WO2011139169A1 - Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters - Google Patents

Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011139169A1
WO2011139169A1 PCT/PL2011/000046 PL2011000046W WO2011139169A1 WO 2011139169 A1 WO2011139169 A1 WO 2011139169A1 PL 2011000046 W PL2011000046 W PL 2011000046W WO 2011139169 A1 WO2011139169 A1 WO 2011139169A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
segments
module
carrier element
segment
fed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/PL2011/000046
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hans-Reiner Hoffmann
Original Assignee
International Tobacco Machinery
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by International Tobacco Machinery filed Critical International Tobacco Machinery
Priority to EP11726960.5A priority Critical patent/EP2566356B1/en
Priority to BR112012028463A priority patent/BR112012028463B1/en
Priority to RU2012152480/12A priority patent/RU2519899C1/en
Priority to JP2013509017A priority patent/JP5432418B2/en
Priority to US13/642,941 priority patent/US8991587B2/en
Priority to CN2011800229015A priority patent/CN102946745B/en
Publication of WO2011139169A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011139169A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/0275—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features
    • A24D3/0287—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features for composite filters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/0295—Process control means

Definitions

  • multi-segment filters used in the production of cigarettes which consist of at least two types of segments made of different filtration materials; such segments may be soft, filled for example with unwoven cloth, paper, cellulose acetate, or hard, filled with granulate, sintered elements or hollow cylinders.
  • the created series of segments is then divided appropriately into filters used for manufacturing cigarettes.
  • One known method of making multi-segment filters is an endwise method whose operating principle was presented several times in patent descriptions owned by the British company MOLINS Ltd.
  • British patent description No. GB 1.146.259 shows a method of manufacturing filters consisting of at least three different segments and a machine enabling the use of such method, consisting of three modules.
  • Segments are formed by cutting, with circular cutters, filter rods moving peripherally on three different drums, and the cut sets of segments are removed from each flute of the drum with a chain conveyor provided with pushers, working always in a vertical plane inclined by a slight angle from the axis of the cutting drum. Segments are then removed by ejectors from the chain conveyor onto a rotating intermediate disc mounted horizontally, whose pushers, situated on the perimeter, transfer segments endwise along the horizontal track of the grouping tape to a worm drum regulating the movement of the segments, while earlier, segments of another type obtained by cutting filter rods on drums in the other modules, are fed in a similar manner into the empty spaces between the segments onto the grouping tape.
  • the intermediate disc of the central module has pushers making additionally reciprocating motion when encountering resistance of defined strength, caused by wedging of filter segments. Said transfer is possible by using a ball clutch, which protects the pushers against damage in case of malfunction of the device.
  • Another British patent description filed by the same company, No. GB 2.151.901 presents a device in which rods filled with tobacco are fed onto the horizontal track of the grouping tape by a set of discs mounted horizontally, while the filter segments cut on the drum are inserted respectively into the empty spaces between the rods by means of rotating discs situated vertically above the tape track. The problem of mechanical setting of reciprocal position of filter segments on the grouping tape for two or three types of segments was solved in the description of the British patent of the said company No.
  • GB 1.053.547 where a wheel provided with two peripheral flutes situated above a roller guiding the perforated tape delivering the segments was used.
  • Each flute of the wheel is provided with suitable sets of suction opening groups, where five openings in each group were shown, and the groups are evenly spaced on the circumference of the wheel.
  • the suction opening groups which are connected with one flute are offset circumferentially from suction opening groups which are connected with the second flute.
  • the said openings have a connection to the atmosphere through suitable adjacent wheel surfaces, whereas each adjacent surface near the lowest part of the circumference of the wheel is provided with a suction chamber which is connected with the source of vacuum through a tube, and the suction openings come into contact with the said chamber.
  • the method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on the carrier element of the grouping unit in the process of manufacturing multi- segment filters used in the tobacco industry for cigarettes wherein the segments from multiple modules of the machine for manufacturing filters are delivered onto the carrier element of the grouping unit and arranged in a sequence corresponding to the structure of the cigarette filter, and the designation of the sequence of said modules was adopted in the direction corresponding to the direction of movement of segments on the carrier element, consist in registering, with the process of manufacturing filters stopped, the position and length of the segment from each module on the carrier element of the grouping unit, and then setting the reciprocal position of segments and the distance between segments.
  • the segments from the next to last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, after which the carrier element is stopped in such reference position that the fed segments are next to the said registering element, the position of the fed segment is marked on that registering element and the segments are removed from the carrier element, and then the marked position of the segment fed from the next to last module is compared to the previously marked position of the segment from the last module and the position of mechanisms of the next to last module is adjusted so as to obtain the expected position of the segment from the next to last module in relation the segment from the last module, after which the next to last module is restarted for the purpose of comparison and control of the position of fed segments in the reference position of the carrier element with the position registered previously at the registering element.
  • the procedure as for the segments from the next to last module is carried out for segments from successive modules, until the first module.
  • the segments from the last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, after which the position of the segment is marked on the registering element situated next to the carrier element using a stroboscopic device, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element.
  • the segments from the first and second modules arranged in a defined sequence on the carrier element are moved so that the said segments are in the feeding area of segments from the third module, after which the position of the device feeding segments from the third module is set taking into consideration the position of segments from the second and first modules on the carrier element of the grouping unit and the set position of the feeding device of the third module is stored, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module.
  • the procedure as for the segment of the third module is carried out for segments from successive modules, until the last module.
  • FIG. 2 generally shows the interface console of the control system representing graphically the segments fed from four modules and their position on the carrier element as in embodiment I, wherein Fig. 2a - illustrates the state before the beginning of setting the position of the segments, whereas Fig. 2b - the state after setting the optimal position of the segments, Fig. 3a - the interrelation of the units of the machine with the control system when using one, common sensor, Fig. 3b - the interrelation of the units of the machine with the control system when using separate sensors for each module, which constitutes a modification of embodiment I, Fig. 4 generally shows a fragment of the machine as in Fig.
  • Fig. 4a illustrates setting of segments fed by the fourth, last module
  • Fig. 4b - setting of segments fed by the third, next to last module
  • Fig. 4c - setting of segments fed by the second module
  • Fig. 4d - setting of segments fed by the first module
  • Fig. 5 generally shows a fragment of the machine as in Fig. 4 where the position of the segments is registered by means of a registering element situated next to the carrier element behind the last module using the stroboscopic device, which constitutes the embodiment III
  • Fig. 5a illustrates setting of the segments fed by the fourth, last module, Fig.
  • Fig. 6 generally shows a fragment of the machine used in the tobacco industry for manufacturing multi-segment filters, provided with four modules, each of which feeds segments of the respective type onto the carrier element of the grouping unit by means of the feeding device, where the position of the segments is set by reciprocal adjustment of feeding devices of adjacent modules, which constitutes the embodiment IV, wherein Fig. 6a illustrates setting of segments fed from the first module, Fig. 6b - setting of segments fed from the second module, Fig. 6c - setting of segments fed from the third, next to last module and Fig. 6d - setting of segments fed from the fourth, last module.
  • a machine for manufacturing multi-segment filters shown in a fragment in Fig. 1 consists of four similar modules 1, designated successively A, B, C, D, in the direction corresponding to the movement of a carrier element 2 of a grouping unit.
  • Each of the modules 1 delivers, through a feeding device 6 ⁇ onto the carrier element 2 respectively segments 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D which may differ in length and content.
  • the last module ID is started which by means of the feeding device 6D conveys the segments 3D to the moving carrier element 2, where its length and position in relation to the reference point 5 is registered by the sensor 4, and the result of the measurement transmitted to the memory of the control system.
  • the segments 3D are removed from the carrier element 2, whereas the feeding device 6D, not fed with segments 3D, remains switched on, which is necessary when setting the position of the next segment 3C (Fig. la).
  • next to last module 1_C is started which by means of the feeding device 6C conveys the segments 3C onto the moving carrier element 2, and its length and position relative to the reference point 5, taking into consideration the distance from the segment 3D, is registered by the sensor 4, and the result of the measurement is transmitted to the memory of the control system (Fig. lb). Similar activities are carried out in order to set the position of segments 3B (Fig. lc) and segments 3A (Fig. Id). A manual change of the reciprocal position of the segments 3 stored in the control system is carried out by means of the display field 7 of the control system interface (Fig. 2a and Fig.
  • the method of setting the segments 3 may include the use of four sensors 4, respectively one situated behind each feeding device 6, which is shown in Fig. 3b.
  • Embodiment II In Fig. 4, the machine as in embodiment I also in a fragment is shown, wherein the length and the position of segments 3 on the carrier element 2 is registered by means of the registering element 12 situated behind the last module 1A next to the carrier element 2.
  • the last module ID is started which by means of the feeding device 6D conveys the segments 3D onto the carrier element 2 moving in slow motion, where the element 2 is stopped at the moment when the respective reference position is reached, and the position of the first segment 3D is marked on the registering element j_2, after which the segments 3D are removed (Fig. 4a).
  • Embodiment III In Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 5c and Fig. 5d, the machine as in embodiment II is shown, wherein the position of the segments 3 on the registering element 12 situated next to the carrier element 2 is marked by means of the stroboscopic device 13, which does not require stopping the carrier element 2 each time after the segment 3 being set has reached the reference position. All other operations in this embodiment are carried out in an identical way as in embodiment II.
  • Embodiment IV In Fig. 6, the machine as in embodiments I, II and III is shown, but with a considerably simplified control system.
  • the module IA For the purpose of setting the reciprocal position of the segments 3 on the carrier element 2, with the machine switched off, at first the module IA is started which, by means of the feeding device 6A, conveys the segments 3A onto the carrier element 2 moving in slow motion, whereas the element 2 is stopped at the moment when the first segment 3A is placed in the feeding area of the segments 3B from the module IB onto the carrier element 2 (Fig. 6a). Afterwards, the position of the feeding device 6JB from the module ⁇ is set and stored taking into consideration the position of the segment 3A, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module IB (Fig. 6b).
  • the segments 3B and 3A set in a defined sequence on the carrier element 2 are moved so that the segment 3B is in the feeding area of the segments 3C from the module IC and the position of the feeding device 6C from the module IC is set and stored taking into consideration the position of the segments 3B and 3A, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module 1C (Fig. 6c). Similar operations are carried out for the segments 3D from the module ID (Fig. 6d).
  • All procedures presented above refer to a situation when manufacturing of a new filter type is started or it was necessary to change the structure of the manufactured filter by changing the sequence of the segments 3 in the filter, changing one of the segments 3 to another or removing one of the segments 3.
  • Setting of the segments 3 is carried out before the start or after interrupting the production of filters. After setting on the carrier element 2, during normal operation of the machine, the segments 3 are moved to further units in which they are pushed close to each other, wrapped in the cigarette paper, and then, by cutting the so formed continuous filter string, multi-segment filter rods are manufactured.

Landscapes

  • Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)

Abstract

Setting of reciprocal position of filter segments (3) delivered from multiple modules (1) of a machine for manufacturing filters is accomplished by registering the position and the length of a segment (3) from each module (1) on a carrier element (2) of a grouping unit when the filter manufacturing process is switched off, after which the reciprocal position of the segments (3) and the length between the segments (3) are set. The said operations may be accomplished by means of a sensor (4), the registering element (12) or by mapping the relative positions of adjacent segments (3) in the control system.

Description

METHOD OF SETTING RECIPROCAL POSITION
OF FILTER SEGMENTS ON A CARRIER ELEMENT
OF A GROUPING UNIT IN A PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING MULTI-SEGMENT FILTERS
The object of the invention is a method of setting reciprocal position of individual segments occurring in the multi-segment filter which are fed onto a carrier element of a grouping unit from the modules of the machine used in the tobacco industry in the process of manufacturing multi-segment filters for cigarettes.
In the tobacco industry, there is a demand for multi-segment filters used in the production of cigarettes which consist of at least two types of segments made of different filtration materials; such segments may be soft, filled for example with unwoven cloth, paper, cellulose acetate, or hard, filled with granulate, sintered elements or hollow cylinders. The created series of segments is then divided appropriately into filters used for manufacturing cigarettes. One known method of making multi-segment filters is an endwise method whose operating principle was presented several times in patent descriptions owned by the British company MOLINS Ltd. For example, British patent description No. GB 1.146.259 shows a method of manufacturing filters consisting of at least three different segments and a machine enabling the use of such method, consisting of three modules. Segments are formed by cutting, with circular cutters, filter rods moving peripherally on three different drums, and the cut sets of segments are removed from each flute of the drum with a chain conveyor provided with pushers, working always in a vertical plane inclined by a slight angle from the axis of the cutting drum. Segments are then removed by ejectors from the chain conveyor onto a rotating intermediate disc mounted horizontally, whose pushers, situated on the perimeter, transfer segments endwise along the horizontal track of the grouping tape to a worm drum regulating the movement of the segments, while earlier, segments of another type obtained by cutting filter rods on drums in the other modules, are fed in a similar manner into the empty spaces between the segments onto the grouping tape. In the presented structure the intermediate disc of the central module has pushers making additionally reciprocating motion when encountering resistance of defined strength, caused by wedging of filter segments. Said transfer is possible by using a ball clutch, which protects the pushers against damage in case of malfunction of the device. Another British patent description filed by the same company, No. GB 2.151.901 , presents a device in which rods filled with tobacco are fed onto the horizontal track of the grouping tape by a set of discs mounted horizontally, while the filter segments cut on the drum are inserted respectively into the empty spaces between the rods by means of rotating discs situated vertically above the tape track. The problem of mechanical setting of reciprocal position of filter segments on the grouping tape for two or three types of segments was solved in the description of the British patent of the said company No. GB 1.053.547, where a wheel provided with two peripheral flutes situated above a roller guiding the perforated tape delivering the segments was used. Each flute of the wheel is provided with suitable sets of suction opening groups, where five openings in each group were shown, and the groups are evenly spaced on the circumference of the wheel. The suction opening groups which are connected with one flute are offset circumferentially from suction opening groups which are connected with the second flute. The said openings have a connection to the atmosphere through suitable adjacent wheel surfaces, whereas each adjacent surface near the lowest part of the circumference of the wheel is provided with a suction chamber which is connected with the source of vacuum through a tube, and the suction openings come into contact with the said chamber. The wheel is rotated with the rotational speed higher than the linear velocity of filter rollers so that the movement of one type of segments with the rotational speed of the wheel is forced by sucking them into the appropriate flute in the time when the group of openings connected with it joins to the chamber. So successive segments are axially separated from each other to a distance greater than the length of segments of the second type, and this spacing is maintained on the perforated tape whose speed is equal to the peripheral speed of the wheel. Successive segments of the second type are likewise axially separated from each other by holding by means of vacuum in the appropriate flute of the wheel, and, as the groups of both kinds of openings are offset on the circumference of the wheel, the separated segments of one type are linearly shifted in relation to separated segments of the second type. In the known state of the art, no easy in practice and reliable method of setting the reciprocal position of any required number of filter segments on the grouping tape in the course of preparation of the production line for the start-up was presented.
According to the invention, the method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on the carrier element of the grouping unit in the process of manufacturing multi- segment filters used in the tobacco industry for cigarettes, wherein the segments from multiple modules of the machine for manufacturing filters are delivered onto the carrier element of the grouping unit and arranged in a sequence corresponding to the structure of the cigarette filter, and the designation of the sequence of said modules was adopted in the direction corresponding to the direction of movement of segments on the carrier element, consist in registering, with the process of manufacturing filters stopped, the position and length of the segment from each module on the carrier element of the grouping unit, and then setting the reciprocal position of segments and the distance between segments. For this purpose, segments from successive modules are fed separately onto the moving carrier element of the grouping unit and moved to the area of operation of a sensor registering the position and the length of segments, after which, by means of the sensor, the length of fed segment and its position relative to the carrier element of the grouping unit is registered and the registered results are stored in the control system of the machine for manufacturing filters and, after storing the registered information with regard to segments delivered from all modules, the required sequence of segments and the distance between segments are set virtually in the said control system, with the position of mechanisms of individual modules being adjusted by means of the control system so as to enable obtaining the virtually set sequence of segments on the carrier element of the grouping unit. The length and position of the segments may be registered by means of one sensor, common for all modules and situated behind the last module or by means of separate sensors, each of which is situated behind the respective module, wherein the sensor may constitute an optical element operating in the range of visible radiation or invisible radiation, or constitute an ultrasonic element. In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the segments from the last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, after which said carrier element is stopped in such reference position that the fed segments are behind the last module and the position of the segment is marked on the registering element situated next to the carrier element, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element. Then the segments from the next to last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, after which the carrier element is stopped in such reference position that the fed segments are next to the said registering element, the position of the fed segment is marked on that registering element and the segments are removed from the carrier element, and then the marked position of the segment fed from the next to last module is compared to the previously marked position of the segment from the last module and the position of mechanisms of the next to last module is adjusted so as to obtain the expected position of the segment from the next to last module in relation the segment from the last module, after which the next to last module is restarted for the purpose of comparison and control of the position of fed segments in the reference position of the carrier element with the position registered previously at the registering element. The procedure as for the segments from the next to last module is carried out for segments from successive modules, until the first module. In yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the segments from the last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, after which the position of the segment is marked on the registering element situated next to the carrier element using a stroboscopic device, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element. Then the segments from the next to last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, after which the position of the fed segment is marked on the registering element using the stroboscopic device and the segments are removed from the carrier element, and then the marked position of the segment fed from the next to last module is compared with the previously marked position of the segment from the last module and the position of mechanisms of the next to last module is adjusted so as to obtain the expected position of the segment from the next to last module in relation to the segment from the last module, after which the next to last module is restarted for the purpose of comparison and control of the position of fed segments from the next to last module with the position of segments from the last module registered on the registering elements. The procedure as for the segments from the next to last module is carried out for segments from successive modules, until the first module. In another embodiment of the method according to the invention, the segments from the first module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit and the segments are moved so that the first fed segment is in the feeding area of segments from the second module onto the carrier element, after which the position of the device feeding the segments form the second module is set taking into consideration the position of the segment from the first module on the carrier element of the grouping unit and the set position of the feeding device of the second module is stored, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module. Afterwards, the segments from the first and second modules arranged in a defined sequence on the carrier element are moved so that the said segments are in the feeding area of segments from the third module, after which the position of the device feeding segments from the third module is set taking into consideration the position of segments from the second and first modules on the carrier element of the grouping unit and the set position of the feeding device of the third module is stored, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module. The procedure as for the segment of the third module is carried out for segments from successive modules, until the last module. The application of the method according to the invention allows considerable time saving, especially during the change of the structure of manufactured filter, and reduces the loss of material when setting the position of filter segments on the carrier element of the grouping unit. For the purpose of better understanding, the object of the invention was illustrated in embodiments in the figure in which Fig. 1 generally shows a fragment of the machine used in the tobacco industry for manufacturing multi-segment filters, provided with four modules, each of which feeds segments of appropriate type onto the carrier element of the grouping unit by means of the feeding device, and the position of the segments is registered by means of a common sensor situated behind the last module, which constitutes the embodiment I, wherein Fig. la illustrates setting of segments fed by the fourth, last module, Fig. lb - setting of segments fed by the third, next to last module, Fig. lc - setting of segments fed by the second module, Fig. Id - setting of segments fed by the first module and Fig. le - a fragment of the machine during normal operation with the sensor switched off, Fig. 2 generally shows the interface console of the control system representing graphically the segments fed from four modules and their position on the carrier element as in embodiment I, wherein Fig. 2a - illustrates the state before the beginning of setting the position of the segments, whereas Fig. 2b - the state after setting the optimal position of the segments, Fig. 3a - the interrelation of the units of the machine with the control system when using one, common sensor, Fig. 3b - the interrelation of the units of the machine with the control system when using separate sensors for each module, which constitutes a modification of embodiment I, Fig. 4 generally shows a fragment of the machine as in Fig. 1 where the position of segments is registered by means of a registering element situated next to the carrier element behind the last module, which constitutes the embodiment II, wherein Fig. 4a illustrates setting of segments fed by the fourth, last module, Fig. 4b - setting of segments fed by the third, next to last module, Fig. 4c - setting of segments fed by the second module and Fig. 4d - setting of segments fed by the first module, Fig. 5 generally shows a fragment of the machine as in Fig. 4 where the position of the segments is registered by means of a registering element situated next to the carrier element behind the last module using the stroboscopic device, which constitutes the embodiment III, wherein Fig. 5a illustrates setting of the segments fed by the fourth, last module, Fig. 5b - setting of segments fed by the third, next to last module, Fig. 5c - setting of segments fed by the second module and Fig. 5d - setting of the segments fed by the first module, whereas Fig. 6 generally shows a fragment of the machine used in the tobacco industry for manufacturing multi-segment filters, provided with four modules, each of which feeds segments of the respective type onto the carrier element of the grouping unit by means of the feeding device, where the position of the segments is set by reciprocal adjustment of feeding devices of adjacent modules, which constitutes the embodiment IV, wherein Fig. 6a illustrates setting of segments fed from the first module, Fig. 6b - setting of segments fed from the second module, Fig. 6c - setting of segments fed from the third, next to last module and Fig. 6d - setting of segments fed from the fourth, last module.
Embodiment I. A machine for manufacturing multi-segment filters shown in a fragment in Fig. 1 consists of four similar modules 1, designated successively A, B, C, D, in the direction corresponding to the movement of a carrier element 2 of a grouping unit. Each of the modules 1 delivers, through a feeding device 6^ onto the carrier element 2 respectively segments 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D which may differ in length and content. Behind the last module ID, near the carrier element 2, is situated a sensor 4 registering the position and length of segments 3 on the carrier element 2 taking into consideration the reference point 5, which is the cutting line of a ready multi-segment rod, where the sensor 4 transmits the results of measurements to the control system of the machine. For the purpose of setting the reciprocal position of the segments 3 on the carrier element 2^ at first the last module ID is started which by means of the feeding device 6D conveys the segments 3D to the moving carrier element 2, where its length and position in relation to the reference point 5 is registered by the sensor 4, and the result of the measurement transmitted to the memory of the control system. Afterwards, the segments 3D are removed from the carrier element 2, whereas the feeding device 6D, not fed with segments 3D, remains switched on, which is necessary when setting the position of the next segment 3C (Fig. la). Then the next to last module 1_C is started which by means of the feeding device 6C conveys the segments 3C onto the moving carrier element 2, and its length and position relative to the reference point 5, taking into consideration the distance from the segment 3D, is registered by the sensor 4, and the result of the measurement is transmitted to the memory of the control system (Fig. lb). Similar activities are carried out in order to set the position of segments 3B (Fig. lc) and segments 3A (Fig. Id). A manual change of the reciprocal position of the segments 3 stored in the control system is carried out by means of the display field 7 of the control system interface (Fig. 2a and Fig. 3a) in which the segments 3D, 3C, 3B, 3A, fed respectively from the modules ID, 1C, IB, 1A, have been represented graphically in independent lines 8D, 8C, 8B, 8A, where the registered arrangement of segments 3 on the carrier element 2 is presented in the display field 7 by means of the line 9. In the example shown, the distance between segments 3 requires regulation. After pressing one of the keys A, B, C, D in the panel 10, corresponding to the segments 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, the position of the segment 3 in relation the reference point 5 and in relation to other segments 3 may be set manually by means of the control buttons j_l , taking into consideration respective distances between the segments 3, which will be stored in the control system and represented graphically on the line 9. The sequence of segments 3 encoded in the control system will be mapped during normal operation of the machine, which is shown in Fig. le.
Alternatively, the method of setting the segments 3 may include the use of four sensors 4, respectively one situated behind each feeding device 6, which is shown in Fig. 3b.
Embodiment II. In Fig. 4, the machine as in embodiment I also in a fragment is shown, wherein the length and the position of segments 3 on the carrier element 2 is registered by means of the registering element 12 situated behind the last module 1A next to the carrier element 2. For the purpose of setting the reciprocal position of the segments 3 on the carrier element 2, at first the last module ID is started which by means of the feeding device 6D conveys the segments 3D onto the carrier element 2 moving in slow motion, where the element 2 is stopped at the moment when the respective reference position is reached, and the position of the first segment 3D is marked on the registering element j_2, after which the segments 3D are removed (Fig. 4a). Afterwards, similar activities are carried out for the segments 3C fed from the module !C and the position and length of the segment 3C marked on the registering element 12 are compared with the previously marked position of the segment 3D and then, in case of improper arrangement of the segment 3C in relation to the segment 3D, the mechanisms of the module 1C are adjusted so as to obtain the expected position of the segment 3C in relation to the segment 3D by referring to the position of the segments 3D and 3C marked on the registering element 12. At the end, the module IC is restarted in order to compare and control the position of fed segments 3C in the reference position of the carrier element 2 with previously registered position of the segment 3C on the registering element 12, and then the segments 3C are removed from the carrier element 2 (Fig. 4b). Similar activities are carried out for the purpose of setting the position of the segments 3JB (Fig. 4c) and the segments 3A (Fig. 4d).
Embodiment III. In Fig. 5a, Fig. 5b, Fig. 5c and Fig. 5d, the machine as in embodiment II is shown, wherein the position of the segments 3 on the registering element 12 situated next to the carrier element 2 is marked by means of the stroboscopic device 13, which does not require stopping the carrier element 2 each time after the segment 3 being set has reached the reference position. All other operations in this embodiment are carried out in an identical way as in embodiment II.
Embodiment IV. In Fig. 6, the machine as in embodiments I, II and III is shown, but with a considerably simplified control system. For the purpose of setting the reciprocal position of the segments 3 on the carrier element 2, with the machine switched off, at first the module IA is started which, by means of the feeding device 6A, conveys the segments 3A onto the carrier element 2 moving in slow motion, whereas the element 2 is stopped at the moment when the first segment 3A is placed in the feeding area of the segments 3B from the module IB onto the carrier element 2 (Fig. 6a). Afterwards, the position of the feeding device 6JB from the module ΓΒ is set and stored taking into consideration the position of the segment 3A, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module IB (Fig. 6b). In turn, the segments 3B and 3A set in a defined sequence on the carrier element 2 are moved so that the segment 3B is in the feeding area of the segments 3C from the module IC and the position of the feeding device 6C from the module IC is set and stored taking into consideration the position of the segments 3B and 3A, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module 1C (Fig. 6c). Similar operations are carried out for the segments 3D from the module ID (Fig. 6d).
All procedures presented above refer to a situation when manufacturing of a new filter type is started or it was necessary to change the structure of the manufactured filter by changing the sequence of the segments 3 in the filter, changing one of the segments 3 to another or removing one of the segments 3. Setting of the segments 3 is carried out before the start or after interrupting the production of filters. After setting on the carrier element 2, during normal operation of the machine, the segments 3 are moved to further units in which they are pushed close to each other, wrapped in the cigarette paper, and then, by cutting the so formed continuous filter string, multi-segment filter rods are manufactured.

Claims

Claims
1. A method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters used in the tobacco industry for cigarettes, where segments from multiple modules of a machine for manufacturing filters are delivered onto the carrier element of the grouping unit and arranged in a sequence corresponding to the structure of a cigarette filter, and the designation of the sequence of modules is assumed in the direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the segments, characterized in that for manufacturing process being stopped the position and length of the segment from each module on the carrier element of the grouping unit are registered, and then the reciprocal position of the segments and the distance between the segments are set.
2. The method as in claim 1 characterized in that:
- the segments from successive modules are fed separately onto the carrier element of the grouping unit being in motion and conveyed to the area of operation of a sensor registering the position and length of the segments,
- by means of the sensor, the length of the fed segment and its position in relation to the carrier element of the grouping unit is registered,
- the length and the position of the fed segment are stored in a control system of the machine for manufacturing filters, - after storing the registered information regarding the segments delivered from all modules, the required sequence of segments and distance between the segments is set virtually in the said control system,
- by means of the control system, the position of mechanisms of individual modules is adjusted so as to enable obtaining a virtually set sequence of segments on the carrier element of the grouping unit.
3. The method as in claim 2 characterized in that the length and position of the segments are registered by means of one sensor, common for all modules, situated behind the last module.
4. The method as in claim 2 characterized in that the length and position of the segments are registered by means of separate sensors, each of which is situated behind the respective module.
5. The method as in claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the sensor is an optical element operating in the range of visible radiation.
6. The method as in claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the sensor is an optical element operating in the range of invisible radiation.
7. The method as in Claim 3 or 4 wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic element.
8. The method as in claim 1 characterized in that:
- the segments from the last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit,
- the carrier element is stopped in such a reference position that the fed segments are placed behind the last module, the position of the segment is marked on the registering element situated next to the carrier element, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element,
- the segments from the next to last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit, - the carrier element is stopped in such reference position that the fed segments are placed next to the said registering element and the position of the fed segment is marked on that registering element, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element,
- the marked position of the segment fed from the next to last module is compared with the previously marked position of the segment from the last module,
- the position of the mechanisms from the next to last module is adjusted so as to obtain the expected position of the segment from the next to last module in relation to the segment from the last module,
- the next to last module is restarted in order to compare and control the position of the fed segments in the reference position of the carrier element with the position which was previously registered on the registering element,
- the procedure as for the segments from the next to last module is carried out for segments from successive modules, up to the first module.
9. The method as in claim 1 characterized in that:
- the segments from the last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit,
- the position of the segment is marked on the registering element situated next to the carrier element using the stroboscopic device, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element,
- the segments from the next to last module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit,
- the position of the fed segment is marked on the registering element using the stroboscopic device, and then the segments are removed from the carrier element,
- the marked position of the segment fed from the next to last module is compared with the previously marked position of the segment from the last module, - the position of the mechanisms of the next to last module is adjusted so as to obtain the expected position of the segment from the next to last module in relation to the segment from the last module,
- the next to last module is restarted in order to compare and control the position of the fed segments from the next to last module with the position of segments from the last module registered on the registering element,
- the procedure as for the segments from the next to last module is carried out for the segments from successive modules, until the first module.
10. The method as in claim 1 characterized in that:
- the segments from the first module are fed onto the carrier element of the grouping unit and the segments are moved so that the first fed segment is placed in the feeding area of the segments from the second module onto the carrier element,
- the position of the device feeding segments from the second module is set taking into consideration the position of the segment from the first module on the carrier element of the grouping unit,
- the set position of the feeding device of the second module is stored, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module,
- the segments from the first and the second modules set in a defined sequence on the carrier element are moved so that the said segments are placed in the feeding area of the segments from the third module,
- the position of the device feeding segments from the third module is set taking into consideration the position of segments from the second and first modules on the carrier element of the grouping unit,
- the set position of the feeding device of the third module is stored, and the control system adjusts the arrangement of the remaining mechanisms of the module,
- the procedure as for the segment from the third module is carried out for segments from successive modules, until the last module.
PCT/PL2011/000046 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters WO2011139169A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11726960.5A EP2566356B1 (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters
BR112012028463A BR112012028463B1 (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 method of adjusting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multiple filter segments
RU2012152480/12A RU2519899C1 (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method for determination of mutual disposition of filter segments on bearing element of grouping unit in process of multi-segment filters manufacture
JP2013509017A JP5432418B2 (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method for setting the mutual position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a multi-segment filter manufacturing process
US13/642,941 US8991587B2 (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters
CN2011800229015A CN102946745B (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on carrier element of grouping unit in process of manufacturing multi-segment filters

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL391160A PL217430B1 (en) 2010-05-06 2010-05-06 Method for determining mutual position of the filter segments on the carrier element of the grouping unit in the process of manufacturing multi-segmented filters
PLP-391160 2010-05-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011139169A1 true WO2011139169A1 (en) 2011-11-10

Family

ID=44572401

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/PL2011/000046 WO2011139169A1 (en) 2010-05-06 2011-05-04 Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US8991587B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2566356B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5432418B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102946745B (en)
BR (1) BR112012028463B1 (en)
PL (1) PL217430B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2519899C1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011139169A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103995004A (en) * 2014-05-30 2014-08-20 淮南新光神光纤线缆有限公司 Online detection method and device applied to wire wrapping insulation production
DE102013226296A1 (en) 2013-12-17 2015-06-18 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Filter segment handover
EP3117722A1 (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-01-18 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. A transfer disc and its use
JP2017131235A (en) * 2012-12-06 2017-08-03 ブリティッシュ アメリカン タバコ (インヴェストメンツ) リミテッドBritish American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Improvements relating to smoking article assembly
DE102017114817A1 (en) 2017-07-04 2019-01-10 Tobias Becker Filter segment transfer device and filter segment transfer method
US10548344B2 (en) 2011-06-03 2020-02-04 Tobacco Research And Development Institute (Proprietary) Limited Smoking article assembly
EP3811792A1 (en) * 2019-10-21 2021-04-28 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. A feeding apparatus for feeding a tobacco industry segment

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011085981A1 (en) * 2011-11-09 2014-01-09 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Filter manufacturing machine of the tobacco processing industry
DE102015106347A1 (en) * 2015-04-24 2016-10-27 Hauni Maschinenbau Gmbh Extrusion machine of the tobacco processing industry and method for producing multi-segment bars
CN106360804B (en) * 2015-07-21 2018-01-30 中烟机械技术中心有限责任公司 Realize cigarette section and the device and method of filter stick section assembling of cigarette with filter tip
PL3172976T3 (en) 2015-11-24 2018-05-30 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O.O. A method and a system for production of rod-shaped articles
US11571015B2 (en) 2019-08-23 2023-02-07 Altria Client Services Llc Methods of assembling filters and spacing drum systems thereof

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1053547A (en) 1962-09-05
GB1146259A (en) 1967-10-03 1969-03-26 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Improvements in or relating to multiple filter assembly apparatus and method
US4238994A (en) * 1978-02-16 1980-12-16 Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. Kg Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the production of composite filter mouthpieces for cigarettes or the like
GB2151901A (en) 1983-12-30 1985-07-31 Molins Plc Uniting rod-like articles particularly for filter cigarette manufacture
EP1767107A1 (en) * 2004-07-07 2007-03-28 Japan Tobacco Inc. Filter rod manufacturing machine
US20090145449A1 (en) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-11 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Method and apparatus for compiling groups of filter segments when producing multi-segment filter asemblies

Family Cites Families (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH621245A5 (en) * 1977-06-21 1981-01-30 Baumgartner Papiers Sa
IT1197701B (en) * 1982-09-02 1988-12-06 Molins Plc IMPROVEMENT IN MACHINES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FILTERS FOR CIGARETTES AND SIMILAR
US5127511A (en) * 1991-01-31 1992-07-07 Philip Morris Incorporated Methods and apparatus for feeding and assembling cylindrical articles from bulk at high speed
JP2756386B2 (en) * 1991-12-27 1998-05-25 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Visual inspection system for cylindrical objects
US5432600A (en) * 1992-05-15 1995-07-11 Philip Morris Incorporated Systems for optically inspecting cylindrical surfaces
DE10105012A1 (en) * 2001-01-29 2002-08-01 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Conveying means for machines for the manufacture of filters for products of the tobacco processing industry
DE10146019A1 (en) * 2001-09-18 2003-04-03 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Production machine for multi-segmented filters, has various operating units, conveyor elements as drums
DE10153821A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-06-05 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Multi-segment filter of the tobacco processing industry and method for producing the same
DE10163761A1 (en) * 2001-12-27 2003-07-17 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Device and system for measuring properties of multi-segment filters and method therefor
DE50208900D1 (en) * 2002-09-02 2007-01-18 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Method and device for assembling groups of filter segments
ES2264459T3 (en) * 2002-09-11 2007-01-01 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE LENGTH AND DIAMETER OF FILTER BARS.
US7168430B2 (en) * 2003-05-24 2007-01-30 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Lamp device on a production machine for the manufacture of products of the tobacco-processing industry as well as associated lamp
DE102004003447A1 (en) * 2004-01-22 2005-08-25 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Filter rod test
JP2006211951A (en) * 2005-02-03 2006-08-17 Japan Tobacco Inc Double track type filter rod-producing machine
KR100664827B1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-01-04 브리티쉬 아메리칸 토바코 코리아 (주) System for sensing cigarette filter and method thereof
DE102005046581A1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-03-29 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Multi-segmented filters properties measuring device for tobacco processing industry, has laser light source forming line of electromagnetic radiation on filters, where extension of line is smaller than diameter of filters
US7784356B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2010-08-31 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Inspection systems and methods for multi-segment products
IT1392374B1 (en) * 2008-07-18 2012-03-02 Gd Spa PACKAGING MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TOBACCO INDUSTRY ARTICLES.
PL388549A1 (en) * 2009-07-15 2011-01-17 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Spółka Z Ograniczoną Odpowiedzialnością Method for secure transmission of filter elements in the manufacturing process of multi-segment filters
IT1395035B1 (en) * 2009-08-10 2012-09-05 Gd Spa DOUBLE LINE MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF COMPOUND FILTERS FOR CIGARETTES, CIGARS OR THE LIKE.

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1053547A (en) 1962-09-05
GB1146259A (en) 1967-10-03 1969-03-26 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Improvements in or relating to multiple filter assembly apparatus and method
US4238994A (en) * 1978-02-16 1980-12-16 Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. Kg Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the production of composite filter mouthpieces for cigarettes or the like
GB2151901A (en) 1983-12-30 1985-07-31 Molins Plc Uniting rod-like articles particularly for filter cigarette manufacture
EP1767107A1 (en) * 2004-07-07 2007-03-28 Japan Tobacco Inc. Filter rod manufacturing machine
US20090145449A1 (en) * 2007-12-10 2009-06-11 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Method and apparatus for compiling groups of filter segments when producing multi-segment filter asemblies

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11937628B2 (en) 2011-06-03 2024-03-26 Tobacco Research And Development Institute (Proprietary) Limited Smoking article assembly
US11185106B2 (en) 2011-06-03 2021-11-30 Tobacco Research And Development Institute (Proprietary) Limited Smoking article assembly
US10548344B2 (en) 2011-06-03 2020-02-04 Tobacco Research And Development Institute (Proprietary) Limited Smoking article assembly
US10772351B2 (en) 2012-12-06 2020-09-15 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Relating to smoking article assembly
JP2017131235A (en) * 2012-12-06 2017-08-03 ブリティッシュ アメリカン タバコ (インヴェストメンツ) リミテッドBritish American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Improvements relating to smoking article assembly
EP2928327B1 (en) 2012-12-06 2019-06-26 British American Tobacco (Investments) Ltd Improvements relating to smoking article assembly
DE102013226296A1 (en) 2013-12-17 2015-06-18 Hauni Maschinenbau Ag Filter segment handover
CN103995004A (en) * 2014-05-30 2014-08-20 淮南新光神光纤线缆有限公司 Online detection method and device applied to wire wrapping insulation production
US9622510B2 (en) 2015-07-16 2017-04-18 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O. O. Transfer disc and its use
EP3117722A1 (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-01-18 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. A transfer disc and its use
DE102017114817A1 (en) 2017-07-04 2019-01-10 Tobias Becker Filter segment transfer device and filter segment transfer method
EP3811792A1 (en) * 2019-10-21 2021-04-28 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o. A feeding apparatus for feeding a tobacco industry segment
US11470874B2 (en) 2019-10-21 2022-10-18 International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O. O. Feeding apparatus for feeding a tobacco industry segment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2519899C1 (en) 2014-06-20
CN102946745A (en) 2013-02-27
EP2566356B1 (en) 2015-02-18
EP2566356A1 (en) 2013-03-13
US20130037379A1 (en) 2013-02-14
JP2013524846A (en) 2013-06-20
US8991587B2 (en) 2015-03-31
JP5432418B2 (en) 2014-03-05
PL217430B1 (en) 2014-07-31
BR112012028463B1 (en) 2020-04-22
CN102946745B (en) 2013-12-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2566356B1 (en) Method of setting reciprocal position of filter segments on a carrier element of a grouping unit in a process of manufacturing multi-segment filters
EP3332656B1 (en) Device enabling compensation of momentary lack of filter segments in multi-segment filter manufacturing line
JP4630548B2 (en) Apparatus and trough drum for organizing groups of filter segments to produce multi-segment filters for the tobacco processing industry
US11076635B2 (en) Method, mechanism and apparatus for momentary compression of filter material
US8584829B2 (en) Method of safe transfer of filter segments in the process of producing multi-segment filters
EP2693901B1 (en) Device for transferring filter segments in the process of manufacturing multi-segment filter rods
JP2005502376A5 (en)
CN101164458A (en) Machine for manufacturing composite filter tip
CN101772310A (en) Method and apparatus for forming tobacco rods
US4010678A (en) Method and apparatus for making composite filter plugs
CN103476276B (en) The conveying of the bar form articles of tobacco
US10299507B2 (en) Compound horizontal filter assembly machine and process
JP2019508046A (en) Device and method for rolling tobacco, filter cigarettes or filters
CN103491811B (en) For carrying the method for the rod-like articles of the tobacco industry, equipment
CN108634366A (en) Hot-fluid cigarette is arranged and the method and its device of cutting
CN107105758B (en) Bar product distributing equipment, bar product making apparatus and the method for distributing bar product
EP4181696B1 (en) A device for manufacturing multi-segment rod-like articles
CN108618197A (en) The set frame of the method and the tobacco industry of cutter for controlling the tobacco industry

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 201180022901.5

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11726960

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 13642941

Country of ref document: US

Ref document number: 9198/DELNP/2012

Country of ref document: IN

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2011726960

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2013509017

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2012152480

Country of ref document: RU

Kind code of ref document: A

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: BR

Ref legal event code: B01A

Ref document number: 112012028463

Country of ref document: BR

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 112012028463

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20121106