EP1228709B1 - 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 device for producing multisegment filters for products of the tobacco processing industry with a filter sleeve feed element and a transport element, can be inserted into the filter sleeves.

GB-A-1 212 963 describes a device for producing filter mouthpieces for cigarettes consisting of several elements, known with the filter sleeves in six times the length three paper or Estron plugs separated from each other Device can be fed to double in filter plugs Use length to be cut using the filter elements are arranged in the middle. Then the filter sleeves upright to one side with granules fill and close with a cap. following the filter sleeve filled on one side is turned over by filled on the other side.

Methods and devices for the production of multiple filters are known, for example, from DE-AS 17 82 364 of the patentee, the one Device for producing filters containing filter granules with the name "Bernhard" of the patent owner who works in specialist circles is known. The DE-AS 17 82 364 corresponds GB 1,243,977 and US 3,603,058. Multiple filters that too Multisegment filters are made up of at least two Filter elements and typically up to eight filter elements, which can be in any order. In one to one Pipe shaped sleeve are different 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 appropriate filter materials must do not consist 100% of one material. these can for example, also mixed materials such as, for example, granules in one Cellulose acetate. Here in particular on granulate materials thought like activated carbon. Depending on the materials used and the Filter segment order results in the most varied Properties of corresponding multiple filters, which are preferred rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are attachable.

A pellet filling machine is known from DE-AS 17 82 364, the granulate-containing filters and in particular triple filters manufactures. Triple filter is a filter that represents a filter that out three filter segments, with the filling machine "Bernhard" produces a triple filter of double working length, which then for the cigarette production between two by cigarette paper wrapped articles containing elongated tobacco to be cut in the middle so that two cigarettes with filters are created. In DE-AS 17 82 364 is a continuously rotating conveyor with receptacles for filter sleeves disclosed, which transports the filter sleeves axially. During the transverse axial conveying, filter plugs, which are cut off by a longer filter rod and granules introduced into the sleeve. The filter plugs are in the sleeve with transfer means, namely plungers brought in. The granules fall under the influence of gravity the sleeve.

The relatively many operating steps on the "Bernhard" machine, in particular relatively wide movements must lead to a limitation of performance the granule filling machine described in DE-AS 17 82 364. With the ever increasing performance of cigarette making machines, it is desirable to also produce corresponding Speed up filtering.

It is therefore an object of the present invention An institution specify 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.

The following process steps are carried out in a method for producing multiple filters for products of the tobacco processing industry:

• 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 of the filter sleeve already has a filter element and the introduction of Filter materials in predefinable portions in this filter sleeve, it is possible to make the movements that feed elements perform to insert the filter material into the filter sleeve, to be kept relatively short, so that a considerable time advantage is achieved becomes. Expediently, in a previous method step the filter sleeve with a centrally arranged Filter element provided and / or manufactured.

Multi-segment filters in particular also include multi-segment filters understood, the multiple filters in particular at least comprise two segments and at least two filter materials. The multiple filters then usually have, for example, two or three or more segments, such as a soft element Cellulose acetate, followed by a granulate such as an activated carbon filter granulate, followed by another cellulose acetate soft element. With such a triple filter is over put a wrapping material like paper around this filter. at Use of a filter sleeve with a filter element in the middle, multiple filters are usually double or manufactured multiple times.

The central filter element, which in the following also serves as a filter plug is denoted, for example, by a force or system of a corresponding element in the middle when feeding material held or glued or, for example, by appropriate Magnetic friction held in the middle. The filter sleeve can, for example Suction air can be kept in a desired position.

When the filter sleeve is rotated so that from the first side coming a second part of the filter sleeve can be filled and the filter material in the second part of the filter sleeve is introduced so that further filter segments are formed, can feed granules into both sides when filling the filter sleeve uses the force of gravity. Corresponding filling stations or processing stations can also be used from one side to a corresponding sponsor, in whose receptacles the filter sleeves are accommodated be, so that a compact design of a corresponding Machine is possible.

Wrapping material sections, in particular, are formed into tubes under filter sleeves or tubular envelopes understood, the wrapping material being, for example, paper.

A further increase in the production speed of multiple filters is achieved when the filter material is inserted successively in individual portions and / or at least partially happens simultaneously in multiple portions. Under multiple servings or a multiple serving is within the scope of this invention Package or a stack of at least two different or understood the same filter materials, at least two Portions of the filter materials or the filter material in one Process step is introduced into the filter sleeve. at The filter materials can be one, two or more granulate materials act 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. Conveniently, the filter material is inserted into the filter sleeve with a vertical component of motion. In particular is the motion component is essentially completely vertical. In in this case the filter sleeves are aligned upright or vertically, to fill them up. Preferably alternate granular material and, in particular gas permeable, limiting pieces introduced.

A particularly simple variant of the method is then given if before the rotation of the filter sleeve the first part of the Filter sleeve is essentially completely filled, then essentially after the rotation the second part of the filter sleeve fill completely. As a result of this process step results in an essentially complete with Filter elements or filter material filled filter sleeve can be conveyed away and further processed. Preferably includes the filter cover material has a hot glue seam on the inside, when the completely filled filter sleeve is removed is activated by supplying heat to the appropriate Fix filter materials in the filter sleeve.

In particular, an n-fold multiple filter is formed, wherein n is a natural even number that is greater than 1.

In particular, the filter sleeve or the filter sleeves for the production of multiple filters along a specifiable Funding path moves on the various process steps be carried out. There is a corresponding trajectory for this specified. The filter sleeves are preferably at least partially moved axially on the trajectory.

A multiple filter or several are expediently Multiple filters produced by one of the aforementioned methods. The multiple filter thus produced then has, for example 2, 4 and / or 6 times the filter rod length, whereby the multiple filter, correspondingly also different filter materials has been cut into 2, 4 or 6 corresponding filters. The filter sleeves used with the central filter element can For example, on a modified MULFI machine from the patent owner getting produced. It becomes a pre-assembled filter sleeve, which comprises a filter element in the middle, for production of multiple filters for tobacco processing products Industry used. Through this use it is possible the production speed of a filter manufacturing machine Increase production of multiple filters significantly.

Appropriate filter sleeves are used to create multiple filters to produce with an n-fold working length, where n is a is a natural even number that is greater than 1.

There is also a filter sleeve for the production of multiple filters intended for products of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the filter sleeve is a tubular material section formed into a tube includes and in the middle of the filter sleeve a filter element is arranged. This configuration of the Filter sleeve, is an increased production speed Multiple filter manufacturing machine enables.

Suitably, the filter element is in relation to the filter sleeve essential stationary. If the filter element with the filter sleeve can be glued, is a simple realization of the spatial stability given. The filter element can be, for example Filter element twice the length of use, such as between 4 and 16 mm. Half of this length remains per completed Filters arranged on a corresponding cigarette.

The object of the invention is achieved by a device for Manufacture of multi-segment filters for tobacco processing products Industry with a filter cartridge feeder and at least a transport element into which filter sleeves can be inserted are solved, which is further developed in that several processing stations are provided on the transport element. Through the design of a corresponding device according to the invention, it is possible the movements, the feed elements of filter material have to keep it relatively short so that the Time of feeding can be significantly reduced.

Within the scope of this invention, processing station is in particular understood a station where metered filter material in which a cutting process occurs, in the filter material is introduced into the filter sleeve and / or the like. Preferably is used when feeding granulate or shortly after feeding of granules into the sleeve the sleeve itself a vibration subjected or shaken so that a dense as possible Pack of the granules is generated. For this is a vibration element intended. This can correspond to that of DE-AS 17 82 364.

In particular, a processing station as a turning device trained to turn the filter sleeves.

The filter sleeves are preferably pre-assembled into tubes shaped wrapping material sections with a center in the each section arranged filter element. A special one simple and compact design of the device is then given if preferably the transport element is at least one continuously rotating conveyor, which is the filter sleeves transversely axially. If preferably several processing stations arranged on a single conveyor is one special compact design possible.

If preferably a part of the sponsors, in particular one certain number of conveyors, at least one processing station is assigned and another part of the sponsor none Processing station is assigned is a very modular design the facility possible, so that relatively quickly to different Filter specifications are taken into account can. A corresponding changeover or readjustment of the modular such a device is then possible. Preferably a maximum of one processing station is assigned to each conveyor. Through this is preferably an embodiment of the device according to the invention 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 into the filter sleeve, for example introduced due to gravity. Through the removal station become partially produced or filled filters filled filter sleeves conveyed away. The heating station serves e.g. preferably for activating hot glue around the filter elements to fix in the filter sleeve. Can also be used as a processing station preferably a cutting station may be provided, in particular preferably comprises a circular knife.

If preferably the at least one filter material feed station comprises two rotatable and eccentrically arranged disks, which each have bores, the bores of one Disc and the holes of the other disc in one place can be arranged in alignment is a very precise dosage of, for example, granulate material possible. The dosage happens in this case, for example, by the size of the bore or by another Metering.

A secure filling of the filter sleeve is given if preferably the at least one filter material feed station at least a sliding element that is provided with holes and / or at least one Lever element, which is provided with holes. If preferred the at least one filter material introduction station at least comprises a first transfer means, the filter material in the filter sleeves is a safe filling of the filter sleeves. If preferably at least one second transfer means is provided, that of the opposite Side of the filter sleeve as a counter bearing to the at least a first transfer agent can act simultaneously from Both sides of the filter sleeve are filled or in the middle the filter element arranged filter element are held in the middle or the filter sleeve is transferred to a material insertion position become. Preferably at least one filter sleeve with at least axially aligned in a hole. Further preferably are at least two holes axially aligned with the filter sleeve locatable. In this case, several servings of filter material be transferred simultaneously, creating another Speed increase is achieved.

There is also a multiple filter manufacturing system for products the tobacco processing industry with a filter tube feed device for feeding filter sleeves and a transport system for transporting the filter sleeves on a predeterminable Movement path provided, with a on the transport system Rotating device for rotating the filter sleeves is provided. This is also to be understood in particular to mean that the transport system comprises a rotating device for rotating the filter sleeves. Due to the multiple filter production system, one is fast filling of filter sleeves with filter material possible.

The transport system preferably comprises at least one continuously revolving conveyor, the filter sleeves axially promotes. Also preferred is at least one processing station provided that assigned to the at least one conveyor is. If preferably a single conveyor is provided, the at least one processing station is assigned is a very compact multiple filter manufacturing system enables. If further preferably several conveyors are provided, at least assigned a processing station or no processing station is a modular multiple filter manufacturing system allows. A highly modular multiple filter manufacturing system is given when preferably several conveyors are provided are assigned to at most one processing station is.

The filter manufacturing machine manufactured and sold by the patent owner or device for the production of multiple filters for products of the tobacco processing industry approx. 1,200 multiple filters twice the working length. With the It is possible to set up 5,000 multiple filters in duplicate Manufacture working length. The advantage of this facility is so 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 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. Mehrfach-filtern 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,

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

2 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

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

In the following figures, the same reference numerals for same or corresponding features have been used so that a renewed performance is refrained from.

1 shows a cross-sectional illustration of a transfer station. One arranged in a trough of a sleeve feed drum 10 Sleeve 11, which has a first filter material 19 in the middle brought into the area of a transfer station. The same applies to a filter plug 20, for example made of cellulose acetate can exist. The filter plug 20 has a length of 8, for example mm. 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 are included in recordings, one Plug receptacle 25 supplied.

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

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

3 shows a cross-sectional view of the transfer station, the plunger 18 has been moved vertically upward, so that the sleeve 11 with its upper end substantially ends flush with the upper edge of the conveyor drum 12. Furthermore, the plug 20 is axial by means of the plunger 17 Direction of the plunger, i.e. vertically downwards, into the pipe 15 and have been conveyed into a first bore 14 of the slide 23. On Circular knife 28, which is guided in the guide 29, cuts the plug 20 in exactly at the upper edge of the slide 23 two equally large plugs, each 4 mm long. To carry of 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 step, which is shown in Fig. 4 is, the slide 23 is pushed to the left so that the upper Part of the split plug 20 with a further bore 14 of the slider 23 is aligned vertically. In a further process step, which is not shown, the plug 20 by means of the plunger 17 transferred into the further bore and a another filter plug 30 made of a different material such as For example, fleece, which is enriched with a granulate, fed, cut with a circular knife and into the two remaining holes 14 of the slide 23 inserted. In Fig. 5 shows exactly the state of the method in which the others Filter plug 30 inserted into the remaining holes were. The first granulate 26 falls due to gravity into the sleeve 11. In order to achieve as tight a filling as possible, the sleeve 11 is set in oscillations or vibrations. For this purpose, a vibration exciter 44 is provided, the one Spring plate 43 vibrated by mechanical Transfer contact of the spring plate 44 with the sleeve 11 on this become.

In Fig. 5 is also a bore of the slide 23, in which a filter plug 30 is located and a bore of the slide 24, in which granules are located, aligned with the conveyor drum bore 16 or the sleeve 11 aligned so that in one next process step, which is shown in Fig. 6, the Ram 17 filter material 30 and 26 into filter sleeve 11 can introduce. It is possible instead of as shown in FIG. 6 was, the filter material 30 and 26 only up to the top Insert the edge of the filter sleeve 11 so that the or the degree of movement of the plunger 17 can still be minimized.

7 shows the state of the process in which appropriate alignment, a hole in the Filter plug 20 is arranged and a bore of the slider 24, in which the granules 27 are arranged, aligned with the Sleeve 11 is aligned so that the plunger 17 the material could introduce.

In Fig. 8 the process stage is shown in which the sleeve 11, half of which was filled with filter material Lowering the plunger 18 was carried down again in the effective area of the vacuum bore 13, so that the sleeve 11 again on these vacuum bores and corresponding to those in the Conveyor drum 12 provided recordings is held. As The next step is the half-filled sleeve of a turning drum fed, then the sleeve turned through 180 ° the same process steps to undergo so that a total of a five-fold filter double working length can be produced. This The five-fold filter then comprises five in this exemplary embodiment different filter materials, in segments in the filter are arranged. It is a first filter material 19, for example a length of 8 mm after cutting the Filters twice the length of use, a first granules 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 Granules 27 with a height of approx. 8 mm and a final one Filter plug 20 with a thickness of 4 mm. Within the scope of this invention it is also possible to filter plugs from down to a thickness of 2 mm to use, so that even more filter materials arranged in segments in the filter sleeve 11 can be.

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

Within the scope of this invention it is also possible to use the sleeves several times to apply different filter materials at several stations contribute. So not necessarily everyone Half of the sleeve 11 are completely filled in a transfer station, before it is rotated.

Around the sleeves 11 with a centrally arranged first filter material 19, for example, a machine of Patent holder, namely the Mulfi E set accordingly become. Subsequent to the filter plugs introduced later To be able to glue, the seam bonding of the sleeve 11 of a hot melt adhesive on PVA glue (polyvinyl acetate glue) be converted. 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 is also with glued to a glue that does not dissolve by heating the glue connection leads.

The segment bonding, i.e. the gluing of the subsequently inserted Filter segments happen in such a way that a hot melt Adhesive tape is applied to the paper and inside the sleeve before the sleeve is molded. After this Insert the filter segments into the sleeve that has cooled Has hot melt adhesive track, the entire sleeve warmed either by contact heat or with an appropriate high-energy radiation, e.g. Microwave radiation which is used to melt the hot melt adhesive and the Segments are glued.

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

It is also possible within the scope of this invention to determine the number of Bores of the slide 24 of the exemplary embodiments in FIG. 1 to increase to 8 to four so that four holes with appropriate Granules are filled and so that no further granulate filling after turning or turning the filter sleeve is. 1 to 8 are already in the exemplary embodiments appropriate filter plugs 20 and 30 stored, so that after filling one side of the filter sleeve 11 no further filter plugs must be inserted into the slider 23. The same is of course also in the embodiment. 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 granule portioning station. They are two acentric arranged disks, namely a first disk 31 and a second Disc 32 shown, the first disc 31 above the second disc 32 is arranged. 10a is a top view shown on this device. Both discs, 31 and 32, have holes 14. There will be granules 26 in the holes filled. This is done by means of a granulate filling device 51 granules 26 fed.

The first disc 31 rotates counterclockwise the disc 32, which in this embodiment is also against turns clockwise. On the second disc 32 are below this disc sleeves 11 arranged. These are by means of usual holding organs held in the appropriate places. The portioned given by the size of the holes Granules move counterclockwise towards a feed zone 38a - 38b. In the same way they move below the second disk 32 arranged filter sleeves 11. In the insertion position 38 align the holes in the two disks. Due to gravity, granules are introduced into the sleeves, as indicated in Fig. 10b. Through the granulate feed station or portioning station is a particularly simple one Realization of the portioning of granules and the introduction of granules in filter sleeves. Through the large feed zone 38a-38b can disks 32 and 31 at high speed turn and the production speed is corresponding high. To achieve the most dense filling of granules possible, is also a vibration exciter in this embodiment 44 and a spring plate 43 is provided, by means of which the sleeve 11 during or after filling with the granules 26 in vibrations is transferred. The vibrator 44 is preferred an electromagnet with a mass going back and forth at a frequency of 50 Hz swings.

11 is a schematic plan view of a filter manufacturing machine shown. However, it is not in FIG. 11 the processing stations shown, for example in FIG. 1 to 9 are shown, i.e. those responsible for the introduction the filter elements are provided.

The various processing steps are carried out on a single main drum 100 carried out. A sleeve mass flow 101 leads Sleeves 114 4 times the length of use for the filter manufacturing machine. What is not shown are in the area of a transfer drum 103 the filter sleeves are 4 times the length of use in the middle cut and moved axially. By means of a transfer cone drum 104 and a transfer drum 105 which e.g. the sleeve feed drum 10 from Fig. 1 corresponds to the supplied Main drum 100 sleeves, e.g. the conveyor drum 12 Fig. 1 corresponds to supplied.

A filter element mass flow 102 carries filter elements 12 times Processing length of the filter manufacturing machine too. These will in parts not shown in shorter sections cut. By means of a transfer cone drum 104 which e.g. corresponds to the filter plug conveyor 21 from FIG. 1, the Filter elements or the already cut filter elements 116 a transfer drum 105 is fed, on which it by means of a Circular knife 106 can be further divided. In the filter manufacturing machine three corresponding organs are shown, by means of which Filter elements of appropriate length, each different Can have properties that can be supplied. It are at the two filter element feed stations below still transfer cone drums 107 for transferring the filter elements shown.

It is a first reservoir and a second reservoir for a first granulate 110 and a second granulate 111 intended. The granules are conveyed using appropriate conveying elements fed to a granulate transfer station 112, in which corresponding bores of slides full with the desired one Granules can be filled. The main drum 100 is moving clockwise. Before completing half of a full Rotation of the main drum 100 is, for example, one side of a multiple filter twice the length of use has been completely filled. This semi-filled multiple filter is operated using a transfer drum 109 transported to a turning drum 108 to be turned there to be and by means of a further transfer drum 109 Main drum 100 to be fed again. The turning drum 108 is, for example, in DE 199 20 760 A1 of the patent owner described. In the patent application the patentee is a device for turning rod-shaped objects described a turning drum that the rod-shaped to be turned Includes objects in designated recordings. in this connection the turning drum has at least one turning section which at least two rod-shaped objects to be turned parallel to one another applies.

In the remaining circulation of the main drum 100, the further fillings made. The other filling organs are however also not shown in FIG. 11. Shortly before expiration a full revolution of the main drum 100, the full filled or partially 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, that is a multiple filter mass flow, the multiple filter a double use length, transferred. With 118 is one Double multiple filter shown. Furthermore, by the reference number 113 a control cabinet shown, the filter manufacturing machine controls. In this embodiment of the invention a single main drum 100 is shown, in which all Processing steps for filling filter sleeves 11 carried out can be. Shortly before the finished filled sleeve is removed a heating element can preferably be provided which engages can be brought with the appropriate sleeves, so hot melt adhesive in a previous process step was attached to the inside of the paper sleeve to To cause sticking, so that the introduced filter materials remain in their positions. 11 is the spring plate 43 shown, which serves to vibrate with Transfer pellet filled sleeves.

12 shows a schematic illustration of a further embodiment the invention. Filter sleeves 11 are by means of a Sleeve feed drum 10 fed to a conveyor drum 12. This is also shown schematically in FIG. 13 at position a). In b) the sleeve 11 is moved a little further upwards and the Ram 17 too. In the course of up to e), the tappet continues to follow proceed above. At f) are filter plugs 20 by means of a Filter plug conveyor 21, the one in this embodiment Drum is fed. This is schematic in Fig. 13 also shown at f).

13 are from f) to m) shown adjacent sleeves and plungers. So it must be in the schematic representation of Fig. 13 f) and g) considered together become. In a next step h) and i) the plunger 17 are moved down, causing the filter plug 20, which is located at h), also move downwards becomes. 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 hole in a lever 35. In 1) and m) the lever 35 is pivoted so that its Bore aligned with the main drum bore below or conveyor drum 12, in which the sleeve 11 is located. From now on, the process steps are again individual shown. At n) to q), the plunger 17 moves into the opening, in which the sleeve 11 is located, and brings the corresponding Filter material into this sleeve. At r) and t) runs the plunger 17 out of this opening. Moves at s) the lever back to its original position. The so partially filled Sleeves 11 are removed by means of the removal drum 33. In the recordings of this removal drum 33 are then Filter sleeves with filter elements 34. It is also possible in the frame this invention or this embodiment an entire Fill half of the sleeve 11. However, it is in the 12 and 13 only the variant of a lever instead of one Slider shown, using the appropriate filter plug can be moved. It is also possible to use several levers 35 use, in which granules are then also introduced can, or to use a combination of levers and sliders.

14 is a modular construction of a filter manufacturing machine shown in the front view. They are the core feed module 130, granule and soft element filler module 131 (2x) and inverter module 132 shown. In this embodiment become sleeves by means of a sleeve collar 120 and filter elements supplied by means of two filter element trays 121. The Sleeve feed module thus comprises a feed of sleeves from one 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 the sleeves are conveyed to a granule drum 126. In the granule drum Arrived in 126, granules are filled into the sleeves. Here, for example, a device according to 10 use Find. The sleeves are partially filled with granules then handed over to a lever drum 127, for example by a Design according to 12 can be given. In this module, namely in the granule and soft element filler module 131 from a filter element incline 121 filter elements via a removal drum 123 and a feed and sleeve removal drum 128 the lever drum 127 fed.

By means of the feed and sleeve removal drum 128 the with Granules and corresponding filter elements such as soft elements filled sleeves, one side now in this embodiment is fully filled, removed and a transfer drum 124 transferred, which is arranged in the turner module 132. The transfer drum 124 passes the half-filled sleeves 11 to a turning drum 129, in which the sleeves are turned. On the way heat the sleeves to the turning drum, to activate a hot glue trail that the filter elements fixed. After turning the pods the half-filled pods are another granulate and Transfer soft element filler module 131 by means of a delivery drum 125, which transfers the sleeves to a granulate drum 126, in which the sleeves are filled with granulate again. As next the sleeves are transferred 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. The now fully filled sleeves are then over the drum 128th passed on to a transfer drum 124 at which a heating station 39 is arranged, by means of, for example, a hot glue completely or be activated in the remaining part of the sleeve can.

In the left side of FIG. 14 is a double double filter which has been filled 118 shown in longitudinal section, which from a first filter material 19, a granulate 26 and one each Filter plug 20 is composed. This double-multiple filter is in the middle of the following cigarette production of the first filter material 19 cut.

15 is another exemplary embodiment of a Filter manufacturing machine shown by means of a double multiple filter 118 can be made of four each different filter elements of double use length. 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 of the 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 granulate and Soft element filler module 131 as well as the turner module 132 and the another granule and soft element filler module 131. Otherwise the elements that are used here are corresponding.

With the filter manufacturing machine it is possible to modularly according to the Requests of the corresponding customers to produce filters. For this only have to exchange the corresponding modules with each other, be added or removed.

Although in the context of the description of the figures essentially manufacturing variants were shown in which a vertical Alignment of filter sleeves 11 has found use also possible to align them horizontally. Furthermore, the invention not limited to the use of appropriate drums, but it is also conceivable to use trough belts for transport and editing the filters to use, such as by the DE 197 08 836 A1 and US 6,079,545 of the patent holder, DE 39 25 073 A1 or 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 from different filter materials and / or granules to be inserted in filter sleeves in changing compositions and to process multi-segment filters or multiple filters. In the context of this invention, the term “filter materials” encompasses also the term "granules".

Pre-made at least twice as long are preferably used 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 be divided. With a slightly modified concept that too the embodiment acc. Fig. 11 is modified, the filter sleeve in a hollow of a carousel or the main drum 100 held and by rotating the main drum 100 from station Forwarded to station. The stations are depending on the design of the filter, also in changing order, a sleeve feed device, a granulate metering device with a granulate feed station and a filter plug feeder, one 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 the sleeve always held in the same place in the main drum 100. In which Feeding filter material into the sleeve or during insertion of this material in the sleeve, the sleeve is preferably through Vacuum or suction air held in its position. The sleeve holder can be provided with vibrations, for example, so that granules in the densest possible pack can.

16 schematically shows a further exemplary embodiment of a Transfer station for transferring filter elements into a sleeve 11, which includes a first filter material 19. The sleeve 11 16 in the process state of FIG. 16 by means of vacuum bores 13 held on the conveyor drum 12. Around the sleeve 11 in the bore 16 to introduce the 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 operative connection with a lower cam 68, the specifies how far up and down the lower plunger 18 is extended.

There are already two second filter plugs 64 in the first slide 23 brought in. After cutting through a 1st double filter plug 63 by a circular knife 28 also the others Recordings of the first slide 23 each with a 1st filter plug Mistake. Among other things, the upper plunger 17, which in a plunger guide 61 is guided. The upper plunger 17 is in Active connection with an upper control curve 67, which specifies how the upper ram 17 is extended downwards or upwards is. 16, the upper plunger 17 is in the uppermost position arranged.

A first granulate 26 is already in the second slide 24 in the intended recordings introduced. 16 is the state shown in which a second granulate 27 from a granulate container 65 via a filler neck 66 in further recordings of the second slide 24 is spent. So that one if possible tight packing or as tight a filling as possible 2. Granules 27 happens is a vibration exciter 44 in Active connection with the filler neck 66 is provided. The vibration exciter 44 vibrates, for example, at a frequency of 50 Hz. This can be an electromagnet with a act corresponding moving mass, so that corresponding Vibrations are generated.

Fig. 17 shows an embodiment in which, for example, a Main drum 100 slightly related to the main drum 100 of FIG. 11 is varied, supplied with filter elements or filter material will and how accordingly the main drum 100 produced double multiple filters 118 or Double multi-segment filter 118 are discharged.

There are 101 quadruple sleeves 114 with a sleeve mass flow 101 Recording drum 78 supplied. By means of the take-up drum 78 are each in corresponding receiving troughs of the receiving drum 78 the 4-fold sleeves 114 are removed from the sleeve stock. Then, using a circular knife 106, these are divided into two double Split sleeves 115. The corresponding double sleeve 115 are then staggered in a relay drum 79 to then to be passed into a sliding drum 80 where it is aligned become. The push drum 80 is behind the transfer drum 80 arranged, which is provided for further filter elements, which are fed to the transfer drum 80 from above.

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

From a filter element mass flow 102 or a corresponding one Filter element stock becomes filter elements 12 times the length of use 70 transferred to a receiving drum 74 with receiving troughs. These are then divided into three parts by 2 circular knives 106 cut so that three filter elements 4 times Usage length 71 result. These are in a relay drum 75 staggered, then in a sliding drum 76 transversely axially to be aligned and then again by a circular knife 106 cut into two filter elements 2 times the usage length 72 to become.

After cutting into two filter elements, double the usage length 72 are the filter elements in one Staggered drum 77 staggered, then to a transfer drum / sliding drum 80 to be handed over. In this embodiment the filter elements are twice the working length 72 arranged at the front and the sleeves 2 times the working length 115 behind arranged so that only the front filter elements 2 times Usage length 72 are recognizable. The respective filter elements 72 and sleeves 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 and sleeves of the Main drum 100 are fed. The main drum 100 is the For clarity not shown in this figure; she is, however, shown schematically in FIG. 18. After filling the sleeves 115 become the double-multiple filters 118 or multi-segment filters 118 taken over by a takeover drum 85 and a cone pulley 86 fed. Finally there is one Transfer to a delivery drum 87 which contains the multi-segment filter 118 delivers to a mass flow 88. It will be so in this embodiment the multi-segment filter or double-multiple filter 118 which each have filter elements 73 at the end, then going to the middle, for example a granulate filling having generated on the main drum 100 were and in the middle the well-known filter plug or have first filter material 19.

So there are three main functions in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 shown, namely the supply of prefabricated sleeves 11 via a previously formed mass flow, the supply of the Filter elements, for example soft filter elements with the help of corresponding ones Functional groups as shown in the exemplary 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 (11)

1. Device for manufacturing multi-segment filters (118) for products of the tobacco processing industry comprising a filter sleeve feed element (10, 130) and a transport element (12, 100, 123 to 127), into which filter sleeves (11) are introducible, characterized in that a plurality of processing stations (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) for the filter sleeves (11) are provided on the transport element (12, 100, 123 to 127).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a processing station is designed as a turning apparatus (108, 129) for turning the filter sleeves (11).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport element is at least one continuously revolving conveyor (12, 100, 126, 127, . 128, 129), which conveys the filter sleeves (11) transaxially.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a plurality of processing stations (17, 23, 24, 28, 31, 32, 131, 132) are disposed on a single conveyor (12, 100).
5. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that as processing stations at least one filter material feed station (21, 102, 104, 105, 107, 112, 130, 131, 133) and/or at least one filter material introduction station (a) to t), 15, 16, 38) and/or at least one removal station (109, 104, 117; 33; 128) and/or at least one heating station (39) are provided.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one filter material feed station comprises two rotatable and acentrically disposed disks (31, 32), which each have bores (14), wherein the bores (14) of the one disk (31) and the bores of the other disk (32) at one location (38) are disposable in mutual alignment.
7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one filter material feed station comprises 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).
8. Device according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, 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).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one second transfer means (18) is provided, which operates from the opposite side of the filter sleeve (11) as an abutment relative to the at least one first transfer means (17).
10. Device according to one or more of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that at least one filter sleeve (11) is disposable in axial alignment with at least one bore (14).
11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that at least two bores (14) are disposable in axial alignment with the filter sleeve (11).

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