JP7157145B2 - Manufacturing machine for the production of disposable cartridges for electronic cigarettes - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102017000098791, filed September 4, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a manufacturing machine for the production of disposable cartridges for electronic cigarettes.

In recent years, it has included a casing made of plastic material having a tubular shape with a microporous bottom wall and a quantity of tobacco powder covered by a pad of filter media housed inside, the casing being welded to the casing itself. Disposable (single use) cartridges for e-cigarettes have been proposed that are closed at the top end (ie opposite the microperforated bottom wall) with a ring.

The production of said cartridges consists of the steps of filling each casing with a calibrated amount of tobacco powder, slightly compressing a certain amount of tobacco powder inside the casing to obtain the desired density, then opening the top end of the casing. Capping the casing by applying both a filtering pad and a sealing ring to the. The cartridges are then individually weighed so that non-conforming cartridges that retain an insufficient or excessive amount of powdered tobacco inside can be discarded.

Once the cartridge is manufactured, it is inserted into a sealed package, typically a blister package.

US Pat. Nos. 6,300,000, 6,000,000 and 6,000,003 provide examples of manufacturing machines for the production of disposable cartridges for electronic cigarettes of the type described above. The machine is capable of operating efficiently (i.e. with a high hourly rate of production in terms of the number of cartridges produced per unit of time) and effectively (i.e. with a low scrap quantity and high final quality). can. However, there is a huge market for e-cigarettes using the cartridges described above, and manufacturers of the cartridges described above, therefore, have developed the known manufacturing machines described in patent applications such as US Pat. There is a need for manufacturing machines that are more capable, ie, have a higher hourly rate of production, than the

WO2017/051348 WO2017/051349 WO2017/051350

The object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing machine for the production of disposable cartridges for electronic cigarettes, which allows the filling unit to achieve high productivity while ensuring high quality standards and at the same time being easy and inexpensive to produce. to do.

According to the present invention, there is provided a manufacturing machine for the production of disposable electronic cigarette cartridges as claimed in the accompanying claims.

The claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention which form part of this disclosure.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments thereof.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electronic cigarette cartridge; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manufacturing machine for producing the electronic cigarette cartridge of FIG. 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2, with some parts removed for clarity; 3 is a schematic plan view of the manufacturing machine of FIG. 2; FIG. Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal section through part of a first production drum of the machine of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal section through part of a second production drum of the machine of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a supply unit of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of some fingers of the refill unit of the tubular casing of Figure 7 in an expanded configuration; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of some fingers of the refill unit of the tubular casing of Figure 7 in a compressed configuration; Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal section of part of the supply unit of Figure 7 at an insertion station; Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal section of part of the supply unit of Figure 7 at an insertion station; Figure 8 is a schematic longitudinal section of part of the supply unit of Figure 7 at an insertion station; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a filling unit of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2; Figure 14 is a schematic longitudinal section through part of the filling unit of Figure 13; Figure 3 is a perspective view, partially removed for clarity, of a filter media pad replenishment unit of the machine of Figure 2; Figure 16 is a schematic side view of the replenishment unit of Figure 15; Figure 16 is a schematic side view of the replenishment unit of Figure 15; Figure 16 is a schematic front view of the hopper and cutting device of the supply unit of Figure 15; Figure 16 is a schematic and partial longitudinal section through a tray of the supply unit of Figure 15; Figure 16 is a schematic plan view of the pushers and corresponding feed channels of the replenishment unit of Figure 15; Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal section through a transfer unit of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a sealing ring refilling unit of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2; Figure 23 is a schematic longitudinal section view of a portion of the replenishment unit of Figure 22 at an insertion station; Figure 23 is a schematic longitudinal section view of a portion of the replenishment unit of Figure 22 at a replenishment station; FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a welding unit of the manufacturing machine of FIG. 2; Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of an output unit of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a control station of the manufacturing machine of Figure 2; 8 is a schematic longitudinal section through a variant of the supply unit of FIG. 7 at an insertion station; FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal section through a variant of the supply unit of FIG. 7 at an insertion station; FIG. Figure 30 is a schematic plan view of the centering device of the supply unit of Figures 28 and 29; Figure 23 is a schematic longitudinal section through a variant of the supply unit of Figure 22 at an insertion station; Figure 23 is a schematic longitudinal section through a variant of the supply unit of Figure 22 at an insertion station; FIG. 23 is a schematic longitudinal section of a further variant of the replenishment unit of FIG. 22 at an insertion station; FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal section through part of a second production drum in a variant of the production machine of FIG. 2; Figure 35 is a schematic top view of the seat of the second production drum of Figure 34, with the jaw pairs arranged in a gripping position; 35 is a schematic top view of the seat of the second production drum of FIG. 34 with the jaw pairs arranged in the transfer position; FIG.

In FIG. 1, number 1 generally represents a disposable cartridge for electronic cigarettes. The disposable cartridge 1 comprises a tubular casing 2 made of plastics material having a microperforated bottom wall 3 and a side wall 4 having a substantially cylindrical shape; d) Inside the tubular casing 2, a certain amount of powdered tobacco 5 is stored. Finally, the disposable cartridge 1 includes a sealing ring 7 ( ) which is inserted around the (otherwise completely open) upper end of the tubular casing 2 to prevent escape of the filter media pad 6 . the sealing washer 7); preferably the sealing ring 7 is welded to the tubular casing 2; According to the preferred but non-binding embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the tubular casing 2 has a bulge (i.e. transverse directionally widened portion); this bulge determines the presence of an undercut near the top edge.

2 and 3, number 8 as a whole represents a manufacturing machine for the production of disposable cartridges 1 described above. The manufacturing machine 8 performs intermittent motion. That is, the conveyor periodically alternates between motion steps and stop steps.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the manufacturing machine 8 includes a manufacturing drum 9 arranged horizontally and mounted for stepwise rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 10 . In other words, the building drum 9 is rotated in an intermittent or non-continuous motion that provides a periodic alternation of motion steps in which the building drum 9 is moving and stationary steps in which the building drum 9 is stationary. . The production drum 9 supports twelve groups 11 of seats 12 each adapted to receive and store a corresponding tubular casing 2 . Specifically, each group 11 includes 42 seats 12 aligned along three straight lines (each of the three straight lines having 14 seats 12) that are parallel to each other, and 12 The groups 11 of sets are arranged in a plane so as to define regular polygons (ie dodecahedrons) on the surface of the production drum 9 .

The manufacturing machine 8 comprises a further manufacturing drum 13 arranged horizontally beside the manufacturing drum 9 and mounted for stepwise rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 14 parallel to the axis of rotation 10 . In other words, the building drum 13 is rotated in an intermittent or non-continuous motion that provides a periodic alternation of motion steps in which the building drum 13 is moving and stationary steps in which the building drum 13 is stationary. The production drum 13 supports twelve groups 15 of seats 16 each adapted to receive and store a corresponding tubular casing 2 . Specifically, each group 15 includes 42 seats 16 aligned along three mutually parallel straight lines (each of the three straight lines having 14 seats 16), and 12 The groups 15 of sets are arranged to define regular polygons (ie dodecahedrons) on the surface of the production drum 9 in plane.

The manufacturing machine 8 comprises a supply station S1 in which a supply unit 17 inserts a corresponding empty tubular casing 2 into each seat 12 of a group 11 resting. In particular, the supply unit 17 simultaneously inserts 42 empty tubular casings 2 into the same number of seats 12 of the groups 11 stationary in the supply station S1. Downstream of the replenishment station S1 with respect to the direction of rotation of the production drum 9, three filling stations S2 are arranged in succession, each of which is provided with a filling unit 18, which Into each tubular casing 2 carried by the seat 12 of the stationary group 11 is replenished with a corresponding quantity of tobacco 5 . In particular, each filling unit 18 simultaneously replenishes 14 batches of cigarettes 5 into the same number of seats 12 of group 11 stationary in replenishing station S2. The filling unit 18 of the first replenishing station S2 replenishes a quantity of 14 sets of cigarettes 5 into the same number of seats 12 of the innermost row of the group 11 stationary within the first replenishing station S2. The filling unit 18 of the second replenishing station S2 then replenishes a quantity of 14 sets of cigarettes 5 into the same number of seats 12 of the middle row of the group 11 stationary within the second replenishing station S2. , the filling unit 18 of the third replenishing station S2 replenishes a quantity of 14 sets of cigarettes 5 into the same number of seats 12 of the outermost row of the group 11 stationary in the third replenishing station S2. do.

Downstream of the filling station S2 (i.e. downstream of the last filling station S2) relative to the direction of rotation of the production drum 9, a replenishment station S3 is arranged in which replenishment unit 19 supplies a corresponding filter medium pad 6 into each tubular casing 2 carried by the seat 12 of the stationary group 11 . Specifically, the filling unit 19 simultaneously replenishes 42 filter media pads 6 into the same number of seats 12 of stationary groups 11 in the replenishment station S3.

Arranged downstream of the supply station S3 in relation to the direction of rotation of the production drums 9 is a transfer station S4 in which the transfer unit 20 is arranged on the seats 12 of the groups 11 of the production drums 9 . from to seats 16 of groups 15 of production drums 13 (each containing a quantity of tobacco 5 and filter media pad 6). In particular, the transfer unit 20 consists of 42 tubular units, from the same number of seats 12 in group 11 stationary in transfer station S4 to the same number of seats 16 in group 15 stationary in transfer station S4. The casing 2 is transferred at the same time. Within the transfer station S4 the two production drums 9 and 13 are partially overlapping such that the seats 12 of the group 11 of production drums 9 are vertically aligned with the seats 16 of the group 15 of production drums 13. It has become. As a result, within the transfer station S4 the transfer of the tubular casing 2 is a linear vertical movement (i.e. lifting of the casing 2 if the production drum 9 is arranged below the production drum 13 or 9 is arranged above the production drum 13, lowering the casing 2).

Downstream of the insertion station S4 with respect to the direction of rotation of the production drum 13, a supply station S5 is arranged in which the supply unit 21 is carried by the seat 16 of the stationary group 15. A corresponding sealing ring 7 is provided in each tubular casing 2 that is provided. In particular, the filling unit 21 simultaneously replenishes 42 sealing rings 7 into the same number of seats 16 of the groups 15 stationary in the replenishment station S5. Downstream of the supply station S5 with respect to the direction of rotation of the production drum 13, three welding stations S6 are arranged in succession, in each of which the welding unit 22 is a (preferably ultrasonic welding), the welding of each sealing ring 7 to the corresponding tubular casing 2 carried by the seat 16 of the stationary group 15 is effected. In particular, each welding unit 22 simultaneously welds 14 sealing rings 7 to the same number of tubular casings 2 carried by seats 16 of groups 15 stationary in welding station S6. The welding unit 22 of the first welding station S6 welds 14 sealing rings 7 into the same number of seats 16 of the intermediate row of the groups 15 stationary in the first welding station S6 and the second welding unit 22 of welding station S6 of welding station S6 welds 14 sealing rings 7 in the same number of seats 16 of the outermost row of group 15 stationary in second welding station S6; welding unit 22 of welding station S6 welds 14 sealing rings 7 in the same number of seats 16 of the innermost row of group 15 stationary in the third welding station S6.

At the welding station S6 the manufacture of the disposable cartridge 1 is completed, ie downstream of the welding station S6 the disposable cartridge 1 is finished and ready for use. Downstream of the welding station S6 (i.e. downstream of the last welding station S6) relative to the direction of rotation of the production drum 13, an output station S7 is arranged in which the stripping unit 23 is stationary. A corresponding disposable cartridge 1 is drawn out from each seat 16 of the group 15 that is in place. In particular, the extraction unit 23 simultaneously extracts 42 disposable cartridges 1 from the same number of seats 16 of the group 15 stationary in the output station S7.

From the above it can be seen that all steps of the production process of disposable cartridges 1 housed in seats 12/16 of the same group 11/15 (e.g. filling a certain amount of cigarettes 5, refilling filter media pads 6, replenishment step of sealing ring 7, welding step of sealing ring 7) are carried out in parallel, i.e. a plurality (14 or 42) disposable cartridges 1 at the same time.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, each seat 12 of the production drum 13 has a through-receiving channel adapted to pass through the production drum 9 from one side to the other and accommodate the tubular casing 2 . 24. Specifically, each storage channel 24 is transversely wider than the tubular casing 2, thus allowing the tubular casing 2 to pass through the interior of the storage channel 24 (as explained below, each tubular casing 2 enter into the corresponding storage channel 24 in replenishment station S1 from the bottom and exit from the top of the corresponding storage channel 24 in transfer station S4). Each seat 12 of the production drum 13 is further fitted within a storage channel 24 and engages a tubular casing 2 disposed within the storage channel 24 (thus allowing the tubular casing 2 to pass through the storage channel 24). holding position (illustrated in the two seats 12 on the right side of FIG. 5) and out of engagement with the tubular casing 2 disposed within the storage channel 24 (thus along the storage channel 24). It includes a pair of opposing jaws 25 movable between a transfer position (illustrated in the left seat 12 in FIG. 5) and a transport position (illustrated in the left seat 12 in FIG. 5) which allows the tubular casing 2 to slide freely. According to a preferred embodiment, the opposing jaws 25 are arranged just below the undercut formed by the transverse bulge of the upper part of the tubular casing 2, the jaws 25 being arranged in the holding position. In the case (illustrated in the two seats 12 on the right in FIG. 5) the undercuts are adapted to rest on the jaws 25 . In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the axial length of each storage channel 24 is (slightly) longer than the axial length of the tubular casing 2, so that the tubular casing 2 is positioned within the storage channel 24 ( fully retracted (without any protrusion). According to other fully equivalent embodiments not illustrated, the axial length of each storage channel 24 is greater than the axial length of the tubular casing 2, or the axial length of each storage channel 24 is shorter than the axial length of the tubular casing 2 (in this last case the tubular casing 2 is not fully retracted within the storage channel 24 and thus protrudes from the top and/or bottom of the storage channel 24).

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the two jaws 25 of each seat 12 have a limited axial extension, i.e. they extend farther than the storage channel 24. ) short. In other words, in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the two jaws 25 of each seat 12 engage limited portions of the storage channel 24 with fixed walls above and below the jaws 25 . According to a completely equivalent variant embodiment not illustrated, the two jaws 25 of each seat 12 have a greater axial extension which can likewise coincide with the axial extension inside the storage channel 24. have. In other words, the storage channel 24 may have fixed walls only above the two jaws 25, or may have fixed walls only below the two jaws 25, or the storage channel 24 may have fixed walls only below the two jaws 25. There may be no fixed walls above or below the jaws 25 (ie, the storage channel 24 may have no fixed walls and only two jaws 25).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, each seat 16 of the production drum 13 has a through-receiving channel adapted to pass through the production drum 13 from one side to the other and accommodate the tubular casing 2 . 26. Specifically, each storage channel 26 is transversely wider than the tubular casing 2, thus allowing the tubular casing 2 to pass through the interior of the storage channel 26 (as explained below, each tubular casing 2 enters into the corresponding storage channel 26 in replenishment station S1 from the bottom and always exits from the bottom of the corresponding storage channel 26 in transfer station S4). Each seat 16 of the production drum 13 is further fitted within a storage channel 26 and engages a tubular casing 2 disposed within the storage channel 26 (thus allowing the tubular casing 2 to pass through the storage channel 26). 6) and out of engagement with the tubular casing 2 disposed within the storage channel 26 (thus along the storage channel 26). It includes a pair of opposing jaws 27 movable between a transfer position (illustrated in the left seat 16 in FIG. 6) which allows free sliding of the tubular casing 2 on the bottom. According to a preferred embodiment, the opposing jaws 27 are arranged just below the undercut formed by the transverse bulge of the upper part of the tubular casing 2, when the jaws 27 are in the holding position (FIG. 6). The undercuts are adapted to rest on jaws 27 (illustrated in the two seats 16 on the right in the middle). In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the axial length of each storage channel 26 is (slightly) shorter than the axial length of the tubular casing 2, so that the tubular casing 2 is above the storage channels 26. protrude (slightly) from both and below. According to other fully equivalent embodiments not illustrated, the axial length of each storage channel 24 is longer (much or slightly) than the axial length of the tubular casing 2, or each storage channel The axial length of channel 26 is significantly less than the axial length of tubular casing 2 (in this latter case tubular casing 2 extends significantly both above and below storage channel 26).

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the two jaws 27 of each seat 16 have a limited axial extension, i.e. they extend farther than the storage channel 26. ) short. In other words, in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the two jaws 27 of each seat 16 engage a limited portion of the storage channel 26 having fixed walls above and below the jaws 27 . According to a completely equivalent variant embodiment not illustrated, the two jaws 27 of each seat 16 have a greater axial extension which can likewise match the axial extension inside the storage channel 26. have. In other words, the storage channel 26 may have fixed walls only above the two jaws 27, or may have fixed walls only below the two jaws 27, or the storage channel 26 may have only two jaws 27. There may be no fixed walls above or below 27 (ie, storage channel 26 may have no fixed walls and only two jaws 27).

The supply unit 17 supplies tubular casings 2 to seats 12 of a group 11 of seats 12 stationary in the supply unit 17 (i.e. stationary in the supply station S1). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the replenishment unit 17 was mounted for stepwise rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 29 parallel to the axis of rotation 10 of the production drum 9 (having the shape of a parallelepiped). ) including replenishment drum 28; The supply drum 28 supports two groups 30 of opposed fingers 31 (ie, the two groups 30 are disposed on opposite sides of the axis of rotation 28). Each group 30 comprises fourteen fingers 31 arranged parallel to each other, each finger 31 each adapted to receive a corresponding tubular casing 2 (as better illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). It has three seats 32 that are aligned. It is important to point out that the number of seats 32 on each finger 31 is equal to the number of lines in each group 11 of seats 12 on the production drum 9 . 10, 11 and 12, each second seat 32 has a bottom wall on which the corresponding tubular casing 2 rests (obtained inside the corresponding finger 31). ) formed by blind holes.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, each group 30 of fingers 31 is adapted to accommodate a corresponding tubular casing 2 (specifically 42 tubular casings 2) at the insertion station S8 and a replenishment. It is adapted to release tubular casings 2 (specifically 42 tubular casings 2) against groups 11 of seats 12 of production drums 9 which are stationary in station S1. In addition, each finger 31 is arranged on the supply drum 28 for translational movement relative to the supply drum 28 along a separation direction D1 orthogonal to the axis of rotation 29 for the purpose of moving away from or toward the adjacent finger 31 . assembled on top. The replenishment drum 28 is provided with an actuator device 33 which translates the fingers 31 along the separating direction D1 so as to place the fingers 31 at a first mutual distance in the insertion station S8 and in the replenishment station S1. They will be arranged at a second mutual distance that is different than the first mutual distance. In the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, the second mutual distance is greater than the first mutual distance.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the fingers 31 of each group 30 move relative to the other fingers by translational movement along the separation direction D1. According to a different but completely equivalent embodiment not illustrated, the fingers 31 of each group 30 move relative to each other by rotational-translational movement or by rotation with a component along the separation direction D1.

The function of the actuator device 33 is the pitch (i.e. mutual distance) between the tubular casings 2, which in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures has a pitch of 9.5 mm at the insertion station S8 and a pitch of 12 mm at the replenishment station S1. to fix. An increase in the pitch (i.e. mutual distance) between the tubular casings 2 (seats 32) in the replenishing station S1 (Fig. 9, pitch equal to 12 mm) and in the insertion station S8 (Fig. 8, pitch equal to 9.5 mm) 8 and 9 showing fingers 31 (carrying). According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator device 33 is passive (i.e. has no source of autonomous motion generation) and uses rotary motion of the replenishment drum 28 about the axis of rotation 29. A cam is used to move the finger 31 by moving. According to a preferred non-binding embodiment, the cam actuator device 33 is of the desmodromic type without elastic elements, i.e. the translational movement of the finger 31 is always It is imparted by a cam that moves finger 31 in both directions.

According to different equivalent embodiments, the actuator device 33 moves the fingers 31 of each group 30 into the supply station S1 (when the supply drum 28 is stationary), into the insertion station S8 (when the supply drum 28 is stationary). (when replenishment drum 28 is in motion), or in the path between replenishment station S1 and insertion station S8 (when replenishment drum 28 is in motion). Clearly, if the actuator device 33 includes a motor (typically an electric motor), the actuator device 33 can translate the fingers 31 of each group 30 even when the replenishing drum 28 is stationary. can be done. On the other hand, if the actuator device 33 includes a cam that exploits the rotational movement of the replenishment drum 28, the actuator device 33 can translate the fingers 31 of each group 30 only when the replenishment drum 28 is in motion. can.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the replenishment unit 17 includes three conveying channels 34 which are inclined downwards (but can also be horizontal) and replenish three respective rows of tubular casings 2 towards the insertion station S8. . 7, each transport channel 34 is coupled (aligned) with a corresponding seat 32 in each finger 31 at replenishment station S8. As better illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, each conveying channel 34 is flanked by corresponding sides 35 (which may be double, or single or triple as illustrated in the accompanying figures). and is bounded at the bottom by a support plane 36 . Conveying channels 34 move each row of tubular casings 2 either by gravity alone (by exploiting a downward slope) or by the addition of a compressed air blower (blower air conveyor) or vibration (vibratory conveyor). can be replenished. Alternatively, other configurations of the conveying channels 34 are possible as well, with the only constraint being that the conveying channels 34 feed each row of tubular casings 2 towards the insertion station S8.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, supply unit 17 also includes a companion element 37 having three parallel prongs each coupled to a corresponding conveying channel 34 . In particular, the companion element 37 is movable parallel to and within the conveying channel 34 to accompany the progressive lowering of the tubular casing 2 inside the insertion station S8. Moreover, the supply unit 17 is coupled to the conveying channel 34 and arranged immediately upstream of the insertion station S8, i.e. so that the tubular casing 2 delimiting the beginning of the insertion station S8 can enter the insertion station S8. and a closed position preventing tubular casing 2 from entering insertion station S8.

In use, when the insertion station S8 is full (i.e., in the insertion station S8, as illustrated in FIG. 7, three rows of fourteen tubular casings 2 in three conveying channels 34 are formed). 42 tubular casings 2 are arranged), the gate 38 is closed (i.e. arranged in the closed position) to separate the section of the conveying channel 34 contained within the insertion station S8 into the conveying channel 34, and then the 42 tubular casings 2 in the insertion station S8 are grouped stationary in the insertion station S8 from the transport channel 34 (using the method described below). Thirty fingers 31 are transferred to seats 32 . When the 42 tubular casings present in the insertion station S8 have been transferred from the conveying channel 34 to the seats 32 of the fingers 31 of the group 30 stationary in the insertion station S8, the insertion station S8 is empty ( ie without any tubular casing 2). At this point, the prongs of the companion device 37 are replenished along the conveying channel 34 until they reach the gate 38, which is thus opened (i.e. disposed in the open position) and the tubular casing 2 is pulled by gravity into three positions. 34 along one transport channel 34 to allow entry into the insertion station S8 again. The descent of the tubular casing 2 along the three conveying channels 34 and within the insertion station S8 is not free (i.e. uncontrolled), but the first (followed by the other tubular casing 2) along the three conveying channels 34 The descent of the three tubular casings 2 is controlled by the three prongs of the trailing elements 37 mounted on the corresponding first three tubular casings 2 to follow them at a controlled predetermined rate. Due to the action of the companion element 37 the tubular casing 2 is never 'abandoned' and thus there is no possibility of 'tilting' inside the conveying channel 34 .

According to a preferred embodiment, a gate 38 is provided for each conveying channel 34 between two consecutive tubular casings 2 ( (in the closed position) a corresponding wedge-shaped stop element that is inserted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, at insertion station S8, the seats 32 of fingers 31 are aligned with corresponding conveying channels 34 so that each tubular casing 2 carried by the conveying channels 34 is aligned with the finger. 31 are disposed below corresponding conveying channels 34 in such a manner as to be vertically aligned with corresponding seats 32 of 31 . As mentioned above, the conveying channel 34 includes a support plane 36 on which the tubular casing 2 rests. At the insertion station S8, the support plane 36 has a plurality of through-holes 39 each adapted to allow passage of the tubular casing 2 through. Moreover, the support plane 36 is at least in the insertion station S8 to prevent passage of the tubular casing 2 in the through hole 39 (i.e. the through hole in relation to the tubular casing 2 stored in the conveying channel 34). 39) to allow a filling position (illustrated in FIG. 10) where the through holes 39 are not aligned with respect to the corresponding conveying channel 34 and the passage of the tubular casing 2 within the through holes 39. (i.e., to align the through-holes 39 with respect to the tubular casing 2 stored within the conveying channel 34) the transfer position (FIG. 11) in which the through-holes 39 are aligned with the corresponding conveying channels 34 ) (under the thrust of the actuator device 40). In particular, the actuator device 40 translates the support plane 36 along a control direction D2 orthogonal to the separation direction D1, orthogonal to the axis of rotation 29 and orthogonal to the conveying channel 34, thereby adjusting the filling position (FIG. 10). ) and a transfer position (illustrated in FIG. 11). According to a possible embodiment the through-holes 39 are not separated from each other and together form a single slot (ie a single large through-hole 39 with an elongated shape).

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the supply unit 17 is arranged in the insertion station S8 to move the tubular casing 2 from the conveying channel 34 to the seats of the fingers 31 of the group 30 which are stationary in the insertion station S8. It includes a group (42) of pushers 41 that are vertically movable for pushing up to portion 32 . Further, the replenishment unit 17 is located opposite the pusher 41 and is inserted into the seats 32 of the fingers 31 of the group 30 stationary in the insertion station S8, and the tubular casing 17 is inserted from the conveying channel 34 to the seats 32 of the fingers 31. It includes a group (42) of companion elements 42 vertically movable to accompany the descent of 2. Each seat 32 of the finger 31 has a through hole 43 (small enough to prevent entry of the tubular casing 2) through which a companion element 42 can enter from the bottom to the seat 32. .

In other words, at the insertion station S8 each tubular casing 2 is seated under the fingers 31 of the group 30 resting in the insertion station S8 by means of the transport channel 34 (which passes through the through-hole 39 of the support plane 36). 32 and thus undergoes a vertical downward movement, during which movement the tubular casing 2 is engaged by the pusher 41 at the top and by the actuator device 42 at the bottom (i.e. "sandwiched" between the pusher 41 and the companion element 42 located on the bottom). In this regard, it should be pointed out that the pusher 41 and the companion element 42 are not considered strictly necessary, since the vertical downward movement is in any case imparted on the tubular casing 2 by gravity. is important. However, the presence of the pusher 41 and the companion element 42 makes it possible to impart a controlled movement to the tubular casing 2, thereby preventing any mispositioning or rebounding of the tubular casing 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the seats 32 of the fingers 31 of the group 30 stationary within the supply station S1 are aligned with the corresponding seats 12 of the group 11 stationary within the supply station S1. so that each tubular casing 2 carried by the seats 32 of the fingers 31 is vertically aligned with the corresponding seats 12 of the production drum 9 . As illustrated in FIG. 12, the resupply unit 17 is disposed within the resupply station S1 (through holes 43) within the seats 32 of the fingers 31 of the group 30 which are stationary within the resupply station S1. It comprises a group (42) of pushers 44 which are vertically movable to be inserted and thus push the tubular casing 2 from the seats 32 of the fingers 31 to the seats 12 of the group 11 which are stationary in the replenishment station S1. Moreover, the replenishment unit 17 is a group opposite the pusher 44 and vertically movable to accompany the rise of the tubular casing 2 from the seat 32 of the fingers 31 to the seat 12 of the production drum 9 ( 42) of adjoining elements 45. As mentioned above, each seat 32 of the finger 31 has a through hole 43 (small enough to prevent entry of the tubular casing 2) in the lower part through which the pusher 44 can be pushed. can enter into the seat 32 from the bottom.

In other words, at the replenishment station S1 each tubular casing 2 moves from the seat 32 of the finger 31 of the group 30 stationary in the resupply station S1 to the seat above the group 11 stationary in the resupply station S1. 12, by performing a vertical upward movement, during which the tubular casing 2 is engaged at the bottom by the pusher 44 and at the top by the companion element 45 (i.e. the bottom-located "sandwiched" between pusher 44 and a companion element 45 disposed on top). In this regard, it is important to point out that the companion element 45 is not considered strictly necessary. However, the presence of the companion element 45 makes it possible to impart a controlled movement to the tubular casing 2, thereby preventing any mispositioning or rebounding of the tubular casing 2. FIG.

As previously mentioned, each seat 12 of the production drum 9 has a through storage channel 24 which passes through the production drum 9 from one side to the other and is adapted to store the tubular casing 2, and a storage channel. 24 and a holding position engaged with the tubular casing 2 disposed within the storage channel 24 and a transfer position not engaging the tubular casing 2 disposed within the storage channel 24. It includes a pair of opposing jaws 25 movable between them. During the entry of the tubular casing 2 into the corresponding seat 12 of the production drum 9, the two jaws 25 are kept in the transfer position, and then only when the entry of the tubular casing 2 into the seat 12 has been completed: The two jaws 25 then enter the holding position.

Each filling unit 18, in its general construction, has a filling structure as described and exemplified in the patent applications US Pat. Similar to a unit.

As exemplified in FIG. 13, each charging unit 18 has a cylindrical shape which is arranged in a horizontal direction and assembled so as to rotate stepwise about a vertical rotation axis 47 parallel to the rotation axis 10. of the tank 46. In other words, the tank 46 is rotated in an intermittent or non-continuous motion that provides a periodic alternation of motion steps in which the tank 46 is moving and stationary steps in which the tank 46 is stationary. Each tank 46 is arranged beside the production drum 9 and partially overlaps the production drum 9 at the filling station S2. Specifically, the tank 46 is disposed higher than the production drum 9 so as to be above the top of the production drum 9 at the filling station S2 (as illustrated in FIG. 14). Each tank 46 supports six groups 48 of seats 49 each adapted to receive and store a corresponding quantity of cigarettes 5 . Specifically, each group 48 includes fourteen seats 49 aligned along a straight line, and the six groups 48 define regular polygons (i.e., hexagons) on the surface of the annular tank 46 in plane. is arranged to

Each tank 46 is bounded on the bottom by a circular shaped base disk 50 and on the sides by cylindrical side walls 51 projecting perpendicularly to the base disk 50 . The seat 49 is obtained in the base disc 50 , ie the seat 49 is (partially) formed by a circular through hole provided through the base disc 50 . Centrally, from the base disc 50, a cylindrical central element 52 rises, giving the internal volume of the tank 46 an annular shape (ie a "doughnut" shape).

Each tank 46 is coupled (at least in its end portion) to a cylindrical replenishment duct 53 having an outlet opening vertically oriented and disposed inside the tank 46 . A replenishment duct 53 continuously replenishes the tobacco stream forming the bed resting on the base disc 50 of the tank 46 inside the tank 46 .

Each filling unit 18 is disposed in a fixed position (i.e., not rotating with the tank 46) at the filling station S2 and has a fixed volume stored within a seat 49 of the group 48 which is stationary within the filling station S2. of cigarettes 5 into the corresponding seats 12 of the group 11 stationary in the filling station S2 of the production drum 9. As illustrated in FIG. 14, at each filling station S2, the tanks 46 (i.e. the base discs 50 of the tanks 46) are stacked in groups of production drums 9 with the seats 49 of the groups 48 of tanks 46 aligned vertically. It partially overlaps the production drum 9 in such a way that it is arranged above the seat 12 of 11 . Consequently, at each filling station S2, the transfer of the quantity of cigarettes 5 is effected using a linear and vertical downward movement (ie the quantity of cigarettes 5 is lowered). Each transfer device 54 is each coupled to a corresponding seat 49 of the group 48 which is stationary within the filling station S2 and directs downward, i.e. stationary, a quantity of cigarettes 5 stored in the corresponding seat 49. It includes a plurality of pushers 55 with alternating vertical motions for pushing towards corresponding tubular casings 2 which are aligned.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, below the base disc 50 there is a space between the base disc 50 and the production drum 9 (i.e. a seat 49 containing a quantity of tobacco 5 and a seat 12 containing the tubular casing 2). A further intermediate disc 56 is arranged which is interposed between the . Through the intermediate disc 56 groups of through-holes are formed, which are internally lined with respective supply ducts 51 projecting downwards towards the outside of the intermediate disc 56 itself. In use, each tubular casing 2 housed in the seat 12 of the production drum 9 and resting in its corresponding filling station S2 is pushed upwards (i.e. towards the intermediate disc 56) by the pusher 58 to Its upper open end is in contact with the mouth of each supply duct 57 . According to one possible embodiment, the outlet of each supply duct 57 may be funnel-shaped (ie frusto-conical). According to one possible embodiment, the outlet of each replenishment duct 57 is opened to the corresponding tubular casing 2 at a time when the tubular casing 2 itself is pushed upwards (ie towards the intermediate disc 56) by the corresponding pusher 58. can be partially inserted inside the open top end of the .

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, each seat 49 has a variable axial size (and thus a variable volume) due to the telescoping mechanism. That is, each seat 49 is a base disk 50 lined with a tubular liner 59 and by a further tubular liner 60 disposed partially around the tubular liner 59 and slidable in relation to the tubular liner 59 itself. is formed by a through hole provided through the . In use, tubular liner 60 (together with underlying intermediate disc 56 ) can slide axially to vary the overall volume of seat 49 .

Directly below each group 48 of seats 49 is a shutter element 61 provided with a plug 62 which is permeable to air (but impermeable to tobacco) and a through hole 63 located beside the plug 62 . are arranged. each shutter element 61 has a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 14) in which a corresponding plug 62 is disposed under each seat 49 to close the bottom of the seat 49 itself and prevent the descent of the cigarette; It is movable to move radially under the thrust of an actuator device 64 between an open position in which a corresponding through hole 63 is arranged below each seat 49 to allow the descent of the cigarette. assembled in shape. In use, actuator device 64 keeps each shutter element 61 in a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 14) outside filling station S2 and moves shutter element 61 to an open position inside filling station S2 to release the shutter element 61 from seat 49. It allows the descent of a quantity of tobacco 5 towards the corresponding tubular casing 2 carried by the seat 12 of the production drum 9 .

In the illustrated embodiment, each plug 62 is breathable (but tobacco impermeable) and provides bottom suction application to seat 49 which tends to favor the ingress of tobacco into seat 49. enable Specifically, each plug 62 is breathable due to the presence of a plurality of through-holes of a size smaller than the tobacco fiber size in such a way that air can pass through the through-holes but tobacco cannot. have. In use, while forming a quantity of cigarettes 5 (i.e. outside the filling station S2), a suction source is connected to the supply duct 57 to create a reduced pressure inside the supply duct 57, which reduces the pressure on the ventilated plug. Through 62 it is also added to the interior of the seat 49 and thus favors the entry of tobacco into the seat 49 .

According to a different embodiment not illustrated, each plug 62 is completely sealed (ie, not breathable or tobacco permeable).

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator device 64 controls the sliding of the shutter elements independently of the rotation of the tank 46 about the axis of rotation 47 (for each group 48 of seats 49 there is a shutter element 61 ). In this way it is possible to rotate the tank about the axis of rotation 47 without lowering the quantity of tobacco 5 towards the tubular casing 2 in the corresponding filling station S2. This possibility (i.e. rotation of the tank 46 about the axis of rotation 47 which does not lower the quantity of cigarettes 5) prevents the machine 8 from being lowered before the quantity of cigarettes 5 is lowered when the machine 8 is started after being stopped. The tubular casing is used for the purpose of making it possible to form a uniform tobacco bed of suitable thickness inside the tank 46 during operation of the machine 8 and in the event of any malfunction and/or disposal within the filling station S2. 2 (all) does not exist.

According to a possible embodiment, the actuator device 64 causes each shutter element 61 to (quickly) perform a series of strokes between the closed and open positions (i.e. seat opening and closing the portion 49 several times) to "oscillate" the seat 49 and thus to move the sliding of the shutter element 61 in such a way as to favor the descent of any cigarettes present inside the seat 49. Control.

According to a possible embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 , each filling unit 18 is provided with a vacuum cleaner for cleaning the breathable plug 62 , i.e. before the seat 49 is filled with a new dose of tobacco 5 . A cleaning device 110 disposed in a fixed position (i.e., not rotating with tank 26) at filling station S2 is included to remove any tobacco residue from the vented plug 62 that is "sticked" within the through hole of plug 62. In other words, after emptying the seat 49 of the tank 46 by transferring a corresponding quantity of cigarettes 5 from the seat 49 of the tank 46 to the seat 12 of the group 11 stationary in the filling station S2, Before resuming the step of filling the seat 49 of the tank 46 with another tobacco to reform the quantity of tobacco 5, the breathable plug 62 is "stuck" in the through-hole of the breathable plug 62. Cleaned using cleaning device 110 which removes any tobacco residue. It is important to point out that the cleaning device 110 can clean the vent plug 62 in each cycle, in groups of cycles (eg, every 3-5 cycles), or at any time.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device 110 directs a powerful jet of compressed air toward the vented plug 62 to remove any debris from the perforations of the vented plug 62 . As such, cleaning device 110 includes (at least) one corresponding nozzle for each vented plug 62 that directs a jet of compressed air toward the plug 62 . According to one possible embodiment, the cleaning device 110 is located beside the seat 49 so as to act on the breathable plug 62 when the plug 62 is moved away from the seat 49 by movement of the shutter element 61 . are placed in In this embodiment, the breathable plug 62 is located (relatively) far from the seat 49, i.e. when the seat 49 is opened at the bottom to release a corresponding amount of tobacco 5. is cleaned by the cleaning device 110 at the same time. According to a variant embodiment, a cleaning device 110 is arranged on the seat 49 to act on the breathable plug 62 when the plug 62 is coupled to the seat 49 . Clearly, this cleaning step is performed after a certain amount of tobacco 5 has been extracted from the seat 49 and before the step of introducing new tobacco into the seat 49 begins.

As illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, the filter media pad 6 is obtained using a transverse cut of a corresponding piece 65 of filter media. That is, a piece of filter media 65 is “sliced” to obtain a filter media pad 6 . In this regard, it is important to point out that the axial length of each piece 65 of filter media is equal to the internal multiple of the axial length of the pad 6 of filter media. For example, each piece of filter media 65 could have an axial length of 114 mm, and each filter media pad 6 could have an axial length of 4.75 mm (thus each piece of filter media 65 to 24 one filter medium pad 6 is obtained).

Supply unit 19 (illustrated generally in FIG. 15) includes a feeder 66 for feeding a group of filter media segments 65 . In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the group includes 14 filter media pieces 65 or a number of filter media pieces 65 equal to the number of seats 12 in the line of group 11 . Further, supply unit 19 includes a cutting device 67 that periodically performs transverse cuts in groups of filter media segments 65 for the purpose of separating each group of filter media pads 6 from groups of filter media segments 65 . Finally, the supply unit 19 picks up the group of filter medium pads 6 immediately after the transverse cut and inserts the filter medium pads 6 into the corresponding seats 12 of the group 11 stationary in the supply station 33. 68 included.

Feeder 66 includes a hopper 69 (best illustrated in FIG. 18) provided with a group of vertical channels 70 containing a plurality of filter media segments 65 . Along the vertical channel 70, the filter media piece 65 descends by gravity until it reaches a lower portion where the filter media piece 65 is axially withdrawn from the hopper 69 (ie, pushed axially out of the hopper 69). Feeder 66 includes a group of horizontal pushers 71 ( 71 ) each engaged with a lower portion of a corresponding vertical channel 70 to progressively push filter media pieces 65 out of vertical channel 70 and toward cutting device 67 . 16 and 17, only one of which is visible).

According to a preferred embodiment, the filter media pieces 65 originate from separate trays loaded into the upper hopper and then fed to the deep-reach drum, which is a pair of trays mounted on the same shaft. Using a blade to obtain the desired length of filter media segment 65 with greater length accuracy than the initial one and removing edges that may have dents or wrinkles due to storage and shipping. Remove the end portion of each filter for both purposes. The stream of trimmed filter media pieces 65 is hauled up and conveyed using conventional down-drops inside a vertical chimney that feeds a hopper 69 where the filter media pieces are filtered. 65 are separated and spaced by tiers and then drop one row at a time at the base of hopper 69 where horizontal pusher 71 extracts filter media pieces 65 .

According to a preferred embodiment, each horizontal pusher 71 is in contact with a corresponding filter media piece 65 (i.e. the base wall of the filter media piece 65 opposite the cutting device 67) and is provided with suction (i.e. provides suction). (adapted to hold the filter media piece 65 with a free end).

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the feeder 66 performs a first forward stroke, each axially of the filter media pad 6, taking the filter media piece 65 from the lower portion of the vertical channel 70 to the cutting device 67. A subsequent plurality of second forward strokes having an extent equal to the size and, finally, one single stroke to move the horizontal pusher 71 away from the cutting device 67 and back out of the vertical channel 70 . It includes an actuator device 72 that imparts a working cycle including reverse strokes to the group of horizontal pushers 71 . In other words, initially each horizontal pusher 71 allows full descent of the filter media piece 65 and then fully pushes the corresponding vertical channel to allow this filter media piece to reach the lower portion of the hopper 69 . located outside. At this point, each horizontal pusher 71 performs a first forward stroke during which it enters the lower portion of hopper 69 and pushes filter media piece 65 until it reaches cutting device 67 . Push it out of the lower portion of the hopper 69 . Once the cutting device 67 is reached, each horizontal pusher 71 successively performs a second forward stroke, causing the cutting device 67 to "slice" the filter media piece 65 a little at a time into a filter media pad. Make it possible to get 6. Once the filter media segment 65 has been completely “sliced”, each horizontal pusher 71 performs a reverse stroke to exit the corresponding vertical channel 70 again, thus completely removing a new filter media segment 65 . Allow descent and start the work cycle again.

Preferably, the actuator device 72 includes its own electric motor to linearly move the horizontal pusher 71 and individually and independently perform every single second forward stroke. In this way, the actuator device 72 cannot necessarily produce the same error in length in the second outward stroke, so any error in the length of the second outward stroke is "summed". , and thus the final filter media pad 6 is excessively reduced due to the addition of all the errors in the length of the second forward strokes achieved in succession during all the second forward strokes. Thinning or excessive thickening is prevented.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the cutting device 67 includes a rotating blade 73 oriented perpendicular to the filter media pieces 65 and moved in forward and reverse directions by a conveyor belt 74 . On each stroke of rotating blade 73 (i.e., on each translational movement of rotating blade 73 from one end of hopper 69 to the opposite end of hopper 69), rotating blade 73 traverses all filter media pieces 65. Perform a directional cut. Rotating blades 73 operate within opposing elements 75 that keep filter media segments 65 stationary and locked during transverse cutting. Specifically, the opposing elements 75 comprise a plurality of cut channels through which the filter media segments 65 pass with minimal clearance (in such a way that the filter media segments 65 cannot "oscillate" within the cut channels). , and an open-bottomed slit through which the rotating blade 73 passes (always with minimal clearance) when performing transverse cuts.

According to a preferred embodiment, only if the rotating blades 73 (with very sharp and therefore very cutting edges) are all arranged on one side (i.e. outside the area affected by the hopper 69). A mechanical safety lock is provided to allow opening of the front door of hopper 69 (typically to unclog filter media pieces 65). Moreover, an additional mechanical safety device is provided to prevent (lock) displacement of the rotating blade 73 when the front door of the hopper 69 is open. In this way, the operator is always in a safe condition as he cannot (even accidentally) come into contact with the rotating blades when opening the front door of the hopper 69.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the transfer device 68 comprises a group of suction retention heads 76 (FIGS. 16 and 17) movably assembled and adapted to engage corresponding filter media pads 6. only one of which is seen in the Clearly, the number of retaining heads 76 equals the number of filter media segments 65 which equals the number of seats 12 in the line of groups 11 as previously described.

Further, the transfer device 68 includes a holding position (illustrated in FIG. 16) in which the holding head 76 engages the filter media pad 6 at the time of performing the transverse cut separating the filter media pad 6 from the corresponding filter media piece 65, and a holding position (illustrated in FIG. 16). 76 includes an actuator device 77 adapted to cyclically move each retaining head 76 between a release position (illustrated in FIG. 17) releasing the corresponding filter media pad 6 . Each retaining head 76 can engage filter media pad 6 immediately before or after making a transverse cut that separates filter media pad 6 from the corresponding filter media piece 65 . Specifically, if each retaining head 76 engages the filter media pad 6 immediately after making the transverse cut, the retaining heads 76 contact at the ends of the filter media segments 65 before making the transverse cut. are placed very close to each other (eg, a fraction of a millimeter), and then suction is used to "capture" the filter media pad 6 immediately after the transverse cut. Actuator device 77 is an arm movably mounted on the frame of machine 8 to perform rotational-translational movement for the purpose of moving between a holding position (illustrated in FIG. 16) and a release position (FIG. 17). including.

Transfer device 68 further includes trays 78 disposed above manufacturing drum 9 and arranged in groups each traversing tray 78 from one side to the other and adapted to store filter media pads 6 . through delivery channel 79 is provided. The number and arrangement of the through delivery channels 79 are the same as the seat 12 of the production drum 9, thus providing 42 delivery channels aligned along three mutually parallel straight lines (three has 14 delivery channels 79).

As better illustrated in FIG. 19, each delivery channel 79 has an inlet opening (at the top, i.e. through the top wall of tray 78) through which the corresponding filter media pad 6 enters the delivery channel 79. obtained), and an outlet opening opposite the inlet opening through which the corresponding filter media pad 6 exits the delivery channel 79 (obtained through the lower, i.e., lower wall of the tray 78). things).

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, each delivery channel 79 is funnel-shaped, ie the delivery channel traverses the corresponding filter media pad 6 during its passage along the delivery channel 79 It has a progressively decreasing cross-section for directional compression. Therefore, when the filter media pad 6 exits the corresponding delivery channel 79 , the filter media pad 6 itself is elastically compressed and has a reduced diameter so that it can easily enter the corresponding tubular casing 2 . The funnel shape of delivery channel 79 is also used to block filter media pad 6 within delivery channel 79 . That is, each retaining head 76 inserts the corresponding filter medium pad 6 inside the delivery channel 79 and thus determines the given compression (elasticity) of the filter medium pad 6 itself, thereby allowing the filter medium pad 6 inside the delivery channel 79 to have a given compression (elasticity). "Interference fit" 6. So the filter media pad 6 still remains inside the delivery channel 79 without the need for any retention elements.

16 and 17, the tray 78 is such that the delivery channel 79 is (relatively) remote from the seat 12 of the group 11 stationary in the supply station S3, and the holding head 76 is A stowed position (illustrated in FIG. 17) in which the filter media pads 6 are inserted into corresponding delivery channels 79 and seats aligned with the corresponding seats 12 of the group 11 where the delivery channels 79 are stationary in the replenishment station S3. It is movably mounted for translational movement to and from an insertion position (illustrated in FIG. 16) in which the filter media pad 6 is inserted into the tubular casing 2 carried by 12 . In particular, transport device 68 includes an actuator device for cyclically moving tray 78 between a stowed position (illustrated in FIG. 17) and an inserted position (illustrated in FIG. 16).

In use, an empty tray 78 (i.e., without any filter media pads 6) is placed in the stowed position (illustrated in FIG. 17) so that the group of retaining heads 76 are aligned with the filter media portion to which the retaining heads 76 correspond. A holding position (illustrated in FIG. 16) in which a new filter media pad 6 that has been separated from strip 65 is picked up and a release position (illustrated in FIG. 17) in which the retaining head 76 releases the corresponding filter media pad 6 within the insertion channel 79 of the tray 78. ) is cyclically moved between Specifically, in each insertion cycle, fourteen retaining heads 76 feed fourteen filter media pads 6 into fourteen delivery channels forming one line (out of three lines) of a group of delivery channels 79. Insert into channel 79 . As a result, complete filling of tray 78 requires three successive insertion cycles. According to a preferred embodiment, at the end of the insertion cycle, the tray 78 is slightly translated by the actuator device 80 to clear the line of 14 empty delivery channels 79 to the release position (illustrated in FIG. 17) of the holding head 76 . is arranged. In other words, the retaining head 76 has a single release position (illustrated in FIG. 17) that cannot be changed, so that a line of 14 empty delivery channels 79 can be placed in the release position of the retaining head 76 (illustrated in FIG. 17). To deploy, the tray 78 must be translated each time. Briefly, the actuator device 80 (which is part of the transfer device 68) is designed to insert the filter media pad 6 into the corresponding one of three distinct delivery channels 79, respectively. Periodically move the tray 78 between three distinct storage positions.

At supply station S3, transfer device 68 includes 42 pushers each vertically (longitudinally) aligned with a corresponding delivery channel 79 when tray 78 is disposed in the insertion position (illustrated in FIG. 16). Contains 81 groups. In this position, the pushers 81 are inserted into the corresponding delivery channels 79 to push the filter media pads 6 out of the delivery channels 79 and then carried by the seats 12 of the group 11 resting within the replenishment station S3. It is movable vertically (i.e. parallel to the delivery channel 79) for pushing into the corresponding tubular casing 2.

According to a preferred embodiment, at the replenishment station S3, the transfer devices 68 are each 42 opposite the corresponding pusher 81 (i.e. arranged opposite the corresponding pusher 81 in relation to the manufacturing machine 9). It comprises a group of book pushers 82, aligned vertically (longitudinally) with corresponding seats 12 of group 11 stationary in supply station S3. The pusher 82 vertically (i.e., the seat 12 parallel to).

In use, when the tray 78 is full, i.e. all delivery channels 79 of the tray 78 contain corresponding filter media pads 6, the actuator device 80 moves the tray 78 into the insertion position (illustrated in FIG. 16). Move to align delivery channel 79 with seat 12 of group 11 stationary in resupply station S3. At this point, pusher 82 enters seat 12 from the bottom and pushes tubular casing 2 carried by seat 12 toward tray 78 (i.e., substantially in contact with tray 78), while simultaneously , pusher 81 enters delivery channel 79 to push the corresponding filter media pad 6 out of delivery channel 79 and then into tubular casing 2 . Once the filter media pads 6 have been inserted into the corresponding tubular casings 2 , the pushers 81 are retracted by exiting the delivery channels 79 of the trays 78 and the trays 78 and pushers 82 are retracted by exiting the seats 12 . retract. At this point the production drum 9 can undergo a replenishment step and the cycle begins again.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 20, each delivery channel 79 has an uneven (knurled) cross-section and each pusher 81 is aligned with the knurled (knurled) cross-section of the corresponding delivery channel 79 . It has a push head with an uneven (knurled) cross-section that reproduces the cross-section in negative form. Due to the uneven (knurled) shape of the pusher 81, the pusher 81 can press not only the central portion of the filter medium pad 6, but especially the peripheral paper ring surrounding the central portion of the filter medium pad 6, thus pushing the pusher 81. The tendency of 81 to push the central portion of the filter media pad 6 out of the surrounding paper ring surrounding the central portion is avoided. In other words, the concave-convex (notched) "teeth" make it possible to maximize the pressing area on the paper and avoid its damage, and the The slots make it possible to accommodate paper sagging that occurs in the transverse compression step.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the corresponding seats 12 of group 11 stationary in transfer station S4 are vertically aligned with the corresponding seats 16 of group 15 stationary in transfer station S4. are aligned. The transfer unit 20 comprises a group of (42) pushers 83 which are arranged in the transfer station S4 and inserted into the seat 12 of the group 11 which is stationary in the transfer station S4. It is vertically movable to push the tubular casing 2 from the seats 12 of the group 11 stationary in the transfer station S4 to the seats 16 of the group 15 stationary in the transfer station S4. Moreover, the transfer unit 20 is opposite the pusher 83 and is vertically movable and accompanies the rise of the tubular casing 2 from the seat 12 of the production drum 9 to the seat 16 of the production drum 13 (42 pieces). ) of adjoint elements 84 .

In other words, at the transfer station S4, each tubular casing 2 extends from the seat 12 of the group 11 resting within the transfer station S4 to the seat 16 above the group 15 resting at the transfer station S4. It is transported by performing a vertical lifting movement, during which vertical lifting movement the tubular casing 2 is moved at the bottom by the pusher 83 and at the top by the companion element 84 (i.e. the pusher 83 arranged at the bottom and the pusher 83 arranged at the top). (by being "sandwiched" between the companion elements 84). In this regard, it is important to point out that companion element 84 is not considered strictly necessary. However, the presence of the companion element 84 makes it possible to impart controlled movement to the tubular casing 2 , thereby preventing mispositioning or rebounding of the tubular casing 2 .

As mentioned above, each seat 16 of the production drum 13 has a through storage channel 26 adapted to pass through the production drum 13 from one side to the other and to store the tubular casing 2 and within the storage channel 26 . Between a holding position in which it is fitted and engaged with the tubular casing 2 arranged in the storage channel 26 and a transfer position in which it is not engaged with the tubular casing 2 arranged in the storage channel 26. It includes a pair of opposing jaws 27 which are moveable in the air. During the entry of the tubular casing 2 into the corresponding seat 16 of the production drum 13, the two jaws 27 are kept in the transfer position and only when the entry of the tubular casing 2 into the seat 16 is completed, then. The two jaws 27 enter the holding position.

The supply unit 21 supplies the sealing rings 7 to the tubular casings 2 carried by the corresponding seats 16 of the groups 15 stationary in the supply unit 21 (i.e. stationary in the supply station S5). . The sealing unit 7 of the sealing ring 7 is very similar (but not exactly identical) to the refilling unit 17 of the tubular casing 2 described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the replenishment unit 21 is a replenishment drum 85 (parallel) mounted to rotate stepwise about a rotation axis 86 parallel to the rotation axis 14 of the production drum 13 . having a hexahedral shape). The supply drum 85 supports two groups 87 of opposed fingers 88 (ie, the two groups 87 are disposed on opposite sides of the axis of rotation 85). Each group 87 comprises fourteen parallel juxtaposed fingers 88 each having three seats 89 each adapted to receive a corresponding sealing ring 7 . It is important to point out that the number of seats 89 on each finger 88 is equal to the number of lines in each group 15 of seats 16 on the production drum 13 . As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, each seat 89 is obtained inside a corresponding finger 88 and penetrates the corresponding finger 88 from one side to the other, and the corresponding sealing ring 7 . formed by a through hole adapted to house a

Each group 87 of fingers 88 is adapted to accommodate a corresponding sealing ring 7 (specifically 42 sealing rings 7) in the insertion station S9 and one of the production drums 13 in the supply station S5. It is adapted to release the sealing rings 7 (specifically 41 sealing rings 7) against the group 15 of seats 16 . In addition, each finger 88 is arranged so that it translates relative to the supply drum 85 along a separation direction D3 orthogonal to the axis of rotation 86 to move away from or toward an adjacent finger 88. assembled on top. Along the separation direction D3, the replenishment drum 85 is provided with fingers 88 at a first mutual distance in the insertion station S7 and at a second mutual distance different from the first mutual distance in the replenishment station S5. An actuator device 90 is provided for moving the finger 88 by means of a force. In the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures, the second mutual distance is greater than the first mutual distance.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, the fingers 88 of each group 87 move relative to the other fingers by translational movement along the separation direction D3. According to a different but completely equivalent embodiment not illustrated, the fingers 88 of each group 87 move relative to the other fingers by rotational-translational movement or by rotation with one component along the separation direction D3. do.

The function of the actuator device 90 is to adjust the pitch (i.e. mutual distance). An increase in the pitch (i.e. mutual distance) between the sealing rings 7 results in the fingers 88 (carrying the seats 89) in the supply station S5 (pitch equal to 12 mm) and in the insertion station S9 (pitch equal to 9.5 mm). can be clearly seen in FIG. According to a preferred embodiment, actuator device 90 is passive (i.e., has no source of autonomous motion generation) and uses rotary motion of replenishment drum 85 about axis of rotation 86. A cam is used to translate finger 88 by moving. According to a preferred non-binding embodiment, the cam actuator device 90 is of the desmodromic type without elastic elements. That is, translational motion of finger 88 is always imparted by a cam that moves finger 88 in both directions without the use of elastic thrust.

According to different equivalent embodiments, the actuator device 90 moves the fingers 88 of each group 87 into the supply station S5 (when the supply drum 28 is stationary), into the insertion station S9 (when the supply drum 28 is stationary). ), or in the path between replenishment station S5 and insertion station S9 (when replenishment drum 28 is in motion).

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the replenishment unit 21 is tilted downward (which can also be horizontal) to move the three respective sealing ring rows 7 (by using a downward tilt) towards the insertion station S9. It contains three transport channels 91 that feed by gravity. 22, each transport channel 91 is associated (aligned) with a corresponding seat 89 in each finger 88 at insertion station S9. As better illustrated in FIG. 23, each conveying channel 91 is laterally bounded by corresponding sides 92 (which may be singular, or multiple or triple as illustrated in the accompanying figures), At the bottom it is delimited by a support plane 93 . Conveying channels 91 move each sealing ring row 7 either by gravity alone (by exploiting a downward slope) or by the addition of a compressed air blower (blower air conveyor) or vibration (vibratory conveyor). can be replenished. Alternatively, other configurations of the conveying channels 91 are possible as well, with the only constraint being that the conveying channels 91 feed each sealing ring row 7 towards the insertion station S8.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, supply unit 21 also includes a companion element 94 having three parallel prongs each coupled to a corresponding conveying channel 91 . In particular, the companion element 94 is movable parallel to and within the conveying channel 91 to accompany the progressive lowering of the sealing ring 7 inside the insertion station S9. Moreover, the supply unit 21 is coupled to the conveying channel 91 and arranged immediately upstream of the insertion station S9, ie so that the sealing ring 7 delimiting the beginning of the insertion station S9 can enter the insertion station S9. It includes a gate 95 which is movable between an open position to allow entry of the sealing ring 7 into the insertion station S9 and a closed position to prevent it from entering the insertion station S9.

In use, when the insertion station S9 is full (i.e., in three rows of 14 sealing rings 7 in three transport channels 91, as illustrated in FIG. 22, in the insertion station S9). 42 sealing rings 7 are arranged), the gate 95 is closed (i.e. arranged in the closed position) to separate the section of the transport channel 91 contained within the insertion station S9 into the transport channel. The 42 sealing rings 7 "isolated" from the remaining segments of 91 and then in the insertion station S9 (using the method described below) from the transport channel 91 are stationary in the insertion station S9. It is transferred to the seat 89 of the finger 88 of group 87 . When the 42 sealing rings 7 in the insertion station S9 have been transferred from the transport channel 91 to the seats 89 of the fingers 88 of the group 87 stationary in the insertion station S9, the insertion station S9 is empty ( ie without the sealing ring 7 at all). At this point, the prongs of companion device 94 are replenished along transport channel 91 until gate 95 is reached, gate 95 is thus opened (i.e. disposed in the open position) and sealing ring 7 is reinserted. Enter station S9 and allow gravity to slide along the three transport channels 91 . The descent of the sealing ring 7 along the three transport channels 91 and within the insertion station S9 is not free (i.e. uncontrolled), but along the three transport channels 91 (followed by the other sealing rings 7). The descent of the first three sealing rings 7 is controlled by the three prongs of the companion elements 94 mounted on the corresponding first three sealing rings 7 to follow them at a controlled predetermined rate. Due to the action of the companion element 94 , the sealing ring 7 is never “left” and therefore cannot “fall over” inside the conveying channel 91 .

According to a preferred embodiment, a gate 95 is provided for each conveying channel 91 between two successive sealing rings 7 to prevent further advancement of the sealing rings 7 arranged upstream along the conveying channel 91 . It includes a corresponding wedge-shaped stop element that is inserted (in the closed position) into the .

According to a possible embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, video framing the three transport channels 91 at the gate 95 to detect the correct (actual) position of the sealing ring 7 inside the three transport channels 91 A camera T is provided. In this way, the movement of the companion device 94 inside the conveying channel 91 is controlled based on the current (exact) position of the sealing ring 7 inside the conveying channel 91, thus pressing against the sealing ring 7 itself. The gate 95 can be moved from the open position to the closed position by enclosing the correct number of sealing rings 7 behind without being blocked. In other words, the actual (precise) position of the sealing ring 7 within the three conveying channels 91 is not left to "chance" by the open-loop control of the movement of the companion element 94, rather than the The actual (precise) position of the sealing ring 7 is determined by the movement of the companion element 94 (by using the position of the sealing ring 7 inside the three transport channels 91 detected by the video camera T as a feedback variable). is guaranteed by closed-loop control of In this regard, due to the sealing ring 7 being elastically deformable (unlike the tubular casing 2) and therefore the possible elastic deformation, the position of the sealing ring 7 inside the three conveying channels 91 is substantially It is important to point out that it can be (slightly) variable in an unpredictable way. Said unpredictability is detected and compensated for by means of a video camera T, which can accurately determine the actual position of the sealing ring 7 inside the three conveying channels 91 and thus correspondingly the accompanying elements. 94 movements can be controlled (adapted, corrected).

According to a possible embodiment, in order to avoid errors in handling the gate 95, even or only the movement of the gate 96 (specifically the movement from the open position to the closed position) is controlled by the three conveying channels. Synchronized with the exact position of the sealing ring 7 inside 91 . In other words, the motion of the gate 95 is combined to control the motion of the companion element 94 as a function of the precise position of the sealing ring 7 within each conveying channel 91 as detected by the video camera T. Alternatively or alternatively, it is controlled according to the exact position of the sealing ring 7 inside each conveying channel 91 detected by the video camera T.

23, at insertion station S9, the seats 89 of the fingers 88 are aligned with the corresponding transport channels 91 so that each sealing ring 7 carried by the transport channels 91 is aligned with the fingers 88. are disposed below the corresponding transport channels 91 in such a manner as to be vertically aligned with the corresponding seats 39 of the . As mentioned above, the conveying channel 91 includes a support plane 93 on which the tubular casing 2 rests. At the insertion station S9 the support plane 93 has a plurality of through-holes 96 each smaller than the sealing ring 7 . Unlike supply unit 17, support plane 93 in supply unit 21 is fixed, ie, has no moving parts.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the replenishment unit 21 is arranged in the insertion station S9 and removes the sealing rings 7 from the conveying channel 91 onto the seats of the fingers 88 of the groups 87 stationary in the insertion station S9. It includes a group (42) of pushers 97 that are vertically movable to push up to 89. Moreover, the replenishment unit 21 is opposite the pusher 97 and is inserted into the seats 89 of the fingers 88 of the group 87 stationary in the insertion station S9 and sealed from the transport channel 91 to the seats 89 of the fingers 88. It includes a group (42 pieces) of companion elements 98 which are vertically movable to accompany the lifting of the stop ring 7 . In other words, at the insertion station S9 each sealing ring 7 is transferred from the transport channel 91 to a seat 89 on the fingers 88 of the group 87 stationary in the insertion station S9, performing a vertical upward movement. , during this vertical upward movement, the sealing ring 7 is engaged at the bottom by the pusher 97 and at the top by the companion element 98 (i.e., the pusher 97 arranged at the bottom and the companion element 98 arranged at the top). 98). In this regard, it is important to point out that the companion element 98 is not considered strictly necessary. However, the presence of the companion element 98 allows a controlled motion to be imparted to the sealing ring 7, thereby preventing mispositioning or rebounding of the sealing ring 7. FIG.

At the seat 89 of the finger 88, the sealing ring 7 is held by mechanical interference, i.e. the pusher 98 "interference fits" the sealing ring 7 inside the seat 89 of the finger 88, thus sealing. A (small) elastic deformation of the stop ring 7 is caused. In this regard, the inlet opening (i.e. lower opening) of each seat 89 has a flared shape (i.e. funnel-shaped, tapered cone-shaped) to facilitate entry and subsequent entry of the corresponding sealing ring 7. , to allow subsequent progressive compression of the sealing ring itself as it rises back into the seat 89 .

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the seats 89 of the fingers 88 of the group 87 stationary in the resupply station S5 are aligned and overlap the corresponding seats 16 of the group 15 stationary in the resupply station S5. and thus each sealing ring 7 carried by a seat 89 of a finger 88 is vertically aligned with a corresponding seat 16 of the production drum 13 . The supply unit 21 is arranged in the supply station S5 and is vertically movable to be inserted into the seats 89 of the fingers 88 of the group 87 stationary in the supply station S5, thus removing the sealing ring 7. It includes a group (42) of pushers 99 that push from the seat 89 of the finger 88 to the seat 16 of the group 15 which is stationary in the replenishment station S5. Moreover, the replenishment unit 21 includes a group (42) of pushers 100 each opposite a corresponding pusher 99 (i.e., disposed on the opposite side of the corresponding pusher 99 in relation to the production drum 13). are vertically (longitudinally) aligned with corresponding seats 16 of groups 15 stationary in replenishment station S5. The pusher 100 is inserted inside the seat 16 and vertically (i.e., seat 16 parallel to).

In other words, at replenishment station S5 each sealing ring 7 extends from the seat 89 of the finger 88 of group 87 stationary within replenishment station S5 to below the group 15 stationary within replenishment station S5. It is transported to a seat 16 by performing a vertical downward movement, during which the sealing ring 7 is engaged by the pusher 99 at the top. At the same time, each tubular casing 2 carried by a corresponding seat 16 of the group 15 stationary in the replenishment station S5 is pushed upward by the pusher 100 to exit the seat 16 and the corresponding finger Approach 88. Once the sealing ring 7 is in contact with the corresponding tubular casing 2, the sealing ring 7 is fitted around the upper portion of the sealing ring 7, as illustrated in FIG. The primary function of the pusher 100 is to lift and "back-up" the tubular casing 2 from the jaws 27 of the seat 16 when the sealing ring 7 is fitted around the corresponding tubular casing 2 . (i.e. providing adapted lower support). Therefore, in this step, the jaws 27 of the seat 16 are freed from mechanical stress, since only the pushers 100 provide the necessary contrast to fit the sealing ring 7 around the corresponding tubular casing 2 . not received at all.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, each welding unit 22 includes a number of welding devices 101 equal to the number of seats 16 on the same seat line 16 (i.e. 14 in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures). A group of ultrasonic welding devices 101 (only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 25) formed by welding devices 101). When a group 15 of seats 16 stops in a welding station 36, all seats 16 of one and the same seat line 16 are connected to a corresponding welding device 101, which welds each tubular casing 2 and An annular weld is made between the corresponding sealing rings 7 previously fitted in the replenishment station S5. According to a preferred embodiment, each welding device 101 is placed in contact with the upper end of the corresponding tubular casing 2 carrying the sealing ring 7 to apply ultrasonic sound to the tubular casing 2 carrying the sealing ring 7 . It includes a sonotrode 102 whose function is to transmit vibrations in the field. Furthermore, each welding device 101 is arranged in contact with the lower end of the corresponding tubular casing 2 opposite the sonotrode 102 (i.e. with the bottom wall 3 of the corresponding tubular casing 2) so that the sonotrode 102 has a contrast. and to separate the tubular casing 2 from the corresponding jaws 27 of the seat 6 and at the same time push the tubular casing 2 from the bottom towards the sonotrode 102 (i.e. into intimate contact with the sonotrode 102). Anvil 103 is included. According to a preferred embodiment, the anvils 103 of all welding devices 101 form a single monolithic body assembled in a fixed position adjacent the lower surface of the transport drum 13 . Moreover, the anvils 103 of all welding devices 101 are initially and for the purpose of progressively effecting both the upward upward movement of the tubular casing 2 (i.e. towards the sonotrode 102) and the subsequent downward downward movement of the tubular casing 2. It has a slanted plane at the end.

Since only the anvil 103 has sufficient stiffness to provide suitable contrast for ultrasonic welding, each tubular casing 2 is separated from its corresponding jaw 27 during welding and is only exposed to the bottom of its corresponding anvil 103. It is important to emphasize that it must be placed.

According to a preferred embodiment, each sonotrode 102 is provided with an elastic element (e.g. It is assembled to the frame by interposing an air spring). In other words, the anvil 103 always lifts the tubular casing 2 with the same stroke and the adjustment to compensate for the structural error is made by the sonotrode 102, which vertically translates and compresses the corresponding elastic element.

For example, each welding device 101 may be manufactured as described in Italian Patent No. 102016000094855, for further details reference should be made to this patent application.

At output station S7, as illustrated in FIG. 26, extraction unit 23 extracts disposable cartridge 1 (i.e. tubular casing 2 with corresponding amount of tobacco 5, filter media pad 6 and sealing ring 8), From the seat 16 of the group 15, which is stationary in the output station S7, downwardly tilted and gravity forces (by exploiting the downward tilt) each of the three rows of disposable cartridges 1 to the output end of the machine 1. Transport towards (passing through an optical control station, a weight control station and a station for discarding non-conforming disposable cartridges) to three transport channels 104 for replenishment. 7, each transport channel 104 is coupled (aligned) to a corresponding seat line 16 of a stationary group 15 within output station S7. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 26, each conveying channel 104 is flanked by a corresponding side 105 (which may be double, single or triple as illustrated in the accompanying figures). It is bounded on the side and by a support plane 106 on the bottom.

The stripping unit 23 is arranged in the output station S7 and vertically movable for pushing the disposable cartridges 1 from the seats 16 of the group 15 stationary in the output station S7 to the corresponding transport channels 106 (42). book) pusher 107 . Moreover, the extraction unit 23 is vertically movable to accompany the descent from the seat 16 of the group 15 opposite the pusher 107 and stationary in the output station S7 to the corresponding transport channel 106. It contains a group (42) of adjoint elements 108 . The support plane 106 of the transport channel 104 has a plurality of through-holes 109 (smaller than the disposable cartridge 1) through which the companion element 108 rests from the bottom in the output station S7. The seat 16 of the group 15 can be reached.

In other words, at the output station S7, each disposable cartridge 1 is transferred from the seat 16 of the group 15 stationary in the output station S7 to the underlying transport channel 106, thus performing a vertical downward movement, this During movement, the disposable cartridge 1 is engaged by the pusher 107 on the top and by the companion element 108 on the bottom (i.e., "sandwiched" between the pusher 107 on the top and the companion element 108 on the bottom). ”). In this regard, it is important to point out that the pusher 107 and the companion element 108 are not considered strictly necessary, since the vertical downward movement is in any case imparted on the disposable cartridge 1 by gravity. is. However, the presence of pusher 107 and companion element 108 makes it possible to impart controlled movement to disposable cartridge 1, thereby preventing mispositioning or rebounding of disposable cartridge 1. FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, disposal devices 111 for removing and discarding disposable cartridges 1 from corresponding transport channels 104 are located along the three transport channels 104 downstream of output station S7 (i.e., pick-up unit 23). downstream of the manufacturing drum 13 and outside of the manufacturing drum 13). For example, the disposal device 111 discards a group of 14 disposable cartridges 1 from the corresponding transport channel 104 (i.e., a number of disposable cartridges 1 equal to the number of seats 12 and 16 in each line of each group 11 and 15). It is thought that it can be controlled to Specifically, for each transport channel 104, the disposal device 111 has a respective motorized deflector acting as a "turning machine" for turning the disposable cartridges 1 advancing along the transport channel 104 towards the disposal direction. contains elements. Preferably, the disposable cartridges 1 deflected by the deflector element are guided towards the underlying collection container and fall into it by gravity.

The disposal device 111 can be activated by an operator to sample the disposable cartridge 1, if some problem is detected during the manufacture of the disposable cartridge 1 (e.g. tubular casing 2, quantity of tobacco 5, filter media failure of the pad 6 or sealing ring 7 supply, or failure of the welding device 101). Alternatively, the disposal device 111 can be activated at the start/stop of the manufacturing machine 8 for the purpose of removing the first/last produced disposable cartridge 1 (thus potentially defective). Alternatively or additionally, the manufacturing machine 8 may detect any defects and, therefore, use a disposal device 111 disposed downstream of the manufacturing drums 9 and 13 to discard the defective disposable cartridges 1 . Controls (typically optical, using video cameras) located on drums 9 and 13 may be included.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, three respective control stations S10 are arranged along the three transport channels 104. As shown in FIG. For this purpose, the three transport channels 104 are initially aligned with each other (i.e. they are beside each other at the output station S7 and the disposal device 111) and separated from each other (i.e. moved away from each other). It creates the necessary space in the control station S10 to run and finally meet again at the output end of the manufacturing machine 8 towards the following packaging machine.

Each control station S10 implements external optical control (typically using a video camera) and weight control for each disposable cartridge 1, thus ensuring that non-conforming disposable cartridges 1 (i.e. exhibiting visible surface defects and/or where It includes a control unit 112 that discards disposable cartridges that do not have the required weight within a given tolerance. Further, each control station S10 is interspersed along a corresponding transport channel 104. As shown in FIG. That is, it includes a supply drum 113 that locally interrupts the transport channel 104 . In other words, each transport channel 104 temporarily transports a disposable cartridge 1 to a corresponding supply drum 113 and receives the disposable cartridge 1 again from this supply drum after control and disposal operations.

Each replenishment drum 113 is horizontally disposed and assembled in continuous motion or stepped rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 114 . In other words, each replenishment drum 113 is rotated in an intermittent or non-continuous motion that provides a periodic alternation of motion steps in which the replenishment drum 113 is moving and stationary steps in which the replenishment drum 113 is stationary. , or according to a variant embodiment, each supply drum 113 is rotated in a continuous motion without stops. Each supply drum 113 is designed to supply disposable cartridges 1 along a circular path between an input end (where the corresponding transport channel 104 arrives) and an output end (where the corresponding transport channel 104 departs again). It has a plurality of peripheral seats 115 (i.e., disposed on the outer circumference of the replenishment drum 113 and opening toward the exterior of the replenishment drum 113 itself) each adapted to receive and store a corresponding disposable cartridge 1 .

Each control unit 112 houses an optical controller 116 (adapted to capture a complete or 360° image of each disposable cartridge 1 through the use of specific elements) and each disposable cartridge 1. a subsequent microwave control device 117 which measures the weight of the dosed quantity of tobacco 5; Specifically, the microwave control device 117 is used to determine the weight of a given amount of tobacco 5 stored in each disposable cartridge 1, since microwaves are sensitive to tobacco moisture (moisture). Use microwaves. According to a possible embodiment, each optical controller 116 has at least one video camera coupled to one or more mirrors that enable the video camera to frame the hidden face of each disposable cartridge 1 as well. Includes (although 2 or 3 video cameras may be used). In other words, the video camera can only see a portion of each disposable cartridge 1 directly, while the remaining invisible portion of each disposable cartridge 1 is reflected in one or more suitably positioned mirrors. viewed indirectly through the image.

Finally, each control station S10 is coupled to a corresponding supply drum 113 downstream of the control unit 112 (i.e. downstream of the optical controller 116 and microwave controller 117) and detected in advance by the control unit 112. and a disposal device 118 adapted to extract the unfit (i.e. defective) disposable cartridge 1 from the corresponding seat 115 .

According to a variant embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 28, 29 and 30, the insertion station S8 follows the tubular casing 2 from the conveying channel 34 to the finger 31 below the group 30 resting in the insertion station S8. In order to enable precise and smooth transfer of the tubular casings 2 (specifically 42 tubular casings 2 arranged in three rows) in the correct position (i.e. stationary in the insertion station S8). It includes a centering device 119 which disposes in perfect vertical alignment with the corresponding seats 32 of the fingers 31 below the group 30).

The centering device 119 has a rest position (illustrated in FIG. 28) and a rest position (illustrated in FIG. 28), each having a “sawtooth” shape (i.e. having 14 side-by-side seats replicating the outer shape of the tubular casing 2 in negative form). It includes three centering elements 120 (better illustrated in FIG. 30) that are linearly movable between working positions (illustrated in FIG. 29). In the rest position (illustrated in FIG. 28), each centering element 120 is offset (i.e. relatively distant) from the tubular casing 2 carried by the corresponding conveying channel 34 and thus is in any way do not interact with In the working position (illustrated in FIG. 29) each centering element 120 is in contact with the tubular casing 2 carried by the corresponding conveying channel 34 and thus rests in a predetermined desired position (i.e. stationary within the insertion station S8). The tubular casing 2 is not "constrained" to assume a position in perfect vertical alignment with the corresponding seats 32 of the fingers 31 below the group 30 where it is located.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, the centering device 119 supports three centering elements 120 and linearly translates between a rest position (illustrated in FIG. 28) and a working position (illustrated in FIG. 29). It includes a support body 121 movably mounted for movement. An actuator device 122 (eg an electric motor) is coupled to the support body 121 which imparts a linear translational movement to the support body 121 itself. The support body 121 has two through openings 123 in which two centering elements 120 are arranged, while the third centering element 120 is arranged at the outer edge of the support body 121 . .

According to one preferred but non-binding embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30, centering device 119 also integrates gate 38 (or viewed from another perspective, gate 38 similarly centers). device 119 is also integrated). In other words, centering device 119 and gate 38 together form a single assembly that performs both tasks. Specifically, each centering element 120 has a ( A wedge-shaped stop element 124 is provided which is inserted (in the closed position). In other words, the stop element 124 of each centering element 120 has an open position (corresponding to the rest position of the centering element 120) that allows the tubular casing 2 to enter into the insertion station S8 and a position within the insertion station S8. It is movable together with the centering element 120 itself between a closed position (corresponding to the working position of the centering element 120) which prevents entry of the tubular casing 2 into.

According to a different embodiment not illustrated, centering device 119 can be completely separate and independent from gate 38 .

The centering device 119 can be operated to center the tubular casing 2 within the insertion station S8 just before the start of transfer of the tubular casing 2 or at the same time as the start of transfer. Moreover, once the centering device has been formed (i.e. once the centering device 119 has been placed in the working position), the centering device 119 remains in the working position until the transfer of the tubular casing 2 has been completed. (i.e. the centering device 119 is placed in a rest position during transport of the tubular casing), or the centering device 119 can be placed in a rest position immediately after (i.e. the centering device 119 before the start of transport of the tubular casing 2 or at the same time as the start of transport of the tubular casing 2).

According to a variant embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, the insertion station S9 likewise comprises a centering device 126 which moves from the conveying channel 91 above the stationary group 87 within the insertion station S8. In order to enable the subsequent accurate and smooth transfer of the sealing ring 7 up to the fingers 88 at the correct position (i.e. the corresponding seats of the fingers 88 above the group 87 stationary in the insertion station S9). in perfect vertical alignment with portion 89) are provided (specifically 42 sealing rings 7 arranged in three rows).

The centering device 126 of insertion station S9 is completely identical to the centering device 119 of insertion station S8 (to which reference should be made for details of the device centering device itself). As a result, the centering device 126 likewise has a "sawtooth" shape (i.e. 14 side-by-side seats replicating the outer shape of the sealing ring 7 in negative form), which is It is movable between a rest position (illustrated in FIG. 31) and a working position (illustrated in FIG. 32) and may integrate a gate 95 .

23, 31 and 32, in each transport channel 91, the support plane 93 includes a single row of through holes 96 through which each has a single tip. A corresponding pusher 97 is inserted. Consequently, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 23, 31 and 32, each pusher 97 engages the corresponding sealing ring 7 centrally. In the variant illustrated in FIG. 33, in each conveying channel 91 the support plane 93 comprises two rows of through-holes 96 next to each other through which each two mutually facing A corresponding pusher 97 with two double tips is inserted. Consequently, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 33, each pusher 97 laterally engages the corresponding sealing ring 7 (this variant means that the sealing ring 7 has a greater stiffness at its outer edge). preferred because it has

According to the variants illustrated in FIGS. 34, 35 and 36, the two jaws 27, which are connected oppositely to the production drum 13, function to hold the corresponding sealing ring 7 inside the seat 16 itself. , with two respective teeth 128 having . For this purpose, two opposing teeth 128 are arranged on top of the corresponding jaws 27 and project inwardly (i.e. towards the center of the seat 16) from the corresponding jaws 27, thus the two jaws 27 is disposed in the gripping position (illustrated in the two seats 16 on the right side of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 35), the two teeth 128 extend from the top into the interior of the seats 16 of the sealing ring 7 (thus preventing escape of the corresponding sealing ring 7). In other words, when the two jaws 27 are disposed in the holding position (illustrated in the two seats 16 on the right side of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 35), the two teeth 128 hold the seats 16 at the top. It closes (occludes) and thus prevents the sealing ring 7 from escaping from the seat 16 and thus holds the sealing ring 7 from the top inside the seat 16 .

In other words, during the rotational movement of the production drum 13 about the axis of rotation 14, the replenishment station (where the sealing ring 7 rests on the corresponding tubular casing 2 housed in the seat 16 of the production drum 13). The acceleration/deceleration experienced by the sealing ring 7 between S5 and the corresponding welding station S6 (where the sealing ring 7 is welded to the corresponding tubular casing 2 housed in the seat 16 of the manufacturing drum 13) is , may occasionally and accidentally release some of the sealing rings 7 from their corresponding seats 16 . In order to avoid accidental loss of the sealing ring 7 between the replenishing station S5 and the corresponding welding station S6, the two jaws 27 coupled opposite the seat 16 of the production drum 13 have a seat Two teeth 128 are provided which prevent escape of the sealing ring 7 from 16 itself.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, both jaws 27 coupled opposite each seat 16 of the production drum 13 have respective teeth 128 . According to a different embodiment not illustrated, only one of the two jaws 27 connected opposite each seat 16 of the production drum 13 has a respective tooth 128, while the other jaw 27 has There are no teeth 128 at all. As mentioned above, the teeth 128 of the jaws 27, like the sealing ring 7, are positioned in the tubular casing when the jaws 27 are in the holding position (illustrated in the two seats 16 on the right side of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 35). 2 is also prevented from passing. As a result, at replenishment station S5, the tubular casing 2, which was initially housed in seat 16, is raised towards finger 88 (and then towards the corresponding seat 89 housing sealing ring 7). 34, so that the tubular casing 2 connected to the corresponding sealing ring 7 can then be lowered again inside the seat 16 (the two seats on the right in FIG. 34). 16 and illustrated in FIG. 35) to the transfer position (illustrated in the left seat 16 of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 36). Once the tubular casing 2 coupled to the corresponding sealing ring 7 has been returned inside the seat 16, the jaws 27 are in the transfer position (illustrated in the seat 16 on the left in FIG. 34 and in FIG. 36). ) to a holding position (illustrated in the right two seats 16 of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 35).

A temporary opening of the jaws 27 at the supply station S5 (ie a temporary movement of the jaws 27 from the holding position to the transfer position) causes the tubular casing 2 to lose its perfect centering with respect to the seat 16. To overcome this drawback, pusher 100 is shaped to give and maintain perfect centering of tubular casing 2 with respect to seat 16 . In other words, the pusher 100 centers the tubular casing 2 in relation to the seat 16 until the jaws 27 are no longer closed (i.e. until they are moved from the transfer position to the holding position), leaving it in the centered state. keep to

According to a possible embodiment, at a welding station S6 (where the sealing ring 7 is welded to the corresponding tubular casing 2 housed in the seat 16 of the production drum 13), each of the production drums 13 The two jaws 27 coupled opposite the seat 16 ensure a complete annular seal (i.e. uninterrupted over 360°) between each tubular casing 2 and the corresponding sealing ring 7 (illustrated in Figure 36). from the holding position (illustrated on the right side of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 35) to the transfer position (illustrated in the seat 16 on the left side of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. example).

According to a variant embodiment, at a welding station S6 (where the sealing rings 7 are welded to the corresponding tubular casings 2 housed in the seats 16 of the production drum 13), relative to each seat 16 of the production drum 13. The two jaws 27 joined together are kept in a holding position (illustrated in the two seats 16 on the right side of FIG. 34 and illustrated in FIG. 35) and the sonotrode 102 of each welding device 101 is It has two recesses 129 disposed at the locations of the teeth 128 (as illustrated in FIG. 35) replicating in negative form the shape of the two teeth 128 themselves. In this way, the sonotrode 102 of the welder device 101 provides an imperfect annular seal between each tubular casing 2 and the corresponding sealing ring 7 (i.e. in two small opposing zones in two recesses). interrupted by ).

According to a different embodiment not illustrated, the two jaws 27 which are connected opposite each seat 16 of the production drum 13 have three or more (for example 3, 4 or 5) respective teeth. 128.

Embodiments described herein can be combined without departing from the scope of the invention.

The manufacturing machine 8 described above has many advantages.

First, the manufacturing machine 8 described above makes it possible to achieve high hourly productivity while ensuring high quality standards.

Moreover, the machine 8 is extremely compact, allowing an operator in the vicinity of the machine 8 to reach all the various parts of the machine 8 with his own hands without unnatural movements. .

Finally, machine 8 is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Claims (20)

In a manufacturing machine (8) for the production of disposable cartridges (1) for electronic cigarettes:
A production drum mounted in stepped rotation about a first vertical axis of rotation (10; 14) and carrying at least one group (11; 15) of first seats (12; 16). (9;13), each first seat adapted to accommodate a corresponding component (2;7) of said disposable cartridge (1);
said disposable cartridge against said first seat (12;16) of a group (11;15) of first seats (12;16) stationary in the supply unit (17;21) itself. a supply unit (17; 21), which supplies the corresponding component (2; 7) of (1);
A manufacturing machine (8) comprising:
said replenishment unit (17; 21) is assembled to rotate about a second axis of rotation (29; 86) parallel to said first vertical axis of rotation (10; 14); of mutually facing fingers (31; 88) each having at least one second seat (32; 89) adapted to receive a corresponding component (2; 7) of the disposable cartridge (1) including a supply drum (28; 85) supporting at least one group (30; 87);
said groups (30; 87) of said fingers (31; 88) being adapted to receive corresponding components (2; 7) of said disposable cartridge (1) at an insertion station (S8; S9) and a refilling station; in (S1;S5) said components (2;7) of said disposable cartridge (1) against groups (11;15) of said first seats (12;16) of said manufacturing drum (9;13); ) is adapted to release
Each finger (31; 88) is said to move relative to said supply drum (28; 85) for the purpose of moving away from said fingers (31; 88) or towards said fingers (31; 88). assembled on the drum (28; 85);
said fingers (31; 88) at a first mutual distance at said insertion station (S8; S9) and at a second mutual distance different from said first mutual distance at said supply station (S1; S5); is provided with a first actuator device (33; 90) for moving the finger (31; 88) to dispose the
A manufacturing machine (8) characterized by: A manufacturing machine (8) according to claim 1, wherein said second mutual distance is greater than said first mutual distance. said first seats (12; 16) of a group (11; 16) of said first seats (12; 16) being arranged along at least two lines parallel to each other;
each finger (31; 88) has at least two seats (32; 89) arranged at a given mutual distance from each other;
A manufacturing machine (8) according to claim 1 or 2. said supply unit (17; 21):
a conveying channel (34; 91) feeding a row of components (2; 7) towards said insertion station (S8; S9);
parallel to and within said transport channel (34; 91) to accompany the progressive lowering of the component (2; 7) within said insertion station (S8; S9) a companion element (37; 94), which is movable;
coupled to said conveying channel (34; 91) and disposed immediately upstream of said insertion station (S8; S9) to prevent components (2; 7) from entering said insertion station (S8; S9); a gate (38; 95) movable between an open position to allow and a closed position to prevent said component (2; 7) from entering said insertion station (S8; S9);
4. A manufacturing machine (8) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising: Said supply unit (17; 21) is positioned at said gate (38; 95) for detecting the correct position of said component (2; 7) inside said conveying channel (34; 91). including a video camera (T) framing (34;91);
Said component (2;7) inside said conveying channel (34;91) whose movement of said companion element (37;94) and/or of said gate (38;95) is detected by said video camera (T) 5. Machine according to claim 4, controlled according to the precise position of the . At said insertion station (S8) said second seat (32) of said finger (31) is aligned with said transport channel (34) and is disposed below said transport channel (34). ;
Said supply unit (17) is arranged at said insertion station (S8) below said conveying channel (34) to provide a lower support for said component (2) and to comprising a movable support plane (36) having at least one through hole (39) adapted to allow passage of the
a filling position in which said replenishing unit (17) is positioned such that said through-hole (39) is not aligned with said conveying channel (34) for the purpose of preventing passage of said component (2) within said through-hole (39). , and said movable support to a transfer position in which said through-hole (39) is aligned with said conveying channel (34) for the purpose of allowing passage of said component (2) within said through-hole (39). including a second actuator device (40) for moving the plane (36);
A manufacturing machine according to claim 4 or 5 . Said supply unit (17):
disposed in said insertion station (S8) to push said component (2) of said disposable cartridge (1) from said transfer channel (34) to said second seat (32) of said finger (31); a group of first pushers (41) which are vertically movable such as;
Opposite said first pusher (41), said second seat (32) of said finger (31) is inserted into said second seat (32) of said finger (31) and said second seat (32) of said finger (31) is removed from said conveying channel (34). a group of first companion elements (42) vertically movable to accompany said descent of said component (2) of said disposable cartridge (1) to a seat (32) of;
7. A manufacturing machine (8) according to claim 6, comprising: At said supply station (S1;S5) said second seats (32;89) of said fingers (31;88) are aligned with said corresponding first seats (12) of said production drum (9;13). 16) and covers this first seat. Said replenishment unit (17;21) is arranged in said replenishment station (S1;S5) for supplying from said second seats (32;89) of said fingers (31;88) to said production drum (9; Said second seat (12; 16) of said finger (31; 88) of said finger (31; 9. Machine (8) according to claim 8, comprising a group of second pushers (44; 99) vertically movable for insertion into the machine (8). Said supply unit (17; 21), opposite said second pusher (44), is inserted into said first seat (12) of said production drum (9) and said finger (31) from said second seat (32) of said manufacturing drum (9) to said first seat (12) of said manufacturing drum (9) so as to accompany said movement of said component (2) of said disposable cartridge (1). 6. A machine (8) as claimed in claim 5 , comprising a group of second companion elements (45) which are movable in the direction of movement. Each first seat (12; 16):
through storage channels (24; 26) passing through the production drum (9; 13) from one side to the other and adapted to store the components (2; 7);
a retaining position fitted within said through storage channel (24; 26) and engaging a component (2; 7) disposed within said through storage channel (24; 26); 26) a pair of opposed jaws (25; 27) movable between transfer positions disengaged from components (2; 7) disposed therein;
11. A manufacturing machine (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: In each pair of jaws (27), at least one jaw (27) has teeth arranged on top of said jaw (27) and projecting from said jaw (27) towards the center of said seat (16). (128) such that said teeth (128) retain said component (7) from said top inside said seat (16) when said jaws (27) are disposed in said retaining position. 12. A manufacturing machine (8) according to claim 11, adapted to. Each disposable cartridge (1) comprises a tubular casing (2) containing a quantity of tobacco (5) covered by a pad of filter media (6) and a sealing ring (2) applied and welded to said tubular casing (2). 7) including;
said component (2) replenished by said replenishment unit (17) is said tubular casing;
A manufacturing machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 14. Machine (8) according to claim 13, wherein each second seat (32) is formed by a blind hole having a bottom wall in which the corresponding tubular casing (2) rests. Each disposable cartridge (1) comprises a tubular casing (2) containing a quantity of tobacco (5) covered by a pad of filter media (6) and a sealing ring (2) applied and welded to said tubular casing (2). 7) including;
Said components (7) replenished by said replenishment unit (21) are fitted around a tubular casing carried by said first seat (16) to form a first drum (13) of a production drum (13). said sealing ring (7) supplied to the seat (16) of
A manufacturing machine (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein each second seat (89) is formed by a through hole adapted to house said sealing ring (7) internally and with interference. manufacturing machine (8). Each finger (31; 88) is moved in a separation direction ( D1) mounted on said supply drum (28; 85) for translational movement in relation to said supply drum (28; 85);
Said first actuator device (33; 90) has a first mutual distance at said insertion station (S8; S9) and a second mutual distance different from said first mutual distance at said replenishment station (S1; S5). translating the fingers (31; 88) along said separation direction (D1) so as to dispose said fingers (31; 88) at a mutual distance;
17. Machine (8) according to any one of the preceding claims. such that said supply unit (17; 21) is arranged in said insertion station (S8; S9) to arrange said components (2; 7) of said disposable cartridge (1) in a predetermined desired position; 18. Machine (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an adapted centering device (119; 126). Said centering device (119; 126) has a plurality of seats arranged alongside each other and a rest position remote from said component (2; 7) of said disposable cartridge (1) and said disposable cartridge. 19. Machine according to claim 18, comprising a centering element (120; 127) linearly movable between said component (2; 7) of (1) and a working position in contact. 8). said supply unit (17; 21):
a conveying channel (34; 91) supplying a row of components (2; 7) to said insertion station (S8; S9);
integrated in said centering element (120; 127), coupled to said conveying channel (34; 91) and disposed immediately upstream of said insertion station (S8; S9), component (2; 7) into said insertion station (S8; S9) and a closed position preventing said component (2; 7) from entering said insertion station (S8; S9). a movable gate (38; 95);
20. A manufacturing machine (8) according to claim 19, comprising:

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