U.S. patent application number 11/312329 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for module for a machine and method for perforating rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hauni Maschinenbau AG. Invention is credited to Manfred Dombek.
Application Number | 20060130858 11/312329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36123336 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060130858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dombek; Manfred |
June 22, 2006 |
Module for a machine and method for perforating rod-shaped articles
of the tobacco industry
Abstract
A module for a machine used in the tobacco processing industry
for processing, assembling, and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles.
The machine module includes a vertical conveyor.
Inventors: |
Dombek; Manfred;
(Dassensdorf, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20045-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
Hauni Maschinenbau AG
Hamburg
DE
|
Family ID: |
36123336 |
Appl. No.: |
11/312329 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
131/281 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24C 5/478 20130101;
A24C 5/475 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/281 |
International
Class: |
A24C 5/47 20060101
A24C005/47 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2004 |
DE |
102004063097.6 |
Claims
1. A module for a machine used in the tobacco processing industry
for processing, assembling, and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles,
comprising a vertical conveyor.
2. The module of claim 1, wherein the vertical conveyor is adapted
to convey the rod-shaped articles at least in some sections
exclusively in a vertical direction.
3. The module of claim 1, wherein the vertical conveyor is a belt
conveyor.
4. The module of claim 1, wherein the module comprises an output,
and the substantially vertical conveyor is arranged downstream with
respect to a conveying direction for the rod-shaped articles, at
the module output.
5. The module of claim 4, wherein the module comprises a second
module arranged downstream of the one module with respect to the
conveying direction of the rod-shaped articles, and having an
intake for taking over the rod-shaped articles from the vertical
conveyor of the one module.
6. The module of claim 1, wherein the module includes a second
module operatively connected to the one module.
7. The module of claim 1, wherein the machine used in the tobacco
processing industry is at least one of a filter-tipping machine or
an apparatus for assembling groups of filter segments for producing
multi-segment filters.
8. A module for a machine used in the tobacco processing industry
for processing, assembling, and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles,
comprising at least two perforation devices that are arranged one
above the other.
9. The module of claim 8, wherein the module includes first and
second conveyors, and each perforation device comprises a conveying
element for removing rod-shaped articles from the first conveyor
and transferring the rod-shaped articles to the second
conveyor.
10. The module of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first
conveyor or the second conveyor is a vertical conveyor.
11. The module of claim 10, wherein at least some sections of the
first and second conveyors are adapted to convey the rod-shaped
articles exclusively in a vertical direction.
12. The module of claim 10, wherein the vertical conveyor is a belt
conveyor.
13. A machine used in the tobacco processing industry, comprising
at least one of: an element adapted to assemble the rod-shaped
articles; an element adapted to convey the rod-shaped articles; an
element adapted to process the rod-shaped articles; or an element
adapted to inspect the rod-shaped articles, further comprising at
least one module according to claim 1 or at least one module
according to claim 8.
14. The machine of claim 13, wherein the machine is a
filter-tipping machine or an apparatus for assembling groups of
filter segments for producing multi-segment filters.
15. A method of processing, assembling, and/or inspecting
rod-shaped articles in the tobacco industry, comprising utilizing a
vertical conveyor in at least one of a filter-tipping machine or an
apparatus for assembling rod-shaped articles of the tobacco
processing industry.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least some sections of the
vertical conveyor convey the rod-shaped articles exclusively in a
vertical direction.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the vertical conveyor comprises
a conveying belt.
18. A method for perforating rod-shaped articles of the tobacco
processing industry, comprising: conveying a sequence of the
rod-shaped articles; dividing the sequence into at least two
partial sequences; perforating the rod-shaped articles of each
partial sequence; and recombining the at least two partial
sequences to form a single sequence of perforated rod-shaped
articles.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of
supplying each partial sequence to respective perforation
devices.
20. The method of claim 18, including conveying the sequence
vertically in at least some sections.
21. The method of claim 20, including conveying the sequence on a
vertical conveyor.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the rod-shaped articles of each
partial sequence are perforated while positioned vertically one
above the other.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of perforating the at
least two partial sequences comprises using high-energy
radiation.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the high-energy radiation is
laser radiation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of German Patent
Application No. DE 10 2004 063 097.6, filed on Dec. 22, 2004, the
entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a module for a machine used
in the tobacco processing industry for conveying, processing,
assembling and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles. The present
invention further relates to a method for perforating rod-shaped
articles of the tobacco processing industry.
[0003] Modules of this type are known, for example, from
applicant's own International Publication No. WO 03/024256 A2,
incorporated herein by reference. This reference describes the
modules as independent functional units that jointly form an
apparatus for assembling groups of filter segments to produce
multi-segment filters of the tobacco processing industry in a
rod-forming process. As a result, highly variable multi-segment
filter production is possible. Even different multi-segment filters
can be produced cost-effectively due to the variability of the
respective apparatus and/or machine. In addition, little time is
required for a changeover of the apparatus and/or machine.
Furthermore, the respective apparatus and/or machine saves
space.
[0004] German Patent No. 101 45 326 A1, incorporated herein by
reference, discloses a method and apparatus for producing
ventilated cigarettes by means of perforation. Another method and
apparatus for perforating cigarettes are disclosed in German Patent
No. 102 17 409 A1, incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide one or
more modules for use in a highly variable machine of the tobacco
processing industry for conveying, processing, assembling and/or
inspecting rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method
that permits efficient perforation of rod-shaped articles of the
tobacco processing industry.
[0006] According to one exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a machine used in the tobacco processing industry for
processing, assembling, and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles, the
machine comprising at least one module including a vertical
conveyor. The machines described in the applicant's reference Nos.
WO 03/024256A2, and PCT/EP2004/007039 (both incorporated herein by
reference) can be modified to include the principles of the present
invention.
[0007] By using a vertical conveyor, it is possible to obtain a
filter-tipping machine or a machine for assembling rod-shaped
articles of the tobacco processing industry (e.g., a multi-segment
filter producing machine) having a space-saving and highly variable
configuration. In particular, the vertical conveyor can provide a
variable point of interconnection with other elements of the
machine, or with other machines, particularly with respect to
height. The transfer of articles of the tobacco processing industry
to the vertical conveyor, as well as the discharge from the
conveyor, can take place at different heights and locations. Also,
the articles can be arranged one above the other.
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
vertical conveyor is adapted to convey articles of the tobacco
processing industry exclusively in the vertical direction, at least
in some sections. This can be realized particularly easily if the
vertical conveyor comprises a conveying belt. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the vertical conveyor preferably comprises a
belt-type conveyor. The point of intersection to other conveying
elements or machines of this type can be realized particularly
easily and with high variability if a vertical conveyor and/or a
vertical belt conveyor is used in a filter-tipping machine or a
machine for assembling rod-shaped articles of the tobacco
processing industry. In addition, such a machine may require very
little space for setup.
[0009] The present invention also provides a module for a machine
used in the tobacco processing industry for processing, assembling
and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles, comprising a vertical
conveyor. According to an exemplary embodiment, the module is
preferably an independent functional unit as defined in
International Publication No. WO 03/024256 A2, incorporated herein
by reference.
[0010] The vertical conveyor is advantageously embodied so as to
convey the articles exclusively in the vertical direction, at least
in some sections. In particular, the vertical conveyor can be a
belt conveyor and/or or a vertical belt conveyor. Using a vertical
conveyor in a module of this type results in high variability of
the module, as does the use of the module in a respective machine.
In addition, a module and/or machine of this type can be highly
space-saving.
[0011] The vertical conveyor can be arranged downstream, with
respect to the article-conveying direction, preferably at the
module output. This can create an intersection to other modules or
other conveying elements or conveying means, for example, a
withdrawing drum. In addition, several drums can be operatively
connected to the vertical conveyor, thus resulting in a highly
variable intersection. If an element for taking over the articles
from the vertical conveyor is provided upstream, with respect to
the conveying direction, at the intake, a simple and efficient
point of intersection can be provided between two modules, at least
one of which comprises a vertical conveyor.
[0012] Particularly advantageous is a module that is designed to be
operatively connected to at least one other module. In that case,
two modules can be directly connected and placed right next to each
other, thereby resulting in a high variability of the respective
machines, as well as a particularly space saving arrangement.
[0013] The machine used in the tobacco processing industry
according to the present invention can be a filter-tipping machine
or an apparatus for assembling groups of filter segments for
producing multi-segment filters. The applicant markets a standard
filter-tipping machine under the designation "MAX." An extremely
efficient filter-tipping machine is described, for example, in
International Application No. PCT/EP2004/007039, incorporated
herein by reference. An apparatus for assembling groups of filter
segments for producing multi-segment filters is described in detail
in the applicant's International Publication No. WO 03/024256 A2,
incorporated herein by reference.
[0014] The present invention also relates to a module on a machine
used in the tobacco processing industry for conveying, processing,
assembling and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles of the tobacco
processing industry, which comprises at least two perforation
devices, arranged one above the other. By arranging the perforation
devices one above the other, in particular vertically above each
other, it is possible to realize a highly space-saving module. Each
perforation device can comprise a conveying element for removing
articles from a first conveyor and transferring these to a second
conveyor, thus resulting in a highly variable module. The first
and/or second conveyor preferably can be a vertical conveyor. A
particularly space-saving module is obtained if the vertical
conveyor conveys the articles exclusively in the vertical
direction, at least in some sections. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the vertical conveyor is preferably a belt conveyor, in
particular, a vertical belt conveyor.
[0015] A machine used in the tobacco processing industry, with
elements for assembling, conveying, processing and/or inspecting
rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry,
advantageously comprises one of the aforementioned modules
according to the invention. The machine can be a filter-tipping
machine or an apparatus for assembling groups of filter segments
for producing multi-segment filters.
[0016] The present invention also relates to a method for
processing, assembling and/or inspecting rod-shaped articles in the
tobacco processing industry, comprising utilizing a vertical
conveyor in at least one of a filter-tipping machine or an
apparatus for assembling rod-shaped articles of the tobacco
processing industry. Preferably, at least some sections of the
vertical conveyor convey the rod-shaped articles exclusively in a
vertical direction. The vertical conveyor preferentially comprises
a conveying belt. With this method a space-saving processing,
assembling and/or inspecting of rod-shaped articles becomes
possible.
[0017] The present invention also relates to a method for
perforating rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.
A sequence of rod-shaped articles is conveyed and divided into at
least two partial sequences. The articles of each partial sequence
are conveyed to a perforation device for subsequent perforation.
The partial sequences are then combined again into a single
sequence of perforated articles. An extremely efficient process
control is possible with a noticeable increase in the operational
throughput when the article sequence is divided into at least two
partial sequences.
[0018] A separate perforation device can be assigned to each
partial sequence, thus resulting in a highly efficient perforation
of the rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.
Little space is required for realizing this method if the sequence
is conveyed vertically, at least in some sections.
[0019] The sequence can be conveyed on a vertical conveyor,
preferably a belt conveyor and/or vertical belt conveyor. The
partial sequences can also be conveyed on a vertical conveyor. The
articles in the partial sequences can be perforated while
positioned vertically one above the other, for example, by using
high-energy radiation, such as laser radiation.
[0020] An exemplary method and apparatus for perforating the
rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is disclosed
in German Patent Nos. 101 45 326 A1, and 102 17 409 A1, both of
which are incorporated herein by reference. We refer to these
references with respect to the type and method of burning holes
into the surfaces of rod-shaped articles, for example, into
cigarette paper. These references contain detailed descriptions,
and are referred to herein for a more detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will be further understood from the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments, without restriction of the general
inventive idea, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1a is a schematic view of an exemplary dual-belt
filter-tipping machine according to the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1b is a schematic view of the operation of the
dual-line filter-tipping machine of FIG. 1a;
[0024] FIG. 2a is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment
of a dual-line filter-tipping machine according to the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2b is a schematic view of the operation of the
dual-line filter-tipping machine of FIG. 2a;
[0026] FIG. 3a is a schematic view of an exemplary four-line
filter-tipping machine according to the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 3b is a schematic view of the operation of the
four-line filter-tipping machine of FIG. 3a;
[0028] FIG. 4a is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment
of a four-line filter-tipping machine according to the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 4b is a schematic view of the operation of the
filter-tipping machine of FIG. 4a;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of exemplary modules according to
the present invention, as well as exemplary functional units for
augmenting the modules;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary perforation
device according to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment
of a perforation device according to the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of yet another exemplary
perforation device according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] FIG. 1a is a schematic representation of an exemplary basic
dual-line filter-tipping machine 10, comprising relatively few
modules and/or elements. A tobacco conveying module 11, a
filter-tipping module 12, and an inspection and delivery module 13
are arranged one behind the other, and are operatively connected.
The tobacco-conveying module 11 is arranged in the filter-tipping
machine 10 in the upstream direction with respect to the article
flow, while the inspection and delivery module 13 is arranged in
the downstream direction.
[0035] Double-length tobacco rods 60 (shown in FIG. 1b), are
deposited on the takeover drum 30 and are transferred thereby to a
conveying drum 31 where they are cut by a cutting element 32 into
two single-length tobacco rods, and are transferred to a
conveying/separating drum 33. The single-length tobacco-rods 61
(shown in FIG. 1b) are pulled apart on the drum 33 and are then
transferred to a vertical conveyor 34. At an intersecting point
with the filter-tipping module 12, double-length filters 62 (shown
in FIG. 1b) are also transferred to the vertical conveyor 34, shown
as a vertical belt conveyor. Multiple-length filter rods are
removed from a filter magazine 36, and then cut into double-length
filters on a removal drum 37 using one or several knives (not
shown). The filters are staggered on a staggering drum 38, inserted
into a sequence of filters on a pusher drum 38a, and are
subsequently transferred by an accelerating drum 39 to the vertical
conveyor 34. As shown schematically in FIG. 1b, the double-length
filter rods 62 are deposited in correspondingly provided
receptacles (not shown), at the location of vertical conveyor 34,
and at a location that corresponds to the location of the
single-length tobacco rods 61, which are supplied later on.
Subsequently, the tobacco rod/filter/tobacco rod group 63 is
transferred to the takeover drum 41.
[0036] A tipping paper tape 43 is cut with the aid of an apparatus
42 into tipping-paper sections 64 (FIG. 1b), which are then affixed
with adhesive to the tobacco rod/filter/tobacco rod groups 63. This
process will not be explained in further detail herein since it is
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Subsequently, the
tobacco rod/filter/tobacco rod group 63, provided with the tipping
paper sections 64, is transferred to the conveying drum 44. On the
conveying drum 44, the tipping paper section 64 is wrapped around
the tobacco rod/filter/tobacco rod group 63 and a double-length
filter cigarette 65 (FIG. 1b) is produced. Following the transfer
of the double-length filter cigarette 65 onto the conveying drum
45, the double-length filter cigarette 65 is cut by a cutting
element 32' into two filter cigarettes 66 (FIG. 1b), which are
conveyed on a vertical conveyor 34', in this case a vertical belt
conveyor. The vertical belt conveyor 34' is operatively connected
to a removal drum and/or a conveying drum 46 which takes over the
filter cigarettes 66, respectively arranged coaxial inside a
receptacle, and transfers these to a conveying drum 47. Following
this process, the filter cigarettes 66 are transported to a
delivery drum 48 where they are separated and/or pulled apart, so
that they are positioned at a distance to each other.
[0037] The pulled-apart filter cigarettes 66 are transferred to a
vertical conveyor 34'', for example, a vertical belt conveyor. From
the vertical belt conveyor 34'' the filter cigarettes 66 are
removed by a takeover drum 50 and are transferred to an inspection
drum 51. The cigarettes 66 on the inspection drum 51 are tested
with an inspection device 53. Defective cigarettes can be removed
later on, for example, by ejecting them below the vertical conveyor
34'', as shown with the arrow starting at the vertical conveyor
34'' and extending at a slant downward to the left. The inspected
cigarettes 66 are transferred from the inspection drum 51 to a
delivery drum 52 and travel via the vertical conveyor 34'' and a
conveying drum 54 to a turning drum 55 and then back again to the
vertical conveyor 34''. The uniformly oriented cigarettes 66 are
then transferred by a delivery drum 56 to a conveying belt 57.
[0038] The steps and elements described above are shown
schematically in FIG. 1b. Since the operational steps were
previously described with reference to FIG. 1a, they are not
explained again with reference to FIG. 1b. The respective elements
shown in FIG. 1b, for example, the drums 30, 31, 33, 41, 44, the
vertical conveyors 34, 34', 34'', and the articles 60-66, are shown
schematically to illustrate the successive operational steps (in
the directions of the arrows in FIG. 1a).
[0039] FIG. 2a shows an alternative embodiment of a filter-tipping
machine according to the present invention, comprising four
modules. According to this exemplary embodiment, a tobacco rod and
filter-conveying module 14, a filter-tipping module 12, a
perforation module 15, and an inspection and delivery module 13 are
arranged downstream from one another.
[0040] The tobacco rod and filter conveying module 14 shown in FIG.
2a differs from the tobacco rod conveying module 11 shown in FIG.
1a, in that a functional filter conveying unit 26 (see FIG. 5) is
additionally provided in the upper region of the module 14. The
filter conveying unit 26 can comprise a filter magazine 36', a
takeover drum 37', a staggering drum 38', a pusher drum 38a', and
an acceleration drum 39'. According to this exemplary embodiment,
two different types of filter elements 67 and 68 (see FIG. 2b) can
be assembled on the vertical conveyor 34 and placed between the
single-length tobacco rods 61. The filter-tipping module 12
corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 1a. Also, the inspection and
delivery module 13 corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 1a.
[0041] A perforation module 15 can be provided between the
inspection and delivery module 13 and the filter-tipping module 12.
The filter cigarettes 66, which are arranged coaxially inside a
respective receptacle on the transfer drum 70, are initially
transferred one after another to a vertical conveyor 34''', by the
vertical conveyor 34' and the transfer drum 70. The single sequence
of cut, double-length filter cigarettes 65 and/or coaxially
arranged filter cigarettes 66 (arranged transverse and successively
in the conveying direction) is divided into two partial sequences
by the vertical conveyor 34''' (e.g., a partial sequence from the
perforation drum 81, and a partial sequence from the perforation
drum 81'). The cigarettes are then perforated in the standard
manner by perforation devices 80 and/or 80', and are subsequently
transferred to a vertical conveyor 34'''', from which the
perforated filter cigarettes 66 are transferred to the conveying
drum 46. The laser perforation will be described in further detail
below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.
[0042] FIG. 2b schematically shows the operational steps for the
machine shown in FIG. 2a. The conveying path for the articles 60-66
of the tobacco industry is indicated schematically with an arrow in
the upper region of FIG. 2b. Initially, double-length tobacco rods
60 are transferred to the takeover drum 30. The tobacco rods are
then transferred to a conveying drum 31 where they are cut into
single-length tobacco rods 61. Following the transfer to the
conveying/separating drum 33, the single-length tobacco rods 61 are
pulled apart and/or separated in the axial direction. The separated
single-length tobacco rods 61 are then transferred to the vertical
belt conveyor 34. On the vertical belt conveyor 34, a double-length
filter element 68 from the filter-tipping module 12 is added. The
filter element 68 is deposited in the center of a respective
receptacle and/or holding receptacle (not illustrated) in the
vertical belt conveyor 34. Two filter elements 67 are deposited on
each end of the filter element 68 in the respective receptacles of
the vertical belt conveyor 34, so that following the transfer of
the single-length tobacco rods 61 to the vertical belt conveyor 34,
each receptacle contains a sequence of components, comprising a
single-length tobacco rod 61, a filter element 67, a filter element
68, a filter element 67, and a single-length tobacco rod 61. Means
for pushing these components together can also be provided, for
example, in the region of the vertical belt conveyor 34, or in the
region of the takeover drum 41.
[0043] On the takeover drum 41, tipping paper sections 64 can be
respectively affixed and/or glued to the tobacco rod/filter/tobacco
rod groups 63. The respective tipping paper section 64 can be wound
around the group 63 on the drum 44 to produce double-length filter
cigarettes 65, which are positioned in the discharge area for drum
44 and on the conveying drum 45. On the conveying drum 45, the
double-length filter cigarettes 65 can be cut in the center to form
two cigarettes 66 which are then transferred to a vertical belt
conveyor 34'.
[0044] The cigarettes 66, which are arranged next to each other in
the axial direction, are subsequently transferred to a drum 70, and
from there are transferred to a vertical belt conveyor 34'''.
[0045] The cigarettes 66, which are arranged adjacent to one
another in a receptacle of the vertical belt conveyor 34''', are
conveyed in a single cigarette sequence on the vertical belt
conveyor 34''' until they reach the drum 81'. The drum 81' removes
a partial sequence from the sequence by removing the cigarettes 66
from every second receptacle. The remaining cigarettes 66 on the
vertical belt conveyor 34''' are removed by the drum 81. The
cigarettes 66 are subsequently perforated while positioned on the
drums 81 and 81'. The perforated cigarettes 66 are transferred to
the vertical belt conveyor 34'''' and conveyed via drums 46, 47, 48
to the vertical belt conveyor 34''. Prior to transfer to the
vertical belt conveyor 34'', the cigarettes 66 can be pulled apart
while on the drum 48, as indicated schematically in FIG. 2b.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2a, the pulled-apart cigarettes 66 can be
transported successively past an inspection device 53 while
positioned on the inspection drum 51 in the drawing plane, and
inspected thereby. The inspected cigarettes subsequently travel via
a drum 52 back to the vertical belt conveyor 34'', and from there,
travel via a drum 54 to a turning drum 55 on which one partial
sequence of the cigarettes is turned. As a result, all cigarettes
66 can have the same orientation from that point forward. The
cigarettes 66, conveyed with uniform orientation, can be
transferred from the vertical belt conveyor 34'' via a removal drum
56 to a conveying belt 57.
[0047] FIG. 3a is a schematic representation of another alternative
embodiment of a four-line filter-tipping machine according to the
present invention. As compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a,
the tobacco-rod conveying module 11' is different in that it
comprises a functional unit 21 for feeding tobacco-rods. The
tobacco-rod feeding unit 21 can comprise a takeover drum 30', a
conveying drum 31', a cutting element 32', a conveying/separating
drum 33', as well as the beginning and/or a section of a conveying
belt 90.
[0048] Thus, two cut and pulled-apart, single-length tobacco rods
61 can be alternately deposited onto the vertical conveyor 34 by
the conveying/separating drums 33, 33'. One sequence of the
single-length, pulled-apart tobacco rods 61 is transferred from the
conveying/separating drums to the conveying belt 90, while another
sequence of single-length, pulled-apart tobacco rods 61 is further
processed in the filter-tipping module 12'. Initially,
double-length filter cigarettes 65 are produced, then single-length
filter cigarettes 66 are produced coaxially, which are respectively
arranged inside a receptacle, as previously described with
reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b.
[0049] An exchange occurs between the cigarettes 66 coming from
above, and the single-length tobacco rods 61 conveyed from below,
by the conveying belt 90, in the region of the vertical conveyor
34' for the upstream-positioned filter-tipping module 12'. The
single-length tobacco rods 61 together with the double-length
filters 62, supplied from the filter magazine 36'' to the
single-length tobacco rods 61, are initially formed into
double-length filter cigarettes 65 inside the downstream-positioned
filter-tipping module 12', and are then separated into individual
filter cigarettes 66. This operation takes place as explained above
in connection with the previous embodiments.
[0050] The exchange between the vertical conveyor 34' of the
upstream-positioned filter-tipping module 12', and the conveying
belt 90 takes place such that the respective holding receptacles on
the conveying belt 90 for the rod-shaped articles alternately
contain and/or are supplied with the articles which are processed
in the upstream positioned filter-tipping module 12' into single
filter cigarettes 66.
[0051] Following this, the produced filter cigarettes 66 are
correspondingly inspected in the inspection and delivery module
13', which in contrast to the inspection and delivery module 13
according to FIG. 1a, comprises a functional inspection unit 23, an
inspection drum 51', a delivery drum 52, and an inspection device
53'. Two inspection devices 53 and 53' can be provided for this
embodiment to satisfy the increased throughput of filter cigarettes
66 to be inspected. The sequence of filter cigarettes, moved via
the delivery drum 48 to the vertical conveyor 34'', is also divided
into partial sequences, wherein one partial sequence comprises
filter cigarettes with one orientation and the other partial
sequence comprises filter cigarettes with the opposite orientation.
A separating out from the filter cigarette flow in this case also
occurs in the lower region of the vertical conveyor 34''.
[0052] FIG. 3b schematically illustrates the respective operational
steps of the exemplary four-line filter-tipping machine shown in
FIG. 3a, for which the respective explanations have already been
provided above. The exemplary embodiment with four belts can be
achieved with the aid of cooperating conveying elements 30, 30';
31, 31'; 33, 33'; 34'', 91; 51, 51'; and 34'', 52, which are
arranged below each other. For illustration purposes, the conveying
belt 90 is shown in FIG. 3a below the conveying elements,
positioned vertically above.
[0053] An exemplary filter-tipping machine of the present invention
having a comprehensive expansion stage is shown schematically in
FIG. 4a.
[0054] In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3a,
the tobacco-rod conveying module 11' is replaced with a tobacco-rod
and filter-conveying module 14'. Module 14' can comprise a
filter-conveying unit 26 with a filter magazine 36''', a takeover
drum 37''', a staggering drum 38''', a pusher drum 38a''', and an
accelerating drum 39''' in the filter-conveying module 16. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, this is a separate module which
comprises a vertical conveyor 34' that is operatively connected to
an accelerating drum 39'', the accelerating drum 39''', the
conveying belt 90, and a takeover drum 41'' of the downstream
positioned filter-tipping module 12'. Thus, in contrast to FIG. 3a,
double-length filter cigarettes can be produced in four lines. Also
provided is an additional functional unit 26 for conveying filters,
which comprises a filter magazine 36', a takeover drum 37', a
staggering drum 38', a pusher drum 38a', and an acceleration drum
39'.
[0055] The perforation module 15' can comprise four laser
perforation devices 80, 80', 80'', and 80''', as well as four
perforation drums 81, 81', 81'', and 81'''. The filter cigarettes
can thus be divided into four partial flows for perforating. The
filter cigarettes are taken over by the vertical conveyor 34''' and
transferred to the vertical conveyor 34'''', so that the perforated
filter cigarettes can again be merged into a single sequence of
filter cigarettes. The module 13' shown in FIG. 4a can correspond
to that shown in FIG. 3a.
[0056] FIG. 4b schematically shows the operation of the exemplary
four-line filter-tipping machine of FIG. 4a. The operation will be
self-explanatory to the person of ordinary skill in the art in view
of the above-provided description.
[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the modules according to the
present invention are shown in the upper region of FIG. 5, namely a
tobacco-rod conveying module 11, a filter-tipping module 12, an
inspection and delivery module 13, a perforation module 15, and a
filter-conveying module 16. Not shown is a tobacco-rod and
filter-conveying module 14 which comprises a combination of a
tobacco-rod conveying module 11 and a functional unit 26 for
conveying filters. The various functional units which can be
installed in the respective modules are further shown in the lower
region of FIG. 5. Provided, for example, is a functional unit 23
for inspection, which can be installed in the inspection and
delivery module 13. To install the functional unit 23 in the
inspection and delivery module 13, the conveying drum 54 and the
turning drum 55 can be removed. Also provided is a functional unit
25 for the perforation, which comprises two laser perforation
devices 80'' and 80''', two perforation drums 81'' and 81''', as
well as a functional unit for transporting 27, comprising a
conveying belt 90, and/or a section of a conveying belt 90.
Finally, a functional unit 21 for feeding tobacco rods is provided,
which comprises a takeover drum 30', a conveying drum 31', a
cutting element 32', and a conveying/separating drum 33'.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a
perforation device. The vertical conveyor 34''' can be provided
with receptacles 95 in the conveying belt on the vertical conveyor
34'''. Arrows are used in FIG. 6 to indicate the conveying
direction. The cigarettes 66 are deposited at the article intake
location 100 into the respective receptacles 95 on the conveying
belt. In the exemplary embodiment shown, one receptacle is
alternately left empty and one is filled. In the region where the
perforation drum 81' is located, one filter cigarette 66 is removed
from the vertical conveyor 34''', while the adjacent filter
cigarette 66 remains on the conveying belt. The division of the
receptacles on the perforation drum 81' is thus twice that on the
vertical conveyor 34'''. The remaining partial sequence of filter
cigarettes 66 on the vertical conveyor 34''' is transferred to the
perforation drum 81. The filter cigarettes 66 are then perforated
in the standard manner in the region of perforation devices 80,
80'. A grooved drum 92 and/or 92' is provided by means of which the
filter cigarettes 66 are rotated around their axes. In the process,
high-energy radiation 98 is focused onto the filter paper to burn
small holes into it. Reference is made to German Patent No. 101 45
326 A1, incorporated herein by reference, to explain the mode of
operation of the perforation device 80, 80', 80'' and 80'''.
[0059] The perforated filter cigarettes are conveyed to the
vertical conveyor 34'''', so that a corresponding sequence of
filter cigarettes 66 is formed and delivered to the article
delivery region 101.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another exemplary
perforation device according to the present invention. According to
this exemplary embodiment, the number of receptacles 95 increases
four-fold between the vertical conveyor 34''' and 34'''' and the
perforation drums 81 to 81'''. Thus, for this exemplary embodiment,
four laser perforation devices 80 to 80''' and four perforation
drums 81 to 81''' are provided instead of the two shown in FIG. 6.
The method of perforating and picking up and/or delivering the
filter cigarettes corresponds to the method illustrated in FIG. 6.
However, the throughput is doubled while the speed of the moving
elements remains the same.
[0061] As compared to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the
throughput of filter cigarettes can be doubled when using the
exemplary perforation arrangement depicted in FIG. 8. According to
this exemplary embodiment, the perforation devices 80 and 80' can
be used which respectively comprise two optic systems 93 and 94,
and/or 93' and 94'. These optic systems function to focus
high-energy radiation 98 (e.g., laser radiation) onto the
cigarettes 66. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 can additionally
be provided with a roller belt 96 and/or 96'. The cigarettes 66 are
positioned between the roller belt 96 and/or 96', and the rolling
block 97 and/or 97', thereby causing a rotation of the
corresponding cigarettes 66. With respect to the configuration of
the perforation device 80 and/or 80', we refer to the full content
of German Patent No. 102 17 409 A1, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0062] It will be understood that the above description of the
present invention is susceptible to various modifications, changes
and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended
within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended
claims.
* * * * *