WO2006120562A1

WO2006120562A1 - A device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs

Info

Publication number: WO2006120562A1
Application number: PCT/IB2006/001267
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti; Michele Ferioli
Original assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2005-05-10
Filing date: 2006-05-01
Publication date: 2006-11-16
Also published as: ITBO20050334A1

Abstract

Sticks of cigarette rod are joined to filter plugs by a device (1) with a rotating drum (2) on which gummed tipping papers (4) are fed together with a succession of assemblies (5) , each made up of a double length filter plug interposed between and aligned with two cigarette sticks, toward a rolling bed (6) capable of movement between an active position, in which the assemblies (5) are rolled against the tipping papers (4) between the bed (6) and the drum (2) to join the two cigarette sticks to the double length filter plug, and a servicing position in which the bed (6) is cleaned by a brush (13) . The brush (13) in turn is capable of movement between an active position of contact with the rolling bed (6), and an inactive position distanced from the rolling bed (6) .

Description

A device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs.

In particular, the invention concerns a device in which successive assemblies of two single cigarette sticks and one double length filter plug are joined together with a tipping paper.

Background Art

Conventionally, cigarette sticks and filter plugs are joined together by devices of prior art design in which gummed tipping papers, that is, slips of paper presenting one adhesive surface, are fed in succession onto a conveying drum. The drum presents a plurality of suction holes by which the papers are held in place with the gummed face outermost.

Also directed onto the drum at a predetermined angular position on its surface of revolution, are assemblies consisting each of two axially aligned cigarette sticks separated one from the other by an interposed double length filter plug.

Each of the aforementioned assemblies is directed onto the conveying drum at a point occupied by a relative gummed tipping paper, and positioned over one edge of the gummed paper. The assemblies and the respective papers are carried by the rotation of the drum toward an area affording a rolling bed that combines with the conveying drum to roll each group against the respective tipping paper, in such a manner that the double length filter and the two single cigarette sticks are joined together.

Devices of the type briefly outlined above betray the drawback that the rolling bed tends to become soiled with the gum from the tipping papers, thus affecting the efficiency of the device as a whole.

During the operation of the device, in effect, it is practically inevitable that the rolling bed will pick up traces of glue, which in their turn attract tobacco fragments and dust that ultimately impair the functional capability of the bed.

As a result, the filter tip attachment machine has to be shut down, and the dirt removed manually from the rolling bed. The drawback in question has been addressed by adopting devices with a plurality of rolling beds arranged around the periphery of a wheel . The wheel is indexed in such a way as to bring each of the rolling beds in turn into the operating position. In particular, when the rolling bed occupying the operating position is soiled, it will be distanced from the operating position by indexing the wheel and replaced by a further rolling bed. The soiled rolling bed is rotated by the wheel into a cleaning station and serviced by relative cleaning means . The cleaning means are located in a section of the device remote from the operating position, placed tangentially to the wheel on the side opposite to the conveying drum. Whilst the design of these prior art devices is successful in obviating the need for an operator to clean the rolling bed, an appreciable amount of space is required within their overall envelope to accommodate the plurality of beds, or rather, the plurality of rolling beds and the cleaning means. This requirement dictates a notable increase in volume of the device as a whole, and consequently an increase in the space needed for its deployment.

In the light of the foregoing, the object of the invention is to provide a device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs, such as will be unaffected by the drawbacks mentioned above.

One object of the invention, in particular, is to provide a device for joining cigarette sticks and filter plugs that will not require the intervention of an operator to restore the functional efficiency of the roller beds.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of compact dimensions for joining cigarette sticks to filter plugs.

Disclosure of the Invention The stated objects are substantially realized in a device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs, of which the features are recited in one or more of the appended claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: -figure 1 is a front view of a device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs according to the present invention, seen in a first operating condition;

-figure 2 is a front view of the device illustrated in figure 1, seen in a second operating condition;

-figure 3 shows a detail of the device in figure 1, viewed in perspective;

-figure 4 shows the detail of figure 3, viewed in a section on IV-IV; -figure 5 shows the detail of figure 4, seen in a different operating condition;

-figure 6 shows a further detail of the device in figure 1, viewed in perspective.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

With reference to figures 1 and 2, numeral 1 indicates a device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs, in its entirety. The device 1 comprises a rotating drum 2 having a plurality of flutes 3. The drum 2, set in rotation about a substantially horizontal axis X, serves to convey a succession of gummed tipping papers 4 and a succession of assemblies 5 consisting each in a double length filter plug interposed between and aligned axially with two sticks of cigarette rod.

More exactly, tipping papers 4 gummed previously, that is to say presenting one face 4a coated with glue, are directed in succession by way of a feed station (not illustrated) onto the drum 2 and taken up singly in respective flutes 3. As the drum 2 rotates, the flutes 3 advance through a further feed station (not illustrated) where each receives a relative assembly 5 comprising a double length filter plug interposed between and aligned axially with two cigarette sticks, positioned to coincide with one edge of the gummed tipping paper 4.

Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates the rotating drum 2 with successive flutes 3 each occupied by a tipping paper 4 of which one edge is engaged by a relative assembly 5. Each flute 3 is connected to suction means (not illustrated) by which the relative tipping paper 4 and the associated assembly 5 are retained on the drum 2. The device 1 further comprises a rolling bed 6 movable between an active position (illustrated in figure 1) and a cleaning position (illustrated in figure 2) .

Occupying the active position, in particular, the rolling bed 6 extends parallel to a portion of the surface of revolution presented by the drum 2. When in the active position, moreover, the rolling bed 6 is separated from the rotating drum 2 by a distance marginally less than the diameter of the filter plug making up the assembly 5. Accordingly, as the drum 2 rotates, each assembly 5 and the relative edge of the associated tipping paper 4 are brought into contact with the rolling bed 6, whereupon the assembly 5 is caused to roll against the tipping paper 4 and the double length filter plug will be joined to the two adjacent cigarette sticks.

To this end, the rolling bed 6 is furnished with a plurality of grooves 7 (see figure 6) running parallel to the axis X of rotation of the drum 2. The purpose of the grooves 7 is to facilitate the rolling action, and ensure that each assembly 5 bonds firmly with the respective tipping paper 4. In addition, the rolling bed 6 presents a ridge 8 positioned next to the grooves along which contact is first made with the assemblies 5 and the tipping papers 4, and serving to initiate the rotation of the assembly 5 together with the tipping paper 4.

To advantage, the rolling bed 6 is equipped with means 6a by which to adjust its position relative to the rotating drum 2. In this way, when a change of the type or brand of cigarette in production involves, for example, increasing or reducing the diameter of the cigarette sticks, the adjustment means 6a can be set so as to obtain a clearance from the rotating drum 2 such as will enable the rolling bed 6 to function correctly.

In a preferred embodiment of the device 1, the adjustment means 6a are configured essentially as a parallelogram linkage, as illustrated in figure 6. The rolling bed 6 can be moved into a cleaning position, as mentioned previously, in which it is serviced so as to remove deposits of glue and/or dirt. The movement of the rolling bed 6 between the active position and the cleaning position occurs in a plane perpendicular to the axis X of rotation of the drum 2; more precisely, the movement is induced by an actuator 9 operating a rod-like element 10 anchored to the rolling bed 6. The actuator 9 is anchored pivotably at a first end 9a to a plate 11 and induces motion in the rod-like element 10 by way of a second end 9b. The rod-like element 10 is hinged to the plate 11 and pivotable thus about an axis Y establishing a fulcrum on which the rolling bed 6 can pivot . The device 1 further comprises cleaning means 12 designed to operate on the rolling bed 6 when the bed occupies the cleaning position.

Advantageously, the cleaning means 12 are capable of movement between an active position of contact and interaction with the rolling bed 6, and an inactive position distanced from the rolling bed 6. In effect, the cleaning means 12 will come into operation only after the rolling bed 6 moves into the cleaning position, when it is stationed outside the dimensional compass of the rotating drum 2 and the rolling bed 6 established when the bed occupies the active position. In the preferred example of the drawings, as illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the movement of the cleaning means 12 between the active position and the inactive position occurs in a plane parallel to the axis X of rotation of the drum 2. As discernible from figure 2 in particular, the cleaning means 12 occupy a plane, when in the inactive position, parallel with but offset from the plane occupied by the rotating drum 2.

When occupying the active position, moreover, the cleaning means 12 are able advantageously to engage the surface of the drum 2, at least in part. More precisely, as indicated in figure 2, the cleaning means 12 ride in contact with a peripheral portion of the rotating drum 2, so that this part of the drum too can be cleaned. In practice, the drum 2, like the rolling bed 6, is liable to be fouled by traces of glue picked up from the tipping papers 4 and tending to jeopardize the correct operation of the device 1 as a whole.

It will be evident also that as the need arises, that is to say depending on the degree to which the rotating drum 2 is soiled, the drum can be kept in rotation during the step of cleaning the rolling bed 6, and the entire surface of revolution thus cleaned completely. In this instance, none of the flutes 3 will be occupied by the assemblies 5 of sticks and plugs or by the tipping papers 4 while the drum 2 is being cleaned. This situation can be brought about easily, for example, by causing the drum 2 to complete a full revolution without any assemblies 5 or papers 4 being transferred to the flutes 3. Alternatively, the rotating drum 2 can remain motionless during the cleaning step, in which case there will be no need to empty all the flutes 3 of the drum.

To advantage, the cleaning means 12, the rolling bed 6 and the rotating drum 2 are set in motion and synchronized one with another by a master control unit (not illustrated) able to process information received from sensors (not illustrated) installed on the rolling bed 6 and preferably on the drum 2 , such as will detect the presence of dirt and/or of glue. As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the cleaning means 12 comprise a brush 13 presenting a plurality of nubs 14 fashioned from a plastic material.

The brush 13 rotates about an axis S extending perpendicular to the grooves 7 of the rolling bed 6 and perpendicular also to the plastic nubs 14. In this way, the rolling bed 6 and in particular the grooves 7 can be cleaned thoroughly by the rotary action of the brush 13. In addition, the brush 13 is contoured to match the profile of the rolling bed 6, presenting a tapered cylindrical shape .

The brush 13 is set in rotation by an electric motor positioned internally of a housing 15; the brush 13 surmounts the housing 15 and is mounted to a shaft 16 driven by the electric motor. The housing 15 is coupled by way of a mechanical linkage 17 to an actuator cylinder 18, illustrated in figure 3, extendible along an axis A parallel to the axis X of rotation of the drum 2.

To advantage, the mechanical linkage 17 will be made adaptable to the spaces afforded internally of the device 1, that is to say embodied in any given manner provided that motion can be transmitted from the actuator cylinder 18 to the brush 13.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, as shown in figure 3, the mechanical linkage 17 comprises a first linkage member 19 associated permanently with the housing 15 and connected rigidly to a second linkage member 20 that extends parallel with the operating axis A of the actuator cylinder 18. The second linkage member 20 is connected permanently to a third linkage member 21 connected directly in its turn to the actuator cylinder 18.

The actuator cylinder 18, advantageously, allows the cleaning means 12 to be moved into the inactive position (indicated by phantom lines in figure 3) and thus fully outside the dimensional compass of the rotating drum 2 and the rolling bed 6.

The device 1 also comprises means 22 by which to release the brush 13 when no longer fit to perform the cleaning function, so that a replacement can be fitted. More exactly, as illustrated in figure 4, the release means 22 consist in an arm 23 pivotable about an axis A' perpendicular to the axis S of rotation of the brush 13, by which pressure is applied to the tip of the brush 13 and the brush thus retained in the operating position. In the example illustrated, the arm 23 is hinged to the first member 19 of the mechanical linkage 17 and the aforementioned pressure applied to the tip of the brush 13 through the action of a spring 24. Displacing the arm 23 by causing it to rotate on its hinge axis with the first linkage member 19, the brush 13 can be removed from the shaft 16 and replaced with another. Observing figure 5, it will be self-evident that the retaining action of the spring 24 must be overcome in order to allow the movement of the arm 23.

The brush 13 is also capable of movement, when in the cleaning position, along an axis parallel to the plurality of grooves 7 in the rolling bed 6 (and parallel likewise to the longitudinal axes of the flutes 3 presented by the drum 2), so as to reach and clean the entire surface of the rolling bed 6.

To minimize the dimensions of the device 1 still further, in effect, the proportions of the brush 13 are smaller than those of the rolling bed 6. More exactly, the transverse dimension of the brush 13, measured in a plane perpendicular to its axis S of rotation, is less than the corresponding dimension of the rolling bed 6.

Claims

1) A device for joining sticks of cigarette rod to filter plugs, comprising: a rotating drum (2) on which to convey a succession of gummed tipping papers

(4) and a succession of assemblies (5) each composed of a double length filter plug interposed between and aligned with two sticks of cigarette rod; a rolling bed (6) capable of movement between an active position, in which the assemblies (5) are rolled against the relative tipping papers (4) on the rolling bed (6) so as to join the two cigarette sticks to the double length filter plug, and a cleaning position in which the rolling bed (6) is cleaned by cleaning means (12), characterized in that the cleaning means (12) are capable of movement between an active position of contact with the rolling bed (6), and an inactive position distanced from the rolling bed (6) .

2) A device as in claim 1, wherein the rolling bed (6) is capable of movement in a plane perpendicular to the axis (X) of rotation of the drum (2) , and the cleaning means (12) are capable of movement in a plane parallel to the axis (X) of rotation of the drum (2) .

3) A device as in claim 1 or 2 , wherein the rolling bed (6) , when in the active position, lies parallel to a peripheral portion of the rotating drum (2) and at a distance from the selfsame drum marginally less than the diameter of the filter plug. 4) A device as in preceding claims, wherein the cleaning means (12) comprise a brush (13) contoured to match the profile of the rolling bed (6) .

5) A device as in preceding claims, wherein the rolling bed (6) presents at least one ridge (8) serving to induce the rotation of the assembly (5) together with the tipping paper (4) .

6) A device as in preceding claims, wherein the rolling bed (6) presents a plurality of grooves (7) running parallel to the axis (X) of rotation of the drum (2) and serving to favour the rotation of the assemblies (5) together with the relative tipping papers (4) .

7) A device as in claims 4 and 6, wherein the brush (13) of the cleaning means (12) is rotatable about an axis (S) perpendicular to the plurality of grooves (7) presented by the rolling bed (6) .

8) A device as in claim 7, wherein the brush (13) of the cleaning means (12), when in the active position, is capable also of movement along an axis parallel to the plurality of grooves (7) presented by the rolling bed (6) so as to reach and clean the entire surface of the rolling bed (6) .

9) A device as in preceding claims, wherein the cleaning means (12) engage the rotating drum (2) at least in part, when in the active position.

10) A device as in claim 4, wherein the cleaning means (12) comprise a housing (15) to which the brush

(13) is coupled. 11) A device as in claim 10, wherein the housing (15) is associated with means (22) by which to release the brush (13), thereby allowing the replacement of one brush (13) with another.

12) A device as in claim 7, wherein the brush (13) comprises a plurality of nubs (14) embodied in plastic material and extending perpendicularly to the axis (S) of rotation of the brush (13) .

13) A device as in claim 4, wherein the cleaning means (12) comprise an actuator cylinder (18) coupled to the housing (15) and extendible along an axis (A) parallel to the axis (X) of rotation of the drum (2), by which the brush (13) is caused to move between the active position and the inactive position.

14) A device as in preceding claims, wherein the movement of the cleaning means (12) and of the rolling bed (6) is governed by a master control unit interlocked to sensing means operating at least on the rolling bed.