Device for feeding filter rods in a filter tip attachment machine

Abstract

In a filter tip attachment machine, filter rods ( 2 ) are taken up from a hopper by a roller ( 5 ) furnished with longitudinal flutes ( 7 ), each accommodating one rod ( 2 ) and operating in conjunction with one or more rotating disc cutters ( 11 ) by which the rods ( 2 ) are divided into two or more plugs ( 10 ); the flutes ( 7 ) are sectional, incorporated into a set of axially slidable modules ( 17, 20, 23 ) ensheathing the take-up roller ( 5 ) and adjustable for position along the rolling surface according to the number of plugs ( 10 ) that will be cut from the rod ( 2 ), or to the length of the single plug ( 10 ), or both.

1 ) A device for feeding filter rods ( 2 ) in a filter tip attachment machine, comprising a take-up roller ( 5 ) presenting longitudinal flutes ( 7 ) each serving to take up and retain a respective filter rod ( 2 ), on which the rods ( 2 ) are directable along a predetermined feed path (P) through cross cuttings means ( 9 ) and dividable transversely into plugs ( 10 ) before being transferred to staggering means ( 13 ), characterized in that the roller ( 5 ) comprises means ( 40 ) by which to adjust the axial position of the flutes ( 7 ).  
   
   
       2 ) A device as in  claim 1 , comprising at least two first modules ( 17 ) affording grooves ( 24 ,  25 ) presented by a central portion of each flute ( 7 ), adjustable between positions distanced from and breasted with one another through the agency of the adjustment means ( 40 ) in such a way as to create a first gap ( 58 ), when in the breasted position, afforded by each flute ( 7 ) and accommodating the passage of the cutting means ( 9 ).  
   
   
       3 ) A device as in  claim 2 , wherein each of the first modules ( 17 ) affords a second gap ( 59 ) accommodating the passage of the cutting means ( 9 ).  
   
   
       4 ) A device as in  claim 2 , comprising second modules ( 20 ) affording grooves ( 26 ,  27 ) presented by intermediate portions of each flute ( 7 ) and capable of movement as one with the first modules ( 17 ), wherein each second module ( 20 ) combines with the relative first module ( 17 ) to create a respective second gap ( 59 ) afforded by each flute ( 7 ) and accommodating the passage of the cutting means ( 9 ).  
   
   
       5 ) A device as in  claim 4 , wherein the second gaps ( 59 ) are disposed symmetrically in relation to the first gap ( 58 ).  
   
   
       6 ) A device as in  claim 4 , comprising tension means ( 31 ) by which the second modules ( 20 ) are held in contact with the first modules ( 17 ).  
   
   
       7 ) A device as in  claim 6 , wherein the tension means ( 31 ) comprise spring means ( 32 ,  33 ).  
   
   
       8 ) A device as in  claim 4 , comprising third modules ( 23 ) affording grooves ( 28 ,  29 ) presented by end portions of each flute ( 7 ), disposed symmetrically in relation to the first and second modules ( 17 ,  20 ).  
   
   
       9 ) A device as in  claim 3 , comprising cross cutting means ( 9 ) consisting in one or more disc cutters ( 11 ) rotatable about axes parallel to the axis ( 6 ) of the take-up roller ( 5 ), wherein the axial positions of the first and second gaps ( 58 ,  59 ) are dependent on the number and position of the disc cutters ( 11 ).  
   
   
       10 ) A device as in  claim 4 , wherein adjustment means ( 40 ) comprise at least first motion-inducing means ( 41 ) associated with the first modules ( 17 ) and coupled to a first common transmission component ( 45 ).  
   
   
       11 ) A device as in  claim 10 , wherein adjustment means ( 40 ) further comprise second motion-inducing means ( 48 ) associated with the third modules ( 23 ) and coupled to a second common transmission component ( 52 ).  
   
   
       12 ) A device as in  claim 10 , wherein the first motion-inducing means ( 41 ) comprise a plurality of first threaded rods ( 42 ,  43 ) coupled to the first modules ( 17 ) by way of lead screw assemblies and presenting respective toothed heads ( 44 ), and the first common transmission component ( 45 ) comprises a first ring gear ( 46 ) concentric with the take-up roller ( 5 ) and in mesh with the toothed heads ( 44 ) of the single threaded rods ( 42 ,  43 ).  
   
   
       13 ) A device as in  claim 11 , wherein the second motion-inducing means ( 48 ) comprise a plurality of second threaded rods ( 49 ,  50 ) coupled to the third modules ( 23 ) by way of lead screw assemblies and presenting respective toothed heads ( 51 ), and the second common transmission component ( 52 ) comprises a second ring gear ( 53 ) concentric with the take-up roller ( 5 ) and in mesh with the toothed heads ( 51 ) of the single threaded rods ( 49 ,  50 ).  
   
   
       14 ) A device as in  claim 13 , comprising coupling means to which a tool can be fitted for the purpose of operating and adjusting the first and second common transmission components ( 45 ,  52 ).  
   
   
       15 ) A device as in  claim 14 , wherein tool coupling means consist in a socket ( 56 ) afforded by one end of at least one of the first threaded rods ( 42 ,  43 ), and a socket ( 56 ) afforded by one end of at least one of the second threaded rods ( 49 ,  50 ).  
   
   
       16 ) A device as in  claim 4 , wherein the first, second and third modules ( 17 ,  20 ,  23 ) combine to create voids ( 60 ) allowing the insertion and passage of take-up means associated with the staggering means ( 13 ).  
   
   
       17 ) A device as in  claim 2 , comprising alignment rings ( 61 ) associated coaxially with the fluted take-up roller ( 5 ) and positioned at the opposite ends of the flutes ( 7 ).