U.S. patent application number 10/940960 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-14 for apparatus and method for the simultaneous manufacture of multiple cigarette rods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hauni Maschinenbau AG. Invention is credited to Dombek, Manfred, Studt, Stephan, Tobias, Jorg.
Application Number | 20050076926 10/940960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34424770 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050076926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dombek, Manfred ; et
al. |
April 14, 2005 |
Apparatus and method for the simultaneous manufacture of multiple
cigarette rods
Abstract
Apparatus and method for manufacture of continuous tobacco rods.
At least one continuous rod conveyor, having at least two suction
tapes, that transports continuous tobacco rods constructed from
tobacco fleece as continuous double rods, at least one separator
associated with each suction tape structured and arranged to
separate surplus tobacco from continuous tobacco rods, and at least
one garniture tape and at least one garniture structured to shape
continuous tobacco rods. At least one device is structured to
deliver cigarette paper onto each garniture tape, and at least one
gluing device is structured and arranged to glue projecting edges
of cigarette papers. At least one rod conveyor is structured and
arranged to manufacture at least two continuous double rods, which
are arranged in pairs. The instant abstract is neither intended to
define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended
to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
Inventors: |
Dombek, Manfred;
(Dassendorf, DE) ; Tobias, Jorg; (Drage, DE)
; Studt, Stephan; (Hamburg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
Hauni Maschinenbau AG,
Hamburg
DE
|
Family ID: |
34424770 |
Appl. No.: |
10/940960 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/69 ; 131/58;
131/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24C 5/1835
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/069 ;
131/058; 131/067 |
International
Class: |
A24C 001/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 16, 2003 |
EP |
03 09 0297.7 |
Jan 24, 2004 |
EP |
04 09 0024.3 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An apparatus for the manufacture of continuous tobacco rods
which are guided parallel and adjacent to each other to form
continuous double rods, from at least one continuously delivered
tobacco fleece, comprising: at least one continuous rod conveyor,
including at least two suction tapes, that transports continuous
tobacco rods constructed from the tobacco fleece as continuous
double-rods; at least one separator associated with each suction
tape structured and arranged to separate surplus tobacco from the
continuous tobacco rods; at least one garniture tape and at least
one garniture structured to shape the continuous tobacco rods; at
least one device structured to deliver cigarette papers onto each
garniture tape; and at least one gluing device structured and
arranged to glue projecting edges of the cigarette papers, which
are substantially wrapped around the continuous tobacco rod,
wherein said at least one rod conveyor is structured and arranged
to manufacture at least two continuous double rods, which are
arranged in pairs.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
measurer that determines one of a weight and density of an
individual one of the continuous single tobacco rods.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
separating device structured to separate the continuous double rods
to form cigarettes.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
structured and arranged to manufacture an even number of the
continuous tobacco rods, wherein the continuous tobacco rods are
respectively arranged in pairs.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is
structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods
are arranged parallel to each other.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods
are arranged offset in height from each other and adjacent to each
other.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods
are arranged one above the other.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein first and second
continuous tobacco rods of a first continuous double rod are
positioned vertically below third and fourth continuous tobacco
rods of a second continuous double rod, respectively.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a distance between
said first and second continuous double rods is at least as large
as a distance between one of said first and second continuous
tobacco rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and
fourth continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double
rod.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a distance between
said first and second continuous double rods is larger than a
distance between one of said first and second continuous tobacco
rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and fourth
continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double rod.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
continuous rod conveyor comprises at least two continuous rod
conveyors, said at least one separator comprises at least two
separators, said at least one garniture tape comprises at least two
garniture tapes, and said at least one gluing device comprises at
least two gluing devices, and wherein each of said at least two
continuous rod conveyors, each of said at least two separators,
each of said at least two garniture tapes, and each of said at
least two gluing devices are arranged offset from with respect to
height and located adjacent each other to process the continuous
double rods.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
continuous rod conveyor comprises at least two continuous rod
conveyors, said at least one separator comprises at least two
separators, said at least one garniture tape comprises at least two
garniture tapes, and said at least one gluing device comprises at
least two gluing devices, and wherein each of said at least two
continuous rod conveyors, each of said at least two separators,
each of said at least two garniture tapes, and each of said at
least two gluing devices are arranged one above the other to
process the continuous double rods.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods
can be driven separately from each other in such a way that the
continuous double rods can be manufactured independently of each
other.
14. A method for the manufacture of continuous tobacco rods, which
are guided parallel and adjacent to each other as continuous double
rods, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece, the
method comprising: transporting at least two continuous double rods
as continuous tobacco rods on at least two suction tapes of at
least one continuous rod conveyor; separating surplus tobacco from
the continuous tobacco rods; delivering cigarette papers onto the
garniture tapes; depositing the continuous tobacco rods on one of
garniture tapes or the cigarette papers; shaping the continuous
tobacco rods; simultaneously wrapping the continuous tobacco rods
with the cigarette paper; gluing respectively projecting edges of
the cigarette papers, which are substantially wrapped round the
continuous tobacco rods; and closing the cigarette papers, whereby
the at least two continuous double rods are simultaneously
manufactured.
15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising: measuring
one of a weight and density of the continuous tobacco rods.
16. The method according to claim 14 further comprising: separating
the continuous double rods to form cigarettes.
17. The method according to claim 14, wherein an even number of
continuous tobacco rods are manufactured simultaneously, wherein
the continuous tobacco rods are each arranged in pairs to form
double rods.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein two continuous double
rods are guided parallel to each other.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the two continuous
double rods are guided offset in height from each other and
parallel adjacent to each other during processing.
20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the two continuous
double rods are guided one above the other.
21. The method according to claim 18, wherein first and second
continuous tobacco rods of a first continuous double rod are
positioned vertically below third and fourth continuous tobacco
rods of a second continuous double rod, respectively.
22. The method according to claim 14, wherein a distance between
said first and second continuous double rods is at least as large
as a distance between one of said first and second continuous
tobacco rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and
fourth continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double
rod.
23. The method according to claim 14, wherein a distance between
said first and second continuous double rods is larger than a
distance between one of said first and second continuous tobacco
rods of said first continuous double rod and said third and fourth
continuous tobacco rods of said second continuous double rod.
24. The method according to claim 14, wherein each continuous
double rod is deposited, transported, separated, delivered.,
shaped, and glued-by separate elements.
25. The method according to claim 14, further comprising separately
driving the continuous double rods.
26. An apparatus for manufacturing tobacco rods using the method
according to claim 14, said apparatus comprising: at least two
continuous rod conveyors, wherein each continuous rod conveyor is
structured to transport a continuous double rod.
27. An apparatus for the manufacture of tobacco products
comprising: at least one continuous rod conveyor arranged to
transport a plurality of continuous tobacco rods as continuous
double tobacco rods; at least one garniture structured and arranged
to shape the plurality of continuous tobacco rods; at least one
gluing device structured and arranged to glue respective projecting
edges of cigarette papers of said plurality of continuous tobacco
rods.
28. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
measuring unit structured and arranged to determine one of a weight
and density of the plurality of continuous double tobacco rods.
29. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
separating unit structured and arranged to separate the plurality
of continuous double tobacco rods to form cigarettes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 of European Patent Application No. 03 09 0297.7, filed on
Sep. 16, 2003 and European Patent Application No. 04 09 0024.3
filed Jan. 24, 2004, the disclosures of which are expressly
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention concerns an apparatus for the
manufacture of two continuous tobacco rods, which are guided
parallel adjacent to each other to form a double rod, from at least
one continuously delivered tobacco fleece, i.e., a continuous
cigarette rod-making machine with a plurality of processing
elements designed for the processing of a double rod. The apparatus
includes a continuous rod conveyor for transport of the continuous
tobacco rods constructed from the tobacco fleece on two suction
tapes, and a separating device, corresponding to each suction tape
of the continuous rod conveyor, for separating the surplus tobacco
from the continuous tobacco rods. Moreover, a garniture tape for
shaping the continuous tobacco rods is provided, as is a device for
delivering cigarette paper onto each garniture tape. Furthermore,
gluing devices for gluing a respectively projecting edge of the
cigarette paper, which is otherwise wrapped round the continuous
tobacco rod, a measuring device for determining the weight and/or
density of the continuous single tobacco rods of the double rod,
and a separating device for separating cigarettes from the double
rod are also included.
[0004] Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for the
manufacture of two continuous tobacco rods, which are guided
parallel adjacent to each other to form a double rod, from at least
one continuously delivered tobacco fleece. The method includes
transporting the continuous tobacco rods constructed from the
tobacco fleece on two suction tapes of a continuous rod conveyor in
the direction of corresponding garniture tapes. Moreover, the
method includes separating the surplus tobacco from the continuous
tobacco rods before shaping of the continuous tobacco rods, and
delivering cigarette paper onto the garniture tapes. Furthermore,
the method includes depositing the continuous tobacco rods on the
garniture tapes or on the cigarette paper, shaping the continuous
tobacco rods, and simultaneously wrapping the continuous tobacco
rods with the cigarette paper. The method also includes gluing a
respectively projecting edge of the cigarette paper which is
otherwise wrapped round the continuous tobacco rod, and closing the
cigarette paper, measuring the weight and/or density of the
continuous tobacco rods, and separating cigarettes from the double
rod.
[0005] 2. Discussion of Background Information
[0006] Apparatuses and methods of this kind are usually used in the
tobacco-processing industry. The above-mentioned apparatuses are
usually part of a production line, which includes a distributor for
the tobacco, the actual continuous cigarette rod-making machine, a
transfer unit and a filter-attaching machine. The continuous
cigarette rod-making machine is supplied from the distributor with
a tobacco fleece, a kind of flat tobacco mat. The known and generic
continuous cigarette rod-making machines are designed for the
manufacture of a single double rod from a total of two continuous
single rods arranged in pairs, in such a way that the two
continuous tobacco rods are manufactured parallel adjacent to each
other as a pair with a set of processing elements designed for the
processing of a double rod. Compared with known continuous
cigarette rod-making machines in which several single continuous
tobacco rods usually arranged with the same spacing adjacent to
each other are manufactured, this has the advantage that a more
compact design is achieved. In order to be able to manufacture more
than two continuous cigarette rods in parallel. It is basically
known that several single continuous cigarette rods can be arranged
adjacent to each other. This solution is, above all, technically
very difficult to realize, as the distance between the continuous
single rods is very limited and as a rule not sufficient to
position the processing elements. If, however, the necessary space
is created for the processing elements, this automatically leads to
a larger distance and hence to an enlargement of the design as a
whole, as each continuous rod must be assigned separate processing
elements. Otherwise, the structural expenditure is considerable.
The productivity of the known continuous cigarette rod-making
machines for the manufacture of a single continuous double rod is
however limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an aspect of the present invention to
provide a compact, easy-to-handle apparatus for the parallel
manufacture of more than two continuous tobacco rods. Furthermore,
it is an aspect of the present invention to propose a method, which
in a simple and compact manner allows the manufacture of more than
two continuous tobacco rods simultaneously.
[0008] This aspect is achieved by an apparatus of the kind
mentioned hereinbefore by the fact that the apparatus is designed
for the manufacture of at least two continuous double rods arranged
in pairs. With such an apparatus, in a surprisingly simple manner
there is produced a particularly compact apparatus which ensures an
effective increase in productivity. Arrangement of the continuous
tobacco rods in pairs to form one double rod each, allows firstly a
particularly dense arrangement of the continuous tobacco rods of a
double rod, so that only one processing element is necessary for
the processing of two continuous rods (of a double rod). Secondly,
the design according to the invention also allows a dense
arrangement of the continuous tobacco rods of adjacent double rods.
There is also sufficient space for the required processing elements
for the respective double rod. A further advantage lies in that it
is essentially possible to resort to known components of a
continuous cigarette double rod-making machine.
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, two continuous double
rods are arranged offset in height from each other and adjacent to
each other. Due to this staggered arrangement, a particularly
space-saving arrangement of the processing elements which allows a
high-output and very compact apparatus, is ensured.
[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment, the two continuous
double rods are arranged one above the other which also ensures a
space-saving construction of the apparatus.
[0011] Preferably, the distance between the two continuous double
rods is larger than the distance between the continuous tobacco
rods of a double rod. Hence it is possible to use already existing
and known (standard) processing elements without further adaptation
in a space-saving manner.
[0012] Advantageously, the continuous double rods can be driven
separately from each other in such a way that the continuous double
rods formed from the continuous tobacco rods can be manufactured
independently of each other. Hence e.g. different cigarette brands
can also be made with different formats on one apparatus.
[0013] Furthermore, the aspect is achieved by a method with the
steps mentioned hereinbefore, by the fact that at least two
continuous double rods are manufactured simultaneously. As a
result, the productivity is greatly increased compared with known
methods of the generic kind, namely doubled.
[0014] Advantageously, the two continuous double rods are guided
offset in height from each other and adjacent to each other during
processing, so that particularly cost-efficient and space-saving
manufacture is made possible. The same advantages apply to the
variant in which the two continuous double rods are guided one
above the other.
[0015] In one development of the invention the two continuous
double rods are guided during processing at a distance from each
other, which is larger than the distance between the continuous
rods of a double rod. As a result, the nested arrangement of the
continuous double rods on the one hand and of the respective
processing elements on the other hand is possible in a particularly
space-saving manner.
[0016] Due to the fact that the continuous double rods are driven
separately in a further embodiment, independent operation or
independent manufacture of continuous double rods in one apparatus
is possible, so that e.g. different formats can be manufactured at
the same time or staggered in time.
[0017] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the
manufacture of two continuous tobacco rods which are guided
parallel and adjacent to each other to form a continuous double
rod, from at least one continuously delivered tobacco fleece. The
apparatus includes at least one continuous rod conveyor, having at
least two suction tapes, that transports continuous tobacco rods
constructed from the tobacco fleece as continuous double rods, at
least one separator associated with each suction tape structured
and arranged to separate surplus tobacco from the continuous
tobacco rods, and at least one garniture tape and at least one
garniture structured to shape the continuous tobacco rods. At least
one device is structured to deliver cigarette papers onto each
garniture tape, and at Least one gluing device is structured and
arranged to glue projecting edges of the cigarette papers, which
are substantially wrapped around the continuous tobacco rod. The at
least one rod conveyor is structured and arranged to manufacture at
least two continuous double rods, which are arranged in pairs.
[0018] According to the invention, the apparatus can further
include a measurer that determines one of a weight and density of
an individual one of the continuous single tobacco rods.
[0019] In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the
apparatus can also include a separating device structured to
separate the continuous double rods to form cigarettes.
[0020] According to another feature of the invention, the apparatus
may be structured and arranged to manufacture an even number of the
continuous tobacco rods. The continuous tobacco rods can be
respectively arranged in pairs.
[0021] According to still another feature of the invention, the
apparatus can be structured and arranged such that the two
continuous double rods are arranged parallel to each other.
[0022] The apparatus may be structured and arranged such that the
two continuous double rods are arranged offset in height from each
other and adjacent to each other.
[0023] Further, the apparatus can be structured and arranged such
that the two continuous double rods are arranged one above the
other. First and second continuous tobacco rods of a first
continuous double rod are positioned vertically below third and
fourth continuous tobacco rods of a second continuous double rod,
respectively. Moreover, a distance between the first and second
continuous double rods may be at least as large as a distance
between one of the first and second continuous tobacco rods of the
first continuous double rod and the third and fourth continuous
tobacco rods of the second continuous double rod. Further, a
distance between the first and second continuous double rods can be
larger than a distance between one of the first and second
continuous tobacco rods of the first continuous double rod and the
third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of the second continuous
double rod.
[0024] According to still another feature of the present invention,
the at least one continuous rod conveyor may include at least two
continuous rod conveyors, the at least one separator comprises at
least two separators, the at least one garniture tape comprises at
least two garniture tapes, and the at least one gluing device
comprises at least two gluing devices. Each of the at least two
continuous rod conveyors, each of the at least two separators, each
of the at least two garniture tapes, and each of the at least two
gluing devices can be arranged offset from with respect to height
and located adjacent each other to process the continuous double
rods.
[0025] Still further, the at least one continuous rod conveyor can
include at least two continuous rod conveyors, the at least one
separator comprises at least two separators, the at least one
garniture tape comprises at least two garniture tapes, and the at
least one gluing device comprises at least two gluing devices. Each
of the at least two continuous rod conveyors, each of the at least
two separators-, each of the at least two garniture tapes, and each
of the at least two gluing devices can be arranged one above the
other to process the continuous double rods.
[0026] According to another feature, the apparatus can be
structured and arranged such that the two continuous double rods
can be driven separately from each other in such a way that the
continuous double rods can be manufactured independently of each
other.
[0027] The present invention is directed to a method for the
manufacture of continuous tobacco rods, which are guided parallel
and adjacent to each other as continuous double rods, from at least
one continuously delivered tobacco fleece. The method includes
transporting at least two continuous double rods as continuous
tobacco rods on at least two suction tapes of at least one
continuous rod conveyor, separating surplus tobacco from the
continuous tobacco rods, delivering cigarette papers onto the
garniture tapes, depositing the continuous tobacco rods on one of
garniture tapes or the cigarette papers, shaping the continuous
tobacco rods, simultaneously wrapping the continuous tobacco rods
with the cigarette paper, gluing respectively projecting edges of
the cigarette papers, which are substantially wrapped round the
continuous tobacco rods, and closing the cigarette papers. In this
manner, the at least two continuous double rods are simultaneously
manufactured.
[0028] In accordance with the instant invention, the method can
further include measuring one of a weight and density of the
continuous tobacco rods.
[0029] According to a feature of the invention, the method may also
include separating the continuous double rods to form
cigarettes.
[0030] According to the method, an even number of continuous
tobacco rods can be manufactured simultaneously. The continuous
tobacco rods may each be arranged in pairs to form double rods.
[0031] According to the present invention, two continuous double
rods can be guided parallel to each other.
[0032] In accordance with another feature of the invention, the two
continuous double rods may be guided offset in height from each
other and parallel adjacent to each other during processing.
Alternatively, the two continuous double rods can be guided one
above the other. First and second continuous tobacco rods of a
first continuous double rod can be positioned vertically below
third and fourth-continuous tobacco rods of a second continuous
double rod, respectively.
[0033] According to still another feature, a distance between the
first and second continuous double rods may be at least as large as
a distance between one of the first and second continuous tobacco
rods of the first continuous double rod and the third and fourth
continuous tobacco rods of the second continuous double rod.
Alternatively, a distance between the first and second continuous
double rods is larger than a distance between one of the first and
second continuous tobacco rods of the first continuous double rod
and the third and fourth continuous tobacco rods of the second
continuous double rod.
[0034] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, each
continuous double rod can be deposited, transported, separated,
delivered, shaped, and glued by separate elements.
[0035] Further, the method can include separately driving the
continuous double rods.
[0036] The invention is also directed to an apparatus for
manufacturing tobacco rods using the above-described method. The
apparatus includes at least two continuous rod conveyors. Each
continuous rod conveyor can be structured to transport a continuous
double rod.
[0037] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the
manufacture of tobacco products. The apparatus includes at least
one continuous rod conveyor arranged to transport a plurality of
continuous tobacco rods as continuous double tobacco rods, at least
one garniture structured and arranged to shape the plurality of
continuous tobacco rods, and at least one gluing device structured
and arranged to glue respective projecting edges of cigarette
papers of the plurality of continuous tobacco rods.
[0038] According to a feature of the instant invention, the
apparatus can also include a measuring unit structured and arranged
to determine one of a weight and density of the plurality of
continuous double tobacco rods.
[0039] In accordance with still yet another feature of the present
invention, the apparatus may include a separating unit structured
and arranged to separate the plurality of continuous double tobacco
rods to form cigarettes.
[0040] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present
invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure
and the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The present invention is further described in the detailed
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, in which like reference numerals
represent similar parts throughout the several views of the
drawings, and wherein:
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a continuous cigarette
rod-making machine in which the continuous double rods are offset
in height from each other and adjacent to each other, with a
distributor upstream and transfer device downstream;
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a detail enlargement from FIG. 1, namely the
continuous rod conveyor with the separating elements for separating
the surplus tobacco from the continuous tobacco rods;
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a detail enlargement from FIG. 1, namely the
measuring device for determining the weight and/or the density of
the continuous rods with the separating elements for separating
double-length cigarettes from the continuous tobacco rods as well
as the transfer device; and
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a further continuous
cigarette rod-making machine in which the continuous double rods
are arranged one above the other.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0046] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention
may be embodied in practice.
[0047] The apparatus of the present invention is used for the
parallel manufacture of two continuous double rods from tobacco, in
which two continuous tobacco rods each are arranged adjacent to
each other in pairs.
[0048] In FIG. 1 is shown an apparatus 10, namely the continuous
cigarette rod-making machine with the components mounted upstream
and downstream, respectively. On the input side, associated with
the apparatus 10 is a distributor 11, which is designed to deliver
several streams of tobacco fleece to the apparatus, preferably four
streams, for further processing. Downstream from the apparatus a
transfer device 12, not described in more detail, is mounted which
transfers the (usually) double-length cigarettes produced on the
apparatus 10, to a subsequent processing station, e.g. a
filter-attaching machine (not shown).
[0049] Adjoining the distributor 11 in the direction of transport
of the tobacco (see arrow 13) are four fluidized bed troughs 14,
15, 16 and 17. The fluidized bed troughs 14 to 17 are used for
continuously conveying the tobacco in fleece form to two continuous
rod conveyors 18 and 19 mounted downstream in the direction of
transport 13. Each continuous rod conveyor 18, 19 has two suction
tapes 20, 91; 22, 23, wherein two suction tapes 20, 21 or 22, 23
are each used to form a continuous double rod 28, 29 each
containing two continuous tobacco rods 24, 25 or 26, 27.
[0050] The continuous double rods 28, 29 are arranged adjacent to
each other and run parallel to each other. The continuous double
rods 28, 29 are arranged on different levels in a vertical
direction, so that they are offset from each other in height. In
other words, the transport and processing levels of each continuous
double rod 28, 29 run at different heights. Alternatively, it is
also possible for the continuous double rods 28, 29 to be arranged
directly one above the other. This relates to, e.g., the continuous
tobacco rod 24 of the double rod 28 lies vertically below the
continuous tobacco rod 26 of the double rod 29, and the continuous
tobacco rod 25 of the double rod 28 lies vertically below the
continuous tobacco rod 27 of the double rod 29.
[0051] Each continuous double rod 28, 29 is assigned processing
elements having the same construction for manufacture of the total
of four continuous rods 24 to 27, wherein the processing elements
are designed so as to ensure parallel processing of a continuous
double rod 28 or 29. In particular with reference to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the distance of the continuous double rod 28
from the continuous double rod 29 is at least as large as the
distance between continuous single rods 24, 25 or 26, 27 of a
double rod 28, 29, but preferably larger. In other words, the
distance between the adjacent continuous tobacco rods 25 and 26,
which are each assigned to another double rod 28 or 29, is larger
than the distance between the continuous tobacco rods 24 and 25 or
26 and 27. This parallel guiding of the continuous tobacco rods 24
to 27 or of the double rods 28, 29 is maintained by the apparatus
10 throughout transport and throughout processing.
[0052] The continuous rod conveyors 18, 19 are designed in the
embodiment shown as rotating endless belt conveyors in such a way
that the tobacco can be conveyed in the direction of transport 13,
preferably suspended. Other types of transport, e.g. horizontal
transport, are possible. The tobacco fleece is here assigned to
each suction tape 20 to 23 to form the respective continuous
tobacco rod 24 to 27 in a separate track. Below each suction tape
20 to 23 is arranged conventional separating devices 30, 31, 32, 33
for trimming the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 or, to be more
precise, for separating off the surplus tobacco. Shortly behind the
separating devices 30 to 33 in the direction of transport 13 and
shortly before the suction tapes 20 to 23 end, corresponding to
each suction tape 20 to 23 is arranged a garniture tape 34, 35, 36,
37. The garniture tapes 34, 35 are used for further guiding the
continuous double rod 28, and the garniture tapes 36, 37 are used
for further guiding the continuous double rod 29. Two garniture
tapes 34, 35 or 36, 37 each have a common drive. In the region of
intersection of the suction tapes 20 to 23 on the one hand and of
the garniture tapes 34 to 37 on the other hand, transfer of the
tobacco fleece from the suction tapes 20 to 23 to the garniture
tapes 34 to 37 takes place.
[0053] The garniture tapes 34 to 37 are arranged on a level below
the suction tapes 20 to 23 and also designed as endlessly rotating
belt conveyors. The garniture tapes 34 to 37 in each case pass
through a garniture (not shown) for shaping the continuous tobacco
rods 24 to 27, namely in particular for shaping cylindrical
continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27. In the region of the garniture
tapes 34 to 37 are further arranged by a device (not shown) for the
delivery of cigarette paper onto the garniture tapes 34 to 37 as
well as gluing devices 38 and 39 which are designed as nozzles
discs or the like for gluing the cigarette paper. Behind the
garnitures are then provided device 40, 41 for heating or drying
the glue seams. Further in the direction of transport 13, each
continuous double rod 28, 29 is assigned measuring devices 42, 43
for determining the weight and/or density of the continuous tobacco
rods 24 to 27. The measuring devices 42, 43 are arranged parallel
adjacent to each other in the embodiment shown, but can be offset
from each other as well. Behind the measuring device 42, 43 are
arranged separating devices 44 and 45 before the continuous tobacco
rods 24 to 27 are transferred to the transfer device 12. The
separating devices 44, 45 are each designed for separating
double-length cigarettes of a double rod 28, 29.
[0054] In further embodiments, not shown, more than two pairs of
double rods can also be arranged adjacent to each other and/or
offset from each other in height, or one above the other.
Advantageously the apparatus 10 is designed for the manufacture of
an even number of continuous tobacco rods, wherein the continuous
tobacco rods are each arranged and guided in pairs. The
corresponding components, namely the distributor upstream and the
transfer device downstream are then designed accordingly.
[0055] As already mentioned for the embodiment as in FIGS. 1 to 3,
all the processing elements or function elements or functions are
redundant, namely for each continuous double rod 28, 29, wherein
the processing elements which are each designed for the processing
of a continuous double rod 28, 29 are, like the continuous double
rods 28, 29 arranged one above the other, also arranged one above
the other.
[0056] For all the embodiments, operation of the apparatus 10,
which in the embodiments shown includes two dividing devices,
namely for each continuous double rod 28, 29 one dividing device,
in a common housing, is variable. In this way, the continuous
double rods 28, 29 or the respective dividing devices can be driven
separately. This can be done, e.g., by assigning single drives for
each continuous double rod 28, 29. Due to the separate drive, at
least two continuous double rods 28, 29 formed from the continuous
tobacco rods 24 to 27 can be made independently of each other. Thus
different formats, e.g., different tobacco stick lengths and/or
tobacco stick diameters, can be made with the apparatus 10 at the
same time or staggered in time. Of course, all the continuous
double rods 28. 29 or dividing devices can also be driven together,
e.g. by an overriding general drive.
[0057] The method for the manufacture of two continuous double rods
proceeds basically as follows. From the distributor 11, tobacco-is
guided in four streams to the apparatus 10. The tobacco is designed
as a fleece. Via the fluidized bed troughs 14 to 17, to each
continuous rod conveyor 18, 19 or to each suction tape 20 to 23 of
the continuous rod conveyors 18, 19 is delivered a uniform portion
of the fleece, wherein the fleece is pressed or sucked against the
lower side of the suction tapes 20 to 23 within the fluidized bed
troughs 14 to 17 by a circulating air stream. Upward acceleration
of the tobacco is also spoken of in this connection. The
rotationally driven suction tapes 20 to 23 then transport the
tobacco fleece or the continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 constructed
from it in suspension for further processing. The suspended
continuous tobacco rods 24 to 27 are freed from surplus tobacco by
the separating device 24 to 27. The trimmed continuous tobacco rods
24 to 27 are then laid on the cigarette paper, which is in each
case placed on the garniture tape 34 to 37. In this region the
garniture tapes 34 to 37 with the cigarette paper positioned
thereon as well as the suction tapes 20 to 23 are synchronized. The
cigarette paper is taken off a bobbin, passed through a print
mechanism and then deposited on the respective garniture tape 34 to
37. The garniture tapes 34 to 37 transport each continuous tobacco
rod 24 to 27 and the cigarette paper through the garniture in which
the cigarette paper is wrapped round the continuous rod 24 to 27.
In the process, one edge is left standing, and glue is applied to
it by the gluing nozzles 38, 39. The two edges of the continuous
rods 24, 25 or 26, 27 of a double rod 28 or 29 are each glued
jointly. Then, the adhesive seam is closed, and dried in a double
rod with the device 40, 41. The continuous double rods 28, 29 made
in this way then each pass through the measuring device 42, 43
which control the separating devices 30 to 33. In the next step,
cigarettes are cut off from each continuous tobacco rod 24 to 27,
the cutting being done again in pairs. In other words, the
separating device 44 separates the continuous rods 24, 25, and the
separating device 45 separates the continuous rods 26, 27. By use
of the transfer device the cigarettes are transferred for
subsequent processing
[0058] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided
merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be
construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present
invention has been described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used
herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words
of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the
appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its
aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars
disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are
within the scope of the appended claims.
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