DE102013219455A1 - Method for producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry and suction conveyor device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry and to a suction conveying device (10) for producing a strand (27) of the tobacco-processing industry comprising a suction belt (11, 12). The inventive method is characterized in that in a strand process first filter segments (21) between portions (16) of loose fibers (14) are introduced and then the filter segments (21) and the portions (16) loose fibers (14) with a wrapping material strip (23) are enveloped, wherein then the thus-formed coated strand (27) is cut into rod-shaped article. The device according to the invention is characterized in that the suction belt (11, 12) has a longitudinal extension and a width, wherein sections (18) are provided in the longitudinal extent of the suction belt (11, 12), the suction air are permeable and provided portions (17) are substantially impermeable to suction air.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry and to a suction conveying device for producing a strand of the tobacco-processing industry comprising a suction belt. In addition, the invention relates to a strand device of the tobacco processing industry for the production of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry.

In the production of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, such as filter cigarettes or multi-segment filters, which are used for further processing into filter cigarettes, the individual components are usually produced on different devices or machines and assembled in another device. This is relatively expensive. In addition, it is now the case in filter production that filters made of, for example, cellulose acetate are relatively costly, since the material itself has become relatively expensive. It is therefore desired to provide more cost effective filters available.

Out DE 33 23 630 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for conveying and combining rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is known. Here wrapped tobacco sticks with filter sections in a strand process, that is, in a longitudinal axial promotion, assembled and wrapped with a wrapping material. To provide wrapped tobacco sticks, however, an additional stranding machine is necessary, which thus also causes further costs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus as well as a corresponding use, by means of which with little machinery and thus inexpensive rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or multi-segment filters, can be produced.

This object is achieved by a method for producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, wherein in a strand process first filter segments between portions of loose fibers are introduced and then the filter segments and the portions of loose fibers are wrapped with a wrapping material strip, wherein then the thus formed enveloped Strand is cut to length into rod-shaped articles.

By the method according to the invention, rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry can be produced with a single machine operating in a stranding process. These may preferably be filter cigarettes or multi-segment filters. The portions of loose fibers or the fibers themselves may be, for example, tobacco fibers or filter fibers, for example staple fibers, which preferably have a vegetable base, such as cellulose. The filter segments may be, for example, cellulose acetate filter segments. By combining this filter segment with cheap staple fibers, the overall result is a favorable filter for filter cigarettes. For example, the filter segment of cellulose acetate can then be arranged on the mouth-side end, since staple fiber filters or filter fibers are relatively poorly suited as a mouth-side end segment. Thus, for example, a single machine, namely an extrusion machine, can easily and inexpensively produce multi-segment filters or filter cigarettes.

The portions of loose fibers are preferably formed by shaking fibers on a suction conveyor. In the context of the invention, the term "shuddering" is understood as meaning both a shuddering in a direction opposite to the force of gravity and a shuddering in the direction of gravity, the direction being opposite to the force of gravity or with a component against the force of gravity being the preferred variant. The Aufschauern of fibers on a suction conveyor and in particular a suction belt is for example in the EP 1 698 241 A1 , of the DE 10 2005 038 729 A1 or DE 10 2010 040 949 A1 described.

Preferably, a suction conveyor is a suction line conveyor. Preferably, the suction conveyor device for forming portions of loose fibers in the conveying direction of the suction conveyor alternately suction air permeable and suction air impermeable areas. In this way, it is possible to accumulate portions of loose fibers on the suction conveyor, which are provided at a distance from each other. The distance is preferably predeterminable and particularly preferably adjustable. The then not occupied with fibers parts of the suction conveyor and the distances provided there between the portions of loose fibers can then be filled with filter segments, for example.

Preferably, the filter segments are placed on the suction conveyor and / or introduced after or on transfer of the portions of loose fibers on a wrapping material strip. The introduction of the filter segments on the suction conveyor in the gaps between the portions of loose fibers has the advantage that no loose fibers can occur in the region of the filter segments. For this reason, the gaps between the portions of loose fibers can be adjusted relatively accurately to the length of the filter segments. Are the filter segments after the transfer of the portion of loose fibers on a wrapping material strip introduced or applied, the distances between the portions of loose fibers are preferably slightly larger than the filter segments to be introduced, since the portions of loose fibers extend in the transfer to the wrapping material strip in the longitudinal direction. The filter segments are inserted at a slightly higher speed, so that the portions of loose fibers are pushed together to the predetermined length.

Alternatively, the filter segments are applied to a wrapping material strip, for example glued, upstream. the union of the wrapping material strip with the portions of loose fibers. For example or alternatively, the filter segments are applied to the wrapping material strip, for example glued and conveyed with the wrapping material strip in the input area of a format device and combined there with the portions of loose fibers. Preferably, for this purpose, adhesive, for example a glue, is applied intermittently to the wrapping material.

Preferably, the loose fibers are tobacco fibers or filter fibers. With the provision of loose fibers in the form of tobacco fibers, it is possible to produce filter cigarettes very cheaply and with little mechanical effort. With the provision of filter fibers such as cellulose fibers, multisegment filters can be produced in such a cost-effective manner.

After wrapping the strand formed from portions of loose fibers and filter segments by a wrapping material strip, this strand is cut to length into a predefinable length of rod-shaped articles, for example cut. For example, from the longitudinal axial promotion double-length filter cigarettes with end filter segments or with end-side filter can be dispensed, which must then be cut in a cross-axial process only once in the middle by the tobacco rod so as to be able to deliver filter cigarettes. However, it can also be made in a strand process, ie in a longitudinal axial promotion of the strand directly corresponding cuts to cut filter cigarettes simple use length and then to submit directly. As a result, the mechanical complexity is further reduced, for example by omitting a transfer device from a longitudinal axial in a transverse axial conveying direction and by omitting corresponding cutting drums and preferably also helical drums. It can also be appropriate strands, consisting of filter segments or filter materials, cut to be able to deliver single or multi-length multi-segment filter.

The object is further achieved by the use of a suction conveyor for producing a strand of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the suction conveyor in the conveying direction alternately suction air permeable sections and suction air impermeable sections. By using such a suction conveying device, it is very efficiently possible to produce low-cost rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, as already explained above.

Preferably, the sections can be predetermined in the conveying direction. Preferably, the sections in the conveying direction at least five millimeters to a maximum of 120 millimeters long. The sections are also preferably adjustable, for example in that the elements which provide the Saugluftundurchlässigkeit the suction air impermeable portions are variable in size. Preferably, the sections are at least 10 millimeters to a maximum of 90 millimeters long. The sections are preferably adapted to the desired length of the filter segments to be introduced and the portions of loose fibers. Preferably, the suction air permeable portions and the suction air impermeable portions are the same length.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the suction air permeable portions and the suction air impermeable portions are of different lengths. For producing various multi-segment filters or other type of multi-segment filters, the suction-air-permeable sections and / or the suction-air impermeable sections may also have different lengths, for example every second suction-air impermeable section may have a different length.

For example, the one which is a first suction air impermeable portion in an order may have a length l1, and a following suction air impermeable portion may have a length l2 which is a length other than the length l1. Then, the next suction-air impermeable portion again have a length l1, which then again followed by a suction-air impermeable portion with a length l2.

The intervening suction air permeable portions may have a length l3, which is equal to each other and the same or different to l1 and l2.

Furthermore, the suction-air permeable sections may also have different lengths. In this case, for example, lengths l3 and l4 may alternately alternate, where l4 then has a length other than l3. The length of the sections may also be preferably 20 millimeters to 40 Millimeters and preferably between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

The widths of the suction air permeable portions and suction air impermeable portions are preferably the same size.

The object is further achieved by a suction conveyor for producing a strand of the tobacco processing industry comprising a suction belt, wherein the suction belt has a longitudinal extent and a width, wherein in the longitudinal extension of the suction belt sections are provided, the suction air are permeable and portions are provided which essentially impermeable to suction air.

A section is to be understood in the context of the invention also an area.

By means of the suction conveying device according to the invention, it is possible to produce rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry efficiently and inexpensively. The suction conveyor preferably comprises an endless suction belt, which is deflected around deflection rollers. Corresponding suction belts are basically known in the showers of the tobacco processing industry.

Preferably, a plurality of sections are provided, wherein the suction air permeable sections alternate with the suction air impermeable sections. In this way, sections can be alternately provided on which portions of loose fibers can be thrown and held, wherein these sections or sections are correspondingly spaced apart from each other, that a gap is formed, in which, for example, filter elements can be introduced.

Preferably, a suction belt is included, which is partially impermeable suction air. To provide suction-air-impermeable sections, for example, a conventional suction belt may be provided with silicone in these sections or with a corresponding plastic. It can also be provided so closely woven or laid stitches of Saugbandmaterials that substantially or no suction air can pass through. It can also be sewn on a corresponding suction air impermeable or substantially suction air impermeable fabric, glued or otherwise applied to the suction belt.

Preferably, a suction belt and an outboard or inboard on the suction belt arranged accompanying belt is provided, wherein the trailing band suction air impermeable portions and suction air permeable portions. The idler belt can thus be arranged below or above the suction belt. The position outside or inside preferably refers to the relative arrangement of the moving belt to the suction belt. The suction belt runs, for example, around two guide rollers.

Preferably, a suction belt and at least one, in particular two, with the suction belt orbiting channel cheek or channel cheeks are provided, wherein the channel cheek or the channel cheeks in sections, the suction belt has sealing elements or have. The channel cheeks are then preferably arranged laterally of the suction belt, run with the suction belt and accordingly have sealing elements such as tight-fitting humps or tightly closing projections which extend above or below the suction belt.

Preferably, a strand device of the tobacco-processing industry for the production of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, a suction conveyor, which is characterized above as according to the invention or preferably.

Preferably, the rod-shaped articles are filter cigarettes or multi-segment filters.

In the context of the invention, the portions of loose fibers, which are brought together with filter segments, uncovered or uncoated portions of loose fibers or fiber portions.

In order to produce fiber portions on a rod making machine of the tobacco-processing industry and subsequently to be able to combine with filter segments, for example acetate stoppers, on the same machine, fiber portions are chewed onto a suction belt of an extrusion machine of the tobacco-processing industry in which the suction belt is partially closed. Between the fiber portions are either still in the suction channel, preferably from below, inserted filter segments or in a formatting device in which the strand is wrapped with a wrapping material from above, and that before closing the sheath. The insertion of the filter segments is done via an insertion device, preferably a Einlegead, which preferably holds the filter segments horizontally.

Alternatively, the insertion of the filters or the combining of the filter segments with the fiber portions is done so that filter segments applied to a wrapping material strip of tobacco processing industry, for example, glued, and inserting the filter segments by conveying the wrapping material strip in the inlet region of a format device and Matching the filter segments with the fiber portions happens. In this case, the filter segments are applied at a distance on the wrapping material strip and in the gaps in each case the fiber portions are introduced.

Preferably, two or more webs are provided to form strands of filter segments and fibers.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

1 a schematic view of a strand device according to the invention,

2 a schematic view of a strand device according to the invention in another embodiment, and

3 a schematic view of a further strand device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

1 schematically shows a strand machine according to the invention or a part of a strand machine according to the invention in a schematic view.

In a separating device, not shown, loose fibers or finite fibers, which may also be referred to as staple fibers, formed and in a suction shaft 15 brought in. The fibers 14 be in the suction shaft 15 in 1 sucked up and get to a suction belt 11 , which is promoted all around. On the suction belt 11 the suction conveyor 10 Normally, a uniform fiber cake would pop up in the conveying direction 19 getting stronger or fatter. In the embodiment of 1 However, it is a masking tape 13 provided, which is also circulating promoted and sections or segments of the suction belt 11 covers, so that there is no suction air can pass through. The conveying speed of the cover band 13 corresponds to that of the suction belt 11 ,

The as closure sections 17 designated sections have the consequence that there are no fibers in these sections 14 to the suction belt 11 attach. This results in fiber portions 16 , which are spaced from each other, with a distance which the length of the closure portions of the cover strip 13 equivalent. In conveying direction 19 of the suction belt 11 is downstream of the suction shaft 15 the masking tape 13 with the closure sections 17 from the suction belt 11 solved and become filter segments 21 from below onto the suction belt 11 applied and in that the closure sections 17 were removed by suction.

The filter segments 21 be by means of a loading wheel 20 in the conveying direction 26 of the loader wheel 20 promoted and in the gaps between the fiber portion 16 brought in. It creates such a strand 27 from alternating filter segments and fiber portions. This strand 27 is then applied to an unillustrated wrapping material and by a format device, which is also in 1 not shown, promoted to be wrapped there by the wrapping material.

To provide defined positions of the filter segments and the fiber portions, the Einlegerad 20 operated at a slightly higher speed than the conveying speed of the suction belt 11 is. The speed of the inserted filter segments 21 is thus slightly higher than the speed of the suction belt 11 arranged fiber portions 16 , This will avoid gaps between the filter segments 21 and the fiber portions 16 arise.

2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the filter segments become 21 that have a length y through the insert wheel 20 from above the wrapping material strip 23 in the area of the format device 22 in the forming strand 27 brought in. The distances of the suction belt 12 arranged fiber portions 16 is represented by x. There are also closure sections here 17 ,

The suction belt 12 in the embodiment according to. 2 is different than the suction belt 11 gem. 1 , It is a suction belt on which the impermeable sections themselves are provided. This can be done for example by applied silicone or air impermeable tissue. It thus change shutter sections 17 and permeable sections 18 from. At the permeable sections 18 then form in the suction shaft 15 the fiber portions 16 , These are downstream of the suction shaft 15 with a trimmer 24 , which is only schematically indicated, trimmed, leaving an exact amount of fibers in the fiber portion 16 can be provided.

Then they arrive on the suction belt 12 by suction air adhering fiber portions 16 in the inlet area of the format device 22 and in particular also by the inlet finger 25 separated from the suction belt. Subsequently, the filter segments arrive 21 in the formed gaps between the fiber portions 16 , which then followed by a wrapping material around the strand thus formed 27 is wound and glued. Subsequently, the rod-shaped articles are then cut to length, for example by providing a cut.

Again, in the strand device 28 according to the embodiment according to 2 is preferably the rotational speed of the filter segments 21 , which are preferably held horizontally in this example, slightly higher than the conveying speed of the fiber portions 16 during insertion of the filter segments 21 in the gaps between the fiber portions 16 , This is the conveying speed of the wrapping material strip 23 slightly lower than the circulation speed of the filter segments 21 ,

It can also be provided a version in which a follower channel cheek the closure sections 17 allows. In this case, corresponding to the channel cheek corresponding closure elements over the width of the suction belt. Running channel cheeks are eg off EP 1 125 509 A1 known.

The invention offers the possibility of producing multi-segment filters or filter cigarettes with a single and cost-effective machine in a single-strand process. For this purpose, the suction belt is closed in segments or sections. For example, a conventional suction belt may be offset with silicone rubber in the corresponding closure areas. The gaps between the fiber portions 16 are preferably slightly larger than the length of a filter segment, for example in the range of 1/10 millimeters. Between the fiber portions 16 either filter in the suction channel from below, preferably in a region in which no more fibers are introduced into the suction channel, so in the conveying direction of the suction belt downstream of the Aufschauerbereiches of fibers filter plug or filter segments inserted.

Alternatively, the filter segments in the format device may be sandwiched between the fiber portions 16 be inserted. Here, the peripheral speed of Einlegerades or the peripheral speed of the filter segments to be inserted is slightly higher than that of the suction belt or the format strip or arranged on the format strip wrapping material strip, whereby the filter segment lying in the conveying direction in front of him fiber portion 16 pushing, thereby ensuring that there are no gaps between the fiber portions 16 and the filter segments arises.

3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the invention. The difference from the embodiment according to 2 is that in this case filter segments 21 on a wrapping material strip 23 applied upstream of the inlet region of a formatting device, for example, glued. The filter segments glued at a distance or applied 21 be in the inlet area of the format device with the fiber portions 16 united, leaving no gaps between the fiber portions 16 and the filter segments 21 arise. The loading device 20 is to be designed so that the filter segments 21 parallel to the barrel of the wrapping material strip 23 be applied to this. So that the filter segments 21 on the wrapping material strip 23 hold, by means of a glue nozzle 29 , For example, glue, intermittently or with a corresponding distance provided on the wrapping material strip 23 applied.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are identified by "particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 Suction conveyor

11

 suction belt

12

 Suction belt with impermeable sections

13

 masking tape

14

 fibers

15

 suction well

16

 fiber portion

17

 closure portion

18

 permeable section

19

 conveying direction

20

 loading device

21

 filter segment

22

 format device

23

 wrapping material

24

 trimmer

25

 intake finger

26

 direction of rotation

27

 strand

28

 train assembly

29

 glue nozzle

x

 distance

y

length

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3323630 A1 [0003]
• EP 1698241 A1 [0007]
• DE 102005038729 A1 [0007]
• DE 102010040949 A1 [0007]
• EP 1125509 A1 [0048]

Claims (14)

Method for producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, wherein in a strand method first filter segments ( 21 ) between portions ( 16 ) loose fibers ( 14 ) and then the filter segments ( 21 ) and the portions ( 16 ) loose fibers ( 14 ) with a wrapping material strip ( 23 ), the subsequently formed coated strand ( 27 ) is cut to length in rod-shaped articles. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the portions ( 16 ) loose fibers ( 14 ) by shuddering of fibers ( 14 ) to a suction conveyor ( 10 ) are formed. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the suction conveying device ( 10 ) for making portions ( 16 ) loose fibers ( 14 ) in the conveying direction ( 19 ) of the suction conveyor ( 10 ) alternately suction air permeable and suction air impermeable portions ( 17 . 18 ) having. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the filter segments ( 21 ) on the suction conveyor ( 10 ) and / or after or when the portions ( 16 ) loose fibers ( 14 ) on a wrapping material strip ( 23 ) are introduced. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the loose fibers ( 14 ) Tobacco fibers or filter fibers are. Use of a suction conveyor ( 10 ) for producing a strand ( 27 ) of the tobacco processing industry, the suction conveying device ( 10 ) in the conveying direction ( 19 ) alternating suction air permeable sections ( 18 ) and suction air impermeable sections ( 17 ) having. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that the sections ( 17 . 18 ) in the conveying direction ( 19 ) are at least five millimeters to a maximum of 120 millimeters long. Suction conveyor device ( 10 ) for producing a strand ( 27 ) of the tobacco processing industry comprising a suction belt ( 11 . 12 ), characterized in that the suction belt ( 11 . 12 ) comprises a longitudinal extent and a width, wherein in the longitudinal extent of the suction belt ( 11 . 12 ) Sections ( 18 ) are provided, the suction air are permeable and sections ( 17 ) are provided, which are substantially impermeable to suction. Suction conveyor device ( 10 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that several sections ( 17 . 18 ) are provided, wherein the suction air permeable sections ( 18 ) with the suction air impermeable portions ( 17 ) alternate. Suction conveyor device ( 10 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a suction belt ( 12 ) is included, that in sections suction air is impermeable. Suction conveyor device ( 10 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a suction belt ( 11 ) and an outside or inside of the suction belt ( 11 ) arranged traveling band ( 13 ) are provided, wherein the trailing band ( 13 ) Suction air impermeable and suction air permeable sections ( 17 . 18 ) having. Suction conveyor device ( 10 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a suction belt ( 11 ) and at least one, in particular two, with the suction belt ( 11 ) is provided or are contiguous channel cheek or channel cheeks, wherein the channel cheek or channel cheeks ( 11 ) has in sections the suction belt sealing elements or have. Strand device ( 28 ) of the tobacco processing industry for the production of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry with a suction conveying device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 8 to 12. Strand device ( 28 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the rod-shaped articles are filter cigarettes or multi-segment filters.

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