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EP 2 965 639 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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05.04.2017 Bulletin 2017/14 |
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Date of filing: 01.07.2015 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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ABUTMENT UNIT FOR PIECES OF SMOKERS' ARTICLES
STÜTZEINHEIT FÜR RAUCHERARTIKEL
UNITÉ DE BUTÉE POUR PIÈCES D'ARTICLES DE FUMEURS
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL
NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
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Priority: |
03.07.2014 IT BO20140371
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Date of publication of application: |
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13.01.2016 Bulletin 2016/02 |
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Proprietor: G.D S.p.A. |
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40133 Bologna (IT) |
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Inventors: |
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- ARBIZZANI, Moreno
40011 ANZOLA DELL'EMILIA (BOLOGNA) (IT)
- BERTINELLI, Gianluca
40011 ANZOLA DELL'EMILIA (BOLOGNA) (IT)
- SARTONI, Massimo
40139 BOLOGNA (IT)
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Representative: Bianciardi, Ezio |
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Bugnion S.p.A.
Via di Corticella, 87 40128 Bologna 40128 Bologna (IT) |
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References cited: :
EP-A2- 1 913 822 US-A- 4 605 014 US-B1- 6 425 400
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US-A- 3 343 647 US-A1- 2004 255 963
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] This invention relates to an abutment unit for pieces of smokers' articles, usable
preferably in machines used for making composite filters and commonly known as
combiners.
[0002] Combiners of known type comprise one or more abutment units for pieces of smokers'
articles, in particular pieces of filter, which this specification expressly refers
to but without losing in generality, and which essentially comprise a rotary abutment
drum equipped on its outer surface with a plurality of suction flutes extending along
an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.
[0003] Separate pieces - for example three - of filter material or the like are placed in
the flutes with their axis parallel to the axis of the flute in such a way as to form
what is known as a filter plug, substantially cylindrical in shape.
[0004] More specifically, in a prior art embodiment, a filter plug consisting of three pieces
is made from a first piece which is cut into two parts which are in turn spaced from
each other in an axial direction, generally by movement of respective flutes in which
they are held. The two parts or pieces thus obtained and spaced from each other are
transferred into the flutes of the abutment drum and a third piece is placed between
the preceding two.
[0005] The three pieces thus positioned are brought into abutment along an axial direction
as the abutment drum rotates and are then joined to each other, for example by means
of an outer wrap. The plugs thus obtained are then used in subsequent conventional
processing steps. The flutes on the drum may be continuous or discrete, that is, divided
into a succession of separate parts, in some cases, separated by empty spaces, each
preferably intended to receive a corresponding piece of the plug.
[0006] Usually, the separate pieces are brought into abutment by means of pushing systems
which push the free axial ends of the plugs located at the ends of the respective
flutes and protruding axially therefrom. These pushing systems comprise, for example,
pushing discs positioned at the bases of the drum and suitably shaped in such a way
that a respective outer circular crown strikes corresponding ends of the plugs as
the drum rotates so as to push the pieces towards each other.
[0007] An example of a solution of this kind is described in document
EP1033083, where the pushing discs or rings are, in particular, made at least partly of silicone.
[0008] Another solution is described in document
US2821201 A, where the pushing discs are connected to the drum hub by means of springs which
allow movement towards and away from the drum.
[0009] A further solution is described in document
EP0577061, where the pushing system comprises drums which act on the end pieces with a part
of their pushing surface.
[0010] A further solution is disclosed in
US3343647.
[0011] The separate pieces which make up each filter plug may differ length according to
the final filter to be made.
[0012] Generally speaking, the size of the filter plugs, in particular their axial length,
is variable between a maximum value and a minimum value based on the type of filter
to be made.
[0013] The length of the filters and hence of the filter plug is usually adjusted by modifying
the length of the first piece which is divided in two. Varying the length of this
piece creates the drawback of having to substitute the abutment drum so that the total
axial length of the flutes is always considerably less than that of the plugs so the
pushing systems can bring the separate pieces into abutment and reach, as their maximum
limit, the axial ends of the flutes.
[0014] Varying the size of the filters being made also creates the drawback of having to
substitute the movement system - for example, a cam - which widens the flutes for
receiving the two distinct parts into which the first piece is divided, since the
distance between these parts must allow the third piece to be placed between them.
[0015] In this context, the main purpose of this invention is to propose an abutment unit
for pieces of smokers' articles to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.
[0016] This invention has for an aim to provide an abutment unit for pieces of smokers'
articles which is more versatile than prior art solutions and which allows changeovers
to be managed more easily without shutting down the machine in which the unit is installed
or considerably reducing the down times.
[0017] The technical purpose and aims specified are achieved by an abutment unit for pieces
of smokers' articles according to claim 1.
[0018] Further features of the invention and its advantages are more apparent in the non-limiting
description below, with reference to a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of an
abutment unit for pieces of smokers' articles, as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 illustrates an abutment unit for pieces of smokers' articles according to
this invention in a schematic perspective view;
- Figure 2 illustrates the abutment unit of Figure 1 in a schematic side view, partly
in cross section and with some parts cut away for greater clarity;
- Figure 3 illustrates a detail of the abutment unit of Figure 1 in a schematic perspective
view;
- Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of a second embodiment of an
abutment unit for pieces of smokers' articles.
[0019] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes an abutment unit
for pieces 100a, 100b, 100c of smokers' articles which, for simplicity, are shown
only in Figure 2.
[0020] The pieces 100a, 100b, 100c, each of which has a main axis, are usually cylindrical
in shape and, hereinafter, preferred reference is made to pieces of filter or of filter
material.
[0021] The unit 1 is intended for the tobacco industry and, preferably, is intended for
a machine which makes composite filters, also known as "
combiner" and schematically indicated by the reference numeral 200. The machine 200 is of
substantially known type and is not described in detail.
[0022] The unit 1 comprises an abutment drum 2 rotatable about an axis of rotation R.
[0023] Hereinafter, the term "axial" is used to denote directions parallel to the axis of
rotation R, whilst "radial" is used to denote directions parallel to a radius of the
drum 2.
[0024] The drum 2 comprises, on its outside cylindrical surface, a plurality of suction
flutes 3 for holding down the pieces of smokers' articles and extending mainly in
a direction parallel to the axis of rotation R.
[0025] Each flute 3 has a first end 3a and a second end 3b.
[0026] Each flute 3, preferably defined as a portion of a cylindrical surface whose axis
is parallel to the axis of rotation R of the drum, is shaped to match a portion of
the outside cylindrical surface of the pieces of smokers' article and is delimited
by respective flanks 4.
[0027] Each flank 4 delimits, in a substantially known manner, two consecutive flutes 3
along the outside cylindrical surface of the drum 2.
[0028] Each flank 4 has an outside radial profile. A succession of outside profiles of the
flanks 4 defines an outside cylindrical surface having an axis R.
[0029] The unit 1 comprises pusher means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20) operating at the abutment drum 2 to push the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c towards
each other from a spaced-apart position to a close-together position.
[0030] In the close-together position, the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c are abutted end to end
along a longitudinal direction to form a plug 101, shown in Figure 2.
[0031] In known manner, the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c are movable in the respective flute
3 along an abutment direction parallel to the axis of rotation R and substantially
parallel to the main axis of the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c themselves.
[0032] The pusher means comprise engagement means 7, 8, 9, 10 by which the pieces fed into
the flutes 3 of the drum 2 are engaged.
[0033] In the example illustrated, three pieces of filter are fed into each flute 3 and
the engagement means are used to engage the outer pieces 100a, 100c considering the
abutment direction and are positioned at the ends of the 3a, 3b of the flutes 3.
[0034] The engagement means 7, 8, 9, 10 by which the pieces 100a, 100c are engaged are at
least partly movable along the abutment direction between an away position spaced
from the abutment drum 2, shown at the top of Figure 2, substantially at a station
300 where the pieces are loaded, and a near position close to the abutment drum 2,
shown in Figure 2.
[0035] As illustrated, the engagement means 7, 8, 9, 10 project at least partly beyond a
radial dimension of the flanks 4.
[0036] In other words, as explained in more detail below, the engagement means 7, 8, 9,
10 are shaped to be able to act on the pieces by projecting beyond the radial dimension
of the flanks 4.
[0037] Advantageously, as will become clearer as this description continues, the engagement
means project towards the drum 2 beyond an axial dimension of the flanks 4, in particular
considering the near position of the engagement means.
[0038] The pusher means comprise actuating means 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 for
moving the engagement means between the aforementioned near and away positions.
[0039] More specifically, as will become clearer as this description continues, the actuating
means act on the pusher means in such a way that as the drum 2 rotates the engagement
means move the pieces axially along the flute in order to bring them into abutment.
[0040] In the embodiments illustrated by way of example, the pusher means comprise a first
and a second disc-shaped element 5, 6.
[0041] The disc-shaped elements 5, 6 are coaxial with the drum 2 and integral therewith.
[0042] With reference in particular to Figure 2, it may be noted that the disc-shaped element
6 is located on the side of the drum 2 opposite the disc-shaped element 5.
[0043] The disc-shaped elements 5 and 6 have the same radial extension and each of them
comprises a central hub 5a, 6a connecting it to the drum 2 and a respective elastically
compliant, external, annular portion 5b, 6b extending from the corresponding hub 5a,
6a.
[0044] More specifically, the portions 5b, 6b are configured to be deformed along the abutment
direction parallel to the axis R so as to allow the engagement means to move between
the near position and the away position.
[0045] The actuating means operate on the first disc-shaped element 5 - in particular on
the annular portion 5b thereof - and on the second disc-shaped element 6 - in particular
on the annular portion 6b thereof - in order to move the engagement means between
the near position and the away position by elastically deforming the disc-shaped elements
5 and 6.
[0046] The positions near the drum 2 and away from the drum 2 of the engagement means correspond
to a position where the portions 5b, 6b are close together and a position where the
portions 5b, 6b are spaced apart.
[0047] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the engagement
means for engaging the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c comprise a first annular tooth 7 and
a second annular tooth 8.
[0048] The tooth 7 extends from the external annular portion 5b of the element 5 towards
the drum 2.
[0049] The tooth 7 projects preferably beyond a radial dimension of the flanks 4, especially
considering the near position of the engagement means.
[0050] In other words, the tooth 7 is preferably located at a distance from the axis of
rotation R of the drum 2 which is greater than the distance of the radial profile
of the flanks 4 from the axis R.
[0051] The tooth 8 extends preferably from the external annular portion 6b of the element
6 towards the drum 2.
[0052] The tooth 8 projects preferably beyond a radial dimension of the flanks 4, especially
considering the near position of the engagement means.
[0053] In other words, the tooth 8 is preferably located at a distance from the axis of
rotation R of the drum 2 which is greater than the distance of the radial profile
of the flanks 4 from the axis R.
[0054] With reference to Figure 2 in particular, looking more closely at the engagement
means, in particular at the external annular portions 5b, 6b at the position near
the drum 2, that is, close together, it may be noted that the tooth 7 projects axially
towards the drum 2 above the flanks 4.
[0055] In other words, the tooth 7 projects beyond an axial dimension of the flanks 4 towards
the drum 2, considering in particular the near position of the engagement means, that
is, of the annular portions 5b, 6b.
[0056] Similarly, the tooth 8 projects axially towards the drum 2 above the flanks 4.
[0057] In other words, the tooth 8 projects beyond an axial dimension of the flanks 4 towards
the drum 2, considering in particular the near position of the engagement means, that
is, of the annular portions 5b, 6b.
[0058] The teeth 7, 8 each have a respective face 7a, 8a for engaging the pieces being processed.
[0059] The faces 7a, 8a extend radially and are shaped to engage part of one end of the
corresponding piece.
[0060] The teeth 7, 8, in particular the faces 7a, 8a thereof, face each other along the
abutment direction in such a way as to bring the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c into abutment
as the drum 2 rotates.
[0061] The teeth 7, 8 act on a radially outer portion of the pieces 100a, 100c, in particular,
the portion of the pieces which extends radially beyond the dimensions of the flanks
4.
[0062] In practice, considering at least the near position of the portions 5b, 6b, the faces
7a and 8a of the teeth 7, 8 are positioned at an axial distance which is smaller than
the maximum axial dimension of the drum 2 and in particular than a maximum axial dimension
of the flanks 4.
[0063] With reference to Figure 4, in the embodiment illustrated, the engagement means for
engaging the pieces 100a, 100c comprise a plurality of pusher means 9, 10 for pushing
corresponding pieces, each located at a respective flute 3 of the abutment drum 2.
[0064] The means 9 extend from the external annular portion 5b of the element 5 towards
the drum 2.
[0065] The means 10 extend from the external annular portion 6b of the element 6 towards
the drum 2.
[0066] As illustrated, considering the near position of the engagement means, the means
9 extend from the external annular portion 5b of the element 5 towards the drum 2,
each preferably inside a corresponding flute 3.
[0067] Similarly, the means 10 extend from the external annular portion 6b of the element
6 towards the drum 2, each preferably inside a corresponding flute 3.
[0068] The teeth 9, 10 each have a respective face 9a, 10a for engaging the pieces being
processed.
[0069] The faces 9a, 10a are shaped to engage at least part of an end of the corresponding
piece and to be inserted into the flutes 3.
[0070] Preferably, the faces 9a, 10a are shaped to engage the whole of the end surface of
the corresponding piece, that is, they have substantially the same shape as the transversal
cross section of the pieces to be moved.
[0071] Advantageously, this solution allows abutting filter pieces 100a, 100b, 100c even
if made of delicate material since the pushing pressure is, in use, distributed over
the entire base area of each piece.
[0072] Each means 9, in particular the face 9a thereof, faces a corresponding means 10,
in particular the face 10a thereof, along the abutment direction in such a way as
to bring the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c into abutment as the drum 2 rotates.
[0073] In practice, considering at least the near position of the portions 5b, 6b, the faces
9a and 10a of the pusher means 9, 10 are positioned at an axial distance which is
smaller than the maximum axial dimension of the drum 2 and in particular than a maximum
axial dimension of the flanks 4.
[0074] With reference to Figure 1 in particular, it may be noted that the aforementioned
actuating means comprise a first pair of rollers 11, 12 - for example, ball bearings
- having a cylindrical outer surface engaged with an axially outer surface of the
annular portion 5b.
[0075] More specifically, the portion 5b comprises a track 13, preferably substantially
circular, on the side of the drum 2 opposite to that on which the rollers 11, 12 roll.
[0076] The rollers 11, 12 have respective axes of rotation R1, R2, preferably transversal
to each other and preferably intersecting the axis of rotation R of the drum 2.
[0077] The rollers 11, 12 are spaced from each other along a circular arc so as to maintain
the action of the pusher means on the pieces for a predetermined length of time before
the plugs 101 are discharged, in substantially known manner.
[0078] The actuating means comprise a second pair of rollers 14, 15 - for example, ball
bearings - having a cylindrical outer surface engaged with an axially outer surface
of the annular portion 6b.
[0079] More specifically, the portion 6b comprises a track 16, preferably substantially
circular, on the side of the drum 2 opposite to that on which the rollers 14, 15 roll.
[0080] The rollers 14, 15 have respective axes of rotation R3, R4, preferably transversal
to each other and preferably intersecting the axis of rotation R of the drum 2.
[0081] The rollers 14, 15 are spaced from each other along a circular arc so as to maintain
the action of the pusher means on the pieces for a predetermined length of time before
the plugs 101 are discharged, in substantially known manner.
[0082] The actuating means comprise adjustment means 17, 18, 19, 20 for adjusting the position
of the engagement means relative to the drum 2.
[0083] More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the adjustment
means comprise a carriage 17 for supporting the rollers 11, 12 and movable along the
abutment direction.
[0084] The adjustment means comprise a carriage 18 for supporting the rollers 14, 15 and
movable along the abutment direction.
[0085] The adjustment means comprise a substantially rectilinear guide 19 extending along
the abutment direction and engaged with the carriages 17, 18 movable along it.
[0086] The adjustment means comprise a mechanism 20 for positioning the carriages 17, 18,
of substantially known type and not described in detail, for defining the position
of the carriages 17, 18 along the guide 19.
[0087] In practice, the position of the carriages 17, 18 along the guide 19 determines the
distance, measured along the abutment direction, of the face 7a of the tooth 7 from
the face 8a of the tooth 8, or the distance, measured along the abutment direction,
of the faces 9a of the pusher means 9 from the faces 10a of the pusher means 10 with
the portions 5b, 6b in the near position.
[0088] The distance between the faces 7a and 8a or between the faces 9a and 10a with the
portions 5b, 6b in the near position corresponds, in practice, to the length of the
plug 101 or to the sum of the lengths of the pieces 100a, 100b and 100c in abutment
against each other along the respective flute 3.
[0089] Advantageously, the axial distance between the faces 7a and 8a or between the faces
9a and 10a may be greater than, smaller than or equal to the axial measurement of
the drum 2 or, more specifically, of the flanks 4 as a function of the length of the
pieces 100a, 100b, 100c being processed.
[0090] In use, the pieces 100a, 100b, 100c are positioned in the flutes 3 spaced from each
other at the loading station 300. As the drum 2 rotates, the rotation of the portions
5b and 6b is opposed by the rollers 11, 12 and 14, 15, respectively.
[0091] The action of the rollers 11, 12 and 14, 15 during the rotation of the drum 2 causes
bending, substantially along the abutment direction, of the portion 5b and of the
portion 6b, respectively.
[0092] The bending of the portions 5b and 6b causes the engagement means to move to the
near position, that is to say, the teeth 7, 8 or the pusher means 9, 10 move towards
each other, thereby pushing the pieces 100a, and 100c and compacting the plug 101.
[0093] Advantageously, as already mentioned, the preferred arrangement of the pusher means
9, 10 and/or the preferred shape of the teeth 7, 8 make it possible to compact even
plugs 101 whose length, measured along the abutment direction, is less than the length
of the flutes 3 or of the flanks 4.
[0094] In effect, if the engagement means lie across the flanks of the flutes or are inserted
into the flutes, it is always possible to push the end pieces when the annular portions
move into the near configuration. Thus, the combiner 200 equipped with the abutment
unit 1 is structured as if it always worked pieces or filters of the largest size.
Spacing systems, if any, for the pieces upstream of the abutment unit remain configured
to space the end pieces by the maximum distance, irrespective of the axial size of
the middle piece interposed between them.
[0095] Similarly, the abutment drum always has flutes of the maximum length because the
pusher means are able to compact even plugs whose total length is less than the axial
length of the flutes or flute flanks.
[0096] When the total length of the plugs varies, it is possible to operate on the adjustment
means, for example with the mechanism 20, to modify the axial distance between the
tooth 7 and the tooth 8 or between the pusher means 9 and the pusher means 10 so that,
in the near position, they can effectively compact the corresponding plug without,
however, damaging it by excessive pressure.
[0097] The abutment unit according to this invention advantageously allows changeovers to
be carried out without having to substitute mechanical units since it is sufficient
to adjust using the mechanism 20.
[0098] In other words, the abutment unit according to the invention eliminates the need
for service or substitution of mechanical parts during changeovers. The abutment drum,
or the respective flutes, is of the axial width suitable for plugs of the largest
size. Similarly, all the rollers and mechanisms upstream are for plugs of the largest
size even when operating on plugs of smaller size.
[0099] Advantageously, therefore the down times of the machine 200 are reduced.
1. An abutment unit for pieces (100a, 100b, 100c) of smokers' articles, comprising an
abutment drum (2) rotatable about an axis of rotation (R) and comprising a plurality
of suction flutes (3) arranged on its outside surface, extending parallel to the axis
of rotation (R) and delimited by corresponding flanks (4), the abutment unit comprising
pusher means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) operating
at the abutment drum (2) to push at least a first and a second piece (100a, 100c)
of smokers' article, located in a first flute (3) and aligned along a respective main
axis, towards each other along the first flute (3), the pusher means (5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprising engagement means (7, 8,
9, 10) by which the first and second pieces (100a, 100c) are engaged and which are
at least partly movable along an abutment direction parallel to the axis of rotation
(R) between an away position spaced from the abutment drum (2) and a near position
close to the abutment drum (2) and actuating means (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,
20) for actuating the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10), the abutment unit being characterized in that the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10) project at least partly towards the drum (2) beyond
an axial dimension of the flanks (4); it being possible for the engagement means (7,
8, 9, 10), at the near position, to be positioned at an axial distance which is smaller
than the maximum axial dimension of the flanks (4).
2. The abutment unit according to claim 1, wherein the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10)
project at least partly beyond a radial dimension of the flanks (4).
3. The abutment unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement means (7, 8, 9,
10) comprise at least one annular tooth (7, 8).
4. The abutment unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement
means (7, 8, 9, 10) comprise a plurality of pusher elements (9, 10), each located
at a respective flute (3) of the abutment drum (2).
5. The abutment unit according to claim 4, wherein the pusher elements (9, 10) each project
at least partly into the corresponding flute (3).
6. The abutment unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pusher
means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprise a first
and a second disc-shaped element (5, 6) integral and coaxial with the abutment drum
(2) and located on opposite sides thereof, the first disc-shaped element (5) and the
second disc-shaped element (6) being at least partly flexible substantially along
the abutment direction, the actuating means (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) operating
on the first disc-shaped element (5) and on the second disc-shaped element (6) to
move the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10) between the near position and the away position
by at least partly elastically deforming the first disc-shaped element (5) and the
second disc-shaped element (6).
7. The abutment unit according to claim 6, wherein the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10)
comprise a first annular tooth (7) projecting from an outer annular portion (5b) of
the first disc-shaped element (5) and a second annular tooth (6) projecting from an
outer annular portion (6b) of the second disc-shaped element (6), the first and the
second tooth (7, 8) projecting towards the abutment drum (2) beyond an axial dimension
of the flanks (4), the first and the second tooth (7, 8), at the near position, being
positioned at an axial distance which is smaller than the maximum axial dimension
of the flanks (4).
8. The abutment unit according to claim 7, wherein the first tooth (7) faces the second
tooth (8) along the abutment direction.
9. The abutment unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the engagement means
(7, 8, 9, 10) comprise a plurality of pusher means (9, 10), each located at a respective
flute (3) of the abutment drum, first pusher means (9) projecting from an outer annular
portion (5b) of the first disc-shaped element (5), each at least partly into a corresponding
flute (3), and second pusher means (10) projecting from an outer annular portion (6b)
of the second disc-shaped element (6), each at least partly into a corresponding flute
(3), the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10) being preferably at the near position.
10. The abutment unit according to claim 9, wherein each first pusher element (9) faces
a corresponding second pusher element (10) along the abutment direction.
11. The abutment unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating
means (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprise adjustment means (17, 18, 19,
20) for adjusting at least one position of the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10) relative
to the abutment drum (2).
12. The abutment unit according to claim 11, wherein the pusher means (5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprise a first and a second disc-shaped
element (5, 6) integral and coaxial with the abutment drum (2) and located on opposite
sides thereof, the first and second disc-shaped elements (5, 6) being at least partly
flexible substantially along the abutment direction, the actuating means (11, 12,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) operating on the first disc-shaped element (5) and on
the second disc-shaped element (6) to move the engagement means (7, 8, 9, 10) between
the near position and the away position by at least partly elastically deforming the
first disc-shaped element (5) and the second disc-shaped element (6), the adjustment
means (17, 18, 19, 20) operating on the first and second disc-shaped elements (5,
6).
1. Stützeinheit für Stücke von Raucherartikeln (100a, 100b, 100c), umfassend eine Stütztrommel
(2), die um eine Rotationsachse (R) drehbar ist, und umfassend eine Vielzahl an Saugrillen
(3), die auf deren äußeren Oberfläche angeordnet sind, sich erstreckend parallel zur
Rotationsachse (R) und abgegrenzt durch entsprechende Flanken (4), wobei die Stützeinheit
Schiebermittel (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) umfasst,
die an der Stütztrommel (2) arbeiten, um mindestens ein erstes und ein zweites Raucherartikelstück
(100a, 100c), angeordnet in einer ersten Rille (3) und ausgerichtet entlang einer
jeweiligen Hauptachse, hinführend zueinander entlang der ersten Rille (3) zu schieben,
wobei die Schiebermittel (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 10 16, 17, 18, 19,
20) Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) umfassen, durch die die ersten und zweiten Stücke
(100a, 100c) in Eingriff gelangen und die mindestens teilweise entlang einer Stützrichtung
bewegbar sind, die parallel zur Rotationsachse (R) zwischen einer entfernten Position,
die von der Stütztrommel (2) beabstandet ist, und einer nahen Position, die sich nah
an der Stütztrommel (2) befindet, und Betätigungsmittel (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, 20) zum Betätigen der Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10), wobei die Stützeinheit dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) mindestens teilweise zur Trommel (2) jenseits einer
axialen Dimension der Flanken (4) hervorstehen und es den Eingriffsmitteln (7, 8,
9, 10) an der nahen Position möglich ist, in einem axialen Abstand positioniert zu
werden, der kleiner ist als die maximale axiale Dimension der Flanken (4).
2. Stützeinheit nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) mindestens teilweise
jenseits einer radialen Dimension der Flanken (4) hervorstehen.
3. Stützeinheit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) mindestens
einen ringförmigen Zahn (7, 8) umfassen.
4. Stützeinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Eingriffsmittel (7,
8, 9, 10) eine Vielzahl an Schieberelementen (9, 10) umfassen, von denen ein jedes
an einer jeweiligen Rille (3) der Stütztrommel (2) positioniert ist.
5. Stützeinheit nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Schieberelemente (9, 10) jeweils mindestens
teilweise in die entsprechende Rille (3) hineinreichen.
6. Stützeinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Schiebermittel (5,
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) ein erstes und ein zweites
scheibenförmiges Element (5, 6) umfassen, die fest mit der Stütztrommel (2) verbunden
und koaxial zu dieser angeordnet sind und sich an entgegengesetzten Seiten von dieser
befinden, wobei das erste scheibenförmige Element (5) und das zweite scheibenförmige
Element (6) mindestens teilweise flexibel im Wesentlichen entlang der Stützrichtung
sind, wobei die Betätigungsmittel (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) auf dem ersten
scheibenförmigen Element (5) und auf dem zweiten scheibenförmigen Element (6) arbeiten,
um die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) zwischen der nahen Position und der entfernten
Position durch mindestens teilweise elastisches Verformen des ersten scheibenförmigen
Elements (5) und des zweiten scheibenförmigen Elements (6) zu bewegen.
7. Stützelement nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) einen ersten
ringförmigen Zahn (7) umfassen, der aus einem äußeren ringförmigen Abschnitt (5b)
des ersten scheibenförmigen Elements (5) hervorsteht, und einen zweiten ringförmigen
Zahn (6), der aus einem äußeren ringförmigen Abschnitt (6b) des zweiten scheibenförmigen
Elements (6) hervorsteht, wobei der erste und der zweite Zahn (7, 8) zur Stütztrommel
(2) jenseits einer axialen Dimension der Flanken (4) hervorstehen, wobei der erste
und der zweite Zahn (7, 8) an der nahen Position in einem axialen Abstand positioniert
sind, der kleiner ist als die maximale axiale Dimension der Flanken (4).
8. Stützeinheit nach Anspruch 7, wobei der erste Zahn (7) dem zweiten Zahn (8) entlang
der Stützrichtung gegenüberliegt.
9. Stützelement nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, wobei die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9,
10) eine Vielzahl an Schiebermitteln (9, 10) umfassen, von denen ein jedes an einer
jeweiligen Rille (3) der Stütztrommel, angeordnet ist, wobei erste Schiebermittel
(9) aus einem äußeren ringförmigen Abschnitt (5b) des ersten scheibenförmigen Elements
(5) hervorstehen, ein jedes mindestens teilweise hineinreichend in eine entsprechende
Rille (3), und zweite Schiebermittel (10) aus einem äußeren ringförmigen Abschnitt
(6b) des zweiten scheibenförmigen Elements (6) hervorstehen, ein jedes mindestens
teilweise hineinreichend in eine entsprechende Rille (3), wobei die Eingriffsmittel
(7, 8, 9, 10) vorzugsweise an der nahen Position sind.
10. Stützeinheit nach Anspruch 9, wobei das erste Schieberelement (9) einem entsprechenden
zweiten Schieberelement (10) entlang der Stützrichtung zugewandt ist.
11. Stützeinheit nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Betätigungsmittel
(11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) Einstellmittel (17, 18, 19, 20) zum Einstellen
von mindestens einer Position der Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) relativ zur Stütztrommel
(2) umfassen.
12. Stützeinheit nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Schiebermittel (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) ein erstes und ein zweites scheibenförmiges Element
(5, 6) umfassen, die fest mit der Stütztrommel (2) verbunden und koaxial zu dieser
angeordnet sind und sich an deren entgegengesetzten Seiten befinden, wobei das erste
und das zweite scheibenförmige Element (5, 6) mindestens teilweise flexibel im Wesentlichen
entlang der Stützrichtung sind, wobei die Betätigungsmittel (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20) auf dem ersten scheibenförmigen Element (5) und auf dem zweiten scheibenförmigen
Element (6) arbeiten, um die Eingriffsmittel (7, 8, 9, 10) zwischen der nahen Position
und der entfernten Position durch mindestens teilweise elastisches Verformen des ersten
scheibenförmigen Elements (5) und des zweiten scheibenförmigen Elements (6) zu bewegen,
wobei die Einstellmittel (17, 18, 19, 20) auf dem ersten und dem zweiten scheibenförmigen
Element (5, 6) arbeiten.
1. Unité de butée pour pièces (100a, 100b, 100c) d'articles de fumeurs, comprenant un
tambour d'appui (2) pouvant tourner autour d'un axe de rotation (R) et comprenant
une pluralité de cannelures d'aspiration (3) disposées sur sa surface extérieure,
se prolongeant de façon parallèle à l'axe de rotation (R) et délimitées par des flancs
correspondants (4), l'unité de butée comprenant des moyens pousseurs (5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), fonctionnant au niveau du tambour
d'appui (2) pour pousser au moins une première et une seconde pièce (100a, 100c) d'articles
de fumeurs, situées dans une première cannelure (3) et alignées le long d'un axe principal
respectif, les unes vers les autres le long de la première cannelure (3), les moyens
poussoirs (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 10 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprenant
des moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) par lesquels les premier et second pièces
(100a, 100c) sont mises en prise et étant au moins partiellement mobiles le long d'une
direction de butée parallèle à l'axe de rotation (R) entre une position éloignée espacée
du tambour d'appui (2) et une position rapprochée proche du tambour d'appui (2) et
des moyens d'actionnement (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) servant à actionner
les moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10), l'unité de butée étant caractérisée en ce que les moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) dépassent au moins partiellement vers le
tambour (2) au-delà d'une dimension axiale des flancs (4) ; les moyens de mise en
prise (7, 8, 9, 10) pouvant, dans la position rapprochée, être positionnés à une distance
axiale étant inférieure à la dimension axiale maximum des flancs (4).
2. Unité de butée selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle les moyens de mise en prise
(7, 8, 9, 10) dépassent au moins partiellement au-delà d'une dimension radiale des
flancs (4).
3. Unité de butée selon les revendications 1 ou 2, dans laquelle les moyens de mise en
prise (7, 8, 9, 10) comprennent au moins une dent annulaire (7, 8).
4. Unité de butée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
les moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) comprennent une pluralité d'éléments poussoirs
(9, 10), tous situés en correspondance d'une cannelure respective (3) du tambour d'appui
(2).
5. Unité de butée selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle les éléments poussoirs (9,
10) dépassent tous au moins partiellement dans la cannelure (3) correspondante.
6. Unité de butée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
les moyens poussoirs (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprennent
un premier et un second élément discoïdal (5, 6) solidaires et coaxiaux du tambour
d'appui (2) et situés sur ses côtés opposés, le premier élément discoïdal (5) et le
second élément discoïdal (6) étant au moins partiellement souples substantiellement
le long de la direction de butée, les moyens d'actionnement (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20) opérant sur le premier élément discoïdal (5) et sur le second élément
discoïdal (6) pour déplacer les moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) entre la position
rapprochée et la position éloignée en déformant élastiquement, au moins partiellement,
le premier élément discoïdal (5) et le second élément discoïdal (6).
7. Unité de butée selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle les moyens de mise en prise
(7, 8, 9, 10) comprennent une première dent annulaire (7) dépassant d'une partie annulaire
extérieure (5b) du premier élément discoïdal (5) et une seconde dent annulaire (6)
dépassant d'une partie annulaire extérieure (6b) du second élément discoïdal (6),
la première et la seconde dent (7, 8) dépassant en direction du tambour d'appui (2)
au-delà d'une dimension axiale des flancs (4), la première et la second dent (7, 8),
dans la position rapprochée, étant positionnées à une distance axiale étant inférieure
à la dimension axiale maximum des flancs (4).
8. Unité de butée selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle la première dent (7) fait face
à la seconde dent (8) le long de la direction de butée.
9. Unité de butée selon l'une quelconque des revendications de 6 à 8, dans laquelle les
moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) comprennent une pluralité de moyens poussoirs
(9, 10), tous situés en correspondance d'une cannelure (3) respective du tambour d'appui,
des premiers moyens poussoirs (9) dépassant d'une partie annulaire extérieure (5b)
du premier élément discoïdal (5), tous étant au moins dans une cannelure (3) correspondante,
et des seconds moyens poussoirs (10) dépassant d'une partie annulaire extérieure (6b)
du second élément discoïdal (6), tous étant partiellement dans une cannelure (3) correspondante,
les moyens de mise en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) étant de préférence dans la position rapprochée.
10. Unité de butée selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle le premier élément poussoir
(9) fait face à un second élément poussoir (10) le long de la direction de butée.
11. Unité de butée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle
les moyens d'actionnement (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprennent des moyens
de réglage (17, 18, 19, 20) servant à régler au moins une position des moyens de mise
en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) par rapport au tambour d'appui (2).
12. Unité de butée selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle les moyens poussoirs (5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) comprennent un premier et un
second élément discoïdal (5, 6) solidaires et coaxiaux du tambour d'appui (2) et situés
sur ses côtés opposés, les premier et second éléments discoïdaux (5, 6) étant au moins
partiellement souples substantiellement le long de la direction de butée, les moyens
d'actionnement (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) opérant sur le premier élément
discoïdal (5) et sur le second élément discoïdal (6) pour déplacer les moyens de mise
en prise (7, 8, 9, 10) entre la position rapprochée et la position éloignée en déformant
élastiquement, au moins partiellement, le premier élément discoïdal (5) et le second
élément discoïdal (6), les moyens de réglage (17, 18, 19, 20) opérant sur les premier
et second éléments discoïdaux (5, 6).
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description