Apparatus for cutting and transferring cigarette filter

Abstract

To achieve compactness and improve production economy, the present invention provides an apparatus (100) for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter, which comprises a separation guide part (50) that is provided under a supply rotary part (40) and presses a rotating cigarette filter (f) to separate the cigarette filter from a seating groove (41) on the rotary supply part (40), an inversion transfer part including a first conveyor belt (60) by which the separated cigarette filter is seated and transferred rearward, an inversion wheel (70) that inverts a transfer direction of the cigarette filter transferred from the first conveyor belt, and a second conveyor belt (61) by which the cigarette filter is seated and transferred frontward, a lifting wheel (80) that sequentially lifts the cigarette filter (f) transferred frontward by the second conveyor belt (61) in units of cut segments (fa), and a delivery wheel (90) that changes a rotation direction to transfer the lifted segment (fa) to a subsequent process.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter, and more specifically, to an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter that is compact and has improved production economy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, cigarettes are made by wrapping tobaccos such as tobacco leaves with cigarette paper, a user inhales cigarette smoke generated by burning the cigarette paper and the tobaccos, and a filter is provided in an intake part to filter out harmful components of the smoke and improve flavour of the smoke.

[0003] Here, this cigarette filter includes a base filter in which an acetate fiber for adsorbing harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide or an adsorbent material such as activated carbon and zeolite are condensed and a capsule embedded filter having an embedded capsule packed with a fragrance material. In recent years, a composite filter in the form of a combination of the base filter and a capsule embedded filter is widely used to effectively filter out and remove harmful substances and improve taste of the cigarettes.

[0004] Further, the base filter and the capsule embedded filter are cut at regular intervals, combined, and sequentially arranged and connected. In this case, generally, the composite filter may be manufactured by closely arranging segments of the base filter in the front and rear of the capsule embedded filter and wrapping the outside of the arranged filters with the cigarette paper. The manufactured composite filter is continuously transferred by a plurality of transfer devices and packaged in a box.

[0005] In this way, in order to manufacture the composite filter, the base filter and the capsule embedded filter should be cut into filter segments having a preset length using a cigarette filter cutter and then combined with each other.

[0006] However, in the case of the existing cigarette filter cutter, a process of separating the filter segments from a rotary part one by one after the cutting should be performed, but there is a problem that a short segment is caught in the process of separation.

[0007] Further, in this process, burrs occur in the segments, and the filter segments fall down or are transferred at uneven transfer intervals due to misalignment of the cut filter segments during transfer to a chain. Thus, during a subsequent process, defects frequently occur when the filter segments are combined.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a problem that, during a subsequent process of combining cigarette filter segments cut through a plurality of cutters, a transfer interval is not exactly maintained, and thus, during a process of combining these segments using an automated device, defects occur. Moreover, in order to solve this problem, there is a problem that the entire process should be frequently stopped.[Related Art Documents][Patent Documents]

[0009] Korean Laid-open Patent No. 10-2013-0083540OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter that is compact and has improved production economy.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter comprising the features of claim 1. The apparatus includes a guide box in which an accommodation space in which a cigarette filter on which cigarette paper made of paper is wound is accommodated is formed, a supply rotary part which is provided to rotate at one side of a lower portion of the guide box communicating with the accommodation space and in which a plurality of seating grooves in which the cigarette filter is disposed in an axial direction are formed in an outer circumferential surface thereof in a circumferential direction, a cutting part that is provided on an outer side of the supply rotary part and cuts the rotating cigarette filter at preset intervals, a separation guide part that is provided under the supply rotary part and presses the rotating cigarette filter to separate the cigarette filter from the seating groove, an inversion transfer part including a first conveyor belt by which the separated cigarette filter is seated and transferred rearward, an inversion wheel that inverts a transfer direction of the cigarette filter transferred from the first conveyor belt, and a second conveyor belt by which the cigarette filter is seated and transferred frontward, a lifting wheel that sequentially lifts the cigarette filter transferred frontward by the second conveyor belt in units of cut segments, and a delivery wheel that changes a rotation direction to transfer the lifted segment to a subsequent process.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are set out in further claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a cutting part and a separation guide part of the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a separation piece of the separation guide part applied to the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating operation states of a lifting wheel and a delivery wheel applied to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a cutting part and a separation guide part of the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a separation piece of the separation guide part applied to the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating operation states of a lifting wheel and a delivery wheel applied to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4B, an apparatus 100 for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a guide box 10, a supply rotary part 40, a cutting part 30, a separation guide part 50, an inversion transfer part, a lifting wheel 80, and a delivery wheel 90.

[0017] Here, an accommodation space 11 in which a plurality of cigarette filters f on which cigarette paper made of paper is wound are accommodated is formed in the guide box 10. It is preferable that the guide box 10 be formed of a transparent synthetic resin material or the like, and accordingly, the remaining amount of the cigarette filter f accommodated therein can be easily identified.

[0018] Further, the supply rotary part 40 is provided on one side of a lower portion of the guide box 10 to be rotated while an upper portion thereof communicates with a lower portion of the accommodation space 11. Further, a plurality of seating grooves 41 in which the cigarette filters f are arranged in an axial direction are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the supply rotary part 40 in a circumferential direction.

[0019] In detail, the cigarette filters f are seated on the seating grooves 41 one by one, and the supply rotary part 40 is rotated counterclockwise by a driving motor in a state in which the cigarette filter f is seated in the seating groove 41. In this case, an upper portion of the supply rotary part 40 communicates with an inside of the guide box 10, and a lower portion thereof is disposed to be exposed to the outside.

[0020] Meanwhile, the cutting part 30 is provided on an outer side of the lower portion of the supply rotary part 40 and cuts, at preset intervals, the cigarette filter f accommodated in the seating groove 41 of the supply rotary part 40 that rotates counterclockwise. For example, the cigarette filter f is formed in a standard of 5 cm to 10 cm, and a cutter blade 31 provided in the cutting part 30 is provided as a plurality of cutter blades 31 that protrude toward an inside of the seating groove 41 at a preset interval of 1 cm to 2 cm. Of course, in order to form a segment for manufacturing a composite filter through a combination of the filter segments, the preset interval may be formed to be 10 mm or less.

[0021] In this case, a cutter blade insertion groove 31a is formed in the seating groove 41 in a circumferential direction so that an end of the cutter blade 31 that cuts the rotating cigarette filter f is inserted thereinto. Here, the cutter blade insertion groove 41a is provided as a plurality of cutter blade insertion grooves 41a that are spaced apart from each other in an axial direction in correspondence to a formation interval of the cutter blade 31. Therefore, the cigarette filter f may be clearly cut to an inner end thereof.

[0022] Further, the separation guide part 50 is provided under the supply rotary part 40. In this case, the separation guide part 50 separates, from the seating groove 41, the cigarette filter f, which rotates in a state of being cut at a plurality of portions at preset intervals in a longitudinal direction, by pressing the cigarette filter f in a lateral direction opposite to a rotational direction. To this end, the separation guide part 50 includes a plurality of separation pieces 51 protruding in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the cigarette filter f and disposed at a smaller interval than a cutting interval of the cigarette filter f

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, it is preferable that a guide surface 51a inclined downward from an end be formed at an end of each of the separation pieces 51 so that the guide surface 51a first comes into contact with an inner surface of the cigarette filter f seated on the seating groove 41 and the cigarette filter f falls downward. Therefore, the cigarette filter f in a state of being cut at a preset interval is separated from the seating groove 41 in close contact with each other and falls.

[0024] Further, the inversion transfer part includes a first conveyor belt 60, an inversion wheel 70, and a second conveyor belt 61.

[0025] Here, the first conveyor belt 60 transfers the cigarette filter f, which is separated, falls, and is seated, rearward. In addition, the inversion wheel 70 inverts, to a front side again, a transport direction of the cigarette filter f transferred from the first conveyor belt 60. Further, the cigarette filter f, of which the transport direction is inverted, is seated on the second conveyor belt 61 and transferred forward.

[0026] That is, the first conveyor belt 60, the inversion wheel 70, and the second conveyor belt 61 are arranged in a "⊃" shape (corresponding to a letter "U" rotated 90° counterclockwise) on the same plane. Therefore, a vertical height of the entirety of the apparatus can be reduced, and thus the compact apparatus can be made.

[0027] In this case, the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel to face each other. Further, rear ends of the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61 may be connected to the inversion wheel 70 that rotates to invert the transport direction of the cigarette filter f from a rearward direction to a forward direction.

[0028] Here, it is preferable that driving rotary shafts of the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61 be arranged to be orthogonal to an inversion rotary shaft of the inversion wheel. Further, a vacuum suction hole 60a that provides a vacuum pressure is formed in each of the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61. Further, the cigarette filter f is suctioned and temporarily fixed on a first support 60b and a second support (not illustrating) having the same structure, which support the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61. To this end, it is preferable that a plurality of suction lines providing air suction forces be formed inside the first support 60b and the second support.

[0029] Therefore, the cigarette filter f, which is transferred while seated on the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61, may be stably transferred without falling outward.

[0030] Meanwhile, the lifting wheel 80 sequentially lifts the cigarette filter f transferred forward by the second conveyor belt 61 in units of cut segments fa. Here, the lifting wheel 80 may be spaced apart from a front side of the second conveyor belt 61, and a rotary shaft of the lifting wheel 80 may be disposed parallel to the driving rotary shaft of the second conveyor belt 61.

[0031] In detail, the lifting wheel 80 is disposed on the front side of the second conveyor belt 61, rotates about a horizontal rotation axis, and selectively lifts the segments fa. Here, a plurality of lifting protrusion 81 spaced apart from each other in a preset first angle unit and protruding from an outer circumference of the lifting wheel 80 are provided on the outer circumference.

[0032] Further, the delivery wheel 90 changes the rotational direction to transfer the lifted segment fa to a subsequent process. To this end, the delivery wheel 90 includes a plurality of transfer protrusions 91 arranged to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the lifting wheel 80, spaced apart from each other in units of preset second angles to press and transfer the lifted segment fa, and protruding from an outer circumference thereof.

[0033] That is, when the one segment fa lifted by the one rotating lifting protrusion 81 is pressed and rotated by the one transfer protrusion 91, the next segment lifted by the next lifting protrusion 81 that is sequentially rotated is sequentially pressed and rotated by the next transfer protrusion 91.

[0034] In this way, it is preferable that rotational speeds of the lifting wheel 80 and the delivery wheel 90 be adjusted and the lifting wheel 80 and the delivery wheel 90 are set to interwork with each other so that the segment fa lifted by the lifting protrusion 81 is individually transferred by the transfer protrusion 91.

[0035] Meanwhile, the cigarette filter f transferred forward by the second conveyor belt 61 is disposed in a state in which a plurality of cut segments are in contact with each other. In this case, in the cigarette filter, the individual segment fa is lifted one by one by the lifting protrusion 81 of the lifting wheel 80, and the lifted segment fa is rotated and transferred by the transfer protrusion 91 of the delivery wheel 90.

[0036] In detail, a vertical step is formed between a filter waiting area in which the cigarette filter f transferred forward by the second conveyor belt 61 is waiting and a groove-shaped segment transfer area 91a formed on an outer circumference of the delivery wheel 90. That is, a front end of the transferred cigarette filter f is restrained by a locking portion 92 under the step and waits.

[0037] In this case, the lifting wheel 80 rotates through a gap between the locking portions 92. Here, an outer end of the lifting protrusion 81, which is rotated while spatially overlapping and passing through an end of the filter waiting area in a vertical direction, lifts the segment fa at the front end by a height of the step. Thereafter, the lifted segment fa may be rotated and transferred along the segment transfer area 91a by the transfer protrusion 91.

[0038] Here, it is preferable that an upper portion of a second segment f2 (see FIG. 4A) of the cigarette filter f in the filter waiting area be pressed by an elastic pressing piece 93 made of an elastic metal material.

[0039] That is, it is preferable that an upper portion of the segment located behind the segment at the front end in the waiting state be pressed in a direction pressed from an upper side by the elastic pressing piece 93 made of an elastic metal material. In detail, a free end of the elastic pressing piece 93 extends to press an upper surface of the second segment f2 of the cigarette filter f in the waiting state, and a rear end of the elastic pressing piece 93 is fixed to a frame surrounding the delivery wheel 90.

[0040] Therefore, during a process of lifting the individual segment fa at the front end by the lifting protrusion 81, the second segment f2 in surface contact with a rear end surface thereof can be prevented from being lifted together, and thus accuracy of transfer and an interval of the segment can be improved.

[0041] In this case, the end of the elastic pressing piece 93 is formed to be smoothly inclined toward the front side, and an elastic pressing force is adjusted to loosely press the second segment f2. Thus, when the segment fa at the front end is lifted, the second segment f2 is elastically deformed upward by a forward pressing force of the cigarette filter f continuously transferred by the second conveyor belt 61, passes through the elastic pressing piece 93, and slides forward. Thereafter, the second segment f2 may wait for next lifting.

[0042] Thus, the plurality of segments fa may be transferred while spaced a mutually precise uniform distance from each other by stopper protrusions 75a spaced apart from each other in units of the second angles.

[0043] Meanwhile, the segment fa pressed, spaced, and transferred by the transfer protrusion 91 may be combined with different types of segments cut in different processes to form one cigarette filter. To this end, a transfer direction of the segment fa may be changed by the delivery wheel 90, and thus the segment fa may be transferred to a combination device of a subsequent process through a combination conveyor belt 95.

[0044] In this way, the apparatus 100 for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the present invention is transferred in a state in which the cut segments are mutually, uniformly, and constantly spaced a preset distance from each other. Thus, the segments transferred from other devices may be arranged between these uniformly spaced areas and thus may be stably recombined.

[0045] That is, a transferred segment provided with a capsule thereinside or a general segment may be inserted and arranged between areas uniformly and constantly spaced by a preset distance in a longitudinal direction. Therefore, in a state in which the filter segments cut by one to three different cutting devices are combined with each other and arranged in close contact with each other, external cigarette paper may be wound and thus stably manufactured into one composite filter.

[0046] That is, the apparatus according to the present invention has a more simplified structure, and the individual segment fa cut in the cigarette filter f may be accurately separated, transferred to a subsequent process, and combined with other filter segments containing flavor capsules. The segments combined in this way may be wrapped with the cigarette paper and manufactured as a single-product filter.

[0047] In this way, the segments fa cut and transferred by the apparatus 100 for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the present invention are transferred while uniformly and constantly spaced a preset distance from each other, and thus a subsequent combination process may be performed stably and accurately. Therefore, production economy of the composite filter product can be significantly improved.

[0048] The present invention provides the following effects through the solution.

[0049] First, a cut cigarette filter is transferred by a first conveyor belt, an inversion wheel, and a second conveyor belt which are arranged in a "⊃" shape on the same plane, and thus a vertical height of the entire apparatus is reduced, thereby achieving compactness.

[0050] Second, the cut cigarette filter is transferred in a state in which individual segments are spaced a preset distance from each other at exact intervals by an interworking operation of a lifting protrusion of the lifting wheel and a transfer protrusion of the delivery wheel. Thus, during a subsequent combination process, the segments are stably and accurately transferred and recombined, making it possible to significantly improve production economy of a composite filter product.

[0051] Third, with a more simplified structure, the individual segments cut in the cigarette filter can be accurately separated, transferred to a subsequent process, and combined with other filter segments containing flavoured capsules, and thus can be efficiently manufactured into a single-product filter.

[0052] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, the present invention may be modified and implemented by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the scope of the appended claims of the present inventio.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]Hereinafter, an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a cutting part and a separation guide part of the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a separation piece of the separation guide part applied to the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating operation states of a lifting wheel and a delivery wheel applied to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4B, an apparatus 1...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter, and more specifically, to an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter that is compact and has improved production economy.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, cigarettes are made by wrapping tobaccos such as tobacco leaves with cigarette paper, a user inhales cigarette smoke generated by burning the cigarette paper and the tobaccos, and a filter is provided in an intake part to filter out harmful components of the smoke and improve flavour of the smoke.

[0003] Here, this cigarette filter includes a base filter in which an acetate fiber for adsorbing harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide or an adsorbent material such as activated carbon and zeolite are condensed and a capsule embedded filter having an embedded capsule packed with a fragrance material. In recent years, a composite filter in the form of a combination of the base filter and a capsule embedded filter is widely used to effectively filter out and remove harmful substances and improve taste of the cigarettes.

[0004] Further, the base filter and the capsule embedded filter are cut at regular intervals, combined, and sequentially arranged and connected. In this case, generally, the composite filter may be manufactured by closely arranging segments of the base filter in the front and rear of the capsule embedded filter and wrapping the outside of the arranged filters with the cigarette paper. The manufactured composite filter is continuously transferred by a plurality of transfer devices and packaged in a box.

[0005] In this way, in order to manufacture the composite filter, the base filter and the capsule embedded filter should be cut into filter segments having a preset length using a cigarette filter cutter and then combined with each other.

[0006] However, in the case of the existing cigarette filter cutter, a process of separating the filter segments from a rotary part one by one after the cutting should be performed, but there is a problem that a short segment is caught in the process of separation.

[0007] Further, in this process, burrs occur in the segments, and the filter segments fall down or are transferred at uneven transfer intervals due to misalignment of the cut filter segments during transfer to a chain. Thus, during a subsequent process, defects frequently occur when the filter segments are combined.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a problem that, during a subsequent process of combining cigarette filter segments cut through a plurality of cutters, a transfer interval is not exactly maintained, and thus, during a process of combining these segments using an automated device, defects occur. Moreover, in order to solve this problem, there is a problem that the entire process should be frequently stopped.[Related Art Documents][Patent Documents]

[0009] Korean Laid-open Patent No. 10-2013-0083540OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter that is compact and has improved production economy.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter comprising the features of claim 1. The apparatus includes a guide box in which an accommodation space in which a cigarette filter on which cigarette paper made of paper is wound is accommodated is formed, a supply rotary part which is provided to rotate at one side of a lower portion of the guide box communicating with the accommodation space and in which a plurality of seating grooves in which the cigarette filter is disposed in an axial direction are formed in an outer circumferential surface thereof in a circumferential direction, a cutting part that is provided on an outer side of the supply rotary part and cuts the rotating cigarette filter at preset intervals, a separation guide part that is provided under the supply rotary part and presses the rotating cigarette filter to separate the cigarette filter from the seating groove, an inversion transfer part including a first conveyor belt by which the separated cigarette filter is seated and transferred rearward, an inversion wheel that inverts a transfer direction of the cigarette filter transferred from the first conveyor belt, and a second conveyor belt by which the cigarette filter is seated and transferred frontward, a lifting wheel that sequentially lifts the cigarette filter transferred frontward by the second conveyor belt in units of cut segments, and a delivery wheel that changes a rotation direction to transfer the lifted segment to a subsequent process.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are set out in further claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a cutting part and a separation guide part of the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a separation piece of the separation guide part applied to the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention; and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating operation states of a lifting wheel and a delivery wheel applied to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a cutting part and a separation guide part of the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a separation piece of the separation guide part applied to the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating operation states of a lifting wheel and a delivery wheel applied to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4B, an apparatus 100 for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a guide box 10, a supply rotary part 40, a cutting part 30, a separation guide part 50, an inversion transfer part, a lifting wheel 80, and a delivery wheel 90.

[0017] Here, an accommodation space 11 in which a plurality of cigarette filters f on which cigarette paper made of paper is wound are accommodated is formed in the guide box 10. It is preferable that the guide box 10 be formed of a transparent synthetic resin material or the like, and accordingly, the remaining amount of the cigarette filter f accommodated therein can be easily identified.

[0018] Further, the supply rotary part 40 is provided on one side of a lower portion of the guide box 10 to be rotated while an upper portion thereof communicates with a lower portion of the accommodation space 11. Further, a plurality of seating grooves 41 in which the cigarette filters f are arranged in an axial direction are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the supply rotary part 40 in a circumferential direction.

[0019] In detail, the cigarette filters f are seated on the seating grooves 41 one by one, and the supply rotary part 40 is rotated counterclockwise by a driving motor in a state in which the cigarette filter f is seated in the seating groove 41. In this case, an upper portion of the supply rotary part 40 communicates with an inside of the guide box 10, and a lower portion thereof is disposed to be exposed to the outside.

[0020] Meanwhile, the cutting part 30 is provided on an outer side of the lower portion of the supply rotary part 40 and cuts, at preset intervals, the cigarette filter f accommodated in the seating groove 41 of the supply rotary part 40 that rotates counterclockwise. For example, the cigarette filter f is formed in a standard of 5 cm to 10 cm, and a cutter blade 31 provided in the cutting part 30 is provided as a plurality of cutter blades 31 that protrude toward an inside of the seating groove 41 at a preset interval of 1 cm to 2 cm. Of course, in order to form a segment for manufacturing a composite filter through a combination of the filter segments, the preset interval may be formed to be 10 mm or less.

[0021] In this case, a cutter blade insertion groove 31a is formed in the seating groove 41 in a circumferential direction so that an end of the cutter blade 31 that cuts the rotating cigarette filter f is inserted thereinto. Here, the cutter blade insertion groove 41a is provided as a plurality of cutter blade insertion grooves 41a that are spaced apart from each other in an axial direction in correspondence to a formation interval of the cutter blade 31. Therefore, the cigarette filter f may be clearly cut to an inner end thereof.

[0022] Further, the separation guide part 50 is provided under the supply rotary part 40. In this case, the separation guide part 50 separates, from the seating groove 41, the cigarette filter f, which rotates in a state of being cut at a plurality of portions at preset intervals in a longitudinal direction, by pressing the cigarette filter f in a lateral direction opposite to a rotational direction. To this end, the separation guide part 50 includes a plurality of separation pieces 51 protruding in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the cigarette filter f and disposed at a smaller interval than a cutting interval of the cigarette filter f

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, it is preferable that a guide surface 51a inclined downward from an end be formed at an end of each of the separation pieces 51 so that the guide surface 51a first comes into contact with an inner surface of the cigarette filter f seated on the seating groove 41 and the cigarette filter f falls downward. Therefore, the cigarette filter f in a state of being cut at a preset interval is separated from the seating groove 41 in close contact with each other and falls.

[0024] Further, the inversion transfer part includes a first conveyor belt 60, an inversion wheel 70, and a second conveyor belt 61.

[0025] Here, the first conveyor belt 60 transfers the cigarette filter f, which is separated, falls, and is seated, rearward. In addition, the inversion wheel 70 inverts, to a front side again, a transport direction of the cigarette filter f transferred from the first conveyor belt 60. Further, the cigarette filter f, of which the transport direction is inverted, is seated on the second conveyor belt 61 and transferred forward.

[0026] That is, the first conveyor belt 60, the inversion wheel 70, and the second conveyor belt 61 are arranged in a "⊃" shape (corresponding to a letter "U" rotated 90° counterclockwise) on the same plane. Therefore, a vertical height of the entirety of the apparatus can be reduced, and thus the compact apparatus can be made.

[0027] In this case, the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61 are spaced apart from each other and arranged in parallel to face each other. Further, rear ends of the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61 may be connected to the inversion wheel 70 that rotates to invert the transport direction of the cigarette filter f from a rearward direction to a forward direction.

[0028] Here, it is preferable that driving rotary shafts of the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61 be arranged to be orthogonal to an inversion rotary shaft of the inversion wheel. Further, a vacuum suction hole 60a that provides a vacuum pressure is formed in each of the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61. Further, the cigarette filter f is suctioned and temporarily fixed on a first support 60b and a second support (not illustrating) having the same structure, which support the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61. To this end, it is preferable that a plurality of suction lines providing air suction forces be formed inside the first support 60b and the second support.

[0029] Therefore, the cigarette filter f, which is transferred while seated on the first conveyor belt 60 and the second conveyor belt 61, may be stably transferred without falling outward.

[0030] Meanwhile, the lifting wheel 80 sequentially lifts the cigarette filter f transferred forward by the second conveyor belt 61 in units of cut segments fa. Here, the lifting wheel 80 may be spaced apart from a front side of the second conveyor belt 61, and a rotary shaft of the lifting wheel 80 may be disposed parallel to the driving rotary shaft of the second conveyor belt 61.

[0031] In detail, the lifting wheel 80 is disposed on the front side of the second conveyor belt 61, rotates about a horizontal rotation axis, and selectively lifts the segments fa. Here, a plurality of lifting protrusion 81 spaced apart from each other in a preset first angle unit and protruding from an outer circumference of the lifting wheel 80 are provided on the outer circumference.

[0032] Further, the delivery wheel 90 changes the rotational direction to transfer the lifted segment fa to a subsequent process. To this end, the delivery wheel 90 includes a plurality of transfer protrusions 91 arranged to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the lifting wheel 80, spaced apart from each other in units of preset second angles to press and transfer the lifted segment fa, and protruding from an outer circumference thereof.

[0033] That is, when the one segment fa lifted by the one rotating lifting protrusion 81 is pressed and rotated by the one transfer protrusion 91, the next segment lifted by the next lifting protrusion 81 that is sequentially rotated is sequentially pressed and rotated by the next transfer protrusion 91.

[0034] In this way, it is preferable that rotational speeds of the lifting wheel 80 and the delivery wheel 90 be adjusted and the lifting wheel 80 and the delivery wheel 90 are set to interwork with each other so that the segment fa lifted by the lifting protrusion 81 is individually transferred by the transfer protrusion 91.

[0035] Meanwhile, the cigarette filter f transferred forward by the second conveyor belt 61 is disposed in a state in which a plurality of cut segments are in contact with each other. In this case, in the cigarette filter, the individual segment fa is lifted one by one by the lifting protrusion 81 of the lifting wheel 80, and the lifted segment fa is rotated and transferred by the transfer protrusion 91 of the delivery wheel 90.

[0036] In detail, a vertical step is formed between a filter waiting area in which the cigarette filter f transferred forward by the second conveyor belt 61 is waiting and a groove-shaped segment transfer area 91a formed on an outer circumference of the delivery wheel 90. That is, a front end of the transferred cigarette filter f is restrained by a locking portion 92 under the step and waits.

[0037] In this case, the lifting wheel 80 rotates through a gap between the locking portions 92. Here, an outer end of the lifting protrusion 81, which is rotated while spatially overlapping and passing through an end of the filter waiting area in a vertical direction, lifts the segment fa at the front end by a height of the step. Thereafter, the lifted segment fa may be rotated and transferred along the segment transfer area 91a by the transfer protrusion 91.

[0038] Here, it is preferable that an upper portion of a second segment f2 (see FIG. 4A) of the cigarette filter f in the filter waiting area be pressed by an elastic pressing piece 93 made of an elastic metal material.

[0039] That is, it is preferable that an upper portion of the segment located behind the segment at the front end in the waiting state be pressed in a direction pressed from an upper side by the elastic pressing piece 93 made of an elastic metal material. In detail, a free end of the elastic pressing piece 93 extends to press an upper surface of the second segment f2 of the cigarette filter f in the waiting state, and a rear end of the elastic pressing piece 93 is fixed to a frame surrounding the delivery wheel 90.

[0040] Therefore, during a process of lifting the individual segment fa at the front end by the lifting protrusion 81, the second segment f2 in surface contact with a rear end surface thereof can be prevented from being lifted together, and thus accuracy of transfer and an interval of the segment can be improved.

[0041] In this case, the end of the elastic pressing piece 93 is formed to be smoothly inclined toward the front side, and an elastic pressing force is adjusted to loosely press the second segment f2. Thus, when the segment fa at the front end is lifted, the second segment f2 is elastically deformed upward by a forward pressing force of the cigarette filter f continuously transferred by the second conveyor belt 61, passes through the elastic pressing piece 93, and slides forward. Thereafter, the second segment f2 may wait for next lifting.

[0042] Thus, the plurality of segments fa may be transferred while spaced a mutually precise uniform distance from each other by stopper protrusions 75a spaced apart from each other in units of the second angles.

[0043] Meanwhile, the segment fa pressed, spaced, and transferred by the transfer protrusion 91 may be combined with different types of segments cut in different processes to form one cigarette filter. To this end, a transfer direction of the segment fa may be changed by the delivery wheel 90, and thus the segment fa may be transferred to a combination device of a subsequent process through a combination conveyor belt 95.

[0044] In this way, the apparatus 100 for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the present invention is transferred in a state in which the cut segments are mutually, uniformly, and constantly spaced a preset distance from each other. Thus, the segments transferred from other devices may be arranged between these uniformly spaced areas and thus may be stably recombined.

[0045] That is, a transferred segment provided with a capsule thereinside or a general segment may be inserted and arranged between areas uniformly and constantly spaced by a preset distance in a longitudinal direction. Therefore, in a state in which the filter segments cut by one to three different cutting devices are combined with each other and arranged in close contact with each other, external cigarette paper may be wound and thus stably manufactured into one composite filter.

[0046] That is, the apparatus according to the present invention has a more simplified structure, and the individual segment fa cut in the cigarette filter f may be accurately separated, transferred to a subsequent process, and combined with other filter segments containing flavor capsules. The segments combined in this way may be wrapped with the cigarette paper and manufactured as a single-product filter.

[0047] In this way, the segments fa cut and transferred by the apparatus 100 for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the present invention are transferred while uniformly and constantly spaced a preset distance from each other, and thus a subsequent combination process may be performed stably and accurately. Therefore, production economy of the composite filter product can be significantly improved.

[0048] The present invention provides the following effects through the solution.

[0049] First, a cut cigarette filter is transferred by a first conveyor belt, an inversion wheel, and a second conveyor belt which are arranged in a "⊃" shape on the same plane, and thus a vertical height of the entire apparatus is reduced, thereby achieving compactness.

[0050] Second, the cut cigarette filter is transferred in a state in which individual segments are spaced a preset distance from each other at exact intervals by an interworking operation of a lifting protrusion of the lifting wheel and a transfer protrusion of the delivery wheel. Thus, during a subsequent combination process, the segments are stably and accurately transferred and recombined, making it possible to significantly improve production economy of a composite filter product.

[0051] Third, with a more simplified structure, the individual segments cut in the cigarette filter can be accurately separated, transferred to a subsequent process, and combined with other filter segments containing flavoured capsules, and thus can be efficiently manufactured into a single-product filter.

[0052] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, the present invention may be modified and implemented by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the scope of the appended claims of the present inventio.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0014]Hereinafter, an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a cutting part and a separation guide part of the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a separation piece of the separation guide part applied to the apparatus for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating operation states of a lifting wheel and a delivery wheel applied to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4B, an apparatus 1...

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for cutting and transferring a cigarette filter, the apparatus comprising: a guide box (10) in which an accommodation space (11) is formed, the accommodation space (11) being configured to accommodate a cigarette filter (f) on which cigarette paper made of paper is wound; a supply rotary part (40) provided to rotate at one side of a lower portion of the guide box (10) communicating with the accommodation space (11) and in which a plurality of seating grooves (41), in which the cigarette filter is disposable in an axial direction, are formed in an outer circumferential surface thereof in a circumferential direction; a cutting part (30) provided on an outer side of the supply rotary part (40) and configured to cut the rotating cigarette filter at preset intervals; a separation guide part (50) provided under the supply rotary part (40) and configured to press the rotating cigarette filter to separate the cigarette filter from the seating groove (41); an inversion transfer part including a first conveyor belt (60) by which the separated cigarette filter (f) is seated and transferred rearward, an inversion wheel (70) configured to invert a transfer direction of the cigarette filter (f) transferred from the first conveyor belt (60), and a second conveyor belt (61) by which the cigarette filter (f) is seated and transferred frontward; a lifting wheel (80) configured to sequentially lift the cigarette filter (f) transferred frontward by the second conveyor belt (61) in units of cut segments (fa); and a delivery wheel (90) configured to change a rotation direction to transfer the lifted segment (fa) to a subsequent process.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lifting wheel (80) includes a lifting protrusion (81) that is disposed on a front side of the second conveyor belt (61), rotates about a horizontal rotation axis, is spaced in units of preset first angles to selectively lift the segments (fa), and protrudes from an outer circumference thereof, the delivery wheel (90) includes a transfer protrusion (91) that is disposed to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the lifting wheel (80), is spaced in units of preset second angles to press and transfer the lifted segment, and protrudes from an outer circumference thereof, and rotational speeds of the lifting wheel (80) and the delivery wheel (90) are adjusted and set so that the segment lifted by the lifting protrusion (81) is individually transferred by the transfer protrusion (91).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a vertical step is formed between a filter waiting area, in which the cigarette filter transferred forward by the second conveyor belt (61) is waiting, and a segment transfer area formed on an outer circumference of the delivery wheel (90), and an outer end of the lifting protrusion (1), which is rotated to pass through an end of the filter waiting area in a vertical direction, is configured to lift the segment (fa) by a height of the step, and the lifted segment is transferred along the segment transfer area by the transfer protrusion (91).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an upper portion of a second segment (f2) of the cigarette filter in the filter waiting area is pressed by an elastic pressing piece (93) made of an elastic metal material.

5. The apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the separation guide part (50) includes a plurality of separation pieces (51) protruding in a direction opposite to a rotational direction of the cigarette filter and disposed at a smaller interval than a cutting interval of the cigarette filter, and an end of each of the separation pieces (51) has a form in which on a guide surface (51a) inclined downward from a distal end is formed, and vacuum suction holes (60a) configured to provide vacuum pressures are formed in upper surfaces of the first conveyor belt (60) and the second conveyor belt (61), and a plurality of suction lines for suctioning and temporarily fixing the cigarette filter are formed in a first support (61b) and a second support that support the first conveyor belt (60) and the second conveyor belt (61).

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