TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application is directed to devices used in manufacturing cigarettes from
cut tobacco or other materials, and more particularly to compact cigarette manufacturing
machines suitable for domestic use.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cigarettes are made by roasting and cutting tobacco leaves, and rolling the cut tobacco
in a sheet of paper into a cylindrical shape with about 100 mm of length and about
8 mm of diameter. Cigarettes are consumed by lighting one end, and inhaling the smoke
at the other end. Processes for making cigarette may include roasting and steaming
cured tobacco leaves (at various temperatures and for various durations, for different
flavors), removing debris and shredding the tobacco leaves in a machine to transform
large tobacco leaves into smaller compressed tobacco leaves, cutting the tobacco leaves
into cut tobacco, and packing the cut tobacco with filter and cutting into segments.
[0003] US 2011/0056504 A1 discloses a cigarette making apparatus comprising separated tobacco input hamper,
tobacco conveying and compressing device, cigarette blank separating device and material
and product transfer mechanism. A tobacco filling tube holder is capable of holding
a plurality of filling tubes, each of which has a cylindrical portion having an outside
diameter, an inside diameter, a first end, and a second end, and a hollow tapered
portion having a first end with an outside diameter and a second end with an outside
diameter. The cigarette manufacturing machines currently in use are large in size
and require a large amount of cut tobacco for each use, resulting in waste in small-scale
operations. Therefore, there is a need for a cigarette manufacturing machine suitable
for small-scale, domestic use.
SUMMARY
[0004] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a compact cigarette manufacturing machine according
to claim 1 and a method for filling a cigarette tube according to claim 15 are provided.
[0005] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006]
FIG. 1A is a front-top-left side perspective view of a compact cigarette manufacturing
machine according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 1B is another front-top-left side perspective view of the compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C is a front-top-right side perspective view of the compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 1D is a rear-top-right side perspective view of the compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.
FIG. 1E is a rear-top-left side perspective view of the compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1D.
FIG. 1F is a top plan view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown in
FIGS. 1A-1E.
FIG. 1G is a bottom plan view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown
in FIGS. 1A-1F.
FIG. 1H is a left elevation view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown
in FIGS. 1A-1G.
FIG. 1I is a right elevation view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown
in FIGS. 1A-1H.
FIG. 1J is a front elevation view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown
in FIGS. 1A-1I.
FIG. 1K is a rear elevation view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown
in FIGS. 1A-1J.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine shown in FIGS.
1A-1K, where a lid of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine is opened.
FIG. 3 is a section view of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine across the
plane A-A in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal structure of a compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, 2, and 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal structure of a compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, 2, and 3.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the internal structure of a compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, 2, and 3.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the assembly of a bracket, a push spoon, and a pusher
according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7B is a top view of a bracket shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 7A.
FIG. 7C is a side view of a bracket shown in FIGS. 3-6, 7A, and 7B.
FIG. 7D is a perspective view of a bracket shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 7A-7C.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a presser according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the internal structure of a compact cigarette manufacturing
machine shown in FIGS. 1A-1K, 2, and 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter through reference to various
embodiments. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure convey the scope
of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the invention may be embodied
in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments
set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the", include plural referents unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0008] Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts
and features of the invention - such as alternative materials, structures, configurations,
methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives
as to form, fit and function, and so on-may be described herein, such descriptions
are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments,
whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt
one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments
and uses within the scope of the present invention even if such embodiments are not
expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects
of the invention may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method,
such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary
unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and
ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however,
such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended
to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified
as "approximate" or "about" a specified value are intended to include both the specified
value and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure
may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various
ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features
and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part
of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there
may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without
being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the invention
instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods
or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases,
nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary
unless expressly so stated.
[0009] Embodiments according to the present disclosure can be used for manufacturing cigarettes
from filler material, such as cut tobacco, in small amounts. In addition to cut tobacco,
embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be used for filling other
materials, such as cut or ground products, into a cigarette tube. Cigarette manufacturing
machines according to the present disclosure are compact in size, have simple mechanical
structures, and require only simple operations such as depositing cut tobacco or other
materials and activating a start switch. In addition, in small-scale operations, the
cigarette manufacturing machines fully utilize the deposited materials with little
waste, and pack the materials evenly and firmly in the cigarette tube as large-scale
machines do.
[0010] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1K, 2, and 3, in some embodiments, a compact cigarette
manufacturing machine 100 comprises a housing 4 enclosing a material chamber 40. The
material chamber 40 has a bottom or base surface 42 and an open end 44 for receiving
cut tobacco or other materials. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 further
comprises a filling pipe 3 coupled with the outer casing 110. The filling pipe 3 extends
into a filling cavity 31 below the material chamber 40 and in communication with the
material chamber 40 through an opening 43 of the bottom surface 42. The compact cigarette
manufacturing machine further comprises a loading element 2 assembled with the housing
4 and slidable along the bottom surface 42. In operation, the loading element 2 loads
or pushes the materials received in the material chamber 40 into the filling cavity
31 through the opening 43 of the bottom surface 42. The compact cigarette manufacturing
machine 100 further comprises a presser 1 assembled with the housing 4 and operable
to press or tamp the materials loaded in the filling cavity 31. The compact cigarette
manufacturing machine 100 may further comprise a pusher 7 for compressing and packing
the materials in the filling cavity 31. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine
100 further comprises a push spoon 35 slidably disposed inside the filling pipe 3.
The push spoon 35 is operable to deliver materials in the filling cavity 31 into a
cigarette tube loaded on the filling tip of the filling pipe 3.
[0011] The compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 further comprises a power source
6 for driving the mechanical components. The power source 6 may comprise one or more
electric motors for driving the push spoon 35, the pusher 7, the presser 1, and the
loading element 2. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9, the power source 6 may comprise
an electric motor 60a, an electric motor 60b, and an electric motor 60c. The power
source 6 may comprise an output shaft 62 attached with an eccentric disk 61. The output
shaft 62 is driven by an electric motor of the power source 6. For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 4, the output shaft 62 is driven by the electric motor 60b. The eccentric
disk 61 may be directly coupled to the output shaft 62, or be connected to the output
shaft 62 through power transmission mechanisms such as timing belts, gears, and reducers.
[0012] In some embodiments, the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 comprises more
than one power source for driving different mechanical components. In some embodiments,
one or more mechanical components are manually driven.
[0013] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1K, in some embodiments, the mechanical components of
the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 are contained in an outer casing 110.
Components for controlling the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100, such as
a power switch 111 and a start switch 112, may be disposed on a surface of the outer
casing 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1K and 2, the outer casing 110 may include
a lid 114 facing the open end 44 of the material chamber 40. The lid 114 may be pivotably
attached to the casing 110 and can be opened to allow the user to deposit cut tobacco
or other materials into the material chamber 40, and can be closed to prevent the
deposited materials from spilling out from the material chamber 40 or being contaminated
during operation.
[0014] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, in some embodiments, the housing 4 comprises the bottom
surface 42 and vertical side walls. The bottom surface 42 may have a variety of suitable
shapes, and may for example, be ramped or angled to facilitate funneling of the tobacco
or other filler material toward the filling cavity 31. For example, the bottom surface
42 may be a curved surface as illustrated in FIG. 3. In various embodiments, the bottom
surface 42 may be a horizontal flat surface, or a sloping flat surface. The housing
4 encloses the material chamber 40. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing may have
an entirely open top portion defining the open end 44 for receiving cut tobacco or
other materials. Alternatively, the housing 4 may have one or more openings on the
side walls or a top surface, for receiving the materials. As illustrated in FIG. 3,
the opening 43 to the filling cavity 31 is formed on the bottom surface 42 of the
housing 4, from which materials can fall out of the material chamber 40. In some embodiments,
the bottom surface 42 is a curved or sloping surface, and the opening 43 is formed
at a lowest portion of the bottom surface 42.
[0015] Preferably, the bottom surface 42 of the housing 4 is a curved surface, allowing
all of the materials to reach the opening 43, even when a small amount of materials
is received in the material chamber 40, and facilitating rotary motion of the loading
element 2 along the curved bottom surface 42. The opening 43 and the filling cavity
31 are disposed proximate to each other in order to reduce the horizontal range of
movement of the loading element 2. In addition, the loading element 2 may be accommodated
in the upper portion of the material chamber 40. As result, the cigarette manufacturing
machine 100 has a compact size suitable for domestic use.
[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7A-7D, the compact cigarette manufacturing machine
100 may further comprise a bracket 8 disposed beneath the housing 4. The bracket 8
comprises a slot 81. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the slot 81 and
the opening 43 of the bottom surface 42 of the housing 4 have substantially the same
width, and the slot 81 is positioned below the opening 43. In other embodiments, the
opening 43 is larger in width than the slot 81, such that the top surface of the bracket
8 defines a portion of the material chamber 40.
[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 7A-7D, in some embodiments, the bracket 8 defines a cavity
80 accommodating the pusher 7. In some embodiments, the filling cavity 31 is defined
within the cavity 80. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, 7C, and 7D,
the cavity 80 includes a semi-cylindrical recess 83 that is aligned with the filling
pipe 3 and defines at least a portion of the filling cavity 31.
[0018] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the filling cavity 31 is disposed beneath the material
chamber 40. In some embodiments, the filling pipe 3 extends into the filling cavity
31. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1K, the filling pipe 3 extends out of the outer casing
110, such that a cigarette tube to be filled can be loaded on the filling tip of the
filling pipe 3.
[0019] The push spoon 35 is operable to deliver tobacco or other materials in the filling
cavity 31 into a cigarette tube loaded on the filling tip of the filling pipe 3. As
illustrated in FIG. 7A, the push spoon 35 is slidably disposed inside the filling
cavity 31, and may include a hollow recess for carrying the materials in the filling
cavity 31. The push spoon 35 is operable to slide within the filling cavity 31 toward
the cigarette tube, carry the materials into the cavity of the cigarette tube, deposit
the materials, and slide back into the filling cavity 31. In some embodiments, the
push spoon 35 is operable to move in reciprocating motion. The push spoon 35 may be
driven manually, or by the power source 6 or another power source. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 9, the push spoon 35 may be mechanically coupled to the electric
motor 60c of the power source 6 through a swing arm 32. In some embodiments, the filling
cavity 31 and the push spoon 35 may be configured according to the tobacco cavity
and the push spoon assembly disclosed in
U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0281251.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1K, 6, and 9, the filling pipe 3 is a substantially cylindrical
tube and is coupled with the outer casing 110. The end portion or filling tip of the
filling pipe 3 is configured to be received or inserted into the cigarette tube to
be filled. The cigarette tube loaded on the filling tip may be held in place by friction
with the filling pipe 3. The cigarette tube may also be held in place manually by
the user, or by a clip disposed at the filling tip . In some embodiments, the compact
cigarette manufacturing machine 100 comprises a buckling assembly for pressing the
cigarette tube against the filling pipe 3 while materials are being filled into the
cigarette tube, and releasing the cigarette tube after the materials are filled. In
some embodiments, the buckling assembly may be configured according to the paper buckling
assembly disclosed in
U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0281251.
[0021] The compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 further comprises a pusher 7. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, the pusher 7 is disposed below the material chamber 40 and
is operable to move horizontally toward or away from the push spoon 35 in reciprocating
motion, in order to compress the loose cut tobacco or other materials. In some embodiments,
the pusher 7 is slidably disposed in the cavity 80 defined by the bracket 8. The exemplary
pusher 7 is an elongated plate having a concave tip 75 facing the push spoon 35. As
illustrated in FIG. 7A, in some embodiments, the push spoon 35 has a horizontal side
opening 34 facing the pusher 7, and the filling cavity 31 extends between the push
spoon 35 and the concave tip 75 of the pusher 7. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5,
the pusher 7 is operable to reach at least the opening 43 of the bottom surface 42
of the housing 4, in order to compress and pack the materials in the filling cavity
31. In some embodiments, the pusher 7 is operable to reach a maximum range toward
the filling pipe 3 where the concave tip 75 defines a cylindrical space with the semi-cylindrical
recess 83 of the cavity 80, such that the push spoon 35 can pack the cylindrical mass
of materials into the filling pipe 3.
[0022] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, a blade 36 for cutting tobacco or
other materials is formed on the lower edge of the push spoon 35 facing the filling
cavity 31. The blade 36 may be formed on the upper edge and/or the lower edge of the
push spoon 35 facing the filling cavity 31. In some embodiments, the blade 36 is disposed
on the top edge of the concave tip 75 of the pusher 7. The blade 36 may also be disposed
on the bottom edge of the concave tip 75 of the pusher 7. In some embodiments, the
blade 36 is oriented in the horizontal direction and facing the filling cavity 31.
In some embodiments, the blade 36 is disposed on an edge of the slot 81 of the bracket
8, and is oriented in the horizontal direction and facing the pusher 7. When the pusher
7 moves toward the push spoon 35, the blade 36 cuts across the loose materials hanging
over the edge of the filling cavity 31. As result, the mass of cut tobacco or other
materials after compression has a smooth surface, without excess materials on the
surface which may interfere with the steps that follow, such as filling the materials
into the cigarette tube.
[0023] The movement of the pusher 7 is driven by the power source 6 through a power transmission
mechanism. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the power transmission
mechanism for the pusher 7 comprises a shaft 64, a cam 71 coupled to the shaft 64,
and a transmission plate 72. The shaft 64 is mechanically coupled to and driven by
an electric motor of the power source 6. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and
5, the shaft 64 is driven by the electric motor 60a through gearwheels 65a and 65b.
[0024] The transmission plate 72 is coupled with the pusher 7 through a pin 76. The rotation
of the shaft 64 drives the horizontal movement of the transmission plate 72 through
the cam 71, causing the horizontal movement of the pusher 7.
[0025] The pusher 7 may be an integrally formed component, or comprise two or more connected
components. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the pusher 7 comprises
a first connector 73 for coupling with the transmission plate 72 and a second connector
74 partially defining the filling cavity 31. The first connector 73 and the second
connector 74 may be affixed to each other, or coupled to each other through mechanical
transmission, such that the horizontal movement of the first connector 73 drives the
horizontal movement of the second connector 74.
[0026] The filling cavity 31 has an open top end aligned with the opening 43 on the bottom
surface 42 of the housing 4, such that all materials falling through the opening 43
falls into the filling cavity 31.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the loading element 2 is assembled with the housing 4 and
is operable to slide along the bottom surface 42. In some embodiments, the loading
element 2 is operable to move in reciprocating rotary motion. The loading element
2 may have various suitable shapes that fit with the bottom surface 42, in order to
prevent cut tobacco or other materials from entering the space in between. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 3, the bottom surface 42 may be a curved surface, and the loading
element 2 may have a curved shape that fits with the bottom surface 42. In some embodiments,
the bottom surface 42 is formed with slide rails, and the loading element 2 is slidably
assembled on the slide rails. In other embodiments, the loading element 2 is slidably
coupled with a slit formed on the bottom surface 42 or a side wall of the housing.
[0028] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the front edge of the loading element
2 comprises a narrow, tapered surface 21. The narrow, tapered surface 21 allows the
loading element 2 to smoothly pass through the materials on the bottom surface of
the housing 4 with limited resistance, with the narrow front end depositing a limited
amount of materials into the filling cavity 31. In addition, the tapered surface 21
allows the materials to spread over, and form a thin layer, on the top surface of
the loading element 2. As result, only a small amount of materials falls into the
filling cavity 31 each time the loading element 2 slides down. As such, the presser
1 only presses a small amount of materials loaded in the filling cavity 31 each time
the presser 1 swings down, as small portions of materials enter the filling cavity
31 successively. This prevents the materials from excessively accumulating at one
portion of the filling cavity 31 while not adequately filling other portions, which
ensures that the materials are packed firmly and evenly in the filling cavity 31.
[0029] In some embodiments, the loading element 2 is coupled to a pivot affixed to the housing
4 through a swing arm. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the loading
element 2 is coupled to a pair of pivots 24a and 24b affixed to the two opposing walls
of the housing 4, respectively through a pair of swing arms 23a and 23b. As illustrated
in FIGS. 4-6, the pair of pivots and the pair of swing arms are disposed outside the
housing 4, and the loading element 2 is coupled to the pair of swing arms through
a slit formed along the bottom surface 42 of the housing 4. In various embodiments,
each of the pivots and each of the swing arms may be disposed within or outside the
housing 4.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the loading element 2 may be operable to swing about
the pivots 24a and 24b through the swing arms 23a and 23b. As illustrated in FIG.
4, the swing arms 23a and 23b may be assembled to the housing 4 through the pivots
24a and 24b. One end of the swing arms 23a and 23b is coupled to the loading element
2 and is operable to swing about the pivots 24a and 24b. At the other end, as illustrated
in FIG. 5, the swing arms 23a and 23b are affixed to each other through a rod 25.
In some embodiments, the swing arms are directly connected to the power source 6,
in order to drive the movement of the loading element 2. As illustrated in FIG. 5,
the swing arm 23b may be connected to an eccentric disk 63 provided on the output
shaft 62 of the power source 6 through a lever 66. As such, the upward and downward
sliding movements of the loading element 2 along the bottom surface 42 of the housing
4 are driven through the swing arm 23b and the lever 66. In some embodiments, the
swing arms 23a, 23b each has a bent portion for limiting the movement range of the
loading element 2.
[0031] In some embodiments, the swing arms are indirectly driven by the power source 6 through
other mechanical components.
[0032] In some embodiments, the loading element 2 is coupled to a shaft extending across
the housing 4, through a swing arm or a pair of swing arms.
[0033] In some embodiments, the loading element 2 is directly driven by the power source
6 through power transmission mechanisms. For example, the bottom surface 42 of the
housing 4 may comprise a slit, and the power transmission mechanisms may be coupled
with the loading element 2 through the slit. In some embodiments, the loading element
2 comprises engagement slots (not shown) at the bottom surface, and the engagement
slots engages with an engagement disk (not shown) rotatably assembled to the bottom
surface 42 of the housing 4. The engagement disk may be coupled to the power source
6 and have an eccentric shape, such that the rotation of the engagement disk drives
the movement of the loading element 2. The loading element 2 may comprise two or more
sets of engagement slots for engaging with two or more engagement disks disposed along
a horizontal line and having different eccentricities. As such, the loading element
2 is operable in one direction in multiple steps. For example, the loading element
2 may be operable to move back and forth along the bottom surface 42 of the housing
4 in one step or multiple steps.
[0034] In some embodiments, the loading element 2 is driven by an engagement disk through
a connecting rod (not shown) and a drive rod (not shown). The engagement disk is directly
driven by the power source 6 and has an eccentric shape. The engagement disk is coupled
with the connecting rod and drives the movement of the connecting rod. The connecting
rod has a rotating end coupled with the drive rod through an eccentric disk and gearwheels.
The drive rod is coupled with the loading element 2 and drives the reciprocating motion
of the loading element 2 within a predetermined range. The loading element 2 may also
be mechanically coupled with the power source 6 through any suitable arrangement,
including, for example, one or more motors and screws.
[0035] In some embodiments, the loading element 2 is mounted on a sliding block operable
along a guide rail on the bottom surface 42 of the housing 4. In other embodiments,
the loading element 2 may be driven by one or more swing arms, which may provide a
simpler and more compact mechanical structure, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. Such an
arrangement may also reduce exposure of the moving components (e.g., power source
6 components) to contamination by tobacco/material entrapment in gaps or spaces in
the loading element arrangement.
[0036] The presser 1 comprises a press surface 14 for contacting with and pressing the cut
tobacco or other materials. The presser 1 may have a variety of suitable shapes. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the presser 1 may be fan-shaped with a cutout,
and assembled with the housing 4 through a shaft 12. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 5, the presser 1 is operable to swing about the shaft 12 between a withdrawn
position and a pressing position. In some embodiments, the presser 1 is operable to
move in reciprocating motion. When the presser 1 moves from the withdrawn position
toward the pressing position, the press surface 14 moves squarely toward the filling
cavity 31, in order to firmly pack materials into the filling cavity 31. At the withdrawn
position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the press surface 14 is above the bottom of the
material chamber 40, allowing materials to enter the filling cavity 31 from the material
chamber 40.
[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, a side panel 46 may be provided in the housing 4
to define a side portion of the material chamber 40. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
presser 1 may be disposed behind the side panel 46, such that the presser 1 is substantially
outside the material chamber 40 at the withdrawn position and the pressing position.
[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 may further
comprise a swing arm 13 for driving the swinging motion of the presser 1. In some
embodiments, one end of the swing arm 13 is eccentrically connected to the output
shaft 62 of the power source 6, and the other end is connected to the presser 1. For
example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the swing arm 13 may have one end connected
to the eccentric disk 61 provided on the output shaft 62, and the other end connected
to the presser 1 through the shaft 12 provided in the shaft hole 15. In some embodiments,
the swing arm 13 is connected to the power source 6 at an upper portion and connected
to the presser 1 at a lower portion. In other embodiments, the swing arm 13 is connected
to the power source 6 at a lower portion and connected to the presser 1 at an upper
portion. The power source 6 causes the relative movement of the two ends of the swing
arm 13, driving the presser 1 to swing back and forth in an arc trajectory. In some
embodiments, the swing arm 13 has a bent portion for limiting the movement range of
the presser 1.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 9, in some embodiments, a torsion spring 11 is
provided at the shaft 12. The torsion spring 11 provides a recovery force for the
presser 1 to return from the pressing position to the withdrawn position, such that
quick reciprocating motion of pressing the cut tobacco or other materials can be achieved.
In some embodiments, the recovery force is provided by the torsion spring 11, so that
the movement of the presser 1 from the pressing position to the withdrawn position
is not driven by the power source 6.
[0040] In some embodiments, the presser 1 and the loading element 2 are connected through
a connection arm in order to operate cooperatively. With the connection arm, the vertical
reciprocating motion of the presser 1 and the horizontal reciprocating motion of the
loading element 2 can be driven by a single power source. For example, the presser
1 may start moving from the withdrawn position toward the pressing position to firmly
pack materials into the filling cavity 31, when the front edge of the loading element
2 reaches the opening 43 of the bottom surface 42 of the housing 4.
[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100
may further comprise one or more stir bars 5 assembled within the housing 4. The stir
bar 5 is operable to swing or rotate in order to agitate the materials received in
the material chamber 40, for example by slapping the inner surface of the loading
element 2 or material chamber 40. This movement of the stir bar 5 evens the distribution
of materials in the material chamber 40 and prevents materials from remaining (e.g.,
becoming caked or solidified) on the material chamber 40 and/or loading element 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the stir bar 5 may be assembled to a shaft 54. A torsion
spring 51 may be attached to the shaft 54 for providing a recovery force when the
stir bar 5 swings or rotates, in order to increase the strength and speed of stirring.
The stir bar 5 may be driven by the power transmission mechanism for the loading element
2, or by an independent power transmission mechanism. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
stir bar 5 may be driven by a swing arm 52 through the shaft 54, where the swing arm
52 is connected to the eccentric disk 61 provided on the output shaft 62 of the power
source 6.
[0042] The compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 may further comprise an electric
control system comprising a control panel 116 and a circuit board 118. The circuit
board is connected with a microcontroller for controlling the power source 6 of the
mechanical components. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is capable of receiving
data and controlling electric circuits, such as receiving data about the displacement
of the presser 1, the loading element 2, and the push spoon 35, and start or stop
the power output from the one or more power source. The microcontroller may be, for
example, a main control module of a computing device. The control panel controls the
power source 6 through connection with the circuit board.
[0043] In some embodiments, the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 further comprises
sensors 90 and components providing signals for the sensors 90, in order to determine
the displacement of the presser 1, the loading element 2, and the push spoon 35. The
sensors 90 and the components providing signals may be provided on the presser 1,
the loading element 2, and the push spoon 35, or on other components of the compact
cigarette manufacturing machine 100. The sensors 90 send the microcontroller data
representing the displacement of the components in order to control the operation
of the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100. For example, the microcontroller
determines whether the filling cavity 31 is fully packed with cut tobacco or other
materials based on the displacement of the presser 1, and controls the presser 1 to
continue or stop operating.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, in some embodiments, the sensors 90 coordinate with
the torsion spring 11 provided at the shaft 12 to determine the displacement of the
presser 1. The presser 1 may comprise one or more independently movable presser units.
In some embodiments, the sensors 90 are provided to determine the displacement of
each of the more than one presser units. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and
8, the presser 1 may comprise four presser units, and each of the pressor units comprises
a sensor 90 and a torsion spring 11 for determining the displacement of the corresponding
presser unit. As such, when the presser 1 moves toward the pressing position to pack
materials into the filling cavity 31, the amount of materials under each of the four
presser units can be individually determined by the sensors 90. As compared with the
configuration with only one pressor unit, providing two or more pressor units allows
the compact cigarette manufacturing machine 100 to continue packing materials into
the filling cavity 31 until each portion of the filling cavity 31 is fully packed,
when each of the sensors 90 detects at least a predetermined amount of materials under
each of the presser units. In addition, the more than one torsion spring 11 may individually
adjust the pressing position of each of the pressor units, such that each portion
of the filling cavity 31 can be fully packed even if the materials are unevenly distributed
in the material chamber 40.
[0045] In operation, the lid 114 is opened and the user deposits cut tobacco or other materials
to be processed in the housing 4. A cigarette tube is loaded onto the filling tip
of the filling pipe 3 coupled with the outer casing 110. The power is switched on
(e.g., by depressing the power switch 111 and the start switch 112), and the power
source 6 first drives the movement of the presser 1, the loading element 2, and the
stir bar 5. The loading element 2 pushes the materials along the bottom surface 42,
and the materials falls into the filling cavity 31 through the opening 43 of the bottom
surface 42. The presser 1 moves between the withdrawn position and the pressing position
to firmly pack the materials into the filling cavity 31. In some embodiments, the
presser 1 comprises multiple presser units having multiple sensors 90 for determining
the amount of materials under each of the presser units. The sensors 90 transmit data
representing the amount of materials under each of the presser units to the microcontroller.
When one or more of the sensors 90 indicates that the amount of tobacco/material in
the filling cavity 31 is insufficient (e.g., based on the degree of rotation of one
or more presser unit), the loading element 2 and the presser 1 repeat their reciprocating
movement (as controlled by the microcontroller) to load and press additional tobacco/material
into the filling cavity. When the amount of materials under each of the presser units
reaches a predetermined amount, the microcontroller stops the movement of the presser
1, the loading element 2, and the stir bar 5. Next, the microcontroller controls the
pusher 7 to move toward the push spoon 35, pressing against the materials packed in
the filling cavity 31. When the pusher 7 reaches the maximum range toward the push
spoon 35, the materials are formed into a cylindrical mass aligned with the filling
pipe 3. Lastly, the microcontroller controls the push spoon 35 to deliver the tobacco
or other materials into the cigarette tube. The microcontroller also controls the
pusher 7 to move away from the push spoon 35. The above process can be repeated until
the power is switched off.
1. A compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) comprising:
a housing (4) enclosing a material chamber (40), the material chamber (40) having
a bottom surface (42) and an open end (44) for receiving materials to be filled in
a cigarette tube;
a filling pipe (3) disposed on the housing (4) to define a filling tip, wherein the
filling pipe (3) extends into a filling cavity (31), wherein the filling cavity (31)
is in communication with the material chamber (40) through an opening (43) of the
bottom surface (42) of the material chamber (40);
a loading element (2) assembled with the housing (4) and slidable along the bottom
surface (42) of the material chamber (40), wherein the loading element (2) is operable
to load the materials into the filling cavity (31) through the opening (43) of the
bottom surface (42);
a pusher (7) disposed below the material chamber (40) and operable to move horizontally
toward or away form the push spoon (35) in order to compress the materials,
characterized by
a push spoon (35) slidably disposed inside the filling cavity (31), wherein the push
spoon (35) is operable to deliver the materials in the filling cavity (31) into the
cigarette tube when the cigarette tube is loaded on the filling tip; and a presser
(1) assembled with the housing (4) and operable to press the materials loaded in the
filling cavity (31).
2. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
bottom surface (42) of the material chamber (40) is a curved surface.
3. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) further comprises a power source (6)
for driving the operation of the pusher (7), wherein the push spoon (35) has a horizontal
opening facing the pusher (7), and wherein the pusher has a concave tip (75) facing
the push spoon (35).
4. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) further comprises a power source (6)
for driving the operation of at least one of the push spoon (35), the presser (1),
and the loading element (2).
5. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
presser (1) and the loading element (2) operate cooperatively by connection through
a connection arm.
6. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 3, further comprising
a bracket (8) defining a cavity (80) accommodating the pusher (7) and defining at
least a portion of the filling cavity (31), wherein the bracket (8) comprises a slot
(81) for communicating the material chamber (40) and the filling cavity (31).
7. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
presser (1) is operable to swing about a shaft (12) between a withdrawn position and
a pressing position, and wherein a press surface (14) of the presser (1) moves squarely
toward the filling cavity (31) for firmly packing the materials into the filling cavity
(31) when the presser (1) moves from the withdrawn position toward the pressing position.
8. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 3, further comprising
a blade (36) formed on an edge of the push spoon (35) facing the filling cavity (31).
9. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 6, further comprising
a blade (36) disposed on a top edge of the pusher (7) and/or an edge of the slot (81)
of the bracket (8), wherein the blade (36) is oriented horizontally and facing the
filling cavity (31).
10. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
presser (1) is disposed substantially outside the material chamber (40).
11. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) further comprises at least one stir
bar (5) assembled within the housing (4), wherein the at least one stir bar (5) is
operable to swing or rotate in order to agitate the materials in the material chamber
(40), and wherein the at least one stir bar (5) is driven by a power source (6) through
an eccentric disk (61).
12. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein a
front edge of the loading element (2) comprises a tapered surface (21).
13. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) further comprises one or more sensors
(90) for determining the displacement of at least one of the presser (1), the loading
element (2), and the push spoon (35).
14. The compact cigarette manufacturing machine (100) according to claim 1, wherein the
presser (1) comprises two or more presser units, and wherein each of the two or more
presser units comprises a sensor (90) and a torsion spring (11) configured to determine
the displacement of each of the two or more presser units.
15. A method for filling a cigarette tube, comprising:
receiving materials in a housing (4) enclosing a material chamber (40), the material
chamber (40) having a bottom surface (42) and an open end (44);
loading, by a loading element (2), the materials through an opening (43) of the bottom
surface (42) into a filling cavity (31) beneath the housing (4),
wherein the filling cavity (31) is in communication with the material chamber (40)
through the opening (43) of the bottom surface (42) of the material chamber (40);
wherein the loading element (2) is assembled with the housing (4) and slidable along
the bottom surface (42) of the material chamber (40), compressing the materials by
a pusher (7) disposed below the material chamber (4) and operable to move horizontally
toward or away from the push spoon (35) in reciprocating motion,
and characterised by
pressing the materials loaded in the filling cavity (31) by a presser (1) assembled
with the housing
and
delivering the materials into the cigarette tube by a push spoon (35).
1. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100), umfassend:
ein eine Materialkammer (40) umschließendes Gehäuse (4), wobei die Materialkammer
(40) eine Unterseite (42) und ein offenes Ende (44) zum Aufnehmen von Materialien
zum Stopfen in eine Zigarettenhülse aufweist;
ein auf dem Gehäuse (4) angeordnetes Stopfrohr (3) zum Definieren einer Stopfspitze,
wobei sich das Stopfrohr (3) in einen Stopfraum (31) erstreckt, wobei der Stopfraum
(31) in Verbindung mit der Materialkammer (40) durch eine Öffnung (43) der Unterseite
(42) der Materialkammer (40) steht;
ein mit dem Gehäuse (4) verbundenes und entlang der Unterseite (42) der Materialkammer
(40) verschiebbares Ladeelement (2), wobei das Ladeelement (2) zum Laden der Materialien
in den Stopfraum (31) durch die Öffnung (43) der Unterseite (42) ausgebildet ist;
ein unterhalb der Materialkammer (40) angeordneter und zum horizontalen Bewegen zum
Schiebelöffel (35) hin oder von diesem weg zum Komprimieren der Materialien ausgebildeter
Schieber (7), gekennzeichnet durch einen im Stopfraum (31) verschiebbar angeordneten Schiebelöffel (35), wobei der Schiebelöffel
(35) zum Übergeben der Materialien im Stopfraum (31) in die Zigarettenhülse, wenn
die Zigarettenhülse an der Stopfspitze geladen ist, ausgebildet ist; und einen mit
dem Gehäuse (4) verbundenen und zum Drücken der in den Stopfraum (31) geladenen Materialien
ausgebildeten Drücker (1).
2. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Unterseite (42)
der Materialkammer (40) eine gekrümmte Fläche ist.
3. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine
(100) ferner eine Energiequelle (6) zum Antreiben des Betriebs des Schiebers (7) umfasst,
wobei der Schiebelöffel (35) eine zum Schieber (7) zeigende horizontale Öffnung aufweist
und wobei der Schieber eine zum Schiebelöffel (35) zeigende konkave Spitze (75) aufweist.
4. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine
(100) ferner eine Energiequelle (6) zum Antreiben des Betriebs von wenigstens einem
Element der Gruppe umfassend den Schiebelöffel (35), den Drücker (1) und das Ladeelement
(2) umfasst.
5. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Drücker (1) und
das Ladeelement (2) durch Verbindung über einen Verbindungsarm zusammenarbeiten.
6. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 3, ferner umfassend einen
einen Raum (80) zur Aufnahme des Schiebers (7) definierenden und wenigstens einen
Teil des Stopfraums (31) definierenden Träger (8), wobei der Träger (8) einen Schlitz
(81) zum Verbinden der Materialkammer (40) und des Stopfraums (31) umfasst.
7. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Drücker (1) zum
Schwenken um eine Welle (12) zwischen einer eingefahrenen Position und einer Drückposition
ausgebildet ist und wobei sich eine Drückfläche (14) des Drückers (1) rechtwinklig
zum Stopfraum (31) hin zum festen Stopfen der Materialien in den Stopfraum (31), wenn
sich der Drücker (1) von der eingefahrenen Position zur Drückposition bewegt, bewegt.
8. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 3, ferner umfassend eine auf
einem Rand des zum Stopfraum (31) zeigenden Schiebelöffels (35) ausgebildete Klinge
(36).
9. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 6, ferner umfassend eine auf
einem oberen Rand des Schiebers (7) und/oder einem Rand des Schlitzes (81) des Trägers
(8) angeordnete Klinge (36), wobei die Klinge (36) horizontal ausgerichtet ist und
zum Stopfraum (31) zeigt.
10. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Drücker (1) im
Wesentlichen außerhalb der Materialkammer (40) angeordnet ist.
11. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine
(100) ferner wenigstens eine im Gehäuse (4) montierte Rührstange (5) umfasst, wobei
die wenigstens eine Rührstange (5) zum Schwenken oder Drehen zum Aufrühren der Materialien
in der Materialkammer (40) ausgebildet ist und wobei die wenigstens eine Rührstange
(5) von einer Energiequelle (6) durch eine Exzenterscheibe (61) angetrieben wird.
12. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein vorderer Rand
des Ladeelements (2) eine schräge Fläche (21) umfasst.
13. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine
(100) ferner einen oder mehrere Sensoren (90) zum Bestimmen der Verschiebung von wenigstens
einem Element der Gruppe umfassend den Drücker (1), das Ladeelement (2) und den Schiebelöffel
(35) umfasst.
14. Kompakte Zigarettenherstellmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Drücker (1) zwei
oder mehr Drückereinheiten umfasst und wobei jeder der zwei oder mehr Drückereinheiten
einen Sensor (90) und eine Drehfeder (11), ausgebildet zum Bestimmen der Verschiebung
von jeder der zwei oder mehr Drückereinheiten, umfasst.
15. Verfahren zum Stopfen einer Zigarettenhülse, umfassend:
Aufnehmen von Materialien in eine Materialkammer (40) umschließendes Gehäuse (4),
wobei die Materialkammer (40) eine Unterseite (42) und ein offenes Ende (44) aufweist;
Laden der Materialien mit einem Ladeelement (2) durch eine Öffnung (43) der Unterseite
(42) in einen Stopfraum (31) unterhalb des Gehäuses (4),
wobei der Stopfraum (31) in Verbindung mit der Materialkammer (40) durch die Öffnung
(43) der Unterseite (42) der Materialkammer (40) steht;
wobei das Ladeelement (2) mit dem Gehäuse (4) verbunden und entlang der Unterseite
(42) der Materialkammer (40) verschiebbar ist, wobei die Materialien durch einen unterhalb
der Materialkammer (4) angeordneten und zum horizontalen Bewegen zum Schiebelöffel
(35) hin und von diesem weg in einer Hin- und Herbewegung ausgebildeten Schieber (7)
komprimiert werden, und gekennzeichnet durch das Drücken der in den Stopfraum (31) geladenen Materialien durch einen mit dem Gehäuse
verbundenen Drücker (1) und Übergeben der Materialien in die Zigarettenhülse durch
einen Schiebelöffel (35).
1. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) comprenant :
un logement (4) enfermant une chambre de matériaux (40), la chambre de matériaux (40)
ayant une surface inférieure (42) et une extrémité ouverte (44) pour recevoir des
matériaux à remplir dans un tube de cigarette ;
une conduite de remplissage (3) disposée sur le logement (4) pour définir une pointe
de remplissage, la conduite de remplissage (3) s'étendant dans une cavité de remplissage
(31), la cavité de remplissage (31) se trouvant en communication avec la chambre de
matériaux (40) à travers une ouverture (43) de la surface inférieure (42) de la chambre
de matériaux (40) ;
un élément de charge (2) assemblé avec le logement (4) et pouvant coulisser le long
de la surface inférieure (42) de la chambre de matériaux (40), l'élément de charge
(2) pouvant fonctionner pour charger les matériaux dans la cavité de remplissage (31)
à travers l'ouverture (43) de la surface inférieure (42) ;
un poussoir (7) disposé en-dessous de la chambre de matériaux (40) et pouvant fonctionner
pour déplacer horizontalement vers, ou à l'opposé de, la cuillère de poussée (35)
afin de comprimer les matériaux,
caractérisée par une cuillère de poussée (35) disposée de manière à pouvoir coulisser à l'intérieur
de la cavité de remplissage (31), la cuillère de poussée (35) pouvant fonctionner
pour délivrer les matériaux dans la cavité de remplissage (31) dans le tube de cigarette
lorsque le tube de cigarette est chargé sur la pointe de remplissage ; et un dispositif
de compression (1) assemblé au logement (4) et pouvant fonctionner pour comprimer
les matériaux chargés dans la cavité de remplissage (31).
2. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, la surface
inférieure (42) de la chambre de matériaux (40) étant une surface incurvée.
3. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, la machine
compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) comprenant en outre une source d'alimentation
(6) pour causer le fonctionnement du poussoir (7), la cuillère de poussée (35) ayant
une ouverture horizontale faisant face au poussoir (7), et le poussoir ayant une pointe
concave (75) faisant face à la cuillère de poussée (35).
4. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, la machine
compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) comprenant en outre une source d'alimentation
(6) pour causer le fonctionnement d'au moins l'un de la cuillère de poussée (35),
du dispositif de compression (1), et de l'élément de charge (2).
5. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, le dispositif
de compression (1) et l'élément de charge (2) pouvant fonctionner en coopération par
raccordement à travers un bras de raccordement.
6. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 3, comprenant
en outre un étrier (8) définissant une cavité (80) logeant le poussoir (7) et définissant
au moins une portion de la cavité de remplissage (31), l'étrier (8) comprenant une
fente (81) pour faire communiquer la chambre de matériaux (40) et la cavité de remplissage
(31).
7. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, le dispositif
de compression (1) pouvant fonctionner pour basculer autour d'un arbre (12) entre
une position de retrait et une position de compression, et une surface de compression
(14) du dispositif de compression (1) se déplaçant carrément vers la cavité de remplissage
(31) pour emballer fermement les matériaux dans la cavité de remplissage (31) lorsque
le dispositif de compression (1) se déplace depuis la position de retrait vers la
position de compression.
8. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 3, comprenant
en outre une lame (36) formée sur un bord de la cuillère de poussée (35) faisant face
à la cavité de remplissage (31).
9. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 6, comprenant
en outre une lame (36) disposée sur un bord supérieur du poussoir (7) et/ou un bord
de la fente (81) de l'étrier (8), la lame (36) étant orientée horizontalement et faisant
face à la cavité de remplissage (31).
10. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, le dispositif
de compression (1) étant disposé sensiblement à l'extérieur de la chambre de matériaux
(40).
11. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, la machine
compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) comprenant en outre au moins une barre
d'agitation (5) assemblée à l'intérieur du logement (4), la au moins une barre d'agitation
(5) pouvant fonctionner pour basculer ou tourner afin d'agiter les matériaux dans
la chambre de matériaux (40), et la au moins une barre d'agitation (5) étant entraînée
par une source d'alimentation (6) à travers un disque excentrique (61).
12. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, un bord
avant de l'élément de charge (2) comprenant une surface effilée (21).
13. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, la machine
compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) comprenant en outre un ou plusieurs capteurs
(90) pour déterminer le déplacement d'au moins l'un du dispositif de compression (1),
de l'élément de charge (2), et de la cuillère de poussée (35).
14. Machine compacte de fabrication de cigarettes (100) selon la revendication 1, le dispositif
de compression (1) comprenant deux ou plusieurs unités de compression, et chacune
des deux ou plusieurs unités de compression comprenant un capteur (90) et un ressort
de torsion (11) conçu pour déterminer le déplacement de chacune des deux ou plusieurs
unités de compression.
15. Procédé de remplissage d'un tube de cigarette, consistant à :
recevoir des matériaux dans un logement (4) enfermant une chambre de matériaux (40),
la chambre de matériaux (40) ayant une surface inférieure (42) et une extrémité ouverte
(44) ;
charger, par un élément de charge (2), les matériaux à travers une ouverture (43)
de la surface inférieure (42) dans une cavité de remplissage (31) en-dessous du logement
(4),
la cavité de remplissage (31) se trouvant en communication avec la chambre de matériaux
(40) à travers l'ouverture (43) de la surface inférieure (42) de la chambre de matériaux
(40) ;
l'élément de charge (2) étant assemblé au logement (4) et pouvant coulisser le long
de la surface inférieure (42) de la chambre de matériaux (40), comprimant les matériaux
par un poussoir (7) disposé en-dessous de la chambre de matériaux (4) et pouvant fonctionner
pour se déplacer horizontalement vers, ou à l'opposé de, la cuillère de poussée (35)
selon un mouvement de va-et-vient,
et caractérisé par la compression des matériaux chargés dans la cavité de remplissage (31) par un dispositif
de compression (1) assemblé avec le logement et
par la distribution des matériaux dans le tube de cigarette par une cuillère de poussée
(35).