CN102655772A

CN102655772A - Smoking article dispenser

Info

Publication number: CN102655772A
Application number: CN2009801584303A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·帕帕洛瓦佐; J·沃塞曼
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Co Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2009-01-29
Filing date: 2009-12-23
Publication date: 2012-09-05
Also published as: AR075349A1; JP2012516138A; WO2010086074A1; AU2009338552A1; US20120024881A1; CA2749326A1; UA101729C2; EP2395859B1; RU2011135419A; CL2011001836A1; GB0901490D0; CA2749326C; EP2395859A1; GB0915836D0; MX2011008035A; KR20110115144A; BRPI0924209A2

Abstract

A smoking article dispenser (100) comprises a dispenser housing configured to receive a cartridge (150) of smoking articles. The dispenser housing interior is configured with elements to dispense a smoking article when the cartridge is actuated between a first and second position. In addition, a cartridge for use with such a dispenser, such a dispenser in combination with such a cartridge and a method of operating such a dispenser.

Description

The smoking article distributor

Technical field

The present invention relates to the distributor of smoking article such as cigarette, relate more specifically to have the smoking article distributor of smoking article guiding and ejection mechanism.

Background technology

Multiple smoking article distributor well known in the prior art has portable housing and the device of a smoking article of primary distribution from distributor.Yet these known distributors have a lot of defectives, comprise using inconvenient, unreliable, heavy and/or complicated distributor gear.In addition, traditional distributor is constructed to usually make that the user must a manual loading Linear Leaf Speedwell cigarette.The present invention aims to provide improved smoking article distributor, and it has overcome the defective of prior art.

Summary of the invention

In order to solve the problem relevant, developed the distributor that has based on the solution of the box body of can reloading with distributor of the prior art.Distributor of the present invention has significant design flexibility, and can use multiple outer cover and smoking article box body.

Correspondingly; In one embodiment; The present invention provides a kind of smoking article distributor, and it comprises the distributor body that is configured to admit the smoking article box body, and wherein the internal configurations of distributor body is to have the parts that when box body activated, distribute smoking article between first and second positions.

This distributor can further comprise and is configured to engage and guide with box body and divides the framework that is coordinated in the smoking article in the box body.

Distributor body can comprise the horizontal end wall that can depress, and this horizontal end wall connects to be incorporated in and moves box body between first and second positions.

Distributor can further comprise the attaching parts that operationally are connected with the horizontal end wall that can depress.Attaching parts are also operationally connected between smoking article bonding station and smoking article distribution locations, to activate lifting arm.

Framework can comprise a plurality of box body bump bondings that are configured to guide and advance the smoking article in the box body.

The box body bump bonding can be formed on the horizontal sidewall of framework.

Distributor can further comprise the box body of admitting smoking article; And this box body can further comprise smoking article guiding piston; And this smoking article guiding piston can with box body bump bonding reciprocation; When moving between first and second positions with convenient box body, it can guide and advance the smoking article in the box body.Smoking article guiding piston can comprise the flank that is configured to extend through the Kong Yiyu box body bump bonding joint that is formed in the smoking article box body.

Distributor body is configurable for having the dispensing orifice of resealable.

Distributor can further comprise movably port lid portion; It is configurable between the primary importance and the second place, to activated; This port lid portion covers the dispensing orifice of resealable when being in primary importance; And along with the transverse wall portion of distributor is depressed, the dispensing orifice that this port lid portion removes resealable when being in the second place covers.

Box body can comprise the smoking article retainer that advances, and it forms a plurality of ridges on the cartridge inner surface.Box body can further comprise a plurality of smoking articles retainer that advances, and it forms a plurality of serrated part on the cartridge inner surface.

In another embodiment; The present invention provides a kind of distributor; It comprises that the qualification chamber is to admit the framework of smoking article box body slidably; This box body has the opening that is used for from the said smoking article of box body unloading, and this chassis configuration is for being received within the chamber when box body and when on first direction, sliding with respect to framework with smoking article, framework acts synergistically with box body and does return movement with the permission box body in the opposite direction with respect to smoking article; Thereby through the unloading of the opening in box body smoking article, so that smoking article distributes from distributor.

Preferably, distributor comprises biasing member, and it is configured so that box body is opposite with smoking article power mobile and that biasing member provides with respect to framework on first direction, thereby box body returns with respect to smoking article in the opposite direction when discharging.

Preferably; Distributor comprises the smoking article reception part of sliding with box body; Said reception part is configured to: when box body and reception part moved on said rightabout with respect to smoking article, said reception part was admitted from the smoking article of the said opening unloading of box body.

Preferably, distributor can comprise the dispensing orifice on the framework, and the smoking article reception part is configured so that moving on said rightabout moves to the smoking article and the said dispensing orifice positions aligning of admitting in the said reception part with reception part.

The smoking article that reception part is preferably admitted in reception part moves to said smoking article of being admitted and said dispensing orifice positions aligning.

Framework preferably has first and second ends; And chamber preferably is configured to admit the smoking article box body; Thereby the longitudinal axis of each smoking article is extended between said first and second ends; The box body that can in framework, laterally slide is substantially perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis of said smoking article, with said in a lateral direction from the opening of box body unloading smoking article to reception part.

Preferably, dispensing orifice is formed at first end of framework, makes the smoking article of admitting in the reception part align with dispensing orifice in a longitudinal direction.

Distributor preferably includes elevating mechanism in a longitudinal direction the smoking article of alignment is released reception part through the hole in first end of framework.

Elevating mechanism is preferably in response to box body moving and activate on said rightabout, and preferably include with the Lift Part that contact than low-end of the smoking article that aligns and when box body is mobile on said rightabout and said Lift Part act synergistically to promote the lever of said parts.

Distributor preferably includes the groove that is arranged in reception part, and said Lift Part preferably is received in the said groove slidably, with towards with move away from said dispensing orifice.

Said Lift Part preferably include a pair of on said longitudinal direction parallel pin separated from one another, and lever comprises having the arm that is received in the end between the said pin slidably.

Lever is preferably another terminal rotatable being mounted on the framework of arm, and comprises lever around said pivot rotation to promote the actuated components of said Lift Part.

Distributor preferably include on the framework post and at another terminal hook of said arm, this hook extends so that truck dead lever is to framework pivotally around post, said actuated components is formed on the free terminal of hook.

Distributor is preferably incorporated in the track on the framework, and said actuated components extends through said track.

Follower (follower) preferably is received on the track slidably, and is configured so that preferably it moves along track with respect to framework in the moving process of box body with respect to framework.

Preferably, orbit-shaped becomes the closed-loop path, makes that follower just is back to its original position after the complete length of the track of having advanced.

Follower preferably engages actuated components towards track ends, make follower rotate said lever with the lifting Lift Part along being moved further of said track, and the smoking article of promotion alignment in a longitudinal direction passes through the hole.

Preferably, after lever rotated, follower compacting actuated components returned its original position, thus in the opposite direction under the effect of himself weight lever rotate at least in part to reduce elevating mechanism.

Preferably, when follower at box body in starting stage of the subsequent motion of first direction during orbital motion, follower engages with actuated components further on said rightabout, to rotate lever that part rotates to reduce elevating mechanism fully.

Distributor preferably includes the lid of the openend of cover framework, can insert in the framework through this openend box body, and lid preferably forms the exercisable button of user, on this button, applies power and can move box body with respect to framework.

Distributor preferably includes the outer cover around framework, has the hole corresponding to the dispensing orifice on the framework on it, to be used as smoking article from its passage that passes through.

Distributor preferably includes the box body that holds smoking article and can in framework, locate movably.

Box body preferably includes and is configured to the piston that on said first direction, moves with box body.

Distributor preferably includes ratchet mechanism, and it allows box body to do return movement with respect to the smoking article that holds in said piston and the box body.

Ratchet mechanism preferably include be positioned on the piston, from the outstanding flexible ratchet of the opening of box body and a series of separated, be formed on the fixing coordination portion on the framework; Wherein when piston with box body when said first party moves up; Flexible ratchet bending is also crossed the fixing collaborative member on the framework; When box body moved on said rightabout, said flexible ratchet combined with said fixing collaborative member to stop moving of piston.

Preferably, the interval between the fixing collaborative member is at least the diameter of the smoking article that holds in the box body, and the distance that makes box body move with respect to piston is enough to make smoking article from box body, to unload.

Distributor is preferably incorporated in collaborative member between piston and the box body, makes box body when first party moves up, keep piston to be in a fixed position with respect to box body.

Collaborative member preferably includes a series of projection and flexible ends on the piston that are positioned on the box body; Wherein when box body moves on said rightabout with respect to piston; Flexible ends is crooked and cross projection, and wherein said flexible ends combines with projection to stop piston to move up in first party with respect to box body.

As stated; The present invention also provides the housing of the distributor that comprises framework; This housing comprises having sidewall and be used for from the chamber of the opening end wall of box body unloading smoking article and the piston of box body, admitting slidably; This piston comprises that the opening from sidewall extends outstanding ratchet, with framework in corresponding collaborative member engages.

Preferably, flexible raisedly extend through the opening end wall from sidewall and before inserting distributor, drop through said opening end wall to stop smoking article.

Preferably, box body comprises collaborative member between piston and box body, thereby box body keeps the position of piston with respect to box body when first direction moves.

Coordination portion preferably includes a series of projection and flexible ends on the piston that are positioned on the box body; Wherein when box body when piston moves on said rightabout; Flexible ends is crooked and cross projection, and wherein said flexible ends combines with projection to stop piston to move up in first party with respect to box body.

The present invention also provides a kind of method of operation commutator; This distributor comprises the chamber that is limited framework and is received in the smoking article box body in the chamber slidably; This box body comprises the opening of the said smoking article of unloading from box body; This method comprises: on first direction, box body is slided with smoking article with respect to framework, framework and box body synergy are done return movement to allow box body with respect to smoking article in the opposite direction; Unload smoking article from distributor, to distribute smoking article with opening through box body.

Preferably; Distributor comprises the biasing member that is configured; This method preferably includes: overcome the power that provided by biasing member on said first direction, with respect to framework box body and smoking article being moved together, and box body returns in the opposite direction with respect to smoking article when discharging.

Preferably; Distributor comprises the reception part that can slide with box body; This method preferably includes: when box body and reception part move on said rightabout with respect to smoking article, from box body, be discharged in the smoking article of admitting in the said reception part through said opening.

Preferably; Distributor comprises the dispensing orifice that is arranged in framework; This method preferably includes: when the smoking article reception part moves in the opposite direction, said reception part is moved to the smoking article and the said dispensing orifice positions aligning of admitting in the said reception part.

This method preferably includes the smoking article that reception part is admitted and moves to said smoking article of being admitted and said dispensing orifice positions aligning in reception part.

This method preferably further comprises in a longitudinal direction releases reception part through the hole on the framework with the smoking article of alignment.

According to said embodiment, dispensing orifice is configurable for having complementary hole/axial shape with the smoking article that is assigned with.For example, the configurable shape that is particularly suitable for distributing the smoking article of complementary shape for oval, square, triangle or other of dispensing orifice.

Description of drawings

Only preferred implementation of the present invention is described referring now to accompanying drawing through the mode of embodiment, in the accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 shows the isometric front view of distributor of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows the decomposition isometric front view of the distributor of Fig. 1, comprising the box body that uses with distributor of the present invention;

Fig. 3 A-3D is the distributor of Fig. 1 and 2 and the order stereogram of box body, shows each stage of batch operation, wherein can see the internal feature of lifting arm;

Fig. 4 A-4D is the order stereogram of distributor and box body, is similar to Fig. 3 A-3D, shows each stage of batch operation, but can see box body and inside of frame characteristic;

Fig. 5 A and 5B are the stereograms of each side of outer cover of the distributor of Fig. 1-4, wherein in every width of cloth figure, dot each lateral parts of outer cover;

Fig. 6 is the stereogram of box body of the present invention shown in Figure 2, and it is used for the distributor of Fig. 1-4 and has filled cigarette;

Fig. 7 is the exploded view of the box body of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is the stereogram of the box body blank of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is the stereogram of the box body blank of the folding Fig. 8 of a side;

Figure 10 is the stereogram of the box body blank of the folding Fig. 8 in both sides and 9;

Figure 11 has the stereogram of box body blank that the folding and projection in both sides forms Fig. 8-10 of inwardly folding top margin and the ratchet on the base;

Figure 12 has the stereogram of box body blank that the base upwards is folded to form Figure 11 of box bottom;

Figure 13 has the stereogram of box body blank that top margin is folded to form Figure 12 of box body end face downwards;

Figure 14 is that distal process plays the stereogram of the box body blank of folding Figure 13 from the relative edge;

The side view of the box body of Figure 14 of the ratchet of Figure 15 has been shown in broken lines top and bottom inside;

Figure 16 is the stereogram of first of the piston of box body;

Figure 17 is the stereogram of second portion of the piston of box body;

Figure 18 A and 18B are the stereograms of end door of the distributor of Fig. 1-4;

Figure 19 is the stereogram of lifting arm of the distributor of Fig. 1-4;

Figure 20 A and 20B are the stereograms of lifting arm holding components of the distributor of Fig. 1-4;

Figure 21 is the stereogram of reception part of the distributor of Fig. 1-4;

Figure 22 is the stereogram of lifting foot of the distributor of Fig. 1-4;

Figure 23 is the stereogram that the distributor of Fig. 1-4 connects;

Figure 24 is the stereogram of leaf spring of the distributor of Fig. 1-4;

Figure 25 shows the side view of interior details of the distributor of Fig. 1-4, wherein replaces the box body of previous Fig. 6 of the present invention-17 that describes with the replaceable box body of the present invention;

Figure 26 shows interior details but has omitted the side view of replaceable box body of the present invention of Figure 25 of piston;

Figure 27 is the side view of piston of the replaceable box body of Figure 25 and 26;

Figure 28 A1-28D2 is a series of order illustrated side views and corresponding plane of distributor of the present invention, wherein be used in combination the interchangeable box body of the present invention and shown each stage of batch operation, and internal feature is visible; And

Figure 29 A-29C illustrates a series of order illustrated planes that move of piston in replaceable box body of the present invention.

The specific embodiment

Annex 1 and annex 2 illustrate the side/vertical view of the others of above-described parts in the progressive process of the component locations of guiding and distribution smoking article.

For the illustrative embodiments that illustrates here and describe is described, the smoking article that will from distributor of the present invention, distribute is described to " cigarette ", but need should be appreciated that this term can mean any smoking article, and need not be confined to cigarette.

With reference now to Fig. 1-2 4,, wherein show the cigarette distributor 100 of first embodiment of the present invention, it comprises outer cover 110 and end door 112, end door 112 is installed on the openend 110a of outer cover 110 pivotally to open and close the openend 110a of outer cover 110.When thereby end door 112 also is installed on the outer cover 110 the openend 110a of and covering outer cover 110 in the closed position when end door 112 slidably; It can slip in the outer cover 110; With in using the process of distributor 100 as the exercisable button of user, below will be described in more detail this.End door 112 comprises hinge protuberance 112a (seeing Figure 18 B), and it admits (see figure 2) to carry out above-described slip and the motion of pivoting by the groove 110b in the outer cover 110.

Distributor 100 comprises framework 120 (see figure 2)s that are positioned at outer cover 110, and it defines the chamber of the box body 150 that is configured to admit cigarette " S ".In case the configuration of framework 120 and box body 150 makes that box body 150 inserts in the chamber of framework 120 slip that box body 150 can move back and forth fully in framework 120.

Framework 120 comprises two sidewalls 124, roof 126, diapire 128 and end wall 130, and they limit chamber jointly.Chamber is that opening-wide state is to insert chamber with box body 150 in the end opposite 132 of end wall 130.Roof 126 comprises dispensing orifice 126a (see figure 2), from distributor 100, distributes cigarette through this hole.Outer cover 110 also comprises the dispensing orifice 110c that aligns with the dispensing orifice 126a of framework 120.According to concrete embodiment, the dispensing orifice 110c on the fresh movable cover closed cover 110 of the cigarette in the available maintenance distributor 100.In the specific embodiment, when the user started end door 112 with distribution cigarette S, lid was shown in an open position, and closes after cigarette has assigned.

By means of locking key 114 framework 120 is remained in the outer cover 110, this locking key 114 extends from the outside of outer cover 110, through its end wall, and engages with the corresponding collaborative 120a of mechanism on the end wall that is formed on framework 120 130.Such joint comprises interference fit, snap or within the scope of the present invention other coupling apparatus or parts.

The inner surface of each frame side wall 124 comprises, and is a plurality of outstanding and along the evenly spaced vertical projection 134 of the length of each frame side wall 124 (seeing Fig. 2 and 25) from it.Interval between each projection 134 is about the diameter of treating the cigarette of distribution from distributor 100 in the box body 150.

The embodiment of the box body of the present invention 150 that uses with distributor 100 is seen Fig. 6-17, and it is folded to form according to Fig. 9-14 by blank 152 (see figure 8)s.Box body 150 (assemble see Figure 14) comprises two sidewalls 154, roof 156, diapire 158 and end wall 160, and they limit the space that holds cigarette S together in box body 150.Box body 150 is in open state so that cigarette S shifts out in batch operation at a relative end 162 of end wall 160 in box body 150.A sidewall 154 comprises side card 164, and it folds and strides across openend 162 and connect opposing sidewalls 154.Each sidewall 154 comprises the macropore 154a that is formed at wherein.Roof and diapire 156,158 include a series of from its ratchet 156a that extends out, 158a (seeing Fig. 8-12), and thus when forming blank 152, ratchet 156a, 158a carry out folding (the seeing Figure 11 and Figure 12) at right angle respectively with respect to roof 156 and diapire 158.When the folding blank 152 that comprises roof 156 and diapire 158 when forming structurized box body 150; The ratchet 156a of roof 156 extends towards the diapire of box body 150 downwards; Parallel and bear against adjacent wall 154 separately; The ratchet 158a of diapire 158 upwards extends towards the roof of box body 150, and is parallel and bear against adjacent wall 154 separately.

In box body 150, provide piston 170 (for example seeing Fig. 7) in the following batch operation that will describe, cigarette in a row being released box body 150, this piston comprise common cross section be positive U type extended part 172 (seeing Fig. 7 and 16), be connected in the flat board member 174 in the about centre position of front surface 172a of extended part 172.Flat board member 174 comprises side wing 174a, and shown in Fig. 7 and 17, it outwards and backward forms angle.Thereby having elasticity, side wing 174a can tend to return its original outside projection position naturally when curving inwardly.Piston 170 is contained in the box body 150, the most contiguous frame openings end 132 of its front surface 172a, and 132 one-tenth angles of flank and frame openings end leave mutually.The configuration of piston 170 makes that the flank 174a of flat board member 174 extends through the hole 154a on the sidewall 154 when taking in it in box body 150.

Framework 120 can further comprise leaf spring 136 and receiver 138 (seeing for example Fig. 2).Leaf spring 136 is positioned at the far-end of the chamber of framework 120, leans on end wall 130, and receiver 138 also is positioned at the far-end of the chamber of framework 120, and is adjacent and near leaf spring 136.Receiver 138 comprises that the cross section is square elongated rectangle parts basically, has the cigarette receiving channel 138a of the opening that forms along the length direction of receiver 138, and it aligns with dispensing orifice 126a on the roof 126 of framework 120.Receiver 138 further comprises two little gathering sill 138b, has a gathering sill on each of the opposing sidewalls of receiver 138.Gathering sill 138b extends from the bottom of receiver 138, upwards is connected with groove 138a along receiver 138 part highly.Lifting foot 140 (seeing Fig. 2 and 22) is provided, and this lifting foot comprises platform 140a, and it is positioned in the groove 138a from the upwardly extending vertical arm 140b of platform 140a through a pair of, and vertically arm lays respectively in the gathering sill 138b.Each vertical arm 140b comprises a pair of lead 140c, and it vertically stretches out through the gathering sill 138b in the adjacent separately receiver 138 from each vertical arm 140b.Each sidewall 124 of framework 120 also comprises the gathering sill 124a that the gathering sill 138b on the corresponding edge with receiver 138 aligns, thereby lead 140c extends through frame side wall gathering sill 124a and receiver gathering sill 138b.Framework gathering sill 124a on the sidewall 124 forms roughly " L " shape structure (see figure 2) from bases.

Shown in Fig. 3 A-3D, 4A-4D and 19-20B, framework 120 further comprises lifting arm 180, and lifting arm 180 comprises the inner arm 182 that support component 184 supports.Support component 184 at one end has hole 184a, and it is positioned on the outstanding support protrusion 186 of a sidewall of framework 120 124.The opposite end of the hole 184a of inner arm 182 is disposed between the 140c of lead up and down of lifting foot 140, thereby lifting arm 180 can make lifting foot 140 at the groove 138a of receiver 138 with in the gathering sill 138b of receiver 138 and frame side wall 124,124a, raise respectively and reduce respectively around rotatablely moving of support protrusion 186.

The frame side wall 124 of having fixed lifting arm 180 also comprise a pair of laterally convexity 188 between gathering sill 124a and support protrusion 186 (for example see Fig. 2,3B, 4B).Protruding 188 vertically separate each other, and are configured to limit the motion of lifting arm 180.Therefore protruding 188 are used to limit the limit that lifting arm 180 makes progress and moves downward, and this moment, support component 184 was near them.

The identical sidewall 124 of the framework 120 of supporting elevation arm 180 also comprises guide rail formed thereon 190, and it is limited the protrusion walls parts from the surface curvature of sidewall 124.Guide rail 190 is positioned at support protrusion more than 186, and comprises the elongation globule sigmoid part (seeing Fig. 2 and 25) that parts 190a limits around the island, and the constriction of " globule " sigmoid is located immediately at support protrusion more than 186.The inner arm 182 of lifting arm 180 comprises around support protrusion 186 extensions and outside along the radial direction of support protrusion 186, and the part (seeing Fig. 2,3C/4C, 19) of the contact jaw 182a of the constriction that is positioned at guide rail 190 is provided endways.Therefore, the motion of the contact jaw 182a of inner arm 182 makes lifting arm 180 in protruding 188 scope, rotate around support protrusion 186, thereby makes lifting foot 140 rise or descend.

Shown in Fig. 2 and 23; Attaching parts 192 link doors 112 and framework 120; And comprise having the first connecting pin 192a (seeing Figure 18 B) that extends and rotatably be contained in the hole 112b on the end door 112 from it; The lever of the second connecting pin 192b that extends with opposite side from the opposite end of attaching parts, this lever remains in the guide rail 190.Therefore, when attaching parts 192 when the first connecting pin 192a rotates, 112 reciprocating motions with respect to framework 120 of end door make the second connecting pin 192b, and the guide rail 190 around the parts 190a moves along the island.Further; Attaching parts 192 are configured and locate with respect to the support component 184 of lifting arm 180; Thereby when holding door 112 when first direction is moved, attaching parts 192 rest on the support component 184, and guide the second connecting pin 192b along the top of guide rail 190; When end door 112 moves along an opposite Return-ing direction, the second connecting pin 192b still around and lean on guide rail 190 than lower part.

Combine box body 150 of the present invention will describe the operation of cigarette distributor 100 of the present invention now, special in figure 3A-3D and 4A-4D.At first, the user outwards winding end door 112 to expose the openend 110a of outer cover 110.The box body of having filled cigarette S 150 is inserted in the chamber of framework 120, up to openend 162 next-door neighbour's receivers 138 of box body 150.In this position, box body 150 inserts in the framework 120 fully, and the end that box body 150 and end wall 160 close on extends short distance from the openend 132 of framework 120.Shutdown side door 112 is to close outer cover 110 then, and the inner face of end door 112 and the end wall 160 of box body 150 contact with the second connecting pin 192b that is positioned at guide rail 190.Distributor 100 is in stand-by state then.

For distributing cigarette S from distributor 100, the user inwardly pushes away in end door 112 to the outer cover 110 as action button.End door 112 combines and drives the end wall 160 of box body 150 so that box body 150 further slips into the chamber 122 of framework 120.This is illustrated in the motion of Fig. 3 A-3B and 4A-4B.When these actions take place; The effect of ratchet is played at the angle, highest and lowest of the extended part 172 of piston 170; And near ratchet 156a, the 158a (shown in annex 1) of box body 150; Thereby piston 170 is compelled together with piston 170 preceding smoking articles, in framework 120 and with respect to framework 120, moves to box body 150.When piston 170 moved forward in framework 120, the flank 174a of piston 170 curved inwardly with the adjacent vertical projection 134 on the inboard of the sidewall 124 that strides across framework 120, advances to its initial position.After striding across each vertical projection 134, flank is back to extrinsic deflection.Simultaneously, box body 150 promotes the receiver 138 that moves forward with box body 150, and with respect to the end wall 130 compression leaf springs 136 of framework 120.Lifting foot 140 moves forward together with receiver 138, thus lead 140c be arranged in framework 120 sidewall 124 " L " shape gathering sill 124a the bottom to forward part.In such motion process, the second connecting pin 192b moves forward on the top of guide rail 190, promotes and cross the contact jaw 182a of lifting arm 180, rotates lifting arm 180 down to its extreme lower position around support protrusion 186, and support arm 184 is near bottom protrusion 188.The far-end of the inner arm 182 between the lead 140c of lifting foot 140 makes lifting foot be positioned at its extreme lower position, although in this stage, its be maintained at framework 120 limit wall 124 gathering sill 124a " L " shape in forward part.

When the user discharges end door 112 be, the biasing force that discharges by the leaf spring 136 of compression promote receiver 138 and near box body 150 in the opposite direction move backward to return initial position.Yet as ratchet and near the vertical projection 134 on the sidewall that is positioned at framework 120 124, they begin when travelling forward, to stride across vertical projection to the flank 174a of piston 170 now, return together with box body 150 thereby stop piston 170 to move backward to reach.This makes box body 150 under the active force of leaf spring 136, move backward, but piston 170 and before piston 170 cigarette S in a row be in relative framework 120 than the front position time keep static.This makes the cigarette S that in box body 150, takes the lead be pushed out box opening end 162.When box body 150 moves with piston 170 with respect to framework 120 backward; The angle, highest and lowest of the extended part 172 of piston 170 is near ratchet 156a, the 158a of box body 150, and near the next-door neighbour's of box body 150 ratchet 156a, smooth vertical plane 159 (see figure 7)s of 158a.

Under the active force of leaf spring 136, when receiver 138 moves backward, move and make to the row of static cigarette S and just ejected file leader's cigarette S and be inserted into the groove 138a from box body 150.At this moment, lifting foot 140 also moves together with receiver 138 backward, and thus, file leader's cigarette S is positioned at the top of platform 140a.And the second connecting pin 192b begins to move along lower return path in the guide rail 190 under the parts 190a of island simultaneously.Groove 138a in the receiver move to respectively with framework 120 and outer cover 110 on dispensing

orifice

126a, 110c positions aligning.During this part of batch operation is illustrated in and moves shown in Fig. 3 B-3C, Fig. 4 B-4C.

At last; When end door 112 and box body 150 arrive the terminal position that moves backward and return initial position again; The second connecting pin 192b moves up to the contact jaw 182a that arrives and promote lifting arm 180 than lower part guide rail 190 backward; Thereby upwards rotate lifting arm 180 to its extreme higher position around supporting projections 186, and support arm 184 is near last lateral process 188.This makes when in the gathering sill 138b of lead 140c on the sidewall 124 of receiver 138 and framework 120, the 124a when upwards mobile, the far-end of inner arm 182 between the lead 140c of lifting foot 140 upwards to promote lifting foot 140 to its raised position.This makes and upwards promotes and shift out respectively dispensing orifice 126a, the 110a on framework 120 and the outer cover 110 the file leader's cigarette on the platform 140a.During this part of batch operation is illustrated in and moves shown in Fig. 3 C-3D, Fig. 4 C-4D.

In the end of its motion, the second connecting pin 192b crosses the contact jaw 182a of lifting arm 180, and in next batch operation, thereby be ready to through promoting and be rotated down lifting arm 180 once more to repeat above-described process.Yet after second connecting pin was crossed the contact jaw 182a of lifting arm 180, lifting foot 140 and lifting arm 180 possibly completely or partially descend under himself weight, but this does not influence follow-up batch operation.

Treat the cigarette S that distributes from the box body 150 of distributor 100 for each; Repeat above-described process; And each time; Through ratchet mechanism, piston 170 moves forward with respect to box body 150 and framework 120, and this ratchet mechanism comprises the flank 174a that is positioned on the vertical projection 134 and ratchet 156a, last extended part 172 ends of 158a.When box body 150 is in empty state; Box body 150 motion forward promotes piston 170 forward to the openend 162 of box body 150; Thereby flank 174a combines with the edge of hole 154a, and along with piston 170 further curves inwardly forward, thereby they are entirely near the sidewall 154 of box body.In this position, they are disengaged combination with vertical projection 134 on the sidewall 124 of framework 120.The user opens end door 112 and changes the box body of using up 150 with new box body 150 easily subsequently.The distributor 100 of reloading then, and be ready to the above operation.

The box body 150 that the above description of the present invention comprises distributor 100, uses with distributor 100, and the distributor 100 that is used in combination with box body 150.To describe box body 250 another embodiments of the present invention, it also is suitable for using together with the same distributor 100 described at present, so being described in detail in this and no longer repeating of distributor 100.

Another embodiment of box body 250 of the present invention is seen Figure 25-28D, and it comprises having two sidewalls 254, the chamber of roof 256, diapire 258 and end wall 260, and they limit the space that holds cigarette S together in box body 250.Box body 250 is in open state in the opposite end 262 of end wall 260 (seeing Figure 26) and shifts out in box body 250 with cigarette S in above-mentioned batch operation.Each box side wall 254 comprises the macropore 254a that is formed at wherein.Each roof and diapire 256,258 include and a series ofly extend out from it, and stride across horizontal protrusion 256a, the 258a of the width of respective wall 256,258.Projection 256a in each series, 258a separate along the length direction of each respective wall 256,258 regularly; The interval is approximately suitable with the interval of the vertical projection 134 of frame side wall 124, is approximately the diameter of treating the cigarette of distribution from distributor 100 in the box body 250.

In box body 250, provide piston 270 (for example seeing Figure 25,27) in the batch operation of following description, cigarette S in a row is released box body 250, this piston comprises the extended part 272 that is generally the stiff rectangular flat board.Extended part 272 comprises that 274, one wings of an opposite side wing extend out from about centre position at each edge, long limit, and it outwards and backward is certain angle (when box body inserts in the distributor).Piston 270 also comprises a pair of end fitting 276, extends out from each top and the bottom margin of extended part 272, and outwards with backward at an angle (when box body inserts in the distributor).

Piston 270 is accommodated in the directed box body 250 and the location, thus flank 274 and end fitting 276 at an angle away from openend 262, and end fitting 276 abuts against the roof and the diapire 256a, 258 of the box body 250 between projection 256a, the 258a.When piston was configured in it is housed inside box body 250, flank 274 extended out from the hole 254a on the sidewall 254.In addition, flank 274 all has elasticity with end fitting 276, and is therefore inside when crooked when causing, can discharge the biasing force that returns in outside direction.

The operation that is used in combination with another box body 250 of the present invention for distributor 100 is similar to the described box body 150 of above first-selection very much, therefore no longer carries out repetition from its integral body at this.The function of different characteristic is only described.

For distributing cigarette S, need inside promote-side door 112 to outer cover 110 from distributor 100.The end wall 260 that end door 112 promotes box body 250 is so that box body 250 further slips into the chamber of framework 120.This is illustrated in the motion of Figure 28 A1-28C1 and 28A2-28C2.When these actions took place, the end fitting 276 of piston 270 played the effect of ratchet, and near horizontal protrusion 256a, 258a.Thereby piston 270 is compelled together with piston 270 preceding smoking articles, moves forward with respect to framework 120 and box body 250.When piston 270 moved forward in framework 120, the flank 274 of piston 270 was before its initial position, and curve inwardly (seeing the arrow P among Figure 28 B2 and the 29B) is with the adjacent vertical projection 134 on the inboard of the sidewall 124 that strides across framework 120.After striding across each vertical projection 134, flank 274 outwards ejects (seeing the arrow P among Figure 28 C and the 29C) and has just striden across the leading edge of vertical projection 134 near it under its elastic force effect.Simultaneously, as noted earlier, the receiver 138 that box body 250 promotions move forward with box body 250, and the end wall 130 of framework 120 compresses leaf springs 136 relatively.

When the user discharges end door 112, the biasing force that discharges by the leaf spring 136 of compression promote receiver 138 and near box body 250 move backward to return initial position in relative direction.Yet the flank 274 of piston 270 is now as ratchet and near the vertical projection 134 on the sidewall that is positioned at framework 120 124, and they begin when travelling forward, to stride across vertical projection, returns together with box body 250 thereby stop piston 270 to move backward to reach.This makes box body 250 under the active force of leaf spring 136, move backward, but piston 270 and before piston 270 cigarette S in a row be in relative framework 120 than the front position time keep static.File leader's cigarette S is pushed out box opening end 262 in box body 250.When box body 250 moved with piston 270 with respect to framework 120 backward, the end fitting 276 of piston 270 strode across the next-door neighbour and near horizontal protrusion 256a, 258a.This position is illustrated among Figure 28 D, and wherein box body 250 is back to initial position, and file leader's cigarette S has been pushed out box body 250 (part be illustrated among Figure 28 D), and from distributor 100, distributes as previously discussed.Remaining batch operation is described.

Although above illustrative embodiments to distributor of the present invention is described with two illustrative embodiments that are used for the box body of the present invention of such distributor; But can carry out various improvement to these embodiments in the scope of the present invention that is limited following claim, the present invention also comprises the distributor that is used in combination with box body.Combination to non-mutually exclusive characteristic described above all falls in the scope of the present invention.

Foregoing first box body 150 can pass through the card manufacturing, but can also pass through other suitable materials, unites manufacturing (for example, piston 170 is by the plastics manufacturing, and the blank 172 of box body 150 is by the card manufacturing, and vice versa) like plastics or material.And the piston 170 of described first box body 150 is by two parts manufacturings that separate, and it can be integrated into single structure equivalently.

Similarly, the embodiment 250 of another box body can be by suitable material, like the combination manufacturing of plastics or card or material.And though the piston 270 of described second box body 250 has single overall structure, it can be mutually combined by two or more parts that separate equivalently and process.

Box body 150/250 is replaceable and Replacement Part, in case all cigarettes in original box body 150/250 are assigned with, said original box body 150/250 removes and unloads from framework 120, the new full box body 150/250 of reloading.

Shown in said first box body 150 comprise side card 164, it extends across the openend 162 of box body 150.In production, packing and batch operation, this is intended to keep cigarette to be positioned at box body 150, knows that final user prepares cigarette is written in the distributor 100.In this, box body 150 inserted distributors 100 before, the user is through tearing or alternate manner is manually abolished side card 164.Yet, be stuck in the batch operation for the first time and possibly break, for example, on card 164, provide intensity more weak line, thereby when piston 170 advanced with respect to box body 150 for the first time, file leader's cigarette S broke card 164 to carry out the distribution of cigarette.Second box body of describing 250 comprises like the maintenance in the scope of the invention and/or is prone to broken card.

In described first box body 150 and another box body 250; The piston 170/270 that being initially box body 150/250 provides is positioned at the about its rear wall 160/260 in rear end of box body 150/250; Thereby the flank 174a/274 of piston 170/270 is maintained between box body 150/250 madial wall 154/254, and does not extend through the macropore 154a/254a on the sidewall 154/254.Then; When beginning the batch operation of distributor 100 as previously discussed; Piston 170/270 moves to the openend 162/262 of box body 150/250, arrives the macropore 154a/254a on the sidewall 154/254 up to the flank 174a/274 of piston 170/270, and outwards ejects to extend through.Yet optional is, begin for box body 150/250 provide the flank 174a/274 projection and of piston 170/270 through the macropore 154a/254a on the sidewall 154/254.

Guaranteeing that framework 120 is positioned at the locking key 114 of outer cover 110 can be from dismantling with the coupling apparatus of the end wall 130 of framework 120, from outer cover 110, to shift out framework 120.This has made things convenient for the user to change outer cover dissimilar or design for distributor 100, and keeps the internal part of framework 120 identical.

End door 112 is described as and can in outer cover 110, slides, and it is rotatable with the framework 120 of reloading with new box body 150/250 relatively.Yet end door 112 can shift out from outer cover 110 equivalently within the scope of the invention.Also it is understandable that as the removable parts that are connected to box body 150/250 provides the end door, and when changing box body 150/250, can combine with lifting arm mechanism.In addition; Though the distributor 100 that above embodiment is described comprises up-down cigarette S; And cigarette to be allocated released the mechanism of box body 150/250, but the present invention is not limited to have the distributor of above-described elevating mechanism, or do not have the distributor of elevating mechanism; Can guide simply and distribute cigarette from box body 150/250, and the cigarette of in compound motion, from distributor, not going up and down.

Except that above description and listed accompanying drawing, the two cover flow charts of any operational phase that is used in combination in two embodiments of distributor 100 and box body 150/250 are illustrated in respectively in annex 1 and the annex 2.The figure of these annexes is side-looking and plane, and shows the internal feature of distributor 100 and box body 150/250, and wherein the side view series in each annex also shows the cigarette in the box body 150/250.For clarity sake, omitted the Reference numeral among the figure of these annexes, but to be labeled characteristic corresponding with all shown in Fig. 1-2 9C.

Claims

1. smoking article distributor comprises:

Be configured to admit the distributor body of smoking article box body, the internal configurations of wherein said distributor body is to have the parts that when said box body activated, distribute smoking article between first and second positions.

2. smoking article distributor according to claim 1 is characterized in that further comprising:

Be configured to engage and guide and divide the framework that is coordinated in the smoking article in the said box body with said box body.

3. smoking article distributor according to claim 1 and 2 is characterized in that, said distributor body has the horizontal end wall that can depress, and this horizontal end wall engages said box body and between first and second positions, moves said box body.

4. according to the described smoking article distributor of claim 1-3, it is characterized in that further comprising the attaching parts that operationally are connected with the said horizontal end wall of depressing.

5. smoking article distributor according to claim 4 is characterized in that, said attaching parts also are operably connected between smoking article bonding station and smoking article distribution locations, to activate lifting arm.

6. according to the described smoking article distributor of claim 1-5, it is characterized in that said framework comprises a plurality of box body bump bondings that are configured to guide and advance the smoking article in the said box body.

7. smoking article distributor according to claim 6 is characterized in that, on the horizontal sidewall of said framework, forms said box body bump bonding.

8. according to the described smoking article distributor of claim 1-7, it is characterized in that further comprising the box body of admitting smoking article, wherein this box body further comprises smoking article guiding piston.

9. according to the described smoking article distributor of the claim 8 that is subordinated to claim 6 or 7; It is characterized in that; This smoking article guiding piston and said box body bump bonding reciprocation guide and advance the smoking article in the said box body when moving between first and second positions with the said box body of box lunch.

10. smoking article distributor according to claim 9 is characterized in that, this smoking article guiding piston comprises the flank that is configured to extend through the said box body bump bonding joint of the Kong Yiyu that is formed in the said smoking article box body.

11., it is characterized in that said distributor body is configured to have the dispensing orifice of resealable according to the described smoking article distributor of claim 1-10.

12. smoking article distributor according to claim 11 is characterized in that further comprising movably port lid portion.

13. smoking article distributor according to claim 12; It is characterized in that; Said movably port lid portion is configured between the primary importance and the second place, activated; This port lid portion covers the dispensing orifice of said resealable when primary importance, and along with the transverse wall portion of said distributor is depressed, this port lid portion does not cover the dispensing orifice of said resealable when the second place.

14., it is characterized in that said box body comprises the smoking article retainer that advances according to the described smoking article distributor of the claim 13 that is subordinated to claim 8, said retainer forms a plurality of ridges on the inner surface of said box body.

15., it is characterized in that said box body comprises a plurality of smoking articles retainer that advances according to the described smoking article distributor of the claim 13 that is subordinated to claim 8, said retainer forms a plurality of serrated part on the inner surface of said box body.

16. distributor; Comprise and define chamber to admit the framework of smoking article box body; This smoking article box body has the opening that is used for unloading from said box body said smoking article; This chassis configuration is for making when box body is received in the said chamber and on first direction, slides with respect to said framework with smoking article; Said framework and said box body synergy is allowing said box body to do return movement in the opposite direction with respect to smoking article, thus the unloading of the opening from said box body smoking article, and then smoking article is dispensed from distributor.

17. distributor according to claim 16; It is characterized in that comprising biasing member; This biasing member is configured so that the smoking article of box body in said box body of in said framework, admitting is opposite with respect to the power that the mobile and said biasing member of said framework on said first direction provides, thereby said box body returns with respect to smoking article in the opposite direction when discharging.

18. distributor according to claim 17; It is characterized in that comprising the smoking article reception part that the box body that can in said framework, admit slides; Said reception part is configured to: when said box body and reception part moved on said rightabout with respect to smoking article, said reception part was admitted through the smoking article of the said opening in the said box body from said box body unloading.

19. distributor according to claim 18; It is characterized in that comprising the dispensing orifice in the said framework, said smoking article reception part is configured so that moving on the said rightabout said reception part to be moved to the smoking article and the said dispensing orifice positions aligning of in said reception part, admitting.

20. distributor according to claim 19 is characterized in that said reception part moves to by admittance smoking article and said dispensing orifice positions aligning with the smoking article of in said reception part, admitting.

21. according to claim 19 or 20 described distributors; It is characterized in that said framework has first and second ends; Thereby and said chamber configuration extends the longitudinal axis of each smoking article for admitting the smoking article box body between said first and second ends; Said box body can slide by the horizontal direction along the said longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to said smoking article in said framework, to unload smoking article to said reception part at said opening from said box body in a lateral direction.

22. distributor according to claim 21 is characterized in that, said dispensing orifice is formed in first end of said framework, makes the smoking article of in said reception part, admitting align with said dispensing orifice in a longitudinal direction.

23. distributor according to claim 22 is characterized in that comprising that elevating mechanism is to release through the hole in first end of said framework the smoking article of alignment in a longitudinal direction from said reception part.

24. distributor according to claim 23 is characterized in that, said elevating mechanism is in response to said box body moving and activate on said rightabout.

25. distributor according to claim 24; It is characterized in that said elevating mechanism comprises with the Lift Part that contacts than low-end of the smoking article that aligns and when box body moves, acts synergistically to promote the lever of said Lift Part with said Lift Part on said rightabout.

26. distributor according to claim 25 is characterized in that comprising the groove that is arranged in reception part, said Lift Part be received in slidably in the said groove with towards with move away from said dispensing orifice.

27., it is characterized in that said Lift Part has a pair of parallel pin that on said longitudinal direction, is separated from each other according to claim 25 or 26 described distributors, and said lever comprises having the arm that is received in the end between the said pin slidably.

28. according to each described distributor among the claim 25-27; It is characterized in that; Said lever is mounted to said framework pivotally at another end of said arm, and comprises and be used for rotating said lever to promote the actuated components of said Lift Part around said pivot.

29. distributor according to claim 28; It is characterized in that comprising on the said framework post and at the hook of said another end of said arm; Said hook extends pivotally said lever is mounted to said framework around said post, and said actuated components is formed on the free terminal of said hook.

30. according to claim 28 or 29 described distributors, it is characterized in that being included in the track on the said framework, said actuated components extends through said track.

31. distributor according to claim 30 is characterized in that follower is received in the said track slidably, and is configured to move along said track with respect to said framework in respect to the moving process of framework at said box body.

32. distributor according to claim 31 is characterized in that, said track forms the closed-loop path, thereby said follower is back to its original position after the total length of the said track of advancing.

33. distributor according to claim 32; It is characterized in that; Said follower engages actuated components in track, make being moved further of the said track in follower edge rotate said lever and pass through said hole with the smoking article that promotes Lift Part and promote in a longitudinal direction to align.

34. distributor according to claim 33 is characterized in that, after lever rotated, said follower compacting actuated components returned its original position, made in the opposite direction upper lever rotate to reduce Lift Part with himself weight at least in part.

35. distributor according to claim 34; It is characterized in that; When follower box body along starting stage of the subsequent motion of first direction when track moves, follower engage actuated components with the lever that further on said rightabout, rotates part and rotate to reduce Lift Part fully.

36. according to each described distributor among the claim 16-35, it is characterized in that comprising the lid of the open end of cover framework, can be inserted in the framework through this open end box body.

37. distributor according to claim 36 is characterized in that, said lid forms the exercisable button of user, on this button, exerts pressure and can move box body with respect to framework.

38. according to each described distributor among the claim 16-37, it is characterized in that comprising outer cover, this outer cover has the hole corresponding to the dispensing orifice in the framework around framework and on it, to be used as smoking article from its passage that passes through.

39. according to each described distributor among the claim 16-38, it is characterized in that comprising hold smoking article and in framework the box body of removable location, and this box body has the opening that is used for from the said smoking article of box body unloading.

40., it is characterized in that said box body comprises and is configured to the piston that on said first direction, moves with box body according to the described distributor of claim 39.

41. according to the described distributor of claim 40, it is characterized in that comprising ratchet mechanism, this ratchet mechanism allows box body to do return movement with respect to the smoking article that holds in said piston and the box body.

42. according to the described distributor of claim 41; It is characterized in that; Said ratchet mechanism comprises and is arranged in the outstanding flexible ratchet of opening on the piston, that pass box body and is formed on a series of that separate each other, the fixing collaborative member on the framework; Wherein when piston with box body when said first party moves up; Flexible ratchet is crooked and cross the fixing collaborative member on the framework, and when box body moved on said rightabout, said flexible ratchet combined with said fixing collaborative member to stop moving of piston.

43. according to the described distributor of claim 42; It is characterized in that; Interval between the said fixing collaborative member is at least the diameter of the smoking article that holds in the box body, and the distance that makes box body move with respect to piston is enough to make smoking article from box body, to unload.

44. according to each described distributor among the claim 40-43, it is characterized in that being included in the collaborative member between piston and the box body, thus when box body when first party moves up, keep piston with respect to box body in the fixed position.

45. according to the described distributor of claim 44; It is characterized in that; Said collaborative member comprises a series of projection and flexible tip on the piston that are positioned on the box body; Wherein when box body moved with respect to piston on said rightabout, flexible tip is crooked also crossed projection, and wherein said flexible tip combines with projection and moves with respect to box body on first direction with the prevention piston.

46. box body that is used for distributor; This distributor comprises according to each described framework among the claim 16-38; This box body comprises having sidewall and be used for from the housing of the openend of box body unloading smoking article and be received in the piston the box body slidably, this piston comprise through the opening in the sidewall extend with framework in the ratchet of corresponding collaborative member engages.

47. according to the described box body of claim 46, it is characterized in that, flexible raisedly extend across openend from sidewall and before inserting distributor, drop through said opening to stop smoking article.

48. according to claim 46 or 47 described box bodys, it is characterized in that being included in the collaborative member between piston and the box body, thereby stop piston on first direction, to move away from said openend with respect to box body.

49. according to the described box body of claim 48; It is characterized in that; Said collaborative member comprises a series of projection and flexible tip on the piston that are positioned on the box body; Wherein when piston in box body when the second direction opposite with said first direction moves and shifts to the box opening end, said flexible tip is crooked also crosses projection, and wherein said flexible tip combines with projection and on first direction, moves away from said openend with respect to box body with the prevention piston.

50. the method for an operation commutator; The smoking article box body that this distributor comprises the framework that defines chamber and in chamber, admits; This box body has the opening that is used for from the said smoking article of box body unloading; This method comprises: with respect to framework slide together box body and smoking article, said framework and box body synergy are done return movement with respect to smoking article in the opposite direction to allow box body on first direction; And from the opening of box body unloading smoking article so that smoking article from distributor, distribute.

51. according to the described method of claim 50; It is characterized in that; Said distributor comprises biasing member; This method comprises: overcome the power that provided by biasing member on said first direction, moving box body and smoking article together with respect to framework, and box body returns in the opposite direction with respect to smoking article when discharging.

52. according to the described method of claim 51; It is characterized in that; Said distributor comprises the reception part that can slide with box body; This method comprises: when box body and reception part move on said rightabout with respect to smoking article, in said reception part, admit and from box body, unload smoking article through said opening.

53. according to the described method of claim 52; It is characterized in that; Said distributor comprises the dispensing orifice that is arranged in framework; This method comprises: when the smoking article reception part moves on said rightabout, said reception part is moved to the smoking article and the said dispensing orifice positions aligning of admitting in the said reception part.

54., it is characterized in that comprising together with the smoking article of admitting in the reception part and move reception part to said smoking article of being admitted and said dispensing orifice positions aligning according to the described method of claim 53.

55., it is characterized in that further comprising in a longitudinal direction and the smoking article of alignment released from reception part through the hole in the framework according to claim 53 or 54 described methods.