JP2014508539A - Cigarette making machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A base, a cigarette compression mechanism disposed on the base, a slidable plate having a compression end and a coupling end, and a force amplification coupling portion connected to the coupling end of the slidable plate; A cigarette compression mechanism having a force input portion connected to the force amplification connection portion to drive the force amplification connection portion, and a second compression plate positioned opposite to the slidable plate A pin carrier support structure mounted on the base, and a slidable pin carrier slidably attached to the pin carrier support structure, the pin carrier having a working end and a connection end. And a slidable pin carrier.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to cigarette making machines. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a cigarette.

  Prior to the invention of the electric winder, hand-wrapped cigarettes typically required manual tabletop machines, portable machines, or personal single-stick electric motors. These machines often used a chamber for loading tobacco, a manual lever for compressing tobacco, and a spoon mechanism for injecting tobacco into an empty assembled blank cigarette tube. Although several attempts have been made to complete a desktop motor that is basically electric using the same technology, the degree of success has varied. In such machines, the tobacco is often chopped finely by the spoon mechanism. Even if you try to load an appropriate amount of leaf tobacco each time, it is very easy to change. In addition, it may take time to make a cigarette with such a machine.

  The present invention relates to a base, a leaf tobacco compression mechanism disposed on the base, a slidable plate having a compression end and a coupling end, and a force connected to the coupling end of the slidable plate. A leaf tobacco compression mechanism having an amplification coupling part and a force input part connected to the force amplification coupling part to drive the force amplification coupling part, and positioned opposite to the slidable plate A second compression plate, a pin carrier support structure mounted on the base, and a slidable pin carrier slidably attached to the pin carrier support structure, wherein the working end and the connection end are The present invention relates to a cigarette making machine including a slidable pin carrier having a pin.

  The present invention also provides a base, a tobacco compression mechanism disposed on the base, the support frame having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the support frame. A connecting support, a slidable plate having a compression end and a connecting end, a first force output portion having a first end and a second end, and a second force output portion having a first end and a second end. A force amplifying connecting portion, and a first end of the first force output portion is pivotally connected to the connecting support, and a second end of the first force output portion is A cigarette that is pivotally connected to a first end of the second force output portion, and a second end of the second force output portion is pivotally connected to a connecting end of the slidable plate. A compression mechanism, a pin carrier support structure mounted on the base, and the pin carrier support structure; A slidable pin carrier slidably attached to a body, comprising a slidable pin carrier having a working end and a connecting end, and a force input having a first end and a second end A cigarette comprising a force input portion, wherein the force input portion has a first end connected to a second end of the first force output portion and a first end of the second force output portion. Related to manufacturing machines.

  Further, the present invention is a method for producing a cigarette, wherein the leaf includes a step of feeding a specific amount of leaf tobacco to the leaf tobacco compression region, and a slidable plate pivotally connected to the force amplification connecting portion. At least a step of compressing tobacco, a step of inserting a blank cigarette tube into the filling tube, and a step of inserting a compressed leaf tobacco plug into the filling tube with an injection pin mounted on a slidable pin carrier. It concerns the method characterized by comprising.

  The present invention includes a first connection connector having a connection end and a working end, a second connection connector having a connection end and a working end, a first force output unit, and a second force output having a first end and a second end. A second force output unit, wherein the first end is pivotally attached to the connection end of the second connection connector, wherein the first force output unit includes the first end and the first end. A first link having two ends, and a second link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first link is a second end of the second force output portion. A second end of the first link is pivotally attached to a first end of the second link, and a second end of the second link is the first connection connector. The first link and the second link are angularly attached to the connecting end of the first link. A first stop that defines a theta and is attached to the second link, wherein the first stop is supported by the second end of the first link. A first stop that limits the angle theta to a maximum value between 150 degrees and 210 degrees, and a first movement limiter that interacts with the second link, wherein the first movement limiter is the second movement limiter. The present invention relates to a force amplifying connecting portion including a first movement limiter that reduces the angle theta by restricting the pivotal movement of the second link on the connecting connector.

  The present invention also provides a support frame, a connecting support having a back surface and pivotally attached to the support frame, and a force having a first end, a second end, a first side surface, and a second side surface. A first connecting connector having an amplifying connecting portion, a connecting end connected to the force amplifying connecting portion, a working end connected to the connecting support, and a second connecting connector having a connecting end and a working end; A pivot locking portion having a second coupling connector having the coupling end connected to the force amplification coupling portion, a first leg, a second leg, and an end portion, the end portion being the support frame; Pivotally attached to the first abutment, wherein the first leg is located adjacent to the first side of the force amplification connection and is adapted to interact with the force amplification connection; and Has a pin receptacle for engaging the lock pin It further relates to the second leg is provided with said adjacent second side of the amplifier connecting portion becomes positioned in pivot locking portion connected supporter locking device.

  The present invention further includes a support frame, a hinge connection support body pivotally attached to the support frame, a force amplification connection portion having a first end and a second end, and a connection end and a working end. A first connection connector, wherein the connection end is connected to a first end of the force amplification connection portion, and the working end is connected to the support frame; a connection end and a working end; A second connection connector having a connection end connected to a second end of the force amplification connection portion, a spring retainer, and the hinge connection support body attached to the support frame. The present invention relates to a spring holding connection support system including a spring disposed between the spring retainer and the hinge connection support.

  The present invention includes a sliding support, a slidable compression plate disposed on the sliding support, a slidable cleanout plate positioned adjacent to the slidable compression plate, and the slide. An engagement mechanism in which a movable compression plate is detachably engaged with the slidable cleanout plate, while the slidable compression plate is detachably engaged with the slidable cleanout plate. The present invention relates to a cigarette maker cigarette cleanout mechanism comprising an engagement mechanism in which the slidable cleanout plate is slid by a slidable compression plate when sliding.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a method for cleaning a cigarette maker, wherein a slidable compression plate is detachably engaged with a slidable cleanout plate, and the slidable cleanout plate is slid. Retreating together with the compression plate, creating a path between the leaf tobacco transport device and the discharge area, operating the leaf tobacco transport device, and discharging the leaf tobacco from the leaf tobacco transport device to the discharge area A step of driving the slidable compression plate forward to extend the slidable cleanout plate to a closed position; and a step of releasing the slidable compression plate from the slidable cleanout plate. The method is characterized by comprising at least.

  The present invention is also a drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube, having a first surface and a second surface, and further having at least one filling tube disposed on the first surface. A first plate having a first surface and a second surface and further defining at least one hole, the at least one hole being axially aligned with the filling tube A second plate, and a support structure for detachably mounting the first plate on the second plate so that the first surface of the first plate faces the first surface of the second plate And a drum comprising a drive mechanism in communication with the support structure for rotating the drum and having a semicircular notch and an outwardly open slot.

  The present invention also provides a cleanout container for a cigarette maker, comprising an upper end, a lower end, a bin side wall disposed therebetween, and a bottom surface of the bin surrounding the lower end of the bin. A drawer, a drawer slidably disposed on the lower bottle, wherein the upper surface, the bottom surface, a drawer sidewall disposed therebetween, and the bottom surface of the drawer are at least partially closed A scoop that is disposed on the upper surface of the drawer, and includes a top end, a bottom end, a scoop sidewall disposed therebetween, and a bottom end of the scoop. The present invention relates to a cleanout container for a cigarette maker comprising a scoop having a bottom surface.

  The present invention provides a flexible blank cigarette tube locator having a ring having an outer edge, a flange having an outer side and an inner side, wherein the flange has an inner side attached to the outer edge of the ring, and a base and a flap. The present invention relates to a blank cigarette tube holding device including a flexible blank cigarette tube locator formed by attaching the base to an outer edge of the ring.

  The present invention is also a method for installing and holding a blank cigarette tube, the step of loading the blank cigarette tube into a filling tube, and the blank cigarette tube being placed on the filling tube with a flexible blank cigarette tube locator And a step of holding the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube by friction between the blank cigarette tube and a flexible blank cigarette tube holder.

  Further, the present invention is a method for producing a cigarette, wherein the leaf includes a step of feeding a specific amount of leaf tobacco to the leaf tobacco compression region, and a slidable plate pivotally connected to the force amplification connecting portion. A step of compressing tobacco, a step of inserting a blank cigarette tube into a filling tube, a step of installing and holding the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube with a blank cigarette tube installation and holding device, and a compressed leaf tobacco And a step of inserting the plug into a filling tube with an injection pin mounted on a slidable pin carrier.

  The present invention relates to a pin carrier support structure, a slidable pin carrier slidably attached to the pin carrier support structure, a pin having a working end and a connection end, and a connector having a mounting end and a connection end. The mounting end is attached to the slidable pin carrier, the connection end is connected to the connection end of the pin, the connector pivots the pin, and at least secondary The present invention relates to a pin holding mechanism for a cigarette maker comprising a connector that enables a degree of freedom.

  Furthermore, the present invention is a method of configuring a pin holding mechanism, the step of providing a pin carrier support structure, the step of slidably attaching a slidable pin carrier to the pin carrier support structure, and the working end And a step of providing a pin having a connecting end, a step of providing a connector having a mounting end and a connecting end, a step of mounting the mounting end of the connector on the slidable pin carrier, and a connecting end of the pin as the connector And pivotally connecting to the connecting end of the pin so that the pin has at least a second degree of freedom.

  The present invention is also a method for operating a cigarette maker, wherein the slidable pin carrier is slid on the pin carrier support structure, and at least two pins connected to the slidable pin carrier are provided. Characterized in that it comprises at least a step of pivoting with the following degree of freedom, a step of injecting a tobacco plug into the filling tube with an injection pin, and a step of pushing the completed cigarette out of the filling tube with an ejection pin. On how to do.

It is a perspective view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of this invention. It is a side view of the leaf tobacco conveyance apparatus of FIG. It is a perspective view of a part of the cigarette making machine of FIG. It is an expansion perspective view of the force amplification connection part of the present invention in the fully extended position. 3B is a top view of the force amplification connection of FIG. 3B positioned with respect to the central stop. FIG. FIG. 3B is a side view of the force amplification coupling portion of FIG. 3B. 3B is a top view of the force amplification coupling part of FIG. 3B in which the force input part is retracted. FIG. FIG. 3B is a top view of the force amplification coupling portion of FIG. 3B in a retracted position. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. It is a perspective view of the pin mechanism of the present invention. 6A is a perspective view of a filling tube and FIG. 6B is a side view of another filling tube. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the guide head and pin, and FIG. 7B is a side view of another embodiment of the guide head and pin. It is sectional drawing of a filling tube holding drum. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube attached to a drum partially receiving a guide head. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube attached to a drum, fully receiving a guide head. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube attached to the drum, fully receiving the guide head, and further illustrating a blank cigarette tube being loaded onto the fill tube. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fill tube, attached to the drum, fully receiving the guide head, further illustrating a blank cigarette tube fully loaded on the fill tube. It is sectional drawing of the injection pin which inject | pours a tobacco tobacco plug into the filling tube which loaded the blank cigarette tube on it. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a completed cigarette that is extruded from a filling tube. It is another partial perspective view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. It is another partial perspective view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. It is another perspective view of a pin mechanism. It is another partial perspective view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of this invention. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the foldable force input unit of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a top view of the foldable force input unit connected to the arm and the force amplification coupling unit. It is sectional drawing of the pin connector of this invention. It is a perspective view of the connection support body locking device of the present invention. It is detail drawing of the U-shaped pivot lock part which shows the roller which supports the back surface of a connection support body. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of one embodiment of the distal end of the first leg of the U-shaped pivot lock. FIG. 7 is a detail view of another embodiment of the distal end of the first leg of the U-shaped pivot lock. It is a side view of the connection support body locking device of Drawing 15A. It is a top view of the connection support body locking device of Drawing 15A which shows the roller offset from the back of the connection support body. 1 is a perspective view of a spring retaining connection support system of the present invention having a connection in a central position. FIG. FIG. 16B is a top view of the spring retaining connection support system of FIG. 16A with the force input and connection in the retracted position. FIG. 16B is a top view of the spring retaining connection support system of FIG. 16A with the force input in a fully extended position. FIG. 16B is a top view of the spring retaining connection support system of FIG. 16A having a connection at the center position of the return stroke of the force input portion. It is a perspective view of a reduced diameter shaft injection pin of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cigarette making machine of the present invention, with portions omitted for clarity. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 with additional portions removed for clarity. FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 19A with additional portions removed for clarity. It is a perspective view of the drum of this invention. It is a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention showing a Geneva gear mechanism. It is a perspective view of the cleanout container of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the blank cigarette tube installation and holding device of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a gap between a filter of a blank cigarette tube loaded on a filling tube and an end of the filling tube. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a tobacco plug being injected into a filling tube and a gap between a filter of a blank cigarette tube loaded on the filling tube and an end of the filling tube. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a completed cigarette with a gap between the tobacco plug and the filter. It is sectional drawing of the flexible blank cigarette tube locator of this invention. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the cigarette machine which has a blank cigarette tube installation and holding | maintenance apparatus of this invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible blank cigarette tube locator that engages a loaded blank cigarette tube. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 29. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible blank cigarette tube holder that engages a loaded blank cigarette tube. It is a perspective view of another blank cigarette tube installation and holding device of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the spring pin connector of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the coupling pin connector of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the universal joint pin connector of this invention.

  A cigarette maker 10 is shown in FIG. The machine 10 includes a base 12, a leaf tobacco compression mechanism 100, a leaf tobacco transport device 200, a force amplification connection unit 300, a filling tube holder 400, a pin mechanism 600, and a blank cigarette tube loader 700. .

  FIG. 2 shows a tobacco tobacco transport device 200. The apparatus 200 generally includes an injection end 201, a receiving hopper 215, a tobacco transport zone 218, a first conveyor 202 having an upper end 203 and a lower end 204, and a second conveyor 205 having an upper end 206 and a lower end 207. Have. Conveyors 202 and 205 are mounted between a first side plate 217 and a second side plate (not shown). The conveyor 202 has a conveyor belt 208, and the conveyor 205 has a conveyor belt 209. Conveyor belts 208 and 209 may have striations or fingers on them to be able to grip the tobacco with the moving belts engraved on it. An upper end 203 of the first conveyor 202 and an upper end 206 of the second conveyor 205 communicate with the receiving hopper 215. Typically, conveyors 202 and 205 approach each other as they move in the directions of arrows 211 and 212, respectively. At least one electric motor 220 may be used to drive the gear 222 to drive the first conveyor 202 and the second conveyor 205 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  The operation of the cigarette maker 10 is typically managed by a control device. The controller receives information from the operator and various sensors to synchronize and time the operation of the cigarette maker. The controller can be a PLC, a microprocessor, a microprocessor on a printed circuit board (PCB), or other controller that can receive information, time and synchronize the operation of the cigarette machine.

  FIG. 4 shows a tobacco tobacco compression mechanism 100 disposed on the base 12. The cigarette compression mechanism is a force transmission unit 304, here a slidable compression plate 102 having a compression end 104 and a coupling end 106. The compression end 104 may also have a compression mold 105. Opposing the slidable compression plate is a second compression plate (also referred to as a corresponding compression plate 108) having a compression end 110. The corresponding compression plate may be slidable or fixed. When the slidable compression plate 102 is retracted as shown in FIG. 4, the compression end 104 of the slidable compression plate 102, the compression end 110 of the corresponding compression plate 108, and the plate 112 together are compressed with tobacco. Region 114 is formed. As the slidable compression plate moves to its distal most in the direction of arrow 197, the compression end 104 of the slidable compression plate 102 combines with the compression end 110 of the corresponding compression plate 108 to compress the compressed tobacco. A working space 118 is formed.

  During operation, the inner sides 213 and 214, respectively, moving below the conveyors 202 and 205 partially press the chopped leaf tobacco and deliver it to the leaf tobacco compression region 114 (see FIG. 2). The conveyors 202 and 205 move for a predetermined time and stop after delivering a certain amount of chopped tobacco into the compression zone 114. The amount of tobacco delivered to the compression zone 114 can be within a predetermined range, and the exact amount is determined by the machine operator depending on individual preferences such as the operator's preferred cigarette “draw”, among others. Determined. Thereafter, the force input unit 340 drives the force amplification coupling unit 300, pushes the slidable compression plate 102 toward the corresponding compression plate 108, and further compresses the tobacco in the compression region 114 (see FIG. 3A). . When the slidable compression plate 102 moves in the direction of the corresponding compression plate 108, the upper end 107 of the slidable compression plate 102 meets the cutting edge 264 of the knife 263 (see FIG. 2). FIG. The chopped tobacco in the compression zone 114 is then sheared from the chopped tobacco in the tobacco transport zone 218 to form a tobacco plug 265 in the compressed tobacco space 118. Typically, the diameter of the tobacco plug 265 is smaller than the inside diameter of the filling tube and blank cigarette tube, and the tobacco plug can be inserted into the filling tube and blank cigarette tube. In one embodiment, the blank cigarette tube is a paper cigarette tube and filter without tobacco.

  Further, since the plate 112 is slidable and can slide away from the compression region 114, the bottom surface of the compression region may be opened. With the slidable plate 112 open, excess tobacco that is present in the tobacco transport zone 218 is located below the compression region 114 through the compression region 114 after producing a large number of cigarettes. Excess leaf tobacco can be discharged into a receiving hopper (not shown). The rod 122 can be used to connect the plate 112 to the solenoid 120 and slide the plate (see FIGS. 1 and 3A). Other mechanisms than solenoids can be used to slide the plate 112, such as an electric linear actuator, a pneumatic cylinder, or a wheel with an offset arm that drives a link.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the tobacco tobacco compression mechanism 100 has a force amplification connection part 300. The force amplifying connecting portion 300 is attached to the support frame 302 via the first connecting support body 320 and the connecting connector 322 so as to push the slidable compression plate 102 and pivot. The force amplification coupling portion includes a first end 305, a second end 307, a first force output portion 308 having a first end 310 and a second end 312, and a second end having a first end 316 and a second end 318. Force output unit 314. The 1st force output part 308 and the 2nd force output part 314 have force output parts 330 and 332 corresponding to each, respectively, and may form a double connection mechanism. The support frame 302 has a first end 301 and a second end 303. The first end 310 of the first force output unit 308 is pivotally connected to the first end 301 of the support frame 302 via a connection support 320. One way to connect the first end 310 of the first force output 308 to the support frame 302 and the connection support 320 is to use a first connection connector 322 having a connection end 323 and a working end 325 (FIG. 3B). reference). Here, the first connection connector 322 is a connection rod. The pin 324 passes through the center at the connection end 323 of the first connection connector 322 and the hole at the first end 310 of the first force output unit 308 so that the first connection connector can be pivoted to the first force output unit. Connected. The working end 325 of the first connection connector 322 is connected to the connection support 320.

  The second end 318 of the second force output portion 314 is pivotally connected to the slidable compression plate 102. One way to connect the second end 318 of the second force output 314 to the slidable compression plate 102 is to use a second connection connector having a connection end 339 and a working end 345. Here, the second connecting connector is a connecting rod. The pin 334 passes through the center of the second connection connector 338 and the hole at the second end 318 of the second force output portion 314 to pivotally connect the second connection connector to the second force output portion. . The working end 345 of the second connection connector 338 is connected to the slidable compression plate 102.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, the first end 341 of the force input unit 340, the second end 312 of the first force output unit 308, and the first end 316 of the second force output unit 314 are connected to the force input unit 340. And a pin 342 passing through a hole at the second end of the first force output portion and a hole at the first end of the second force output portion. The second end 343 of the force input unit 340 is connected to an arm described later. Central stop 350 limits the movement of the force input in the direction indicated by arrow 352. The central stop can be adjusted via bolts 354 and nuts 356 and 358 to secure the central stop to the central stop vertical support 360. Further, the stopper may include a pad 362 for buffering the first force output portion and the second force output portion when they contact the central stopper.

  3A is in a retracted position. As force input 340 moves in the direction of arrow 352, first end 310 of first force output 308 pivots about pin 324 and second end 318 of second force output 314 moves as indicated by arrow 197. Move in the direction. The second end 318 of the second force output 314 moving in the direction of arrow 197 also moves the slidable compression plate 102 in the same direction and compresses the tobacco in the compression region 114. When the pins 324, 342 and 334 are axially aligned, the force amplification connection is in a fully extended position. Thereafter, when the force input unit 340 continuously moves in the direction of the arrow 352, the pin 342 goes beyond the center, the second end 318 of the second force output unit 314 is slightly retracted, and the force amplification connection unit 300 contacts the central stop 350.

  In the return stroke, the force input part 340 moves in the direction of the arrow 351 and pulls the force amplification connection part 300 away from the central stopper 350. The second end 318 of the second force output 314 and the slidable compression plate 102 move in the direction of arrow 197 until the pin 342 is centered and axially aligned with the pins 324 and 334. The force input unit 340 continuously moves in the direction of the arrow 351, and the second end 318 of the second force output unit 314 approaches the first end 310 of the first force output unit 308 in the direction of the arrow 198. Thus, the slidable compression plate 102 is moved backward.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the cigarette compression mechanism 100 has a force amplification connection 300 located under the sliding support 850. The force amplifying connecting portion 300 that presses the slidable compression plate 102 is pivotally attached to the first connecting support 320 by a connecting connector 322. The force amplification coupling portion includes a first end 305, a second end 307, a first force output portion 308 having a first end 310 and a second end 312, and a second end having a first end 316 and a second end 318. Force output unit 314. The first end 310 of the first force output unit 308 is pivotally connected to the connection support 320. One way to connect the first end 310 of the first force output 308 to the connection support 320 is to use a first connection connector 322 having a connection end 323 and a working end 325 (see FIG. 3B). Here, the first connection connector 322 is a connection rod. The pin 324 (FIG. 19A) pivots the first connection connector to the first force output unit through the center at the connection end 323 of the first connection connector 322 and the hole at the first end 310 of the first force output unit 308. It is connected movably. The working end 325 of the first connection connector 322 is connected to the connection support 320.

  The second end 318 of the second force output portion 314 is pivotally connected to a slidable support mechanism 851 to which the slidable compression plate 102 is attached. The slidable compression plate 102 and the slidable support mechanism 851 are disposed on the slide support 850. The second force output portion 314 may be attached to the slidable mechanism in the same manner as the first force output portion is connected to the coupling support 320, or the second force output portion 314 is slidably supported. Other pivotable means and methods for attaching to mechanism 851 may be used.

  As described above, the plate 112 is slidable and can slide away from the compression region 114, so that the bottom surface of the compression region 114 may be opened. Next, a path is created between the leaf tobacco transport device 200 and the discharge area 840. Although removed for clarity in FIG. 19A, the cigarette transport device 200 is typically located in region 115 as shown in FIG. FIG. 19A shows a method of using the engagement mechanism 800 to slidably slide the slidable cleanout plate 113 and removably engage the slidable compression plate 102 with the slidable cleanout plate 113. According to this embodiment, the engagement mechanism 800 for engaging the slidable cleanout plate 113 is located on the upper side 101 of the slidable compression plate 102. The engagement mechanism 800 has an electric solenoid 802 having a central pin 804. The center pin is held in a retracted position by a spring 806 connected to a spring support 808, as shown in FIG. 19A. When energized, the coil of solenoid 802 drives center pin 804 downward in the direction of arrow 801.

  The slidable cleanout plate 113 has a compression region end 774 and an operation end 772. The operation end 772 has a receiving hole 776. FIG. 19B. The receiving hole 776 may be positioned on the slidable cleanout plate 113 or may be positioned on a member such as a pin 777 attached to the slidable leanout plate 113. Typically, in a cigarette manufacturing process, the slidable cleanout plate 113 remains fixed while the slidable compression plate 102 compresses the tobacco. When the cleanout process is initiated, the slidable compression plate 102 moves in the direction of arrow 197 to its most distal position. The solenoid 802 is energized, and the center pin 804 is protruded downward from the solenoid into the receiving hole 776 in the direction of the arrow 801, so that the slidable compression plate is detachably engaged with the slidable slidable cleanout plate. Let Thereafter, the force input portion 340 is retracted in the direction of the arrow 398, and the slidable compression plate 102 is moved in the direction of the arrow 198 as the force amplification connecting portion 300 is retracted. Since the center pin 804 engages with the receiving hole 776, the slidable cleanout plate 113 is slid by the slidable compression plate 102 and moved backward to move the slidable cleanout plate 113 to the open position. Then, a path from the tobacco tobacco transport device 200 to the discharge area 840 is formed. According to this embodiment, the chute 810 is located below the discharge area 840. Thereafter, the leaf tobacco transport device 200 is operated, and excess leaf tobacco therein is discharged to the lower chute 810. Excess leaf tobacco descends through chute 810 and is collected in cleanout container 910 (FIG. 21). When the cleanout process is completed, the force input unit 340 moves in the direction of 394, so that the slidable compression plate 102 and the slidable cleanout plate 113 move in the direction of 197. The path to region 840 is closed. The solenoid 802 is then de-energized and the central pin 804 is retracted from the receiving hole 776 to release the slidable compression plate from the slidable cleanout plate and when the tobacco is compressed, The moving plate remains in the closed position. Typically, the slidable cleanout plate is held in the closed position by a slidable cleanout plate retention mechanism in communication with the slidable cleanout plate. The slidable cleanout holding mechanism includes a spring 281 that applies a force in the direction of arrow 197 on the slidable cleanout plate, and a permanent magnet or electromagnet 783 that engages and holds the slidable cleanout plate in the closed position. Or a latching mechanism that holds the plate in the closed position. The slidable cleanout plate may be made from various materials such as ferrous or non-ferrous metals or plastics. If a magnet is used and the slidable cleanout plate is made of a non-ferrous material, an iron tab 784 may be attached to the slidable cleanout plate to engage the magnet. One method or a combination of methods can be used to hold the slidable cleanout plate in the closed position.

  Other means and methods of engaging the slidable compression plate 102 with the slidable plate 112 may be used, such as a magnet that locks the plates together, or a clamp that secures the plates together.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, the first slidable cleanout plate sensor 842 and the second slidable cleanout plate sensor 844 are slidably attached to a slot bar 785 adjacent to the slidable cleanout plate, The position of the slidable cleanout plate 113 may be determined. The slidable cleanout plate sensor actuator 846 is attached to the slidable cleanout plate 113. The actuator 846 activates the first sensor 842 when the slidable cleanout plate reaches the first predetermined position, and then a signal is sent to the controller to close the slidable cleanout plate to the controller. Tell them that you are doing. The actuator 846 activates the second sensor 844 when the slidable cleanout plate reaches the second predetermined position, and then a signal is sent to the controller to open the slidable cleanout plate to the controller. And informs that a route from the tobacco tobacco transport device 200 to the discharge area 840 has been created.

  FIG. 21 shows the cleanout container 910 located under the chute 810, and FIG. 22 shows a detailed view of the cleanout container 910. The cleanout container has a lower bin 912 that is held by rails 914 and 916. The lower bin has an upper end 936, a lower end 938, and side walls 937, 939, 940 and 941 disposed between the upper end 936 and the lower end 938. The bottom surface 942 surrounds the lower end 938 of the bin 912.

  A drawer 918 having a top surface 920, a bottom surface 922, a front region 921, and a rear region 923 is slidably disposed on the lower bottle 912. The side walls 943, 944, 945 and 946 are disposed between the upper surface 920 and the bottom surface 922 of the drawer 918. The drawer bottom surface 922 is attached to at least one sidewall and has a bottom surface portion 924 that at least partially closes the bottom surface 922 of the drawer 918. There is typically an opening 926 in the bottom surface 922 that is open to the lower bin 912.

  Disposed on the drawer 918 is a scoop 928 having an upper end 948, a lower end 950, and sidewalls 952, 954, 956 and 958 disposed between the upper end 948 and the lower end 950. The upper surface 920 of the drawer 918 has rails 960 and 962 that hold the scoop via a flange 964 attached to the top end 948 of the scoop at the side wall 952 and a flange 966 attached to the top end 948 of the scoop at the side wall 956. . The scoop 928 has a length 930 that is shorter than the length 932 of the drawer 918 so that the scoop can be placed in the drawer front region 921 or the drawer rear region 923. A scoop sensor 934, such as a limit switch, is positioned to interact with the scoop and determines the position of the scoop 928 in the drawer. The scoop sensor 934 can be positioned so that it outputs a signal when the scoop is in the rear region 923 of the drawer 918 and does not emit a signal when the scoop is in the front region 921 of the drawer 918. Alternatively, the scoop sensor can be positioned so that it does not signal when the scoop is in the rear region 923 of the drawer 918 and signals when the scoop is in the front region 921 of the drawer 918. Typically, the sensor is in communication with a cigarette making machine controller. A sensor interacting with the drawer can also be provided to confirm the position of the drawer.

  Typically, an injection pin (described below) passes through the compressed tobacco space 118 when the tobacco plug 265 is pushed from the compressed tobacco space 118 into the filling tube (FIGS. 1 and 4). If the injection pin is in the compressed tobacco space when the force input unit 340 starts its return stroke, the injection pin is sandwiched between the slidable compression plate 102 and the corresponding compression plate 108 May be. An effective method for preventing the pin from being pinched is to correct the size of the injection pin, or to move the slidable plate in the direction of the arrow 197 when the force input unit 340 is retracted. And, when the pins 324, 342 and 334 are axially aligned, the force amplifying connection 300 is moved from a position beyond its center relative to the central stop 350 to a fully extended position, etc. There is.

  FIG. 17 shows a reduced diameter shaft injection pin 50 having a working end 52, a connecting end 54, and a central portion 56 disposed therebetween. The working end 52 has approximately the same outer diameter 58 as the tobacco plug 265 made in the compressed tobacco space 118. The connection end 54 has a ball end 60 sized to fit into a socket described later. A central portion 56 connecting the connection end 54 to the working end 52 is a reduced diameter shaft having an outer diameter 57 smaller than the outer diameter 58 of the working end 52. The reduced diameter of the central portion 56 prevents the injection pin 50 from being caught in the compressed tobacco space 118 during the return stroke of the force input portion.

  The operation of the reduced diameter shaft injection pin 50 and how to prevent pinching in the compressed tobacco space 118 will be described below. FIG. 8F shows an injection pin 50 that loads a tobacco plug 265 into a filling tube 450 with a blank cigarette tube 425 disposed thereon. The working end 52 of the injection pin 50 passes over the compressed tobacco space 118 partially formed by the corresponding compression plate 108 and enters the filling tube 450. After the working end 52 has passed past the compressed cigarette space 118, the force input 340 typically begins a return stroke, and when the force amplification connection returns to the fully extended position, the slidable compression. The plate 102 moves to its most distal end. When the central portion 56 of the injection pin 50 is the same diameter as the working end 52, such as the injection pin 612 shown in FIG. 1, the injection pin is compressed between the slidable compression plate 102 and the corresponding compression plate 108. It will be sandwiched between the cigarette space 118. The reduced diameter of the central portion 56 of the injection pin 50 prevents the injection pin from being pinched.

  Until the injection pin 50 is retracted from the filling tube and the working end 52 reaches the front end 124 of the compressed cigarette space 118, the force input portion 340 retracts the force amplification connection portion away from the central stopper 350. , Move beyond its fully extended position and move in the direction of the most retracted position. As such, the slidable compression plate 102 moves from its distal end and continues to move in the direction of arrow 198 in FIG. 3A, thereby passing the compressed tobacco space 118 without the working end 52 being pinched. There is enough space.

  Another way to prevent the slidable compression plate 102 from pinching the injection pin is to prevent the slidable compression plate 102 from moving in the direction of arrow 197 during the return stroke by using a split force output member. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the force amplification connection unit 306 includes a second force output unit 314, a first link 364 having a first end 366 and a second end 368, a first end 372, a second end 374, A first force output part 363 created from a first side 373 and a second link 370 having a second side 375 can be provided. The first link 364 can have a downward corresponding link 365 and the second link 370 can have a downward corresponding link 371. FIG. 3B shows the first link 364 and the second link 370 in a fully extended position. A pivotable connector 376 passing through the hole at the first end 316 of the second force output 314 and the hole at the first end 366 of the first link 364 connects the first end 366 of the first link 364 to the second force output. A first end 316 of 314 is pivotally connected. Further, the pivotable connector 376 connects the first end 341 of the force input portion 340 to the force amplification coupling portion so as to be pivotable. Here, the pivotable connectors are bolts and nuts, but other pivotable connectors such as pins can also be used.

  The second end 368 of the first link 364 is pivotally connected to the first end 372 of the second link 370 by a pivotable connector 378. Here, the pivotable connector 378 is a bolt, but other pivotable connectors such as pins can also be used. The second end 374 of the second link 370 passes through the center at the connection end 323 of the first connection connector 322 and is connected to the first connection connector 322 by a pivotable connector 382 that passes through the hole at the second end 374 of the second link 370. It is pivotally connected. The working end 325 of the first connection connector 322 is connected to the connection support 320. Here, the pivotable connector 382 is a bolt, but another pivotable connector such as a pin may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3D, the first stopper 380 is attached to the second side surface 375 of the second link 370. Here, the first stopper 380 is a stop pin that is attached to the second link 370 and passes through the second link 370. A portion 386 of the first stop 380 extends beyond the lower surface 384 of the second link 370. The second stop pin 381 can be included in the downward corresponding link 371. The outside angle theta is defined by the first link and the second link. When the first link 364 and the second link 370 are in the fully extended position, the lower portion 386 of the first stop 380 is supported by the second end 368 of the first link 364 at a stop point 388, thereby providing an angular theta. Limit. Typically, the angle theta is 150 to 210 degrees, more typically 160 to 200 degrees, more typically 170 to 190 degrees, more typically 175 to 185 degrees, and most typically 178. Limited to 183 degrees. FIG. 3B shows the case where the angle theta is approximately 180 degrees.

  The first movement limiter 392 is located adjacent to the central stop 350 and stops the pivot movement of the second link 370 about the pivotable nectar 382 and the first connection connector 322. When the front end 393 of the first movement limiter 392 contacts the first side 373 at the front end 372 of the second link 370 at approximately position 369, while the force input 340 moves in the direction of arrow 394, the pivoting movement is Stop. Typically, the first movement limiter stops the pivoting movement of the second link 370 about the pivotable connector 382 when the pivotable connectors 376, 378 and 382 are aligned. The first end 366 of the link 364 and the second link 370 are in a fully extended position, and the angle theta is 180 degrees. However, the first movement limiter may stop pivoting the second link at other positions.

  FIG. 3C shows that the angle theta between the first link 364 and the second link 370 decreases when the force input unit continues to move in the direction of the arrow 394 after the second link 370 is stopped by the first movement limiter 392. It is shown that. Here, the angle theta is less than 180 degrees. Further, when the second force output unit 314, the first link 364, and the second link 370 are in a fully extended position, the angle phi that is 180 degrees is less than 180 degrees as shown in FIG. 3C. In a state where the angle theta and phi are less than 180 degrees, the first link 364, the second link 370, and the second force output portion 314 are not in the fully extended position, and the slidable compression plate 102 is from the most distal end. It is in a retreat place.

  When the force input unit 340 moves backward, the first link 364 and the second link 370 maintain a pivoting state with an angle theta of less than 180 degrees. Since they are free to pivot further inwardly, the angle theta may be further reduced. As such, the first force output 308, the first link 364, and the second link 370 do not return to the fully extended position during the return stroke of the force input 340. Therefore, the slidable compression plate 102 does not move to the most distal position during the return stroke of the force input portion 340, thereby preventing the slidable compression plate 102 from coupling the injection pin to the compressed cigarette space 118. To do.

  FIG. 3E shows that during the return stroke of the force input, the second link 370 encounters a second movement limiter 396 that limits the pivoting movement of the second end 374 of the second link 370 on the pivot 382. When the surface 397 of the second movement limiter 396 interacts with the second side 375 of the second link 370, the pivoting movement stops. As the force input continues to retract in the direction of arrow 398, the first link 364 is moved to the arrow 395 until the lower portion 386 of the first stop 380 is supported at the second end 368 of the first link 364 at the stop point 388. Rotate in the direction of. Next, the force input section is typically in a fully retracted position as shown in FIG. 3F.

  Instead of a first force output portion having a first link and a second link to prevent the slidable compression plate 102 from moving in the direction of arrow 197 during the return stroke of the force input portion 340, a second force output is provided. The part 314 may have a first link and a second link that operate in the same manner as the first and second links of the first force output part. Furthermore, both the first force output portion and the second force output portion have a first link and a second link, respectively, so that the slidable compression plate 102 is in the direction of arrow 197 during the return stroke of the force input portion 340. It may be possible to prevent the movement.

  15A-15F show that the first force output portion 308 and the second force output portion 314 prevent the slidable compression plate 102 from moving in the direction of arrow 197 during the return stroke of the force input portion 340. 4 shows another method that may be configured. A coupled support locking device 150 having a U-shaped pivot lock 154 having an end 164 is pivotally attached to the support frame 302 by a support flange 152 with a pivot pin 156.

  The U-shaped pivot lock portion 154 has a first leg 160 and a second leg 162 that span the first force output portion 308 and the connection support 166. The first leg 160 is adjacent to the first side 328 of the force amplification connection, and the second leg 162 is adjacent to the second side 326 of the force amplification connection. The connection support 166 has an upper end 168 connected to the first force output unit 308 via the first connection connector 322 and a lower end 170 connected to the support frame by a hinge 158 so as to be capable of being hinged. The distal end 174 of the first leg 160 is flush with the hook 176 locked about the pin 178 attached to the support frame 302 and the corresponding link 330, and is the first side of the force amplification connection. 328 and a roller 180 that interacts (FIGS. 15A and 15B). One embodiment of the hook 176 is indicated by the portion 183 and has a pin receiving portion 182 and an inclined portion 184 that receive the pin 178 (see FIG. 15C). The pin receiver 182 has a knob 186 that holds the pin 178 and may be semicircular. Another embodiment of the hook is illustrated by portion 175 in FIG. 15D. Here, the hook has an inclined portion 179, a knob or transition point 181 and a pin receiving portion 177.

  Referring back to FIG. 15A, the distal end 187 of the second leg 162 is flush with the corresponding link 3330 and has a roller 188 that interacts with the second side 326 of the force amplification connection. . The end 164 of the U-shaped pivot lock 154 has a roller 190 that interacts with the connection support 166.

  When the force input part 340 is in a fully retracted position, the second side surface 326 of the force amplification connecting part is supported by the roller 188 and the pin 178 is located in the pin receiving part 182. The roller 190 interacts with the back surface 192 of the connection support 166 to prevent the connection support 166 from moving in the direction of the arrow 194.

  When the force input unit 340 moves in the direction of the arrow 394, the first force output unit 308 and the second force output unit 314 push the slidable compression plate 102 in the direction of the arrow 197 and reach a fully extended position, There, pins 376, 334, and 382 are aligned, and pin 376, second end 312 of first force output 308, and first end 316 of second force output 314 are in a central position. The position where the first force output portion 308 and the second force output portion 314 are fully extended corresponds to the position where the slidable compression plate 102 is located at the most distal position, whereby the leaf tobacco is compressed in the space for compressed leaf tobacco 118. Compress completely.

  As the force input 340 continues to move in the direction of arrow 394, the pin 376, the second end 312 of the first force output 308, and the first end 316 of the second force output 314 are in the direction of the central stop 350. Move beyond the center. The pin 376, the second end 312 and the first end 316 move beyond the center, and the first side 328 of the force amplification connection 300 contacts the roller 180. Also, once pin 376, second end 312 and first end 316 have moved past the center, they pull the slidable compression plate away from its distal most in the direction of arrow 198. When the force input part 340 continuously moves in the direction of the arrow 394, the first side surface 328 of the force amplifying connection part 300 is pushed forward with respect to the roller 180, and the U-shaped pivot lock part 154 is pivoted about the pivot 156. Then, the pin 178 is released from the pin receiving portion 182. When the U-shaped pivot lock 154 pivots in the direction of arrow 193, the roller 190 moves away from the back surface 192 of the connection support 166. The connecting support 166 then pivots freely about the hinge 158 and moves in the direction of arrow 194.

  FIG. 15F shows a U-shaped pivot lock 154 that pivots about pivot 156 in the direction of arrow 194. Also, the pin receiving portion 182 is separated from the pin 178, and the roller 190 is separated from the back surface 192 of the connection support 166, thereby indicating that the connection support can be pivoted in the direction of the arrow 194. Next, the gap 191 can be observed between the connection support 166 and the support frame 302.

  When the force input unit 340 moves in the direction of the arrow 398 on the return stroke, the first force input unit 308 and the second force input unit 314 are extended to the maximum due to the pivotal movement of the connection support 166 in the direction of the arrow 194. Even when the slidable compression plate 102 does not return to its most distal position, it can maintain its current position. Therefore, the slidable plate is prevented from pinching the injection pin due to the pivotal movement of the connection support 166.

  As the force input unit 340 continues to retract in the direction of arrow 398, the second side 326 contacts the roller 188. As the force input 340 continues to move in the direction of arrow 398, the corresponding second side 326 of the force output 330 pushes the roller 188 and thus the distal end 187 of the second leg in the direction of arrow 398. Next, when the U-shaped pivot lock 154 pivots about the pivot 156 in the direction of arrow 199 and the roller 190 returns to the back surface 192 of the connection support 166, the connection support 166 is moved to the direction of the arrow 195. Push in the direction. When the force input 340 reaches its retracted position, the pin 178 rests on the pin receiving portion 182 and the roller 190 is supported by the back surface 192 of the connection support 166 so that it is connected during the next forward travel of the force input. The support is prevented from moving in the direction of arrow 194.

  FIG. 16A shows another type of mechanism that can be used to prevent the slidable compression plate 102 from pinching the injection pin in the compressed tobacco space 118 during the return stroke of the force input 340. The spring retaining connection support system 270 includes a hinge connection support 272 having a connection end 274 and a hinge end 276. The hinge end 276 is pivotally connected to the support frame 302 by a hinge 292. The spring holder 268 has a rod 278 having a distal end 286 having a spring retainer 280 and an opposite end attached to the support frame 302 through a hole 282 in the hinged connection support 272. Here, the rod is passed through the support frame 302, but other methods of attaching the rod to the support frame, such as welding, may be used. The spring retainer 280 biases the spring 284 against the hinge connection support 272.

  The spring retainer 280 has a nut 288 and a washer 290. The pressure exerted by the spring on the hinge connection support 272 can be adjusted by screwing or loosening the nut 288 relative to the threaded distal end 286 of the rod 278.

  In FIG. 16B, the position where the force input unit 340 is completely retracted is shown. In the fully retracted position, the distance between the reference point 344 and the forward end 349 of the slidable compression plate 102 is shown as 346. When force input 340 moves in the direction of arrow 394, first force output 308 and second force output 314 push slidable compression plate 102 in the direction of arrow 197 and pins 376, 334 and 382 are aligned. The pin 376, the second end of the first force output portion 308 and the first end 316 of the second force output portion 314 reach a fully extended position (see FIG. 16A). The fully extended position of the first force output portion 308 and the second force output portion 314 corresponds to the most distal of the slidable compression plate 102 (distance 336 greater than the distance 346), thereby allowing the tobacco to Compress to make a tobacco plug. The spring 284 exerts sufficient pressure on the hinge connection support 272 to compress the tobacco in the compressed tobacco space 118 and then the hinge connection support 272 pivots from the support frame in the direction of arrow 242. To leave.

  As the force input 340 continues to move in the direction of arrow 394, the pin 376, the second end 312 of the first force output 308, and the first end 316 of the second force output 314 are centered in the direction of the central stop 350. Move beyond. As pin 376, second end 312 and first end 316 move past the center, as shown in FIG. 16C, they are pulled by pulling the slidable compression plate away from its distal most in the direction of arrow 198. , The distance 348 is shorter than the distance 336. The pin 376, the second end 312 of the first force output 308, and the first end 316 of the second force output 314 are then supported by the central stop 350.

  FIG. 16D shows the fully extended position of the force amplification connection when the force input 340 is in its return stroke. At the same time, the injection pin 612 moves into the compressed tobacco space 118 and injects the tobacco plug into a filling tube (not shown). When the force amplification mechanism moves to the fully extended position, the slidable compression plate 102 moves against the injection pin 612. When the slidable compression plate 102 hits the injection pin 612, the spring 284 contracts and the hinge connection support 272 contacts the hinge 292 so that the slidable compression plate 102 does not fix the injection pin in the compressed tobacco space. Pivot away from the support frame 302. Gap 294 indicates that hinged connection support 272 pivots away from support frame 302. Typically, distance 347 is less than distance 336 by an amount equal to gap 294 between support frame 302 and hinged support 272. When the force input unit 340 continues to move in the direction of the arrow 398, the slidable compression plate 102 moves away from the injection pin 612, and the spring biases the hinge connection support 272 against the support frame 302.

  FIG. 1 shows a pin mechanism 600 attached to the base 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the pin mechanism 600 has a pin carrier support structure 602 having slide receivers 605 and 606 and slides 607 and 609. Slides 607 and 609 are mounted on vertical portion 611 of pin carrier support structure 602. A slidable pin carrier 604 with slide receivers 620 and 622 and slides 608 and 610 is supported by slides 608 and 610 passing through slide receivers 605 and 606 and slides 607 and 609 passing through slide receivers 620 and 622. The structure 602 is slidably attached.

  Arm 626 connects drive pin 624 to pin 628 that is offset a distance from the center of wheel 630 by arm 625. As the wheel 630 rotates, the rotational motion is converted to linear motion by the arm 626 to drive the slidable pin carrier 604 back and forth as indicated by the bidirectional arrow 632.

  The slidable pin carrier 604 has a plurality of pins including an injection pin 612, a guide pin 614 having a guide head 615, an ejection pin 616, and a cleaning pin 618. The slidable pin carrier may have more or fewer pins depending on the needs of the tobacco manufacturing machine. Typically, during operation, the injection pin 612 is aligned with the compressed tobacco space 118.

  The pin typically slides through the filling tube, and this sliding of the pin causes the pin to rub against the side of the filling tube if the pin is too hard. One way to reduce the friction between the pin and the filling tube is to allow the pin to pivot on a slidable pin carrier. One device uses a bowl socket joint to allow the pin to pivot. FIG. 14 shows a connector 654 having a mounting end 656 and a connection end 658. The connection end 658 includes a nut 666, a lock nut 667, a male thread portion 657 that receives the nut 666, and a first semicircular portion 662. The nut 666 includes a female screw 668 and a second semicircular portion 664. The first semicircular portion 662 and the second semicircular portion 664 define a socket 672 at the connection end. The mounting end 656 has a female thread 659 that receives a bolt 674 that attaches the connector 654 to the slidable pin carrier 604. Other methods of attaching the attachment end 656 of the connector 654 to the pin carrier may be used.

  FIG. 14 shows an exemplary pin 650 having a working end 655 and a connecting end 652. Depending on the configuration of the working end of the pin, the pin may be a guide pin 614, an injection pin 612, a cleaning pin 618, an ejection pin 616, or any other type of pin. Here, the connection end fits into the socket 672 in the size of a ball. The bowl socket design allows the pins to have a second degree of freedom represented by 676 y- and z-axes. Alternatively, other means for connecting the connecting end of the pin to the slidable pin carrier may be used to provide a second degree of freedom for the pin. For example, instead of the connecting end of a pin 650 having a ball and the connecting end of a connector having a socket, the connecting end 652 of the pin may have a socket, and the connecting end of the connector may have a ball. . Also, other methods of connecting pins to a pin carrier such as a spring may be used to provide a second or higher degree of freedom, for example, a second or third degree of freedom.

  FIG. 33 shows an embodiment where the connector is a spring 929 for pivotally connecting the pin 935 to the pin carrier 963. The spring 929 has a mounting end 931 and a connection end 933. The pin 935 has a working end 947 and a connection end 949. The spring attachment end 931 is attached to the slidable pin carrier 963, and the connection end 933 of the spring 929 is connected to the connection end 949 of the pin 935. As represented by the 676 y-axis and z-axis, the spring allows the pin to have at least a second degree of freedom. According to another embodiment, the pin can have at least a third degree of freedom, as represented by the 676 x-axis, y-axis and z-axis.

  FIG. 34 shows an embodiment where the connector is a coupling 951 for pivotally connecting the pin 957 to the pin carrier 963. The coupling 951 can be made from a variety of materials, such as rubber, plastic, or other flexible material, and has a mounting end 953 and a connection end 955. The pin 957 has a working end 959 and a connection end 961. The attachment end 953 of the coupling 951 is attached to the slidable pin carrier 963, and the connection end 955 of the coupling 951 is connected to the connection end 961 of the pin 957. Coupling allows the pin to have at least a second degree of freedom as represented by the 676 y-axis and z-axis. According to another embodiment, the pin can have a third degree of freedom, as represented by the 676 x-axis, y-axis and z-axis.

  FIG. 35 shows an embodiment in which the connector is a universal joint 965 for pivotally connecting the pin 971 to the pin carrier 963. The universal joint 965 has a mounting end 967 and a connection end 969. The pin 971 has a working end 973 and a connection end 975. The attachment end 967 of the universal joint is attached to the slidable pin carrier 963, and the connection end 969 of the universal joint 965 is connected to the connection end 975 of the pin 971. As represented by the 676 y-axis and z-axis, the universal joint allows the pin to have at least a second degree of freedom. According to another embodiment, the spring can have a third degree of freedom with a universal joint, as represented by the 676 x, y and z axes.

  FIG. 6A shows a filling tube 450 having a first end 451, a second end 452, an inner diameter 453 and an outer diameter 454. Other tube shapes such as square or octagonal tubes may be used as the filling tube. The first end 451 of the filling tube may have a shoulder 455 for securing the filling tube 450 to a filling tube holder (not shown). Alternatively, the fill tube may be secured to the fill tube holder (not shown) by other means such as press fit, welding or threaded connection. FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of a shoulderless filling tube 459 that may be press fit or welded to a filling tube holder (not shown). The first end 451 may have a taper 458 from the outer diameter 456 to the inner diameter 453 to receive the guide head 470.

  FIG. 7A shows an embodiment of the guide head 470. The guide head 470 has a distal end 471 and a proximal end 472 and is sized to fit the inner diameter 453 of the filling tube 450. Proximal end 472 of guide head 470 has fastening means 473 that attaches guide head 470 to pin 474 having complementary fastening means 475. Fastening means 474 and 475 can be threaded connections, press fit, or other methods known to those skilled in the art. Further, the guide head 470 and the pin 474 can be processed from a single piece. The distal end 471 of the guide head 470 has a substantially conical head 476. The maximum diameter 477 of the conical head 476 is typically equal to or greater than the outer diameter 454 of the fill tube 450. Accordingly, the conical head 476 is foldable so that it can pass through the filling tube 450 and exit from the second end 452 of the filling tube 450.

  Various means can be used to provide a foldable guide head. In the embodiment 470 shown in FIG. 7A, a plurality of longitudinal slots 465 are formed by cutting from the tip 478 of the conical head 476 to the slot end position 467. The slot typically terminates in a radius 466 to reduce the stress the slot induces on the guide head material, thereby preventing the slot from self-propagating in the direction of the proximal end 472 of the guide head 470. Guide head 470 can be made from a variety of materials such as plastic and metal. Typically, a hardened steel such as 01 steel with a Rockwell C hardness of 58-60 may be used for the guide head. Other means such as a flexible rubber guide head, polymer guide head, or inflatable guide head may be used to make the foldable guide head.

  FIG. 7B shows an embodiment of a pin 462 with a guide head 463 in which the outer diameter of the pin 462 and the guide head 463 is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter 453 of the filling tube 450. According to this embodiment, the guide head 463 does not need to be folded to pass the filling tube 450.

  FIG. 8A shows a filling tube holder 400 comprising a drum 401 having a first end 402 and a second end 403. The first end 402 of the drum 401 has a plurality of holes 404 and 405 that receive a plurality of filling tubes 450. Another hole (not shown) for receiving the fill tube may be disposed on the first end 402 of the drum 401.

  In this specification, the characteristics in the filling tube 450 and the drum 401 associated with the filling tube 450 will be described. Other filling tubes attached to the drum are typically attached in a similar manner, and the drum typically has similar features for each of the other filling tubes. One method of attaching the fill tube 450 to the drum 401 is a clamp fixture 408 that clamps against a shoulder 455 on the first end 451 of the fill tube 450. Alternatively, other means of attaching the filling tube to the filling tube holder may be used. For example, the filling tube and the plurality of holes in the holder for receiving the filling tube may be threaded. Alternatively, the filling tube may be threaded so that the nut is received after passing through the hole in the drum. In addition, other methods may be used to hold the tubes instead of the drum. For example, the filling tube may be mounted on a plate or belt.

  A conical directing hole 411 having a proximal end 412 and a distal end 413 is axially aligned with the fill tube hole 404. The distal end 413 of the conical hole defines the larger diameter of the cone, and the diameter of the proximal end of the conical hole is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the blank cigarette tube (described below).

  FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of drum 401 having fill tube 450 through which guide head 470 (typically attached to a pin (not shown)) is passed. When the conical head 476 of the guide head 470 enters the first end 451 of the filling tube 450, the filling tube 450 crushes the guide head 470 to fold the guide head 470, and the guide head 470 has a maximum diameter 477 of the filling tube 450. It is made smaller than the inner diameter 453.

  FIG. 8C is a partial cross-sectional view of drum 401 with fill tube 450 through which conical head 476 (typically attached to a pin (not shown)) of guide head 470 has passed. The conical head 476 that has passed the second end 452 of the filling tube 450 can be observed in a state where the maximum diameter 477 of the guide head 470 is equal to or larger than the outer diameter 454 of the filling tube 450, that is, in a relaxed state.

  FIG. 8D shows a blank cigarette tube 425 being loaded into the fill tube 450. The conical head 476 advances beyond the filling tube 450. A blank cigarette tube loader 700 (described below) creates a force on the filter end 426 of the blank cigarette tube 425 and moves the blank cigarette tube 425 in the direction of the conical head 476 of the guide head 470. In this description, the open end 427 of the blank cigarette tube 425 is damaged, and the normal circular shape at the end of the blank cigarette tube 425 is rectangular. As the blank cigarette tube 425 moves in the direction of the guide head 470, the proximal end 412 of the conical hole 411 in the drum 401 acts on the rectangular open end 427 of the blank cigarette tube 425, returning it to a more circular shape. The blank cigarette tube 425 continues through the conical hole 411, beyond the conical head 476 and then loaded onto the filling tube 450.

  FIG. 8E is similar to FIG. 8D except that the blank cigarette tube 425 is fully inserted over the filling tube 450. Thereafter, the guide head 470 is removed from the filling tube 450 by pulling it out through the first end 451 of the filling tube 450. Next, the filling tube 450 and the blank cigarette tube 425 are ready to receive the tobacco plug 265 prepared by the tobacco tobacco compression mechanism 100 described above.

  FIG. 8G shows an ejection pin 616 that removes the completed cigarette tube 430 filled with the tobacco plug 265 from the filling tube 450.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the drum is driven by a Geneva gear to measure timing. Other types of drive and timing mechanisms may be used. The Geneva gear converts the continuous rotational motion of the drum drive shaft 750 into intermittent rotational motion. The drum has a plurality of drum plates 752 with semicircular notches 754, and a slot 756 between each plate. The drive wheel 758 has a roller 760 whose diameter corresponds to the width of the slot 756 and a semicircular plate 762 having a dimension corresponding to a semicircular notch in the drum plate. As the drive wheel rotates, roller 760 enters slot 756 causing the drum to rotate forward. As the drive wheel continues to rotate, the roller exits the slot and drums until the tip 761 of the semicircular plate 762 engages the semicircular notch 754 and the pin engages the next slot to repeat the process. Hold in place.

  FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the drum. Here, the drum 812 includes a first plate 820 having a first surface 814 and a second surface 816, a second plate 822 having a first surface 823 and a second surface 825, and the first plate 820 as a second plate 822. And a support structure 824 for removably attaching to the body. Typically, the first surface 814 of the first plate 820 faces the first surface 823 of the second plate 822 when the two plates are mounted together using the support structure 824. According to this embodiment, the drive mechanism of the Geneva gear mechanism that rotates the drum having the semicircular cutouts 754 and the outward opening slots 756 that are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction is integrated with the first plate 820. ing. Alternatively, the second plate 822 may incorporate a semi-circular notch and outwardly open slot in the drive mechanism. According to another embodiment, the drive mechanism having a semi-circular notch and an outward opening slot may be a first plate, a second plate, or a separate plate attached to the support structure 824. Semi-circular notch 754 and slot 756 engage drive element 826 and pin 828 of drive wheel 830. FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 20, at least one filling tube 450 is attached to the first surface of the first plate. The second plate has at least one hole 827, typically said conical hole axially aligned with at least one filling tube. The filling tube can be attached using the various methods described above. The second plate has at least one conical opening as described above in axial alignment with at least one filling tube.

  In FIG. 9, during operation, the motor 502 drives the gear reducer 504. The output shaft 506 from the gear reducer 504 has a first inclined gear 508 and a force input part wheel 510 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 13B, the wheel 510 has a center 513 and a force input arm 515 having a pin 511 offset by a distance from the center of the wheel. The second end 343 of the force input unit 340 is pivotally connected to the arm 515 by a pin 511. The force input unit 340 has a dwell mechanism that can position the force amplification connecting portion beyond the center with respect to the central stopper 350 for a predetermined time while the wheel 510 continuously rotates. . One way to incorporate a dwell is to use a spring loaded force input 340.

  FIG. 13A is a force input 340 that is foldable and allows dwell time for force amplification connections. The force input portion 340 includes a first portion 552 having a receiving portion 554 that slidably receives the second portion 556. The spring 558 is disposed between the first retainer 560 attached to the first part 552 and the second retainer 562 attached to the second part 556. The second portion 556 includes a slot 564 having a first end 566 and a second end 568 sized to receive a pin 570 attached to the first portion 552. The force input 340 shown in FIG. 13A is in a folded position as indicated by a pin 570 supported on the first end 566 of the slot 564. When the force input 340 is in the extended position, the pin 570 is supported against the second end 568 of the slot 564.

  FIG. 13B shows the second end 343 of the force input 340 connected to the pin 511 of the wheel 510 and the first end 341 of the force input arm 340 connected to the force amplification coupling 300. As wheel 510 rotates in the direction of arrow 576, force input arm 340 is typically in an extended position until pin 511 reaches position 572. When the pin reaches position 572, the force amplification connection hits the central stop 350, preventing the force amplification connection from moving further in the direction of arrow 394. As the wheel 510 continues to rotate, the spring 558 is compressed. When the pin reaches position 573, force input arm 340 is in the compressed position as shown in FIG. 13A. The spring remains compressed until the pin 511 of the wheel 510 reaches the position 574, by which time the force input 340 returns to its extended position. As the pin 511 moves from position 572 to position 574, the folding force input 340 causes the force amplification connection to remain or remain in that position relative to the central stop 350.

  9 to 11, the first inclined gear 508 drives the second inclined gear 512 attached to the shaft 514. The shaft 514 passes through the shaft support body 516 and is attached to the shaft support body so as to face the second inclination gear 512 and has a third inclination gear 518. The third inclined gear 518 meshes with the fourth inclined gear 520 attached to the shaft 522. The shaft 522 passes through the shaft support 526 and has a fifth inclined gear 524 attached thereto.

  A sixth inclined gear 527 (not shown) meshes with the fifth inclined gear 524 and is attached to one end of the shaft 528. The seventh inclined gear 529 is attached to the shaft 528 so as to face the inclined gear 527. The eighth inclined gear 530 meshes with the seventh inclined gear 529, is attached to the shaft 531 passing through the pin carrier support 602, and is attached to the opposite side of the sixth inclined gear 530, and is attached to the arm 625. It has an integral wheel 630. The arm 625 is connected to the slidable pin carrier 604 by the arm 626. The shaft 750 that drives the drive plate 758 of the Geneva gear mechanism has a tilt gear (not shown) that also interacts with the sixth tilt gear 527.

  Typically, one turn of the output shaft 506 produces a single cigarette. Various timing mechanisms and dwell mechanisms may be used because the output shaft typically rotates one full revolution without stopping and some mechanisms require dwell time at specific positions.

  The cigarette making machine can also be driven manually by rotating the handwheel 550. The shaft 578 passes through the support 580 and connects the handwheel 550 to the tilt gear 582. Instead of using the motor 502 to drive the cigarette maker, the operator may use the handwheel 550 to drive the tilt gear 582 and then operate the cigarette maker.

  Other methods may be used to drive the cigarette making machine. For example, instead of a plurality of tilt gears, a single motor may be used to drive the wheel 510 that drives the force amplification connection 300 by operating the force input unit 340, using a single motor. The wheel 630 that drives the slidable pin carrier may be driven, and the drive wheel of the Geneva gear that drives the drum 401 may be driven using a single motor. Multiple motors are used in place of a single motor with tilt gears to drive the various operations and when timing is used, a timing mechanism is used to synchronize the motors. The timing mechanism can be a component of a PCB, PLC or various other sensors or timers. A linear actuator may be used instead of at least a part of the motor. For example, a linear actuator may be used in place of wheel 510 and force input 340 to drive a force amplification connection, and a linear actuator may be used in place of wheel 630 and arm 626 to drive a slidable pin carrier. Good. When using linear actuators, timers, PCBs, PLCs or other various sensors or timer components may be used to synchronize the linear actuators.

  According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, motor 860 and gear reducer 862 are used to drive force input wheel 864 and force input arm 515. The motor 860 is reversible and can rotate in the direction of arrow 866 to extend the force amplification connection 300 and rotate in the direction of arrow 868 to retract the force amplification connection 300. Sensors 870 and 872 are slidably attached to supports 874 and 876, respectively. Sensor actuator 878 rotates with force input wheel 864. Typically, sensors 870 and 872 sense sensor actuator 878 and send a corresponding signal to the cigarette controller. Accordingly, the sensor informs the machine control device of the position of the force input wheel 864, so that the force amplification connection 300 and the machine control device can stop the rotation of the force input wheel 864 at an appropriate position.

  The slidable pin carrier 604 is driven by an arm 886 attached to a wheel 884 that is actuated by a motor 880 and a gear reducer 882. Motor 880 is reversible and rotates in the direction of arrow 888 to move slidable pin carrier 604 forward in the direction of arrow 892 and rotates in the direction of arrow 890 to move slidable pin carrier 604 in the direction of arrow 894. It can be moved in the direction and retracted. Sensors 896 and 898 are slidably attached to plates 900 and 902. Typically, sensors 896 and 898 sense sensor actuator 905 and send a corresponding signal to the cigarette controller. Thus, the sensor informs the machine controller of the arm position so that the slidable pin carrier 604 and the machine controller can stop the rotation of the wheel 884 at the proper position.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 19A shows a gear reducer 906 for driving the motor 904 and the 830 wheel of the Geneva gear mechanism (FIG. 21). Motors for driving the force input, the slidable pin carrier, the Geneva wheel and the cigarette transport device are controlled by the controller, timed and synchronized. The controller can be a PCB and related components, a microprocessor, a PLC, or any other mechanism programmed to properly time the operation of the cigarette maker.

  FIG. 12 shows a cigarette making machine having a blank cigarette tube loader 700. Blank cigarette tube loader 700 has a slidable body 702 with a body 704 having a handle 706 and a pusher 708. The blank cigarette tube loader base 710 carries a guide 712 on which the main body 704 slides. The spring 714 operates against a stop 716 mounted on the blank cigarette tube loader base 710. Trough 726 is sized to receive blank cigarette tube 425.

  To activate the blank cigarette tube loader, the user places the blank cigarette tube 425 into the trough 726. The pusher 708 then pushes the blank cigarette tube 425 into the filling tube 450 by pushing the handle 706 in the direction of arrow 728. The spring 714 serves to make it easier for the user to return the handle 706 to the start position after loading the blank cigarette tube onto the filling tube.

  The arm 718 having the cigarette stopper 720 may be attached to the blank cigarette tube loader base 710. The cigarette stopper prevents the blank cigarette tube 425 from being pushed out of the filling tube 450 when the tobacco tobacco plug is filled by the injection pin 612. Also, the stop 720 may be adjustable. For example, the stop 720 includes a bolt 722 that is fixed with a lock nut 724 and passes through a screw hole in the arm 718. The cigarette stop may be attached to a structure other than the arm 718 and still perform the same function.

  To operate the cigarette maker, the user presses a button and the motor 502 drives the slidable pin carrier 604 in the direction of the arrow 619 (FIG. 1) to the forward position shown in the figure, and the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube 450. The guide head 615 of the guide pin 614 that guides 425 passes through the filling tube 450 as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. Next, the user uses the blank cigarette tube loader 700 to insert the blank cigarette tube 425 located at the station 414 (see FIG. 12) onto the filling tube 450 attached to the drum. Alternatively, the user can manually insert the blank cigarette tube 425 onto the fill tube 450 without using a blank cigarette tube loader.

  The cigarette making machine may also include a pre-compression stroke. Typically, in a pre-compression stroke that has been completed prior to initiating the cigarette manufacturing cycle, the slidable plate 112 or slidable cleanout plate 113 is slid open as described above, and the tobacco leaves. A path is opened between the transport device 200 and the discharge area 840. If the scoop sensor detects that the scoop is not in the rear region 923 of the drawer 918, the controller prompts the user to open the drawer 918, places the scoop 928 in the rear region 923 of the drawer, and then the tobacco You may make it start the conveying apparatus 200. FIG. The tobacco transport device 200 is activated until the tobacco is discharged through the chute and into the scoop 928. The drawer 918 is opened, the scoop is removed, and the tobacco in the scoop is placed in the injection end 201 of the tobacco transporter 200. The scoop is placed in the front area 921 of the drawer 918 and the drawer is closed. With the scoop in the front region, when the final cleanout process described below begins after cigarette production, excess leaf tobacco falls through the opening 926 in the drawer into the bin 912 from the discharge region. After many manufacturing cycles, an authorized cigarette machine administrator removes the bottle 912 and cleans it.

  The user then presses the start button to begin the cigarette manufacturing cycle. First, the slidable pin carrier 604 moves backward in the direction of the arrow 621 (see FIG. 1), and the leaf tobacco transport device 200 transports a predetermined amount of leaf tobacco to the compression region 114. The rotation output shaft 506 drives the wheel 510, and the force input unit 340 drives the force amplification mechanism 300. The force amplifying mechanism 300 slides the slidable compression plate 102 in the direction of 197, and the compression end 104 compresses the tobacco in the compression region 114 to form a tobacco tobacco plug 265 compressed in the compressed tobacco space 118. .

  While the tobacco compressing mechanism 100 is compressing the tobacco, the Geneva gear mechanism rotates the drum 401 so that the filling tube preloaded with the blank cigarette tube is positioned in the compressed tobacco tobacco space 118 (see FIG. 12). Move to station 416, which is axially aligned with the compressed tobacco plug 265. Alternatively, the drum may rotate before or after the leaf tobacco compression mechanism compresses the leaf tobacco.

  Also in FIG. 1, the slidable pin carrier 604 moves forward in the direction of arrow 619, and the injection pin 612 axially aligned with the compressed tobacco space 118 fills the tobacco plug 265. Inject to 450. Since the injection pin 612 and the guide pin 614 with the guide head 615 are both attached to the slidable pin carrier 604, the guide head is located at the station 414 at the same time as the injection pin 612 injects the tobacco plug 265. Pass through the filling tube. The motor then stops and the user loads another blank cigarette tube into the adjacent filling tube.

  The user presses the start button again after loading a blank cigarette tube over the fill tube located at station 414. The cycle of retracting the slidable pin carrier 604, transporting and compressing the tobacco and injecting the tobacco begins again. During this cycle, the fill tube with the initially loaded tube moves to position 418.

  The machine stops again, allowing the user to load another blank cigarette tube onto the fill tube at location 414. Pressing the start button will start another cycle. During this cycle, the completed cigarette is pushed out by the ejection pin 616 when the initially loaded tube moves to station 420 and the slidable pin carrier 604 moves in the direction of arrow 619. Alternatively, another cycle can be completed and the cigarette can be pushed out at station 422.

  During each cycle, as slidable pin carrier 604 moves in the direction of arrow 619, cleaning pin 617 is pushed through the fill tube located at station 424 to clean the fill tube. Thus, after the filling tube is cleaned, the filling tube moves forward to a station 414 loading with a blank cigarette tube.

  After producing the cigarette, a final cleanout process may be initiated. The scoop 928 is positioned in the front region 921 of the drawer 918. During the final cleanout, the slidable plate 112 or the slidable cleanout plate 113 is retracted as described above, and the leaf tobacco transport device 200 is then activated to compress excess leaf tobacco into the compression region 114, the discharge region 840, The chute 810 and the opening 926 are passed through and discharged to the bin 912. Typically, the bins are inaccessible to consumers making cigarettes and emptied by an authorized cigarette machine administrator. The operation steps and sequence described herein are an example of how to operate a cigarette maker to produce cigarettes. The order of the steps may be changed, steps may be added, or deleted without departing from the scope of the present specification or the idea of the present invention.

  23-32 show an apparatus 803 for positioning and holding a blank cigarette tube, which is another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 shows a blank cigarette tube holding device 803 installed on the drive wheel 830 of the cigarette making machine. The blank cigarette tube holding device 803 includes a flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807, a flexible blank cigarette tube holder 809, a support structure 805 having a ring 861, and a flange 867 having an outer side 891 and an inner side 897. ing. The inner side 897 is attached to at least a portion of the outer edge 895 of the ring. Ring 861 is attached to wheel 830.

  FIG. 24 illustrates a gap 811 that may occur between the end 813 of the fill tube 450 and the cigarette tube filter 815 when the user loads the blank cigarette tube 425 into the fill tube 450. As shown in FIG. 25, this gap 811 may occur when the tobacco plug 265 is injected into the filling tube 450 by an injection pin. When the injection pin injects the tobacco plug into the filling tube, the air 817 located in the filling tube 450 pushes the filter of the blank cigarette tube, and the blank cigarette tube slides away from the filling tube in the direction of arrow 819. . FIG. 26 shows the finished cigarette 899 having a gap between the filter 815 and the tobacco plug 865. If the tobacco plug is injected into the blank cigarette tube when there is a gap between the filling tube and the filter, a gap 819 may be created between the finished cigarette tobacco plug 265 and the filter 815. See FIG. Since the cigarette can easily break at the gap 819 or the performance of the cigarette can be inferior, the gap 819 has an adverse effect on the finished cigarette. The cigarette tube holding device 803 substantially reduces the gap 811 and improves the cigarette.

  A flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807 and a flexible blank cigarette tube holder 809 are attached to the support structure 805. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807. The locator has a base 821 attached to the outer edge 895 of the ring 861. A flap 863 extends from the outer side 865 of the base 821 to form an angle phi that typically exceeds 90 degrees. Typically, the locator is made from natural rubber, silicone rubber or other similar flexible material and extends around the ring 861 in the form of an arc of about 120 degrees. As will be described in more detail later, the flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807 slides the loaded blank cigarette tube over the filling tube to provide a gap between the filter of the loaded blank cigarette tube and the filling tube. Is eliminated or substantially reduced.

  Referring back to FIG. 23, a flexible blank cigarette tube holder 809 is mounted on the outer side 891 of the flange 867. The holder 806 is typically made of foam rubber or other similar elastic material, and after sliding the blank cigarette tube loaded with the flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807 over the filling tube, the blank cigarette tube is Hold on filling tube. Alternatively, flexible blank cigarette tube holder 809 and flexible cigarette tube locator 807 may be attached to wheel 925 as shown in FIG.

  The Geneva gear shown in FIG. 28 and described herein converts the continuous rotational motion of the drum drive shaft 750 to intermittent rotational motion. The drum 812 has a plurality of semicircular notches 754 and slots 756. The drive wheel 830 includes a roller 828 having a diameter corresponding to the width of the slot 756 and a semi-circular plate 826 having a dimension corresponding to a semi-circular notch 754 in the drum plate. As the drive wheel rotates, roller 828 enters slot 756 causing the drum to rotate forward. As the drive wheel continues to rotate, the roller exits the slot and the leading edge 869 of the semicircular plate 826 engages the semicircular notch 754 and the drum is in place until the roller 828 engages the next slot. Hold on and repeat the process.

  The operation of one blank cigarette tube holding device will be described. In FIG. 28, when the wheel 830 rotates in the direction of arrow 871, the roller 828 engages with the slot 756 and rotates the drum 812 in the direction of arrow 873. After roller 828 exits slot 756, semi-circular plate 826 engages drum notch 754. Next, the pin carrier 901 moves forward in the direction of the arrow 903 to move the guide pin 909 together with the guide head 911, the injection pin (not shown), and the ejection pin 913 in the same direction. The user then slides the blank cigarette tube through the hole 915 in the drum and over the guide head 911 and filling tube 917. When the pin carrier 901 is retracted in the direction of the arrow 907, the guide pin, the injection pin, and the ejection pin are retracted, leaving the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube.

  As the wheel 830 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow 871, the roller 828 engages the drum slot 756 to rotate the drum in the direction of arrow 873 and leaves the filling tube 917 with a blank cigarette tube over it. Move to tobacco plug injection position 919. As the wheel 830 continues to rotate, the outer edge 881 (FIG. 27) of the flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807 flap 863 engages with the blank cigarette tube 877 located on the fill tube 450. See FIG. When the outer edge is in its relaxed position, the distance 879 between the outer edge 881 and the outer 865 of the base 821 of the flexible blank cigarette tube locator 807 is the outer and outer sides of the blank cigarette tube 877 loaded on the filling tube 450. The distance 883 between 865 and 865 is greater. See FIG. 27 and FIG. Thus, when the flap 863 contacts the blank cigarette tube 877, the flap moves in the direction of arrow 885. The friction between the outer edge 881 of the flap 863 and the blank cigarette tube 877 is greater than the friction between the blank cigarette tube and the filling tube 450. Accordingly, when the flap 863 moves in the direction of the arrow 885, the blank cigarette tube 877 slides in the same direction. The blank cigarette tube continues to move in the direction of arrow 885 until the filter 815 contacts the end 813 of the fill tube or the cigarette slides the maximum extendable distance 927 of the flap 863. See FIG. When the filter contacts the end of the fill tube, the resistance between the outer edge 881 and the blank cigarette tube 877 is overcome and the outer edge 881 is above the blank cigarette tube until the flap is at its maximum extendable distance in the direction of arrow 885. Slide.

  As shown in FIG. 31, as the wheel 830 rotates continuously, the flexible cigarette blank tube holder 809 meets the blank cigarette tube 877 located on the filling tube 450. The thickness 887 of the uncompressed flexible cigarette blank tube holder 809 is greater than the distance 889 between the outside of the blank cigarette tube 877 loaded on the filling tube 450 and the outside 891 of the flange 867. Therefore, when the flexible cigarette blank tube holder 809 is in contact with the blank cigarette tube 877 loaded, the holder 809 contracts and the blank cigarette tube is held in place by friction between the holder 809 and the blank cigarette tube 877. Is done. The injection pin attached to the pin mechanism 910 moves forward, and pushes the tobacco plug into the filling tube 917 and then moves backward. When the tobacco plug is injected into the filling tube, the holder 809 prevents air between the filter and the tobacco plug from sliding on the blank cigarette tube in the direction of arrow 893.

  As the wheel 830 continues to rotate, the roller engages the drum slot 756 to rotate the drum and move the fill tube 917 to the ejection position 921. While the semicircular plate 826 is engaged with the notch 754 of the drum, the pin mechanism 901 moves forward and the front end of the tobacco plug pushes the cigarette filter. Extrude from filling tube. The completed cigarette falls to the holding hopper 925.

  While the invention has been illustrated by describing its embodiments and described in considerable detail, the claimed invention should not be reduced or limited in any way to such details. Further advantages and improvements will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and examples shown and described in the specification. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims (85)

Base and
A cigarette compression mechanism disposed on the base, the slidable plate having a compression end and a coupling end, a force amplification coupling portion connected to the coupling end of the slidable plate, and the force A cigarette compression mechanism having a force input connected to the force amplification connection to drive the amplification connection;
A second compression plate positioned opposite the slidable plate;
A pin carrier support structure mounted on the base;
A slidable pin carrier slidably attached to the pin carrier support structure, the slidable pin carrier comprising a pin having a working end and a connecting end, Machine.   The cigarette maker according to claim 1, wherein the pin has a guide head.   The said pin is an injection pin which has the center part arrange | positioned between the said action end and the said connection end, Comprising: The outer diameter of the said center part is a thing smaller than the outer diameter of the said action end. The cigarette making machine described in 1.   The cigarette making machine according to claim 1, further comprising means for connecting a connecting end of the pin to the slidable pin carrier to make the degree of freedom of the pin secondary.   A connector having an attachment end and a connection end; the pin connection end comprising a ball; the connector attachment end mounted on the slidable pin carrier; and the connector connection end comprising The cigarette making machine according to claim 1, further comprising a socket for receiving a ball on a connection end of the pin. Base and
A cigarette compression mechanism disposed on the base, comprising a support frame having a first end and a second end, a connection support disposed on the first end of the support frame, a compression end, and A slidable plate having a connecting end, a first force output portion having a first end and a second end, and a force amplification connecting portion having a second force output portion having a first end and a second end; A first end of the first force output portion is pivotally connected to the connection support, and a second end of the first force output portion is a first of the second force output portion. A cigarette compression mechanism that is pivotally connected to an end, and wherein the second end of the second force output portion is pivotally connected to a coupling end of the slidable plate;
A pin carrier support structure mounted on the base;
A slidable pin carrier slidably attached to the pin carrier support structure, the slidable pin carrier having a pin having a working end and a connecting end;
A force input unit having a first end and a second end, wherein a first end of the force input unit is connected to a second end of the first force output unit and a first end of the second force output unit. A cigarette maker with a force input unit.   The said pin is an injection pin which has a center part arrange | positioned between the said action end and the said connection end, Comprising: The outer diameter of the said center part is a thing smaller than the outer diameter of the said action end. The cigarette making machine described in 1.   A connector having an attachment end and a connection end; the pin connection end comprising a ball; the connector attachment end mounted on the slidable pin carrier; and the connector connection end comprising 7. The cigarette making machine according to claim 6, comprising a socket for receiving a ball on the connection end of the pin.   The cigarette making machine according to claim 6, further comprising means for connecting a connecting end of the pin to the slidable pin carrier to make the degree of freedom of the pin secondary.   The cigarette making machine according to claim 9, wherein the connecting means is a spring.   The cigarette making machine according to claim 6, wherein the force input unit is a foldable member.   The cigarette maker according to claim 11, further comprising a force input unit wheel having an arm, wherein the second end of the force input unit is connected to the arm.   The first force output unit includes a first link having a first end and a second end, and a second link having a first end and a second end, and the second end of the first link and the second link The cigarette making machine according to claim 6, wherein the first end of the second link is pivotally connected.   The second force output unit includes a first link having a first end and a second end, and a second link having a first end and a second end, and the first end of the second link and the second link The cigarette making machine according to claim 6, wherein the second end of the first link is pivotally connected.   The said pin is an injection pin which has a center part arrange | positioned between the said action end and the said connection end, Comprising: The outer diameter of the said center part is a thing smaller than the outer diameter of the said action end. The cigarette making machine described in 1. Sending a certain amount of leaf tobacco to the tobacco compression area;
Compressing the tobacco with a slidable plate pivotally connected to the force amplification connection;
Inserting a blank cigarette tube into the filling tube;
A method for producing a cigarette, comprising at least a step of inserting a compressed leaf tobacco plug into a filling tube with an injection pin mounted on a slidable pin carrier.   The method for manufacturing a cigarette according to claim 16, wherein the compressing step further includes moving the force amplification connecting portion to a position beyond a center and maintaining the position for a predetermined time.   The method of manufacturing a cigarette according to claim 16, wherein the inserting step includes guiding the blank cigarette tube onto a filling tube with a guide head. A first connection connector having a connection end and a working end;
A second connection connector having a connection end and a working end;
A first force output unit;
A second force output portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally attached to a connection end of the second connection connector;
The first force output unit includes a first link having a first end and a second end, and a second link having a first end and a second end, and the first link of the first link An end pivotally attached to a second end of the second force output portion, a second end of the first link pivotally attached to a first end of the second link, and A second end of the second link is pivotally attached to the connecting end of the first connecting connector, and the first link and the second link define an angle theta;
A first stop attached to the second link, wherein the first stop has an angle theta of 150 degrees when the first stop is supported by a second end of the first link. A first stop that limits the maximum value between 1 and 210 degrees;
A first movement limiter that interacts with the second link, wherein the first movement limiter reduces angle theta by limiting the pivotal movement of the second link on the second connection connector. A force amplification connecting portion comprising a movement limiter.   A force transmission unit and a connection support; and a working end of the first connection connector is connected to the force transmission unit, and a work end of the second connection connector is connected to the connection support. The force amplification coupling part according to claim 19.   A force transmission part and a connection support, further comprising: an action end of the first connection connector connected to the connection support; and an action end of the second connection connector connected to the force transmission part. The force amplification connection part according to claim 19.   The force transmission portion is a slidable compression plate having a coupling end and a compression end having a compression mold, and the coupling end of the slidable compression plate is connected to the working end of the first coupling connector. The force amplification coupling part according to claim 20.   The force transmission part is a slidable compression plate having a connection end and a compression end having a compression mold, and the connection end of the slidable compression plate is connected to the working end of the second connection connector. The force amplification coupling part according to claim 21.   A foldable force input unit having a first end and a second end, and a force input unit wheel having an arm, wherein the first end of the force input unit is connected to the force amplification connection unit; The force amplification coupling part according to claim 19, wherein a second end of the folding force input part is connected to the arm. A support frame;
A connecting support having a back surface and pivotally attached to the support frame;
A force amplification coupling portion having a first end, a second end, a first side surface and a second side surface;
A first coupling connector having a coupling end connected to the force amplification coupling portion and a working end connected to the coupling support;
A second connecting connector having a connecting end and a working end, wherein the connecting end is connected to the force amplification connecting portion;
A pivot locking portion having a first leg, a second leg and an end, the end being pivotally attached to the support frame, wherein the first leg is the first of the force amplifying connection; Located adjacent to one side, adapted to interact with the force amplification connection, and having a pin receiving portion for engaging a locking pin, wherein the second leg is A connection support body locking device comprising: a pivot lock portion located adjacent to the second side surface of the amplification connection portion.   The connection support body locking device according to claim 25, further comprising a roller connected to the end portion and interacting with a back surface of the connection support body.   26. The connection support locking device according to claim 25, further comprising a roller connected to the first leg and interacting with the first side surface of the force amplification connection portion.   26. The connection support locking device according to claim 25, further comprising a roller connected to the second leg and interacting with the second side surface of the force amplification connection portion.   The connection support body locking device according to claim 25, further comprising a force transmission unit, wherein an action end of the second connection connector is connected to the force transmission unit.   The force transmission portion is a slidable compression plate having a connection end and a compression end having a compression mold, and the connection end of the slidable plate is connected to the working end of the second connection connector. The connection support body locking device according to claim 29.   A foldable force input unit having a first end and a second end, and a force input unit wheel having an arm, wherein the first end of the force input unit is connected to the force amplification connection unit; The connection support body locking device according to claim 25, wherein a second end of the folding force input unit is connected to the arm. A support frame;
A hinge connection support pivotably attached to the support frame;
A force amplification connection having a first end and a second end;
A first connection connector having a connection end and an action end, wherein the connection end is connected to a first end of the force amplification connection portion, and the action end is connected to the support frame. When,
A second connection connector having a connection end and a working end, wherein the connection end is connected to a second end of the force amplification connection portion;
A spring retainer,
A spring holding connection support system comprising a spring disposed between the spring retainer and the hinge connection support for biasing the hinge connection support against the support frame.   The spring holding connection support system according to claim 32, further comprising a force transmission part, wherein an action end of the second connection connector is connected to the force transmission part.   The force transmission portion is a slidable plate having a coupling end and a compression end having a compression mold, and the coupling end of the slidable compression plate is connected to the working end of the second coupling connector. 34. A spring retaining connection support system according to claim 33.   A foldable force input unit having a first end and a second end, and a force input unit wheel having an arm, wherein the first end of the force input unit is connected to the force amplification connection unit; The spring holding connection support system according to claim 32, wherein a second end of the folding force input unit is connected to the arm. a. A sliding support;
b. A slidable compression plate disposed on the sliding support;
c. A slidable cleanout plate located adjacent to the slidable compression plate;
d. An engagement mechanism in which the slidable compression plate is detachably engaged with the slidable cleanout plate, and the slidable compression plate is detachably engaged with the slidable cleanout plate. A cigarette making machine leaf cigarette cleanout mechanism comprising an engagement mechanism in which the slidable cleanout plate is slid by the slidable compression plate when sliding.   37. The cigarette making machine cigarette cleanout mechanism according to claim 36, wherein the engagement mechanism is a solenoid having a center pin and protrudes from the solenoid to a receiving hole in the slidable cleanout plate.   37. The cigarette making machine leaf tobacco cleanout mechanism according to claim 36, further comprising a slidable cleanout plate holding mechanism for holding the slidable cleanout plate in a closed position.   The cigarette manufacturing machine leaf tobacco cleanout mechanism according to claim 36, further comprising a slidable cleanout plate sensor actuator mounted on the slidable cleanout plate.   A first sensor attached adjacent to the slidable cleanout plate; and when the slidable cleanout plate is in a first predetermined position, the first sensor is slidable 40. The cigarette making machine leaf tobacco cleanout mechanism of claim 39, wherein the cigarette maker cigarette cleanout mechanism interacts with an outplate sensor actuator.   A second sensor attached adjacent to the slidable cleanout plate; and when the slidable cleanout plate is in a second predetermined position, the second sensor is slidable. 41. The cigarette making machine leaf tobacco cleanout mechanism of claim 40, wherein the cigarette making machine leaf tobacco cleanout mechanism interacts with a cleanout plate sensor actuator.   The slidable clean-out plate sensor, wherein the engagement mechanism is a solenoid with a center pin, and protrudes from the solenoid to a receiving hole in the slidable clean-out plate, and is mounted on the slidable clean-out plate An actuator; a first sensor attached adjacent to the slidable cleanout plate; and a second sensor attached adjacent to the slidable cleanout plate. When the movable cleanout plate is in a first predetermined position, the first sensor interacts with the slidable cleanout plate sensor actuator, and when the slidable cleanout plate is in a second predetermined position, The second sensor is the slidable cleanout plate sensor actuator Over data and interact, cigarette making machines tobacco cleanout mechanism according to claim 36. A method of cleaning a cigarette maker,
a. Removably engaging the slidable compression plate with the slidable cleanout plate;
b. Retreating the slidable cleanout plate together with the slidable compression plate to create a path between the tobacco delivery device and the discharge area;
c. Activating the leaf tobacco transport device and discharging the tobacco from the leaf tobacco transport device to the discharge area;
d. Driving the slidable compression plate forward and extending the slidable cleanout plate to a closed position;
e. Releasing the slidable compression plate from the slidable cleanout plate.   44. A method of cleaning a cigarette maker according to claim 43, further comprising collecting the discharged tobacco. A drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube,
a. A first plate having a first surface and a second surface and further having at least one filling tube disposed on the first surface;
b. A second plate having a first surface and a second surface and further defining at least one hole, wherein the at least one hole is axially aligned with the filling tube;
c. A support structure that detachably attaches the first plate to the second plate to cause the first surface of the first plate to face the first surface of the second plate;
d. A drum in communication with the support structure for rotating the drum and comprising a drive mechanism having a semi-circular notch and an outwardly open slot.   The drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube according to claim 45, wherein the drive mechanism is mounted on the first plate.   The drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube according to claim 45, wherein the drive mechanism is mounted on the second plate.   46. A drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube according to claim 45, wherein the drive mechanism is integral with the first plate.   46. A drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube according to claim 45, wherein the drive mechanism is integral with the second plate.   46. The hole of the second plate is a conical hole, has a first diameter on a first surface, a second diameter on a second surface, and the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. A drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube as described. A cleanout container for a cigarette maker,
a. A lower bin having an upper end, a lower end, a bin sidewall disposed therebetween, and a bin bottom surface surrounding the lower end of the bin;
b. A drawer slidably disposed on the lower bottle, wherein the upper surface, the bottom surface, the drawer side wall disposed therebetween, and the bottom surface of the drawer are at least partially closed. A drawer having a closure,
c. A scoop disposed on the upper surface of the drawer, the scoop having an upper end, a lower end, a scoop side wall disposed therebetween, and a bottom surface surrounding the lower end of the scoop. A cleanout container for cigarette making machines.   52. The cleanout container of claim 51, further comprising a scoop sensor interacting with the scoop.   52. The cleanout container of claim 51, further comprising a sensor interacting with the drawer.   52. A cleanout container according to claim 51, wherein the scoop is removable.   53. A cleanout container according to claim 52, wherein the scoop is removable. A ring having an outer edge;
A flange having an outer side and an inner side, wherein the flange has an inner side attached to an outer edge of the ring; and
A blank cigarette tube holding device comprising a flexible blank cigarette tube locator having a base and a flap, wherein the base is attached to an outer edge of the ring.   57. The blank cigarette tube holding device according to claim 56, further comprising a flexible blank cigarette tube holder attached to the outside of the flange.   57. The blank cigarette tube holding device according to claim 56, wherein the flexible cigarette tube locator is made of a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber or silicone rubber.   58. The blank cigarette tube holding device according to claim 57, wherein the flexible cigarette tube locator is made of a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber or silicone rubber.   58. The blank cigarette tube holding device according to claim 57, wherein the flexible cigarette tube holder is made of foamed rubber.   58. The blank cigarette tube holding device of claim 57, wherein the flexible blank cigarette tube locator flap and the base of the flexible blank cigarette tube locator form an angle theta of greater than 90 degrees. A method of installing and holding a blank cigarette tube,
a) loading a blank cigarette tube into a filling tube;
b) installing the blank cigarette tube on a filling tube with a flexible blank cigarette tube locator;
c) holding at least the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube by friction between the blank cigarette tube and a flexible blank cigarette tube holder.   64. A method of positioning and holding a blank cigarette tube according to claim 62, further comprising the step of injecting a tobacco plug into the filling tube.   64. A method of positioning and holding a blank cigarette tube according to claim 63, further comprising extruding a completed cigarette from the filled tube.   63. Positioning the blank cigarette tube of claim 62, wherein the positioning step comprises sliding the blank cigarette tube over the filling tube with a flap of the flexible blank cigarette tube locator; How to hold. A method for producing a cigarette,
Sending a certain amount of leaf tobacco to the tobacco compression area;
Compressing the tobacco with a slidable plate pivotally connected to the force amplification connection;
Inserting a blank cigarette tube into the filling tube;
Installing and holding the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube with a blank cigarette tube installation and holding device;
And inserting the compressed leaf tobacco plug into a filling tube with an injection pin mounted on a slidable pin carrier.   68. The method for manufacturing a cigarette according to claim 66, wherein the compressing step further includes moving the force amplification connecting portion to a position beyond the center and maintaining the position for a predetermined time.   67. A method for manufacturing a cigarette according to claim 66, wherein the inserting step comprises guiding the blank cigarette tube onto a filling tube with a guide head.   68. The method of manufacturing cigarettes of claim 66, wherein the positioning step comprises sliding the blank cigarette tube over the filling tube with a flap of the flexible blank cigarette tube locator.   70. The method for producing a cigarette according to claim 69, further comprising extruding a completed cigarette from the filling tube. a. A pin carrier support structure;
b. A slidable pin carrier slidably attached to the pin carrier support structure;
c. A pin having a working end and a connecting end;
d. A connector having an attachment end and a connection end, wherein the attachment end is attached to the slidable pin carrier, the connection end is connected to a connection end of the pin, and the connector pivots the pin. A pin holding mechanism for a cigarette maker, comprising a connector that enables movement and has at least a secondary degree of freedom.   The pin is an injection pin and further includes a guide pin having a connection end, and the connection end of the guide pin is pivotally connected to the slidable pin carrier, and the guide pin is connected to the guide pin. 72. The pin retaining mechanism according to claim 71, which provides at least a second degree of freedom.   An ejection pin having a connection end, the connection end of the ejection pin being pivotably connected to the slidable pin carrier, and at least a second degree of freedom with respect to the ejection pin. 73. The pin retention mechanism of claim 72, wherein:   The connection end of the connector has a first semicircle portion and a second semicircle portion that define a socket, and the pin connection end has a ball that fits into the socket of the connector. 72. The pin holding mechanism according to claim 71.   72. The pin holding mechanism according to claim 71, wherein the pin connection end has a socket, and the connector has a ball of a size that fits into a socket at the pin connection end.   72. The pin retaining mechanism according to claim 71, wherein the connector is a connector selected from the group consisting of a spring, a coupling, and a universal joint. A method of configuring a pin holding mechanism,
e. Providing a pin carrier support structure;
f. Slidably attaching a slidable pin carrier to the pin carrier support structure; and
g. Providing a pin having a working end and a connecting end;
h. Providing a connector having an attachment end and a connection end;
i. Attaching the mounting end of the connector to the slidable pin carrier;
j. And pivotally connecting the connecting end of the pin to the connecting end of the connector, such that the pin has at least a second degree of freedom.   78. The method of claim 77, wherein the connector is a ball and socket.   78. The method of claim 77, wherein the connector is a spring.   78. The method of claim 77, wherein the connector is a coupling.   78. The method of claim 77, wherein the connector is a universal joint. A method for operating a cigarette maker,
k. Sliding the slidable pin carrier on the pin carrier support structure;
l. Pivoting a pin connected to the slidable pin carrier with at least a second degree of freedom;
m. Injecting the tobacco plug into the filling tube with an injection pin;
n. Extruding the completed cigarette from the filling tube with an ejection pin.   83. The method of claim 82, further comprising passing the guide head through a filling tube.   84. The method of claim 83, further comprising inserting a blank cigarette tube into the guide head.   85. The method of claim 84, further comprising retracting the guide head.

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