Compact cigarette filling machine with integrated cutting and feeding system - mechanically and electrically operated

Abstract

Mechanical cigarette filling machine with integrated cutting and feeding system, consisting of: • a tobacco container with compression spring and sliding plate, • a funnel-shaped transition to the cutting unit, • a rotating cutting unit with at least two blades, • a central shaft with feed and filling spiral, • a handle for manual activation, • a filling tube with a sleeve stop, wherein the filling spiral has a defined number of turns to ensure an even dosage of tobacco per turn.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a compact device for filling cigarette tubes with tobacco. It consists of two versions: • Mechanical: manually operated by rotary motion • Electrically operated: powered by 5V DC via battery or USB

[0002] Both versions combine a cutting mechanism for shredding tobacco fibers with a spiral conveyor system that enables even and metered filling. The aim is clean, precise, and user-friendly production of pocket-sized cigarettes. 2. Technical problem

[0003] Conventional cigarette filling machines have the following shortcomings: • No precise dosage of tobacco • Uneven texture due to lack of grinding • no synchronization between tobacco transport and tube movement • Manual operation is often imprecise and time-consuming • Risk of cartridge case damage due to overfilling 3. Solution approach of the invention

[0004] The invention comprises the following components: Mechanical module: • Tobacco container with compression spring and sliding plate • Funnel-shaped transition to the cutting unit for centering and quantity control • Rotating cutting unit with two blades (0.5 mm thick), cutting length 1-3 mm • Central shaft with two spirals: ◯ Feed spiral for cut tobacco • Filling spiral with 7 turns for even filling • Handle for manual activation • Filling tube with sleeve stop for fixing Electrical module: • Micromotor with gearbox system for rotating the central shaft • Sensor control for automatic sleeve detection • Power supply via SV battery, rechargeable via USB-C • Production rate: up to 20 cigarettes in 5 minutes • LED indicator for operating status • Cleaning mode after every 10th filling • Modular housing for maintenance and replacement 4. Functionality and advantages • Uniform filling of each sleeve through spiral feed • Precise dosage: approx. 1 cm per rotation or second • Amount of tobacco per tube: approx. 0.85-0.9 g • Grinding of the fibers to 1-3 mm for optimal texture • Protection of the paper from tears and deformation • No blockage thanks to pre-cut tobacco • Easy operation: manual or electric • Pocket size: approx. 10-12 cm in length • Dosing aid: optional spoon, tweezers or filling module • Modularity: Cleaning, maintenance, and expansion possible • Power independence (mechanical) or fast charging (electrical) 5. Compatibility with standard products

[0005] The device is compatible with EU-standard cigarette tubes: • Length: 69 mm • Diameter: 8 mm • Material: Linen / hemp fibers, 18-24 g / m² 2 • Glowing behavior: self-extinguishing when not in use (mandatory since 2011)

[0006] The design ensures: • Precise filling • Gentle handling • Clean application without overspray • Dosage adjusted to case volume 6. Summary of the advantages • Even filling of each capsule • No blockage thanks to pre-cut tobacco • Precise dosage per rotation or second • Pocket-sized: discreet and mobile • Dosing aid for clean filling • Funnel inlet for optimized material flow • Protection of the sleeve from damage • Compatible with EU standard sleeves • Choice between mechanical and electrical operation • Modular design for maintenance and expansion • Ideal for self-builders, mobile users and small batch production 9. State of the art and comparison to the invention

[0007] The current state of the art includes both manual and electric cigarette filling devices, which differ in function, precision and ease of use. 9.1 Manual Devices • Examples: OCB Mikromatic Duo, Gizeh stuffing machine • Function: Lever or sliding mechanism • Advantages: Inexpensive, independent of electricity • Disadvantages: No dosage control, no tobacco grinding, frequent blockages 9.2 Electrical appliances • Examples: Powermatic 2 Plus, Powerfiller Orbit, Fresh Choice • Function: Motor-driven filling with automatic feed • Advantages: Fast production (up to 50 cigarettes in 15 minutes), easy operation • Disadvantages: No integrated cutting mechanism, sensitive to moist or coarse tobacco, higher costs 9.3 Comparison to the state of the art • Conventional devices do not have an integrated cutting mechanism - the tobacco fibers remain uneven, which leads to blockages. → The invention includes a rotating cutting device that shreds the fibers to a length of 1-3 mm. • Dosage with classic devices is manual and inaccurate, often by stuffing or pushing. → The invention doses precisely: approx. 0.85-0.9 g of tobacco per tube, controlled by spiral feed. • There is no synchronization between tobacco transport and tube movement - this leads to overfilling or uneven distribution. → The invention uses a spiral mechanism with a defined feed rate: 1 cm per rotation. • Electrical devices on the market are often large, noisy, or dependent on mains power. → The electric version of the invention works with a high-voltage battery, is compact, and portable. • Many devices are not modular in design, which makes cleaning and maintenance difficult. → The invention is completely disassemblable and easy to maintain. • Standard devices offer no protection for the delicate core – the paper tears or deforms easily. → The invention protects the core through controlled pressure and precise guidance. • A dosing aid is often lacking when filling the tobacco container. → The invention allows for optional accessories such as spoons, tweezers, or a filling funnel. • Most devices are not compatible with EU regulations regarding glow behavior and material protection. → The invention is fully compatible with EU standard sleeves (69 mm, 8 mm, 18-24 g / m²). 2 Paper). 10. Degree of innovation

[0008] The invention combines for the first time: • Mechanical precision with integrated tobacco processing • Electrical efficiency with minimal energy consumption • Compact design for mobile use • Complete compatibility with EU standard sleeves • Adjustable control over the texture and amount of tobacco

[0009] This makes the device stand out significantly from the state of the art and represents a novel solution for self-manufacturers and small-series manufacturers. 11. Ergonomic and sustainable properties of the invention • The device is designed to be environmentally friendly: It requires no electricity (mechanical version) or operates with low energy consumption (electric version with 5V battery). • The design is maintenance-friendly and completely disassemblable - individual components such as the cutting unit, spiral or sleeve guide can be easily cleaned or replaced. • The operation is designed to be ambidextrous, i.e. suitable for both left- and right-handed users, thanks to the symmetrical grip position and modular design. • The choice of materials and construction methods enable a long service life with minimal wear. • The modular design allows for the retrofitting or replacement of individual parts without having to replace the entire device. Figure description Fig. 1 - Device structure

[0010] The compact cigarette filling device consists of the following main components: • Tobacco container with compression spring and sliding plate. On the left side is a container for holding the tobacco. An integrated compression spring and a movable sliding plate ensure a consistent feed of the material towards the cutting unit. • Funnel-shaped transition to the cutting mechanism The tobacco enters the cutting mechanism through a funnel-shaped inlet, which centers it and regulates the quantity. • Rotating cutting unit with two blades: In the central area is a rotating cutting unit with at least two blades that shreds the tobacco fibers to a length of 1-3 mm. The cutting unit is directly connected to the central shaft. • Central shaft with feed and filling spiral The central shaft carries two spiral elements: o Feed spiral: transports the cut tobacco further o Filling spiral: ensures even filling of the sleeve, with a defined number of turns (e.g. seven turns) • Handle for manual activation Turning the handle sets the central shaft in motion, thus operating the device mechanically - entirely without a power supply. • Filling tube with sleeve stop The filling tube, into which the cigarette tube is inserted, is located at the right end. An integrated stop secures the tube and prevents it from slipping during the filling process. Fig. 2 - Illustration of a cigarette tube with filter. Description • Right area (black): symbolizes the integrated filter of the sleeve. • Left area (white): represents the empty paper area that is filled with tobacco. • The total length complies with the EU standard: 69 mm, of which approx. 15 mm is filter, 54 mm is filling area. • The diagram serves as a schematic basis for positioning and filling in the device. Fig. 3 - Classic mechanical filling principle. Description of the operating principle. • Material filling: Tobacco is filled into the top of the funnel. • Cutting unit: The tobacco enters the cutting unit, where it is shredded by rotating blades. • Spiral conveying: The central shaft with double spiral transports the cut tobacco horizontally through the tube. • Manual activation: Turning the handle sets the shaft in motion - this drives both the cutting mechanism and the spiral. • Filling the tube: The cigarette tube is fixed at the right end and filled evenly with tobacco. Characteristics of the mechanism • Energy source: purely mechanical, no electronics required. • Dosage: approx. 1 cm of tobacco per roll. • Advantage: easy to use, ideal for mobile use and self-production. Fig. 4 - Electric version with battery and motor. Component description • Electric motor (top left): Located on the left side of the device, it drives the central shaft. It replaces the manual turning motion and ensures smooth rotation of the cutting unit and spirals. • Battery (under the motor): A compact 5V battery is integrated directly below the motor. This is rechargeable via USB-C and enables mobile, mains-independent operation. • Sensor control: It automatically detects whether a sleeve is correctly inserted and only activates the motor when needed - this saves energy and protects the sleeve. • LED display: Displays the operating status (e.g., "ready", "filling", "cleaning"). • Cleaning mode: An automatic cleaning cycle is activated after every tenth filling to prevent blockages. How it works • The user inserts the tube → sensor detects the position → motor starts → tobacco is cut and filled into the tube via the spiral. • The dosage is automatic: approx. 0.85-0.9 g of tobacco per tube, controlled by the spiral movement. • The battery enables the production of up to 20 cigarettes in 5 minutes.

Claims

[1] Mechanical cigarette filling machine with integrated cutting and conveying system, consisting of: • a tobacco container with compression spring and sliding plate, • a funnel-shaped transition to the cutting unit, • a rotating cutting unit with at least two blades, • a central shaft with feed and filling spiral, • a handle for manual activation, • a filling tube with a sleeve stop, wherein the filling spiral has a defined number of turns to ensure an even dosage of tobacco per turn. [2] Electrical embodiment of the device according to claim 1, wherein the central shaft is driven by a micromotor, • controlled by sensor detection of the inserted sleeve, • operated with a 5 volt DC power supply, • Rechargeable via USB interface. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting unit shreds the tobacco fibers to a length of 1 to 3 mm. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling spiral is designed such that approximately 1 cm of tobacco is transported into the tube per rotation or per second. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of tobacco per tube is between 0.85 and 0.9 grams. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco container has a capacity for at least two to three cartridge fillings. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a dosing aid is provided, consisting of a spoon, tweezers or a filling mechanism. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the construction is fully compatible with cigarette tubes according to EU standard (69 mm length, 8 mm diameter, paper weight 18-24 g / m²) 2, Glowing behavior according to regulations since 2011). [9] Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the design is modular to allow cleaning, maintenance and replacement of individual components. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, • where the construction is environmentally friendly, • the operation is suitable for both left- and right-handed users, • and the device is fully disassemblable to allow cleaning, maintenance and replacement of individual components.

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