Apparatus for making a sheet of material comprising plant and / or alkaloid material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for making a sheet of material comprising plant and / or alkaloid substances. The device comprises: a roller mill system comprising a plurality of rollers rotating about respective rotation axes, defining a roller path provided with a press line adapted to substantially press the material, providing the material with a sheet-like shape; a scraping system configured to separate said material by contacting the working surface of a transfer roller along a contact line. In particular, the scraping system comprises a closed loop annular scraping belt moved parallel to the rotation axis of the transfer roller at said contact line by means of an actuation assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for producing sheet materials comprising plant and / or alkaloid substances. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus associated with a system for producing, in a reconstituted form, a single plant substance or a mixture of different plant substances, such as, for example, tobacco sheets for smoking articles, hemp plant sheets for medical or pharmaceutical purposes, aromatic plant sheets for nutritional purposes; or a system for producing, in a reconstituted form, alkaloid substances or mixtures of different alkaloid substances; or a system for producing, in a reconstituted form, a mixture of plant and alkaloid substances.

[0002] The following description will refer to the production of reconstituted tobacco sheets purely by way of example. However, the equipment according to the invention can generally also be used in the production of any reconstituted form of plant and / or alkaloid substances. Background Technology

[0003] As is well known, shredded tobacco used in cigarettes is produced by processing tobacco leaves through various mechanical processes, such as threshing, crushing, sieving, and drying. However, these processes obviously generate a large amount of tobacco powder in addition to conventional waste products, such as leaf ribs or very small fragments.

[0004] Over the years, the tobacco industry has developed various processes and machines that enable the recycling of powdered tobacco and other processing waste to obtain large quantities of reconstituted tobacco sheets. These sheets are suitable for pulverizing and mixing with conventionally shredded tobacco for use in cigarettes. More recently, reconstituted tobacco sheets have been used in electronic devices that generate tobacco vapor without involving tobacco combustion.

[0005] One type of industrial process currently used to produce reconstituted tobacco sheets involves mixing tobacco powder obtained from grinding virgin tobacco and / or other tobacco sources, such as byproducts from tobacco processing, with tobacco powder to obtain a fine powder with a particle size generally less than 350 micrometers. This fine powder is then mixed with water and a binder, typically cellulose-based, to obtain a mixture with a water content greater than 60%, typically between 70% and 80%.

[0006] The resulting mixture is then continuously poured onto a conveyor belt to form a thin layer of material on the upper side of the belt. This thin layer is then dried in an oven to obtain reconstituted tobacco sheets, which can then be wound to form rolls. However, in this state, it is not possible to reliably obtain finished sheets of a fixed thickness.

[0007] Another type of industrial process currently used for producing reconstituted tobacco sheets involves passing a mixture obtained from fine tobacco powder, water, and binder through multiple rolling steps, followed by separation from the last roller by a scraping device. In this process, a constant thickness of the formed sheet can be reliably obtained.

[0008] For example, US4702264 describes a method and apparatus comprising a roll mill system and a scraping device. In the roll mill system, rolls are adapted to receive the mixture or material adhered to their respective surfaces. The rolls are arranged sequentially in an adjacent and substantially tangential manner, thereby defining a mill path along which press lines are provided between adjacent rolls. These press lines are adapted to press the material, thereby imparting a sheet-like shape to the material. Therefore, the scraping system is configured to engage by contacting the surface of the last roll in order to separate the material having the sheet-like shape from the surface of the last roll.

[0009] While these existing devices function well in many situations, they also have some limitations.

[0010] In fact, due to the use of continuous molding processes to produce sheets, after a certain processing interval, foreign matter is likely to accumulate or deposit on the squeegee (especially on the squeegee elements such as blades). This foreign matter is then randomly or systematically transferred to the surface of the formed sheet. Therefore, this foreign matter may include the same material as the sheet that accumulates on the blades, or other objects and / or contaminating materials from the processing environment. These foreign matter cause defects on the sheet surface and reduce its quality.

[0011] To avoid this problem, frequent cleaning or maintenance of the scraping device is required, which leads to frequent machine downtime and consequently reduces the productivity of the equipment and related systems.

[0012] However, in recent years, the tobacco industry has needed to simultaneously provide high-quality reconstituted tobacco sheets, high productivity of the equipment, and greater ease of construction and maintenance.

[0013] Therefore, it is necessary to devise a solution that addresses at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0014] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus configured to effectively form a sheet having a material comprising plant and / or alkaloid substances.

[0015] Within the scope of the aforementioned objectives, one object of the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to ensure the reduction or elimination of surface defects in molded sheets.

[0016] Another objective relates to a device that provides a versatile construction based on the required characteristics of a roll mill system during the design phase.

[0017] Another objective involves a device that ensures efficient processing.

[0018] Another objective involves a device that guarantees high productivity.

[0019] Another objective relates to a device that provides a simple construction.

[0020] Another purpose is to provide equipment that is easy to maintain.

[0021] Another objective relates to a device constructed to allow for simple connection with other facilities to perform subsequent processing steps on the formed sheet.

[0022] The above-described objectives and purposes, as well as other objectives and purposes that will become more apparent in the following description, are achieved by the device defined in this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Further features and advantages of the device according to the invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments given by way of example only and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the device according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the equipment; - Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the equipment at the contact line between the scraping system and the transfer rolls of the rolling mill system; - Figure 4 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the contact line between the scraping system and the transfer rolls of the rolling mill system; - Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A schematic side view of the device; - Figure 6 A schematic side view of the device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This invention relates to an apparatus for producing material sheets comprising one or more plant and / or alkaloid substances. Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to produce, in a reconstituted form, a single plant substance or a mixture of different plant substances, such as, for example, tobacco sheets for smoking articles, hemp plant sheets for medical or pharmaceutical uses, aromatic plant sheets for nutritional purposes, or the apparatus is adapted to produce, in a reconstituted form, alkaloid substances or mixtures of different alkaloid substances, or the apparatus is adapted to produce, in a reconstituted form, a mixture of plant and alkaloid substances.

[0025] The following description relates to the production of reconstituted tobacco sheets. However, this description is intended to be provided by way of non-limiting example only, as the apparatus according to the invention can be used in the production of any reconstituted form of plant and / or alkaloid substances.

[0026] Furthermore, in the following description, the term "rolling" refers to a production process used for continuous plastic deformation of a plastically deformable material to form a sheet-like or leaf-like structure with a structure substantially similar to a foil.

[0027] Furthermore, in the following description, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “upper part,” “lower part,” or similar terms refer to the device according to the invention in normal working condition, as shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0028] exist Figures 1 to 5 The image shows an apparatus 1000 for producing material sheets comprising plant and / or alkaloid substances according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Preferably, the material comprising one or more plant and / or alkaloid substances is a blend formed using a compound comprising tobacco, water, and a binder. The blend is preferably supplied to the device 1000 in granular form, the granules being obtained, for example, through an extrusion process and subsequent granulation. However, this choice is not limiting, nor is the form in which the blend is supplied or the procedure for obtaining it. For example, the blend can be supplied to the device 1000 by dumping.

[0030] The equipment 1000 generally includes, in the following order, a roll mill system 100, a scraping system 200, and a preferred conveying device 300.

[0031] The roll mill system 100 is configured to impart a sheet-like shape of material with a desired thickness through continuous plastic deformation, as explained in more detail below.

[0032] The scraping system 200 is configured to separate the material having the sheet-like shape from the rolls of the roll mill system 100 so that the material can be used in subsequent processing steps.

[0033] The conveying device 300, such as a conveyor belt, is configured to receive the material having the sheet-like shape as it is separated from the rolls of the roll mill system 100 by the scraping system 200, and to convey the material to subsequent processing steps, such as a drying step performed by a suitable facility.

[0034] The rolling mill system 100 includes a plurality of rolls rotatable about respective axes of rotation. The axes of rotation of the rolls are parallel to each other and preferably parallel to the placement plane HP, which is essentially the horizontal placement plane on which the equipment 1000 is placed.

[0035] In a first embodiment, the roll mill system 100 includes four rolls. The four rolls are arranged in the following order: a pair of feed rolls: a first feed roll 104a and a second feed roll 104b; an intermediate roll 104c; and a transfer roll 104d.

[0036] The transfer roller 104d is essentially the last roller on which material is attached in an operational manner, and the material is separated from the transfer roller by the scraping system 200 so that the material can be used for subsequent processing steps.

[0037] The rotation axes of the four rollers from 104a to 104d are respectively the rotation axis Ra of the first roller (hereinafter also defined as "the rotation axis Ra of the first roller"), the rotation axis Rb of the second roller (hereinafter also defined as "the rotation axis Rb of the second roller"), the rotation axis Rc of the intermediate roller (hereinafter also defined as "the rotation axis Rc of the intermediate roller"), and the rotation axis Rd of the transfer roller (hereinafter also defined as "the rotation axis Rd of the transfer roller" or "the rotation axis of the transfer roller").

[0038] Each of the rollers 104a to 104d comprises a substantially cylindrical shape and includes lateral working surfaces, such as a first roller working surface 106a (hereinafter also defined as "first working surface 106a"), a second roller working surface 106b (hereinafter also defined as "second working surface 106b"), an intermediate roller working surface 106c (hereinafter also defined as "intermediate working surface 106c"), and a transfer roller working surface 106d (hereinafter also defined as "transfer working surface 106d" or "working surface of the transfer roller"). The working surfaces 106a to 106d are preferably smooth and made of a metallic material; however, this choice is not limiting.

[0039] Rollers 104a to 104d provide corresponding integral shafts (not shown in the figures), which define corresponding axes of rotation from Ra to Rd. Preferably, the ends of the shafts are pivotally rotatable on adjustable support devices (not shown in the figures) of the support frame of the device 1000 to adjust the relative positions of the rollers 104a to 104d, i.e., to adjust the relative positions of the corresponding axes of rotation from Ra to Rd.

[0040] Preferably, the rollers from 104a to 104d are rotatable about corresponding rotation axes from Ra to Rd via a motor power system (not shown in the figures). The motor power system is preferably configured such that the rotational speed of each roller from 104a to 104d can be adjusted relative to the rotational speeds of the other rollers. Preferably, the electrically driven motor power system can include different configurations, such as, for example, a system provided with a single motor suitable for driving the rotation of all rollers via appropriate transmission components. Alternatively, the motor power system can include multiple motors, each associated with a corresponding roller. According to another embodiment, the motor power system can provide a combination of the above configurations, for example, a first motor suitable for driving the rotation of a pair of feed rollers, namely the first feed roller 104a and the second feed roller 104b, and two other motors suitable for driving the rotation of the intermediate roller 104c and the transfer roller 104d, respectively. However, these configurations of the motor power system are not limiting, and other suitable configurations can be provided.

[0041] Rolls 104a to 104d are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other and substantially tangential, thus defining the mill path LP ( Figure 5 (As shown by the double-broken line in the middle), the mill path defines the mill direction LD from the first feed roll 104a through the second feed roll 104b and the intermediate roll 104c to the transfer roll 104d (e.g., Figure 5 (The text is incomplete and cannot be translated without further context.)

[0042] Specifically, the rolls from 104a to 104d are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other and substantially tangential, but without rolling contact, so as to leave corresponding gaps or pressing lines between consecutive adjacent rolls. The pressing lines between adjacent rolls from 104a to 104d are respectively the feed pressing line Nf, the intermediate pressing line Ni, and the final pressing line Ne. The different pressing lines from Nf to Ne are configured to substantially press the material passing through the pressing lines, thereby giving the material a sheet shape with a desired thickness. In fact, the size of each gap or pressing line from Nf to Ne can be appropriately adjusted by changing the relative position of the rotation axes from Ra to Rd of the four rolls from 104a to 104d using appropriate adjustment devices (not shown in the figure). In this way, the amount of flattening the material undergoes at each pressing line can be selected, and thus the thickness of the sheet that can be obtained using the equipment 1000 can be defined. Preferably, the roll mill system 100 is configured to obtain sheets having an average / nominal thickness value of less than 1.2 mm and more preferably between 50 and 500 μm.

[0043] like Figure 5 As indicated by the thick arrows, the rotation direction of one roller is opposite to that of the adjacent roller, meaning the adjacent rollers are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. Specifically, the first feed roller 104a and the second feed roller 104b are operably provided to rotate in opposite directions, such that one roller rotates toward the other (in... Figure 5 In the side view, the clockwise rotation direction for the first feed roller 104a and the counterclockwise rotation direction for the second feed roller 104b are shown. Furthermore, the intermediate roller 104c is operably provided with a rotation direction opposite to that of the second feed roller 104b (in... Figure 5 In the side view, the intermediate roller 104c is rotated in a clockwise direction. Conversely, the transfer roller 104d is operatively provided with a rotational direction opposite to that of the intermediate roller 104c (in...). Figure 5 In the side view, the direction of counterclockwise rotation of the transfer roller 104d is shown.

[0044] Rollers 104a to 104d are rotated by a motor power system in a previously defined rotation direction, increasing the rotational speed from the first feed roller 104a to the transfer roller 104d. Specifically, the higher the rotational speed of the second feed roller 104b relative to the first feed roller 104a, the greater the tendency for material supplied at the feed pressing line Nf to adhere to the second working surface 106b of the second feed roller 104b. Subsequently, the higher the rotational speed of the intermediate roller 104c relative to the second feed roller 104b, the greater the tendency for material supplied at the intermediate pressing line Ni to leave the second working surface 106b of the second feed roller 104b and to adhere to the intermediate working surface 106c of the intermediate roller 104c. Finally, the higher the rotational speed of the transfer roller 104d relative to the intermediate roller 104c, the greater the tendency for material supplied at the end pressing line Ne to leave the intermediate working surface 106c of the intermediate roller 104c and to adhere to the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d.

[0045] Preferably, the device 1000 includes hoppers 102 that open at their respective upper ends and lower sections. The hoppers 102 are arranged above a pair of feed rollers, namely a first feed roller 104a and a second feed roller 104b, to substantially guide material toward the pair of feed rollers and the feed pressing line Nf. Thus, in this configuration, material is supplied to the feed rollers, the first feed roller 104a and the second feed roller 104b, and falls through the hopper 102 by gravity. However, this option is not limiting, and other types of feeding devices suitable for supplying material to the pair of feed rollers, the first feed roller 104a and the second feed roller 104b, can be provided.

[0046] Therefore, the rolls from 104a to 104d are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other and substantially tangential, and are operatively adapted to receive material adhering to the respective working surfaces from 106a to 106d. In this configuration, material is transferred from the surface of one roll to the surface of the next, thereby defining the mill path LP, which has a mill direction LD from the first feed roll 104a through the second feed roll 104b and the intermediate roll 104c to the transfer roll 104d. In particular, corresponding pressing lines from Nf to Ne are arranged between adjacent rolls along the mill path LP, which are adapted to substantially press the material, thereby imparting a sheet-like shape to the material with a desired thickness.

[0047] The scraping system 200 is configured to separate the material having the sheet-like shape from the transfer roller 104d so as to preferably supply the material to the conveying device 300.

[0048] Specifically, the scraping system 200 is configured to engage along the contact line Cd via the transfer working surface 106d of the contact transfer roller 104d, thereby separating the material having the sheet-like shape.

[0049] The contact line Cd is substantially parallel to the transfer roller shaft Rd and has an extension that is substantially equal to the height of a cylinder whose sidewalls define the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d.

[0050] According to the invention, the scraping system 200 includes an annular scraping belt 202 in a closed loop. The annular scraping belt 202 is operatively adapted to engage the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d along the contact line Cd via the scraping edge 204. Specifically, the annular scraping belt 202 is moved at the contact line Cd by an actuation assembly 206 parallel to the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d (with a tolerance of less than about ±0.5 degrees, thereby achieving proper separation of material).

[0051] The annular scraping strip 202 is, for example, composed of a metal strip with a thickness of 0.6 mm and a width of 50 mm, and this metal strip is also a closed loop, i.e., the annular scraping strip provides ends that engage with each other. However, this choice is not limiting, and the annular scraping strip 202 is characterized by the fact that, for example, the material and size can be appropriately selected according to the application.

[0052] The actuation assembly 206 is preferably a pulley-driven actuation assembly, comprising two pulleys, a first pulley 208 and a second pulley 210, one of which is actuated by a motor 212. The annular scraping belt 202 is mounted on the two pulleys, the first pulley 208 and the second pulley 210, and is driven by the motor 212 via the pulleys.

[0053] Specifically, the scraping system 200 and the actuation assembly 206 are configured such that the scraping edge 204 of the annular scraping belt 202 engages the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d along the contact line Cd, and the scraping edge moves parallel to the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d corresponding to the contact line Cd (with a tolerance of less than approximately ±0.5 degrees) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 1 to 3 (The double arrows in the image), as mentioned before.

[0054] In other words, the scraping system 200 and the actuation assembly 206 are configured such that, at the contact line Cd, the annular scraping belt 202 moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of material entering the device 1000, i.e., in a direction substantially orthogonal to the mill direction LD (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5 ).

[0055] In this state, the annular scraping belt 202 essentially functions as a "dynamic" scraping element, engaging with the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d via continuous portions that follow each other as they move in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the material and the formed sheet.

[0056] Therefore, when foreign matter accumulates or deposits on the first portion of the annular scraper belt 202 at the contact line Cd within a given time interval of the continuous sheet forming process, such foreign matter moves away from the contact line Cd, and at this point, engagement with the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d is guaranteed by the continuous portion of the annular scraper belt 202, and this engagement is substantially free of foreign matter.

[0057] Therefore, the possibility of transferring any foreign matter accumulated on the wiping element to the surface of the sheet is reduced or eliminated. In other words, the possibility of a decrease in the quality of the sheet formed by the device 1000 is reduced or eliminated.

[0058] Furthermore, since the annular scraping band 202 and any foreign matter accumulated on the annular scraping band move substantially away from the material sheet in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of travel of the material sheet, the possibility of any foreign matter accumulated on the scraping element being transferred to the surface of the sheet is further reduced or eliminated.

[0059] Furthermore, since the likelihood of foreign objects appearing on the annular scraping belt 202 is reduced at the contact line Cd, the maintenance frequency of the scraping system 200 can be reduced, thereby increasing the productivity of the equipment 1000. In other words, the maintenance frequency of the scraping system 200 can be reduced because the density of foreign objects on the entire surface of the annular scraping belt 202 is reduced.

[0060] Preferably, the actuation component 206 is configured to move the annular scraping strip 202 at the contact line Cd at a speed of less than 1.5 m / min, preferably at a speed between 0.01 and 0.5 m / min (including the endpoints).

[0061] Advantageously, in this state, sheet material can be effectively separated from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d, ensuring a particularly effective reduction or elimination of defects on the surface of the sheet material. Indeed, experiments have verified that when the annular scraping belt 202 contacts the transfer roller 104d, which moves at such speed intervals at the contact line Cd, the material separates extremely effectively, further reducing the possibility of damage to the sheet structure. In particular, while speeds greater than 2 m / min may still be appropriate, such speeds yield less satisfactory results compared to speeds less than 2 m / min. Furthermore, maintaining a relatively low speed prevents excessive temperature increases due to friction, which can more easily lead to undesirable degradation of the material.

[0062] Preferably, the device 1000 is configured such that the contact line Cd is arranged at an engagement height Hc, which is lower than or equal to the axial height Hd of the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d.

[0063] In other words, the scraping system 200 is arranged relative to the transfer roller 104d such that the scraping edge 204 of the annular scraping belt 202 engages with the transfer working surface 106d along the contact line Cd, which is positioned at a distance (engagement height Hc) from the placement plane HP, a distance less than or equal to the distance (axis height Hd) from the transfer roller axis Rd to the placement plane HP.

[0064] Advantageously, in this state, after the sheet-like material is separated from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d by the scraping system 200, the material is fed into subsequent processing steps by gravity. In particular, since the contact line Cd is arranged at an engagement height Hc that is lower than or equal to the axial height Hd, the sheet-like material is less likely to curl up on itself in an undesirable manner after separation.

[0065] Furthermore, the weight of the material portion separated from the transfer roller 104d facilitates further separation by the scraping system 200, and there is no need to provide devices or apparatuses, such as the conveying device 300, to guide the material toward subsequent facilities.

[0066] Therefore, in this state, the device 1000 offers a simple construction while ensuring efficient processing of materials.

[0067] Furthermore, this structure allows for simplified maintenance of the equipment 1000, and the equipment is easier to connect with additional facilities for performing subsequent steps, such as the drying step for materials.

[0068] Preferably, the device 1000 is constructed by providing a contact line Cd, which is arranged such that the vertical plane VP (orthogonal to the placement plane HP) in which the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d is located is between the contact line Cd and the end pressing line Ne, which is provided between the transfer roller 104d and the previous adjacent roller of the plurality of rollers from 104a to 104d relative to the mill direction LD, which in this embodiment is the intermediate roller 104c.

[0069] Advantageously, in this configuration, the equipment 1000 offers a simpler construction while ensuring efficient processing of materials. In fact, the scraping system 200 and the actuation assembly 206 can be arranged in an area of ​​the equipment 1000 that does not obstruct the conveying device 300 and components of the rolling mill system 100, such as the multiple rolls from 104a to 104d.

[0070] Furthermore, this design simplifies the maintenance of the equipment 1000 and makes it easier to connect to any additional facilities used to perform continuous steps, such as material drying steps.

[0071] Especially for reference Figure 4 Preferably, the device 1000 is configured such that at the contact line Cd, the annular scraping belt 202 defines an engagement angle Ae of 0.1 to 30 degrees (including the endpoints) relative to the tangential plane Td of the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. More preferably, the engagement angle Ae is 8 to 12 degrees (including the endpoints).

[0072] Advantageously, in this state, sheet material can be effectively separated from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. In fact, it has been experimentally verified that when the annular scraping belt 202 engages with the transfer roller 104d at the contact line Cd at such an engagement angle, material can be effectively separated without damaging the sheet structure.

[0073] Refer again Figure 4Preferably, the annular scraping band 202 includes two opposite surfaces, a first surface 202a and a second surface 202b, which are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a thickness 202t. The first surface 202a and the second surface 202b are connected to each other by the scraping edge 204. In particular, the scraping edge 204 includes a first edge portion 204a and a second edge portion 204b, which are continuous with each other and form a broken line, thereby defining a scraping vertex 204v, wherein the second edge portion 202b defines the second edge portion 204b. In this configuration, the scraping edge 204 provides the scraping vertex 204v, wherein the first edge portion 204a and the second edge portion 204b define a vertex angle Av at the scraping vertex 204v, the bisector of which is inclined relative to the first surface 202a and the second surface 202b.

[0074] Advantageously, this structure can effectively separate sheet material from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. In fact, it has been experimentally verified that when the scraping edge 204 is provided with the aforementioned structure, the material is separated in a more efficient manner without damaging the sheet structure.

[0075] In the most preferred embodiment, the vertex angle Av is 5 to 45 degrees (including the endpoint), thereby further ensuring material separation from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. More preferably, the vertex angle Av is 8 to 12 degrees (including the endpoint).

[0076] Furthermore, under operating conditions, the annular scraping belt 202 is arranged such that the second edge portion 204b faces the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d at the contact line Cd.

[0077] Advantageously, in this configuration, sheet material can be separated more effectively from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. In fact, it has been experimentally verified that when the scraping edge 204 is configured in this way, material can be separated more effectively without damaging the sheet structure.

[0078] Especially referencing Figure 5 Preferably, the device 1000 is configured such that the scraping edge 204 of the annular scraping belt 202 is moved by the actuation assembly 206 to be placed on and moved on the working plane WP, which is substantially parallel to the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d, and the working plane is provided with an appropriate inclination angle relative to the placement plane HP.

[0079] In particular, according to the first embodiment of the invention, there is an even number of rollers, the rotation direction of the transfer roller 104d is opposite to the rotation direction of the first feed roller 104 located at the far end relative to the roll mill direction LD, and the working plane WP is parallel to the placement plane HP or defines an angle (including the endpoints) of 0.1 degrees to 45 degrees with the placement plane, preferably an angle (including the endpoints) of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0080] Advantageously, in this configuration, the equipment 1000 has an additionally simple structure while ensuring efficient material processing. In fact, the scraping system 200 and the actuation assembly 206 can be arranged in an area of ​​the equipment that does not obstruct possible conveying devices 300 and components of the rolling mill system 100, such as the multiple rolls from 104a to 104d.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the scraping system 200 of the device 1000 further includes a cleaning device 214 (only when...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the cleaning device is configured to remove foreign matter attached to the annular scraping strip 202 and / or the scraping edge 204 of the annular scraping strip.

[0082] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, the cleaning device 214 is schematically shown to have a parallelepiped shape. In particular, different types of constructions or structures can be provided for the cleaning device 214.

[0083] For example, a cleaning device 214 may be provided, comprising a wall element formed of a suitable, possibly flexible, material adapted to engage with at least one surface of an annular scraping band 202 and / or scraping edge 204 via sliding contact. In this state, movement of the annular scraping band 202 allows foreign matter to be collected and retained on the wall element.

[0084] Alternatively, a cleaning device 214 may be provided, comprising at least a brush or cleaning wheel adapted to rotate on its own by a corresponding motor, engaging with at least one surface of the annular scraping band 202 and / or scraping edge 204 through contact. In this state, the rotation of the cleaning brush combined with the movement of the annular scraping band 202 can expel foreign matter adhering to the annular scraping band.

[0085] In this case, a suction system (not shown in the figure) may be provided, which is configured to suck up foreign objects collected or discharged by the annular scraping belt 202 through the cleaning device 214.

[0086] Advantageously, in this state, a high degree of cleanliness of the annular scraping band 202 at the contact line Cd can be guaranteed. Therefore, the possibility of transferring any foreign matter accumulated on the scraping element to the sheet surface is reduced or eliminated. In other words, the possibility of a decline in sheet quality obtained by the device 1000 is reduced or eliminated.

[0087] Furthermore, by continuously removing foreign objects from the annular scraping belt 202, the maintenance frequency of the scraping system 200 is reduced, thereby increasing the productivity of the equipment 1000.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the scraping system 200 of the device 1000 further includes a sharpening device 216 (only). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the sharpening device is configured to restore the scraping edge 204 of the scraping band 202 in order to substantially maintain the original shape of the scraping edge.

[0089] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, the sharpening device 216 is schematically shown as a parallelepiped. In particular, different types of constructions or structures can be provided for the sharpening device 216.

[0090] For example, a sharpening device 216 can be envisioned, comprising at least a sharpening body formed of a suitable abrasive material, adapted to rotate automatically by a corresponding motor, and engaging with a scraping body 204 through contact. In this state, the rotation of the sharpening body combined with the movement of the annular scraping band 202 allows the shape of the scraping body 204 to be continuously restored.

[0091] In this case, a suction system (not shown in the figure) can be provided, which is configured to remove the waste generated by the abrasion of the scraping edge 204 through the sharpening device 216.

[0092] Advantageously, in this state, the shape characteristics of the sharpened edge 204 at the contact line Cd can be reliably maintained. Therefore, the reliability of the sheet forming process is increased by the equipment 1000.

[0093] Furthermore, since the scraping edge 204 is restored in a continuous manner, the maintenance frequency of the scraping system 200 is reduced, thereby increasing the productivity of the equipment 1000.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the scraping system 200 of the device 1000 further includes a support device 218 (only in... Figures 1 to 3As shown in the diagram, the support device is configured to slidably receive the annular scraping strip 202 along a direction parallel to the transfer roller axis Rd of the scraping roller 104d. Specifically, the support device 218 is configured to maintain contact between the annular scraping strip 202 and the transfer working surface 106d of the scraping roller 104d at the contact line Cd via the scraping edge 204 having a given desired pressure and / or an inclination relative to the placement plane HP.

[0095] Figures 1 to 3 A preferred embodiment of the support device 218 is shown, but it is apparent that the support device may include different types of constructions or structures.

[0096] In this embodiment, the support device 218 includes a support body 220, which is fixed to a frame (not numbered in the figure) adjacent to the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. The support body 220 is provided with a longitudinal groove 222, which is configured to slidably receive the annular scraping strip 202 in a direction parallel to the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d. Specifically, the support body 220 is arranged such that the scraping edge 204 is in operative contact with the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d at the contact line Cd with a given pressure and / or inclination, such as with the annular scraping strip 202 at a desired engagement angle Ae relative to the tangential plane Td of the transfer working surface 106d.

[0097] Advantageously, in this state, the scraping belt 202 of the scraping system 200 can reliably ensure the separation of material from the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d. In particular, by maintaining a stable pressure and / or inclination of the scraping belt 202 at the contact line Cd, the desired processing conditions can be reliably maintained, for example, based on the mechanical properties of the material forming the sheet.

[0098] As previously stated, the device 1000 preferably includes a conveying device 300, which is configured such that when the material having the above-described sheet shape separates from the conveying working surface 106d of the conveying roller 104d (see above) Figure 5 (The thick dotted arrow in the middle indicates the direction of transport), the conveying device receives and carries the material. In particular, the conveying device 300 is adapted to receive sheet-shaped material at a receiving height Hr, which is lower than the engagement height Hc of the contact line Cd.

[0099] Preferably, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the placement plane HP, the conveying device 300 and the transfer roller 104d are at least partially overlapping each other. In other words, when viewed in a top view, the conveying device 300 and the transfer roller 104d are at least partially stacked on top of each other.

[0100] Advantageously, in this state, after the sheet material is separated by the scraping system 200, it is supplied to the conveying device 300 by gravity, thereby avoiding the use of additional devices or apparatus to guide the material.

[0101] Further embodiments of the invention are described below, which provide modifications to certain components relative to device 1000. Therefore, substantially unchanged components will not be described again in the detailed description and will use the same reference numerals.

[0102] refer to Figure 6 The illustration shows an apparatus 1000 for producing sheets of material comprising plant and / or alkaloid substances according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. In the second embodiment, the apparatus 1000 is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment, except for the position and orientation of the scraping system 200 relative to the rolling mill system 100 and the number of rolls in the rolling mill system.

[0103] Specifically, unlike the first embodiment, this roll mill system 100 includes three rolls. The three rolls, in sequence, include: a pair of feed rolls, namely a first feed roll 104a and a second feed roll 104b; and a transfer roll 104d. In other words, unlike the first embodiment, the roll mill system 100 does not include an intermediate roll 104c.

[0104] As in the first embodiment, the three rolls 104a, 104b, and 104d are arranged sequentially adjacent to and tangential to each other, thereby defining the mill path LP. Figure 6 (shown as a double broken line in the middle), the mill path has a mill direction LD ( Figure 6 (As shown by the double broken line in the middle), the mill direction is from the first mill roll 104a through the second feed roll 104b to the transfer roll 104d.

[0105] In particular, as in the first embodiment, the three rollers 104a, 104b, and 104d are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other and approximately tangent to each other via pressing lines between two consecutive adjacent rollers. These pressing lines between adjacent rollers 104a, 104b, and 104d are the feed pressing line Nf and the end pressing line Ne, respectively.

[0106] As in the first embodiment, the scraping system 200 is configured to engage with the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d along the contact line Cd in order to separate the material having the sheet-like shape.

[0107] The scraping system 200 includes a closed-loop annular scraping belt 202. The annular scraping belt 202 is operatively adapted to engage the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d along the contact line Cd via its scraping edge 204. Specifically, the annular scraping belt 202, or its scraping edge 204, is movable at the contact line Cd by an actuation assembly 206 parallel (i.e., in a parallel direction) to the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d (with a tolerance of approximately ±0.5 degrees to achieve proper material separation).

[0108] Similar to the first embodiment, the device 1000 in the second embodiment is preferably configured such that the contact line Cd is arranged at an engagement height Hc, which is lower than or equal to the axial height Hd of the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d.

[0109] Furthermore, the device 1000 in the second embodiment is preferably constructed by providing a contact line Cd, which is arranged such that the vertical plane VP (orthogonal to the placement plane HP) in which the transfer roller axis Rd of the transfer roller 104d is located is between the contact line Cd and the end pressing line Ne, which is provided between the transfer roller 104d and the preceding adjacent roller of the plurality of rollers in the mill direction LD, the preceding adjacent roller being the second feed roller 104b in this second embodiment.

[0110] In this state, device 1000 provides the same advantages as those provided in the first embodiment described above. In particular, all the preferred aspects provided in the first embodiment can also be provided in the second embodiment, such as the construction of the scraping edge 204 and the use of the cleaning device, sharpening device, and support device described above.

[0111] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the invention, an odd number of rollers are provided, wherein the rotation direction of the transfer roller 104d is the same as the rotation direction of the first feed roller 104a located at the far end relative to the roll mill direction LD, and the working plane WP and the placement plane HP define an angle of 45 degrees to 90 degrees (excluding the smaller end, including the larger end), preferably an angle of 60 degrees to 80 degrees (including the end).

[0112] Advantageously, in this configuration, the equipment 1000 offers a simpler construction while ensuring efficient material processing. In fact, the scraping system 200 and the actuation assembly 206 can be arranged in an area of ​​the equipment 1000 that does not obstruct the conveying device 300 and components of the rolling mill system 100, such as the multiple rolls 104a, 104b and 104d.

[0113] In particular, it is evident from the two embodiments described above that the construction of the device 1000 and the scraping system 200 according to the invention allows for the construction of the roll mill system 100 to be versatile based on the number and arrangement of the rolls during the design phase.

[0114] It is obvious that, without departing from the scope of the protection claimed, the device 1000 may have additional implementations regarding the content already described herein.

[0115] In fact, as described above, the apparatus 1000 provides a roll mill system 100 with three or four rolls. However, these configurations are not limiting, and the number of rolls can be any number greater than or equal to two.

[0116] Furthermore, the relative arrangement of the rolls defining the mill path LP and the mill direction LD can be appropriately selected based on application and ease of construction. For example, the rolls of the roll mill system 100 can be arranged to define a linear mill direction LD, which is arranged parallel to the placement plane HP. Alternatively, multiple rolls of the roll mill system 100 can be arranged to define a mill direction LD that is substantially upwardly curved (as in the first and second embodiments above), downwardly curved, zigzag-curved, or a combination thereof.

[0117] In particular, the scraping system 200 according to the invention provides the above advantages, independent of the construction of the roll mill system 100.

[0118] Furthermore, although the foregoing description refers to the scraping system 200, in which the actuation assembly 206 includes two pulleys, a first pulley 208 and a second pulley 210, it is clear that the number of pulleys can be suitably selected. In particular, additional embodiments can be provided in which the number of pulleys exceeds two, and the annular scraping belt 202 moves along the loop defined by the pulleys. In this way, the arrangement of the components of the scraping system 200, such as, for example, the arrangement of the motor 212 relative to the rolling mill system 100 and the conveying device 300, can be suitably selected during the design phase to facilitate component accessibility during maintenance.

[0119] In addition, an embodiment of the device 1000 that provides additional components may also be provided.

[0120] For example, an apparatus 1000 may be provided, comprising at least one dividing roller arranged substantially tangentially to a transfer roller 104d. Specifically, the dividing roller has cutting ribs on its surface and is configured to cut a sheet attached to the transfer working surface 106d of the transfer roller 104d into multiple segments arranged side-by-side. Therefore, in this configuration, the scraping system 200 is configured to separate the cut sheet from the transfer roller 104d.

[0121] In addition, an apparatus 1000 including a distribution device can be provided, which uniformly distributes material along a feed pressing line Nf parallel to the rotation axes of a pair of feed rollers, namely the first rotation axis Ra and the second rotation axis Rb.

[0122] In addition, a device 1000 may be provided in which the scraping system 200 is mounted on a portion of a moving frame, for example by means of a hinged element, to further facilitate the maintenance phase.

[0123] From what has been described so far, it is clear that significant results have been achieved, overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art, and enabling the device 1000 to be configured to effectively form sheets containing materials including plant and / or alkaloid substances.

[0124] In fact, due to the specific construction of the scraping system 200, the device 1000 is configured to ensure the reduction or elimination of defects on the surface of the formed sheet.

[0125] Furthermore, during the design phase, the equipment 1000 allows for a multi-functional configuration based on the required characteristics of the roll mill system 100.

[0126] In addition, the device 1000 has a simple construction and requires simple maintenance.

[0127] Finally, Equipment 1000 ensures high productivity.

[0128] Naturally, the materials and facilities used to implement this invention, as well as the shape and size of the various components, can be best suited to specific requirements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1000) for manufacturing a sheet of material comprising plant and / or alkaloid substances, said apparatus (1000) comprising: - A rolling mill system (100) comprising a plurality of rolls (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) capable of rotating about respective axes of rotation (Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd), the axes of rotation being parallel to each other. The rolls (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are operatively adapted to receive material adhered to the respective working surfaces (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d), and the rolls (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other and approximately tangential, thereby defining a mill path (LP) with a mill direction (LD), wherein the rotation direction of the rolls is opposite to that of the adjacent rolls. Along the mill path (LP), corresponding pressing lines (Nf, Ni, Ne) are provided between two adjacent rolls. These pressing lines are generally adapted to press the material, thereby providing the material with a sheet-like shape. - A scraping system (200) configured to engage by contacting the working surface (106d) of the transfer roller (104d) among the plurality of rollers (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d) along a contact line (Cd) to separate the material having the sheet-like shape from the transfer roller (104d). Its features are, The scraping system (200) includes a closed-loop annular scraping belt (202) that is operatively adapted to engage with the working surface (106d) of the transfer roller (104d) along the contact line (Cd) by means of a scraping edge (204). The annular scraping belt (202) is movable at the contact line (Cd) parallel to the rotation axis (Rd) of the transfer roller (104d) by means of the actuation assembly (206).

2. The device (1000) according to claim 1, wherein, The contact line (Cd) is arranged at the engagement height (Hc), which is less than or equal to the axial height (Hd) of the rotation axis (Rd) of the transfer roller (104d).

3. The device (1000) according to claim 2, wherein, The contact line (Cd) is arranged such that the vertical plane (VP) in which the axis of rotation (Rd) of the transfer roller (104d) is located is between the contact line (Cd) and the end pressing line (Ne) of the pressing line, which is located between the transfer roller (104d) and the previous adjacent roller among the plurality of rollers (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d).

4. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The actuation component (206) is configured to move the annular scraping strip (202) at the contact line (Cd) at a speed of less than 1.5 m / min.

5. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The actuation component (206) is configured to move the annular scraping strip (202) at the contact line (Cd) at a speed of 0.01 m / min to 0.5 m / min.

6. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At the contact line (Cd), the annular scraping belt (202) defines an engagement angle (Ae) of 0.1 to 30 degrees relative to the tangential plane (Td) of the working surface (106d) of the transfer roller (104d).

7. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The annular scraping strip (202) includes a first surface (202a) and a second surface (202b) that are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a thickness (202t), the first surface (202a) and the second surface (202b) being connected to each other by the scraping edge (204). The scraping edge (204) includes a first edge portion (204a) and a second edge portion (204b), the first edge portion and the second edge portion being continuous with each other to define a scraping vertex (204v), wherein the second surface (202b) defines the second edge portion (204b). The first edge portion (204a) and the second edge portion (204b) define a vertex angle (Av) of 5 to 45 degrees at the scraping vertex (204v), and The second edge portion (204b) is operatively facing the working surface (106d) of the transfer roller (104d) at the contact line (Cd).

8. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The actuation assembly (206) includes at least a first pulley (208) and a second pulley (210), the first and second pulleys being adapted to actuate the annular scraping band (202) such that the scraping edge (204) is located on the working plane (WP), wherein, When the rotation direction of the transfer roller (104d) is opposite to the rotation direction of the first feed roller (104a) located at the far end in the mill direction (LD) among the plurality of rollers (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), the working plane (WP) is parallel to the placement plane (HP) on which the device (1000) is placed or defines an angle of 0.1 degrees to 45 degrees relative to the placement plane, or When the rotation direction of the transfer roll (104d) is the same as the rotation direction of the first feed roll (104a) located at the far end in the mill direction (LD) among the plurality of rolls (104a, 104b, 104c, 104d), the working plane (WP) defines an angle of 45 to 90 degrees relative to the placement plane (HP).

9. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The scraping system (200) includes a cleaning device (214) configured to remove foreign matter attached to the annular scraping strip (202) and / or the scraping edge (204).

10. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The scraping system (200) includes a sharpening device (216) configured to restore the scraping edge (204) of the annular scraping band (202).

11. The device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The scraping system (200) includes a support device (218) configured to slidably receive the annular scraping strip (202) along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation (Rd) of the transfer roller (104d) so that the annular scraping strip maintains contact with the working surface (106d) of the transfer roller (104d) at the contact line (Cd) by the scraping edge (204) having a given pressure and / or inclination.

12. The apparatus (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a conveying device (300) configured to receive and move the material when the material having the sheet-like shape separates from the working surface (106d) of the transfer roller (104d). The transmitting device (300) is adapted to receive the material at a receiving height (Hr) lower than the engagement height (Hc) of the contact line (Cd), wherein, When viewed from above, the conveying device (300) and the transfer roller (104d) are at least partially overlapping each other.

Images