EP1226765A2 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple compartment filters - Google Patents

Abstract

At least two portions of filter material (20, 26, 27, 30) are introduced into a filter sleeve (11) in a single step operation. Independent claims are also included for (a) multi-segment filters made by this method, (b) the production apparatus, comprising a filter sleeve feed device (10) and at least one transport device (12) for introducing the filter material into the sleeves and then transporting them to another processing station, and (c) a production system comprising a filter sleeve feed device (10), at least one transport device transporting the sleeves over a given path, and at least one further processing station for introducing two or more filter material portions into at least one filter sleeve.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing Multiple filters and a device for manufacturing of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry, the device being a filter sleeve feed element, at least one transport element in which Filter sleeves can be inserted and by means of which Filter sleeves of at least one processing station are fed, includes. The invention further relates to the use of pre-assembled filter sleeves for Manufacture of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry, a corresponding filter sleeve for the production of multiple filters for products of tobacco processing industry and a multiple filter manufacturing system for tobacco processing products Industry that uses a filter cartridge feeder Feeding filter sleeves and a transport system to the Transporting the filter sleeves on a predeterminable Trajectory includes.

Method and device for producing multiple filters are, for example, from DE-AS 17 82 364 of the applicant, the a device for producing filter granules containing filters with the name "Bernhard" der Applicant who is known in specialist circles describes. DE-AS 17 82 364 corresponds to GB 1,243,977 and US 3,603,058 multiple filters, also multi-segment filters are made up of at least two filter elements and typically up to eight filter elements, which can be in any order. In a sleeve formed into a tube will be different Filter elements or segments arranged. these can its soft filter elements, such as cellulose acetate, paper, Fleece or relatively hard filter elements such as granules, sintered elements, hollow cylinders or hollow chambers and Capsules and the like. The corresponding filter materials do not have to be 100% made of one material. This can for example also be mixed materials such as a Granules in a cellulose acetate. Here in particular thought of granular materials such as activated carbon. Depending on the materials used and the filter segment order there are many different properties corresponding multiple filter, which preferably end of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing Industry are attachable.

DE-AS 17 82 364 is a granule filling machine known filters containing granules and in particular Produces triple filters. Under triple filter is understood a filter that represents a filter that consists of there are three filter segments, the filling machine "Bernhard" a triple filter twice the working length manufactures, which then for cigarette production between two elongated ones wrapped in cigarette paper Articles containing tobacco are arranged to be in the Middle to be cut so that two with filters provided cigarettes arise. In DE-AS 17 82 364 is a continuously rotating conveyor with recordings for filter sleeves disclosed, the filter sleeves transversely axially. During cross-axial conveying are alternating filter plugs that last from a longer one Filter rod are cut off and granules in the Introduced sleeve. The filter plugs are transferred namely plunger, inserted into the sleeve. The granules fall under the influence of gravity in the sleeve.

The relatively many operating steps on the machine "Bernhard", with relatively wide movements in particular must be carried out leads to a limitation of Performance of those described in DE-AS 17 82 364 Granule filling machine. With the ever higher performances of cigarette making machines, it is desirable also the production of appropriate filters to accelerate. It is therefore the task of the present Invention, a method and a device and a Specify multiple filter manufacturing system using the the production volume of multiple filters increased becomes.

• Zuführen einer Filterhülse in eine vorgebbare Position und,
• Einführen von Filtermaterial in vorgebbaren Portionen, wobei wenigstens zwei Portionen der Filtermaterialien in einem Verfahrensschritt in die Filterhülse eingeführt werden.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for producing multiple filters for products in the tobacco processing industry with the following method steps:

• Feeding a filter sleeve into a predeterminable position and,
• Introducing filter material in predeterminable portions, at least two portions of the filter materials being introduced into the filter sleeve in one process step.

The inventive method, it is possible Filter manufacturing speed of a filter manufacturing machine to increase significantly. Within the scope of this invention the term "multiple filter" also includes the term "Multi-segment filter", with at least two segments in the filter are included. The segments can be of different types Materials like cellulose acetate, Paper, fleece, granules, sintered elements, hollow cylinders or hollow chambers, capsules, etc. In the context of Invention will be at least two segments essentially formed simultaneously in the filter sleeve. It So this is the training of several Segments by transferring multiple servings of Filter material. Preferably, the filter sleeve is in an insertion process fully filled or always in two portions or triple portions, in which preferably at the bottom a soft element, such as cellulose acetate, paper and the like. and a granulate or more another soft element is arranged above it. A final method step can also preferably be carried out be carried out in which only one Filter material in one portion in the filter sleeve is introduced.

In a first method step, a Filter sleeve provided and / or manufactured. Preferably, the filter sleeve is exclusively from one side filled, creating a simple design a corresponding device for the production of Multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry is possible. If preferably the filter sleeve filling from two sides, the filling speed be further increased. This is preferred one half each with a filling step or in several filling steps in which packages, through which several segments are formed be filled up.

The filter sleeve is preferably used to fill two Pages turned. In this case the feed is Filter sleeve preferably designed such that in the A filter element is arranged in the middle. So it will preferably with a pre-assembled filter sleeve a filter element in the middle. Further preferably the filter sleeve for filling on a Predeterminable trajectory at least partially transversely led, resulting in a quick procedure and simple constructive elements of a corresponding Have the furnishings implemented. Further preferably the filter material is inserted with a vertical motion component. By this preferably Embodiments of the invention are compact devices or filter manufacturing machines can be implemented.

The filter sleeve is preferably formed in a preceding method step. The filter sleeve is preferably wrapping material sections or tubular wrappings formed into tubes. The filter material segments are or are preferably
Filter material segments formed, the alternating granular material and, in particular gas-permeable, limiting pieces, such as soft elements made of cellulose acetate, paper or nonwoven or the like. exhibit. An n-fold multiple filter is preferably formed, where n is a natural even number that is greater than 1. An n-fold multiple filter means a filter n times the working length. So this is an n-fold multiple filter, where the "multiple" stands for several segments.

A multiple filter is preferably according to one of the ones described above Process manufactured.

The invention is further through a device for Manufacture of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry solved that a filter cartridge feeder and at least one transport element, in the filter sleeves can be inserted and by means of which Filter sleeves can be fed to at least one processing station are solved, which is further developed in that at least two in at least one processing station Portions of the filter materials in one processing step can be inserted into at least one filter sleeve. Preferably two portions can be inserted, if the servings in one processing station in more are insertable as a filter sleeve. By the invention Design of the facility for manufacturing of multiple filters is a very quick procedure possible.

Preferably, a rotating device for rotating the Filter sleeve provided as a processing station. By this embodiment of the invention, the filling be done even faster because the movements, the feed or filling organs must carry out, can be kept relatively short.

This is preferably at least one transport element at least one continuously circulating conveyor, the promotes the filter sleeves axially. If preferred the at least one processing station on a single Arranged conveyor can be a very compact Furnishings can be realized. A modular structure is possible if the conveyors have at least one processing station assigned. If the sponsors maximum a processing station is assigned is a particularly modular structure of the facility.

A plurality of conveyors are preferably provided, of which at least one at least one processing station is assigned, and of which at least one is only one Processing station is assigned. With this preferential Embodiment of the invention is a good compromise between a compact facility and a sufficient one Modularity given.

A filter material feed station is preferably provided, these two rotatable and eccentrically arranged Comprises disks, each having bores, the holes of one disc and the holes the other disc in one place can be aligned. By means of this filter material feed station is a very accurate dosage of For example, filter granulate possible.

Preferably there is at least one filter material feed station provided, these at least one sliding element, which is provided with holes, and / or at least one lever element provided with holes is included. By means of this filter material feed station is a simple and quick handling of filter material possible. Preferably the above are two filter material feed stations to a filter material feed station put together at the then different feeding methods can be used.

A particularly simple implementation of the invention Setup is given when a filter material loading station is provided, the at least one first transfer means, in particular at least one Tappet, which comprises at least two portions of the filter materials in one step in the filter sleeve brings. The filter material insertion station can preferably with a filter material feed station overlap.

Preferably at least one second transfer means provided that from the opposite side the filter sleeve as a counter bearing to the at least one first transfer means acts. The transfer agent can even filter material into the filter sleeve introduce this does not necessarily have to.

Preferably at least one filter sleeve with at least two holes can be aligned axially.

The invention is further accomplished by a multiple filter manufacturing system for tobacco processing products Industry with a filter sleeve feeder for Feeding filter sleeves and a transport system to the Transporting the filter sleeves on a predeterminable Trajectory and at least one processing station solved, which is further developed in that in the at least one processing station in one processing step at least two servings of the filter material can be introduced into at least one filter sleeve.

Provided portions of filter material in several filter sleeves be introduced or can be introduced preferably at least two servings of each Filter materials introduced or can be introduced. Preferably, the filter manufacturing system further developed that as a processing station Rotating device provided for rotating the filter sleeves is. This preferred configuration of the filter production system can be a particularly fast procedure to be possible. If preferably that Transport system at least one continuously rotating Has conveyor, the filter sleeves axially is a particularly simple implementation of the Filter manufacturing system possible.

If preferably the at least one processing station assigned to at least one sponsor is one modular design possible. A very compact filter manufacturing system is given if preferred a single conveyor is provided, at least a processing station is assigned. A special one A highly modular system is given when several sponsors are provided, each of which at most a processing station is assigned.

The one manufactured and distributed by the applicant Filter manufacturing machine or device for manufacturing of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry provides approximately 1,200 double filters Length of use. With the device according to the invention it is possible to have 5,000 multiple filters in duplicate Manufacture working length. The advantage of the invention The solution is particularly clear.

Fig. 1

eine Schnittdarstellung einer Übergabestation in einem ersten Verfahrensstadium,

Fig. 2

die Übergabestation aus Fig. 1 in einem weiteren Verfahrensstadium,

Fig. 3 bis Fig. 8

die Übergabestation aus Fig. 1 und 2 in fortlaufenden Verfahrensstadien,

Fig. 9

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform einer Übergabestation,

Fig. 10

ein Granulat-Zuführelement in Seitenansicht (Fig. 10a) und in Aufsicht (Fig. 10b),

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung einer Filterherstellmaschine in Aufsicht,

Fig. 12

eine schematische Aufsicht auf Elemente einer weiteren Filterherstellmaschine,

Fig. 13

schematisch die jeweilige Anordnung bzw. Lage von einer Filterhülse und einem Filterelement sowie einem entsprechenden Stößel in fortlaufender Bearbeitung,

Fig. 14

linke Seite: ein Dreifachfilter doppelter Gebrauchslänge,
rechte Seite: eine schematische Darstellung einer modular aufgebauten Filterherstellmaschine, mit der der links dargestellte Filter herstellbar ist,

Fig. 15

links: ein Vierfachfilter doppelter Gebrauchslänge, und rechts: eine schematische Darstellung einer Filterherstellmaschine, mit der der links dargestellte Filter herstellbar ist.

Fig. 16

eine Schnittdarstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Übergabestation mit im Vergleich zu dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 1 - 8 weiteren Merkmalen,

Fig. 17

eine schematische Seitenansicht von Funktionselementen zur Zufuhr von Filtermaterial und zur Entnahme von Multisegmentfiltern bzw. Mehrfachfiltern in einem Ausführungsbeispiel, und

Fig. 18

eine schematische Darstellung der Filterelemente im Verlauf der Bearbeitung gemäß der Fig. 17.

The invention is described below without restricting the general inventive concept on the basis of exemplary embodiments, to which reference is expressly made with regard to all details according to the invention which are not explained in more detail in the text. Show it:

Fig. 1

3 shows a sectional illustration of a transfer station in a first process stage,

Fig. 2

1 in a further process stage,

3 to 8

1 and 2 in continuous process stages,

Fig. 9

another embodiment of a transfer station according to the invention,

Fig. 10

a granulate feed element in side view (Fig. 10a) and in plan view (Fig. 10b),

Fig. 11

1 shows a schematic illustration of a filter manufacturing machine in supervision,

Fig. 12

1 shows a schematic top view of elements of a further filter manufacturing machine,

Fig. 13

schematically the respective arrangement or location of a filter sleeve and a filter element and a corresponding plunger in continuous processing,

Fig. 14

left side: a triple filter twice the working length,
right side: a schematic representation of a modular filter manufacturing machine with which the filter shown on the left can be produced,

Fig. 15

left: a quadruple filter twice the working length, and right: a schematic representation of a filter manufacturing machine with which the filter shown on the left can be produced.

Fig. 16

3 shows a sectional illustration of a further embodiment of a transfer station with further features in comparison to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1-8,

Fig. 17

is a schematic side view of functional elements for the supply of filter material and for the removal of multi-segment filters or multiple filters in one embodiment, and

Fig. 18

a schematic representation of the filter elements in the course of processing according to FIG. 17.

The same reference numerals are used in the following figures have been used for the same or corresponding characteristics, so that apart from a renewed presentation becomes.

1 shows a cross-sectional illustration of a transfer station. One in a trough of a tube feed drum 10 arranged sleeve 11, which is a first filter material 19 has in the middle, in the area of a transfer station brought. The same applies to a filter plug 20, which can consist, for example, of cellulose acetate. The filter plug 20 has a length of 8 mm, for example. The Filter plug 20 is by means of a filter plug conveyor 21, e.g. a filter plug drum, in which the Corresponding filter plugs 20 included in the recordings are fed to a plug receptacle 25.

In a continuous process step, which is shown in FIG is shown, the filter sleeve 11 is engaged with the transfer station and is by means of vacuum bores 13, which are arranged on a conveyor drum in the specified Location held. It is also a plunger 18 from already been introduced into the filter sleeve 11 below. Furthermore, the plug 20 is through the filter plug conveyor 21 is conveyed to the transfer unit been and is by means of another vacuum drilling 13 held in the position shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, two different granules, namely a first granulate 26 and a second granulate 27 in provided holes 14 of a slide 24 filled. The amount of granules is determined by the size of the hole given.

The slider 24 is in the plane of the drawing from left to right to the right and vice versa.

3 shows a cross-sectional view of the transfer station, the plunger 18 further up was moved vertically so that the sleeve 11 with its upper end essentially flush with the upper Edge of the conveyor drum 12 completes. Furthermore, the Stopper 20 by means of the plunger 17 in the axial direction the plunger, i.e. vertically downwards, into the pipe 15 and conveyed into a 1st bore 14 of the slide 23 Service. A circular knife 28, which in the guide 29th is cut exactly on the upper edge of the Slider 23 the plug 20 in two equally large plugs each with a length of 4 mm. To carry the plug 20 in the tube 15 and the sleeve 11 in the feed drum bore 16 becomes the vacuum or the suction air in the vacuum bores 13 turned off.

In a next process step, which is shown in FIG is shown, the slide 23 is pushed to the left, so that the upper part of the split plug 20 with another bore 14 of the slide 23 vertically flees. In another step, which is not is shown, the plug 20 by means of the plunger 17 transferred into the further hole and another Filter plug 30, which is made of a different material e.g. fleece enriched with granules, fed, cut by means of a circular knife and in the two remaining bores 14 of the slide 23 introduced. 5 shows exactly the state of the process shown in which the further filter plugs 30 in the remaining holes were introduced. The 1st Granules 26 fall into because of gravity Sleeve 11. In order to achieve as tight a filling as possible, the sleeve 11 will oscillate added. For this purpose, a vibration exciter 44 is provided, which causes a spring plate 43 to vibrate by mechanical contact of the spring plate 44 with the Sleeve 11 are transferred to this.

5 is a bore of the slide 23, in which is a filter plug 30 and a bore of the slide 24, in which granules are located, in alignment with the conveyor drum bore 16 or the sleeve 11 aligned so that in a next process step, which is shown in Fig. 6, the plunger 17th the filter material 30 and 26 in the filter sleeve 11 can introduce. It is possible instead, as in Fig. 6 was shown, the filter material 30 and 26 only up to introduce to the upper edge of the filter plug 11, so that the or the degree of movement of the plunger 17th have it minimized.

7 shows the process state in which after appropriate alignment, a hole, in which a filter plug 20 is arranged and a bore of the slide 24, in which the granules 27th is arranged, aligned with the sleeve 11 is so that the plunger 17 could insert the material.

8 shows the stage of the process in which the sleeve 11, half filled with filter material was moved down by lowering the plunger 18 was again in the effective range of the Vacuum bore 13, so that the sleeve 11 back to this Vacuum holes and corresponding to those in the conveyor drum 12 scheduled recordings is held. Next up Step is the half-filled sleeve of a turning drum fed to then the sleeve turned by 180 ° to undergo the same procedural steps so that a total of a five-fold filter twice the length of use can be manufactured. This quintuple filter includes then five different ones in this embodiment Filter materials in segments in the filter are arranged. It is a first Filter material 19, for example a length of 8 mm Cutting the filter twice the length of use comprises a first granulate 26 with a height of approx. 8 mm, a second filter plug 30 with a height of 4 mm or a thickness of 4 mm, a second granulate 27 with a height of approx. 8 mm and a final one Filter plug 20 with a thickness of 4 mm. As part of In this invention it is also possible to use filter plugs from to use down to a thickness of 2 mm, so that even more filter materials in segments in the Filter sleeve 11 can be arranged.

8 shows a discharge drum 50, which conveys the half-filled sleeve 11 to a turning drum, which is not shown in Fig. 8. The sleeve is then turned through 180 ° in this turning drum turned and then by means of a feed drum Conveyor drum 12 is fed back to the rest of the sleeve 11 to fill.

In the context of this invention, it is also possible Sleeves to be turned several times to reach several stations different filter materials. So it has to not necessarily every half of the sleeve 11 in one Transfer station must be filled completely before it is rotated becomes.

Around the sleeves 11 with a centrally arranged first To produce filter material 19 can, for example Machine of the applicant, namely the Mulfi E accordingly can be set. To those introduced later To be able to glue filter plugs afterwards is the Seam bonding of the sleeve 11 using a hot-melt adhesive switched to PVA glue (polyvinyl acetate glue). For this the cooling bar that glues the seam is replaced by a Heating element replaced. The glue supply will also be appropriate replaced. The filter sleeve comes with a Glue stuck, which does not become detached by heating the glue connection leads.

The segment bonding, i.e. the gluing of the later inserted filter segments is done in such a way that a hot melt adhesive tape on the Paper is applied inside the sleeve, before the sleeve is molded. After inserting the Filter segments in the sleeve that have a cooled hot melt adhesive track has, the entire sleeve warmed either by contact heat or with appropriate high-energy radiation, e.g. Microwave radiation, with which the hot melt adhesive for Melt is brought and the segments glued become.

9 shows a further embodiment according to the invention a transfer device in which at the same time transfer four different filter materials into the sleeve can be. The sleeve is, for example. from a paper tube 37. Around four different materials are to be transferred, in addition to the first slide 23 and the second slide 24, a third slide 41 and a fourth slide 42 is provided. In the third Slider 41, for example, a soft element 30 is inserted and a granulate 26 in the fourth slide 42.

It is also possible within the scope of this invention that Number of holes in the slide 24 of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 8 to four, so that four holes are filled with the appropriate granulate and so that no further granulate filling after the It is necessary to turn or turn the filter sleeve. In the Embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8 are already appropriate filter plugs 20 and 30 stocked so that after filling one side of the filter sleeve 11 none another filter plug inserted into the slider 23 Need to become. The same is of course also the case with Embodiment according to Fig. 9 possible.

10 is a side view in the upper region (FIG. 10b) a cross-sectional view of a granulate feed station or a granulate portioning station shown. There are two eccentrically arranged disks, namely a first disc 31 and a second Disc 32 shown, the first disc 31st is arranged above the second disc 32. In 10b shows a top view of this device. Both disks, 31 and 32, have holes 14 on. Granules 26 are filled into the bores. For this purpose, a granulate filling device 51 Granules 26 fed. The first disc 31 rotates counterclockwise over the disc 32, which in this embodiment is also counterclockwise rotates. On the second disc 32 are below this disc sleeves 11 arranged. These will by means of conventional holding devices on the corresponding Jobs held. Because of the size of the holes predetermined portioned granules move against the Clockwise towards an insertion zone 38a - 38b. They move in the same way under the second disc 32 arranged filter sleeves 11. In the insertion position 38 align the holes in the two disks. by virtue of gravity brings granules into the sleeves, as indicated in Fig. 10b. By the invention and preferred granule feed station or portioning station is a particularly simple implementation of the Portioning granules and introducing Granules placed in filter sleeves. By the big one Insertion zone 38a-38b can be with the disks 32 and 31 high speed turn and production speed is correspondingly high. To one if possible Achieving dense granulate filling is also possible in this Embodiment a vibration exciter 44 and a Spring plate 43 is provided, by means of which the sleeve 11 when or after filling with the granules 26 in vibrations is transferred. The vibration exciter 44 is preferably an electromagnet with a mass with oscillates at a frequency of 50 Hz.

11 is a schematic plan view of a Filter manufacturing machine shown. It is in Fig. 11 but not the processing stations, which are shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, for example those responsible for inserting the filter elements are provided.

On a single main drum 100, the various Processing steps carried out. A sleeve mass flow 101 carries sleeves 114 4 times the length of use to the filter manufacturing machine. In the area of a transfer drum 103, which is not shown, the Filter sleeves cut 4 times the length of use in the middle and moved axially. By means of a transfer cone drum 104 and a transfer drum 105 which e.g. 1 corresponds to the sleeve feed drum 10 the fed sleeves of the main drum 100, e.g. 1 corresponds to the conveyor drum 12.

A filter element mass flow 102 carries filter elements 12 times the processing length of the filter manufacturing machine to. Some of these are not shown here cut into shorter sections. By means of a Transfer cone drum 104, e.g. the filter plug conveyor 21 corresponds to FIG. 1, the filter elements or the already cut filter elements 116 fed to a transfer drum 105 on which it be further divided by means of a circular knife 106. There are three corresponding ones in the filter manufacturing machine Organs represented by means of which filter elements corresponding Length, each with different properties can have, can be supplied. It are at the two filter element feed stations below still transfer cone drums 107 for transfer of the filter elements.

It is a first reservoir and a second Storage container for a first granulate 110 and a second granules 111 are provided. The granules are via appropriate conveying elements of a granulate transfer station 112 supplied, in the corresponding Drilling slide valves full of the desired granulate can be filled. The main drum 100 moves itself clockwise. Before finishing half one complete rotation of the main drum 100 is, for example. one side of a multiple filter with double working length been completely filled. This half-filled one Multiple filter is added by means of a transfer drum 109 a turning drum 108 conveyed to turn there and by means of a further transfer drum 109 to be fed to the main drum 100 again. The Turning drum 108 is for example in DE 199 20 760 A1 described by the applicant. In the patent application the applicant is a device for turning rod-shaped objects described with a turning drum, the rod-shaped objects to be turned in recordings intended for this purpose. Here points the turning drum has at least one turning section, the at least two rod-shaped objects to be turned turns parallel to each other.

In the remaining circulation of the main drum 100 are then the further fillings made. The others However, filling elements are not shown in FIG. 11 either shown. Shortly before a full turn of the Main drum 100 will be fully or partially filled filled multiple sleeves or multiple filters double use length by means of a transfer drum 109 and corresponding transfer cone drums 104 and a transfer drum 103 a double multiple filter mass flow 117, i.e. a multiple filter mass flow, the multiple filters being twice the working length have transferred. At 118 is a double multiple filter shown. Furthermore, by the reference number 113 a control cabinet shown the filter manufacturing machine controls. In this embodiment the Invention a single main drum 100 is shown in which all processing steps for filling Filter sleeves 11 can be performed. Shortly before Removal of the filled sleeve can preferably be a Heating element may be provided, which is in engagement with the appropriate sleeves can be brought to the hot-melt Glue in a previous process step attached to the inside of the paper tube was caused to stick, so that the brought Filter materials remain in their positions. The spring plate 43 is also shown in FIG serves to vibrate on filled with granules Transfer sleeves.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a another embodiment of the invention. Filter sleeves 11 are one by means of a sleeve feed drum 10 Feed drum 12 supplied. This is at the position a) also shown schematically in FIG. 13. In b) move the sleeve 11 a little further up and the Ram 17 too. In the course of up to e) the plunger becomes wider move upwards. At f) filter plugs 20 by means of a filter plug conveyor 21, which in this Embodiment is a drum supplied. This is also shown schematically in Fig. 13 at f).

In the schematic representation of FIG. 13, f) to m) adjacent sleeves and plungers. It 13 in the schematic representation of FIG f) and g) are considered together. In a next one Method steps h) and i) are the plunger 17 after move below, causing the filter plug 20, the at h) is also moved downwards. At j) and k) the filter plug 20 is replaced by a circular knife 28 divided into two parts. The upper part of the plug 20 is located in a receptacle or a bore a lever 35. At l) and m) the lever 35 is pivoted, so that its hole is flush with the underlying bore of the main drum or conveyor drum 12, in which the sleeve 11 is located. Of now the process steps are individual again shown. At n) to q), the plunger 17 moves into the Opening in which the sleeve 11 is located and brings the appropriate filter material into this sleeve. At r) and t) the plunger 17 moves out of this again Opening out. At s) the lever moves back in his starting point. The sleeves 11 thus partially filled are removed by means of the removal drum 33. In the Recordings of this removal drum 33 are then located Filter sleeves with filter elements 34. It is also possible within the scope of this invention or this exemplary embodiment to fill an entire half of the sleeve 11. It is only the variant in FIGS. 12 and 13 a lever instead of a slide, be moved using the appropriate filter plug can. It is also possible to use several levers 35 in which granules are then introduced, for example can be, or a combination of levers and To use sliders.

14 is a modular construction of a filter manufacturing machine shown. They are the core feed module 130, granulate and soft element filler module 131 (2x) and inverter module 132 shown. In this Exemplary embodiments are sleeves by means of a sleeve collar 120 and filter elements by means of two filter element slopes 121 fed. The core feed module thus includes a supply of sleeves from a sleeve collar 120, a take-off drum 123 and a transfer drum 124. The transfer drum 124 conveys the Sleeves from the take-off drum 123 to a discharge drum 125, which in turn turns the pods into a pellet drum 126 promoted. Arrived in the granule drum 126 granules are filled into the sleeves. This can for example a device according to 10 use Find. The sleeves partially filled with granules are then transferred to a lever drum 127 which, for example. through a configuration according to 12 can be given can. In this module, namely in the granulate and soft element filler module 131 are slanted by a filter element 121 filter elements via a take-up drum 123 and a feed and sleeve removal drum 128 of the Lever drum 127 fed.

By means of the feed and sleeve removal drum 128 the with granules and appropriate filter elements such as Soft elements filled sleeves, one side of which is now in is fully filled from this embodiment and transferred to a transfer drum 124 which in the Wendermodul 132 is arranged. The transfer drum 124 passes the half-filled sleeves 11 to a turning drum 129, in which the sleeves are turned. On the way to The sleeves can be subjected to heat to activate a hot glue trail that the Filter elements fixed. After turning the pods the half-filled pods are further granulated and soft element filler module 131 and that by means of a delivery drum 125, which the sleeves one Granule drum 126 passes in the sleeves again be filled with granules. Next up are the Pass sleeves to a lever drum 127, in which the Sleeves are filled with another soft element. In this case, the soft elements are inclined by a filter element 121 via a take-off drum 123 and a feed and sleeve removal drum 128 of the lever drum 127 handed over. The sleeves are now fully filled then become a transfer drum via drum 128 124 passed on to a heating station 39 is arranged by means of, for example, a hot glue completely or activated in the remaining part of the sleeve can be.

In the left side of Fig. 14 is a completely filled Double multiple filter 118 shown in longitudinal section, that of a first filter material 19, a granulate 26 and each composed of a filter plug 20 is. This double-multiple filter is used in the following Cigarette production in the middle of the first filter material 19 cut up.

15 is another exemplary embodiment represented a filter manufacturing machine, by means of of which a double multiple filter 118 can be manufactured can, which consists of four different filter elements twice the length of use. In this double multiple filter 118 are two different types of granules 26 and 27 have been introduced. Another granulate are compared to the embodiment 14 shows two further granulate modules 133 for the filter manufacturing machine of Fig. 14 added. This lie between the sleeve feed module 130 and the Granule and soft element filler module 131 as well Wendermodul 132 and the further granulate and soft element filler module 131. Otherwise, the elements are the find use here, accordingly.

It is with the filter manufacturing machine according to the invention possible, modular according to the wishes of the corresponding To manufacture customer filters. To do this, only the corresponding modules exchanged with each other, be added or removed.

Although essentially within the scope of the description of the figures Manufacturing variants were shown in which one vertical alignment of filter sleeves 11 use has found it is also possible to make this horizontal align. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to that Limited use of appropriate drums, but it is also conceivable to use trough belts for transport and editing the filters to use, such as by DE 197 08 836 A1 and US 6,079,545 from the applicant, DE 39 25 073 A1 and US 5,209,249 from G.D. Societa 'per Azioni, Italy, or EP 1 048 229 A2 from Focke.

The filter manufacturing concept is geared towards Filter plugs made of different filter materials and / or granules in changing composition in Introduce filter sleeves and to multi-segment filters or Process multiple filters. As part of this Invention also includes the term "filter materials" the term "granules".

They are preferably used at least twice as long, prefabricated filter sleeves with a loose or glued Filter element in the middle. It is usually 8 mm plugs transported, which then in 4 mm long Plugs are broken up. With a slightly modified Concept that according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 modified the filter sleeve is in a trough Carousels or the main drum 100 held and by Rotation of the main drum 100 from station to station forwarded. The stations are depending on the design of the filter, also in changing order, one Sleeve feed device, a granulate metering device with a granule feed station and a filter plug feed device, a filter turning device and again a granulate metering device with a Granule feed station and a filter plug feed device or just one granule feed station and one Filter plug device. Except when turning Sleeve always in the same place in the main drum 100 held. When filter material is fed into the Sleeve or when introducing this material into the sleeve the sleeve is preferably vacuum or suction held in its position. The sleeve holder can For example, be provided with vibrations so that granules in the densest possible pack can.

16 schematically shows a further exemplary embodiment a transfer station for the transfer of filter elements in a sleeve 11 which is a first filter material includes. The sleeve 11 is in the state of the process 16 by means of vacuum bores 13 on the conveyor drum 12 held. To the sleeve 11 in the bore 16 of the To insert tube disk 62, this is by means of a Lower plunger 18, which is guided by a plunger guide 60 will move upwards. The lower plunger 18 is in Active connection with a lower control cam 68, the specifies how far up or down the lower plunger 18 is extended.

There are already two second filter plugs in the first slide 23 64 introduced. It will be cut after of a 1st double filter plug 63 by a Circular knife 28 also the further shots of the first Slider 23 each provided with a 1st filter plug. Among other things, the upper plunger 17, which in one Ram guide 61 is guided. The upper plunger 17 stands in operative connection with an upper cam 67, the specifies how far the upper plunger 17 down or to is extended at the top. 16 is the upper tappet 17 arranged in the top position.

A first granulate 26 is already in the second slide 24 introduced in the intended recordings. In Fig. 16 shows the state in which a second granulate 27, that of a granulate container 65 via a filler neck 66 in further shots of the second slide 24 is spent. So that the packing is as tight as possible or filling the second granulate 27 as densely as possible happens, a vibration exciter 44 is in operative connection provided with the filler neck 66. The vibration exciter 44 swings with one, for example Frequency of 50 Hz. This can be a Electromagnets with a corresponding moving Act mass so that corresponding vibrations are generated become.

Fig. 17 shows an embodiment in which, for example a main drum 100 associated with the main drum 100 11 is somewhat varied, with filter elements or Filter material is supplied and as appropriate the main drum 100 manufactured double multiple filters 118 or double multi-segment filter 118 are discharged.

There are 101 quadruple sleeves with a sleeve mass flow 114 fed to a take-up drum 78. By means of the Recording drum 78 are each in corresponding Receiving troughs of the receiving drum 78 the 4-way sleeves 114 taken from the stock of tubes. Thereupon this by means of a circular knife 106 in two double sleeves 115 divided. The corresponding 2-way sleeves 115 are then staggered in a relay drum 79, to then be transferred to a sliding drum 80 be where they are aligned. The sliding drum 80 is arranged behind the transfer drum 80, which for additional filter elements is provided, which from above can be fed to the transfer drum 80.

18 schematically shows how the respective Positions of the filter elements according to FIG. 17 each are.

From a filter element mass flow 102 or one the corresponding filter element stock becomes filter elements 12 times the length of use 70 on a take-up drum 74 handed over with receiving troughs. These are then replaced by 2 Circular knife 106 cut into three parts so that three filter elements 4 times the length of use 71 result. These are staggered in a staggered drum 75 to then aligned axially in a sliding drum 76 to be arranged and then again by a Circular knife 106 in two filter elements 2 times the working length 72 to be cut.

After cutting into two filter elements, double Usage length 72, the filter elements in one Relay drum 77 staggered, then a transfer drum / sliding drum 80 to be handed over. In this Exemplary embodiment, the filter elements are 2-fold Working length 72 arranged in front and the sleeves 2 times the usage length 115 arranged behind it, so that only the front filter elements 2 times the working length 72 are recognizable. The respective filter elements 72 and 115 then become a cone deflection drum 81 or 82 handed over, whereupon by handing over to a Transfer drum 83 and 84, the filter elements of the Main drum 100 are fed. The main drum 100 is not in this figure for clarity shown; however, it is schematic in FIG. 18 shown. After filling the sleeves 115 Double-multiple filter 118 or multi-segment filter 118 taken over by a takeover drum 85 and one Cone deflection drum 86 supplied. Finally done a delivery to a delivery drum 87 which contains the multi-segment filter Deliver 118 to a mass flow 88. It are the multi-segment filter in this embodiment or double multiple filters 118 that have filter elements 73 at the end, then for In the middle, for example, a granulate filling having generated on the main drum 100 and in the middle the well-known filter plug or have the first filter material 19.

There are thus three main functions in FIGS. 17 and 18, namely the supply of prefabricated sleeves 11 over a previously formed Mass flow, the supply of the filter elements, for example Soft filter elements with the help of appropriate Function groups as shown in the embodiment and the removal of the in the main drum 100 manufactured finished product via appropriate transport drums to form a new mass flow.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Sleeve feed drum

11

shell

12

conveyor drum

13

vacuum bore

14

drilling

15

pipe

16

Conveyor drum bore

17

upper ram

18

under ram

19

first filter material

20

filter plugs

21

Filter plugs conveyor

22

Filter plugs drum

23

first slider

24

second slide

25

plug housing

26

1. Granules

27

2. Granules

28

circular blade

29

knife guide

30

filter plugs

31

1st disc

32

2nd disc

33

removal drum

34

Filter sleeve with filter elements

35

lever

36

lever guide

37

paper sleeve

38

introducing position

38a

application zone

38b

application zone

39

heating station

41

3. Slider

42

4. Slider

43

spring plate

44

vibration exciter

50

Dispenser

51

Granulatbefülleinrichtung

60

tappet guide

61

tappet guide

62

tubes disc

63

1. Double filter plug

64

2. Filter plug

65

granule units

66

filling union

67

upper control curve

68

lower control curve

70

Filter element 12 times the working length

71

Filter element 4 times the working length

72

Filter element 2 times the working length

73

filter element

74

receiving drum

75

staggering drum

76

pushing drum

77

staggering drum

78

receiving drum

79

staggering drum

80

Transfer drum / sliding drum

81

Kegelumlenktrommel

82

Kegelumlenktrommel

83

Transfer drum

84

Transfer drum

85

transfer drum

86

Kegelumlenktrommel

87

Dispenser

88

mass flow

100

main drum

101

Sleeve mass flow

102

Filter element mass flow

103

Transfer drum

104

Transfer cone drum

105

Transfer drum

106

circular blade

107

Transfer cone drum

108

beater

109

Transfer drum

110

1. Granules

111

2. Granules

112

Granule-transfer station

113

switch cabinet

114

4-fold sleeve

115

2-fold sleeve

116

Filter element (12 times processing length)

117

Double-multiple filter mass flow

118

Double-multiple filters

120

sleeve tray

121

Filter element Schragen

123

off drum

124

Transfer drum

125

Dispenser

126

granules drum

127

lever drum

128

Feed and sleeve removal drum

129

beater

130

Hülsenzuführmodul

131

Granule and soft element filler module

132

user module

133

granules module

a) to t)

position information

Claims (29)

Process for the production of multiple filters (118) for products of the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps: Feeding a filter sleeve (11) into a predeterminable position, and Introducing filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116) in predeterminable portions, characterized in that at least two portions of the filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116) are introduced into the filter sleeve (11) in one process step. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) is filled from one side only. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) is filled from two sides. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) is rotated for filling from two sides. Method according to claim 3 and / or 4, characterized in that the supplied filter sleeve (11) has a filter element (19) in the middle. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) for filling is guided at least partially transversely axially on a predetermined movement path. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116) is introduced with a vertical movement component. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) is formed in a preceding process step. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the filter material segments alternately comprise granulate-containing material (26, 27) and, in particular gas-permeable, limit pieces (20, 30). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an n-fold multiple filter is formed, where n is a natural even number that is greater than 1. Multiple filters, manufactured according to one of the processes according to one or more of claims 1 to 10. Device for producing multiple filters (118) for products of the tobacco processing industry, with a filter tube feed element (10, 130) and at least one transport element (12, 100, 123 to 127) into which filter tubes (11) can be inserted and by means of which the filter tubes ( 11) can be fed to at least one processing station, characterized in that in at least one processing station (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) at least two portions of the filter materials (20, 26, 27, 30) in one processing step can be inserted into at least one filter sleeve (11). Device according to claim 12, characterized in that a rotating device (108, 129) for rotating the filter sleeve (11) is provided as a processing station. Device according to claim 12 and / or 13, characterized in that the at least one transport element is at least one continuously rotating conveyor (12, 100, 126, 127, 129) which conveys the filter sleeves (11) transversely axially. Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the at least one processing station is arranged on a single conveyor (12, 100). Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that at least one processing station is assigned to the conveyors (12, 100, 126, 127, 129). Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the conveyors (12, 100, 126, 127, 129) are assigned a maximum of one processing station. Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that several conveyors are provided, of which at least one is assigned to at least one processing station, and of which at least one is assigned to only one processing station. Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that at least one filter material feed station (21, 102, 104, 105, 107, 112, 130, 131, 133) is provided, these two rotatable and eccentrically arranged disks (31 , 32), each having bores (14), the bores (14) of one disk (31) and the bores (14) of the other disk (32) being able to be aligned with one another at one location (38). Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that at least one filter material feed station (21, 102, 104, 105, 107, 112, 130, 131, 133) is provided, this at least one sliding element (23, 24, 31, 32) which is provided with bores (14) and / or at least one lever element (35) which is provided with bores (14). Device according to one or more of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that a filter material introduction station (a) to t); 15, 16, 38) is provided, which comprises at least a first transfer means (17) which introduces at least two portions of the filter materials (20, 26, 27, 30) into the filter sleeve (11) in one process step. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that at least one second transfer means (18) is provided, which acts from the opposite side of the filter sleeve (11) as a counter bearing to the at least one first plunger (17). Device according to one or more of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that at least one filter sleeve (11) with at least two bores (14) can be axially aligned. Multiple filter production system for products of the tobacco processing industry with a filter tube feed device (10, 130) for feeding filter tubes and a transport system (12, 100, 123 to 128) for transporting the filter tubes (11) on a predeterminable movement path and at least one processing station (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132), characterized in that at least two portions of the filter materials (20, 26, 27, 30) can be introduced into at least one filter sleeve (11) in the at least one processing station in one processing step. Filter manufacturing system according to claim 24, characterized in that a turning device (108, 129) for turning the filter sleeves (11) is provided as the processing station. Filter production system according to Claim 24 and / or 25, characterized in that the transport system has at least one continuously rotating conveyor (12, 100, 123 to 128) which conveys the filter sleeves (11) transversely axially. Filter production system according to one or more of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the at least one processing station is assigned to at least one conveyor. Filter production system according to Claim 26 and / or 27, characterized in that a single conveyor (12, 100) is provided, to which at least one processing station is assigned. Filter production system according to claim 26 and / or 27, characterized in that several conveyors are provided, each of which is assigned at most one processing station.

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