US20160135496A1 - Method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article - Google Patents
Method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160135496A1 US20160135496A1 US14/900,931 US201414900931A US2016135496A1 US 20160135496 A1 US20160135496 A1 US 20160135496A1 US 201414900931 A US201414900931 A US 201414900931A US 2016135496 A1 US2016135496 A1 US 2016135496A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- filter
- filter section
- wrapping
- relief pattern
- surface relief
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 42
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 138
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 claims description 52
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 24
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 24
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000004049 embossing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 1
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000019506 cigar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003571 electronic cigarette Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012943 hotmelt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/0275—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/0229—Filter rod forming processes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/0229—Filter rod forming processes
- A24D3/0233—Filter rod forming processes by means of a garniture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/025—Final operations, i.e. after the filter rod forming process
- A24D3/0258—Means for making grooves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/04—Tobacco smoke filters characterised by their shape or structure
Definitions
- Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, and a smoking article produced by the method.
- Filters for cigarettes can be compressed to give a shape to the outer surface.
- a filter may be compressed to form grooves in the outer surface thereof.
- a grooved filter may provide a flow of ventilated air.
- a grooved filter may provide an enhanced tactile experience.
- a method of manufacturing a filter for a smoking article comprising forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern with a filter forming device, transferring the filter section having the surface relief pattern to a filter wrapping device, using a filter transfer device, and wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern with the filter wrapping device.
- the filter section can be transferred automatically from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device by the filter transfer device, in a continuous assembly process.
- Wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern can take place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
- the time between forming the filter section having a surface relief pattern and wrapping the sheet material around the filter section can be less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.
- Forming the filter section can comprise forming a cylinder of filtration material having the surface relief pattern and dividing the cylinder of filtration material to form a plurality of filter sections.
- Forming the filter section can comprise forming a cylinder of filtration material and shaping the cylinder of filtration material to have the surface relief pattern.
- Forming the cylinder of filtration material can comprise passing filtration material through at least one tapering guide.
- Shaping the cylinder of filtration material can comprise passing the cylinder of filtration material through at least one shaping device.
- the cylinder of filtration material can be shaped by wrapping with a plug wrap having one or more weakened sections.
- the surface relief pattern can comprises a plurality of grooves extending in a longitudinal direction along said filter section.
- Wrapping a sheet material around the filter section can comprise affixing a blank of sheet material to the filter section and rolling the filter section such that the blank is wrapped around the filter section.
- the method can further comprise attaching the blank to a plurality filter sections.
- the method can further comprise attaching the blank to at least one tobacco rod.
- Transferring the filter section can comprise translating linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement. Transferring the filter section can comprise translating linear movement of the filter section in the direction of a first axis into rotational movement about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The filter section can be held parallel to the first axis by the filter transfer device.
- an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article comprising a filter forming device for forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern, a filter wrapping device for wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern, and a filter transfer device arranged to transfer the filter section having the surface relief pattern from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device.
- the filter transfer device can be arranged to transfer the filter section automatically from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device in a continuous assembly process.
- the apparatus can be configured to operate such that wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern takes place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
- the apparatus can be configured to operate such that the time between forming the filter section having a surface relief pattern and wrapping the sheet material around the filter section is less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.
- the filter forming device can comprise a garniture for forming a cylinder of the filtration material.
- the apparatus can further comprise a shaping device for shaping the cylinder of filtration material to have the surface relief pattern.
- the filter forming device can comprise a garniture for forming a cylinder of the filtration material and the garniture can comprise a shaping garniture configured to impress the surface relief pattern onto a cylinder of filtration material passed through the garniture.
- the shaping device can comprise a shaping plate configured to impress the surface relief pattern onto a cylinder of filtration material rolled over the plate.
- the filter forming device can be configured to wrap a plug wrap having one or more weakened areas around the filter section.
- the surface relief pattern can comprise a plurality of grooves extending in a longitudinal direction along said filter section.
- the filter wrapping device can comprise a wrapping drum comprising at least one recess for holding the filter section, a feeder drum arranged to affix a blank of sheet material to the filter section, and a rolling element arranged to roll the filter section such that the blank is wrapped around the filter section.
- the filter wrapping device can comprise a filter combining machine, wherein the recess of the wrapping drum is arranged to hold a plurality of filter sections, and the feeder drum is arranged to affix the blank of sheet material to the plurality of filter sections.
- the filter wrapping device can comprise a cigarette making machine wherein the recess of the wrapping drum is arranged to hold one or more tobacco rods and the feeder drum is arranged to affix the blank of sheet material to the one or more filter sections and the one or more tobacco sections held by the recess.
- the filter transfer device can be arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement.
- the filter transfer device can be arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section in the direction of a first axis into rotational movement about a second axis parallel to the first axis.
- the filter transfer device can comprise a plurality of receptacles arranged to receive one or more filter sections, wherein the receptacles hold the one or more filter sections parallel to the first axis.
- a smoking article filter produced by the method set out above.
- a smoking article including a smoking article filter as set out above.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking article having filter with a surface relief pattern of grooves channelling a flow of ventilating air;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article, the apparatus including a filter forming device, a filter transfer device and a filter wrapping device;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the filter forming device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of inner wrapping material for use by the filter forming device of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filter transfer device of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a smoking article
- FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a smoking article having an indexing mechanism formed by ridges in a filter section.
- smoking article includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes, also heat-not-burn products and nicotine delivery devices such as electronic cigarettes.
- the smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.
- a smoking article formed by the apparatus or method described herein can comprise an elongate source of smokable material.
- the smokable material can be tobacco arranged in a cylindrical tobacco rod.
- One or more filters or filter sections can be attached to the tobacco rod.
- the filter or filter sections define a longitudinal axis, which is common to a longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary smoking article 10 , which may be manufactured using the apparatus or method described herein.
- the smoking article has a filter with a surface relief pattern of grooves channelling a flow of ventilating air.
- This smoking article 10 is illustrated by example only, and the apparatus and method may be used in the manufacture of different types of smoking article.
- the smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising a source of smokable material.
- the smokable material is tobacco, in the form of a tobacco rod 20 .
- the smoking article further comprises a filter section 30 attached to the source of smokable material.
- the tobacco rod 20 and filter section 30 may be connected with a covering layer 40 to affix the filter section 30 to the tobacco rod 20 , for example formed of a sheet material, e.g. tipping paper.
- the filter section 30 has a plurality of depressions 32 which form a surface relief pattern on an outer surface thereof.
- the filter section 30 has an outer surface which is not smooth, comprising a plurality of elongate grooves 32 , separated by ridges 33 , which extend, in the present example, substantially longitudinally along the length of the filter section 30 .
- the plurality of ridges 33 and grooves 32 may define a sinuous outer surface, which smoothly oscillates in radius.
- the ridge 33 between adjacent depressions 32 may have a curved profile with a substantially uniform radius of curvature.
- the grooves 32 may be formed as flutes, having a concave profile.
- the ridge 33 between adjacent depressions 32 may have a pointed, creased, or tapering profile, having a substantially sharp point of maximum radius.
- the filter section 30 may be made of filtration material(s) 34 , including but not limited to cellulose acetate tow.
- the filter section 30 further comprises one or more sheets of inner wrapping material 35 , for example paper, e.g. plugwrap, which is wrapped around the filtration material 34 .
- the paper 35 extends around the curved sides of the filter section 30 .
- the paper 35 forms, or supports, a continuous outer surface defining the grooves 32 and ridges 33 of the filter section 30 .
- the paper 35 is deformed to form the grooves 32 and ridges 33 , as will be described in greater detail below.
- the filter section 30 is wrapped with a sheet of outer wrapping material 40 , e.g. tipping paper.
- the outer wrapping material 40 may be affixed to the filter section 30 by an area of adhesive on an inner surface thereof.
- the outer wrapping material 40 is wrapped around the circumference of the filter section 30 and adhered at a region where parts of the material 40 overlap, forming a cylinder of material 40 substantially covering the filter section 30 .
- the outer wrapping material 40 comprises one or more ventilation areas 41 , which may include ventilation apertures and/or air permeable material.
- the grooves 32 of the filter section 30 form a plurality of ventilation pathways, which connect the ventilation areas 41 to a mouth end of the smoking article 10 . Ventilating air can pass through the ventilating areas 41 , into the ventilation pathways formed by the grooves 32 , and to the mouth end of the smoking article 10 .
- FIGS. 2 to 6 An apparatus and a method in accordance with embodiments of the invention for producing a filter having a relief pattern on an outer surface thereof, will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 .
- an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article includes a filter forming device 100 arranged to form a filter section having a surface relief pattern, a filter wrapping device 300 for wrapping a sheet material around the filter section and a filter transfer device 200 arranged to transfer the filter section from the filter forming device 100 to the filter wrapping device 300 .
- a continuous filter assembly line is provided in the illustrated example. Filter sections are accordingly transferred mechanically from the filter forming device 100 to the filter transfer device 200 and from the filter transfer device 200 to the filter wrapping device 300 . According to the illustrated example, the continuous filter assembly line does not require a hopper to hold a plurality of filter sections for collection by the filter wrapping device 300 . For instance, neither the filter forming device 100 , filter transfer device 200 nor the filter wrapping device 300 requires a hopper.
- the filter forming device 100 comprises a garniture 110 and a guide funnel 120 , which can comprise a stuffer jet.
- the garniture 110 is a passage in the form of a duct of tube, having a wide entrance opening in and a narrow exit opening 114 .
- the garniture narrows in a first ‘tow guide’ or ‘garniture tongue’ portion 112 , extending from the wide entrance opening 111 .
- a second section 113 of the garniture, extending between the tow guide portion 112 and the narrow exit opening 114 is substantially constant in cross-section along its length. Alternatively, the second section 113 may continue to taper but more gently than the tow guide portion 112 .
- the garniture 110 is generally circular in cross-section.
- a continuous garniture belt 130 extends through the garniture 110 and over a plurality of guide rollers 131 and is driven to be conveyed around the rollers 131 in the direction shown by the arrows A.
- Loose filter tow material such as loose cellulose acetate fibre, is fed into the funnel 120 and is guided into the tow guide portion 112 of the garniture 110 .
- the filter tow material is conveyed through the tapering tow guide portion 112 on the plug wrap so that the loose filter tow material is formed into a more compacted rod as it emerges from the narrow end of the garniture 114 .
- the length of the garniture 110 defines a first longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 100 , along which the filter tow material is conveyed by the garniture belt 130 .
- the compacted filter rod extends along the first longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 100 , and exits the filter forming device 100 moving in a linear fashion along the first longitudinal axis.
- a plug wrap is fed from a spool 140 onto the upper surface of the garniture belt 130 and is conveyed through the garniture 110 by the moving garniture belt 130 .
- the shape of the tapered tow guide 112 deforms the garniture belt 130 and plug wrap thereon such that, in cross-section, the plug wrap goes from being flat (as it is on the spool 140 ) when it enters the wide entrance opening in of the garniture 110 , to a closed circle as it leaves the narrow exit opening 114 of the garniture 110 , completely surrounding the formed filter rod.
- a section of the upper portion of the garniture 110 may comprise a heating bar to heat and activate the glue at the seam of the plugwrap to adhere the plugwrap in place around the filtration material.
- hot melt glue is applied to the plug wrap and a cooling bar may be present in place of a heating bar.
- the plug wrap is folded around the outside of the compressed cylinder of filter tow material and glue is applied to the over-lapping seam and heated to activate the glue, such that when the filter tow material exits through the narrow exit opening 114 of the garniture 110 , the filter tow material is formed into a compressed cylindrical filter rod enveloped by an outer plug wrap.
- the filter rod may be formed in the garniture 110 without a plug wrap, and the plug wrap may be subsequently wrapped around the formed filter rod once it has exited the garniture 110 , or the filter rod may be provided as a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) rod.
- NWA non-wrapped acetate
- a shaping device (not shown) associated with the filter forming device 100 is used to form a filter rod having a surface relief pattern.
- the shaping device is formed as an integral part of the first garniture 110 or, alternatively, may comprise a second shaping garniture in series with the first garniture 110 .
- the inner wall of the garniture may be provided with a plurality of ribs projecting inwardly and extending longitudinally towards the narrow exit opening of the garniture.
- the ribs on the inner surface of the garniture wall which may be heated, impress a grooved pattern on the outer surface of the filter rod so that when the filter rod exits through the narrow exit opening of the garniture, it has a series of longitudinal grooves formed around its outer surface.
- the garniture belt is sufficiently thin and flexible that the grooved shape can be effectively imparted onto the filter rod by the ribs through the thickness of the garniture belt.
- the garniture belt may comprise one or more protrusions, for instance integrally formed with the garniture belt or provided as a coating or material, formed on one side which is set thereon with the desired surface relief pattern.
- the protrusions are sufficiently flexible to enable the garniture belt to deform into a rolled up state and may have heat applied thereto to impress the surface relief pattern on the filter rod.
- the garniture belt may comprise a plurality of linked plates configured to deform from a flat state to a rolled up state in which they are rolled up about their longitudinal axis.
- the garniture belt As the garniture belt enters and is conveyed through the tow guide portion, the garniture belt is deformed from its flat state to its rolled up state. As the garniture belt reaches the narrow end of the garniture, the garniture belt forms a closed circle in cross-section and the loose filter tow material is formed in a compact rod circumscribed by the garniture belt.
- the shaping device is arranged to receive the compressed filter rod from the garniture 110 .
- the shaping device may comprise a plate provided with a plurality of projections for forming the desired surface relief pattern.
- the plate may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending projections for forming grooves on an outer surface of the filter rod.
- the filter rod is rolled laterally across the plate such that a grooved pattern is impressed on the outer surface by the plurality of projections.
- the filter rod may be divided into a plurality of filter sections which are rolled across the plate of the shaping device. A second plate moves laterally across the plate, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 100 .
- the filter sections are placed between the plates and rolled laterally over the plurality of projections to form the desired surface relief pattern.
- the desired surface relief pattern is impressed on the outer surface of the filter rod so that when the filter rod exits the shaping device, it has the desired surface relief pattern, e.g. in the present examples a series of longitudinal grooves, formed around the entire perimeter of its outer surface.
- the shaping device is a garniture no which forms the desired surface relief pattern by wrapping the compressed filtration material with a plug wrap.
- the surface relief pattern is, for instance, formed by embossing, crimping or otherwise weakening the plug wrap prior to wrapping around the filter rod. Compression of the filtration material can lead to recovery expansion upon exiting the garniture.
- the weakened areas of the plug wrap allow for a faster rate of expansion, such that a surface relief pattern is formed.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a spool 140 supplying an exemplary plug wrap 150 having a plurality of weakened areas 151 , formed in this examples as embossed sections.
- the plug wrap 150 may be embossed with a plurality of parallel lines extending longitudinally. When wrapped around the compressed filtration rod, the embossed lines allow a faster rate of expansion and form a plurality of ridges on the outer surface of the filter rod, similar to the ridges 33 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- a plasticiser can be mixed with the cellulose acetate fibres to set the fibres in the shape formed by the shaping device.
- the shaping device may include a heating means which accelerates the reaction of the plasticiser.
- the heating means may, for instance, comprise inlet ducts along the length of the garniture no through which steam can be injected.
- the garniture belt may be porous to allow steam therethrough.
- the garniture may comprise one or more heating elements along its length, such that the heat required to activate and accelerate the reaction of the plasticiser and the cellulose acetate of the filtration material is provided directly by conduction from the heating element through the wall of the garniture 110 .
- the filter forming device 100 further comprises a cutting tool (not shown) which divides the continuous filter rod into a plurality of filter sections.
- the cutting tool comprises one or more blades located on the outer surface of a rotating cutting drum. The cutting drum rotates such that the blade passes through the continuous filter rod as it moves past the cutting drum, and separates the filter rod into filter sections.
- the blade is located on a cutting bar lying perpendicular to the continuous filter rod, and is passed through the filter rod by reciprocal linear motion of the cutting bar.
- the cutting tool may be positioned between the garniture 110 and the shaping tool of the filter forming device 100 .
- the filter wrapping device 300 is a cigarette maker comprising a wrapping drum configured to wrap a layer of sheet material, such as the outer wrapping material 40 , around the filter section.
- the outer wrapping material 40 is also wrapped around a portion of a tobacco rod to connect the tobacco rod to the filter section.
- the wrapping drum comprises a plurality of recesses on an outer surface thereof each of which is arranged to receive at least one filter section, in alignment with a tobacco rod.
- a blank for forming the layer of tipping paper or other outer wrapping material is affixed to the filter section and tobacco rod whilst the one or more filter sections are held by the recesses of the wrapping drum.
- the blank is affixed to the filter section and tobacco rod at a first end of the blank such that the blank extends away from the filter section and tobacco rod when attached only at the first end of the blank.
- a sheet material supply provides the outer wrapping material for the blank in a continuous length of material to a feeder drum, which holds the sheet material to an outer surface thereof by suction means.
- the feeder drum is rotated in an opposite sense to a sheet material cutter, comprising a plurality of blades spaced circumferentially around a rotational axis.
- the outer wrapping material is rotated such that it passes between the feeder drum and the sheet material cutter.
- the blades of the cutter are positioned to divide the outer wrapping material into a plurality of blanks for wrapping around a filter section.
- Adhesive is applied to the outward facing surface of the blanks whilst they are held on the outer surface of the feeder drum.
- adhesive is pre-applied to the continuous supply of sheet material provided to the feeder drum.
- the feeder drum presents the blanks with adhesive applied to the plurality of filter sections at an interface between the feeder drum and the wrapping drum.
- the first end of the blank is aligned with at least one of the filter sections and pressure is applied between the feeder drum and the wrapping drum to activate the adhesive on the surface of the blank.
- the blank is affixed to at least one filter section and the combined filter section and blank continues to rotate on the outer surface of the wrapping drum.
- the blank is wrapped around the section by rolling the filter section around the outer surface of the wrapping drum.
- a stationary rolling element is configured to cooperate with the wrapping drum to apply pressure to the filter section, thereby rolling the filter section between the wrapping drum and rolling element.
- the rolling element may comprise a rolling drum rotating in an opposite sense to the wrapping drum. The differential in linear speed at the interface between the wrapping drum and the rolling drum causes rotation of the filter section and wraps the tipping paper to form a cylinder around the filter section.
- the filter wrapping device may alternatively be a filter combining machine configured to wrap a blank around a plurality of filter sections. Two or more filter sections are held by each recess of a wrapping drum and a blank is affixed to the plurality of filter sections. Alternatively, the filter wrapping device may be configured to wrap a blank around individual filter sections.
- the apparatus comprises a transfer device 200 which receives the plurality of filter sections from the filter forming device 100 and provides the plurality of filter sections to the filter wrapping device 300 .
- the transfer device 200 translates linear movement of the filter sections into a rotational movement.
- the filter sections exit the filter forming device 100 in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 100 , which defines the longitudinal axis along which the compressed filter rod extends.
- the transfer device 200 translates linear movement of the filter sections along the first longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 100 , into rotational movement around a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, for supply to the filter wrapping device 300 .
- the orientation of the filter sections is substantially unchanged by the transfer device 200 , such that the longitudinal axis of each filter section remains substantially parallel to the first and second axes.
- the transfer device 200 is arranged to receive the plurality of filter sections directly from the filter forming device 100 . Filter sections are in this way transferred automatically from the filter forming device 100 to the transfer device 200 .
- the filter wrapping device 300 200 is arranged to receive the plurality of filter sections directly from the transfer device 200 . Filter sections are in this way transferred automatically from the transfer device 200 to the filter wrapping device 300 .
- the apparatus provides a continuous assembly line. Filter sections are transferred automatically and, according to examples described herein, mechanically, from the filter forming device 100 to the filter wrapping device 300 .
- the apparatus does not require a hopper positioned between the filter forming device and the filter wrapping device in order to accumulate a plurality of filter sections for collection by the filter wrapping device.
- the transfer device 200 comprises a plurality of receptacles 210 each configured to receive one or more filter sections in a linear direction and to provide rotational movement to the one or more filter sections.
- each receptacle 210 receives one filter section.
- each receptacle 210 may receive two or more filter sections.
- the receptacles 210 are formed on a plurality of carrier arms 220 , which are pivotably mounted on a rotating transfer support 230 .
- the transfer support 230 rotates about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.
- the axis of rotation of the transfer support 230 is inclined with respect to the horizontal.
- the axis of rotation is substantially horizontal and the transfer support 230 rotates in a vertical plane.
- the receptacle 210 holds the filter section by means of suction, which can be turned off such that the filter section is deposited. Alternatively, the filter section is held by means of a releasable clamp, or a trough which is tilted or overturned to deposit the filter section.
- the carrier arms 220 are pivotably mounted such that the filter sections carried by the plurality of receptacles 210 are held substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis throughout the transfer motion.
- the plurality of receptacles are formed on an outer surface of a rotating collection drum.
- the collection drum rotates about a second axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 200 .
- the receptacles are arranged to receive one or more filter sections moving longitudinally from the filter forming device 200 .
- the receptacles are formed by a plurality of recesses on the outer surface of the collection drum.
- the recesses forming the receptacles may have a fluted profile, being wider at an end proximate to the filter forming device 200 .
- the collection drum may be formed as part of the filter forming device 100 or as part of the filter wrapping device 300 .
- the collection drum is arranged to receive the plurality of filter sections moving longitudinally from the garniture of the shaping device.
- the transfer device 200 further comprises a transfer drum 240 which rotates about a third axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis of the filter forming device 200 .
- the transfer drum 240 comprises a plurality of recesses 241 formed in an outer surface thereof.
- the plurality of receptacles 210 deposit the filter sections into the recesses 241 of the transfer drum 240 , wherein the filter sections are conveyed by rotational movement around the third axis of the transfer drum 240 .
- the filter sections are held in the recesses 241 of the transfer drum 240 by suction means. Alternatively, the filter sections are held on the outer surface of the transfer drum 240 by an arrangement of pins.
- the plurality of filter sections are passed from the transfer drum 240 to the wrapping drum of the filter wrapping device, wherein the plurality of tipping paper or other material blanks are affixed and rolled around the filter sections.
- the blanks are affixed to the filter sections whilst they are held in the recesses 241 of the transfer drum 240 , and the filter sections with blanks attached are passed to the wrapping drum, wherein the blanks are rolled around the filter sections by the rolling element.
- the blanks are affixed to the filter sections whilst they are held in the recesses 241 of the transfer drum 240 , and the blanks are rolled around the filter sections by exerting pressure between the transfer drum 240 and the rolling element.
- the transfer device 200 is configured to translate linear movement to rotational movement, such that the plurality of filter sections can be transferred directly from the filter forming device 100 to the filter wrapping device 300 .
- the outer wrapping material 40 e.g. tipping paper, wrapped around the filter section is suitable for holding the filtration material in a compressed form.
- the filtration material can, for instance, recover from the compression applied by the filter forming device to impress the surface relief pattern into the filter section, after the filter section exits the filter forming device 100 .
- Heating means applied to the plasticiser and cellulose acetate may be insufficient to cause the filtration material to harden fast enough to stop recovery expansion of the filtration material.
- the plug wrap if present, may have insufficient tensile strength to resist the recovery expansion of the filtration material.
- the compression applied by the garniture 110 can lead to recovery expansion of the filtration material upon exiting the filter forming device 100 .
- the further compression applied by shaping device can lead to recovery expansion of the filtration material upon exiting the filter forming device 100 .
- the expansion of the filtration material may affect the surface relief applied to the outer surface of the filter section.
- the pattern, e.g. longitudinally extending grooves, applied to the outer surface of the filter section may be reduced in depth or removed completely by expansion of the filtration material.
- the covering layer of sheet material applied to the compressed filter section can at least partially alleviate the problem recovery expansion of the filtration material, for instance substantially maintaining the filter section in a compressed form.
- the invention provides a method in which the filter section can be wrapped before recovery expansion of the filtration material can take place. For instance, wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern can take place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
- the compressed filter section has a first outer circumference upon exiting the filter forming device 100 , defined by the largest features, e.g. the ridges, on the outer surface thereof.
- the first outer circumference of the filter section is equivalent to the circumference of the smallest circle which can be drawn around the filter cross-section.
- the filter wrapping device is configured to wrap the covering layer of tipping paper tightly around the filter section, and forms a cylinder with a circumference substantially the same as the first outer circumference.
- the tensile strength of the tipping paper restricts the filter section from expanding to have a circumference which is larger than the first outer circumference.
- the compressed filter section has a first cross sectional area upon exiting the filter forming device 100 .
- the tensile strength of the tipping paper restricts the filter section from expanding to have a cross sectional area which is larger or at least substantially larger than the first cross sectional area.
- the process of elastic recovery of the filtration material is not instantaneous and happens gradually upon exit of the filter section from the filter forming device 100 .
- the invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring the filter section from the filter forming device 100 to the filter wrapping device 300 , such that the time for elastic recovery to occur is reduced and the extent of expansion of the filtration material is reduced.
- the time between forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern with the filter forming device and wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern with the filter wrapping device can be substantially minimised by the present invention.
- the time can, for instance, less than 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 10 seconds, 2 seconds or 1 second.
- the present invention therefore provides for an expedient transfer between the filter forming device 100 and the filter wrapping device 300 such that a covering layer of sheet material, e.g. tipping paper, can be wrapped around the filter section before elastic recovery of the filtration material takes place.
- a covering layer of sheet material e.g. tipping paper
- An amount of time between compression of the filter section by the filter forming device and wrapping of the filter section with tipping paper by the filter wrapping device can be reduced and/or minimised.
- the invention therefore reduces and/or minimises the extent of recovery expansion of the filtration material which can occur in the plurality of filter sections.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing an exemplary method of manufacture.
- a filter section is formed with a filter forming device.
- the filter section is formed with a surface relief pattern on an outer surface.
- the filter section may be formed by forming a cylinder of filtration material, which may be shaped by a shaping device to have the surface relief pattern, and dividing the cylinder of filtration material to form a plurality of filter sections.
- the cylinder of filtration material may be divided into a plurality of filter sections, which are shaped by the shaping device.
- the cylinder of filtration material is formed by passing filtration material through at least one garniture.
- the shaping device provides the surface relief pattern by passing the cylinder of filtration material through at least one garniture.
- the cylinder of filtration material may be wrapped with a plug wrap having one or more weakened areas.
- the weakened areas are formed by embossing, crimping or otherwise weakening the plug wrap prior to wrapping around the filter rod.
- the weakened areas of the plug wrap allow for a faster rate of expansion, such that the surface relief pattern is formed.
- the surface relief pattern may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves.
- the filter section is transferred from the filter forming device to a filter wrapping device.
- the filter section is transferred using a filter transfer device.
- the filter transfer device receives the filter section moving linearly along a longitudinal axis of the filter forming device. Transferring the filter section to the filter wrapping device comprises translating linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement.
- the transfer device is arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section along the longitudinal axis of the filter forming device into rotational movement about a second axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.
- the filter section is provided to the filter wrapping device moving rotationally about the second axis.
- the filter section is held parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter forming device by the filter transfer device.
- the filter section is wrapped with a sheet material.
- the sheet material is wrapped around the filter section with the filter wrapping device.
- a blank of the sheet material is affixed to the filter section by the filter wrapping device.
- the blank may be attached to a plurality of filter sections.
- the blank may also be attached to one or more tobacco rods.
- the blank is wrapped around the filter section by rolling the filter section with the blank of sheet material attached.
- FIG. 7 shows a second exemplary smoking article 50 , which may be manufactured using the apparatus or method described herein.
- the smoking article has an indexing mechanism formed by ridges in a filter section 30 .
- This smoking article 50 is illustrated by example only, and the apparatus and method may be used in the manufacture of different types of smoking article.
- the smoking article 50 includes an outer wrapping material 40 at least a part of which is configured to be movable relative to the filter section 30 .
- the filter section 30 is located adjacent to the tobacco rod 20 , and the smoking article 50 also comprises a mouth end filter section 51 affixed to the outer wrapping material 40 .
- part of the outer wrapping material 40 affixed to the filter section 30 and a part movable relative to the filter section 30 may be separably connected, e.g. by a perforated region of the sheet material 40 .
- the relative rotation between the outer wrapping material 40 and the filter section 30 can control a property of the smoking article 10 , e.g. ventilation.
- the smoking article 50 comprises a control mechanism in the form of an indexing mechanism 52 , configured to control rotation between the filter section 30 and outer wrapping material 40 .
- the indexing mechanism 52 comprises an indexing feature 53 on the filter section which can be engaged by an engaging feature 54 on the outer wrapping material 40 .
- the outer wrapping material 40 is rotatable relative to the filter section 30 into a plurality of pre-determined indexed rotational positions. The indexed positions are narrowly spaced, providing for incremental step-wise movement.
- the indexing feature 53 is formed by the plurality of depressions forming a surface relief pattern on the outer surface of the filter section 30 .
- the indexing feature 53 comprises a plurality of elongate grooves, separated by ridges, which extend substantially longitudinally.
- the ridge between adjacent depressions defines a point of maximum resistance to movement of the engaging feature 54 between the adjacent depressions.
- the ridge profile is configured to provide for a sound when the filter section 30 and covering layer 40 are rotated relative to each other, providing clear audible feedback.
- the indexing grooves and ridges preferably extend around the whole circumference of the filter section 30 , or alternatively, extend around only a part of the circumference of the filter section 30 .
- the indexing grooves and ridges may extend over the whole length or only a part of the length of the filter section 30 , and in the present example are illustrated as only extending over part of the length of the filter section 30 .
- the engaging feature 54 comprises one or more protrusions extending radially inwardly 30 from the inner surface of the outer wrapping material 40 .
- the protrusion is configured to engage in the grooves of the indexing feature 53 to control relative rotation of the outer wrapping material 40 and filter section 30 .
- the protrusion is formed by a folded paper pawl affixed to the inner surface of the outer wrapping material 40 .
- the protrusion may be formed by a dot of raised ink, dot of glue, by an indent, by an embossing, or by any other suitable means to engage with the indexing feature.
- the indexing feature 53 is resiliently deformable to allow the protruding feature 54 to releasable engage therewith. Application of a rotational force above a threshold level causes resilient deformation of the indexing feature 53 , providing for rotation to the next indexed position where the protruding feature 54 engages.
- the continuous length of outer wrapping material provided by the sheet material supply may have a plurality of paper pawls affixed to an outward facing surface, which are arranged to form the engaging feature of the indexing mechanism 52 .
- the outward facing surface of the outer wrapping material may comprise one or more protrusions formed by a dot of raised ink, dot of glue, by an indent, by an embossing, or by any other suitable means to engage with the indexing feature.
- the continuous length of outer wrapping material may further be provided with a pattern of perforations, forming a plurality of separably connected areas of outer wrapping material.
- Rotation of the outer wrapping material 40 may be accompanied with an audible sound, e.g. a click, at each pre-determined position.
- the indexing mechanism 52 functions to resist rotation between the filter section 30 and the outer wrapping material 40 , unless sufficient force is applied and the parts rotate to the next indexed position.
- the indexing mechanism 52 provides feedback to a user that the parts have been rotated, preferably in the form of touch in the indexing movement and/or sound as each indexing position is engaged.
- Filter section 30 is provided with improved surface relief on an outer surface thereof.
Landscapes
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, and a smoking article produced by the method. The method can include forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern with a filter forming device, transferring the filter section to a filter wrapping device with a filter transfer device and wrapping a sheet material around the filter section with the filter wrapping device.
Description
- Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, and a smoking article produced by the method.
- Filters for cigarettes can be compressed to give a shape to the outer surface. A filter may be compressed to form grooves in the outer surface thereof. In some examples, a grooved filter may provide a flow of ventilated air. In other examples, a grooved filter may provide an enhanced tactile experience.
- According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided, in a first aspect, a method of manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, comprising forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern with a filter forming device, transferring the filter section having the surface relief pattern to a filter wrapping device, using a filter transfer device, and wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern with the filter wrapping device.
- The filter section can be transferred automatically from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device by the filter transfer device, in a continuous assembly process.
- Wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern can take place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section. The time between forming the filter section having a surface relief pattern and wrapping the sheet material around the filter section can be less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.
- Forming the filter section can comprise forming a cylinder of filtration material having the surface relief pattern and dividing the cylinder of filtration material to form a plurality of filter sections.
- Forming the filter section can comprise forming a cylinder of filtration material and shaping the cylinder of filtration material to have the surface relief pattern.
- Forming the cylinder of filtration material can comprise passing filtration material through at least one tapering guide.
- Shaping the cylinder of filtration material can comprise passing the cylinder of filtration material through at least one shaping device.
- The cylinder of filtration material can be shaped by wrapping with a plug wrap having one or more weakened sections.
- The surface relief pattern can comprises a plurality of grooves extending in a longitudinal direction along said filter section.
- Wrapping a sheet material around the filter section can comprise affixing a blank of sheet material to the filter section and rolling the filter section such that the blank is wrapped around the filter section.
- The method can further comprise attaching the blank to a plurality filter sections.
- The method can further comprise attaching the blank to at least one tobacco rod.
- Transferring the filter section can comprise translating linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement. Transferring the filter section can comprise translating linear movement of the filter section in the direction of a first axis into rotational movement about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The filter section can be held parallel to the first axis by the filter transfer device.
- According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided, in a second aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, comprising a filter forming device for forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern, a filter wrapping device for wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern, and a filter transfer device arranged to transfer the filter section having the surface relief pattern from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device.
- The filter transfer device can be arranged to transfer the filter section automatically from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device in a continuous assembly process.
- The apparatus can be configured to operate such that wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern takes place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
- The apparatus can be configured to operate such that the time between forming the filter section having a surface relief pattern and wrapping the sheet material around the filter section is less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.
- The filter forming device can comprise a garniture for forming a cylinder of the filtration material.
- The apparatus can further comprise a shaping device for shaping the cylinder of filtration material to have the surface relief pattern.
- The filter forming device can comprise a garniture for forming a cylinder of the filtration material and the garniture can comprise a shaping garniture configured to impress the surface relief pattern onto a cylinder of filtration material passed through the garniture.
- The shaping device can comprise a shaping plate configured to impress the surface relief pattern onto a cylinder of filtration material rolled over the plate.
- The filter forming device can be configured to wrap a plug wrap having one or more weakened areas around the filter section.
- The surface relief pattern can comprise a plurality of grooves extending in a longitudinal direction along said filter section.
- The filter wrapping device can comprise a wrapping drum comprising at least one recess for holding the filter section, a feeder drum arranged to affix a blank of sheet material to the filter section, and a rolling element arranged to roll the filter section such that the blank is wrapped around the filter section.
- The filter wrapping device can comprise a filter combining machine, wherein the recess of the wrapping drum is arranged to hold a plurality of filter sections, and the feeder drum is arranged to affix the blank of sheet material to the plurality of filter sections.
- The filter wrapping device can comprise a cigarette making machine wherein the recess of the wrapping drum is arranged to hold one or more tobacco rods and the feeder drum is arranged to affix the blank of sheet material to the one or more filter sections and the one or more tobacco sections held by the recess.
- The filter transfer device can be arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement. For instance, the filter transfer device can be arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section in the direction of a first axis into rotational movement about a second axis parallel to the first axis.
- The filter transfer device can comprise a plurality of receptacles arranged to receive one or more filter sections, wherein the receptacles hold the one or more filter sections parallel to the first axis.
- According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided, in a third aspect, a smoking article filter produced by the method set out above.
- According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided, in a fourth aspect, a smoking article including a smoking article filter as set out above.
- Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smoking article having filter with a surface relief pattern of grooves channelling a flow of ventilating air; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article, the apparatus including a filter forming device, a filter transfer device and a filter wrapping device; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the filter forming device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of inner wrapping material for use by the filter forming device ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filter transfer device ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a smoking article; and -
FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a smoking article having an indexing mechanism formed by ridges in a filter section. - As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes, also heat-not-burn products and nicotine delivery devices such as electronic cigarettes. The smoking article may be provided with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.
- A smoking article formed by the apparatus or method described herein can comprise an elongate source of smokable material. In particular, the smokable material can be tobacco arranged in a cylindrical tobacco rod. One or more filters or filter sections can be attached to the tobacco rod. The filter or filter sections define a longitudinal axis, which is common to a longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a firstexemplary smoking article 10, which may be manufactured using the apparatus or method described herein. The smoking article has a filter with a surface relief pattern of grooves channelling a flow of ventilating air. This smokingarticle 10 is illustrated by example only, and the apparatus and method may be used in the manufacture of different types of smoking article. - The
smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising a source of smokable material. In this example, the smokable material is tobacco, in the form of atobacco rod 20. The smoking article further comprises afilter section 30 attached to the source of smokable material. Thetobacco rod 20 andfilter section 30 may be connected with a coveringlayer 40 to affix thefilter section 30 to thetobacco rod 20, for example formed of a sheet material, e.g. tipping paper. - The
filter section 30 has a plurality ofdepressions 32 which form a surface relief pattern on an outer surface thereof. In particular, thefilter section 30 has an outer surface which is not smooth, comprising a plurality ofelongate grooves 32, separated byridges 33, which extend, in the present example, substantially longitudinally along the length of thefilter section 30. The plurality ofridges 33 andgrooves 32 may define a sinuous outer surface, which smoothly oscillates in radius. Theridge 33 betweenadjacent depressions 32 may have a curved profile with a substantially uniform radius of curvature. Alternatively, thegrooves 32 may be formed as flutes, having a concave profile. Theridge 33 betweenadjacent depressions 32 may have a pointed, creased, or tapering profile, having a substantially sharp point of maximum radius. - The
filter section 30 may be made of filtration material(s) 34, including but not limited to cellulose acetate tow. Thefilter section 30 further comprises one or more sheets ofinner wrapping material 35, for example paper, e.g. plugwrap, which is wrapped around thefiltration material 34. Thepaper 35 extends around the curved sides of thefilter section 30. Thepaper 35 forms, or supports, a continuous outer surface defining thegrooves 32 andridges 33 of thefilter section 30. Thepaper 35 is deformed to form thegrooves 32 andridges 33, as will be described in greater detail below. - The
filter section 30 is wrapped with a sheet ofouter wrapping material 40, e.g. tipping paper. Theouter wrapping material 40 may be affixed to thefilter section 30 by an area of adhesive on an inner surface thereof. Theouter wrapping material 40 is wrapped around the circumference of thefilter section 30 and adhered at a region where parts of the material 40 overlap, forming a cylinder ofmaterial 40 substantially covering thefilter section 30. - The
outer wrapping material 40 comprises one ormore ventilation areas 41, which may include ventilation apertures and/or air permeable material. Thegrooves 32 of thefilter section 30 form a plurality of ventilation pathways, which connect theventilation areas 41 to a mouth end of thesmoking article 10. Ventilating air can pass through the ventilatingareas 41, into the ventilation pathways formed by thegrooves 32, and to the mouth end of thesmoking article 10. - An apparatus and a method in accordance with embodiments of the invention for producing a filter having a relief pattern on an outer surface thereof, will be described with reference to
FIGS. 2 to 6 . - Referring to
FIG. 2 , an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article includes afilter forming device 100 arranged to form a filter section having a surface relief pattern, afilter wrapping device 300 for wrapping a sheet material around the filter section and afilter transfer device 200 arranged to transfer the filter section from thefilter forming device 100 to thefilter wrapping device 300. - A continuous filter assembly line is provided in the illustrated example. Filter sections are accordingly transferred mechanically from the
filter forming device 100 to thefilter transfer device 200 and from thefilter transfer device 200 to thefilter wrapping device 300. According to the illustrated example, the continuous filter assembly line does not require a hopper to hold a plurality of filter sections for collection by thefilter wrapping device 300. For instance, neither thefilter forming device 100,filter transfer device 200 nor thefilter wrapping device 300 requires a hopper. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thefilter forming device 100 comprises agarniture 110 and aguide funnel 120, which can comprise a stuffer jet. Thegarniture 110 is a passage in the form of a duct of tube, having a wide entrance opening in and anarrow exit opening 114. The garniture narrows in a first ‘tow guide’ or ‘garniture tongue’portion 112, extending from thewide entrance opening 111. Asecond section 113 of the garniture, extending between thetow guide portion 112 and thenarrow exit opening 114, is substantially constant in cross-section along its length. Alternatively, thesecond section 113 may continue to taper but more gently than thetow guide portion 112. - The
garniture 110 is generally circular in cross-section. Acontinuous garniture belt 130 extends through thegarniture 110 and over a plurality ofguide rollers 131 and is driven to be conveyed around therollers 131 in the direction shown by the arrows A. Loose filter tow material, such as loose cellulose acetate fibre, is fed into thefunnel 120 and is guided into thetow guide portion 112 of thegarniture 110. The filter tow material is conveyed through the taperingtow guide portion 112 on the plug wrap so that the loose filter tow material is formed into a more compacted rod as it emerges from the narrow end of thegarniture 114. - The length of the
garniture 110 defines a first longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 100, along which the filter tow material is conveyed by thegarniture belt 130. The compacted filter rod extends along the first longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 100, and exits thefilter forming device 100 moving in a linear fashion along the first longitudinal axis. - In some embodiments, a plug wrap is fed from a
spool 140 onto the upper surface of thegarniture belt 130 and is conveyed through thegarniture 110 by the movinggarniture belt 130. As the plug wrap travels through thegarniture 110 the shape of the taperedtow guide 112 deforms thegarniture belt 130 and plug wrap thereon such that, in cross-section, the plug wrap goes from being flat (as it is on the spool 140) when it enters the wide entrance opening in of thegarniture 110, to a closed circle as it leaves thenarrow exit opening 114 of thegarniture 110, completely surrounding the formed filter rod. - As the plug wrap is wrapped around the filtration material, the edges meet to form a seam at an upper portion of the
garniture 110. This seam may then be glued or, alternatively, the plug wrap may be pre-glued where the seam is to be formed. A section of the upper portion of thegarniture 110 may comprise a heating bar to heat and activate the glue at the seam of the plugwrap to adhere the plugwrap in place around the filtration material. Alternatively, hot melt glue is applied to the plug wrap and a cooling bar may be present in place of a heating bar. - As the filter tow material travels through the
garniture 110 and is compressed, the plug wrap is folded around the outside of the compressed cylinder of filter tow material and glue is applied to the over-lapping seam and heated to activate the glue, such that when the filter tow material exits through thenarrow exit opening 114 of thegarniture 110, the filter tow material is formed into a compressed cylindrical filter rod enveloped by an outer plug wrap. - In an alternative embodiment, the filter rod may be formed in the
garniture 110 without a plug wrap, and the plug wrap may be subsequently wrapped around the formed filter rod once it has exited thegarniture 110, or the filter rod may be provided as a non-wrapped acetate (NWA) rod. - A shaping device (not shown) associated with the
filter forming device 100 is used to form a filter rod having a surface relief pattern. In some embodiments, the shaping device is formed as an integral part of thefirst garniture 110 or, alternatively, may comprise a second shaping garniture in series with thefirst garniture 110. The inner wall of the garniture may be provided with a plurality of ribs projecting inwardly and extending longitudinally towards the narrow exit opening of the garniture. As the filter tow material travels through the garniture, the ribs on the inner surface of the garniture wall, which may be heated, impress a grooved pattern on the outer surface of the filter rod so that when the filter rod exits through the narrow exit opening of the garniture, it has a series of longitudinal grooves formed around its outer surface. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the garniture belt is sufficiently thin and flexible that the grooved shape can be effectively imparted onto the filter rod by the ribs through the thickness of the garniture belt. - In another example of the shaping device the garniture belt may comprise one or more protrusions, for instance integrally formed with the garniture belt or provided as a coating or material, formed on one side which is set thereon with the desired surface relief pattern. The protrusions are sufficiently flexible to enable the garniture belt to deform into a rolled up state and may have heat applied thereto to impress the surface relief pattern on the filter rod. Alternatively, the garniture belt may comprise a plurality of linked plates configured to deform from a flat state to a rolled up state in which they are rolled up about their longitudinal axis. As the garniture belt enters and is conveyed through the tow guide portion, the garniture belt is deformed from its flat state to its rolled up state. As the garniture belt reaches the narrow end of the garniture, the garniture belt forms a closed circle in cross-section and the loose filter tow material is formed in a compact rod circumscribed by the garniture belt.
- In some examples, the shaping device is arranged to receive the compressed filter rod from the
garniture 110. The shaping device may comprise a plate provided with a plurality of projections for forming the desired surface relief pattern. The plate may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending projections for forming grooves on an outer surface of the filter rod. The filter rod is rolled laterally across the plate such that a grooved pattern is impressed on the outer surface by the plurality of projections. The filter rod may be divided into a plurality of filter sections which are rolled across the plate of the shaping device. A second plate moves laterally across the plate, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 100. The filter sections are placed between the plates and rolled laterally over the plurality of projections to form the desired surface relief pattern. Reference is directed to WO 2010/115675, the content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, for further details of a suitable shaping device. - As the filter tow material travels through the shaping device, the desired surface relief pattern is impressed on the outer surface of the filter rod so that when the filter rod exits the shaping device, it has the desired surface relief pattern, e.g. in the present examples a series of longitudinal grooves, formed around the entire perimeter of its outer surface.
- In some embodiments, the shaping device is a garniture no which forms the desired surface relief pattern by wrapping the compressed filtration material with a plug wrap. The surface relief pattern is, for instance, formed by embossing, crimping or otherwise weakening the plug wrap prior to wrapping around the filter rod. Compression of the filtration material can lead to recovery expansion upon exiting the garniture. The weakened areas of the plug wrap allow for a faster rate of expansion, such that a surface relief pattern is formed.
FIG. 4 illustrates aspool 140 supplying an exemplary plug wrap 150 having a plurality of weakenedareas 151, formed in this examples as embossed sections. In some embodiments, theplug wrap 150 may be embossed with a plurality of parallel lines extending longitudinally. When wrapped around the compressed filtration rod, the embossed lines allow a faster rate of expansion and form a plurality of ridges on the outer surface of the filter rod, similar to theridges 33 illustrated inFIG. 1 . - In order for the surface relief pattern to remain set in the filter rod, a plasticiser can be mixed with the cellulose acetate fibres to set the fibres in the shape formed by the shaping device.
- In some embodiments, as briefly described above, the shaping device may include a heating means which accelerates the reaction of the plasticiser. The heating means may, for instance, comprise inlet ducts along the length of the garniture no through which steam can be injected. In order that the heat of the steam can be most efficiently applied to the cellulose acetate and plasticiser mix, the garniture belt may be porous to allow steam therethrough. Alternatively, the garniture may comprise one or more heating elements along its length, such that the heat required to activate and accelerate the reaction of the plasticiser and the cellulose acetate of the filtration material is provided directly by conduction from the heating element through the wall of the
garniture 110. - The
filter forming device 100 further comprises a cutting tool (not shown) which divides the continuous filter rod into a plurality of filter sections. The cutting tool comprises one or more blades located on the outer surface of a rotating cutting drum. The cutting drum rotates such that the blade passes through the continuous filter rod as it moves past the cutting drum, and separates the filter rod into filter sections. Alternatively, the blade is located on a cutting bar lying perpendicular to the continuous filter rod, and is passed through the filter rod by reciprocal linear motion of the cutting bar. In some embodiments, the cutting tool may be positioned between thegarniture 110 and the shaping tool of thefilter forming device 100. - The
filter wrapping device 300, in the present example, is a cigarette maker comprising a wrapping drum configured to wrap a layer of sheet material, such as theouter wrapping material 40, around the filter section. Theouter wrapping material 40 is also wrapped around a portion of a tobacco rod to connect the tobacco rod to the filter section. The wrapping drum comprises a plurality of recesses on an outer surface thereof each of which is arranged to receive at least one filter section, in alignment with a tobacco rod. A blank for forming the layer of tipping paper or other outer wrapping material is affixed to the filter section and tobacco rod whilst the one or more filter sections are held by the recesses of the wrapping drum. The blank is affixed to the filter section and tobacco rod at a first end of the blank such that the blank extends away from the filter section and tobacco rod when attached only at the first end of the blank. - A sheet material supply provides the outer wrapping material for the blank in a continuous length of material to a feeder drum, which holds the sheet material to an outer surface thereof by suction means. The feeder drum is rotated in an opposite sense to a sheet material cutter, comprising a plurality of blades spaced circumferentially around a rotational axis. The outer wrapping material is rotated such that it passes between the feeder drum and the sheet material cutter. The blades of the cutter are positioned to divide the outer wrapping material into a plurality of blanks for wrapping around a filter section.
- Adhesive is applied to the outward facing surface of the blanks whilst they are held on the outer surface of the feeder drum. Alternatively, adhesive is pre-applied to the continuous supply of sheet material provided to the feeder drum. The feeder drum presents the blanks with adhesive applied to the plurality of filter sections at an interface between the feeder drum and the wrapping drum. The first end of the blank is aligned with at least one of the filter sections and pressure is applied between the feeder drum and the wrapping drum to activate the adhesive on the surface of the blank. The blank is affixed to at least one filter section and the combined filter section and blank continues to rotate on the outer surface of the wrapping drum.
- The blank is wrapped around the section by rolling the filter section around the outer surface of the wrapping drum. A stationary rolling element is configured to cooperate with the wrapping drum to apply pressure to the filter section, thereby rolling the filter section between the wrapping drum and rolling element. In some embodiments, the rolling element may comprise a rolling drum rotating in an opposite sense to the wrapping drum. The differential in linear speed at the interface between the wrapping drum and the rolling drum causes rotation of the filter section and wraps the tipping paper to form a cylinder around the filter section.
- The filter wrapping device may alternatively be a filter combining machine configured to wrap a blank around a plurality of filter sections. Two or more filter sections are held by each recess of a wrapping drum and a blank is affixed to the plurality of filter sections. Alternatively, the filter wrapping device may be configured to wrap a blank around individual filter sections.
- The apparatus comprises a
transfer device 200 which receives the plurality of filter sections from thefilter forming device 100 and provides the plurality of filter sections to thefilter wrapping device 300. Thetransfer device 200 translates linear movement of the filter sections into a rotational movement. The filter sections exit thefilter forming device 100 in a direction parallel to the first longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 100, which defines the longitudinal axis along which the compressed filter rod extends. In some embodiments, thetransfer device 200 translates linear movement of the filter sections along the first longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 100, into rotational movement around a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis, for supply to thefilter wrapping device 300. The orientation of the filter sections is substantially unchanged by thetransfer device 200, such that the longitudinal axis of each filter section remains substantially parallel to the first and second axes. - The
transfer device 200 is arranged to receive the plurality of filter sections directly from thefilter forming device 100. Filter sections are in this way transferred automatically from thefilter forming device 100 to thetransfer device 200. Similarly, thefilter wrapping device 300 200 is arranged to receive the plurality of filter sections directly from thetransfer device 200. Filter sections are in this way transferred automatically from thetransfer device 200 to thefilter wrapping device 300. As such, the apparatus provides a continuous assembly line. Filter sections are transferred automatically and, according to examples described herein, mechanically, from thefilter forming device 100 to thefilter wrapping device 300. The apparatus does not require a hopper positioned between the filter forming device and the filter wrapping device in order to accumulate a plurality of filter sections for collection by the filter wrapping device. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , thetransfer device 200 comprises a plurality ofreceptacles 210 each configured to receive one or more filter sections in a linear direction and to provide rotational movement to the one or more filter sections. In some embodiments, eachreceptacle 210 receives one filter section. Alternatively, eachreceptacle 210 may receive two or more filter sections. Thereceptacles 210 are formed on a plurality ofcarrier arms 220, which are pivotably mounted on arotating transfer support 230. Thetransfer support 230 rotates about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The axis of rotation of thetransfer support 230 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. Alternatively, the axis of rotation is substantially horizontal and thetransfer support 230 rotates in a vertical plane. - The
receptacle 210 holds the filter section by means of suction, which can be turned off such that the filter section is deposited. Alternatively, the filter section is held by means of a releasable clamp, or a trough which is tilted or overturned to deposit the filter section. Thecarrier arms 220 are pivotably mounted such that the filter sections carried by the plurality ofreceptacles 210 are held substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis throughout the transfer motion. - In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of receptacles, rather than being formed on a plurality of
carrier arms 220, are formed on an outer surface of a rotating collection drum. The collection drum rotates about a second axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 200. The receptacles are arranged to receive one or more filter sections moving longitudinally from thefilter forming device 200. The receptacles are formed by a plurality of recesses on the outer surface of the collection drum. The recesses forming the receptacles may have a fluted profile, being wider at an end proximate to thefilter forming device 200. - The collection drum, or other filter transfer devices described herein, may be formed as part of the
filter forming device 100 or as part of thefilter wrapping device 300. In some examples, the collection drum is arranged to receive the plurality of filter sections moving longitudinally from the garniture of the shaping device. - In some embodiments, the
transfer device 200 further comprises atransfer drum 240 which rotates about a third axis parallel to the first longitudinal axis of thefilter forming device 200. Thetransfer drum 240 comprises a plurality ofrecesses 241 formed in an outer surface thereof. The plurality ofreceptacles 210 deposit the filter sections into therecesses 241 of thetransfer drum 240, wherein the filter sections are conveyed by rotational movement around the third axis of thetransfer drum 240. The filter sections are held in therecesses 241 of thetransfer drum 240 by suction means. Alternatively, the filter sections are held on the outer surface of thetransfer drum 240 by an arrangement of pins. - The plurality of filter sections are passed from the
transfer drum 240 to the wrapping drum of the filter wrapping device, wherein the plurality of tipping paper or other material blanks are affixed and rolled around the filter sections. In some embodiments, the blanks are affixed to the filter sections whilst they are held in therecesses 241 of thetransfer drum 240, and the filter sections with blanks attached are passed to the wrapping drum, wherein the blanks are rolled around the filter sections by the rolling element. Alternatively, the blanks are affixed to the filter sections whilst they are held in therecesses 241 of thetransfer drum 240, and the blanks are rolled around the filter sections by exerting pressure between thetransfer drum 240 and the rolling element. - The
transfer device 200 is configured to translate linear movement to rotational movement, such that the plurality of filter sections can be transferred directly from thefilter forming device 100 to thefilter wrapping device 300. - The
outer wrapping material 40, e.g. tipping paper, wrapped around the filter section is suitable for holding the filtration material in a compressed form. The filtration material can, for instance, recover from the compression applied by the filter forming device to impress the surface relief pattern into the filter section, after the filter section exits thefilter forming device 100. Heating means applied to the plasticiser and cellulose acetate may be insufficient to cause the filtration material to harden fast enough to stop recovery expansion of the filtration material. The plug wrap, if present, may have insufficient tensile strength to resist the recovery expansion of the filtration material. - The compression applied by the
garniture 110 can lead to recovery expansion of the filtration material upon exiting thefilter forming device 100. In addition, the further compression applied by shaping device can lead to recovery expansion of the filtration material upon exiting thefilter forming device 100. In particular, the expansion of the filtration material may affect the surface relief applied to the outer surface of the filter section. The pattern, e.g. longitudinally extending grooves, applied to the outer surface of the filter section may be reduced in depth or removed completely by expansion of the filtration material. - The covering layer of sheet material applied to the compressed filter section can at least partially alleviate the problem recovery expansion of the filtration material, for instance substantially maintaining the filter section in a compressed form. By directly and automatically transferring the plurality of filter sections from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device using the filter transfer device, the invention provides a method in which the filter section can be wrapped before recovery expansion of the filtration material can take place. For instance, wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern can take place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
- The compressed filter section has a first outer circumference upon exiting the
filter forming device 100, defined by the largest features, e.g. the ridges, on the outer surface thereof. The first outer circumference of the filter section is equivalent to the circumference of the smallest circle which can be drawn around the filter cross-section. The filter wrapping device is configured to wrap the covering layer of tipping paper tightly around the filter section, and forms a cylinder with a circumference substantially the same as the first outer circumference. The tensile strength of the tipping paper restricts the filter section from expanding to have a circumference which is larger than the first outer circumference. - The compressed filter section has a first cross sectional area upon exiting the
filter forming device 100. The tensile strength of the tipping paper restricts the filter section from expanding to have a cross sectional area which is larger or at least substantially larger than the first cross sectional area. - The process of elastic recovery of the filtration material is not instantaneous and happens gradually upon exit of the filter section from the
filter forming device 100. The invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring the filter section from thefilter forming device 100 to thefilter wrapping device 300, such that the time for elastic recovery to occur is reduced and the extent of expansion of the filtration material is reduced. The time between forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern with the filter forming device and wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern with the filter wrapping device can be substantially minimised by the present invention. The time can, for instance, less than 2 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 10 seconds, 2 seconds or 1 second. - The present invention therefore provides for an expedient transfer between the
filter forming device 100 and thefilter wrapping device 300 such that a covering layer of sheet material, e.g. tipping paper, can be wrapped around the filter section before elastic recovery of the filtration material takes place. An amount of time between compression of the filter section by the filter forming device and wrapping of the filter section with tipping paper by the filter wrapping device can be reduced and/or minimised. The invention therefore reduces and/or minimises the extent of recovery expansion of the filtration material which can occur in the plurality of filter sections. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing an exemplary method of manufacture. At step S100 a filter section is formed with a filter forming device. The filter section is formed with a surface relief pattern on an outer surface. The filter section may be formed by forming a cylinder of filtration material, which may be shaped by a shaping device to have the surface relief pattern, and dividing the cylinder of filtration material to form a plurality of filter sections. Alternatively, the cylinder of filtration material may be divided into a plurality of filter sections, which are shaped by the shaping device. - The cylinder of filtration material is formed by passing filtration material through at least one garniture. The shaping device provides the surface relief pattern by passing the cylinder of filtration material through at least one garniture. Alternatively, the cylinder of filtration material may be wrapped with a plug wrap having one or more weakened areas. The weakened areas are formed by embossing, crimping or otherwise weakening the plug wrap prior to wrapping around the filter rod. The weakened areas of the plug wrap allow for a faster rate of expansion, such that the surface relief pattern is formed.
- The surface relief pattern may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves.
- At step S200 the filter section is transferred from the filter forming device to a filter wrapping device. The filter section is transferred using a filter transfer device. The filter transfer device, in one example, receives the filter section moving linearly along a longitudinal axis of the filter forming device. Transferring the filter section to the filter wrapping device comprises translating linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement. The transfer device is arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section along the longitudinal axis of the filter forming device into rotational movement about a second axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The filter section is provided to the filter wrapping device moving rotationally about the second axis. The filter section is held parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter forming device by the filter transfer device.
- At step S300 the filter section is wrapped with a sheet material. The sheet material is wrapped around the filter section with the filter wrapping device. A blank of the sheet material is affixed to the filter section by the filter wrapping device. The blank may be attached to a plurality of filter sections. The blank may also be attached to one or more tobacco rods. The blank is wrapped around the filter section by rolling the filter section with the blank of sheet material attached.
-
FIG. 7 shows a secondexemplary smoking article 50, which may be manufactured using the apparatus or method described herein. The smoking article has an indexing mechanism formed by ridges in afilter section 30. Thissmoking article 50 is illustrated by example only, and the apparatus and method may be used in the manufacture of different types of smoking article. - Features other than those described hereinbelow are the same as those described with respect to
FIG. 1 and like numerals refer to like parts. - The
smoking article 50 includes anouter wrapping material 40 at least a part of which is configured to be movable relative to thefilter section 30. Thefilter section 30 is located adjacent to thetobacco rod 20, and thesmoking article 50 also comprises a mouthend filter section 51 affixed to theouter wrapping material 40 . In another embodiment, part of theouter wrapping material 40 affixed to thefilter section 30 and a part movable relative to thefilter section 30 may be separably connected, e.g. by a perforated region of thesheet material 40. - The relative rotation between the
outer wrapping material 40 and thefilter section 30 can control a property of thesmoking article 10, e.g. ventilation. Thesmoking article 50 comprises a control mechanism in the form of anindexing mechanism 52, configured to control rotation between thefilter section 30 andouter wrapping material 40. Theindexing mechanism 52 comprises anindexing feature 53 on the filter section which can be engaged by an engagingfeature 54 on theouter wrapping material 40. Theouter wrapping material 40 is rotatable relative to thefilter section 30 into a plurality of pre-determined indexed rotational positions. The indexed positions are narrowly spaced, providing for incremental step-wise movement. - The
indexing feature 53 is formed by the plurality of depressions forming a surface relief pattern on the outer surface of thefilter section 30. In particular, theindexing feature 53 comprises a plurality of elongate grooves, separated by ridges, which extend substantially longitudinally. The ridge between adjacent depressions defines a point of maximum resistance to movement of theengaging feature 54 between the adjacent depressions. The ridge profile is configured to provide for a sound when thefilter section 30 and coveringlayer 40 are rotated relative to each other, providing clear audible feedback. - The indexing grooves and ridges preferably extend around the whole circumference of the
filter section 30, or alternatively, extend around only a part of the circumference of thefilter section 30. The indexing grooves and ridges may extend over the whole length or only a part of the length of thefilter section 30, and in the present example are illustrated as only extending over part of the length of thefilter section 30. - The engaging
feature 54 comprises one or more protrusions extending radially inwardly 30 from the inner surface of theouter wrapping material 40. The protrusion is configured to engage in the grooves of theindexing feature 53 to control relative rotation of theouter wrapping material 40 andfilter section 30. The protrusion is formed by a folded paper pawl affixed to the inner surface of theouter wrapping material 40. Alternatively, the protrusion may be formed by a dot of raised ink, dot of glue, by an indent, by an embossing, or by any other suitable means to engage with the indexing feature. Theindexing feature 53 is resiliently deformable to allow theprotruding feature 54 to releasable engage therewith. Application of a rotational force above a threshold level causes resilient deformation of theindexing feature 53, providing for rotation to the next indexed position where the protrudingfeature 54 engages. - The continuous length of outer wrapping material provided by the sheet material supply may have a plurality of paper pawls affixed to an outward facing surface, which are arranged to form the engaging feature of the
indexing mechanism 52. Alternatively, the outward facing surface of the outer wrapping material may comprise one or more protrusions formed by a dot of raised ink, dot of glue, by an indent, by an embossing, or by any other suitable means to engage with the indexing feature. The continuous length of outer wrapping material may further be provided with a pattern of perforations, forming a plurality of separably connected areas of outer wrapping material. - Rotation of the
outer wrapping material 40 may be accompanied with an audible sound, e.g. a click, at each pre-determined position. Theindexing mechanism 52 functions to resist rotation between thefilter section 30 and theouter wrapping material 40, unless sufficient force is applied and the parts rotate to the next indexed position. Theindexing mechanism 52 provides feedback to a user that the parts have been rotated, preferably in the form of touch in the indexing movement and/or sound as each indexing position is engaged. - An exemplary smoking article which may be manufactured by the method of the present invention can be found in WO 2012/123723 or WO 2013/024623, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
-
Filter section 30 is provided with improved surface relief on an outer surface thereof. - Any feature of any embodiment described herein can be used in combination with any other feature of any other embodiment described herein.
- In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced and provide for a superior method and apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
Claims (20)
1. A method of manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, comprising:
forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern with a filter forming device;
transferring the filter section having the surface relief pattern to a filter wrapping device, using a filter transfer device; and
wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern with the filter wrapping device.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the filter section is transferred automatically from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device by the filter transfer device, in a continuous assembly process.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern takes place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the time between forming the filter section having a surface relief pattern and wrapping the sheet material around the filter section is less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.
5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein forming the filter section comprises:
forming a cylinder of filtration material; and
shaping the cylinder of filtration material to have the surface relief pattern.
6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein shaping the cylinder of filtration material comprises passing the cylinder of filtration material through at least one shaping device.
7. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the cylinder of filtration material is shaped by wrapping with a plug wrap having one or more weakened sections.
8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface relief pattern comprises a plurality of grooves extending in a longitudinal direction along said filter section.
9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein transferring the filter section comprises translating linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement.
10. An apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article, comprising:
a filter forming device for forming a filter section having a surface relief pattern;
a filter wrapping device for wrapping a sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern; and
a filter transfer device arranged to transfer the filter section having the surface relief pattern from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the filter transfer device is arranged to transfer the filter section automatically from the filter forming device to the filter wrapping device in a continuous assembly process.
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the apparatus is configured to operate such that wrapping the sheet material around the filter section having the surface relief pattern takes place before the surface relief pattern is substantially lost by elastic expansion of the filter section.
13. Apparatus according to claim 10 , 11 or 12 , wherein the apparatus is configured to operate such that the time between forming the filter section having a surface relief pattern and wrapping the sheet material around the filter section is less than 2 minutes, less than 1 minute, less than 30 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 2 seconds or less than 1 second.
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13 , further comprising a shaping device for shaping the cylinder of filtration material to have the surface relief pattern.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the filter forming device comprises a garniture for forming a cylinder of the filtration material and the garniture comprises a shaping garniture configured to impress the surface relief pattern onto a cylinder of filtration material passed through the garniture.
16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13 , wherein the filter forming device is configured to wrap a plug wrap having one or more weakened areas around the filter section.
17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16 , wherein the surface relief pattern comprises a plurality of grooves extending in a longitudinal direction along said filter section.
18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17 , wherein the filter transfer device is arranged to translate linear movement of the filter section into rotational movement.
19. A smoking article filter produced by the method of any one of claims 1 to 9 .
20. A smoking article including a smoking article filter according to claim 19 .
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB201311450A GB201311450D0 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2013-06-27 | A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article |
GB1311450.9 | 2013-06-27 | ||
PCT/GB2014/051970 WO2014207479A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2014-06-27 | A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160135496A1 true US20160135496A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
Family
ID=48999053
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/900,931 Abandoned US20160135496A1 (en) | 2013-06-27 | 2014-06-27 | Method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for a smoking article |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160135496A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3013162A1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20160025586A (en) |
CN (1) | CN105324043A (en) |
GB (1) | GB201311450D0 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1217880A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014207479A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2021083891A1 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2021-05-06 | Jt International Sa | Filter component for an aerosol-generating article |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR102018304B1 (en) * | 2018-01-04 | 2019-11-04 | (주)서룡상사 | Apparatus and method for manufacturing electronic cigarette filter |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4232574A (en) * | 1977-08-19 | 1980-11-11 | Liggett Group Inc. | Apparatus and method for providing a cigarette filter with an aeration groove |
US4637409A (en) * | 1981-05-07 | 1987-01-20 | American Filtrona Corporation | Tobacco smoke filter and method and apparatus for making same |
IE53192B1 (en) * | 1981-07-06 | 1988-08-17 | Cigarette Components Ltd | Cigarette filter |
US4488563A (en) * | 1982-04-29 | 1984-12-18 | Mitsubishi Acetate Co., Ltd. | Filter plug |
DE3345000C2 (en) * | 1983-12-13 | 1985-10-31 | H.F. & Ph.F. Reemtsma Gmbh & Co, 2000 Hamburg | Ventilated filter cigarette with a groove filter |
US5178166A (en) * | 1990-09-20 | 1993-01-12 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Filter cigarette |
GB9404547D0 (en) * | 1994-03-09 | 1994-04-20 | Courtaulds Fibres Holdings Ltd | Fibre production process |
JP2001120249A (en) * | 1999-10-22 | 2001-05-08 | Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd | Filter tip |
TW200806205A (en) * | 2006-05-22 | 2008-02-01 | Filtrona Int Ltd | Tobacco smoke filter |
GB0715172D0 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2007-09-12 | British American Tobacco Co | Filter and method for making a filter for a cigarette |
CN101433372B (en) * | 2008-12-12 | 2012-05-09 | 广东中烟工业有限责任公司 | Filter material of cigarette filter stick and cigarette filter stick |
CN102715653B (en) * | 2012-07-03 | 2013-11-13 | 云南玉溪卷烟厂滤嘴棒分厂 | Guide wire horn nozzle of filter stick forming machine |
-
2013
- 2013-06-27 GB GB201311450A patent/GB201311450D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2014
- 2014-06-27 KR KR1020167002260A patent/KR20160025586A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2014-06-27 WO PCT/GB2014/051970 patent/WO2014207479A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-06-27 CN CN201480036612.4A patent/CN105324043A/en active Pending
- 2014-06-27 US US14/900,931 patent/US20160135496A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-06-27 EP EP14738577.7A patent/EP3013162A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2016
- 2016-05-26 HK HK16106010.5A patent/HK1217880A1/en unknown
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2021083891A1 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2021-05-06 | Jt International Sa | Filter component for an aerosol-generating article |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2014207479A1 (en) | 2014-12-31 |
CN105324043A (en) | 2016-02-10 |
KR20160025586A (en) | 2016-03-08 |
HK1217880A1 (en) | 2017-01-27 |
GB201311450D0 (en) | 2013-08-14 |
EP3013162A1 (en) | 2016-05-04 |
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Owner name: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED, UN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FALLON, GARY;REEL/FRAME:037442/0992 Effective date: 20160104 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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