper portion along these lines is folded by the second sub-device.

The first sub-device is configured to adhere the foldable paper to the cigarette paper so that the foldable paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends only over a portion of the length of the tobacco rod. An apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 57.

The first sub-device is configured to adhere the foldable paper to the cigarette paper such that the foldable paper surrounding the tobacco rod extends substantially the entire length of the tobacco rod. 58. An apparatus according to any one of 55 to 57.

The first sub-device is
A dispenser for dispensing foldable paper from a continuous roll;
An adhesive applicator for applying a dispensed adhesive from the roll to the foldable paper dispensed to secure the foldable paper to the cigarette paper so that the foldable paper surrounds the tobacco rod;
A vacuum cutting drum that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation, the drum having a plurality of blades extending radially from the circumference, the blades being distributed folded with adhesive applied by this rotation This dispensed foldable paper is cut into individual foldable papers in sequential engagement with possible papers, and also has suction holes, through which the pressure can be reduced and can be folded individually The vacuum cutting drum for holding the paper on the surface of the vacuum cutting drum with the adhesive facing outward,
A plurality of vacuum grooves that are rotatable about a second rotation axis that is parallel to the first rotation axis, and that accommodates the smoking article with its longitudinal axis parallel to the second rotation axis. On the circumference of the drum, the drum being foldable when the smoking article held in the groove contacts the individual foldable paper on the vacuum cutting drum The first rotatable drum positioned with respect to the vacuum cutting drum such that the edge of the paper is adhered to the smoking article;
A plurality of vacuum grooves which are rotatable about a third rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis and which accommodates smoking articles in a state where its longitudinal axis is parallel to the third rotation axis On the circumference of the second rotatable drum, the second rotatable drum having a foldable paper supported by a groove of the first rotatable drum adhered to the second rotatable drum. The second rotatable drum positioned relative to the first rotatable drum so that it can pass through the drum;
A curved stationary plate located at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and away from the second rotatable drum, whereby the rotation of the second rotatable drum causes the groove of the drum to A smoking article, to which a supported foldable paper is bonded, contacts the curved fixed plate, and contact with the plate causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis, causing the smoking article to rotate as the drum rotates. 60. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 59, comprising: a curved fixed plate that rolls on the plate so that a foldable paper is wound on the smoking article.

The first sub-device is
A dispenser for dispensing foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking article from a continuous roll;
An adhesive applicator for applying a dispensed adhesive from the roll to the foldable paper dispensed to secure the foldable paper to the cigarette paper so that the foldable paper surrounds the tobacco rod;
Supply a series of smoking articles placed end-to-end on a continuous length of foldable paper dispensed from a roll, spaced a distance equal to the desired length of the overlaid foldable paper A smoking article feeder that operates to
A pipe that is supplied with a dispensed foldable paper coated with an adhesive and a series of smoking articles positioned thereon, wrapping the foldable paper around the smoking article, surrounding the tobacco rod, and bonding in place When,
A collapsible paper part that is placed after the tube and cuts the collapsible paper flush with the end of the smoking article as the collapsible paper exits the pipe, dividing the smoking article and projecting 60. The apparatus of claim 59, comprising:

The first sub-device is
A dispenser for dispensing foldable paper having a width at least equal to the circumference of the smoking article from a continuous roll;
An adhesive applicator for applying a dispensed adhesive from the roll to the foldable paper dispensed to secure the foldable paper to the cigarette paper so that the foldable paper surrounds the tobacco rod;
On a continuous length of foldable paper dispensed from a roll, the smoking items are placed in pairs, end-to-end, and each pair of smoking items abuts at their ends, and the pair folds out. A smoking article feeder that operates to supply a series of smoking articles spaced at a distance equal to twice the desired length of the fresh paper;
A pipe that is supplied with a dispensed foldable paper coated with an adhesive and a series of smoking articles positioned thereon, wrapping the foldable paper around the smoking article, surrounding the tobacco rod, and bonding in place When,
Cutting the foldable paper at a point where each pair of smoking articles abuts when the foldable paper exits the tube, and at the midpoint of the spacing between the pair 60. The apparatus of claim 59, comprising a cutter that divides the smoking article and forms an overhanging foldable paper portion.

The second sub-device is
One or more adjacent ones having a plurality of vacuum grooves on the circumference that are rotatable about mutually parallel axes of rotation and that contain a smoking article with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation. A rotatable drum,
One or more folding devices for folding overhangable foldable paper, wherein the overfoldable foldable paper of smoking articles held in the vacuum groove of the one or more drums is one or more folding devices 63. An apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 62, including one or more folding devices for allowing contact and folding the foldable paper inwardly onto the tobacco at the end of the tobacco rod.

The one or more folding devices have a width less than the diameter of the smoking article, partially extend over the end of the tobacco rod, and are flush with the tobacco in the rod to form a first fold A reciprocating tucker that moves backward, and has a width smaller than the diameter of the tobacco rod and is flush with the tobacco, and the end of the tobacco rod passes through this surface, and the first A fixed tucker that forms a second fold opposite the fold of the cigarette and a tapered edge that is flush with the cigarette and is disposed opposite the end of the tobacco rod relative to the edges 64. A set of fixed saddle-shaped folding devices through which the section passes and forms third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds. apparatus.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and are curved away from the rotating drum, and the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis as the drum rotates. A contact portion with the plate to be fixed, a surface fixed to the plate and flush with the end of the tobacco rod, and having an edge tapered toward the drum in the direction of rotation of the drum, thereby smoking As the article rolls over the plate, the end of the tobacco rod passes through the surface and the part of the foldable paper that projects beyond the cigarette engages the tapered edge, which is gradually moved onto the cigarette. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, comprising a saddle-like folding device that folds continuously inward.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and are curved away from the rotating drum, and the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis as the drum rotates. And a series of teeth extending from the plate toward the drum and having a flush surface with the end of the tobacco rod, each tooth extending over the tobacco 64. The device of claim 63, wherein the device engages a portion of the smoking article and forms a fold as the smoking article rolls over the plate, each fold overlies a fold previously formed.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and are curved away from the rotating drum, and the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis as the drum rotates. And a rotatable cam cooperating with each vacuum groove on the rotating drum, each cam having a flush surface with the end of the tobacco rod so that the smoking article is on the plate The edge of the cam pushes the foldable paper part overhanging the cigarette so that it rolls over the end of the cigarette rod. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the apparatus folds inwardly.

68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the cam has a smooth edge that forms a continuous fold.

The one or more folding devices move so as to sweep outward from the rear of the smoking article over the end of the tobacco rod as the smoking article is conveyed by the rotating drum, and the first and second folds are moved. It has a pair of adjacent surfaces that are flush with the end of the tobacco rod to be formed, and a surface that is flush with the end of the tobacco rod, and the end of the tobacco rod passes through the surface. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, further comprising a stationary tucker that forms a third fold.

The one or more folding devices are positioned at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and spaced from the rotating drum, and a curved fixed plate; and the smoking article so that the smoking article rolls on the plate as the drum rotates. And a rotating screw having a rotation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating drum and substantially tangential to the periphery of the drum. The crested surface is flush with the end of the tobacco rod, so that the foldable paper with the thread overhanging the cigarette and the smoking article engages as it rolls across the plate. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the paper is folded inward onto the cigarette by rotation of the screw.

The one or more folding devices push a portion of the foldable paper portion that projects over the cigarette inwardly into the cigarette when the smoking article enters the vacuum groove to form a first fold. Protrusion located in the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and the vacuum groove of the second rotating drum adjacent to the first drum, the smoking article is sent from the first drum, and the smoking article enters the vacuum groove Sometimes a further protrusion that pushes a portion of the foldable paper overhanging the cigarette over the cigarette to form a second fold opposite the first fold, and the end of the tobacco rod is flush with the end A third surface facing each other, having tapered edges, the ends of the tobacco rod passing through the edges, orthogonal to the first and second folds and facing each other; And the fourth fold The apparatus of claim 63, characterized in that it comprises a pair of fixed hoe-shaped folding device for forming.

The one or more folding devices push a portion of the foldable paper portion that projects over the cigarette inwardly into the cigarette when the smoking article enters the vacuum groove to form a first fold. Protrusion located in the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and the vacuum groove of the second rotating drum adjacent to the first drum, the smoking article is sent from the first drum, and the smoking article enters the vacuum groove A further protrusion that sometimes pushes a portion of the foldable paper overhanging the cigarette onto the cigarette to form a second fold opposite the first fold, and inward across the end of the tobacco rod A set of reciprocating folding devices that move to sweep and then retract to form third and fourth folds orthogonal to the first and second folds and facing each other. Claim 3 device as claimed.

And further comprising a curved fixed plate positioned from the second rotatable drum at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article, wherein the smoking article is transferred to the third rotatable drum by contact with the plate. 74. An apparatus according to claim 72 or 73, wherein the smoking article supported by the second drum is effectively rotated 90 degrees about its longitudinal axis before being done.

The one or more folding devices push a portion of the foldable paper portion that projects over the cigarette inwardly into the cigarette when the smoking article enters the vacuum groove to form a first fold on the cigarette. Protrusion located in the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and the vacuum groove of the second rotating drum adjacent to the first drum, the smoking article is sent from the first drum, and the smoking article enters the vacuum groove Sometimes a portion of the foldable paper that protrudes beyond the cigarette is pushed onto the cigarette to form a second fold opposite the first fold, and over the cigarette as the smoking article enters the vacuum groove The smoking article is fed from a second drum that engages a foldable foldable paper portion and pushes the paper inwardly onto the cigarette to form a third fold orthogonal to the first and second folds. Third A fixed folding device located on the side of the adjacent rotating drum and a foldable paper part that projects over the cigarette as the smoking article enters the vacuum groove and inwards the paper onto the cigarette And a further fixed folding device arranged on the side of the vacuum groove of the fourth adjacent rotating drum from which the smoking article is pushed to form a fourth fold opposite the third fold. 64. The apparatus of claim 63, comprising:

The one or both protrusions and further protrusions are retracted so that the protrusions do not protrude into the groove after the folds have been extended and the folds have been extended as the smoking article enters the vacuum groove. 76. Apparatus according to any one of claims 72 to 75, wherein the apparatus is configured to move between positions.

The one or more folding devices are in an open position to receive a foldable paper portion that is longitudinally aligned with the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and extends beyond the tobacco of the smoking article in the vacuum groove. A first pliers that are biased and closed upon receipt of the foldable paper portion and push the opposing portion inwardly onto the cigarette to form opposing first and second folds; When the smoking article is transferred to the vacuum groove of the second drum after being aligned with the vacuum groove of the rotary drum of 2 and the longitudinal axis of the drum and folding in the vacuum groove of the first rotary drum To foldable paper parts that extend beyond the cigarette of the smoking article, and are biased to an open position, closed at the unfolded position of the paper parts, and the opposing parts are When pushing inward, perpendicular to the first and second folding apparatus of claim 63, wherein the includes a second pliers forming the third and fourth folding opposed to each other.

The one or more folding devices are in an open position to receive a foldable paper portion that is longitudinally aligned with the vacuum groove of the first rotating drum and extends beyond the tobacco of the smoking article in the vacuum groove. A first pliers that are biased and closed upon receipt of the foldable paper portion and push the opposing portion inwardly onto the cigarette to form opposing first and second folds; After folding with one drum, in cooperation with a second rotating drum arranged to receive the smoking article, the remaining opposite part of the paper part is pushed inward onto the cigarette, and the first and second 64. The apparatus of claim 63, comprising one or more auxiliary folding devices forming third and fourth folds orthogonal to the folds and facing each other.

The first sub-device is
A dispenser for dispensing foldable paper;
An adhesive applicator for applying a dispensed adhesive from the roll to the foldable paper dispensed to secure the foldable paper to the cigarette paper so that the foldable paper surrounds the tobacco rod;
A smoking article carrier for contacting the smoking article with the foldable paper such that the edge of the foldable paper adheres to the cigarette paper;
The bottom surface;
An upper surface located away from the lower surface at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article, the upper surface being movable in a direction parallel to the upper and lower sides,
Introducing a smoking article with a foldable paper attached onto the lower surface with a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the upper surface, so that the smoking article rotates about its longitudinal axis by contact with these upper and lower surfaces 60. The apparatus of any one of claims 55 to 59, wherein the smoking article rolls on the lower face as the upper surface moves, and the rollable paper is wound on the smoking article.

80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein the top surface includes an endless belt that rotates about a set of rollers.

The second sub-device is
The bottom surface;
An upper surface located at a distance shorter than the diameter of the smoking article and away from the lower surface, the upper surface being movable in a direction parallel to the upper and lower sides;
One or more folding devices that fold over the folded foldable paper inwardly onto the cigarette at the end of the tobacco rod of the smoking article, the upper surface of the smoking article with the foldable paper adhered Introducing on the lower surface with a longitudinal axis perpendicular to it, so that contact with these upper and lower surfaces causes the smoking article to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and as the upper surface moves, the smoking article rolls on the lower surface, Rollable foldable paper is wrapped around the smoking article, and the one or more folding devices are positioned such that the foldable paper overhangs as the smoking article rolls over the lower surface is in contact with the folding device. 81. Apparatus according to any one of claims 55 to 62, 79 or 80.

The one or more folding devices include a series of teeth extending from the lower surface toward the upper surface and having a flush surface with the end of the tobacco rod, each of the teeth being foldable overhanging the tobacco. Claims characterized in that it engages with a part of the paper part and forms a fold as the smoking article rolls on the lower surface, each fold overlaid on a fold formed before it. 81. Apparatus according to 81.

The foldable paper protruding from the second sub-unit receives the folded smoking article, pushes the foldable paper folded with a pin having a width smaller than the diameter of the smoking article, depresses the foldable paper, and more 83. The device of any one of claims 55 to 82, further comprising a third sub-device that operates to maintain its folded position well.

The third sub-device is
A rotatable drum that is rotatable about a rotation axis and has a plurality of vacuum grooves on the circumference for accommodating the smoking article in a state where its longitudinal axis is parallel to the rotation axis;
The number of pins adjacent to the drum and rotatable about the rotating shaft and extending toward the rotating drum and having a spatial distribution aligned with the vacuum grooves is the same as the number of vacuum grooves on the surface. A rotatable plate that rotates at the same speed in the same direction as the drum;
To move the plate toward the drum when the pin is rotated with the plate for the distance to push the folded paper at the end of the smoking article supported by the vacuum groove, and then retract from the drum 84. The apparatus of claim 83, comprising an actuating bearing.

85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the rotatable plate comprises a swash plate.

83. When the overhanging foldable paper is pushed down in a folded state, the pins are heated to activate the heat activated adhesive applied to the paper. 85. The apparatus of any one of 85.

A foldable paper projecting from the second sub-unit receives the folded smoking article and applies pressure and / or heat to the folded paper to activate the adhesive applied to the paper; 83. A device according to any one of claims 55 to 82, further comprising a third sub-device operative to adhere the paper in the folded position.

The third sub-device is
A rotatable drum that is rotatable about a first rotation axis and has a plurality of vacuum grooves on the circumference for accommodating smoking articles in a state where the longitudinal axis thereof is parallel to the rotation axis; ,
A rotatable disk adjacent to the drum and rotatable about a rotation axis orthogonal to the first rotation axis, and having a plurality of pins spaced apart from each other at the edges. The pins extend radially outward such that the pin facing the drum pushes the folded paper of the smoking article supported in the vacuum groove, the pin spacing and the drum and disc 84. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the rotational speed is set to be in continuous press contact with a smoking article continuously supported in the vacuum groove.

89. The fourth sub-device further comprising a fourth sub-device operative to mount the filter unit at an end opposite to the lit end of the partially formed smoking article. The apparatus of claim 1.

Smoking at the same time that the fourth sub-device glues the foldable paper to the smoking article and / or the second sub-device folds the foldable foldable paper of the smoking article. 90. The method of claim 89, wherein the method is operable to mount a filter unit on the article.

93. A detection system operable to detect defects in the folded portion of the overhanging paper and to eliminate smoking articles found to be defective. the method of.

The detection system comprises:
One or more cameras operative to capture one or more images of the folded portion of the overhanging paper;
Compare one or more of these captured images with one or more stored images of a folded portion of the folded paper that is defect-free, and issue a rejection signal if a defect is found in the folded paper portion. An operating control system,
92. The apparatus of claim 91, further comprising an exclusion mechanism that receives an exclusion signal from the control system and is operable to remove from the apparatus smoking articles that are defective in the folded portion of the overhanging paper.

A first camera arranged to capture an end face image of the folded portion of the overhanging paper and the one or more cameras for capturing an image of the side surface of the folded portion of the overhanging paper; 93. The apparatus of claim 92, comprising at least one second camera disposed.