EP1397967B1 - 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, from a first filter part and at least one second filter part. Furthermore, the invention relates to a filter, in particular multi-segment filters, and a device for producing filter elements the tobacco processing industry, especially for multi-segment filters with a first filter part and at least one second filter part. The The invention also relates to a machine for producing filters the tobacco processing industry, in particular multi-segment filters.

In the patent US 5,088,507 is a device for assembling an aerosol generating cartridge and a finished filter cigarette described. The cartridge is inserted into the cigarette, after completion, ejecting a support tube 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 joined together. Multi-segment filter consist inter alia of fragile, shock-sensitive filter pieces, wherein the filter pieces are not enveloped by a wrapping paper strip but are put together into a group of filter segments are subsequently added, e.g. in a continuous process too be formed a filter strand.

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

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

Object of the present invention is to provide a filter element for a To provide multi-component filters, it being possible to sensitive and / or non-cuttable filter elements, in particular Hard segments, in a simple and safe way with a soft to provide compressible cladding.

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

This object is achieved by means of the method of the type mentioned by performing the method steps:

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

Through the sleeve member in the first filter part a cavity and a channel is formed, through which the second filter part is inserted becomes. The first filter part may for example consist of cellulose acetate, such that after insertion of a hard segment (second filter part) the hard segment is surrounded by a compressible shell. By forming a defined cavity and channel can different (second) filter parts or hard segments independently be introduced and wrapped by their nature or surface. In the manufacture of the filter element from the first filter part and the second filter part is not limited to the processing certain materials. Through the sleeve element can (second) filter parts are also introduced with a rough surface. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the Material of the envelope forming the first filter part. For example the first filter part may 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 inside hollow i.e. is annular or formed as a hollow ring. By use 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, a clean processing regardless of the material properties of one or both filter parts guaranteed, allowing higher production rates of up to 20,000 filter segments per minute can be achieved.

In particular, prior to arranging the sleeve member, the material of the compressed first part of the filter, so that the sleeve member subsequently forms a cavity in the first filter part.

Preferably, the material of the first filter part by means of a Thorn element compacted.

To the frictional resistance between the material of the first filter part and the mandrel member upon penetration of the mandrel member into the mandrel reduce first filter part, the mandrel element is subjected to ultrasound, so that the mandrel element easier 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 in the first filter part effortlessly be introduced.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed in that the mandrel element is 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 becomes particularly reliable a cavity in the first filter part formed when the sleeve member in contact with the mandrel element is introduced into the first filter part. This is the thorn moved back and the sleeve member flush with the mandrel in the introduced first filter part.

The second filter part is securely inserted into the first filter part, if advantageously arranged the second filter part in the sleeve member becomes. After arrangement of the second filter part, the filter part moved and precise in the formed cavity of the first filter part positioned.

Improved handling is achieved when the first filter part, especially before compacting the material of the first filter part, fixed becomes.

For further processing and provision of the manufactured filter element for example, a multi-segment filter is pulled out the sleeve member solved the fixation of the filter element.

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

Advantageously, the process steps 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 provided with a filter element, wherein the filter element by performing the above-described Process steps is made.

In addition, the object is achieved by means of a device of the beginning mentioned type, which is further developed by a sleeve member for forming a cavity in the first filter part and the Introducing the second filter part is provided in the first filter part. By means of this device according to the invention can not be cut Hard segments are provided with a soft shell, the Outer shell is compressible.

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

In particular, the sleeve member with a receptacle for the second Filter part provided so that safely and any second filter part can be used as the inner part of the filter element can. This results in a large variability in the production a filter element according to the invention.

In order to form a hollow body or cavity in the first filter part, the sleeve member and the mandrel member are in contact with each other brought.

The mandrel element can be easily inserted into the first filter part, when the mandrel element can be acted upon by ultrasound. Thereby the frictional resistance is reduced. Another reduction The frictional resistance can be achieved when a predetermined Mandrel shape of the mandrel element is selected, e.g. an additional patch tip, so that the penetration of the mandrel element still more is facilitated.

Preferably, the mandrel element 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 not by the enclosure moved and thus a compression of the material is achieved.

It is also advantageous if the device is used as a conveyor, in particular Conveying drum, preferably a module for the production of filter elements is formed.

In addition, the object of the invention is achieved by a machine for the production of filters, in particular multi-segment filters, the tobacco-processing Industry, with an above-described, equipped device 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 will now be described by way of example without limitation of the general inventive concept by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, which is expressly referred to in the rest with respect to the disclosure of all unspecified in the text details of the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2a to 2h

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

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4a to 4i

individual process steps on the functional drum of FIG. 3 in cross section in a schematic representation.

In the following figures, the same elements are the same Reference numerals, so that by a new idea each is apart.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a module 10 a Multisegment filter machine shown. This module 10 is suitable for the production of non-clippable filter elements or segments with other filter segments of other modules in the Multisegment filter machine further processed to multi-segment filters become. In the context of the invention means a non-cutting filter element in particular a filter element with a compressible Outer shell and any internal filter part.

In the module 10 filter rods, preferably from a particular 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. Subsequently, the cut filter parts on a staggering drum 14 graduated and passed to a cutting / sliding drum 15, on the cut filter parts cut again and be pulled apart. Below are two parallel pass guided filter parts to the infeed / tumble drum 16, which passes the cut filter parts to a functional drum 18. In a preferred embodiment, two filter parts 8 (see FIG. 2g) mirror-inverted, produced in parallel on the functional drum 18.

The functional drum 18 are further via a feed 20, whose lower end is pivotally mounted, and a trough drum 19 shock-sensitive Hartfiltersegmente supplied. The feeder 20 and the hollow 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 dissemination of shock-sensitive filter segments or parts. The revelation content this German patent application is intended in its entirety in the present Patent application be included.

On the functional drum 18 according to the invention, the filter elements, consisting of the cut filter parts (first filter part) and the hard drum segments supplied via the drum 19 (second filter part) executed. The preparation of the invention Filter elements takes place in the process steps A to H, the corresponding the registered letters in Figs. 2a to 2h in cross section are shown.

After production of the filter element, this filter element is connected to a Transfer drum 23 passed. About transport drums 21, 22 are additional filter segments from other modules of the multi-segment filter machine passed to the transport drum 23. The filter elements or filter segments are then placed on a transport drum 24 handed over and taken away.

In FIGS. 2a to 2h, according to method steps A to H on the functional drum 18 (see Fig. 1) in cross section, the individual Steps shown schematically.

In Fig. 2a, the transfer of a first filter part 1, consisting of for example, cellulose acetate, from the cutting / sliding drum 16 shown on the functional drum 18. The cutting / sliding drum 16 has in the receiving wells via suction holes 17, by means where the filter parts 1 held on the cutting / sliding drum 16 become. When transferring the filter parts 1, 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 laterally 29, which has a bore 30 in the region of the deposited filter part 1. The side of the receiving trough 28 and the filter part 1 is a rotatably movable mandrel 3 formed with a tip 31. Of the Diameter of the mandrel 3 substantially corresponds to the diameter the bore 30 of the stop 29th

After insertion, the filter part 1 by means of a Fixierarms 4 in the Receiving well 28 firmly enclosed. The fixing arm 4 is preferably pivotally formed on the functional drum 18. It also has the fixing arm 4 via a lateral stop 34, which with a Bore 35 is provided. The diameter of the bore 35 corresponds the diameter of the bore 30 of the stopper 29 and the Diameter of the mandrel 3 (Figure 2b).

After fixing the first filter part 1, the filter part 1 by means of rotating mandrel 3 by performing a relative movement between Completely pierced filter part 1 and mandrel 3, so that a compression the filter material takes place. In order 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. Further, the mandrel 3 via a wear-resistant Surface with a low coefficient of friction feature. In addition, the mandrel tip 31 may be another auxiliary tip have, so that the penetration of the mandrel 3 is improved.

If in an alternative embodiment, not shown here, the first Filter part 1 is formed as a hollow ring, it is with the mandrel. 3 this annular filter part 1 stretched, or widened. hereby is achieved that sufficient space in the interior of this annular first filter part 1 is created, so that the second filter part 2 safely introduced and the first filter part 1 is sheathed.

During penetration of the mandrel 3 in the first filter part 1 is 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 on the hollow drum 19 stored (Fig. 2c). Through the opening 32 in the sleeve 5 a Recording 36 for the second filter part 2 is formed. The distance of Recording of the front side of the sleeve 5 is at least as large as the tip 31 of the mandrel 3 is long. In addition, in the sleeve 5 arranged on the side facing away from the mandrel 3, a slider 33, to move the second filter part 2 in the sleeve 5.

The first filter part 1 is widened with the mandrel 3 from the center out. After complete penetration of the filter part 1, the Sleeve 5 and the mandrel 3 flush with each other (Fig. 2d), so that the sleeve 5 connects directly to the mandrel 3. Below are the mandrel 3 and the sleeve 5 moved back together, so that the Sleeve 5 is inserted into the first filter part 1 and a cavity with a solid wall in the first filter part 1 is formed. While or after retraction of the mandrel 3, the slider 33 moves the second arranged in the sleeve 5 second filter part 2 in the direction of the first Filter parts 1.

In Fig. 2e, the maximum position of the sleeves 5 is shown, 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, wherein the slider 33 as a counter-holder for the second filter part 2 is used. After complete removal of 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 manufactured filter element 8 to the transport drum 23 handed over (Fig. 2h).

Fig. 3 shows a drum assembly with a further inventive Function drum 18 for producing a novel Filter element. For this purpose, first filter parts 1 of a conveyor drum 41 passed to the functional drum 18. On her way from the transfer point of the filter parts 1 of the conveyor drum 41 at the functional drum 18 up to an inserting drum 42 for the second Filter part 2, the filter parts 1 on the functional drum 18th compressed in a ring. After the supply of the second filter parts. 2 by the insertion drum 42 are the first and the second filter part 1 and 2 joined together to form a filter element 8. After Production of the filter element 8 are the finished filter elements 8 received by a removal drum 43 and of the Function drum 18 weggetrportiert.

The individual process steps for producing a filter element 8 on the functional drum 18 according to FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS 4i shown schematically in cross section. The procedures according to Figures 4a to 4i are described below. On the Function drum 18 is the production of a filter element 8 from a first filter part 1 and a second filter part 2 double lane executed. This means that of the conveyor drum 41 two rows on the first filter parts 1 of the conveyor drum 41 to the functional drum 18 (see Fig. 3) are delivered. This will be in two rows parallel or symmetrical to each other and simultaneously along the conveying path of the filter parts 1 and 2 respectively Filter elements 8 produced. For clarity, is in Figures 4a to 4i, the production of a filter element 8 for the left part of the functional drum 18 shown. Because the Process steps symmetrical to a symmetry axis 55 of the Function 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 of a first filter part 1 of the conveyor drum 41 (see Fig. 3) to the Function drum 18 instead. For this purpose, the first filter part 1 in a Receiving trough a horizontally movable carriage 51 inserted. The carriage 51 has suction holes 52, so that the filter part 1 on the longitudinally axially movable carriage 51 (by an applied Underpressure in the functional drum 18) is maintained.

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

On the side facing away from the mandrel 3, opposite side of the first Filter element 1, the sleeve 5 is arranged. Within the sleeve 5 is the punch 33. The carriage 51, the sleeve 5 and the Stamp 33 are independent of each other in the longitudinal axial direction movable.

After the acquisition of the first filter part 1 in the recording of Slider 51 (Fig. 4a), the carriage 51 in the direction of the mandrel third shifted, so that the first filter part 1 pierced and compacted becomes. This is shown in Fig. 4b. At the same time or after the shift of the carriage 51, the sleeve 5 is moved in the same direction, so that the sleeve 5 touches on the conical surface of the mandrel tip 31 (compare Fig. 4b).

Subsequently, the compressed filter part 1 together with the Carriage 51 is moved back so that the annularly compressed filter part 1 is pushed over the sleeve 5 (see Fig. 4c). For this purpose is only the carriage 51 is moved back longitudinally while the sleeve. 5 and the punch 33 remain unchanged in their positions. Fig. 4d shows the functional drum 18 in the process stage, in which of the Insertion drum 42 (Fig. 3), the second filter part 2 in the opening 33 of Sleeve 5 (Fig. 4c) is inserted. For this purpose, the sleeve 5 at the bottom to the functional drum 18 via recesses, so that the inserted second filter parts 2 in the sleeve 5 and on the functional drum 18 held by a voltage applied in the functional drum 18 vacuum become.

Thereafter, the sleeve 5 together with the compacted first Filter part 1 moves outward (Fig. 4e), wherein the second filter part of the second held by the punch 33 in the same place. The sled 51 and the sleeve 5 are together with the first sleeve part. 1 moved simultaneously with each other until the first filter part 1 the second filter part 2 surrounds.

In a further method step, the sleeve 5 is completely in pulled outward along the axial axial direction, so that through the Sheath of the second filter part 2 through the first filter part 1 the Filter element 8 is formed. The filter element 8 is characterized by an inside the functional drum 18 applied vacuum on the carriage 51st held (Fig. 4f).

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

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

In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4i are the troughs of the carriage 51 via a cam ring during its rotational movement on the functional drum 18 (Fig. 3) moves axially. For this purpose, the mandrels 3 are relative to the moving first filter part. 1 fixed formed.

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

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of wells for the Recording of first and second filter parts on carriage 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 (21)

1. Method for producing filter elements (8) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular for multisegment filters, consisting of a first filter part (1) and at least one second filter part (2), characterised by the method steps:

   disposing a sleeve element (5) in the first filter part (1),

   introducing the second filter part (2) into the first filter part (1) and

   withdrawing the sleeve element (5).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterised in that the material of the first filter part (1) is compressed prior to disposing the sleeve element (5).
3. Method according to Claim 2, characterised in that the material of the first filter part (1) is compressed by means of a ram element (3).
4. Method according to Claim 3, characterised in that the ram element (3) is acted upon by ultrasound.
5. Method according to Claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the ram element (3) has a low-friction surface, preferably a ceramic coating or an electrodeposited chromium coating.
6. Method according to one or more of Claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the ram element (3) penetrates the first filter part, preferably rotating, and is brought into contact with the sleeve element (5).
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterised in that the sleeve element (5) is introduced into the filter part (1) under contact with the ram element (3).
8. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the second filter part (2) is disposed in the sleeve element (5).
9. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the first filter part (1) is fixed, in particular prior to compressing the material of the first filter part (1).
10. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the fixation of the filter element (8) is released after withdrawing the sleeve element (5).
11. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the filter element (8) is delivered to a conveyor means, in particular a conveyor drum (23), after removing the sleeve element (5).
12. Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the method steps are carried out on a conveyor drum (18), in particular of a filter module (10) of a machine for producing filter sticks, preferably multisegment filters.
13. Device for producing filter elements (8) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular for multisegment filters, with a first filter part (1) and at least one second filter part (2), characterised in that at least one sleeve element (5) is provided for forming a hollow space in the first filter element (1) and for introducing the second filter part (2) into the first filter part (1).
14. Device according to Claim 13, characterised in that the sleeve element (5) is provided with a receptacle (36) for the second filter part (2).
15. Device according to Claim 13 or 14, characterised in that a ram element (3) is provided to compress the material of the first filter part (1).
16. Device according to one or more of Claims 13 to 15, characterised in that the sleeve element (5) and the ram element (3) can be brought into contact with one another.
17. Device according to Claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the ram element (3) can be acted upon by ultrasound.
18. Device according to Claim 15 or 16, characterised in that the ram element has a low-friction surface, preferably a ceramic coating or an electrodeposited chromium coating.
19. Device according to one or more of Claims 13 to 18, characterised in that a fixing element (4) is provided for the first filter part (1).
20. Device according to one or more of Claims 13 to 18, characterised in that the device is formed as conveyor means (18), in particular a conveyor drum (18), preferably of a module for producing filter elements (8).
21. Machine for producing filters of the tobacco processing industry, in particular multisegment filters, with a device according to one or more of Claims 13 to 20.

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