EP1427299B1 - Device for combining groups of filter segments for producing multi-segment filters of the tobacco industry, and trough drum - Google Patents

Abstract

Each multi-segmented filter (49) has at least two different types of filter segments (6,7). The machine is divided up into a number of independent operating units most of which are arranged in a row so that at least one part of the conveyor elements of two adjacent operating units work together. the conveyor elements are in the form of collector-drums and or transfer drums.

Description

The invention relates to a device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters in the tobacco processing industry in a strand process, wherein each multi-segment filter at least two different types of filter segments are provided.

From DE-OS 24 52 749, which corresponds to GB 15 22 139 and which was filed by the legal predecessor of the Applicant, a strand forming device is known in which in a cross-working group image forming groups of filter segments or groups of filter rods are formed and then the strand forming device are transferred so that the groups of filter rods can be wrapped longitudinally with wrapping material. The group-forming device is a device which is completely exchangeable in the event of a change in the filter segments or the order of the filter segments.

This involves a great financial outlay and low variability in multifilter production.

Applicant's typical stranding device is called KDF 2E. Applicant's typical group image device is called GC E. Both devices are known to the public and are marketed together as a MULFI E machine.

For the transfer of the groups formed by the group forming device for strand forming device is to DE-OS 25 34 666, which corresponds to US 404 46 59, pointed.

From DE 198 58 600 A1 of the applicant is also a device for longitudinal axial positioning of severing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is known in which finds in particular a hollow drum application, by means of staggered successive filter rods to a transverse axial row formation for the purpose of performing a separation cut through the Filter rods is formed.

It is an object of the present invention, the above-mentioned means for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters in such a way that a variability in the Multifilterherstellung is made possible. The corresponding device should also be inexpensive and in particular with regard to the variability of the production of different multifilters. Furthermore, in the case of a conversion of the device for producing a multifilter of another type, the greatest possible time saving should be provided. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a way by means of which the means for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters can be designed to save space, wherein further the corresponding operations, which can be carried out with such facilities, be realized on a shortened conveying path should.

This object is achieved by a device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters of the tobacco-processing industry in a strand process, according to claim 1.

Due to the divisibility of the device in a plurality of independent functional units maximum variability in the multi-filter production is given, with the desire to produce different multifilters, a quick and cost-effective adjustment is possible in which possibly the independent functional units only have to be rearranged and adapted or, for example, only a few modules or functional units have to be purchased. In the context of this invention, the term "functional units" also includes the term "module". In the context of this application, the term divisibility of the functional units means, in particular, that the functional units are composed.

If a functional unit is provided for each type of filter segment of a multi-segment filter, a particularly space-saving device can be implemented. If one, in particular single, functional unit is provided per filter segment of a multi-segment filter, a particularly high variability of the device is possible. A particularly simple combination of groups of filter segments is possible if the plurality of independent functional units are arranged in a row such that at least part of the conveying elements of two adjacent functional units engage with each other in operative connection, in particular are intertwined. The filter segments are meander-shaped transported by the conveying elements, wherein in the region of the operative connection, the filter segments are transferred from a conveyor element to an adjacent conveyor element. On these conveyor elements filter segments can then be assembled in a particularly simple manner. Preferably, the conveying elements comprise compilation drums and / or transfer drums. If the conveyor segments or filter segment groups transferring conveying elements are arranged horizontally in a row, a preferred and simple embodiment of the device is given. Preferably, each functional unit comprises at least one assembly drum. Preferably, the group of filter segments by means of the conveying elements can be conveyed transversely axially, so that the device and also the independent functional units can be configured correspondingly compact.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is provided when at least one conveyor belt is provided which comprises transversely to the conveying direction receiving troughs for filter segments, wherein at least two adjacent functional units each comprise at least one conveying element, each having a transfer position to the at least one conveyor belt.

By this preferred embodiment of the invention, a particularly low-noise device is made possible, since a large number of compilation drums and transfer drums, which generate noise due to a large number of suction and compressed-air circuits, are eliminated. Furthermore, by the continuous movement of a Conveyor belt or more adjacent and moving in the same direction conveyor belts a very gentle transport of the filter elements or filter segments possible, so that no further precautions are necessary to transport even very sensitive filter segments. Finally, it is advantageous that the operator can constantly have the filter segments arranged on the conveyor belt or conveyor belts in view, so that it can be intervened accordingly in the case of an error.

Preferably, each functional unit comprises at least one conveying element, which has a transfer position to the at least one conveyor belt. In this embodiment of the device according to the invention, the conveyor belt or conveyor belts extend over all the functional units, so that all compilation and transfer drums provided in the other embodiments for the horizontal transport of the filter segments to a filter strand unit, such as the Applicant's KDF 2E are, can be eliminated.

Preferably, the conveying direction of the conveyor belt is horizontal. If means for fixing filter segments are provided in the receiving wells, a very secure transport of the filter segments is possible. If at least one means for moving filter segments arranged in the receiving troughs is provided, a tightly packed filter rod group can be produced. Furthermore, at least one cleaning element is preferably provided for cleaning the at least one conveyor belt. Finally, a plurality of juxtaposed conveyor belts are preferably provided, which are movable substantially parallel to each other.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung is implemented with a strand forming device and a transfer device for transferring groups of filter segments from a device according to the invention of the above-described or a preferred embodiment of the inventive device described above in the strand forming device.

The invention is further characterized by a hollow drum for longitudinal axial positioning of severed and / or severed rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry in receiving troughs; with movably formed, in particular in the receiving troughs extending alignment stops, solved, wherein at least one positioning means for positioning away from each other in a receiving trough longitudinal axial juxtaposed rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are provided. The inventive design of a hollow drum, it is possible to provide more functions on a conveyor drum, so that the total drum number of a functional unit according to the invention can be reduced, thereby corresponding independent functional units or devices for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters of the tobacco processing industry very compact can be built. In addition, if a drum means associated with the cutting means is provided, it is possible to save more drums. Preferably, when the one positioning means for positioning away from one another comprises at least one suction air passage, it is possible to move the rod-shaped article through activated suction channels in a gentle, quick and easy way. If at least two suction air ducts are provided which are arranged longitudinally axially at opposite ends of the receiving trough, it is possible to move away two longitudinally juxtaposed rod-shaped articles from each other in a particularly simple manner. Preferably, when a vent opening is provided in a well seal, the movement of the two rod-shaped articles longitudinally away from one another is faster. The ventilation opening is preferably arranged in the trough seal such that a ventilation between two longitudinally axially adjacent arranged rod-shaped articles is made possible.

If means are preferably provided for transferring the articles received and staggered in the transverse axial successive receiving troughs into a transverse axial aligned position in which preferably a cutting operation can be carried out, in particular three working steps are possible with the trough drum, namely transverse axial alignment of the transverse axial in succession Receptacles received and staggered items, cutting the items and moving away from each other the cut items. This hollow drum can therefore be referred to as a sliding / cutting / sliding drum.

In order to achieve a cutting orientation quickly and on the shortest possible conveying path, it is also proposed that the alignment stops acting on one end face of the articles are longitudinally displaceable relative to the receiving troughs. In this way, the previously unilaterally applied filter rod components or rod-shaped Articles during their severance given an alternative option.

In order to coordinate the successive aligning and evasive movements of the alignment exactly to one another, it is provided according to a development that the alignment stops these are provided outside the effective range of trained as a circular blade cutting means in a defined stop position and moving in the effective range of the cutting means from the stop position retracting actuator means. Conveniently, the actuator means are formed as a front side with the trough drum rotating swash plates.

In order to ensure with simple means a defined longitudinal axial and transaxial orientation of the article or the series of articles relative to the cutting means, it is further provided that the alignment stops are provided in the region of their stop surface with a recess of the receiving troughs recessed recess in their roofing area with the alignment stops open co-operating suction channels. A secure suction is ensured by an additional proposal, characterized in that the suction channels are activated in an alignment zone defined by a circumferential coverage of the trough drum.

In order to enable or select a need-based positioning of the articles, in particular in cooperation of the sliding / cutting / sliding drum with follower drum, it is further proposed that the dipping into the receiving troughs registration stops arranged with their actuator means on at least one end face of the trough drum are or alternatively arranged on both end sides of the drum tub.

The advantage achieved with this solution of the problem is that three normally obstructing operations can be performed on a single conveyor drum, which can be dispensed with three drums. As a result, the size or overall height of the machine unit, ie the independent functional units and the device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters and finally also the multi-segment filter manufacturing device, is reduced as a whole by vertical and horizontal center distances of the conveyor drums.

The object is finally solved by an independent functional unit, in particular for feeding filter segments to other filter segments, by means of groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters of the tobacco processing industry in a continuous process can be assembled, wherein the functional unit at least one inventive or further developed hollow drum, as above has been described.

A particularly preferred embodiment is provided when an inventive or further developed device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters of the tobacco processing industry in a continuous process with at least one inventive or further developed hollow drum of the type described above, is provided. Preferably, a multi-segment filter manufacturing device with at least one inventive or further developed hollow drum of the type described above.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung, umfassend eine Strangbildevorrichtung und eine Gruppenbildevorrichtung gem. der DE-OS 24 52 749,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung mit einer Strangbildevorrichtung und einer Gruppenbildeeinrichtung gem. einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung mit einer Strangbildevorrichtung und einer anderen Gruppenbildeeinrichtung gem. der Erfindung,

Fig. 4a)

eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit für Weichelemente in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 4b)

eine schematische Anordnung von Filtersegmenten gem. der Lage in den jeweiligen Trommeln aus Fig. 4a),

Fig. 4c)

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit für Weichelemente in schematischer Darstellung, daß zur Fig. 4a) abgewandelt ist,

Fig. 4d)

eine schematische Anordnung von Filtersegmenten gemäß der Lage in den jeweiligen Trommeln aus Fig 4c),

Fig. 5a)

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit für Weichelemente in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig. 5b)

eine schematische Anordnung von Filtersegmenten, in der die Plazierung auf den Trommeln der Fig. 5a) gezeigt ist,

Fig. 6a)

eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit für Hartelemente,

Fig. 6b)

eine schematische Anordnung von Filtersegmenten, wie diese in den Trommeln der Fig. 6a) in etwa angeordnet sind,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Teil einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Muldentrommel,

Fig. 8

verschiedene Positionen von Filtersegmenten in jeweils zwei Muldenaufnahmen der erfindungsgemäßen Muldentrommel aus Fig. 7 und zwar in den Positionen a) bis e), die in Fig. 7 gezeigt sind,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Halbschnittsdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Muldentrommel aus Fig. 7 in fünf verschiedenen Querschnitten a) bis e),

Fig.10a)

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit für Weichelemente in schematischer Darstellung,

Fig.10b)

eine schematische Anordnung von Filtersegmenten gemäß der Lage in den jeweiligen Trommeln aus Fig. 10 a),

Fig. 11

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung mit einer Strangbildevorrichtung und einer anderen Gruppenbildeeinrichtung mit einem Förderband gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig.12a)

eine schematische Aufsicht auf ein Förderband mit entsprechenden Filtersegmenten,

Fig.12b)

die zu der in Fig. 12 a) dargestellen Filterbelegung gehörende Ausgestaltung eines Saugluftelements in schematischer Draufsicht,

Fig.13a)

eine schematische Draufsicht auf mehrere Förderbänder, auf der eine andere Filterbelegung als in Fig. 12 a) vorgesehen ist,

Fig.13b)

die zu der Filterbelegung gemäß Fig. 13 a) gehörende Anordnung der Öffnungen des Saugelements in schematischer Draufsicht.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings for all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung, comprising a strand forming device and a group forming device gem. DE-OS 24 52 749,

Fig. 2

a schematic side view of a Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung invention with a strand forming device and a group image device gem. a first embodiment,

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of another embodiment of a Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung invention with a strand forming device and another group image device gem. the invention,

Fig. 4a)

an embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention for soft elements in a schematic representation,

Fig. 4b)

a schematic arrangement of filter segments acc. the position in the respective drums of Fig. 4a),

Fig. 4c)

a further embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention for soft elements in a schematic representation that the Fig. 4a) is modified,

Fig. 4d)

a schematic arrangement of filter segments according to the position in the respective drums of Figure 4c),

Fig. 5a)

a further embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention for soft elements in a schematic representation,

Fig. 5b)

a schematic arrangement of filter segments, in which the placement on the drums of Fig. 5a) is shown,

Fig. 6a)

a schematic view of a functional unit according to the invention for hard elements,

Fig. 6b)

a schematic arrangement of filter segments, as they are approximately arranged in the drums of Fig. 6a),

Fig. 7

1 is a schematic plan view of a part of a functional unit according to the invention with a well drum according to the invention,

Fig. 8

different positions of filter segments in two well receptacles of the hollow drum according to the invention from FIG. 7 and in the positions a) to e) shown in FIG. 7,

Fig. 9

3 is a schematic half-section view of the hollow drum according to the invention from FIG. 7 in five different cross-sections a) to e),

Figure 10a)

a further embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention for soft elements in a schematic representation,

10B)

a schematic arrangement of filter segments according to the position in the respective drums of Fig. 10 a),

Fig. 11

a schematic side view of another embodiment of a multi-segment filter according to the invention with a strand forming device and another group forming device with a conveyor belt according to the invention,

Figures 12a)

a schematic plan view of a conveyor belt with corresponding filter segments,

Fig.12B)

the embodiment of a suction air element belonging to the filter assignment shown in FIG. 12 a), in a schematic plan view,

13a)

a schematic plan view of several conveyor belts on which a different filter assignment than in Fig. 12 a) is provided,

Figure 13b)

belonging to the filter assignment of FIG. 13 a) arrangement of the openings of the suction element in a schematic plan view.

In the following description of the figures, similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals, so that a new idea is omitted.

The multi-segment filter production device shown in FIG. The prior art is constructed as follows:

The strand forming device 1 is associated with a cross-acting group forming device 2, which has two reservoirs 3 and 4, in which filter rods 6 and 7 of a first and second types are located. At the lower, outlet-side ends of the reservoir 3 and 4 are removal drums 8 and 9, each of which a cutting device 11 or 12 is assigned, which cut the removed from the reservoirs 3 and 4 filter rods 6 and 7 respectively. This is followed in each case by a staggering drum 13 or 14, on which the filter sections formed from the severed filter rods 6 and 7 are brought into a staggered formation and subsequently displaced by a respective sliding drum 16 or 17 such that they form a row in transverse axial succession. The rows of filter sections thus formed are then pulled apart by a respective accelerator drum 18 and 19, so that there are larger distances between the individual filter sections.

Thereafter, the filter sections on cutting drums 21 and 22, which also each have a cutting device 23 or 24 associated, again severed. The again severed filter sections are at the same time again pulled apart on the cutting drums 21 and 22, so that between the individual Elements create larger gaps. In each case, elements of filter rods of the respective other type are inserted into these gaps on a compilation drum 26 and in this way filter rod groups 27 are formed, which are composed of several elements of the different types of filter .: The filter rod groups 27 are then replaced by a dispensing means in the form of a transfer device Turning drum 28 aligned longitudinally to the conveying direction and passed continuously in a continuous formation on a withdrawn from a reel 29 wrapping strip 31 of the strand forming device 1. The transfer is done eg according to DE-OS 25 34 666.

Before depositing the filter rod groups 27 on the wrapping strip 31 this is glued. For this purpose, a first gluing device 32, indicated by a glue reservoir 33 and two applicator nozzles 34 and 36 is provided, which applies a Innenbeleimung in the form of two juxtaposed, parallel glue strips on the wrapping strip 31. A second gluing device 37, indicated by a glue reservoir 38 and a glue applicator nozzle 39, provides the wrapping strip 31 in the region of an edge with a gluing strip for the seam gluing. It goes without saying that if necessary, only one glue strip or even more than two glue strips can be provided for the internal gluing.

In an application, acc. the glue storage container 33 of the first glueing device 32 contains a cold glue and the reservoir 38 of the second glueing device 37 contains a hot melt adhesive is in the depositing area 41 of the turning drum 28 below the wrapping strip 31 a means 42 for Setting the Innenbeleimung provided in the form of a heater 43, which ensures that the applied by the glue application nozzles 34 and 36 Innenbeleimung immediately sets after the filing of the filter rod groups 27 and the filter rod groups 27 are fixed in this way immediately after depositing on the wrapping strip 31, so that they can no longer be moved by external influences, such as by subsequent filter rod groups.

At the same time, the heater 43 activates the hot melt adhesive for seam sizing. The filter rod groups 27 fixed in this way into a continuous row then pass through a shaped part in the form of a format chamber 44, in which the wrapping strip 31 is placed around the filter rod groups 27, so that a continuous filter strand is formed, wherein the hot melt adhesive applied by the glue application nozzle 39 the seam gluing is tied off within an adhesive chamber 46, which is designed as a cooling device 47 for this purpose. The thus sealed and sealed filter rod then reaches a cutting device 48, are cut in the combination filter rods 49 of preferably multiple use length, each containing filter elements of the different types of filter rods 6 and 7.

A multi-segment filter production device according to the invention with a device according to the invention for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters is shown in FIG. The strand forming device 1 essentially corresponds to the strand forming device 1 of FIG. 1, wherein in FIG. 2, a strand cutter 50 is indicated by means of at the beginning of the strand formation at the moment a cut off of the filter strand can take place by the wrapping of the filter segments with wrapping material proceeds successfully and properly. The cut filter rod then lands on a chute in a refuse container 56. It is also in the strand forming device 1 still a push-in drum 57 is shown, by means of the filter n-times use length, such as. 2-, 4- or 6-fold use length to another Processing, in particular for assembly with tobacco rods are pushed into another machine by means of the insertion drum 57.

In Fig. 2, the means for the assembly of groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters gem. represented the invention. This is also a group-forming device 2, although in each case independent functional units 604, 605.1, 605.2 and 61.1 are used. The functional unit 604 is a soft element unit by means of which two individual filter segments are supplied (FIG. 4a). The functional unit 605.1 and 605.2 is a soft element unit by means of which a single filter plug or a single filter segment of double the use length is supplied and at the functional unit 61.1 is a hard element unit. Reservoirs 53.1-53.3 and 54.1 are respectively provided in the functional units, wherein a soft element reservoir 53.1-53.3 is naturally provided in the soft element unit 605.1, 605.2 or 604, and a hard element reservoir 54.1 is provided in the hard element unit 61.1. In the soft element units 604 and 605.1 and 605.2, soft segments or soft elements, for example of a cellulose acetate or a nonwoven, are processed and the processed Segments placed on a drum, whereas in the hard element unit 61.1 hard segments, such as sintered granules, granules filled pods or empty tubes are positioned on a drum. The group-forming device 2 or the independent functional units are supplied with energy by means of a power supply unit 58.

By means of the Multisegmentfilterherstelleinrichtung gem. For example, multi-segment filters for cigarettes can be produced which have four filter elements.

It is now, for example, a soft element double use length in the center of the corresponding trough 84 of the compilation drum 64.2 (see Fig. 5 a) arranged. Hard elements can then be arranged adjacent to this soft element of twice the useful length, whereupon by means of the functional unit 604 two soft elements are arranged outside around the arranged hard elements. Finally, by means of the closest to the transfer unit 62 arranged functional unit 605.2 another soft element double use length left or right of the group of filter elements in the respective wells of the transfer drum 63.6 or compilation drum 64.2 arranged transversely aligned. The group of filter segments thus formed is then transferred to a transfer unit 62 and stored by means of the known turning drum 28 longitudinal axial on the conveying means of the strand forming device 1, then by means of wrapping paper, which is not shown in FIG however, it is mounted on a reel mount 30 to form a multifilament strand. For this purpose, a standard filter wrapping paper can be used.

The invention thus relates in particular to a new group-forming device 2 which, for example, can be combined with a KDF of the applicant to form a filter production line. Multiple filters can be produced, which are processed as 4- or 6-fold long filter rods in the filter attachment machine MAX of the applicant with tobacco sticks to filter cigarettes.

FIG. 3 shows a variation or a further embodiment of the present invention in comparison to FIG. 2. In Fig. 3 is in comparison between the two left soft element units 604 and 605.2 of FIG. 2 is still a hard element unit 61.2. For example, it is possible to produce multiple filters for cigarettes which comprise five different segments.

FIG. 4 a) schematically illustrates a soft element unit 604 according to the invention, with which two individual filter segments are supplied. In a soft element storage tank 53.1 soft filter rods 80, such as. From cellulose acetate, introduced via a feed element 70.1. By means of a removal drum 8.1, the corresponding filter rods or filter elements 80, for example, an 8-fold use length taken. For a secure decrease of the filter elements 80, the deflector roller 71.1 is provided. A device for removing rod-shaped articles from a supply is known, for example, from DE 25 05 998 C2, which corresponds to US Pat. No. 4,020,973.

The filter elements 80 are then on the removal drum 8.1 by means of a first circular knife 72.1, which is operated in rotation and is constantly ground on a grinding element 73.1, in two filter elements 81st cut four times the length of use. Thereupon, two further sections are arranged through two further circular knives 72.2 which are arranged one behind the other, of which only the front circular blade can be seen in FIG. 4a), so that the filter elements 81 are cut into a total of four filter elements 82 twice the length of use.

There then takes place a transfer of the four filter elements 82, which are arranged longitudinally on the removal drum 8.1, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4b), on a staggering drum 13.1, by means of which the filter elements 82 are staggered, as in FIG. 4b). is also indicated. Next, a transfer takes place in a sliding / cutting drum 74.1, in which a first transverse axial alignment of the filter elements 82 is made to then cut them with the circular blade 72.3 in two filter plug 83. The filter plugs 83 cut in this way are transferred to a transfer drum 63.4, in order then to be transferred to a slide / transfer drum 75.1, in which the filter plugs 83 are pushed apart from one another. Finally, the pushed apart filter plug 83 are transferred to a compilation drum 64.1 and then to a transfer drum 63.5, which can be brought into operative connection with a compilation drum 64.2 - 64.5 another functional unit to the deposited on the transfer drum 63.5 filter elements with the on the other compilation drum 64.2 -. 64.5 deposited filter elements bring together.

Fig. 4c shows schematically a further embodiment according to the invention of a soft element unit 604, which generally corresponds to the soft element unit of Fig. 4a), in which, however, some drums differently are designed. The drums 74.1 and 63.4 arranged in FIG. 4a) are replaced by a sliding / cutting / sliding drum 90.1. Further, the sliding transfer drum 75.1 is replaced by a transfer drum 63.11.

The slide / cut / slide drum 90.1 substantially corresponds to the slide / cut / slide drum 90 described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The filter elements 80 to 83 shown in Fig. 4d) are processed to the staggering drum 13.1, as in Fig. 4a). The staggering drum 13.1 stages filter elements 2 times the use length 82 and transfers them to the sliding / cutting / sliding drum 90.1. In this filter elements are 2 times the length of use first aligned transversely axially, then cut and then pulled apart längsaxial to then pass the appropriately cut filter plug 83 with a correspondingly provided distance in the longitudinal axial direction of the transfer drum 63.11, in turn, the filter plug in receiving cavities 84th the compilation drum 64.1 transfers. If necessary, the transfer drum could be taken out of this exemplary embodiment in the case of a geometrically somewhat different arrangement, so that the overall height of the soft element unit 604 would be reduced.

In Fig. 5a), a further embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention 605.1 or 605.2 is shown in a schematic representation. With this functional unit 605.1 or 605.2, a single filter plug of double the use length is supplied. The difference with the functional unit 604 of Fig. 4a) is that instead of the downstream first transfer drum 63.4 a staggering drum 13.3 is provided, by means of which the cut filter plug 83 are staggered passed to the sliding / transfer drum 75.2, so that per trough in the sliding / transfer drum 75.2 or per trough in this unit associated compilation drum 64.2 and transfer drum 63.6 maximum only one filter plug 83 is arranged. In Fig. 5b) and Fig. 4b) is also schematically the receiving trough 84 of the assembly drum 64.1 and 64.2 shown. With the functional unit according to FIG. 5a, the first and the last filter segment of a multi-segment filter are preferably inserted. In the case of the functional unit 605.2, however, all previously inserted filter plugs 83, 87 are already arranged on the assembly drum 64.2 and transfer drum 63.6 and the newly supplied filter plug 83 of double use length is applied to one side of the filter segment group.

In Fig. 6a) a hard element unit according to the invention 61.1 - 61.3 is shown. From a hard element reservoir 54.1 two removal drums 8.3 and 8.4 are fed via two feed chutes 86.1 and 86.2 hard filter elements 87. For this purpose, as schematically indicated in FIG. 6a), movability of the feed shafts 86.1 and 86.2 can be realized in order to provide the softest possible transfer of the hard filter elements 87 into the removal drums 8.3 and 8.4. The removal drums 8.3 and 8.4 can also be designed accordingly to allow rapid transfer of many elements. For this purpose, reference is made in particular to the applicant's patent application entitled "Transfer Device and Drum Drum and Method for the Transfer of Cigarette Components", which has the official file reference DE 101 46 992.6.

The staggered, as indicated in Fig. 6b), passed hard filter elements 87 are then transferred into sliding drums 16.1 and 16.2, in which the hard filter elements 87 are arranged transversely in the successive receiving troughs. The cross-axially aligned hard filter elements are transferred via a transfer drum 63.8 to the assembly drum 64.3 of this unit and then transferred to the transfer drum 63.7.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic plan view of part of a soft element unit 604 or 605.1-605.6 according to the invention, wherein in particular a central element of a soft element unit 604 or 605.1-605.6 according to the invention is represented by the sliding / cutting / sliding drum 90. Corresponding filter elements 82, for example filter elements of twice the useful length, are staggered by a staggering drum 13.4 into the drum 90 at position a). In the direction of movement of the drum 90, the transferred filter elements 82 are then positioned transversely aligned in the receiving cavities 84. For this purpose, a trough seal 92.1 is provided, which prevents falling out of the filter elements 82 when, for example, a filter element holding the suction air is switched off to move the corresponding filter elements. This process happens in pos. B).

In item c), the respective filter element 82 is cut into two filter plugs 83 by means of a circular knife 72.7. The two filter plugs 83 are then moved away from each other in pos. D). This is again a Part of the suction air that holds the filter plug, turned off, so that at this point a well seal 92.2 is necessary. In item e), the filter plugs 83 are then transferred to the assembly drum 64.4 and, if necessary, assembled with further filter plugs or filter elements already located thereon.

In Fig. 8, the operation of the sliding / cutting / sliding drum 90 according to the invention is shown. In each case, the various elements a) to e) show the elements essential to the process. In Fig. 8a) the staggered filter elements 82 are transferred into the receiving troughs 84. It then acts suction air from the left side on the filter elements 82 in Fig. 8b), so that they move to the left to the left stop 93 and 93.2. Instead of the application of suction air, a sliding element 88 could be used, which is not shown in Fig. 8, but, for example, in Fig. 9. The filter elements 82 are now transversely aligned in the receiving cavities 84 before.

In the pos. C), the left stop 93.1 or 93.2 is a little moved away from the filter elements 82, to then perform a cut with a circular blade 72.7, so that filter plug 83 form.

In Pos. D) are moved away from each other by Saugluftbeaufschlagung between the elements, so that both filter plug 83 on the two stops 93.1 and 93.2 and 94.1 and 94.2, ie left and right, rest. In pos. E), the stops on the left and right are moved away a little from the filter plugs 83, so that they can be transferred freely into another drum.

FIG. 9 shows diagrammatic half-sectional representations of the sliding / cutting / sliding drum 90 according to the invention in the various positions a) to e). In Pos. A), the filter plug 82 are staggered one behind the other. The left filter element 82 is shown in section and the filter element 82 arranged on the right in a plan view. The filter elements 82 are held by suction air through air holes 106 and 107 in the receiving trough 84. The suction air is controlled by an air control body 98 depending on the rotational position of the drum 90. In this position, suction takes place through four air bores 106 and 107 via a cutout 100 to the air outlet 99. The direction of the suction air is shown by arrows. The drum 90 moves over a shaft 102, which is mounted on ball bearings 101 and a needle bearing 103. Furthermore, a swash plate 97.1 or 97.2 is shown, on which the left and right stops 93.1 or 93.2 and 94.1 or 94.2 are mounted. The movement of the swash plate is controlled by a cam 109 which is supported by a torque arm 96.

In Pos. B), in which a schematic half-section through the drum 90 according to the invention is shown, the filter elements 82 are shown arranged transversely axially one behind the other. It is also schematically shown a sliding element 88, by means of which the filter element arranged behind the front filter element has been pushed with the front filter element in an aligned position. Instead of the sliding element 88 shown schematically, it is also possible to provide a corresponding displacement with suction, as in Fig. 8 b) is also indicated otherwise. In this case, the sliding element is not necessary. It is therefore to an alternative embodiment, which is introduced for simplicity in a drawing together.

In the Pos. B) of Fig. 9, the filter elements 82 are acted upon from the left with suction over the leftmost air holes 106 and 107. As a result, the filter elements 82 move to the left stop 93.1. For this purpose, the remaining air bores 106 are closed by the air control body 98. So that the filter elements do not fall out of the troughs, a trough seal 92.1 is provided. This trough seal 92.1 has an opening 110 or cut-out 110 to the atmosphere on the right side, so that vacuuming on the right side does not occur when the filter elements are sucked to the left, which could prevent the filter elements from moving to the left.

In Fig. C) of Fig. 9, the left stop has been moved slightly to the left, so that a cut by means of a circular blade 72.7, which engages in the blade groove 104, can be made without squeezing the left-hand filter element. In this position, the filter elements 82 and the then cut filter plug 83 are held again by suction air accordingly.

In Pos. D) of Fig. 9, the cut filter plug 83 are moved away from each other. For this purpose, both the left side of the trough and the right side of the trough 84 is provided with suction air through the respective air holes 106 and 107. So that no vacuum arises between the filter plugs moving away from each other, is in the trough seal 92.2 an air hole 108 in Area of the right side of the left filter plug 83 is provided. Finally, in Pos. E) of FIG. 9, the respective stops 93.1 or 93.2 and 94.1 or 94.2 are first moved away from the filter plugs 83, in order then to be able to transfer them to the assembly drum 64.4.

With the drum according to the invention, therefore, in particular filter plug are aligned, cut and spread. This results in that, for example, in Fig. 4a) shown schematically, downstream drums 74.1, 63.4 and 75.1 can be replaced by a single drum 90, so that the functional unit according to the invention can be built very compact.

FIG. 10 a) schematically illustrates another embodiment of a soft element unit 605.3 according to the invention, by means of which two individual filter segments 83 are fed to a compilation drum 64.5. In a soft element reservoir 53.4, soft filter rods 79, such as cellulose acetate, are introduced via a feed element 70.3. By means of a removal drum 8.5, the corresponding filter rods or filter elements 79 are removed, for example, a 16-fold use length. For a secure removal of the filter elements 79, the deflector roller 71.3 is provided.

The filter elements 79 are then cut on the removal drum 8.5 by means of a first circular knife 72.8 and two second circular knives 72.9, which are sharpened constantly by abrasives 73.8 and 73.9, into four filter elements 81 4 times the length of use. Thereafter, the cut filter elements 81 are transferred into a staggering drum 13.5, so that these as shown in Fig. 10 b) is staggered on the staggering drum 13.5 are arranged. On the following Sliding / cutting drum 74.3, the initially staggered filter elements 81 are moved transversely aligned in axial direction to then be cut by means of another rotating circular knife 72.10 in two filter elements 82 2 times the use length. These are then staggered to the staggering drum 13.4 passed. It then follows the sliding / cutting / sliding drum 90 according to the invention, by means of which the filter elements are 2 times the use length 82 cut into filter elements 1-fold use length 83 and pulled apart, to then be transferred to the assembly drum 64.5. Subsequent to the assembly drum 64.5, the transfer drum 63.9 is arranged, to which the filter elements 83 are transferred.

FIG. 11 shows, in a schematic side view, a further exemplary embodiment of a multi-segment filter production device according to the invention with a strand formation device and another group composition device according to the invention. Instead of the compression drums 64.1-64.5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and the transfer drums 63.5, 63.6 and 63.7 and 63.9 operatively connected thereto, a conveyor belt 120 extends, which in this particular embodiment extends over the four illustrated functional units 605.4-605.6 and 61.3 , Depending on the desire of the fabrication of the multi-segment filters corresponding soft elements and hard elements are processed and transported via the various drums in the functional elements 605.4 - 605.6 and 61.3 and placed on the conveyor belt 120 by means of a correspondingly adapted transfer drum. Here, the filter segments are stored in correspondingly provided receiving troughs 131. The conveyor belt 120 or a plurality of Conveyor belts 120.1 - 120.3 is or are moved via a drive wheel 121 and a deflection wheel 122 in the conveying direction 130. In order to hold the filter segments in the receiving wells of the conveyor belt 120, a vacuum box 123 is provided, the function of which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

After storing all the filter segments which are provided for a multi-segment filter or a double multi-segment filter, they are transferred by means of a transfer drum 63.10 and another transfer drum 63.11 on the known turning drum 28, then in a longitudinal axial wrapping material around a continuous filter strand, for example in the known KDF machine bring the applicant. Furthermore, a cleaning box 124 is provided, by means of which the conveyor belt 120 or the conveyor belts 120.1 - 120.3 can be cleaned, specifically in a position in which no filter segments lie in the troughs. For example, blown air can be used for this purpose.

In Fig. 12 a) and Fig. 12 b) is shown schematically how the placement with filter segments in one embodiment, wherein the associated vacuum box 123 in Fig. 12 b) is shown. First of all, the conveyor belt 120 moves in the conveying direction 130. FIG. 12 a) shows corresponding vacuum openings 132 which, when subjected to a vacuum, cause filter segments 83.1-83.4 to be held in their position on the vacuum opening 132. The position A corresponds to the position in which the soft element unit 605.6 deposits a filter element 83.1 approximately centrally on the conveyor belt into a corresponding receiving recess 131. Thereupon, two hard elements 83.2 in Area of hard element unit 61.3 placed on the conveyor belt at B. Subsequently, the filter elements 83.1 and 83.2 are pushed together by means of a first sliding element 134. Subsequently, two soft filter elements 83.3 are deposited externally around the filter elements already deposited, namely in the soft element unit 605.5 and at the position C. These soft elements are pressed against the previously deposited filter elements by means of a sliding element 135. Finally, another soft element 83.4 stored in the soft element unit 605.4 on the left side at D and then pushed together by means of a sliding element 136. This results in a filter rod group 27.

In Fig. 12 b) is schematically illustrated an arrangement of a vacuum opening 133.1 of the vacuum box 123, with some vacuum openings 132 in the associated receiving troughs 131 are drawn in for illustrative purposes. It can be clearly seen that the vacuum opening 133.1 increases in the conveying direction, specifically in such a way that the respective deposited filter elements 83.1-83.4 can be subjected to a vacuum.

In Fig. 13 a) and 13 b) is another embodiment of the invention with the assignment of filter elements on a conveyor belt 120 and as shown in Figure 13 a), shown on six conveyor belts 120.1 - 120.6. In this filter element occupancy first the outer filter elements are placed and at the end the inner filter element. At the end, by means of the sliding element 137, a collapse of the applied filter elements to a filter rod group 27 takes place. In Fig. 13 b) is correspondingly also the vacuum opening 133.2 represented, which corresponds to this type of filter assignment of the conveyor belt or.

The advantage of using a conveyor belt instead of conveyor drums is due to the fact that due to a continuous promotion no radial forces acting on the filter segments, so that a very gentle transport can be done. In addition, there are fewer handovers and it is less often necessary to turn air pressure on or off, so that a quieter device is possible. Finally, the production material is always in the field of vision of the operator, so that errors can be detected very quickly.

By using independent functional units in a device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters, it is possible, for example, to achieve an increase in production output when using hard elements by using a plurality of modules. Furthermore, a high production output is possible if only soft modules or soft element units are used. In particular, two to five filter segments can be produced per multi-segment filter. Corresponding granules are preferably used in hard elements.

By the devices or devices according to the invention a very low mechanical engineering effort is required. Furthermore, a low functional risk is given because known methods are used in some processes, such as in particular the known strand method or example. The method described in DE-OS 24 52 749 and KDF in the stranding machine of the applicant is used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Strand forming device

2

Group-forming device

3

reservoir

4

reservoir

6

filter rod

7

filter rod

8th

removal drum

8.1

removal drum

-8.5

removal drum

9

removal drum

11

cutter

12

cutter

13

staggering drum

13.1

staggering drum

-13.6

staggering drum

14

staggering drum

16

pushing drum

16.1

pushing drum

16.2

pushing drum

17

pushing drum

18

accelerating drum

19

accelerating drum

21

cutting drum

22

cutting drum

23

cutter

24

cutter

26

Assembly drum

27

Filter rod groups

28

beater

29

reel

30

bobbin mounting

31

wrapping strip

32

gluing

33

glue reservoir

34

applicator

36

applicator

37

gluing

38

reservoir

41

drop area

42

setting agent

43

heater

44

format chamber

46

Klebkammer

47

cooler

48

cutter

49

Combination filter rods

50

strand cutter

53.1

Soft element reservoir

-53.4

Soft element reservoir

54.1

Hart element reservoir

-54.2

Hart element reservoir

56

garbage Bin

57

Einstoßtrommel

58

Power supply unit

604

Soft element unit

605.1

Soft element unit

605.6

Soft element unit

61.1

Hard element unit

-61.3

Hard element unit

62

Transfer unit

63.1

Transfer drum

-63.11

Transfer drum

64.1

Assembly drum

-64.5

Assembly drum

70.1

feeding

-70.3

feeding

71.1

Abweiserrolle

-71.3

Abweiserrolle

72.1

circular blade

-72.10

circular blade

73.1

grinding element

-73.10

grinding element

74.1

Sliding / cutting drum

-74.3

Sliding / cutting drum

75.1

Sliding / transfer drum

-75.2

Sliding / transfer drum

79

Filter element (16-fold)

80

Filter element (8-fold)

81

Filter element (4-fold)

82

Filter element (2-fold)

83

filter plugs

83.1

filter elements

-83.1

filter elements

84

receiving trough

86.1

feed chute

-86.2

feed chute

87

Hart filter element

88

sliding element

90 /

Sliding / cutting

90.1

/ Pushing drum

92.1

dump sealing

-92.1

dump sealing

93.1

Stop left

-93.1

Stop left

94

Stop right

96

torque arm

97.1

swash plate

-97.2

swash plate

98

Air control body

99

air outlet

100

countersink

101

ball-bearing

102

wave

103

needle roller bearings

104

knife groove

106

air bore

107

air bore

108

air bore

109

cam

110

countersink

120

conveyor belt

120.1

conveyor belt

-120.3

conveyor belt

121

drive wheel

122

guide wheel

123

vacuum box

124

cleaning box

130

conveying direction

131

trough

132

vacuum port

133.1

vacuum port

133.2

vacuum port

134

sliding element

137

sliding element

Claims (16)

1. A device for assembling groups (27) of filter segments (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) to produce multi-segment filters (49) of the tobacco-processing industry in a cigarette-making process, in which at least two different types of filter segment (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) are provided for each multi-segment filter (49), characterised in that the device can be divided into a plurality of independent function units (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3) each constructed as a module, in which the filter segments (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) can be conveyed transverse-axially into the independent function units (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3).
2. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that one function unit (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3) is provided for each type of filter segment (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) of a multi-segment filter (49).
3. A device according to Claim 1 and/or 2, characterised in that a, particularly single, function unit (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3) is provided for each filter segment (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) of a multi-segment filter (49).
4. A device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the plurality of independent function units (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3) are arranged in a row in such a way that at least some of the conveyor elements (8.1 - 8.5, 13.1 - 13.6, 16, 16.1 - 16.2, 63.1 - 63.10, 64.1 - 64.5, 74.1 - 74.3, 75.1 - 75.2, 90) of two adjacent function units (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3) can be brought into operative communication and, in particular, can engage with one another.
5. A device according to Claim 4, characterised in that the conveyor elements (63.1 - 63.10, 64.1 - 64.5) comprise assembly drums (64) and/or transfer drums (63).
6. A device according to Claim 4 and/or 5, characterised in that the conveyor elements (63.1 - 63.10, 64.1 - 64.5) which can be brought into operative communication are arranged horizontally in a row.
7. A device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that each function unit comprises at least one assembly drum (64.1 - 64.5).
8. A device according to one or more of Claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the group (27) of filter segments (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) can be conveyed transverse-axially by means of the conveyor elements.
9. A device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one conveyor belt (120, 120.1 - 120.3) is provided which, transverse-axially to the conveying direction (130), comprises receiving troughs (131) for filter segments (83.1 - 83.4), with at least two adjacent function units (604, 605.1 - 605.6, 61.1 - 61.3) each comprising at least one conveyor element (63.1 - 63.10, 75.1 - 75.2, 90) which can be brought into operative communication with the at least one conveyor belt (120, 120.1 - 120.6).
10. A device according to Claim 9, characterised in that each function unit comprises at least one conveyor element (63.1 - 63.10, 75.1, 75.2, 90) which can be brought into operative communication with the at least one conveyor belt (120, 120.1 - 120.6).
11. A device according to Claim 9 and/or 10, characterised in that the conveying direction (130) of the at least one conveyor belt (120, 120.1 - 120.6) is horizontal.
12. A device according to one or more of Claims 9 - 11, characterised in that means (123, 132, 133.1, 133.2) for fixing filter segments in the receiving troughs (131) are provided.
13. A device according to one or more of Claims 9 - 12, characterised in that at least one means (134 - 137) for displacing filter segments arranged in the receiving troughs (131) is provided.
14. A device according to one or more of Claims 9 - 13, characterised in that at least one cleaning element (124) for cleaning the at least one conveyor belt (120, 120.1 - 120.6) is provided.
15. A device according to one or more of Claims 9 - 14, characterised in that a plurality of conveyor belts (120.1 - 120.6) are provided, which are arranged next to one another and can be moved substantially parallel to one another.
16. A multi-segment filter manufacturing device having a cigarette-forming device (1) and a transfer device (62) for transferring groups (27) of filter segments (6, 7, 79, 80 - 83, 83.1 - 83.4, 87) from a device according to one or more of Claims 1 to 15 to the cigarette-forming device.

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