WO2023105407A1

WO2023105407A1 - Method and system of manufacturing multisegment articles

Info

Publication number: WO2023105407A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/061828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivan Eusepi; Giuliano Gamberini
Original assignee: G.D S.P.A.
Priority date: 2021-12-07
Filing date: 2022-12-06
Publication date: 2023-06-15
Also published as: IT202100030809A1

Abstract

A method for making multisegment articles (110), comprising the following steps: transversely feeding a succession of pairs of first segments (1) which are coaxial with each other, and axially spreading the first segments (1) of each pair from each other until they have a predetermined spacing (D) between them. The step of axially spreading the first segments (1) of each pair from each other is accomplished through a first sub-step of axially spreading the first segments (1) from each other by a first distance (D1) that is smaller than the predetermined spacing (D), followed by at least one second sub-step of axially spreading the first segments (1) from each other by a second distance (D2) so they have between them the predetermined spacing (D). The first and the at least one second sub-step are distinct from each other. The method comprises a step of placing between successive pairs of first segments (1 ) at least one pair of third, coaxial segments (3) so that the pairs of first and third segments (1, 3) are parallel and consecutive to each other along the transverse feed direction. The second sub-step of spreading is performed on at least one pair of first segments (1) and one adjacent pair of third segments (3).

Description

DESCRIPTION

METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MANUFACTURING MULTISEGMENT ARTICLES

Technical field

This invention relates to a method and a machine for making multisegment articles, specifically for assembling rod-shaped articles, preferably for the tobacco industry or the like (aerosol generators).

Background art

At the present time, composite filters may be made by progressively assembling different segments in suction seats of a conveying system, as described in EP1393640.

According to this solution, each suction seat receives successive filter segments until each seat contains the same complete sequence of filter segments. These complete sequences, which correspond to two composite filters to be obtained, are then released into a single forming beam, where they are wrapped in a paper web and then cut to obtain a succession of composite filters.

Disadvantageously, this technical solution may lead to the production of complete sequences of excessive, or in any case, non-standard length. This introduces production constraints on the lengths obtainable for these sequences or, alternatively, requires configuring the machine in accordance with non-standard sizes which, what is more, may lead to further complications when the sequences are subsequently transferred to the forming beam, especially if the transfer devices used are those known as “spider” devices, which would need to operate with non-standard lengths.

In the prior art, composite filters may also be made by assembling machines in which segments of double or multiple length are cut and spread apart at respective downfeed lines where they move down towards i an assembling and feed line located lower down. The use of spreading drums in the downfeed lines, however, is not a technically advantageous solution and involves structural constraints which reduce the flexibility of the machine.

Aims and summary of the invention

In this context, the basic technical purpose of this invention is to provide a method for making multisegment articles to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide a method for making multisegment articles and which can be implemented in a simple and reliable manner.

A further aim of the invention is to provide a method for making multisegment articles and which allows making a wide range of articles, specifically articles of different sizes.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a method and a machine for making multisegment articles and comprising the technical features described in claims 1 and 10, respectively, and/or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon.

The method according to the invention, in its more general aspects, comprises a step of making first multisegment groups composed of at least two first segments and a step of making second multisegment groups alternated with the first multisegment groups and composed of at least two third segments.

The step of making first multisegment groups comprises the steps of: transversely feeding a pair of first segments which are coaxial with each other, and then axially spreading the first segments until they have a predetermined spacing between them.

The two first segments may initially be abutted end to end (for example, obtained by cutting a double-length segment) or they may already be spread apart. Furthermore, the first segments might be placed alongside other segments, which would be moved axially together with the first segments while they are being axially spread apart (or remain stationary, for example, if the spreading action is applied on one side only).

According to the invention, the step of spreading the first segments axially apart is carried out through a first sub-step of spreading the first segments axially apart by a first distance to obtain an intermediate spacing which is less than the predetermined spacing, followed by at least one subsequent sub-step to spread the first segments further apart by a second distance to obtain the predetermined spacing. In the case of segments initially abutted end to end, the predetermined spacing is equal to the sum of the two axial spreading distances. In the case of segments initially spread apart, the predetermined spacing is equal to the sum of the two axial spreading distances plus the initial spacing.

In an embodiment, the step of spreading the first segments apart is performed in two sub-steps. In other embodiments, the step of spreading the first segments apart is performed in three or more sub-steps.

Whatever the case, these sub-steps are distinct from each other, that is to say, performed in succession at different times so as to effectively constitute separate steps.

The step of making first multisegment groups comprises, between the first and the second sub-step of spreading, a step of placing between successive pairs of first segments at least one pair of third, coaxial segments so that the pairs of first and third segments are parallel and consecutive to each other along the transverse feed direction. In this situation, the second sub-step of spreading is carried out (preferably simultaneously) on at least one pair of first segments and one adjacent pair of third segments, specifically by the same spreading distance.

The two third segments may initially be abutted end to end (for example, obtained by cutting a double-length segment) or they may already be spread apart.

Advantageously, the second sub-step of spreading is carried out (preferably simultaneously) on the pairs of first and third segments so that at the end of the second sub-step, the first segments are spread apart by a distance equal to the sum of the first and the second distance (plus the initial spacing, if any), whilst the third segments are spread apart by the second distance only (plus the initial spacing, if any).

The step of inserting at least one pair of third, coaxial segments between successive pairs of first segments may comprise inserting between successive pairs of first segments a pair of third, coaxial segments or a single double-length segment which is then cut into the two third, coaxial segments.

Preferably, the first and second sub-steps are carried out on a first and a second spreading device, respectively. Preferably, these spreading devices form part of a bottom portion of the assembling machine and do not form part of the respective segment downfeed lines. If the bottom portion of the machine is defined by a succession of drums, these spreading devices are spreading drums. Alternatively, the spreading devices form part of an endless conveyor, for example a conveyor belt, or of a linear conveyor with independent slides or carriages.

Preferably, between the two sub-steps of spreading, no segment is inserted between the first segments.

Preferably, the second sub-step of spreading, carried out (preferably simultaneously) on the pairs of first and third segments, is performed on a single spreading device (preferably a drum) on which the first and third segments are placed in alternate receiving seats.

In an embodiment, the method also comprises a step of inserting between the first, spread segments (that is to say, on reaching the predetermined spacing), at least one second segment or group of segments whose total length is less than or equal to the predetermined spacing. The situation just described occurs whether the segments are compacted (that is, in the case where the first segments and the second segment or group of segments are axially juxtaposed with each other) or whether one or more "empty spaces" are left between the segments (and must remain even in the finished articles).

In an embodiment, the method also comprises a step of inserting at least a fourth segment or group of segments between the third, spread segments. The fourth segment or group of segments may have a total length that is substantially equal to the second distance or less than the second distance. The situation just described occurs whether the segments are compacted (that is, in the case where the third segments and the fourth segment or group of segments are axially juxtaposed with each other) or whether one or more "empty spaces" are left between the segments (and must remain even in the finished articles).

In a first embodiment, the method comprises, after the step of spreading the first and third segments, a step of feeding the first and second multisegment groups to a forming unit for forming a continuous rod in which the multisegment groups, which are aligned coaxially along a longitudinal axis, are wrapped in a web, preferably of paper, followed by a step of cutting the continuous, wrapped rod to obtain a succession of multisegment articles.

In a second embodiment, the method comprises, after the step of spreading the first and third segments, a step of feeding the multisegment groups to a rolling unit in which the first and the second multisegment group, which are aligned coaxially with each other, are wrapped by rolling in a connecting strip, preferably of paper.

In a third embodiment, the method comprises, after the step of spreading the first and third segments, a step of feeding the multisegment groups to a rolling unit in which the first and the second multisegment group are wrapped by rolling in respective connecting strips, preferably of paper. This invention also relates to an assembling machine for making multisegment articles, comprising a plurality of feed lines configured to feed respective successions of segments preferably having different properties, and conveying means disposed and/or configured to receive respective segments from the feed lines, wherein the conveying means define a succession of receiving seats, configured to receive one or more of the segments each and to advance the segments transversely. The conveying means may comprise a train of drums, an endless linear conveyor (for example, a conveyor belt) preferably provided with suction seats or a conveyor provided with independent working units (carriages or slides).

The machine is configured and/or set in such a way that at least a first of the feed lines releases the respective segments in first seats of the conveying means and a second of the feed lines releases the respective segments in second seats of the conveying means, where the first and second seats are disposed alternately along a conveying direction defined by the conveying means. Advantageously, the conveying means comprise a first and a second spreading device configured to axially spread the segments placed in the first and/or second seats. Looking in more detail, the first spreading device is located upstream of the second spreading device and is configured to axially spread only the segments placed in the first seats while the second spreading device is configured for spreading (preferably simultaneously) the segments placed in the first and second seats, specifically by the same distance.

In an embodiment, the spreading devices are spreading drums.

To carry out the aforementioned two steps of spreading, the second spreading device preferably comprises working units movable towards and away from each other in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the segments (hence along the axial direction of the segments) and each working unit is provided with at least two (or more) seats integrally formed with each other.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of this invention are more apparent in the exemplary, hence non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a method for making multisegment articles, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a side view of a machine for making multisegment articles configured to implement the method according to this invention;

- Figure 2 schematically represents an embodiment of the method according to the invention;

- Figure 2A is an enlarged, schematic representation of a step of the method of Figure 2;

- Figure 3 schematically represents a final step of the method illustrated in Figure 2.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes in its entirety a machine suitable for implementing the method for making multisegment articles in accordance with this invention.

In the context of this invention, the individual segments may be segments of filter material, segments of aerosol generating material, segments of tobacco, segments of cooling material, heating elements or hollow tubular segments. The segments may also be "empty spaces" intentionally provided to obtain corresponding hollows in the finished articles.

The segments have the shape of rods, which may differ in length and which, more specifically, are cylindrical in shape, with circular cross section. Moreover, in the context of the invention, a "segment" may in turn be a set of coaxial sub-segments, not necessarily joined to each other and not necessarily abutted end to end.

In the embodiment illustrated, segments of filter material for making composite filters are considered; however, the same concepts in terms of operating steps also apply to segments of a different kind, for example, belonging to the above list of segments. In the assembling method according to the invention, the segments used may not only be segments of the same nature but having different properties (for example, filter segments with different filtering properties) but also segments of a different nature (for example, tubular segments in combination with segments of filter material and heating segments). Thus, all the possible combinations fall within the scope of the invention.

In accordance with Figure 1 , the machine 1 comprises a plurality of feed lines 10, 20, 30, 40 (four in the embodiment illustrated, but the number may be any number greater than or equal to two), each configured to feed filter segments 1 , 2, 3 4 of a specific kind. In other words, the filter segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 fed by each feed line 10, 20, 30, 40 are all of the same kind, which is different from the filter segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 fed by the other feed lines. Alternatively, two or more of the filter segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 may also be of the same kind. Preferably, these filter segments have a rod shape, for example, with circular transverse cross section.

Each feed line 10, 20, 30, 40 comprises, respectively, an upper buffer hopper 11 , 21 , 31 , 41 , intended to contain the respective segments 1 , 2, 3, 4, and one or more transfer drums 12, 13, 14; 22, 23, 24; 32, 33, 34; 42, 43, 44, located downstream of the respective buffer hopper 11 , 21 , 31 , 41 and provided with peripheral seats, specifically suction seats, for holding respective filter segments.

Preferably, at least the segments 1 , 3 accumulated in the hoppers 11 , 31 have a length that is a multiple of the length of the segments to be used in the assembling process, and for this purpose, the respective feed lines 10, 30 comprise at least one cutting drum 14, 34 provided with at least one blade for cutting the segments 1 , 3.

The machine 1 also comprises conveying means 50, located in a bottom portion of the machine and interconnected with at least one transfer drum 12, 13, 14; 22, 23, 24; 32, 33, 34; 42, 43, 44 of each feed line 10, 20, 30, 40. The conveying means 50 are disposed and/or configured to receive respective segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 from the feed lines 10, 20, 30, 40 and define a succession of receiving seats configured to receive one or more of the segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 and to feed the segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 transversely. In the embodiment illustrated, the conveying means 50 comprise a succession of suction drums. Alternatively, the conveying means 50 may comprise a train of drums having mechanical retaining means for holding the segments or they may comprise one or more conveyor belts or linear conveyors provided with independent slides or carriages.

For reasons clarified below, the conveying means 50 comprise, below the first feed line 10, a first receiving drum 51 followed by a first spreading drum 52 and, below the second feed line 30, a second receiving drum 53 (located downstream of the first spreading drum 52) followed by a second spreading drum 54. In alternative embodiments, one or more conveying drums may be provided between the first receiving drum 51 and the first spreading drum 52. Similarly, one or more conveying drums may be provided between the second receiving drum 53 and the second spreading drum 54.

Figure 2 shows an implementation diagram of the method according to the invention.

With reference to this diagram, the filter segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 coming from the feed lines 10, 20, 30, 40 are transferred to the receiving seats of the conveying means 50 to make an alternating succession of first and second filter units 60, 70 (more generally speaking, of first and second multisegment groups) advancing transversely to the longitudinal axis of the segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 and located inside consecutive receiving seats.

Both the first filter units 60 and the second filter units 70 are each composed of at least two, preferably different, kinds of segments 1 , 2, 3, 4. More specifically, the first filter units 60 comprise at least two first segments 1 and, between them, a second segment 2, while the second filter units 70 comprise at least two third segments 3 and, between them, a fourth segment 4.

The first and second filter units 60, 70 thus made and completed may have the same length or different lengths according to the size of the individual filter segments 1 , 2, 3, 4 which make them up.

The filter units 60, 70 are then assembled with each other in a single forming beam 80 (Figure 3) to which they are fed by a transfer “spider” 90 of known type (specifically provided with working units mounted pivotably on a horizontal-axis transfer wheel and driven in such a way that, as the wheel rotates, the working units keep the same orientation, specifically horizontal) to form a single continuous rod 100 defined by a predetermined sequence of segments. Next, this continuous rod 100 is wrapped in a continuous web, specifically a paper web, and then cut into composite filters 110 by a transverse cut made, for example, at the double length segment 4 (Figure 3).

In a preferred embodiment, if the two filter units 60, 70 differ in length, the transfer “spider” 90 is adjusted or set in such a way as to compensate for the difference in length between two consecutive filter units 60, 70. This is accomplished by setting (that is to say, selecting a specific wheel size) or adjusting the individual working units in such a way as to position them at a distance from each other (measured circumferentially at the pivot pins of the working units) which is equal to the average length of the two filter units 60, 70, gripped and transferred by respective consecutive working units of the transfer spider 90, and which, if necessary, may be increased or decreased by a correction factor depending, for example, on the geometry of the working units. That way, the part of the length exceeding the theoretical length of the longer filter unit compensates for the gap left by the shorter filter unit. io Advantageously, the first filter units 60 are made up in the following way:

- transversely feeding, specifically via the receiving drum 51 , a pair of first coaxial segments 1 abutted end to end and, in particular, obtained by cutting via the respective cutting drum 14;

- axially spreading the first segments 1 apart by a first distance D1 to obtain an intermediate spacing;

- next, axially spreading the first segments 1 apart by a second distance D2 to obtain a predetermined spacing, corresponding to a final distance D that is greater than the first distance D1 and, specifically, equal to the sum of the two distances D1 and D2;

- inserting at least a second segment 2 between the first segments 1 that have been spread apart by the final spacing D. Preferably, the length of the second segment 2 is substantially equal to the final spacing D.

The two steps of spreading are carried out on respective drums, distinct from each other, specifically on different spreading drums. These spreading drums are preferably the drums denoted by the numerals 52 and 54 in Figure 1 which could be structurally similar to each other.

In variant embodiments not illustrated, the step of inserting may be accomplished by inserting between the first segments 1 , which are spread apart by the final spacing D, a group of segments whose total length is substantially equal to the final spacing D.

The second filter units 70, on the other hand, are made up in the following way:

- transversely feeding, specifically via the second receiving drum 53, a pair of third coaxial segments 3 abutted end to end and, in particular, obtained by cutting via the respective cutting drum 34;

- axially spreading the third segments 3 apart by a quantity equal to the aforementioned second distance D2;

- inserting at least a fourth segment 4 between the third segments 3 that have been spread apart by the second distance D2. Preferably, the length ii of the fourth segment 4 is substantially equal to the second distance D2.

On the second receiving drum 53, the third segments 3 are disposed at positions alternated with the first segments 1 , that is to say, occupying receiving seats alternated with those occupied by the first segments 1. Thus obtained is an alternating succession of first and third segments 1 , 3, where the first segments 1 are spread apart by the first distance D1 , while the third segments 3 are still abutted end to end.

Advantageously, the next step of spreading by the second distance D2 is carried out on the same spreading drum for the first and the third segments 1 , 3, specifically on the second spreading drum 54.

Furthermore, in this case, too, in variant embodiments not illustrated, the step of inserting may be accomplished by inserting between the third segments 3, which are spread apart by the second spacing D2, a group of segments whose total length is substantially equal to the second distance D2.

That means, therefore, that between the two sub-steps of spreading carried out on the first segments 1 , no segment is inserted between the first segments 1 , that is to say, the space between the spread first segments 1 remains empty until the end of the second sub-step of spreading. The second and fourth segments 2, 4 are inserted at the end of the second sub-step of spreading.

The second and fourth segments 2, 4 are then inserted between the first spread segments 1 and the third spread segments 3, respectively, on respective assembling drums 55, 56 forming part of the conveying means 50 and located below the respective feed lines 20, 40, downstream of the second spreading drum 54.

Figure 2 represents a detail of the second sub-step of spreading, where the first segments 1 (already spread apart by the first distance D1 ) and the third segments 3, abutted end to end, are spread apart by the same distance D2 (the spreading angle is the same for both pairs of first and third segments 1 , 3).

Preferably, the second sub-step of spreading (and, more preferably, the first one, too) is carried out by a spreading drum of known type, with axially movable working units. The present invention achieves the preset aims, overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.

The method according to the invention allows making long sequences of segments, in particular by forming two kinds of filtering units, alternated with each other and subsequently assembled to form a final combination. Furthermore, the invention allows the segments to be spread apart using spreading drums located at the bottom of the machine, hence not in the segment downfeed lines.

Moreover, the solution of the method according to the invention does not require centring or compacting means because the filtering units made in this way are already centred and compacted.

Claims

1. A method for making multisegment articles (110), comprising at least one step of making first multisegment groups composed of at least two first segments and one step of making second multisegment groups alternated with the first multisegment groups and composed of at least two third segments, the method comprising the following steps:

- transversely feeding a succession of pairs of first segments (1 ) which are coaxial with each other,

- axially spreading the first segments (1 ) of each pair from each other until they have a predetermined spacing (D) between them; characterized in that: the step of axially spreading the first segments (1 ) of each pair from each other is accomplished through a first sub-step of axially spreading the first segments (1 ) from each other by a first distance (D1 ) so they have between them an intermediate spacing that is smaller than the predetermined spacing (D), followed by at least one second sub-step of axially spreading the first segments (1 ) from each other by a second distance (D2) so they have between them the predetermined spacing (D), the first and the at least one second sub-step being distinct from each other; the step of making second multisegment groups comprises, preferably between the first and the second sub-step of spreading, a step of placing between successive pairs of first segments (1 ) at least one pair of third, coaxial segments (3) so that the pairs of first and third segments (1 , 3) are parallel and consecutive to each other along the transverse feed direction; the second sub-step of spreading being performed on at least one pair of first segments (1 ) and one adjacent pair of third segments (3), specifically by the same distance.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second substeps are carried out on a first and a second spreading device (52, 54), respectively.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein no segment is inserted between the first, spread segments (1 ) of each pair between the first and the second sub-step.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sub-step of spreading, performed on the pairs of first and third segments (1 , 3), is carried out on a single spreading device, specifically the second spreading device (52).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of inserting at least a second segment (2) between the first, spread segments (1 ).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a step of inserting at least a fourth segment (4) between the third, spread segments (3).

7. The method according to claims 2 and 5, wherein the step of inserting the second segment (2) is carried out by an assembling device (55) located downstream of the second spreading device (54).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, after the step of spreading the first and third segments (1 , 3), a step of feeding the first and second multisegment groups to a forming unit for forming a continuous rod in which the multisegment groups, which are aligned coaxially along a longitudinal axis, are wrapped in a web, preferably of paper, followed by a step of cutting the continuous, wrapped rod (100) to obtain a succession of multisegment articles (110).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising, after the step of spreading the first and third segments (1 , 3), a step of feeding the multisegment groups to a rolling unit in which the first nd the second multisegment group, which are aligned coaxially with each other, are wrapped by rolling in a connecting strip, preferably of paper.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising, after the step of spreading the first and third segments (1 , 3), a step of feeding the multisegment groups to a rolling unit in which the first and the second multisegment group, which are aligned coaxially with each other, are wrapped by rolling in respective connecting strips, preferably of paper.

11. An assembling machine for making multisegment articles, comprising a plurality of feed lines (10, 20, 30, 40) configured to feed respective successions of segments (1 , 2, 3, 4), preferably having different properties, and conveying means (50) disposed and/or configured to receive respective segments (1 , 2, 3, 4) from the feed lines (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein the conveying means (50) define a succession of receiving seats, each configured to receive one or more of the segments (1 , 2, 3, 4) and to feed the segments (1 , 2, 3, 4) transversely, and wherein the machine (1 ) is configured and/or set in such a way that a first feed line (10) of the feed lines (10, 20, 30, 40) releases the respective segments (1 , 2, 3, 4) into first seats of the conveying means (50) and a second feed line (20) of the feed lines (10, 20, 30, 40) releases the respective segments (1 , 2, 3, 4) into second seats of the conveying means (50), the first and second seats being disposed alternately along a conveying direction defined by the conveying means (50); characterized in that the conveying means (50) comprise a first and a second spreading device (52, 54), the first spreading device (52) being located upstream of the second spreading device (54) and being configured to axially spread only the segments placed in the first seats and the second spreading device (54) being configured to spread the segments placed in the first and second seats, specifically by the same distance.