Package unit and method for filling a rod

Abstract

A winding unit (1) of a filling rod (TR) is provided with: a winding drum (2) having an outer peripheral surface (2a) that holds a continuous body (A) and a tipping paper (P), and that conveys the continuous body (A) and the tipping paper (P) in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface (2a); a winding block (4) having a rolling surface (4a) that opposes the outer peripheral surface (2a) of the winding drum (2), a rolling gap (12) being formed between the rolling surface (4a) and the outer peripheral surface (2a) of the winding drum (2), the continuous body (A) being pinched in the rolling gap (12) and rolled along with rotation of the winding drum (2), and the tipping paper (P) being wound around the continuous body (A); and the winding block (4) being provided with a plurality of block-side suction holes (14) in the rolling surface (4a), the rolling gap (12) being suctioned via each block-side suction hole (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a packing unit and packing method for filler rods. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rolling unit used for a filter accessory of a cigarette holder. The rolling unit rotates a continuous body comprising a cigarette holder and a filter rod arranged coaxially, and during this rotation, a tipping paper is wound around the continuous body and connected to it to form an intermediate product of a smoking article. The rolling unit includes a rolling roller and a rolling block.

[0003] The roll cylinder has an outer peripheral surface that holds the feed paper and the continuous body, and transports the feed paper and the continuous body circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface. The roll block has a rolling surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the roll cylinder, and a rolling gap is formed between the rolling surface and the outer peripheral surface of the roll cylinder. As the roll cylinder rotates, the continuous body is clamped in the rolling gap and rolled, winding the feed paper around the continuous body.

[0004] During transport, with the tipping paper and the continuous body held on the outer circumferential surface of the winding drum, a portion of the continuous body is pre-attached to the tipping paper using adhesive. As the continuous body is clamped and rolled in the rolling gap, friction is applied between the rolling surface and the tipping paper with the attached portion of the continuous body through contact with the rolling surface of the winding drum. This friction causes the tipping paper to be wound around the entire circumferential area of ​​the continuous body.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-518455 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] A tobacco stick filled with tobacco raw material is broadly defined as a filling stick filled with flavoring material (though it may also not contain tobacco raw material). In this case, the filling portion obtained by cutting the filling stick constitutes a non-combustion heated flavor-attracting article. A heater in a device using the flavor-attracting article heats the filling portion by inserting it, for example, to generate an aerosol of flavoring components. In this case, if the amount of flavoring material filling the filling portion is large relative to the size of the heater, the insertion resistance of the heater relative to the filling portion increases, making it difficult to insert the heater and deteriorating operability during inhalation. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the heater may break due to the insertion resistance.

[0010] Furthermore, if the amount of flavoring material in the filling section is greater than the size of the heater, the insertion of the heater causes the flavoring material in the filling section to become too dense, worsening the air permeability and potentially damaging the taste. To eliminate these problems, there are cases where the amount of flavoring material filling the filling rod is reduced compared to the past. Moreover, considering the cost of flavor-attracting products, there are also cases where the amount of flavoring material filling is reduced.

[0011] The filler rod is formed from the fragrance material using a winding machine and continuously wrapped with a roll of paper. If the amount of fragrance material added decreases, the filling density of the fragrance material in the filler rod decreases. Therefore, the stiffness of the filler rod decreases, i.e., the filler rod softens. Due to this softening, the reaction force generated when the filler rod is clamped and rolled in the rolling gap decreases; in other words, the filler rod is less prone to elastic deformation. Consequently, as the continuous material rolls in the rolling gap, the adhesion between the rolling surface and the splice paper to which part of the continuous material is attached decreases, and the frictional force acting between the rolling surface and the splice paper decreases.

[0012] If the friction between the rolling surface and the tipping paper decreases, the rolling resistance of the filler rod decreases in the rolling gap. Therefore, the filler rod, partially attached to the tipping paper, slides relative to the tipping paper, and the tipping paper cannot be properly wound across the entire circumferential area of ​​the continuum. As a result, wrinkles appear on the tipping paper of the finished intermediate product, or unevenness occurs at the junction of the filler rod and adjacent rods such as the filter rod in the finished intermediate product, leading to a decline in the quality of the intermediate product and smoking articles.

[0013] The present invention was made in view of the following problems, and aims to provide a packing unit and packing method for filling rods that can ensure the quality of intermediate products and smoking articles even when the filling amount of flavoring raw materials is reduced.

[0014] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0015] A type of filling rod winding unit forms a continuous body consisting of multiple rods, including filling rods filled with fragrance material, arranged coaxially. The continuous body is rotated, and during this rotation, a tipping paper is wound around the continuous body, thereby connecting with the continuous body to form an intermediate product of a fragrance-attracting article. The winding unit includes: a winding roller having an outer peripheral surface that holds the tipping paper and the continuous body, and conveying the tipping paper and the continuous body circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface; a winding block having a rolling surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller, forming a rolling gap between the rolling surface and the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller, wherein, as the winding roller rotates, the continuous body is clamped into the rolling gap and rotated, winding the tipping paper around the continuous body; and the winding block has multiple block-side suction holes on the rolling surface, through which the rolling gap is attracted.

[0016] One method of rolling filler rods forms a continuous body consisting of multiple rods, including filler rods filled with fragrance material, arranged coaxially. The continuous body is rolled, and during this rolling, a tipping paper is wound around the continuous body, thereby connecting with the continuous body to form an intermediate product of a fragrance-attracting article. This rolling method includes: a transport step in which a rolling roller having an outer peripheral surface that holds the tipping paper and the continuous body is used to transport the tipping paper and the continuous body circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface; a rolling step in which a rolling block having a rolling surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller and forming a rolling gap between the rolling surface and the outer peripheral surface of the rolling roller is used, and as the rolling roller rotates, the continuous body is clamped in the rolling gap and rolled, winding the tipping paper around the continuous body; and a suction process in which the rolling gap is suctioned through multiple block-side suction holes opened on the rolling surface of the rolling block.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] Based on the aforementioned filling rod rolling unit and rolling method, the quality of intermediate products and smoking articles can be ensured even when the filling amount of flavoring raw materials is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general process of filter installation.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a roll unit.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a top view showing the positional relationship between the rolling surface of the roll block and the continuum in contact with the rolling surface.

[0022] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 Another way to view it from above.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the rolling method used for filter accessories with filling rods. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general installation process of connecting the filter rod FR and the filling rod TR. The filter installation process begins as shown in (a), by preparing a filling rod DTR that is twice the length of the filling section T of the fragrance-attracting item C (hereinafter referred to as item C). Next, as shown in (b), the filling rod DTR is cut in half lengthwise to form the filling rod TR. Then, a filter rod FR, twice the length of the filter section F of item C, is prepared and positioned between the two filling rods TR.

[0025] Next, as shown in (c), a continuous body A is formed in which the filler rods TR and filter rods FR are arranged coaxially and joined together. Next, as shown in (d), a splicing paper P is wound around the outer periphery of the continuous body A, including the joint portions of each filler rod TR and filter rod FR, and then glued thereon. Thus, as shown in (e), an intermediate product B is formed, which integrates two filler rods TR and one filter rod FR by connecting them together using the splicing paper P.

[0026] Next, as shown in (f), the intermediate product B is cut off from the top of the tipping paper P along its length, resulting in two products C. This filter installation process is carried out on the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers forming a series of roller rows, by conveying and transferring the filling rod DTR, filling rod TR, filter rod FR, tipping paper P, continuous body A, and intermediate product B.

[0027] The flavoring ingredients that make up the filling rod TR are, for example, shredded tobacco, products made by cutting tobacco leaves, or products made by folding tobacco sheets into pleats. Furthermore, the flavoring ingredients may also be products made by adding flavorings to sheets formed from pulp that does not contain tobacco, products made by cutting sheets formed from non-tobacco plants, or products made by folding these sheets into pleats.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the winding unit 1 of the embodiment. The winding unit 1 rotates the continuous body A, during which the splice paper P is wound around the continuous body A. Figure 1 (d) state). Thus, by connecting the continuous A through the splicing paper P, they are integrated to form the intermediate product B of article C. Figure 1 (e) state). The winding unit 1 includes a winding roller 2, a winding block 4, and a top rail 6.

[0029] The roll cylinder 2 has an outer peripheral surface 2a that holds the assembled paper P and the continuous body A, and rotates about a rotation axis 2b extending parallel to the continuous body A in the direction indicated by the solid arrow. This transports the continuous body A circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface 2a in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. Specifically, a plurality of cylinder-side suction holes 8 are formed on the outer peripheral surface 2a of the roll cylinder 2. Each cylinder-side suction hole 8 is a hole extending parallel to the rotation axis 2b, evenly spaced along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 2a, and communicates with a suction source (not shown).

[0030] Corresponding to any number of roller-side suction holes 8 formed along the outer peripheral surface 2a, for example, as shown in the figure, a countersunk groove 10 is formed at the opening of every three roller-side suction holes 8. The tipping paper P is held in a state of being adhered to the outer peripheral surface 2a by the attraction from each roller-side suction hole 8, and is transported circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface 2a. It should be noted that the adhesion of the tipping paper P to the outer peripheral surface 2a may also be accompanied by static electricity carried by the tipping paper P.

[0031] The continuous body A is held on the outer peripheral surface 2a in a state of being housed in the groove 10 by suction from the roller-side suction hole 8 formed with the groove 10, and is transported circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface 2a. Furthermore, when the tipping paper P and the continuous body A are held and transported on the outer peripheral surface 2a of the winding roller 2, a portion of the circumferential direction of the continuous body A is pre-attached to the tipping paper P using adhesive.

[0032] The roll block 4 has a curved rolling surface 4a opposite to the outer peripheral surface 2a of the roll roller 2. A rolling gap 12 is formed between the rolling surface 4a and the outer peripheral surface 2a of the roll roller 2. As the roll roller 2 rotates, the roll block 4 clamps the continuous body A in the rolling gap 12 and rolls it, winding the feed paper P over the entire circumferential area of ​​the continuous body A.

[0033] In detail, the top rail 6 is located at the entrance of the rolling gap 12 in the transport direction of the continuous body A, protruding from the rolling surface 4a toward the outer peripheral surface 2a of the winding roller 2. By bringing the top rail 6 into contact with the transported continuous body A, the continuous body A temporarily disengages from the groove 10 and begins to roll in the rolling gap 12.

[0034] The continuous body A, which begins rolling at the entrance of the rolling gap 12, is caught between the rolling surface 4a and the outer peripheral surface 2a of the roller-side suction hole 8, where the groove 10 is formed, and rolls as the winding roller 2 rotates within the rolling gap 12. At this time, the tipping paper P, which is held on the outer peripheral surface 2a and has part of the continuous body A attached to it, is wound around the entire circumferential area of ​​the joint between each filling rod TR and filter rod FR in the continuous body A. The tipping paper P is bonded together by overlapping the adhesive applied to its two ends, forming the intermediate product B.

[0035] Intermediate product B is re-adsorbed onto groove 10 at the outlet of rolling gap 12 and transferred from roll roller 2 along the conveying direction of outer peripheral surface 2a. In the next process, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (f), the paper is cut from above the splicing paper P at the center of the length of the intermediate product B, ultimately producing two items C.

[0036] In this embodiment, the roll block 4 has a plurality of block-side suction holes 14 on the rolling surface 4a, through which the rolling gap 12 is attracted. Each block-side suction hole 14 is, for example, a round hole, and communicates with the suction source through a suction chamber 16 formed inside the roll block 4.

[0037] Figure 3 The top view shows the positional relationship between the rolling surface 4a of the roll block 4 and the continuous body A in contact with the rolling surface 4a. Each block-side suction hole 14 opens in the region S1 where each filler rod TR is located on the rolling surface 4a. The attractive force applied to each filler rod TR from the suction source sequentially through the suction chamber 16 and each block-side suction hole 14 is determined by the suction pressure set by the suction source. The suction pressure of the suction source is set to a value that makes the rolling resistance of each filler rod TR in the rolling gap 12 appropriate, and appropriately determines the winding of the splice paper P relative to the continuous body A.

[0038] Figure 4 Represented in top view Figure 3 Another way. In Figure 4 In this case, each side suction hole 14 opens not only in the region S1 where each filler rod TR is located on the rolling surface 4a, but also in the region S2 where the filter rod FR is located on the rolling surface 4a. The suction pressure of the suction source is set to make the rolling resistance of each filler rod TR and filter rod FR in the rolling gap 12 an appropriate value, and to appropriately adjust the winding value of the splice paper P relative to the continuous body A.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the winding method used for the filter fitting of the filler rod TR. When winding of the filler rod TR using the winding unit 1 begins, in step S1, the winding roller 2 rotates about the rotation axis 2b, thereby conveying the splice paper P and the continuous body A circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface 2a of the winding roller 2 (transportation step).

[0040] Furthermore, in step S2, as the winding roller 2 rotates, the continuous body A is clamped in the rolling gap 12 and rolled, and the splice paper P with a portion of the continuous body A is wound around the entire circumferential area of ​​the continuous body A (winding step). In the winding step, in process P1, the rolling gap 12 is attracted through the suction holes 14 on each block side that open on the rolling surface 4a of the winding block 4 (suction process).

[0041] Specifically, in the suction process, the rolling gap 12 is attracted through the side suction holes 14 that open in the region S1 where each filling rod TR is located on the rolling surface 4a. On the other hand, in Figure 4In the manner shown, during the suction process, the rolling gap 12 is attracted through the side suction holes 14 that open in the area S1 where each filling rod TR is located on the rolling surface 4a and the area S2 where the filter rod FR is located on the rolling surface 4a.

[0042] It should be noted that, for ease of explanation, the above-mentioned rolling method is described in three steps: S1, S2, and process P1. However, from the start to the end of the rolling of the continuous body A, steps S1, S2, and process P1 are performed at the same time.

[0043] As described above, in the roll-up unit and roll-up method of the filler rod TR in this embodiment, a plurality of block-side suction holes 14 are provided on the rolling surface 4a of the roll-up block 4. In the suction process of the roll-up step, the rolling gap 12 is attracted through the block-side suction holes 14.

[0044] When the amount of flavoring material added is reduced compared to the past, the reaction force of the filler rod TR decreases due to the softening of the filler rod TR, and the friction between the rolling surface 4a and the splice paper P to which the partial continuous body A is attached decreases. More specifically, if the hardness of the filler rod TR is less than 70%, the manufacture of the filler rod TR becomes difficult, thus indicating that the hardness of the filler rod TR needs to be set to 70% or more, more preferably 75% or more.

[0045] It should be noted that the hardness of the filler rod is measured using a measuring device (model: DD60 Adensitmeter (manufactured by Heinr. Borgwaldt GmbH)). The measuring device has a pusher that applies a load to the filler rod TR by descending a distance d. With the diameter of the filler rod TR before applying the load set as Ds and the diameter of the filler rod TR after applying the load for a specified time set as Dd, the descent distance of the pusher is calculated using the formula Ds - Dd, and the hardness of the filler B is calculated using the formula (Dd / Ds) × 100.

[0046] If the hardness of the filler rod is less than 70%, the friction between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P decreases, thereby reducing the rolling resistance of the filler rod TR in the rolling gap 12. The filler rod TR slides relative to the tipping paper P, and the tipping paper P cannot be properly wound around the entire circumferential area of ​​the filler rod TR. As a result, wrinkles occur in the tipping paper of the finished intermediate product B, or a height difference occurs at the junction of the filler rod TR and the filter rod FR of the finished intermediate product B, leading to a decrease in the quality of intermediate product B and article C.

[0047] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the decrease in friction between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P is compensated by the attraction force via the suction holes 14 on each side. As a result, even when the amount of fragrance material is reduced compared to the past, the adhesion between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P to which the partial continuous body A is attached can be improved in the rolling gap 12, thus allowing the tipping paper P to be properly wound relative to the filler rod TR over the entire circumferential area.

[0048] Therefore, wrinkles and unevenness in the tipping paper P of intermediate product B can be prevented. That is, the quality of intermediate product B and article C can be ensured regardless of the amount and density of the flavoring material, and also regardless of the stiffness of the filler rod TR. More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the suction holes 14 on each block open in the area S1 where the filling rod TR is located on the rolling surface 4a.

[0049] In this case, during the suction process, the rolling gap 12 is attracted via the suction holes 14 on each side of the opening in region S1. This allows for a more effective attraction force from the suction source to be applied to the filler rod TR. Therefore, the decrease in frictional force acting between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P can be more effectively compensated for by the attraction force via the suction holes 14 on each side.

[0050] On the other hand, considering the filtration performance of the filter section F constituting article C, the amount of filter material such as non-woven fabric sheet in the filter rod FR is sometimes reduced. In this case, similar to the case of the filler rod TR, the filter rod FR is softened by reducing the filling density of the filter rod FR. Due to the softening of the filter rod FR, the reaction force of the filter rod FR generated when it is clamped and rolled in the rolling gap 12 decreases, and the frictional force acting between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P decreases.

[0051] Because the friction between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P decreases, it becomes difficult to properly wind the tipping paper P relative to the filter rod FR. As a result, wrinkles and unevenness occur in the tipping paper P of intermediate product B, and the quality of intermediate product B and product C deteriorates. Therefore, if the filter rod FR softens, as... Figure 4 As shown, not only in the area S1 where the filling rod TR is located on the rolling surface 4a, but also in the area S2 where the filter rod FR is located on the rolling surface 4a, each side suction hole 14 is formed.

[0052] In this case, during the suction process, the rolling gap 12 is drawn in through the side suction holes 14 that open in regions S1 and S2. Thus, at the positions of the filling rod TR and the filter rod FR, the decrease in friction between the rolling surface 4a and the tipping paper P can be compensated by the attraction force through the side suction holes 14. Therefore, the quality of both intermediate product B and article C can be ensured not only by reducing the amount of flavoring material but also by reducing the amount of filter material.

[0053] The description of the embodiments concludes here. However, the embodiments described above are not limited and various modifications can be made without departing from the main idea. For example, the side suction holes 14 of each block may be of a shape other than circular holes, and the number and size of the holes in regions S1 and S2 can be changed. Furthermore, mechanisms may be provided in regions S1 and S2 to make the attractive force applied through each side suction hole 14 different. As a result, an attractive force corresponding to the difference in hardness can be applied to the filling rod TR and the filter rod FR.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the continuous body A is formed by distributing a filter rod FR between two filler rods TR, but it is not limited to this. When multiple rods, including the filler rods TR, are arranged coaxially, the rolling unit and rolling method of this embodiment can be applied. For example, the continuous body A may also be formed by distributing a filler rod TR between two filter rods FR.

[0055] Furthermore, the continuous body A may also have rods different from the filter rod FR, for example, a paper tube as a rod other than the filler rod TR. Also, it is possible that after forming an intermediate product B from the continuous body A formed by arranging the paper tube and the filler rod TR adjacently, a continuous body A formed by arranging the filter rod FR adjacently is formed from this intermediate product B, and a new intermediate product B is formed from this continuous body A, etc., when forming intermediate products B that are progressively different, the packaging unit and packaging method of the embodiment are applied.

[0056] Furthermore, the packaging unit and packaging method described in the embodiments are not limited to the manufacture of intermediate product B of non-combustion heating type fragrance attracting article C, but can also be applied to the manufacture of intermediate product B of combustion type fragrance attracting article.

[0057] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0058] 1: Roll unit; 2: Roll roller; 2a: Outer circumferential surface; 4: Roll block; 4a: Rolling surface; 12: Rolling gap; 14: Block side suction hole; A: Continuous body; B: Intermediate product; C: Smoking article; P: Tipping paper; TR: Filler rod; FR: Filter rod (rod other than the filler rod); S1: Area where the filler rod of the rolling surface is located; S2: Area where the filter rod of the rolling surface (rod other than the filler rod) is located.

Claims

1. A packing unit for filler rods, comprising a continuous body coaxially arranged with multiple rods including filler rods filled with fragrance material, wherein the continuous body is rolled, and during this rolling, a splicing paper is wound around the continuous body, thereby connecting with the continuous body to form an intermediate product of a fragrance-attracting article, wherein... have: A roll roller having an outer peripheral surface that holds the tipped paper and the continuous body, and conveys the tipped paper and the continuous body circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface; A roll block having a rolling surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the roll roller, forming a rolling gap between the rolling surface and the outer peripheral surface of the roll roller, wherein the continuous body is clamped in the rolling gap and rolled as the roll roller rotates, thereby winding the splice paper around the continuous body. The roll block has multiple side suction holes on its rolling surface, through which it draws in the rolling gap. Each block's side suction hole opens in the area where the rod is located, excluding the filling rod on the rolling surface.

2. The packing unit for the filling rod according to claim 1, The side suction holes of each block open in the area where the filling rod is located on the rolling surface.

3. A method for rolling a filler rod, comprising forming a continuous body consisting of a plurality of rods, including a filler rod filled with fragrance material, arranged coaxially, rolling the continuous body, and during the rolling, winding a splice paper around the continuous body, thereby connecting it to the continuous body to form an intermediate product of a fragrance-attracting article, wherein... Include: The conveying step uses a roll roller having an outer peripheral surface that holds the tipping paper and the continuous body to convey the tipping paper and the continuous body circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface. The winding step involves using a winding block having a rolling surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller and forming a rolling gap between the rolling surface and the outer peripheral surface of the winding roller. As the winding roller rotates, the continuous body is clamped in the rolling gap and rolled to wind the splice paper around the continuous body. In the winding step, a suction process is performed to draw in the rolling gap via a plurality of block-side suction holes opened on the rolling surface of the winding block. In the suction process, the rolling gap is drawn in through the side suction holes of each block, which open in the area where the rod is located, excluding the filling rod on the rolling surface.

4. The method for rolling the filler rod according to claim 3, In the suction process, the rolling gap is attracted through the side suction holes of each block that open in the area where the filling rod is located on the rolling surface.

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