Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
  • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
  • A24C5/46—Making paper tubes for cigarettes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
  • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
  • A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters

Definitions

• This invention relates to a method and a machine for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod suitable for making substantially cylindrical smokers' articles.
• This invention also relates to pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod suitable for making substantially cylindrical smokers' articles.
• WO2014/188318 machines are known in the prior art which are used to make smokers' articles where cylindrical components of smokers' products of any kind are wrapped in a multilayer web comprising strips suitable for imparting desired properties.
• the strips are made, for example, of a metallic material or a plastic material.
• the machine described in WO2014/188318 is suitable for directly making the pieces of smokers' articles by wrapping the multilayer web around the cylindrical components.
• prior art machines and methods are not capable of complying with specified tolerances because they are subject to errors in the positioning and/or alignment of individual layers of the multilayer web and to phase displacements between the process stations due, for example, to tension variations in the feeding of the continuous webs.
• This invention therefore has for an aim to provide a method and a machine for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod to overcome the disadvantages described above with reference to the prior art.
• the aim of this invention is to provide a method and a machine for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod and capable of providing pieces of rod which comply with stringent dimensional and shape tolerances, with reference in particular to the internal diameter.
• Another aim of this invention is to provide a method and a machine for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod and capable of adapting to different types of products to be made and of making a reliable product which, in particular, guarantees complete closure along the circumferential direction and correct circumferential and longitudinal positioning of the different layers.
• a further aim of this invention is to provide a piece of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod which is suitable for making substantially cylindrical smokers' articles and which allows the cylindrical components to be easily inserted at a later stage, guaranteeing the seal between the piece and the component for example in such a way that air can pass through the component.
• the piece of rod obtained comprises a first layer comprising a first splice, a second continuous layer comprising a second splice and, if necessary, a third continuous layer comprising a third splice, where at least one between the first and the second splice is made as an end-to-end splice.
• a first material which comprises one or more of the following: a metallic material, a plastic material, a paper material.
• a first, a second and a third layer are used, where the second and third layers have the same thickness.
• the layers with the same thickness are obtained by feeding a single continuous web and dividing it longitudinally into two continuous web portions defining a second continuous web and a third continuous web.
• the second layer and the third layer have different thicknesses.
• both the first splice and the second splice are end-to-end splices.
• the third splice may be an end-to-end splice, offset relative to the first or the second splice, or it may be an overlapping splice, preferably offset relative to the first or the second splice.
• Figures 1 a, 1 b and 1 c show, respectively, a transverse cross section, a product schematic and a longitudinal cross section of a first embodiment of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod;
• Figures 2a-2c, 3a-3c, 4a-4c and 5a-5c show respective variants of Figures 1 a, 1 b and 1 c;
• Figures 6a-6c show a further variant of Figures 1 a, 1 b and 1 c and Figure 6d shows a further product schematic;
• FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a machine for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod a filter rod, according to a first embodiment
• FIG. 8 is a schematic front view of a machine for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod according to a second embodiment
• Figure 10 is a side view of the detail of Figure 9;
• Figure 12 is a side view of the detail of Figure 1 1 .
• the numeral 1 denotes a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod from which pieces suitable for making substantially cylindrical smokers' articles are obtained.
• the rod 1 and thus a piece of it not illustrated, comprises a first layer 2 of a first material.
• the first layer 2 is spliced longitudinally to form a first splice 3 of respective lateral edges 4 of the first layer 2.
• the rod 1 and thus a piece of it not illustrated, comprises a second layer 5 of a second material.
• the second layer 5 is spliced longitudinally to form a second splice 6 of respective lateral edges 7 of the second layer 5.
• the first layer 2 occupies a radially inner position relative to the second layer 5 in both the piece and the rod 1 .
• the second layer 5 is continuous along a main direction of extension "X" of the rod 1 , coinciding with the feed direction of the rod during production of the pieces.
• At least one between the first splice 3 and the second splice 6 is made as an end-to-end splice, that is, a splice made without overlapping the two respective lateral edges.
• the first material and the second material are different.
• the first material may be a metallic material and the second material may be a paper material.
• Figures 1 a and 1 c illustrate a rod 1 where the first layer 2 is also continuous along the main direction of extension "X" of the rod 1 . Further, both the first splice 3 and the second splice 6 are end-to-end splices and are offset from each other, that is, they are disposed at different angular positions around the direction "X".
• Figure 1 b illustrates a step in the production of the rod 1 from a continuous multilayer web "M" comprising the first layer 2 and the second layer 5, both laid out flat. Also illustrated is an intermediate layer 8 of adhesive material interposed between the first layer 2 and the second layer 5.
• Figures 2a and 2c illustrate a rod 1 comprising a third layer 9 occupying a radially outer position relative to the first layer 2 and second layer 5.
• the third layer 9 is spliced longitudinally to form a third splice 10 of respective lateral edges 4 of the third layer 9.
• Both the first splice 3 and the second splice 6 are end-to-end splices and preferably are disposed at the same angular position around the direction "X”.
• the third splice 10 is an end-to- end splice and is offset relative to the first and second splices, that is, disposed at a different angular position around the direction "X".
• the first layer 2 is discontinuous and comprises, along the feed direction, a sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15. In this case, complete closure of the rod 1 is guaranteed by the third layer 9 and the third splice 10 offset from the other splices.
• Figure 2b illustrates a step in the production of the rod 1 from a continuous multilayer web "M" comprising the first layer 2, the second layer 5 and the third layer 9, all laid out flat. Also illustrated is the intermediate layer 8 of adhesive material interposed between the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 and a further intermediate adhesive layer 12 interposed between the second layer 5 and the third layer 9.
• the third layer is offset along a direction perpendicular to the direction "X" relative to the first and second layers, so as to offset the respective third splice 10 relative to the first splice 3 and second splice 6.
• the second layer 5 and the third layer 9 have the same thickness and are preferably obtained by dividing a single continuous web longitudinally, as described hereinafter.
• Figures 3a and 3c illustrate a rod 1 comprising the third layer 9 occupying a radially outer position relative to the first layer 2 and second layer 5.
• the third layer 9 is spliced longitudinally to form the third splice 10 of respective lateral edges 4 of the third layer 9.
• the second layer 5 and the third layer 9 have different thicknesses: in particular, the second layer 5 is smaller in thickness than the third layer 9.
• the function of the second layer 5 is that of transporting the first layer 2. Thanks to the reduced thickness, it is easier to wrap it around itself and it may be made in such a way as to better absorb the adhesive material of the intermediate layer 8.
• the third layer 9 acts mainly as a supporting layer and gives the rod 1 and the related pieces the stiffness necessary to keep their shape.
• the first layer 2 is discontinuous and comprises, along the feed direction, the sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15. In this case, complete closure of the rod 1 is guaranteed by the third layer 9 and the third splice 10 offset from the other splices.
• Figure 3b is similar to Figure 2b.
• Figures 4a and 4c illustrate a rod 1 comprising the third layer 9 occupying a radially outer position relative to the first layer 2 and second layer 5.
• the third layer 9 is spliced longitudinally to form the third splice 10 of respective lateral edges 4 of the third layer 9.
• the second layer 5 and the third layer 9 have different thicknesses: in particular, the second layer 5 is larger in thickness than the third layer 9.
• the second layer 5 acts both as a layer for transporting the first layer 2 and as a supporting layer giving the rod 1 and the related pieces the stiffness necessary to keep their shape.
• the functions of the third layer 9 are mainly to improve aesthetic appearance and to help keep the second layer 5 closed.
• the first layer 2 is discontinuous and comprises, along the feed direction, the sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15. In this case, complete closure of the rod 1 is guaranteed by the third layer 9 and the third splice 10 offset from the other splices.
• Figure 4b is similar to Figure 2b.
• Figures 5a and 5c illustrate a rod 1 comprising the third layer 9 occupying a radially outer position relative to the first and second layers.
• the third layer 9 is spliced longitudinally to form the third splice 10 of respective lateral edges 4 of the third layer 9.
• the third splice 10 is an overlapping splice and is preferably offset from the first splice 3 or the second splice 6, that is, is disposed at a different angular position around the direction "X".
• the first layer 2 is discontinuous and comprises, along the feed direction, a sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15. In this case, the complete closure of the rod 1 is guaranteed by the third layer 9 and the third splice 10 which is offset from the other splices and is an overlapping splice.
• Figure 5b illustrates a step in the production of the rod 1 from a continuous multilayer web "M" comprising the first layer 2, the second layer 5 and the third layer 9, all laid out flat. Also illustrated is the intermediate layer 8 of adhesive material interposed between the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 and the further intermediate adhesive layer 12 interposed between the second layer 5 and the third layer 9. The third layer 9 is aligned at least at one of the lateral edges of the first layer 2 and second layer 5.
• Figures 6a and 6c illustrate a rod 1 comprising the third layer 9 occupying a radially outer position relative to the first and second layers.
• the third layer 9 is spliced longitudinally to form the third splice 10 of respective lateral edges 4 of the third layer 9.
• the first splice 3 is an overlapping splice
• the second splice 6 is an end-to- end splice
• the third splice 10 is an overlapping splice and is preferably offset from the first splice 3 or the second splice 6.
• the second layer 5 and the third layer 9 have different thicknesses: in particular, the second layer 5 is larger in thickness than the third layer 9.
• the first layer 2 is discontinuous and comprises, along the feed direction, a sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15.
• complete closure of the rod 1 is guaranteed by the third layer 9 and the third splice 10 offset from the other splices.
• the continuity of the first layer 2 along a circumferential direction is guaranteed by the first splice 3, which is an overlapping splice.
• Figure 6b illustrates a step in the production of the rod 1 from a continuous multilayer web "M" comprising the first layer 2 and the second layer 5, which are laid out flat and which, when subsequently wrapped on themselves, form an intermediate rod 13. Also illustrated is the intermediate layer 8 of adhesive material interposed between the first layer 2 and the second layer 5.
• Figure 6d illustrates a further step in the production of the rod 1 from the intermediate rod 13 and the third layer 9. The third layer 9 will be wrapped around the intermediate rod 13 to form the rod 1 . Also shown is the further intermediate adhesive layer 12 interposed between the second layer 5 and the third layer 9.
• the first material may comprise one or more of the following: a metallic material, a plastic material, a paper material.
• Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two possible embodiments of a machine 100 for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod 1 suitable for making substantially cylindrical smokers' articles. More specifically, the machine 100 is adapted to make a piece of a rod 1 according to one or more of the examples illustrated and/or described above.
• the machine 100 comprises first means 101 for feeding at least a first continuous web 102 of a first material suitable for making the first layer 2 of a continuous, multilayer web "M" and of the rod 1 .
• the machine 100 comprises second means 103 for feeding a second continuous web 104 of the second material suitable for making a second continuous layer 5 of the continuous, multilayer web "M" and of the rod 1 .
• the first continuous web 102 and/or the second continuous web 104 are preferably provided on rolls "B" unwound by respective means 102, 103 for feeding the continuous webs.
• a gluing device 105 configured to apply a layer of adhesive material on the second continuous web 104 to define the intermediate layer 8 of adhesive material of the rod 1 .
• the intermediate layer 8 is preferably continuous.
• the gluing device 105 may be embodied, for example by rollers, sprayers or in other ways.
• a cutting device 106 configured to cut the first continuous web 102 into strips 14.
• the cutting device 106 is provided when the first layer 2 is discontinuous, that is to say, when it comprises a sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15.
• the cutting device 106 may be a cutter of the impact or scissor type or it may be embodied in other ways.
• the numeral 107 denotes means for forming the continuous, multilayer web "M” by superposing at least the first layer 2 and the second layer 5.
• These means may, for example, comprise a bed 107a embodied by a conveyor 108 adapted to receive the second continuous web 104 defining the second layer 5 and the strips 14 of the first continuous web 102 defining the first, discontinuous layer 2 (alternatively, the conveyor receives the first continuous web 102 defining the first continuous layer 2).
• the conveyor 108 is also adapted to feed the continuous, multilayer web "M” along the feed direction "X” and thus also embodies means for feeding the continuous, multilayer web "M” along the feed direction "X".
• the conveyor 108 receives the second continuous web 104 with the intermediate layer 8 which is applied thereon and on which the strips 14 of the first continuous web 102 are placed by a drum 109 associated with the cutting device 106.
• the continuous, multilayer web "M" obtained is such that the first layer 2 in the rod 1 occupies a radially inner position relative to the second layer 5.
• means 1 10 Downstream of the conveyor 108, means 1 10 are provided for forming the rod 1 around the feed direction "X" making the splices of the layers making up the rod itself;
• the means 1 10 may comprise a forming beam 1 10a having a groove whose cross section is variable along the feed direction "X" in such a way as to wrap the continuous, multilayer web "M" around the feed direction "X” to make the rod 1.
• the machine 100 is configured to dispose the lateral edges of at least one between the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 in such a way as to make at least one between the first splice 3 and the second splice 6 as an end-to-end splice.
• third means 1 12 may be provided for feeding a third continuous web 1 13 of a third material suitable for making the third layer 9 of the rod 1 .
• the third continuous web 1 13, hence the third layer 9, is disposed in such a way as to occupy, in the rod 1 , a radially outer position relative to the first layer 2 and second layer 5.
• gluing device 105a configured to apply the further intermediate adhesive layer 12 interposed between the second layer 5 and the third layer 9.
• the gluing device 105 may be embodied, for example by rollers, sprayers or in other ways.
• the third means 1 12 feed the third web 1 13 downstream of the conveyor 108 and upstream of the means 1 10 to form the third layer 9.
• the first layer 2, the second layer 5 and the third layer 9 form the continuous, multilayer web "M" and are wrapped together on themselves along the forming beam 1 10a.
• the machine 100 may comprise two blades 1 14 located on opposite sides of the continuous, multilayer web "M” and configured to trim the edges thereof.
• the blades 1 14 are circular blades which use as their anvil element a flat surface 1 15 on which at least one active portion of the conveyor 108 slides. The blades are located downstream of the drum 109 and thus trim the continuous, multilayer web "M” comprising the first layer 2 and the second layer 5.
• the machine 100 may comprise a forming device 1 16 configured to preform the continuous, multilayer web "M” before it is wrapped on itself to form the rod 1 .
• Figures 1 1 and 12 illustrate a possible example of the forming device 1 16, which can be used in any machine for forming a rod 1 and which comprises a moulded groove 1 17, adapted to receive the continuous, multilayer web "M", and a forming element - for example a wheel 1 18 - which fits at least partly in the moulded groove 1 17 to make in the continuous, multilayer web a grooved shape extending along the middle of it in the feed direction "X".
• the forming device 1 16 may act on a continuous, multilayer web "M” comprising only the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 or, as illustrated in Figure 7, on a continuous, multilayer web "M” comprising the first layer 2, the second layer 5 and the third layer 9.
• the machine 100 illustrated in Figure 8 differs from the machine illustrated in Figure 7 in that it comprises two forming beams.
• the first forming beam 1 10a is similar to the one illustrated in Figure 7 and is configured to make the rod 1 .
• a further forming beam 1 19 is located at the conveyor 108 to wrap the continuous, multilayer web "M", comprising the first layer 2 and the second layer 5, on itself to form the intermediate rod 13.
• the third continuous web 1 13 is fed between the further forming beam 1 19 and the forming beam 1 10a to wrap the third continuous web 1 13 around the intermediate rod 13 to form the rod 1 .
• the machine 100 is adapted to function according to a method for making pieces of a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod suitable for making substantially cylindrical smokers' articles.
• the above mentioned method comprises a step a) of feeding at least a first continuous web 102 of a first material suitable for making a first layer 2 of a continuous, multilayer web "M". This step is carried out, for example, by the first feed means 101 .
• the above mentioned method comprises a step b) of feeding a second continuous web 104 of a second material suitable for making a second continuous layer 5 of the continuous, multilayer web "M". This step is carried out, for example, by the second feed means 103.
• the third layer 9 is disposed in such a way as to occupy, in the rod 1 , a radially outer position relative to the first layer 2 and second layer 5.
• the above mentioned method comprises a step c) of forming the continuous, multilayer web "M” by superposing at least the first layer 2 and the second layer 5, where the first layer 2 is positioned in such a way as to occupy, in the rod 1 , a radially inner position relative to the second layer 5, and feeding the continuous, multilayer web "M” along a feed direction "X".
• This step is carried out, for example, at the means 107 and at the conveyor 108.
• the above mentioned method comprises a step d) of wrapping the continuous, multilayer web "M" around the feed direction "X", making at least a first splice 3 of the lateral edges of the first layer 2 and a second splice 6 of the lateral edges of the second layer 5, to form the rod 1 .
• This step may be carried out in the forming beam 1 10a to form a continuous, multilayer web "M” comprising the first layer 2, the second layer 5 and possibly also the third layer 9, or in the forming beam 1 19 to form a continuous, multilayer web "M” comprising the first layer 2 and the second layer 5.
• the forming of the rod 1 may, if necessary, be completed by wrapping the third layer 9 around the intermediate rod 13.
• the above mentioned method comprises a step e) of cutting the rod 1 into pieces.
• Steps a) to e) are carried out in a single machine 100 to make a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod 1 . Also, step d) is carried out by disposing the lateral edges of at least one between the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 in such a way as to make at least one between the first splice 3 and the second splice 6 as an end-to-end splice.
• the cutting device 106 there is a step of making strips 14 of the first continuous web 102 and making a first, discontinuous layer 2 along the feed direction "X" where the first, layer 2 comprises, along the feed direction, a sequence of strips 14 alternated with empty spaces 15.
• This step is carried out, for example, by the cutting device 106.
• the second continuous web 104 and the third continuous web 1 13 may have the same thickness.
• the second continuous web 104 and the third continuous web 1 13 have different thicknesses.
• step c) comprises first forming the continuous, multilayer web "M” by superposing the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 and then adding the third layer 9.
• the continuous, multilayer web "M” thus obtained (that is to say, comprising the first layer 2, the second layer 5 and the third layer 9) is wrapped on itself around the feed direction "X" to form the rod 1 .
• step d) may be carried out by disposing the lateral edges of the first layer 2 in such a way as to make a first end-to- end splice 3 and disposing the lateral edges of the second layer 5 in such a way as to make a second end-to-end splice 6.
• step c) might comprise the step of offsetting the third layer 9 relative to at least one between the first and the second layer along a direction perpendicular to the feed direction "X" and step d) might be carried out by disposing the lateral edges of the third layer in such a way as to make a third end-to-end splice 10 ( Figures 2a-4a).
• step d) might be carried out by disposing the lateral edges of the third layer 9 in such a way as to make the third splice an overlapping splice ( Figure 5a).
• step c) comprises forming the continuous, multilayer web "M” by superposing the first layer 2 and the second layer 5.
• the continuous, multilayer web "M” is wrapped on itself to form an intermediate rod 13 and juxtaposed with the third continuous web 1 13, that is, with the third layer 9, to wrap the third continuous web 1 13 around the intermediate rod 13 to form the rod 1 .
• step g) there is a step g) of wrapping the third layer 9 around the intermediate rod 13 already formed by wrapping the first and second layers around themselves.
• step d) may be carried out by disposing the lateral edges 4 of the first layer 2 in such a way as to make at least a first, overlapping splice 3 and disposing the lateral edges 7 of the second layer 5 in such a way as to make a second, end-to-end splice 6.
• step g) is carried out by disposing the lateral edges 1 1 of the third layer 9 in such a way as to make a third, overlapping splice 10 ( Figure 6a).
• edges of the continuous, multilayer web "M” might be trimmed before the web is wrapped on itself to form a multilayer, cylindrical tubular rod. More specifically, the edges of the continuous, multilayer web "M” formed by the first layer 2 and second layer 5 might be trimmed in an embodiment where there is a third layer 9.
• the machine 100 is adapted to make rods 1 which comprise only the first layer 2 and the second layer 5 with a first and a second end-to-end splice.
• the first layer 2 is continuous along the feed direction "X" and the first layer 2 and second layer 5 are offset in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction "X".
• the method according to this invention may involve a second layer 2 and a third layer 9 having the same thickness or different thicknesses.

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• Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
• Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
• Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)

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• 2016
  • 2016-01-26 IT ITUB2016A000048A patent/ITUB20160048A1/it unknown
• 2017
  • 2017-01-24 JP JP2018557227A patent/JP7118897B2/ja active Active
  • 2017-01-24 EP EP17706305.4A patent/EP3407742B1/en active Active
  • 2017-01-24 PL PL17706305.4T patent/PL3407742T3/pl unknown
  • 2017-01-24 KR KR1020187021662A patent/KR102760022B1/ko active Active
  • 2017-01-24 CN CN201780007711.3A patent/CN108601391B/zh active Active
  • 2017-01-24 EP EP20207451.4A patent/EP3821721A1/en active Pending
  • 2017-01-24 RU RU2018125652A patent/RU2736437C2/ru active
  • 2017-01-24 WO PCT/IB2017/050354 patent/WO2017130098A1/en not_active Ceased
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