PAPER BUCKLING ASSEMBLY FOR CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING MACHINE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefits and priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202021754140.5, filed on Aug. 20, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to cigarette manufacturing machines, and more particularly, to a paper buckling assembly in a machine for manufacturing a single cigarette at a time.

BACKGROUND

A cigarette manufacturing machine is a device used for manufacturing cigarettes. These machines require a user to place tobacco into a tobacco cavity and sleeve an empty cigarette tube onto a filling pipe. Subsequently, the user engages an actuator that causes the tobacco to be moved from the filling pipe and into the cigarette tube.

Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN209002908 discloses a cigarette manufacturing machine including a housing, a support frame disposed within the housing, a filling pipe at least partially disposed outside of the housing, a push plate at least partially disposed within the support frame, a first actuation assembly operatively connected to the push plate, a push spoon assembly, and a second actuation assembly operatively connected to the push spoon assembly. The support frame includes a tobacco cavity aligned with an opening of the housing, at least one protrusion, and a frame rail. Actuation of the first actuation assembly causes the push plate to move from a first position to a second position to push tobacco in the tobacco cavity into alignment with the filling pipe. The second position of the push plate is defined by engagement of the push plate with the at least one protrusion of the support frame. The push spoon assembly includes a sliding block attached to the frame rail and a push spoon extending into the tobacco cavity. Movement of the sliding block along the frame rail causes the push spoon to move within the tobacco cavity. The second actuation assembly causes the sliding block to move along the frame rail.

The cigarette manufacturing machine can include a paper buckling assembly configured to maintain the cigarette tube on the filling pipe until the cigarette is manufactured. The push plate may include a protrusion on the side wall. The protrusion can be configured to push forward a spring housing when the push plate moves from the first position to the second position, causing an engagement member to move and press the cigarette tube against the filling pipe. Because force is applied through the protrusion on the side wall of the push plate, the two sides of the push plate can be stressed unevenly. As result, the movement of the push plate may be blocked.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the subject matter, a paper buckling assembly for a cigarette manufacturing machine comprises a buckling frame having a first end and a second end. The buckling frame is configured to be coupled to a support frame of a cigarette manufacturing machine, such that the first end of the buckling frame aligns with a filling pipe of the cigarette manufacturing machine. The buckling frame carries a rear buckling element and a front buckling element. The rear buckling element is distal to the first end of the buckling frame, and the front buckling element is proximal to the first end of the buckling frame. The rear buckling element and the front buckling element are slidably disposed within the buckling frame and are connected through an elastic member. The rear buckling element includes a catch member for engagement with an actuating assembly of the cigarette manufacturing machine.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a cigarette manufacturing machine;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a cigarette manufacturing machine;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a center mechanism of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the center mechanism of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a support frame of the center mechanism of FIG. 4 with an exemplary embodiment of a sliding block of a push spoon assembly connected to the support frame;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the support frame of FIG. 6 with the sliding block shown being disconnected from the support frame;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the support frame of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the support frame of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support frame of FIG. 6 taken along the lines 10-10 shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded view of the connection between an exemplary actuation assembly and an exemplary push plate of the center mechanism of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a push spoon for the push spoon assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 13A illustrates a top exploded view of an exemplary paper buckling assembly, an exemplary actuation assembly, and an exemplary push plate of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 13B-13E illustrate perspective exploded views of the paper buckling assembly, the actuation assembly, and the push plate of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A illustrates a top view of the assembly of the paper buckling assembly, the actuation assembly, and the push plate of FIG. 13A, and the support frame of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14B illustrates a side view of the assembly of the paper buckling assembly, the actuation assembly, and the push plate of FIG. 13A, and the support frame of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14C illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of the paper buckling assembly, the actuation assembly, and the push plate of FIG. 13A, and the support frame of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view an exemplary embodiment of a plastic strip for the center mechanism of FIG. 4;

FIG. 16 illustrates a partial exploded view of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. 2 showing the exemplary center mechanism of FIG.4, an exemplary embodiment of a control panel, and an exemplary embodiment of a protection cover for the control panel;

FIG. 17 illustrates a partial exploded view of the exemplary protection cover of FIG. 16 and an exemplary embodiment of a shielding strip for the cigarette manufacturing device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary engagement between the shielding strip of FIG. 17 and an exemplary embodiment of a motor stop component of the control panel of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the center mechanism of FIG. 4 with the shielding strip of FIG. 17 and without the protection cover of FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a swing arm assembly of the cigarette manufacturing machine of FIG. 2;

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the swing arm assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a paper buckling assembly in a position where a gripping element contacts a cigarette tube.

FIG. 22B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a paper buckling assembly in a position where a gripping element is separated from a cigarette tube.

FIG. 22C is a perspective view of a rear buckling element of an exemplary embodiment of a paper buckling assembly.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the center mechanism of FIG. 4 with the protection cover of FIG. 16 and with the shielding strip of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Detailed Description describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention is broader than and unlimited by the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning. Features and components of one exemplary embodiment may be incorporated into the other exemplary embodiments. Inventions within the scope of this application may include additional features, or may have less features, than those shown in the exemplary embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention provides a paper buckling assembly for a cigarette manufacturing machine. In some embodiments, the cigarette manufacturing machine comprises a housing, a support frame disposed within the housing, a filling pipe at least partially disposed outside of the housing, and the paper buckling assembly. The support frame comprises a tobacco cavity aligned with an opening in the housing for receiving tobacco into the tobacco cavity. The filling pipe is in communication with the tobacco cavity and is configured to support an empty cigarette tube. The paper buckling assembly comprises a buckling frame coupled to the support frame, such that a first end of the buckling frame aligns with the filling pipe. The buckling frame carries a rear buckling element and a front buckling element. The rear buckling element is distal to the first end of the buckling frame, and the front buckling element is proximal to the first end of the buckling frame. The rear buckling element and the front buckling element are slidably disposed within the buckling frame and are connected through an elastic member. An actuation assembly is assembled with the housing and is operatively connected to the rear buckling element. Actuation of the actuation assembly causes the rear buckling element to slide toward the front buckling element, such that the elastic member supplies a buckling force to the front buckling element for movement of the front buckling element against a cigarette tube installed on the filling pipe.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C, in some embodiments, an embodiment of a paper buckling assembly 10 for a cigarette manufacturing machine includes a buckling frame 11, a rear buckling element 12, and a front buckling element 13. The buckling frame 11 has a first end 11a and a second end 11b. The rear buckling element 12 and the front buckling element 13 are carried by the buckling frame 11. The rear buckling element 12 is distal to the first end 11a, and the front buckling element 13 is proximal to the first end 11a. The first end 11a of the buckling frame 11 aligns with the filling pipe 557 of the cigarette manufacturing machine. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13E and 14A-14C, in some embodiments, the paper buckling assembly 10 is assembled with an actuation assembly 536 through a connection arrangement 5. The actuation assembly 536 comprises a rotation rod 542 and an actuation member 210. The buckling frame 11 is coupled to a support frame of the cigarette manufacturing machine, and defines an opening 8 for receiving a filling pipe 557 of the cigarette manufacturing machine. The filling pipe 557 is configured to support a cigarette tube. The rear buckling element 12 and the front buckling element 13 are slidably disposed inside the buckling frame 11 and are connected through an elastic member 3. A clamping cavity 4 is formed between the front buckling element 13 and the filling pipe 557. The rear buckling element 12 can be driven by the rotation of the rotation rod 542 through the connection arrangement 5.

In some embodiments, in operation, the cigarette tube is sleeved onto the filling pipe 557. The actuation member 210 is rotated, and the rotation rod 542 rotates, driving the movement of the rear buckling element 12 through the connection arrangement 5. The elastic member 3 drives the movement of the front buckling element 13, causing the front buckling element 13 and the filling pipe 557 to clamp the cigarette tube. Further movement of the rear buckling element 12 causes compression of the elastic member 3, allowing the front buckling element 13 to exert continuous clamping force to the cigarette tube.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, in some embodiments, the connection arrangement 5 includes a protrusion 51 and a catch member 52. A connector 2 is disposed on an end of the rotation rod 542 away from the actuation member 210, and the protrusion 51 is disposed on the connector 2. The catch member 52 is disposed on the rear buckling element 12. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, in some embodiments, the catch member 52 is configured as a rectangular frame and is sleeved on the protrusion 51. As such, the protrusion 51 contacts the inner wall of the catch member 52. In some embodiments, the actuation member 210 and the rotation rod 542 rotate synchronously. The protrusion 51 rotates about the axis of the rotation rod 542, and contacts the inner wall of the catch member 52, such that the catch member 52 drives the rear buckling element 12 to move synchronously with the rotation rod 542.

In some embodiments, the paper buckling assembly 10 includes a positioning assembly 6 configured to limit the elastic member 3 disposed between the front buckling element 13 and the rear buckling element 12. The positioning assembly 6 can limit the position of the elastic member 3 to prevent the elastic member 3 from being displaced from the paper buckling assembly 10.

In some embodiments, the elastic member 3 is a spring and the positioning assembly 6 comprises a rear spring seat 61 and a front spring seat 62. The rear spring seat 61 is disposed on the rear buckling element 12, and the front spring seat 62 is disposed on the front buckling element 13. The two ends of the spring are respectively sleeved on the rear spring seat 61 and the front spring seat 62.

In some embodiments, a gripping element 7 is disposed on the front buckling element 13. The gripping element 7 may be configured to increase the contact area with the outside surface of the cigarette tube, which can increase the frictional force against the cigarette tube. The gripping element 7 may be provided with a curved surface, and the curved surface is configured to fit with the outside surface of the cigarette tube. In some embodiments, the gripping element 7 comprises a rubber head for contacting with the outside surface of the cigarette tube.

The paper buckling assembly 10 can be used in various cigarette manufacturing machines. An exemplary cigarette manufacturing machine comprising the paper buckling assembly 10 is described in detail below.

The exemplary cigarette manufacturing machines described herein include improvements over typical cigarette manufacturing machines. For example, the cigarette manufacturing machines described herein can include a push plate that engages one or more protrusions of a support frame to prevent the push plate from becoming displaced. In addition, the machines described herein can include a plastic strip that provides for a smooth movement of a push spoon through the tobacco cavity. The plastic strip can also be removable, which allows the plastic strip to be replaced after becoming worn. The cigarette manufacturing machines described herein can also have a frame rail for allowing movement of a sliding block on an exterior surface of the frame, which prevents tobacco in the interior of the frame from being deposited between the frame rail and the sliding block during use of the machine. In addition, the cigarette manufacturing machines described herein may include a channel in a top surface of a support frame for receiving a shaft of an actuation assembly, which allows for easy and accurate placement of the shaft in the support frame.

The description with reference to the following exemplary embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning. In addition, any feature or combination of features from each of the embodiments can be used with features or combinations of features from other embodiments. In the embodiments discussed herein, the cigarette manufacturing machine is described as manufacturing a cigarette that includes tobacco. However, the cigarette manufacturing devices of the present application can be used to manufacture any other type of cigarette, such as, for example a cigarette containing a narcotic, herbs, or any other substance for smoking.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a cigarette manufacturing machine 100 includes a support frame 101, a first actuation assembly 110a, a second actuation assembly 110b, a push plate 124, a tobacco cavity 116, a pushing spoon assembly 122, and a filling pipe 157. The support frame 101 can be constructed from any suitable material, such as, for example, any one or more of aluminum, plastic, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof, etc. The tobacco cavity 116 is configured to receive tobacco, and the filling pipe 157 is configured to engage a cigarette tube. In certain embodiments, the filling pipe 157 is at least partially disposed outside of the support frame 101 such that a user can place an empty cigarette tube onto the filling pipe. The machine 100 is configured to move tobacco from the tobacco cavity 116 and into the cigarette tube to create a cigarette.

After the user deposits tobacco into the tobacco cavity 116, the user engages an actuation assembly 110a that causes the push plate 124 to push the tobacco to a desired position within the tobacco cavity (e.g., to a position that aligns with the pushing spoon 154 of the push spoon assembly). The actuation assembly 110a can take any suitable form that is capable of moving the pushing plate 124 to engage the tobacco within the tobacco cavity 116 and move the tobacco into a desired position, such as, for example, a variety of manual and electromechanical arrangements. In certain embodiments, the actuation assembly 110a can include a handle and a shaft, in which the shaft is attached to the handle such that rotation of the handle causes the shaft to rotate. In these embodiments, the push plate 124 is operatively connected to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the push plate to move between various positions. In various embodiments, the machine 100 includes a channel 140 for housing the shaft of the actuation assembly 110a such that the shaft can rotate within the channel. The channel 140 can be disposed in a top surface of a frame of the machine 100 such that the shaft of the actuation assembly 110a can be easily inserted and positioned within the channel 140. In certain embodiments, the actuation assembly 110a can take the form of the actuation assembly 536 described herein with reference to FIGS. 2-23.

The push plate 124 is configured to move from a first position (or starting position) to a second position by the actuation assembly 110a, in which the tobacco is in the desired position within the tobacco cavity 116 when the push plate 124 is in the second position. In some embodiments, the support frame 101 includes one or more protrusions (not shown) positioned to prevent movement of the push plate 124 once the push plate is in the second position. That is, the protrusions are positioned such that the push plate 124 cannot move past the second position toward the tobacco cavity 116. In certain embodiments, the machine 101 includes a positioning plate 125 that is positioned adjacent to the push plate 124 such that the positioning plate 125 engages the push plate if the push plate moves toward the positioning plate to prevent the push plate from being displaced during use of the device. The protrusions and/or positioning plate 125 may allow the push plate to move smoothly. The push plate 124 can be constructed from, for example, anyone or more of plastic (e.g., food grade plastic), aluminum, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. A plastic push plate may allow for reduced friction within the device, resulting in reduced wear and reduced particle generation. In addition, a push plate 124 including food grade plastic may be advantageous due to its contact with the tobacco.

After the tobacco is positioned in a desired position within the tobacco cavity 116, the push spoon assembly 122 can be used to move the tobacco from the tobacco cavity 116, through the filling pipe 157, and to the cigarette tube. The push spoon assembly 122 has a sliding block 152 and a push spoon 154, in which the push spoon 154 is attached to the sliding block 152. The sliding block 152 is attached to a frame rail (e.g., one or more grooves in the support frame 101 of the machine 100) such that the sliding block 152 can move along the frame rail, and the pushing spoon is at least partially disposed in the tobacco cavity 116 such that movement of the sliding block along the frame rail causes the pushing spoon 154 to move within the tobacco cavity 116. In some embodiments, the frame rail is disposed on an external portion of a frame for the machine 100 such that the sliding block 152 is attached to the external portion of the frame, and the pushing spoon 154 is positioned in the tobacco cavity 116 in an interior of the frame. In these embodiments, the pushing spoon 154 can be connected to the sliding block by a connection member (not shown) that extends through an opening (not shown) in the support frame 101. The exterior frame rail may prevent tobacco from being deposited in the grooves of the frame rail during use of the machine 100. The push spoon 152 can have a first portion having a surface for engaging the tobacco, and a second portion that is sized and shaped to form the tobacco into a cylindrical shape (or any other desired shape) prior to being moved through the filling pipe 157.

In certain embodiments, the machine 100 includes a plastic strip 132 that is positioned adjacent to the pushing spoon 154 in the tobacco cavity 116 such that the pushing spoon 154 engages the plastic strip 132 when the pushing spoon 154 moves through the tobacco cavity 116. The plastic strip 132 can be sized and shaped to correspond to the shape of the pushing spoon 154 such that the pushing spoon can smoothly move against a bearing surface of the plastic strip 132. The plastic strip 132 allows for a smooth movement of the pushing spoon 132 through the tobacco cavity 116. The plastic strip 132 may allow for reduced friction within the device, resulting in reduced wear and reduced particle generation. Furthermore, the plastic strip 132 can be removable, which allows the plastic strip to be replaced after it becomes worn. The plastic strip 132 can include any suitable plastic material. In certain embodiments, the plastic strip 132 includes a lubricated plastic material (e.g., a self-lubricating plastic material).

The machine 100 includes a second actuation assembly 110a that is operatively connected to the sliding block 152 of the push spoon assembly 122. The actuation assembly 110b can take any suitable form that is capable of moving the sliding block 152 along a frame rail of the frame 101 such that the pushing spoon 154 is moved to engage the tobacco within the tobacco cavity 116 and move the tobacco through the filling pipe 157. For example, the actuation assembly 110b can take the form of a variety of manual and electromechanical arrangements. In certain embodiments, the actuation assembly 110b includes an electric motor that is operatively connected to the sliding block 152, and activation of the electric motor causes the sliding block 152 to move along the frame rail. Any suitable type and number of components can be used to operatively connect the electric motor to the push spoon assembly 122. For example, the swing arm assembly 530 described herein with reference to FIGS. 2-23 can be used to operatively connect the electric motor to the push spoon assembly 122.

In embodiments that include an electric motor, the electric motor can be in circuit communication with a control panel that is configured to activate and deactivate the motor during use of the machine 100. In some embodiments, the second actuation assembly 110b can include an actuation member (e.g., a handle, a button, etc.) configured to engage the control panel to activate and/or deactivate the motor. In other embodiments, the push plate 124 or the first actuation assembly 110a that is used to move the push plate 124 can be configured to engage the control panel to move the activate and/or deactivate the motor. That is, the push plate 124 or the first actuation assembly 110a can include one or more elements (e.g., protrusions) that are configured to engage the control panel during movement of the first actuation assembly 110a or the push plate 124. For example, the actuation assembly 110a can take the form of the actuation assembly 536 described herein with reference to FIGS. 2-23. It should be understood, however, that any component described herein can include an element that is configured to engage with the control panel during use of the machine 100 to activate and/or deactivate the motor.

In various embodiments, the machine 100 includes an engagement member 169 that is configured to maintain the cigarette tube on the filling pipe 157 until the cigarette is manufactured. The engagement 169 is configured to be moved between an engaged position and disengaged position with the filling pipe 157. For example, the engagement member 169 can be spring-loaded such that the engagement member 169 is in the engaged position when the spring is in a normally extended position, and compression of the spring causes the engagement member to move to the disengaged position. In certain embodiments, the machine 100 can include the paper buckling assembly 10 described herein with reference to FIGS. 2-23.

FIGS. 2-23 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a cigarette manufacturing machine 200 (which are more specific embodiments of the machine 100 shown in FIG. 1). Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the machine 200 includes a base 202, a center mechanism 204, a main cover 206, and a lid 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 202, the main cover 206, and the lid 208 form the housing 201 of the device 200. The housing 201, however, can include any suitable number of components that are capable of housing the center mechanism 204 and positioning the center mechanism 204 to manufacture a cigarette. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the center mechanism 204 is disposed within the base 202, and the main cover 106 is configured to be removably attached to the base 202 such that the center mechanism can be disposed between the main cover 206 and the base 202 when the main cover is attached to the base 202.

The main cover 206 has a tobacco input opening 214 that aligns with a tobacco cavity 216 of the center mechanism 204 such that a user can deposit tobacco into the tobacco cavity 216 through the input opening 214. In certain embodiments, the main cover 206 includes a feeding portion 218 having a downward incline toward the input opening 214 such that a user can place the tobacco in the feeding portion and gravity causes the tobacco to move toward and through the input opening 214 and into the tobacco cavity 216. In some embodiments, the housing 201 can include a lid 208 that is pivotally attached to the main cover 206 such that the lid can be moved between an open position (in which the feeding portion 218 and inlet opening 214 are uncovered) and a closed position (in which the feeding portion 218 and inlet opening 214 are covered). The main cover 206 can attach to the base 202 by any suitable connection, such as, for example, a snap-fit connection, a friction fit connection, a tongue and groove connection, fasteners (e.g., screws), or any other suitable connection. The housing 201 can be constructed from any suitable material, such as, for example, any one or more of aluminum, plastic, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof, etc.

When the center mechanism 204 is disposed between the main cover 206 and the base 202, an actuation member 210 of an actuation assembly 536 (FIG. 5) of the center mechanism 204 extends through an opening 212 of the main cover 106 such that a user can engage the actuator 210 to create a cigarette. That is, a user inserts tobacco into the input opening 214 such that the tobacco moves into the tobacco cavity 216 of the center mechanism 204, and the user engages the actuation member 210 to cause the center mechanism 204 to move the tobacco into a cigarette tube and create a cigarette. The center mechanism 204 will be described in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an exemplary embodiment of the center mechanism 204 includes a support frame 420, a plastic strip 432, a push spoon assembly 522, a push plate 424, an actuation assembly 536, a motor 426, a paper buckling assembly 10, and a swing arm assembly 530. While the various components described above are described as forming the center mechanism 204, it should be understood that these components are not limited to being formed into a single mechanism, but rather can be multiple mechanisms that interact with each other, and can be configured to connect to and/or be disposed within the housing 201 by an suitable means.

Referring to FIGS. 4-10, the support frame 420 includes the tobacco cavity 216, an opening 634 for receiving the push plate 424, an opening 638 for receiving the motor 426, a channel 640 for receiving a rotation rod 542 of the actuation assembly 536, an opening 644 for connecting a motor shaft 546 of the motor 426 to the swing arm assembly 530, a channel 848 for receiving the plastic strip 432, a channel 449 for receiving the push spoon 554, an opening 650 for connecting a sliding block 552 of the push spoon assembly 522 to a push spoon 554 of the push spoon assembly, and an opening (not shown) for receiving the paper buckling assembly 10. In addition, the support frame 420 includes protrusions 856 that extend into the opening 634, in which the protrusions are positioned and configured to engage the push plate 424 during use of the device to prevent further movement of a push plate 424 toward the tobacco cavity 216. Referring to FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, the tobacco cavity 216 has sloped cut edges 1015 that allow the tobacco to enter the tobacco shred cavity smoothly. Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the support frame 420 also has a frame rail 879 including one or more grooves 860 for receiving the sliding block 552 of the push spoon assembly 522 such that the sliding block can move along the frame rail.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13E and 14A-14C, the paper buckling assembly 10, shown in FIGS. 22A-22C and described in greater detail above, is assembled with the actuation assembly 536 through the connection arrangement 5. The actuation assembly 536 comprises the rotation rod 542 and the actuation member 210.

The buckling frame 11 is coupled to the support frame 420, and the filling pipe 557 is disposed adjacent to the buckling frame 11 to support the cigarette tube. The rear buckling element 12 and the front buckling element 13 are slidably disposed on the side wall of the buckling frame 11, and are connected through the elastic member 3.

The clamping cavity 4 is formed between the front buckling element 13 and the filling pipe 557. The clamping cavity 4 is a gap between the front buckling element 13 and the filling pipe 557, which allows an empty cigarette tube to be loaded onto the filling pipe 557. When the rotation rod 542 rotates, the rotation rod 542 drives the rear buckling element 12 through the connection arrangement 5, such that the rear buckling element 12 moves toward or away from the front buckling element 13.

In some embodiments, the connection arrangement 5 includes the catch member 52 of the rear buckling element 12 and the protrusion 51 disposed on the connector 2, which are engaged with each other. The connector 2 may include a cam or a rotation plate, and is disposed on an end of the rotation rod 542 away from the actuation member 210. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13E, in some embodiments, the connector 2 is a cam having a substantially circular shape and is disposed coaxially with the rotation rod. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, in some embodiments, the catch member 52 is configured as a rectangular frame disposed on an end of the rear buckling element 12 away from the front buckling element 13. In some embodiments, the catch member 52 is sleeved on or surrounds the protrusion 51, such that the protrusion 51 contacts the inner wall of the catch member 52. In some embodiments, the actuation member 210 and the rotation rod 542 rotate synchronously. The protrusion 51 rotates about the axis of the rotation rod 542, and contacts the inner wall of the catch member 52, such that the catch member 52 drives the rear buckling element 12 to move synchronously with the rotation rod 542.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the protrusion 51 is configured to follow an arc-shaped path during operation of the actuation member. During initial actuation of the actuation member 210, the protrusion 51 begins to rotate in clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 22B, with the rotation of the protrusion 51 translating to the horizontal movement of the catch member 52 to a greater extent. On the other hand, when the protrusion 51 rotates further in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 22A, the rotation of the protrusion 51 translates to the horizontal movement of the catch member 52 to a lesser extent. As such, the front buckling element 13 may apply a firm clamping force to the cigarette tube with less impact and damage to the cigarette tube. The protrusion 51 may be shaped to further control the extent and rate of the horizontal movement of the front buckling element 13. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion is arc-shaped.

In order to avoid the elastic member 3 from being displaced, a positioning assembly 6 is disposed between the front buckling element 13 and the rear buckling element 12 and is configured to limit the elastic member 3. In some embodiments, the elastic member 3 is a spring (e.g., a coil compression spring) and the positioning assembly 6 comprises a rear spring seat 61 and a front spring seat 62. The rear spring seat 61 is disposed on the rear buckling element 12, and the front spring seat 62 is disposed on the front buckling element 13. The two ends of the spring are respectively sleeved on the rear spring seat 61 and the front spring seat 62, preventing the elastic member 3 from being displaced from the paper buckling assembly 10.

In order to increase the friction between the front buckling element 13 and the cigarette tube, a gripping element 7 is disposed on an end of the front buckling element 13 away from the rear buckling element 12. The gripping element 7 is provided with a curved surface 71 facing the filling pipe 557, and the curved surface 71 is configured to fit with the outside surface of the cigarette tube. In some embodiments, the gripping element 7 comprises a rubber head for contacting with the outside surface of the cigarette tube.

In operation, the cigarette tube is sleeved onto the filling pipe 557. The actuation member 210 is rotated clockwise, and the rotation rod 542 rotates synchronously along with the actuation member 210, causing the protrusion 51 to rotate. The protrusion 51 is contacts the inner wall of the catch member 52, and drives the movement of the catch member 52. As such, the catch member 52 pushes the rear buckling element 12 to move toward the front buckling element 13. Through the elastic member 3, the rear buckling element 12 drives the movement of the front buckling element 13, causing the gripping element 7 to move toward the filling pipe 557, such that the gripping element 7 contacts the outer wall of the cigarette tube. The rear buckling element 12 can be moved further toward the front buckling element 13, causing compression of the elastic member 3. The compression of the elastic member 3 can generate elastic force, increasing the pressure exerted on the cigarette tube. By reversely rotating the actuation member 210, the paper buckling assembly 10 can operate reversely, causing the gripping element 7 to be separated from the cigarette tube.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13E, the movement of the push plate 424 and the operation of the paper buckling assembly 10 are both driven by the rotation rod 542. As such, the push plate 424 and the paper buckling assembly 10 operate synchronously when the actuation member 210 is activated to cause the rotation of the rotation rod 542. In other embodiments, the paper buckling assembly 10 can be assembled with and driven by a rotating shaft other than the rotation rod 542, where the rotating shaft is driven by, for example, a handle other than the actuation member 210. As such, the operation of the paper buckling assembly 10 can be independent from the push plate 424.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22C, the paper buckling assembly 10 includes an opening 8 for receiving the filling pipe 557. The opening 8 is in communication with the tobacco cavity 216 of the support frame 420 when the paper buckling assembly 10 is connected to the support frame 420. In some embodiments, the buckling frame 11 has apertures that are configured to receive fasteners for connecting the paper buckling assembly 10 to the support frame 420. The filling pipe 557 is attached to the opening 8 of the paper buckling assembly 10 such that an empty cigarette tube can be placed on the filling pipe 557 and be in communication with the tobacco cavity 216. The filling pipe 557 extends through the housing 201 of the machine 200 such that a user can place the empty cigarette tube onto the filling pipe 557.

Referring to FIG. 11, the actuation assembly 536 includes the actuation member 210, the rotation rod 542 fixedly attached to the actuation member, and one or more connection members 1158 fixed to the shaft. The actuation member 210 includes a handle that has an extended portion 1166 that is fixedly attached to a base member 1168, in which the base member 1168 is rotatably attached to the support frame 420. A user engages the extended portion 1166 of the actuation member to cause the base member 1168 and, consequently, the rotation rod 542 to rotate. While the actuation member 210 is shown as being a handle, it should be understood that the actuation member 210 can take any suitable form that causes the rotation rod 542 to rotate. The rotation rod 542 is disposed within the channel 640 (FIGS. 6-10) of the support frame 420 such that the rotation rod 542 can rotate within the channel 640. In certain embodiments, the actuation assembly 536 includes one or more sleeves 1162 that are mounted onto the rotation rod 542 and sized to fit in the channel 640 of the support frame 420. The sleeves 1162 and the rotation rod 542 are clamped within the channel 640 such that the sleeves and, consequently, the rotation rod 542 can rotate within the channel 640. The sleeves 1162 enable the rotation rod 542 to rotate smoothly within the channel 640. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening of the channel 640 faces the upper surface of the support frame 420, which allows for a user to easily mount the rotation rod 542 of the actuation assembly 536 into the channel in an accurate position.

The one or more connection members 1158 are configured to pivotally attach to the push plate 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the push plate 424 is attached to the connection members 1158 by a connection rod 1164. That is, the push plate 424 has one or more openings (not shown) that receive the rod 1164 such that the push plate 424 is disposed on the rod 1164, and the ends 1165 of the rod are configured to attach to the connection members 1158 of the actuation assembly 536. The connection rod 1164 can attach to the connection members 1158 by any suitable means, such as, for example, a snap-fit connection, a friction-fit connection, or any other suitable connection. Rotation of the rotation rod 542 causes the push plate 424 to move within the opening 634 (FIGS. 6-10) of the support frame 420 to push tobacco to a desired position within the tobacco cavity 216. As the push plate 424 moves past the sloped cut edges 1015 (FIG. 10) of the tobacco cavity 216 to move the tobacco to the desired position within the tobacco cavity, the engagement between the push plate 424 and the sloped cut edges 1015 causes the tobacco extending above the push plate 424 to be neatly cut such that cut tobacco is positioned within the tobacco cavity. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 17, in certain embodiments, at least one of the connection members 1158 of the actuation assembly 536 include a protruding portion 1180 that is positioned and configured to engage the control panel 1684 (FIG. 16) to start the motor 426 of the machine. The engagement between the connection member 1158 and the control panel 1684 will be described in more detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9 and 11, in some embodiments, the push plate 424 has one or more protrusions 1182 that are positioned to engage with the protrusions 856 (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the support frame 420 to prevent further movement of the push plate 424. That is, after the push plate 424 pushes the tobacco into the desired position within the tobacco cavity 216, the protrusions 1182 of the push plate 424 will engage the protrusions 856 of the support frame 420 to prevent further movement of the push plate 424. The engagement between the protrusions of the push plate 424 and the support frame 420 allows for a uniform movement of the push plate 424 within the opening 634 of the support frame. Referring to FIG. 5, in certain embodiments the machine 100 includes a positioning frame 525 that is disposed within the support frame 420 in a position adjacent to the push plate 424 such that the positioning frame 525 is positioned and configured to prevent the push plate 424 from being displaced within the support frame 420. The push plate 424 can be constructed from, for example, any one or more of plastic (e.g., food grade plastic), aluminum, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. A plastic push plate may allow for reduced friction within the device, resulting in reduced wear and reduced particle generation. In addition, a push plate 424 including food grade plastic may be advantageous due to its contact with the tobacco. The engagement of the protrusions of the push plate 424 and the support frame 420, alone or in combination with the positioning frame 545, may allow for a more uniform or less erratic movement of the push plate 424 as compared to typical cigarette manufacturing machines that include an eccentric shaft attached to an actuation member, in which the eccentric shaft causes movement of the push plate.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 8-10, and 15, in certain embodiments, the machine 200 includes a plastic strip 432 that is at least partially disposed within the tobacco cavity 216 of the support frame 420. The plastic strip 432 can be fixedly attached to the support frame 420 (e.g., by an adhesive), be removably attached to the support frame 420, or be integral to the support frame 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 420 includes a channel 848 that is configured to receive the plastic strip 432 such that the plastic strip 432 can be inserted into and removed from the channel 848. Referring to FIG. 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the plastic strip 432 has a concave shape, and the shape of the channel 848 corresponds to the concave shape of the plastic strip 432. The concave shape of the plastic strip 432 allows for tobacco that is inserted into the tobacco cavity 216 of the support frame 420 to take a cylindrical form, which corresponds to the desired shape of the cigarette that is being manufactured. In other embodiments, however, the shape of the plastic strip 432 and the channel 848 can take any suitable form that allows the tobacco to be sized and shaped to manufacture a cigarette. The plastic strip 432 can include any suitable plastic material. In certain embodiments, the plastic strip 432 includes a lubricated plastic material (e.g., a self-lubricating plastic material).

Referring to FIGS. 5-7 and 12, the push spoon assembly 522 includes sliding block 552 and a push spoon 554. The push spoon 554 is configured to move through the support frame 420 to engage tobacco in the tobacco cavity 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the push spoon 554 has a first portion 1268, a second portion 1270, and a connection element 772. The connection element 772 is configured to connect the push spoon 554 to the sliding block 552 such that movement of the sliding block 552 causes the push spoon 554 to move. In certain embodiments, the push spoon 554 is disposed within the support frame 420 and the sliding block 552 is disposed outside of the support frame 420, and the connection element 772 extends through an elongated opening 650 of the support frame 420 to connect the pushing spoon 554 to the sliding block 552. Referring to FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment the connection element 772 has an opening 774 that aligns with an opening 676 of the sliding block 552 such that a fastener (not shown) can be inserted through the aligned openings 774, 676 to connect the pushing spoon 554 to the sliding block 552.

The first portion 1268 includes an engagement surface 1274 that corresponds to the shape of the tobacco cavity 216 and is configured for engaging tobacco within the tobacco cavity 216 and moving the tobacco into cigarette tube. The second portion 1270 can have a convex outer shape that corresponds to the concave shape of the plastic strip 432 (such that the pushing spoon 554 can be easily moved along the plastic strip 432) and to the inner surface of the cigarette tube (such that the pushing spoon 554 can be inserted into the cigarette tube to move tobacco into the cigarette tube). In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion 1270 is disposed within the tobacco cavity 216 of the support frame 420, when the pushing spoon 554 is in its normal position, such that the inner shape of the second portion causes the tobacco pushed into the tobacco cavity 216 to take a cylindrical form. The pushing spoon 554 is configured to slide against the plastic strip 432 during use of the machine such that the engagement surface 1274 moves the tobacco from the tobacco cavity 216 and into cigarette tube, and the pushing spoon 554 slides back against the plastic strip 432 as the pushing spoon 554 moves back to its normal position. In certain embodiments, the plastic strip 432 includes an elongated opening 533 that aligns with the elongated opening 650 of the support frame 420 such that the pushing spoon 554 and the sliding block 552 can be connected. The plastic strip 432 may allow for a smooth movement of the pushing spoon 554 through the tobacco cavity 216 as compared to the metal material of the typical cigarette manufacturing machine. In addition, the plastic strip 432 has better wear resistance than the metal material of the typical cigarette manufacturing machine. Furthermore, the plastic strip 432 can be removable, which allows the plastic strip to be replaced after it becomes worn.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, in certain embodiments, the sliding block 552 is connected to a frame rail 879 of the support frame 420 that is external to the support frame 420. In other embodiments, the frame rail 879 can be internal to the support frame 420 such that the sliding block 552 is disposed within the interior of the support frame 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the external frame rail 879 includes two grooves 860 with opening facing away from each other, and the sliding block 552 comprises a dovetail joint that has one or more projections 778 (FIG. 7) that are configured to interlock with the corresponding grooves 860 (FIGS. 8-10) of the support frame 420 such that the sliding block 552 can be moved along the frame rail 879 of the support frame. The grooves 860 of the support frame 420 are facing an outward direction such that the sliding block 552 extends over the support frame 420 when attached thereto. That is, the sliding block 552 comprises a female connection member and the frame rail 879 comprises a male connection member. In alternative embodiments, the sliding block 552 can be a dovetail joint that has one or more outward projection, and the external frame rail 879 can include two grooves 860 with openings facing toward each other such that the support frame 420 extends over the projections of the sliding block 552 when attached thereto. That is, the sliding block 552 comprises a male connection member and the frame rail 879 comprises a female connection member. The external frame rail 879 for the sliding block 552 may effectively prevent tobacco from entering the grooves of the frame rail 879.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 16-18, machine 200 includes a motor 426 and a swing arm assembly 530. The motor 426 has a motor shaft 546 that is operatively connected to the swing arm assembly 530 (as discussed in more detail below), and the swing arm assembly is operatively connected to the push spoon assembly 522 (as discussed in more detail below). Activation of the motor 426 causes rotation of the motor shaft 546, which causes the swing arm assembly 530 to move from a normal position to a second position. The movement of the swing arm assembly 530 from the normal position to a second position causes the sliding block 552 of the pushing spoon assembly 522 to move from a normal position to a second position, and the movement of the sliding block 552 from the normal position to the second position causes the pushing spoon 554 to engage tobacco in the tobacco cavity 216 to move the tobacco into a cigarette tube.

Referring to FIGS. 16-21 and 23, the machine 100 includes the center mechanism 204, a control panel 1684, and a protection cover 1685 for the control panel. The control panel 1684 is mounted to the base 202 of the machine, and the protection cover 1685 is disposed over the control panel 1684 to provide protection to the control panel. In certain embodiments, the machine includes a shielding strip 1686 that is rotatably connected to the protection cover 1685 and positioned to engage the control panel 1684. In the illustrated embodiment, the shielding strip 1686 includes a connection element 1783 attaches to the protection cover 1685 such that the shielding strip can rotate about the connection element 1783. The connection element 1783 can take any suitable form, such as, for example, a torsion spring. A portion of the shielding strip 1686 also extends through an opening 1687 of the protection cover 1685. The center mechanism 204 is configured to connect to the protection cover 1685 such that the portion shielding strip 1686 extending through the opening 1687 is positioned to engage the swing arm assembly 530 of the center mechanism.

The control panel 1684 includes a motor start component 1688 and a motor stop component 1689. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 16-17, the motor start component 1688 is activated by the protrusion 1180 of the connection member 1158 on the rotation rod 542 of actuation assembly 536. That is, actuation of the actuation member 210 causes the rotation rod 542 and connection members 1158 to rotate, which causes the protrusion 1180 of the connection member 1158 to move through the opening 1781 of the protection cover 1685 and engage the motor start component 1688. Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the motor stop component is activated by a shielding strip bulge 1790 of the shielding strip 1786. That is, movement of the swing arm assembly 530 (caused by the motor 426) causes the shielding strip 1684 to rotate about the connection element 1783 such that the shielding strip bulge 1790 engages the motor stop component 1689. In alternative embodiments, one or more actuation members (e.g., handles, buttons, etc.) can be used to start and/or stop the motor.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21 and 23, the swing arm assembly 530 includes a base member 1991, a first connection element 2092, and a second connection element 1993. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the base 1991 includes an elongated opening 2075, a support frame connection element 1994, and a protrusion 2196. The support frame connection element 1994 is for pivotally connecting the base 1991 of the swing arm assembly 530 to the support frame 420 and can take any suitable form for pivotally connecting the swing arm assembly to the support frame 420. The protrusion 2196 is positioned to engage the shielding strip 1786 to cause the shielding strip 1786 to activate the motor stop component 1689 of the control panel 1684 and stop the motor 426 (as described in more detail below).

The first connection element 2092 is for attaching the base member 1991 to the shaft 546 of the motor 426. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection element 2092 includes an elongated member 2098 and an eccentric member 1997 fixed to the elongated member. The elongated member 2098 has an opening 2099 for attaching to the shaft 546 of the motor 426 such that movement of the motor shaft causes the elongated member 2098 to move. The eccentric member 1997 is fixed to the elongated member 2098 and configured to attach the first connection element 2092 to the base member 1991. That is, the eccentric member 1997 extends through the elongated opening 2075 such that at least a portion of the eccentric member 1997 is disposed in a first side of the base member 1991 and the elongated member 2098 is disposed on a second side of the base member 1991. The eccentric member 1997 is configured to move along the elongated opening 2075 of the base member 1991. In particular, activation of the motor 426 causes the elongated member 2098 and, consequently, the eccentric member 1997 of the connection element 2092 to move relative to the elongated opening 2075 of the base member 1991. This movement of the first connection element 2092 causes the base member 1991 to pivot relative to the support frame 420 about the support frame connection element 1994.

The second connection element 1993 is for attaching the base member 1991 to the sliding block 552 of the pushing spoon assembly 522. In the illustrated embodiment, the second connection element 1993 includes an elongated member 2077 having an opening 2081, in which the elongated member 2077 is pivotally attached to the base 1991. The opening 2081 is configured to attach to a connection element 683 (FIGS. 6-7) the sliding block 552 (FIGS. 5-7) such that movement of the base member 1991 and, consequently, the second connection member 1993 causes the sliding block 552 to move along the frame rail 879.

Referring to FIGS. 2-23, the machine 100 is used by placing tobacco into the tobacco cavity and an empty cigarette tube onto the filling pipe 557 of the paper buckling assembly 10. The user engages the actuation member 210 to rotate the rotation rod 542, causing the cigarette tube to be engaged between the gripping element 7 and the filling pipe 557. The rotation of the rotation rod 542 also causes the push plate 424 to move through the opening 634 of the support frame 420 and engage the tobacco within the tobacco cavity 216. The push plate 424 pushes the tobacco into a desired position within the tobacco cavity 216 in which the tobacco is packed in a cylindrical position against the second portion 1270 of the pushing spoon 554. The push plate 424 is prevented from moving further into the tobacco cavity 216 when the protrusion 1182 of the push plate 424 engages the protrusions 856 of the support frame 420. As the push plate 424 moves through the opening 634 of the support frame 420, the protrusion 1180 of the connection member 1158 of the rotation rod 542 of the actuation assembly 536 moves through the opening 1781 of the protection cover 1685 and engages the motor start component 1688 of the control panel 1684 to start the motor 424.

Activation of the motor 424 causes the motor shaft 546 to rotate, which causes the first connection member 2098 of the swing arm assembly 530 to move within the elongated opening 2075 of the base member 1991 of the swing arm assembly 530. The movement of the connection member 2098 within the elongated opening 2075 causes the base member 1991 to pivot relative to the support frame 420 and about the connection point between the support frame connection element 1994 and the support frame 420, which causes the second connection element 2077 of the swing arm assembly 530 and, consequently, the sliding block 552 of the push spoon assembly 522 to move from a first position to a second position. The sliding block 552 moves along the frame rail 879 of the support frame 420, which causes the pushing spoon 554 to move the tobacco within the tobacco cavity through the opening 8 of the paper buckling assembly 10 and into cigarette tube that is placed over the filling pipe 557 of the paper buckling assembly 10. The the gripping element 7 of the paper buckling assembly 10 maintains the cigarette tube on the filling pipe 557 as the cigarette tube is being filled with tobacco.

After the swing arm assembly 530 pivots to move the pushing spoon 554 and tobacco into the cigarette tube, the handle of the paper buckling assembly 10 is reversely rotated, causing the gripping element 7 to be separated from the cigarette tube such that the manufactured cigarette is released from the machine 200. Subsequently, the pushing spoon assembly 522 is retracted to its normal position, which causes the swing arm assembly 530 to move back to its normal position. The pushing spoon assembly 522 can be retracted by any suitable means, such as, for example, the pushing spoon assembly 522 can be spring-loaded. As the swing arm assembly 530 moves back to its normal position, the protrusion 2196 on the base 1991 of the swing arm assembly engages the shielding strip 1686, which causes the shielding strip to pivot about the connection element 1783 and the shielding strip bulge 1790 to engage the motor stop component 1689 to deactivate the motor 424. After the motor 424 is deactivated, the machine 200 is arranged to manufacture another cigarette.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination with exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on--may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein.

Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

PAPER BUCKLING ASSEMBLY FOR CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING MACHINE

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)