EP1228709A1 - Method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple component filters - Google Patents

Abstract

To produce multiple filters (118), for use in the tobacco industry, the filter sleeves with a filter unit are fed to a workstation where filter material (116) is fed into the sleeves in dosed portions from at least one side, to develop filter segments at least in the initial section of the sleeves. A rotating unit (108) rotates the filter sleeves.

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 tube feed element and 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 a filter cartridge feeder for feeding filter sleeves and a transport system for 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 which are 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, various Filter elements or segments arranged. These can be 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 don't have to be 100% one material consist. These can also be mixed materials, for example such as a granulate in a cellulose acetate. in this connection be particularly on granular materials such as activated carbon thought. Depending on the materials used and the filter segment order the most different arise Properties of corresponding multiple filters, which are preferred 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 with double working length which then manufactures 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 the transverse axial conveyance alternating filter plugs 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 into the under the influence of gravity 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 ones Performance of cigarette making machines, it is desired, the production of appropriate Speed filtering. It is therefore the job of present invention, method and apparatus and to specify a multiple filter manufacturing system, by means of which the production quantity of multiple filters is increased.

• Zuführen einer Filterhülse, die in der Mitte der Filterhülse ein Filterelement aufweist, in eine vorgebbare Position und
• Einführen von Filtermaterial in vorgebbaren Portionen in die Filterhülse von wenigstens einer ersten Seite, so daß sich wenigstens in einem ersten Teil der Filterhülse Filtersegmente ausbilden.

This task is solved by a process for the production of multiple filters for products of the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps:

• Feeding a filter sleeve, which has a filter element in the middle of the filter sleeve, into a predeterminable position and
• Introducing filter material in predeterminable portions into the filter sleeve from at least a first side, so that filter segments form at least in a first part of the filter sleeve.

By feeding a filter sleeve in the middle the filter sleeve already has a filter element and that Introducing the filter materials in predefinable portions in this filter sleeve, it is possible the movements, the feed elements must run to the filter material insert into the filter sleeve, relatively short to hold, so that a significant time advantage is achieved. Preferably in a previous process step the filter sleeve with a centrally arranged Filter element provided and / or manufactured.

Within the scope of this invention, multiple filters are used in particular also understood multi-segment filters, wherein the multiple filters in particular at least two segments and comprise at least two filter materials. The Multiple filters then usually have, for example, two or three or more segments, such as a soft element from cellulose acetate, followed by granules such as for example, an activated carbon filter granulate, followed by one another cellulose acetate Meichelement. With such a Triple filter is preferably around this filter wrapping a wrapping material like paper. at Use of a filter sleeve with a filter element in In the middle, multiple filters are usually duplicated or multiple lengths of use.

The central filter element, which is also called Filter plug is designated, for example Power or investment of a corresponding element in the Feeding material held or glued in the middle or, for example, by appropriate static friction in the middle held. The filter sleeve can, for example, by suction air in a desired position.

If preferably the filter sleeve is rotated so that coming from the first side a second part of the Filter sleeve can be filled and the filter material inserted in the second part of the filter sleeve is, so that further filter segments can form to feed granulate in both sides at the Fill the filter sleeve to use gravity be made. Corresponding filling stations can also be used or processing stations from one side a corresponding sponsor, in whose recordings the Filter sleeves are included, are arranged so that a compact design of a corresponding machine is possible.

In the context of this invention, filter sleeves in particular wrapping material sections formed into tubes or tubular envelopes understood, wherein the wrapping material is, for example, paper.

A further increase in the production speed of Multiple filtering is achieved if preferred the introduction of the filter material successively in individual portions and / or at least partially at the same time Multiple servings happen. Under multiple servings or a multiple serving is included in this Invention a package or a stack of at least two understood different or the same filter materials, taking at least two servings of the filter materials or the filter material in one process step is inserted into the filter sleeve. Both Filter materials can be one, two or more Trade granulate materials and soft filter elements such as filter plugs made of cellulose acetate or fleece or Hard elements, such as sintered elements, hollow cylinders or Capsules. The insertion of the Filter material into the filter sleeve with a vertical Movement component. The is particularly preferred Movement component essentially completely vertical. In this case the filter sleeves become upright or vertically aligned to fill them. Granular material is preferred alternately and, in particular gas permeable, limit pieces introduced.

A particularly simple variant of the invention Procedure is then given if before the rotation of the Filter sleeve the first part of the filter sleeve essentially is completely filled first, then after the rotation of the second part of the filter sleeve essentially fill completely. As a result of this A procedural step essentially results complete with filter elements or filter material filled filter sleeve, which is removed and further processed can be. Preferably the filter cladding material comprises a hot glue seam on the inside, the when removing the completely filled filter sleeve is activated by supplying heat to the appropriate Fix filter materials in the filter sleeve.

An n-fold multiple filter is preferably formed, where n is a natural even number that is greater than 1 is.

Preferably, the filter sleeve or the Filter sleeves for the production of multiple filters along a predeterminable conveying path on which the various Process steps are carried out. For this is preferably a corresponding trajectory specified. The filter sleeves are preferably at least partially moved axially on the trajectory.

Preferably a multiple filter or multiple Multiple filter according to one of the aforementioned methods manufactured. The multiple filter thus produced has then, for example, the 2, 4 and / or 6 times the filter rod length on, with the multiple filter corresponding to also has different filter materials, in 2, 4 or 6 corresponding filters are cut. The used filter sleeves with the central filter element can, for example, on a modified MULFI machine from Applicant manufactured. According to the invention pre-assembled filter sleeve, which in the middle Includes filter element for the production of multiple filters for products of the tobacco processing industry used. Through this use according to the invention it is possible to increase the production speed of a filter manufacturing machine for the production of multiple filters to increase significantly.

Appropriate filter sleeves are preferably used, around multiple filters with an n-fold working length where n is a natural even number, which is greater than 1.

According to the invention is a filter sleeve for the production of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry, the filter sleeve being a tube-shaped Wrapping material section includes, thereby further developed that in the middle of the filter sleeve Filter element is arranged. Through this invention Design of the filter sleeve is an increased Production speed of a multiple filter manufacturing machine allows.

The filter element is preferably relative to the filter sleeve essentially stationary. Unless the filter element is preferably glued to the filter sleeve given a simple realization of the spatial stability. The filter element can, for example, be a filter element be twice the working length, for example between 4 and 16 mm. Half of this length remains per completed Filters arranged on a corresponding cigarette.

The task is also carried out by a facility for Manufacture of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry with a filter tube feed element and 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 can be supplied, solved, which is further developed, that a processing station a turning device for Rotating the filter sleeves includes. By the invention Design of a corresponding facility it is possible to control the movements, the feeding elements of Filter material must be kept relatively short, so that the time of feeding is shortened significantly can.

Processing station is within the scope of this invention especially understood a station where Filter material is dosed during a cutting process happens in the filter material in the filter sleeve is introduced and / or the like. Preferably at Granulate feed or shortly after Granules in the sleeve, the sleeve itself a vibration subjected or shaken so that a dense as possible Pack of the granules is generated. This is a Vibration element provided. This can be that of the DE-AS 17 82 364 correspond.

The filter sleeves are preferably pre-assembled, wrapping material sections formed into tubes with one arranged centrally in the respective section Filter element. A particularly simple and compact The structure of the facility is given if preferably the at least one transport element is at least one continuously rotating conveyor, which conveys the filter sleeves axially. If preferred the at least one processing station on one single conveyor is one is special compact design possible.

If preferably a part of the sponsors, in particular a certain number of sponsors, at least a processing station is assigned and one other part of the conveyor no processing station is a very modular design of the Setup possible, so that relatively quickly to different Filter specifications taken into account can be. A corresponding changeover or new hiring the modular structure is then possible. Each conveyor is preferred assigned a maximum of one processing station. Through this preferably embodiment of the device according to the invention is an extremely modular design of the facility possible.

Preferably at least one filter material feed station, at least one filter material introduction station, at least one removal station and / or at least one heating station as a processing station intended. By means of the filter material feed station becomes filter material in the engagement area of the filter material introduction station brought or in the filter sleeve For example, already introduced due to gravity. Completely produced or filled filters or partially filled filter sleeves conveyed away. The heating station is preferably used, for example to activate hot glue to put the filter elements in to fix the filter sleeve. Can also be used as a processing station preferably a cutting station is provided be, in particular preferably a circular knife includes.

If preferably the at least one filter material feed station two rotatable and eccentrically arranged Includes disks, each having holes, wherein the holes of the one disc and the holes of the another disc in one place in alignment can be arranged, a very precise dosage of e.g. Granulate material possible. The dosage happens in this case, for example, by the size of the bore or by a further dosing element.

A secure filling of the filter sleeve is then given if preferably the at least one filter material feed station at least one sliding element, which is provided with holes and / or at least one Lever element, which is provided with holes. If preferably the at least one filter material introduction station at least a first transfer means includes the filter material in the filter sleeves, is a safe filling of the filter sleeves allows. If preferably at least a second Transfer means is provided by the opposite Side of the filter sleeve as a counter bearing which acts at least a first transfer means, can the filter sleeve from both sides at the same time be filled or in the middle of the filter sleeve arranged filter element are held in the middle or the filter sleeve is transferred to a material insertion position become. Preferably there is at least one filter sleeve axially aligned with at least one bore locatable. Also preferred are at least two Bores can be aligned axially with the filter sleeve. In this case, several servings of filter material be transferred simultaneously, creating another Speed increase is achieved.

The objectively arising task is further invented solved in that 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 is further developed in that on the Transport system a turning device for turning the Filter sleeves is provided. Among them is in particular also understand that the transport system is a rotating device includes for rotating the filter sleeves. By the multiple filter manufacturing system according to the invention quick filling of filter sleeves with filter material possible.

The transport system preferably comprises at least one continuously rotating conveyor, the filter sleeves transversely axially. Also preferred is at least a processing station provided that the at least one sponsor is assigned. If preferred a single conveyor is provided, at least a processing station is assigned is a very compact multiple filter manufacturing system enables. If more than one conveyor is preferably provided are at least one processing station or no processing station is assigned is a modular multiple filter manufacturing system enables. A highly modular multiple filter manufacturing system is given when there are preferably several sponsors are provided, each of which has at most one processing station 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 Filter-Herstellmaschine in Aufsicht,

Fig. 12

eine schematische Aufsicht auf Elemente einer weiteren Filter-Herstellmaschine,

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 Filter-Herstellmaschine, mit der der links dargestellte Filter herstellbar ist,

Fig. 15

links: ein Vierfachfilter doppelter Gebrauchslänge, und rechts: eine schematische Darstellung einer Filter-Herstellmaschine, 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 any 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 granule feed element in side view (Fig. 10a) and in plan view (Fig. 10b),

Fig. 11

1 shows a schematic representation 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 of 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

a schematic side view of functional elements for supplying filter material and for removing multi-segment filters or multiple filters in one embodiment, and

Fig. 18

FIG. 17 shows a schematic illustration of the filter elements during the processing according to FIG. 17.

The same reference numerals are used in the following figures used for the same or corresponding characteristics been, so that from a new presentation each is disregarded.

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 which specified location held. It is also a plunger 18 already introduced into the filter sleeve 11 from below Service. Furthermore, the plug 20 is through the filter plug conveyor 21 is conveyed to the transfer unit been handed over and will be by means of another Vacuum bore 13 in the position shown in FIG. 2 held. Furthermore, two different granules, namely a first granulate 26 and a second granulate 27 in bores 14 of a slide 24 provided for this purpose 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) become. To do this, the cooling bar that glues the seam is replaced by a heating element. The glue supply will also exchanged accordingly. The filter sleeve will so glued with a glue that is not by heating leads to a loosening of the glue connection.

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 also turns counterclockwise. At the second disk 32 are sleeves below this disk 11 arranged. These are made using standard holding devices held in the appropriate places. That through the Size of the drill holes predetermined portioned granules moves counterclockwise towards one Feed zone 38a - 38b. In the same way they move below the second disk 32 arranged filter sleeves 11. In the insertion position 38 the holes are aligned of the two disks. Due to gravity, granules become introduced into the sleeves, as indicated in Fig. 10b is. By the inventive and preferred Granule feeding station or portioning station is one particularly simple realization of portioning Granules and the introduction of granules in filter sleeves given. Through the large feed zone 38a - 38b rotate the disks 32 and 31 at high speed and the production speed is corresponding high. To ensure that the granules are filled as densely as possible achieve is also in this embodiment Vibration exciter 44 and a spring plate 43 are provided, by means of the sleeve 11 during or after filling with the granulate 26 is vibrated. The Vibrator 44 is preferably an electromagnet with a mass going out at a frequency of 50 Hz and swings here.

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 tappet 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. In 1) 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. Within the scope of this invention the term "filter materials" also includes 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 will usually transported 8 mm plugs, which then in 4 mm long plugs can be divided. With something modified concept that according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is modified, the filter sleeve in a Trough of a carousel or the main drum 100 held and by rotating the main drum 100 from station Forwarded to station. The stations are different Design of the filter, also in changing order, a 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 a granule feed station and a filter plug device. Except when turning the sleeve is 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 drum

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 (33)

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), which has a filter element (19) in the middle of the filter sleeve, into a predeterminable position, and Introducing filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116) in predeterminable portions into the filter sleeve (11) from at least a first side, so that filter segments (19, 20, 26, at least in a first part of the filter sleeve (11) 27, 30). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) is rotated so that a second part of the filter sleeve (11) coming from the first side can be filled, and in that the filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116 ) is introduced into the second part of the filter sleeve (11), so that further filter segments (20, 26, 27, 30) form. Method according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116) is introduced successively in individual portions and / or at least partially simultaneously in at least one multiple portion. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter material (20, 26, 27, 30, 116) is introduced into the filter sleeve (11) with a vertical movement component. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that granular material (26, 27) and, in particular gas-permeable, limiting pieces (20, 30) are introduced alternately. Method according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that before the rotation of the filter sleeve (11) the first part of the filter sleeve (11) is essentially completely filled first, and then after the rotation the second part of the filter sleeve (11 ) to be filled completely. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an n-fold multiple filter (118) is formed, where n is a natural even number that is greater than one. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter sleeve (11) for producing multiple filters (118) is moved along a predeterminable conveying path on which the various process steps are carried out. Multiple filters made according to one or more of claims 1 to 8. Use of a pre-assembled filter sleeve (11), which comprises a filter element (19) in the middle, for the production of multiple filters (118) for products the tobacco processing industry. Use of a filter sleeve (11) according to claim 10, characterized in that multiple filters (118) can be produced with an n-fold working length, n being a natural even number that is greater than one. Filter sleeve (11) for the production of multiple filters (118) for products of the tobacco processing industry, the filter sleeve (11) comprising a wrapping material section formed into a tube, characterized in that a filter element (19) in the center of the filter sleeve (11) is arranged. Filter sleeve (11), according to claim 12, characterized in that the filter element (19) is substantially stationary relative to the filter sleeve (11). Filter sleeve according to claim 13, characterized in that the filter element (19) can be glued to the filter sleeve (11). Device for producing multiple filters (118) for products of the tobacco processing industry, with a filter sleeve feed element (10, 130) and at least one transport element (12, 100, 123 to 127) into which filter sleeves (11) can be inserted and by means of which the filter sleeves ( 11) at least one processing station (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) can be fed, characterized in that a processing station comprises a rotating device (108, 129) for rotating the filter sleeves (11). Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the filter sleeves (11) are pre-assembled, material-shaped wrapping material sections (37) with a filter element (19) arranged centrally in the respective section. Device according to claim 15 and / or 16, characterized in that the at least one transport element is at least one continuously rotating conveyor (12, 100, 126, 127, 128, 129) which conveys the filter sleeves (11) transversely axially. Device according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the at least one processing station (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) is arranged on a single conveyor (12, 100). Device according to one or more of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that some of the conveyors (12, 100, 126, 127, 129) have at least one processing station (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) is assigned and another part of the conveyors (123 to 128, 104, 109) is assigned a maximum of one processing station. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that a maximum of one processing station is assigned to each conveyor. Device according to one or more of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that at least one filter material supply station (21, 102, 104, 105, 107, 112, 130, 131, 133) at least one filter material introduction station (a) to t), 15, 16 , 38), at least one removal station (109, 104, 117; 33; 128) and / or at least one heating station (39) are provided as processing stations. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least one filter material feed station comprises two rotatable and eccentrically arranged disks (31, 32), each having bores (14), the bores (14) of one disk (31) and the bores of the another disc (32) can be arranged in alignment with one another at one location (38). Device according to claim 21 and / or 22, characterized in that the at least one filter material supply station has at least one sliding element (23, 24, 41, 42) which is provided with bores (14) and / or at least one lever element (35) which is provided with Bores (14) is provided. Device according to one or more of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the at least one filter material introduction station comprises at least one first transfer means (17) which introduces filter material (20, 26, 27, 30) into the filter sleeves (11). Device according to claim 24, characterized in that at least one second transfer means (18) is provided which functions from the opposite side of the filter sleeve (11) as a counter bearing to the at least one first transfer means (17). Device according to one or more of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that at least one filter sleeve (11) with at least one bore (14) can be axially aligned. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that at least two bores (14) can be arranged in axial alignment with the filter sleeve (11). Multiple filter production system for products of the tobacco processing industry with a filter tube feed device (10, 130) for feeding filter tubes (11) and a transport system (12, 100, 123 to 128) for transporting the filter tubes (11) on a predeterminable movement path, characterized in that at the transport system is provided with a rotating device (108, 129) for rotating the filter sleeves (11). Multiple filter production system according to Claim 28, 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. Multiple filter production system according to claim 29, characterized in that at least one processing station (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) is provided which is assigned to the at least one conveyor (12, 100). Multiple filter production system according to Claim 30, characterized in that a single conveyor (12, 100) is provided, to which at least one processing station is assigned. Multiple filter production system according to claim 30, characterized in that several conveyors are provided, to which at least one processing station or no processing station is assigned. Multiple filter production system according to claim 30, characterized in that several conveyors are provided, each of which is assigned at most one processing station.

Images