WO2022032367A1

WO2022032367A1 - Machines for rolling and filling cigarettes by looping and pumping

Info

Publication number: WO2022032367A1
Application number: PCT/BR2021/050334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clauberte Josue NUNES
Original assignee: Nunes Clauberte Josue
Priority date: 2020-08-11
Filing date: 2021-08-10
Publication date: 2022-02-17
Also published as: BR102020016363A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine for automatically rolling and filling cigarettes (figures 1-8), in which cigarettes rolled with straw or paper are made by automatic rolling and filling, using a straw/paper looping track and a smoke pump blowing into the rolled straw/paper, ensuring uniform cigarettes, i.e. having the same diameter and the same quantity of tobacco. In the more sophisticated embodiments (figures 6-8), user interaction is reduced to setting the speed and quantity of cigarettes to be made, without having to set tobacco dosage, roll the straw/paper, position the ring, or wet/glue the paper for closing, thereby reducing the repetitive manual actions required for production, ensuring that no impurities are added to the cigarette.

Description

MACHINES TO ROLLER AND FILL CIGARETTES BY TURNING LOOP AND

PUMPING .

[1] The present invention relates to automatic cigarette rolling and filling machines, with which the preparation of the cigarette is made from the winding of straw/paper on a track with turning loop by traction with wheels/rollers, and filling by pumping smoke, simultaneously or not, or in a programmed way, dispensing with the dosage of smoke, winding straw/paper, and even placing washers, or humidifying the paper glue, or adding glue to lock the rolled cigarette.

[2] Studies related to repetitive strain injuries and their impacts on health show the need for technological development that helps production processes in industrial and semi-industrial sectors, in order to reduce repetitive strain in activities in weight and number. Therefore, in view of high repetitions of efforts in the production of rolled cigarettes, these machines were idealized. Because, with the exponential increase in the rolled cigarette market, this has become even more relevant.

[3] The present invention aims to facilitate the manufacture of rolled cigarettes, whatever their filling, introducing automation, practicality, comfort and celerity in the sequenced production.

[4] Priority research found some relevant documents, however none of them include cigarette rolling by turning loop on track with straw/paper traction by wheels/rollers in the smoke pumping set, nor device that makes and adds plastic washer to lock the finished cigarette, or similar paper glue wetting device as to the arrangement and functionality of the proposed invention, otherwise we will see:

[5] Document No. BR1020170129390 is a manual operation apparatus, whose for the preparation of artisanal cigarettes, the user must dose tobacco manually, place it in the straw and operate the apparatus, linearly, with manual force to conceive the rolled cigarette, and after that, the user manually adds a plastic washer to the cigarette. As it does not include automatic winding and filling, simultaneous or not, or in a programmed way, nor the making and placement of washers automatically, this apparatus is different from the machine proposed in this report.

[6] Document No. BR2020180755892 also refers to a manually operated apparatus, however, fixed on a specific bench to accommodate raw materials and ready-made handmade cigarettes. However, for the preparation of the cigarette, the user must manually dose tobacco, place it in the straw and operate the apparatus with manual force to conceive the rolled cigarette, and after that, the user adds a washer. plastic manually to the cigarette. In view of the physical and functional characteristics of this apparatus, and as it does not comprise automatic winding and filling, simultaneous or not, or in a programmed manner, nor the preparation and placement of washers automatically, nor a glue humidification device, it is concluded as distinct from the invention now proposed.

[7] Document No. BR1020160267315 is an apparatus for multiple production of straw cigarettes, with which the user must roll and glue up to 600 straws manually and properly accommodate them to the vibrating device to fill them by vibration. And, although this apparatus presents some unusual element to the one proposed in this report, they differ in number, dimensional aspect and function. However, in view of the different physical and functional characteristics, and for not comprising, in a single device, automatic winding and filling, and also making and placing washers, or humidifying paper glue automatically, it is concluded as distinct from the invention proposed herein .

[8] In summary, almost all of the inventions added to the state of the art that comprise a winding device are devices that wind the straw/paper by means of a kind of belt/band/manda, in which the straw and is later rolled up with the tobacco when rolled up with the belt/band/blanket. Therefore, none of them equals the invention proposed in this report. [9] Pumping and turning loop cigarette rolling and filling machines roll the straw/paper (22, 25) from their turning loop track (7A, 7B, 8, ) pulled by spongy wheels/rollers ( 16B), which can be made of brush or rubber, and fills the cigarette by pumping smoke into the straw/paper that has been rolled, with the same diameter and the same amount of smoke between one cigarette and another, automatically, simply by the user, in the models machine, insert the straw/paper (22) with strategic cutting and folding (23) and with specific measures in the appropriate place, called introduction slot (1) , and activate the machine through the actuation button (12E) on the panel on its rear cover (5) , or through a foot pedal installed as an accessory (12F). And in the more sophisticated models of the machine, it is enough to program the number of cigarettes and speed on the electronic system panel (31) , and then the straw/paper will be taken to the turning loop, rolled ), filled (s) and, depending on the model of the machine, either a plastic ring will be made, or the glue will be humidified, or glue will be added automatically to lock the rolled cigarette.

[10] The straw/paper track with turning loop is called this way because it defines a certain path through which the straw/paper travels when introduced, comprising entrance, turning/winding and axial exit. The axial outflow of curled straw/paper occurs as a result of pumping smoke, representing its circular tube (10) among the elements of the track, which is surrounded by straw when entering the turning loop. In other aspects, the track is formed by the introduction slot (1), which are edges (7A, 7B) spaced with a chamfer at the entrance through which, between them, the open straw/paper (22) passes, and in the assembly with elements with circular hole (8) and limiting elements (2, 6), guide the straw to place it in a turning loop. The turning loop of the straw/paper track are sections with a circular hole and an open longitudinal slot in relation to the axis of the hole (8), these sections being spaced between them and aligned concentrically, forming a cylindrical space between the pouring/spaced and so that the slots are found and coincided with the insertion slot/edges (7A, 7B, 8). Within this spaced cylindrical space is where the smoke pump tube (10) is installed, concentrically, and, as its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the hole in the sections (8), it creates a radial space between the hole and the tube. , being precisely the circular crevice through which the straw passes and is rolled up. The pump tube (10) and the sections (8) force the straw/paper to form circularly, forming between the external face of the tube the internal face of the holes of the sections after entering the slit and passing through the corresponding slots. .

[11] A smoke pump is understood to be the arrangement of a helical spring (21A), or threaded object, which passes through a smoke accumulator (11E) and penetrates a tube (10) along its entire length. When turning in the specific direction, the spring/threaded object transports the smoke from the accumulator (HE) into the straw/rolled paper (25). This tube (10) has an extension limited to the reach of the straw/paper fold (22, 23) strategic to retain the smoke and causing, when being filled, the rolled straw/paper to move in the direction of the axis out of the track. (25) .

[12] The smoke accumulator (HE) is comprised of a cavity formed with the assembly of the main block (HA), and a removable smoke container (19A, 19B) is attached to it, which keeps it full by discharging smoke with gravity action. This makes the production capacity possible in sequence, in addition to conserving the tobacco, preventing impurities from being added.

[13] In conjunction with the straw track is the traction system with wheels / sponge rollers (16B), which can be made of brush or rubber. The wheels/rollers are fixed concentrically aligned on their axles (15A, 15B) by means of, or not, fixing brackets (16A), comprising being spaced between them and with their axles (15A, 15B) aligned parallel to the cylindrical space between spaced that is the spin loop. The wheels/rollers are kept partially penetrated to the cylindrical space through the spaces between the sections (8) of the track, allowing the wheels (16B) to touch the straw/paper to pull them. Thus, when activating the motor (13), the straw/paper (22) inserted in the slot is pulled, induced to wrap around the pump tube (10) and keep rotating until its complete filling and consequent axial exit through the hole (17).

[14] The machine has a fairing that covers all the electro-mechanical devices, including the turning elements ensuring protection to the user, including a front cover (2), where the hole (17) for the exit of the rolled cigarette (25) is found. ) and also serves as a base for the axles of the traction system (15A, 15B) and can support the exit limiting mechanism of the rolled cigarette (20, 25); main fairing (3), which covers the straw runway, traction system, and main transmission system (14A), having open access for the removal of bundled straw and smoke discharge (29); rear fairing (4), which covers the engine(s) and the electronics and batteries, if included in the model, the auxiliary transmission system (14B) and has an opening for the fuel pump accumulator. smoke (11E); and rear cover (5) , called the machine panel, where the on/off buttons (12C) and the activation button (12E) , reverse switch (12D) , electronic circuit board (12A) , power supply connector are installed external (12B) and accessory connector (12F) footswitch.

[15] The transmission system and the number of engines varies according to the machine version. For example, more sophisticated models use individual engines for each system, and simpler versions work with only a motor (13) for the pumping system and the traction system of the track, since joined by the transmission system (14A, 14B) they act simultaneously with the activation of the same motor.

[16] The machine is electrically powered by an external source and/or batteries, depending on the model. The power supply is connected to the connector (12B) on the rear cover of the machine (5) and you can recharge the battery(ies) or simply power the machine, which will depend on the model. In a portable model, for example, the battery(ies) will be recharged with the external source.

[17] The machine's structural and functional parts, to which the fairings (18) are also screwed, are comprised of a main block (11A) together with its assembly/assembly elements (11B, 11C, 11D), the base for the engine(s) (13), the drive system (15A, 15B, 16A, 16B), transmission systems (14A, 14B), and the smoke pumping system; the straw track support components, comprising longitudinal support (9) of the track sections (8); and the machine joint part (6), which joins the track elements to the block.

[18] All machine parts can be made of plastic, aluminum, metal, resin composites or other material that has properties that correspond to the purpose of the part. For example, the smoke pump coil spring, the pump tube and the axles that make up the transmission and traction systems (15A, 15B) need to understand hardness in their properties to guarantee their functionality. The drive system wheels must be of soft material, spongy or rubber, or alternatively work with radial brushes.

[19] Regarding the process and operation, in the simple models, the user must insert an open straw/paper in the introduction slot (1) , which will penetrate between its edges (7A, 7B) until the loop entrance (8) , between the wheels (16B) and the pump tube (10). By pressing the activation button (12E), the machine will pull and roll the straw/paper around the tube and, as the smoke is pumped into the straw/rolled paper, the rolled cigarette (25) is pushed out. of the machine still in rotation, passing through the outlet hole (17) of the front cover (2), and when it is completely filled, or touching the outlet limiter (20), the user must release the activation button (12E). The output limiter visually indicates that the cigarette is full and ready to be removed. The retreat of the straw/rolled paper exit is a consequent effect from the strategic cutting and folding (23, 22) , as it causes it to close one of the sides when rolled, which resembles a lid, and retains the smoke pumped. preventing it from passing through the straw/paper without pushing it. This entire process takes place in seconds, so the user removes the cigarette, wrapped in straw, to add it to a plastic washer. for cigarettes paper, wetting the glue or adding glue should be done before the whole process.

[20] If the straw/paper tangles on the track, release the actuation button (12E) to keep the process interrupted and reverse the direction of rotation of the motor using the reverse switch (12D) on the machine panel (5), and activating the actuation button (12E) again, it will make the bundled straw/paper return through the introduction slot (1) . If the reverse does not resolve, the straw must be removed through the access (29) in its main fairing or through the exit hole with the help of tweezers or nose pliers.

[21] Operation may have slight differences between models. For example, the traction system can be activated when the machine is turned on and remains in continuous rotation and the smoke pump is activated after the insertion of straw/paper. Another example, with sensors installed, the activation of both the traction system and the smoke pumping system can be automatic. Other intermediate models may have, in addition to the devices already included, a strategic straw cutting and folding device (33) (Fig 8B), or a glue humidification device or glue addition device (32) (Fig 8A).

[22] The machine for rolling and filling cigarettes by rotating and pumping loop in its more sophisticated versions, for programmed sequenced production, has a device for accumulating stacked straws/paper, comprising a cradle of straw/paper with its contour limitations, made a shape (28A, 28B, 28C, 28D). Furthermore, in models aimed at the production of cigarettes rolled with straw, it has a plastic material casting and extrusion system designed in filament (26) for making washers, which includes a heating nozzle (26A), extrusion motor (26B), extrusion drive (27C), and fan (27D); Auxiliary traction system (28E) to launch the straw/paper from the pile to the turning loop, comprising engine, transmission, axles and wheels; straw cutting and bending device (33) strategic to retain the pumped smoke comprising a mechanism with curve and blade to cut and bend a small piece of straw (22) on one of its edges; and electronic automation system (31) comprising controller board, sensors, actuators, connectors, display, buttons and USB and Wi-Fi connections. For models aimed at the production of paper-rolled cigarettes, the plastic material extrusion system and straw cutting and folding will be replaced by the humidification/glue addition system (32), which comprises a liquid reservoir, humidification sponge and sponge actuation mechanisms that puts it on/off on the track to humidify only the final stretch of paper that contains glue, or in the case of paper without glue, specific glue must be placed in the reservoir so that glue is added to the paper with the same function.

[23] In sophisticated models, production programmed sequence, it will not be necessary to add straw/paper to the track manually, nor add plastic washers to the cigarette, or humidify the glue on the paper, or add glue to the paper manually after the cigarette is rolled. The stacked straw/paper are taken from the cradle to the track's turning loop from the auxiliary traction system (28E), which, as they are attached to the cradle and the track comprising strategic alignment (Fig 8A), wheel traction will take the straws/paper to the turning loop, one at a time, fulfilling the amount programmed by the user on the electronic panel (31) or through specific software.

[24] The plastic material casting and extrusion system, in models for cigarettes rolled with straw, is coupled in order to position the extrusion nozzle (27E) within reach of the cigarette outlet (Figure 7), close to the external face of the rolled straw (25), and deposits molten plastic material (26) around the circumference of the cigarette, while rotating, until a washer is made around it (30). The strategic straw cutting and folding mechanism (33) will be installed on the track outside the straw path, and will act by penetrating this path, perpendicularly, by means of a guide and actuator, at the moment the straw passes through the respective sensor which will be positioned in the track turn loop input. This cut and fold is partial, of sufficient width and size to efficiently close one side of the straw as it unfolds. roll, and the mechanism will act so that it cuts and bends only when moving against the straw, and then goes out of the way. In machines for paper-rolled cigarettes, the humidification/glue addition device will be installed on one of the edges of the entrance of the track (Fig 8A), longitudinally concordant with the other edge, and will act, by the respective sensor signal that will indicate to the controller board the moment to activate its actuator, raising the wet sponge in its fitting container until it touches the straw at its end opposite the inlet. A humidifying device may be individual, to be used together with the simplest machines that do not have this device coupled to the track, and comprise only the sponge container.

[ 25 ] The proper functioning of the components involved in each process depends on the controller board, as it works together with the sensors, motors and actuators, activating them in a programmed way, executing all processes automatically, summarizing user interaction to simply program quantity and speed and activate the actuation button so that the machine makes the cigarettes that were programmed and at the desired speed.

[ 26 ] Represented as consumables , we have straw ( 23 ) , tobacco ( 24 ) and washers ( 30 ) . In the programmed sequence production machines for straw-rolled cigarettes, the washers will be made of plastic filament ( 26 ) cast and can be until they are biodegradable, making a cigarette completely biodegradable. In the programmed sequential production machines for cigarettes rolled with paper, specific glue or aqueous humidification fluid, it enters as consumable.

[27] As for the versatility of the machine within its market scope, including portable models for personal use (Fig IB) with a reduced number of elements, it can roll and fill any type of cigarette, with straw or paper, being able to operate in other markets in addition to tobacco, such as the cannabis market.

[28] In the drawings that accompany and form part of this report, figure 1 is a perspective view of the machine in its simple (Fig. IA) and portable (Fig. 1B) versions for personal use, which imposes its innovative features such as the slit introduction (1) and the cigarette exit hole (17). Figures 2, 3 and 4 show in detail the functional items of the machine, Figure 2 is a perspective view with an open section in the fairing, Figure 3 is a longitudinal section (AA), Figure 4 is a cross section (BB) in reach. from the track.

Figure 5 shows the layout of the machine's panel. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the version model for scheduled sequential production with its additional machine elements. Figures 7 and 8 show in detail the functional items of the machine in its version for programmed sequenced production, with figure (Fig. 7A) the details of the system of extrusion of molten plastic material; a (Fig. 7B) is the representation of the electronic panel of the controller board; (Fig. 8A) shows in detail the arrangement and operation of the wetting/gluing device on the paper; and (Fig. 8B) shows in detail the layout and operation of the strategic cutting and folding device.

[29] As can be seen from the drawings, the rotating and pumping loop cigarette rolling and filling machines comprise removable lidded smoke container (19A, 19B), or not (Fig. 1B); front and rear covers (2, 5) ; main and rear fairings (3, 4) ; recoil limiter (20), or not (Fig. 1B); introduction slot (1); straw track with turning loop (7A, 7B, 8); longitudinal support of the track (9); drive wheels (16B); support for fixing the traction wheels (16A), or not; shafts (15A, 15B); main block (11A); motor(s) fastener (11B); accumulator closing support (11C); spring shaft base (11D); smoke pump tube (10); smoke pump spring (21); main engine (13); main transmission system (14A); auxiliary transmission system (14B); circuit board (12A); source connector (12B); on/off button (12C) ; reversal key (12D); actuation button (12E) ; pedal accessory connector (12F) ; indicative leds (12G1 and 12G2) . And in the models for sequenced production, in addition to those already mentioned, stacked straw cradle (28A, 28B, 28C, 28D); auxiliary traction system (28E); nozzle heater (26A); extrusion motor (26B); extrusion transmission (26C); fan (26D); plastic washer made by casting plastic filament (30); electronic system with panel (31) comprising, internally, a controller board connected to sensors and actuators/motors, connectors, display, buttons and USB and Wifi connections.

Claims

1) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, characterized in that it comprises winding straw or paper on a track with a turning loop (1, 7A, 7B, 8, ).

2) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY ROTATING AND PUMPING LOOP, characterized by introduction slot (1) of straw/paper (22), comprising edges (7A, 7B) spaced parallelly coinciding with the entrance opening of the turning loop from the runway (8).

3) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY ROTATING AND PUMPING LOOP, characterized in that it comprises sections with a circular hole and longitudinal through slot along the axis of the hole (8) in agreement with the introduction slot (1, 7A, 7B, 8).

4) MACHINES FOR FILLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY LOOP OF

ROTATION AND PUMPING, characterized by a smoke pumping system (10, 21A, 11E), which comprises a rotating helical spring (21A), or alternatively threaded object, which passes through a smoke accumulator (11E), penetrating a circular tube (10 ) in its extension, and removable container with appropriate lid (19A, 19B) and open fitting allowing the passage of the contents (24) to the smoke accumulator (11E) by the action of gravity.

5) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY SPINNING AND PUMPING LOOP, according to claim 4, characterized in that the pump tube (10) is interconnected concentrically to the track turn loop, allowing radial space between the tube and sections (10, 8).

6) CIGARETTE FILLING AND ROLLING MACHINES BY SPINNING AND PUMPING LOOP, characterized by a straw/paper traction system (15A, 15B, 16A, 16B) comprising wheels/rollers (16B), or radial brushes alternatively.

7) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY ROTATING AND PUMPING LOOP, characterized by fairing (2, 3, 4, 5) covering all electromechanical elements comprising open access for removal of bundled straw (29, 3), exit hole of the rolled cigarette (17, 25, 2) and passing the straw/paper through the slot (1, 7A, 7B).

8) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in models for programmed sequenced production (Figures 6, 7 and 8), characterized by a straw/paper stacking device (28A, 28B, 28C, 28D, ) with auxiliary wheeled traction system (28E) to launch the straw/paper to the turning loop.

9) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in models for programmed sequenced production (Figures 6, 7 and 8) of cigarettes rolled with straw, characterized by an extrusion system (27A, 27B, 27C, 27D, 27E ) of plastic material, comprising, fixing base (27A), motor (27B), transmission (27C), fan (27D), and heating nozzle (27E). 19

10) MACHINES FOR FILLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY LOOP

TURNING AND PUMPING, in the models for programmed sequenced production (Figures 6, 7 and 8) aimed at cigarettes rolled with straw, characterized by a cutting and folding device, comprising an element with curve and blade and its respective actuator.

11) MACHINES FOR FILLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY SPINNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in models for programmed sequenced production (Figures 6, 7 and 8) aimed at cigarettes rolled with paper, characterized by a device for humidifying/addition of glue to the paper, comprising a reservoir liquid/glue, wetting/gluing sponge and sponge actuation mechanisms that put it on/off on the track to wet/add glue only on the final stretch of paper.

12) CIGARETTE FILLING AND ROLLING MACHINES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in models for programmed sequenced production (Figures 6, 7 and 8), characterized by an automation system, comprising a database, display, controller board, sensors, actuators, USB and WI-FI buttons and connections.

13) MACHINES FOR ROLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, characterized by winding straw/paper simultaneously, or in a programmed way, with pumping of smoke directly into the paper/straw. 20

14) MACHINES TO ROLLER AND FILL CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in the simple models of the machine for cigarettes rolled with straw or paper, promotes a specific production process, characterized by comprising the following sequential steps: step 1 - preparation of the raw material; substep la - preparation of tobacco; sub-step 1b - straw/paper preparation; substep 1c - fill the machine with smoke. step 2 - inserting straw/paper manually; step 3 - winding the straw/paper by turning loop and filling it by pumping smoke by the machine drive; step 4 - washer/glue locking .

15) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in the sophisticated models of the machine for cigarettes rolled with straw, promotes a specific production process, characterized by comprising the following sequential steps: step 1 - raw material preparation; substep la - preparation of tobacco; substep 1b - straw preparation; substep 1c - supply the machine with tobacco, straw and plastic filament. step 2 winding the straw by loop of 21 turning, cutting and strategically folding the straw, filling it by pumping smoke and locking the rolled cigarette by making a washer of plastic material fused by the machine;

16) MACHINES FOR ROLLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY TURNING AND PUMPING LOOP, in sophisticated models of the machine for paper-rolled cigarettes, promotes a specific production process, characterized by comprising the following sequential steps: step 1 - raw material preparation; sub-step la - tobacco preparation; substep 1b - paper preparation; substep 1c - fill the machine with smoke, paper and fluid/glue. step 2 - winding the straw by turning loop, humidifying/addition of the glue and its filling by pumping smoke and locking the rolled cigarette by glueing by the machine drive;

17) MACHINES FOR FILLING AND FILLING CIGARETTES BY SPINNING AND PUMPING LOOP, according to claims 14, 15 and 16, characterized in that step 1 is performed only once for many cigarettes.