EP1397967A1 - Production of non-cuttable filter elements - Google Patents

Abstract

Production of filter elements used in the tobacco-processing industry, especially for multisegment filters, comprises arranging a sleeve element (5) in a first filter part (1), inserting a second filter part (2) in the first filter part, and removing the sleeve element. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) Filter, especially a multisegment filter, produced by the above process; (2) Device for producing filter elements, especially for multisegment filters; and (3) Machine for producing filters, especially multisegment filters, comprising the above device. Preferred Features: Before arrangement of the sleeve element the material of the first filter part is compressed using a rod element (3).

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing filter elements the tobacco processing industry, especially for multi-segment filters, a first filter part and at least a second filter part. The invention further relates to a filter, in particular multi-segment filter, and a device for producing filter elements the tobacco processing industry, especially for multi-segment filters with a first filter part and at least a second filter part. The The invention also relates to a machine for producing filters the tobacco processing industry, especially multi-segment filters.

US Pat. No. 5,088,507 discloses a device for assembling an aerosol generating cartridge and a finished filter cigarette described. Here the cartridge is inserted into the cigarette, a support tube is ejected after completion becomes.

However, this device is not suitable for the production of Filter segments of a multi-segment filter, as in the disclosed device only end products are put together. Multi-segment filter consist of fragile, shock-sensitive filter pieces, wherein the filter pieces are not covered by a wrapping paper strip are put together into a group of filter segments which are then e.g. in a skein process a filter strand are formed.

For the production of cigarette filters, especially multi-segment filters, according to the desired filter properties Filter rods made from different basic filter rods. For this the basic filter rods are cut, grouped, in a filter rod machine wrapped and cut into multiple long filter rods.

In the manufacture of multi-segment filters, among others also hard filter elements used. Hard filter elements exist either from a shock-sensitive and fragile material, which is why careful handling and transportation of the sensitive Hard elements in filter production is of great importance, or made of a non-elastic and incompressible hard material, such as. an extruded plastic sleeve or capsule.

The object of the present invention is to provide a filter element for a To provide multi-component filters, it should be possible sensitive and / or non-cut filter elements, in particular Hard segments, in a simple and safe way with a soft to provide compressible wrapping.

• Anordnen eines Hülsenelements im ersten Filterteil,
• Einbringen des zweiten Filterteils in das erste Filterteil und
• Herausziehen des Hülsenelements.

This problem is solved by means of the method of the type mentioned at the beginning by carrying out the method steps:

• Arranging a sleeve element in the first filter part,
• Introducing the second filter part into the first filter part and
• Pull out the sleeve element.

Through the sleeve element, a cavity and formed a channel through which the second filter part is inserted becomes. The first filter part can consist, for example, of cellulose acetate, so that after inserting a hard segment (second filter part) the hard segment is surrounded by a compressible shell. By creating a defined cavity and channel different (second) filter parts or hard segments independently of their nature or surface are introduced and enveloped. When producing the filter element from the first filter part and the second filter part is not limited to processing certain materials. Through the sleeve element (Second) filter parts can also be introduced with a rough surface. There are also no restrictions on the Material of the first filter part forming the casing. For example the first filter part can consist of a short-fiber material, whose fibers are not glued together. As part of the Invention, it is also conceivable that the first filter part is hollow on the inside i.e. is ring-shaped or as a hollow ring. By using it the sleeve element is an exact positioning of the second filter part effortlessly achieved, so that a good centricity of the Filter element is given. Furthermore, clean processing regardless of the material properties of one or both filter parts guaranteed so that higher production output of up to 20,000 filter segments can be reached per minute.

In particular, the material of the compressed first filter part, so that the sleeve element subsequently forms a cavity in the first filter part.

The material of the first filter part is preferably by means of a Thorn elements compressed.

To the frictional resistance between the material of the first filter part and the mandrel element when the mandrel element penetrates into the to reduce the first filter part, the mandrel element is subjected to ultrasound, so that the mandrel element lighter in the first filter part can penetrate.

If the mandrel element has a low-friction surface, preferably a ceramic coating or a galvanic chrome coating, identifies, the mandrel element can effortlessly into the first filter part be introduced.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that that the mandrel element, the first filter part, preferably rotating penetrates and is brought into contact with the sleeve member.

After penetration of the first filter part by means of the mandrel element then a cavity in the first filter part becomes reliable in particular formed when the sleeve member is in contact with the mandrel member is inserted into the first filter part. Here the thorn retracted and the sleeve element flush with the mandrel in the first filter part introduced.

The second filter part is pushed securely into the first filter part, if the second filter part is advantageously arranged in the sleeve element becomes. After arranging the second filter part, the filter part shifted and precise in the formed cavity of the first filter part positioned.

Improved handling is achieved if the first filter part, fixed in particular before compressing the material of the first filter part becomes.

For further processing and provision of the produced filter element for example, a multi-segment filter is pulled out the fixing of the filter element of the sleeve element.

In addition, the invention provides that after removal the sleeve element, the filter element to a funding, in particular Conveyor drum, is handed over.

The process steps are advantageously carried out on a conveyor drum, in particular a filter module of a machine for production of filter rods, preferably multi-segment filters.

Another solution to the problem is a filter, in particular Multi-segment filter, which is provided with a filter element, wherein the filter element by performing the above Process steps is made.

In addition, the object is achieved by means of a device at the beginning mentioned type, which is further developed in that a sleeve element to form a cavity in the first filter part and Introducing the second filter part into the first filter part is provided. By means of this device according to the invention, non-cutable Hard segments are provided with a soft cover, the Outer shell is compressible.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a mandrel element for compression the material of the first filter part is provided.

In particular, the sleeve element with a receptacle for the second Provide filter part so that any one can be used in a safe manner second filter part can be used as the inner part of the filter element can. This results in great variability in production a filter element according to the invention.

In order to form a hollow body or cavity in the first filter part, the sleeve element and the mandrel element are in contact with one another brought.

The mandrel element can be easily inserted into the first filter part, if the mandrel element can be subjected to ultrasound. Thereby the frictional resistance is reduced. Another reduction of frictional resistance can be achieved if a predetermined Mandrel shape of the mandrel element is selected, e.g. one additional attached tip, so that the penetration of the mandrel element still is made easier.

The mandrel element preferably has a low-friction surface, in particular a ceramic coating or a galvanic Chrome plating, on.

In particular, a fixing element is provided for the first filter part, so that the first filter part is not through the enclosure moved and thus a compression of the material is achieved.

It is also advantageous if the device as a means of funding, in particular Conveyor drum, preferably a module for production of filter elements.

In addition, the object of the invention is achieved by a machine for the production of filters, in particular multi-segment filters, for the tobacco processing industry Industry operating with a previously described device according to the invention is equipped.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Vorderansicht auf ein Modul einer Multisegmentfiltermaschine;

Fig. 2a bis 2h

schematisch den Verfahrensablauf zur Herstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Filtersegments;

Fig. 3

schematisch eine Trommelanordnung mit einer Funktionstrommel, auf der das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ebenfalls ausgeführt wird und

Fig. 4a bis 4i

einzelne Verfahrensschritte auf der Funktionstrommel gemäß Fig. 3 im Querschnitt in schematischer Darstellung.

The invention is described below by way of example without limitation of the general inventive concept by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, to which reference is expressly made with regard to the disclosure of all details according to the invention not explained in more detail in the text. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic front view of a module of a multi-segment filter machine;

2a to 2h

schematically the process flow for producing a filter segment according to the invention;

Fig. 3

schematically a drum arrangement with a functional drum, on which the inventive method is also carried out and

4a to 4i

Individual process steps on the functional drum according to FIG. 3 in cross section in a schematic representation.

In the following figures, the same elements are the same Reference numbers marked, so that from a new introduction is disregarded in each case.

In Fig. 1, a module 10 is a schematic front view Multi-segment filter machine shown. This module 10 is suitable for the production of non-cutable filter elements or - segments that match other filter segments of other modules in the Multi-segment filter machine processed into multi-segment filters become. In the context of the invention means a non-cut filter element in particular a filter element with a compressible Outer shell and any internal filter part.

In the module 10 filter rods, preferably made of a special lightweight material such as Cellulose acetate, from a filter magazine 11 removed by means of a removal drum 12 and subsequently by means of Knife 13 cut several times into filter segments or parts. Then the cut filter parts are placed on a relay drum 14 staggered and transferred to a cutting / sliding drum 15, on which the cut filter parts are cut again and be pulled apart. Subsequently, two will be in parallel pass the guided filter parts to the insertion / wobble drum 16, which transfers the cut filter parts to a functional drum 18. In a preferred embodiment, two filter parts 8 (see Fig. 2g) reversed, produced in parallel on the functional drum 18.

The functional drum 18 are also via a feed 20, the lower end is pivotally mounted, and over a trough drum 19 shock-sensitive hard filter segments supplied. The feed 20 and the bowl drum 19 are described in the German patent application (File number 101 46 992.6) of the patent applicant and are particularly suitable for the treatment and transfer of shock-sensitive filter segments or parts. The revelation content This German patent application is intended to be fully in the present Patent application must be included.

According to the invention, the filter elements, consisting of the cut filter parts (first filter part) and the hard filter segments fed via the trough drum 19 (second filter part) executed. The production of the invention Filter elements are carried out in process steps A to H, which are corresponding the letters in Figs. 2a to 2h in cross section are shown.

After the filter element has been manufactured, this filter element is attached to a Hand over the transport drum 23. Be about transport drums 21, 22 additional filter segments from other modules of the multi-segment filter machine handed over to the transport drum 23. The filter elements or filter segments are then on a transport drum 24 handed over and led away.

2a to 2h are corresponding to process steps A to H on the functional drum 18 (see Fig. 1) in cross section the individual Steps shown schematically.

2a shows the transfer of a first filter part 1, consisting of for example cellulose acetate, from the cutting / sliding drum 16 shown to the functional drum 18. The cutting / sliding drum 16 has suction bores 17 in the receiving troughs which the filter parts 1 held on the cutting / sliding drum 16 become. When the filter parts 1 are transferred, the vacuum in the corresponding suction hole 17 is switched off, so that the filter part 1 is transferred to a receiving trough 28 of the functional drum 18.

The functional drum 18 also has a stop on the side 29, which has a bore 30 in the area of the deposited filter part 1. On the side of the receiving trough 28 or the filter part 1 is a rotatably movable mandrel 3 formed with a tip 31. The The diameter of the mandrel 3 essentially corresponds to the diameter the bore 30 of the stop 29th

After inserting the filter part 1 by means of a fixing arm 4 in the Receiving recess 28 tightly enclosed. The fixing arm 4 is preferred pivoted on the functional drum 18. Also has the fixing arm 4 via a side stop 34, which with a Hole 35 is provided. The diameter of the bore 35 corresponds the diameter of the bore 30 of the stop 29 and the Diameter of the mandrel 3 (Fig. 2b).

After fixing the first filter part 1, the filter part 1 is by means of rotating mandrel 3 by performing a relative movement between Completely pierce filter part 1 and mandrel 3, causing compression of the filter material takes place. To prevent the penetration of the mandrel 3 in to facilitate the filter material of the first filter part 1, the mandrel 3 subjected to ultrasound. Furthermore, the mandrel 3 can be wear-resistant Surface with a low coefficient of friction feature. In addition, the mandrel tip 31 can be a further additional tip have, so that the penetration of the mandrel 3 is improved.

If the first in an alternative embodiment not shown here Filter part 1 is designed as a hollow ring, so with the mandrel 3rd this annular filter part 1 stretched or widened. hereby it is achieved that there is sufficient space inside this annular first filter part 1 is created, so that the second filter part 2 is safely inserted and encased by the first filter part 1.

During the penetration of the mandrel 3 into the first filter part 1 at the same time in a sleeve 5 arranged next to the mandrel 3 in one Opening 32 of the sleeve 5, a second filter part 2 via the trough drum 19 filed (Fig. 2c). Through the opening 32 in the sleeve 5 is a Recording 36 formed for the second filter part 2. The distance of the Recording from the end face of the sleeve 5 is at least as large as the tip 31 of the mandrel 3 is long. In addition, in the sleeve 5th a slide 33 is arranged on the side facing away from the mandrel 3, to move the second filter part 2 in the sleeve 5.

The first filter part 1 is expanded with the mandrel 3 from the center. After the filter part 1 is completely pierced, the Sleeve 5 and the mandrel 3 connected flush with each other (Fig. 2d), so that the sleeve 5 connects directly to the mandrel 3. Be below the mandrel 3 and the sleeve 5 moved back together so that the Sleeve 5 is inserted into the first filter part 1 and with a cavity forms a solid wall in the first filter part 1. During or after pulling back the mandrel 3, the slide 33 moves the second arranged in the sleeve 5 second filter part 2 in the direction of the first Filter part 1.

2e shows the maximum position of the sleeves 5 in which the mandrel 3 is pulled out of the first filter part 1 and the second filter part 2 is pushed by means of the slide 33.

After reaching the end position of the second filter part 2 (Fig. 2f) pulled out the sleeve 5, the slider 33 as a counter-holder serves for the second filter part 2. After pulling out the Sleeve 5 is the fixation of the first filter part 1 and the second filter part 2 produced filter element 8 solved (Fig. 2g). Subsequently, the filter element 8 is produced on the transport drum 23 passed (Fig. 2h).

Fig. 3 shows a drum arrangement with a further inventive Functional drum 18 for producing an inventive Filter element. For this purpose, first filter parts 1 from a conveyor drum 41 handed over to the functional drum 18. On their way from the transfer point of the filter parts 1 from the conveyor drum 41 the functional drum 18 up to an insertion drum 42 for the second Filter part 2 becomes the filter parts 1 on the functional drum 18 compacted in a ring. After feeding the second filter parts 2 through the insertion drum 42, the first and the second filter part 1 or 2 combined to form a filter element 8. After Production of the filter element 8 are the finished filter elements 8 picked up by a removal drum 43 and by the Functional drum 18 transported away.

The individual process steps for producing a filter element 8 on the functional drum 18 according to FIG. 3 is in FIGS 4i schematically shown in cross section. The procedures according to Figures 4a to 4i are described below. On the Functional drum 18 is made from the manufacture of a filter element 8 a first filter part 1 and a second filter part 2 double lane executed. This means that the conveyor drum 41 has two rows on first filter parts 1 from the conveyor drum 41 to the functional drum 18 (see Fig. 3) are given. This will in two rows parallel or symmetrical to each other and at the same time along the conveying path of the filter parts 1 and 2 Filter elements 8 made. For reasons of clarity, in Figures 4a to 4i, the manufacture of a filter element 8 for the left part of the functional drum 18 shown. Since the Method steps symmetrical to an axis of symmetry 55 of the Functional drum 18 are executed, the following applies also for the right part of the functional drum 18.

According to the situation shown in FIG. 4a, a transfer takes place first filter part 1 from the conveyor drum 41 (see FIG. 3) to the Functional drum 18 instead. For this purpose, the first filter part 1 is in a Receiving recess of a horizontally movable carriage 51 inserted. The carriage 51 has suction bores 52, so that the filter part 1 on the longitudinally axially movable carriage 51 (by an applied Vacuum is kept in the functional drum 18).

The functional drum 18 also has a mandrel 3 with a Tip 31, which is arranged stationary on the functional drum 18. The mandrel 3 is limited at the top by a cover 56, so that the mandrel 3 is otherwise open to the side of the filter part 1. In particular the mandrel 3 is surrounded on all other sides by walls and thus limited in space.

On the opposite side of the first from the mandrel 3 Filter element 1, the sleeve 5 is arranged. Inside the sleeve 5 is the stamp 33. The carriage 51, the sleeve 5 and Stamps 33 are independent of one another in the longitudinal axial direction movable.

After taking over the first filter part 1 in the inclusion of the Carriage 51 (FIG. 4a), carriage 51 becomes in the direction of mandrel 3 moved so that the first filter part 1 pierce and compact becomes. This is shown in Fig. 4b. Simultaneously or after the shift of the slide 51, the sleeve 5 is moved in the same direction, so that the sleeve 5 rests on the conical surface of the mandrel tip 31 (see Fig. 4b).

Then the compressed filter part 1 together with the Carriage 51 moves back, so that the annularly compressed filter part 1 is pushed over the sleeve 5 (see Fig. 4c). To do this only the slide 51 is moved back axially, while the sleeve 5 and the stamp 33 remain unchanged in their positions. Fig. 4d shows the functional drum 18 in the process stage in which the Insert drum 42 (Fig. 3), the second filter part 2 in the opening 33 of the Sleeve 5 (Fig. 4c) is inserted. For this purpose, the sleeve 5 has on the bottom to the functional drum 18 via recesses, so that the inserted second filter parts 2 in the sleeve 5 or on the functional drum 18 held by a vacuum applied in the functional drum 18 become.

Then the sleeve 5 together with the compressed first Filter part 1 moved outwards (FIG. 4e), the second filter part 2 is held in the same place by means of the stamp 33. The sled 51 and the sleeve 5 together with the first sleeve part 1 moved simultaneously with each other until the first filter part 1 surrounds second filter part 2.

In a further process step, the sleeve 5 is completely in pulled outwards in the axial direction, so that through the Sheathing the second filter part 2 by the first filter part 1 Filter element 8 is formed. The filter element 8 is replaced by an inside the vacuum applied to the functional drum 18 on the slide 51 held (Fig. 4f).

Fig. 4g shows the situation in which the sleeve 5 completely between the first and second filter parts 1 and 2 is pulled out. The filter element 8 is by means of negative pressure in the receiving trough of the slide 51 held. Subsequently, the filter element 8 produced by a longitudinal axial displacement movement of the sleeve element 5 in a Removal position brought (see Fig. 4h).

Then the sleeve 5 is withdrawn, so that the filter element produced 8 of the removal drum 42 (Fig. 3) from the recording of the carriage 51 is removed. The handover to the removal drum 43 is created by applying overpressure to the holes 52 of the slide 51 supports (Fig. 4i).

In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4i the troughs of the slide 51 over a cam ring during their rotational movement on the functional drum 18 (Fig. 3) moved axially. For this purpose, the mandrels 3 are relative to the moving first filter part 1 firmly trained.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2a to 2h is in this embodiment according to Figures 4a to 4i first filter part 1 moved axially, while in the first embodiment the mandrel 3 is moved back and forth.

In a preferred embodiment, there are several troughs for the Inclusion of first and second filter parts on slide segments arranged.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

first filter part

2

second filter part

3

mandrel

4

fixing arm

5

shell

8th

filter element

10

module

11

filter Magazine

12

removal drum

13

knife

14

staggering drum

15

Cutting / pushing drum

16

Insert / tumbling

17

suction bore

18

operating drum

19

trough drum

20

feed

21

transport drum

22

transport drum

23

transport drum

24

transport drum

28

receiving trough

29

attack

30

drilling

31

top

32

opening

33

stamp

34

attack

35

drilling

36

admission

41

conveyor drum

42

insert drum

43

removal drum

51

carriage

52

suction bore

55

axis of symmetry

56

cover

Claims (22)

Method for producing filter elements (8) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular for multi-segment filters, from a first filter part (1) and at least a second filter part (2), characterized by the method steps: Arranging a sleeve element (5) in the first filter part (1), Introducing the second filter part (2) into the first filter part (1) and Pull out the sleeve element (5). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the material of the first filter part (1) is compressed before arranging the sleeve element (5). A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the material of the first filter part (1) is compressed by means of a mandrel element (3). A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the mandrel element (3) is subjected to ultrasound. A method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the mandrel element (3) has a low-friction surface, preferably a ceramic coating or a galvanic chrome coating. Method according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the mandrel element (3), preferably rotating, penetrates the first filter part and is brought into contact with the sleeve element (5). A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the sleeve element (5) is introduced into the filter part (1) in contact with the mandrel element (3). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second filter part (2) is arranged in the sleeve element (5). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first filter part (1), in particular before compression of the material of the first filter part (1), is fixed. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that after pulling out the sleeve element (5) the fixing of the filter element (8) is released. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that after removal of the sleeve element (5), the filter element (8) is transferred to a conveyor, in particular a conveyor drum (23). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the method steps are carried out on a conveyor drum (18), in particular a filter module (10) of a machine for producing filter rods, preferably multi-segment filters. Filters, especially multi-segment filters, can be obtained by running of the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 12th Device for producing filter elements (8) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular for multi-segment filters, with a first filter part (1) and at least a second filter part (2), characterized in that at least one sleeve element (5) for forming a cavity in the first filter element ( 1) and for introducing the second filter part (2) into the first filter part (1). Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the sleeve element (5) is provided with a receptacle (36) for the second filter part (2). Device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that a mandrel element (3) for compressing the material of the first filter part (1) is provided. Device according to one or more of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the sleeve element (5) and the mandrel element (3) can be brought into contact with one another. Device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the mandrel element (3) can be subjected to ultrasound. Device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the mandrel element has a low-friction surface, preferably a ceramic coating or a galvanic chrome coating. Device according to one or more of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that a fixing element (4) for the first filter part (1) is provided. Device according to one or more of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the device is designed as a conveying means (18), in particular a conveying drum (18), preferably a module for producing filter elements (8). Machine for the production of filters of the tobacco processing Industry, especially multi-segment filters, with one device according to one or more of claims 14 to 21.

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