EP1464238A1 - Method and apparatus for the preparation of separated fibers for use in the production of filters - Google Patents

Abstract

In a process to make cigarette filters, an assembly receives extruded filter fibres and separates these into individual strands. The strands are surrendered to an air feed and transported to a filter string forming station. Also claimed is a commensurate assembly.

Description

The invention relates to a method for processing finite fibers for Use in the manufacture of filters for tobacco processing Industry. The invention further relates to a processing device for finite fibers for use in the manufacture of filters tobacco processing industry, comprising at least one device for separating the finite fibers, and at least one Dosing device, wherein at least one means for transporting the finite fibers from the at least one metering device to the at least one device for separating is provided.

A process for the preparation of filter materials and a appropriate device for the preparation of filter materials for Manufacture of filters for the tobacco processing industry is from the UK 718 332 known. Here, using a tobacco cutting machine Snippets of a material produced and this a strand machine, similar to a cigarette rod machine, with the snippets be impregnated with a chemical agent to make an unwanted one To prevent taste and prevent the snippets from coming out End pieces of the correspondingly manufactured filters fall out. The cut snippets are in the knitting area by means of a drum promoted a spiked roller and by means of the spiked roller of the Conveyed drum on a conveyor belt, then another To be fed conveyor drum, from which the snippets by means of a another spiked or beater roller are knocked out and one Format are supplied in which the filter strand with a Wrapping strip is formed. The snippets of materials like paper, Cellulose, textiles, synthetic materials or the like have one structure similar to cut tobacco.

Due to the shape of the snippet, it is difficult to use filters to produce homogeneous properties. In addition, the variability of the Setting the filter properties is only possible to a very limited extent.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is a method for the treatment of filter material and a treatment device for Filter material for use in the manufacture of filters specify tobacco processing industry, by means of the very homogeneous filter are producible and the high variability of the properties of the enable filters to be manufactured.

• Zuführen endlicher Fasern zu einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung,
• Vereinzeln der Fasern und
• Transportieren der vereinzelten Fasern in Richtung einer Strangaufbauvorrichtung.

This problem is solved by a process for the preparation of filter material for use in the manufacture of filters in the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps:

• Feeding finite fibers to a separating device,
• Separating the fibers and
• Transporting the separated fibers in the direction of a strand building device.

By using finite fibers as filter material and by a essentially completely separating these fibers before forming the Strand, from which the filter is subsequently formed, it is possible to achieve very homogeneous filter properties. This is exactly what essential complete separation of the fibers of immanent Importance, since only isolated fibers, which subsequently become one Fleece can be reshaped from the individual fibers, making it possible to To produce fleece with a uniform and homogeneous density.

The appearance of a stream of isolated fibers is similar to that a snowstorm, a stream of fibers that is homogeneous statistical distribution of the fibers both spatially and temporally having. In particular, the complete separation of the fibers means that essentially no groups of fibers that are together are connected, there are more. Only after separating the Fibers again become a composite of the fibers, for example a fleece-like structure manufactured. By dissolving the fiber groups, by separating the Fibers in single fibers, a nonwoven can then be made contains no bridges and cavities.

When transporting the separated fibers at least partially happens by means of an air flow, the separated fibers without Form fiber groups to be transported. A particularly preferred one Embodiment of the method according to the invention is present when separating the fibers at least partially by means of an air stream happens. This makes the degree of separation very high. It will be a lot Air is used to separate the fibers. Then in the fluidized bed area excess air from the fiber stream at least partially deposited.

If the separation of the fibers at least partially by means of a Passing through openings one with a plurality of openings provided device is a high efficiency in the Separation possible. When feeding the fibers at least partially happens by means of an air flow, pre-separated fibers remain with Feeding essentially isolated. Preferably the scattered fibers and also the fiber groups that vorm (essentially complete) separating the fibers are processed, essentially only supplied with transport air or an air flow.

If at least two separation steps are provided, one becomes higher degree of fiber separation. Preferably there is a pre-separation of existing in a network finite fibers. For this purpose, a hammer mill or a Bale breaker used. A hammer mill is then used, if a fiber felt is provided. A bale breaker finds Use when a fiber bale is made available.

In a preferred development of the method according to the invention at least one dosing step is provided, by means of which the amount of Fibers, in particular predeterminable, is metered. There can be one Predosing and / or a main dosing may be provided. By means of the The throughput of the fibers to be processed becomes rough set. By means of the main dosage, a finer setting is achieved allows.

If at least one dosing step coincides with one Separation step happens to be a particularly effective and quick Procedure management possible.

Different types of fibers are preferably used, so that filters can be produced with a wide variety of filter properties. As Fiber materials come, for example, cellulose acetate, cellulose, carbon fibers and multi-component fibers, in particular bicomponent fibers in Question. Regarding the components in question in particular reference to the applicant's DE 102 17 410.5.

The different types of fibers are preferably mixed. It is also possible to add at least one additive. With the additive is it, for example, a binder such as latex or Granulate material that is particularly effective components of the Cigarette smoke binds like, for example, coal granules.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention The procedure is completely separated with or afterwards to a second or third dosing step, after a third dosing step, especially when providing a pre-dosing is possible. It is particularly preferred if the fiber length is shorter than the length of the filter to manufacture. Regarding the fiber length, too fully referred to the applicant's DE 102 17 410.5, which in the disclosure content of this application should be included. The Accordingly, the length of the fibers should be between 0.1 mm and 30 mm and in particular between 0.2 mm and 10 mm. At the length of the Filter to be manufactured is a common filter for a Cigarette or a filter segment in multi-segment filtering of cigarettes. In addition, if the average fiber diameter is in the range of 10 to 40 µm, in particular 20 to 38 µm, and particularly preferably between 30 and 35 microns, is a very homogeneous filter according to the invention Preparation can be made.

A method for producing filters is preferably the tobacco processing industry, comprising an inventive Process for the preparation of filter material of the above described type provided that in addition subsequently Fiber strand is formed and the strand is divided into filter rods.

In the method for producing filters, the tobacco-processing industry at the latest when building a strand the isolated finite fibers. To build up from Finite fibers are transported over a flow and one Suction belt conveyor supplied. This creates a fleece on the Surface of the suction belt conveyor. The suction belt conveyor is special formed to the finite fibers, for example a relatively small Have diameters to hold on the suction belt. The strand construction essentially corresponds to the structure of a tobacco rod, however, appropriate measures or variations have been introduced in order to use the material of different sizes and structures finite fibers compared to tobacco fibers in a homogeneous strand to convict. In this regard, reference is made in particular to the on European patent application filed by the applicant on the same day entitled "Process and Equipment for the Production of a Filter rod ".

The invention is further enhanced by a processing device for Filter material for use in the manufacture of filters tobacco processing industry solved the at least one device for Separating the filter material and at least one metering device comprising at least one means for feeding the filter material from the at least one dosing device to the at least one Device for separating is provided, the Processing device is further developed in that the Processing device is configured to the filter material comprises finite fibers, to prepare and wherein the at least one Device for separating the finite fibers essentially one complete separation possible.

By means of the processing device according to the invention, one from the according to prepared filter material, filter with very homogeneous properties can be realized.

Preferably, the means for feeding comprises an air flow, thereby an even more homogeneous filter can be produced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Processing device is an air flow through to separate the fiber and / or required in the device. This will Degree of separation very high. If the device for separating a Includes a plurality of openings through which the fibers from the device Leaving sporadically is a particularly effective treatment facility given.

A particularly easy to implement metering device includes one Fall chute from which a rotating roller conveys fibers. If in the lower area of the metering device a pair of feed rollers provided, filter material can be dosed gently.

A particularly good and homogeneous separation is given if the device for separating by interaction of at least one rotating element, at least one provided with passages Elements and an air flow allows the fibers to be separated. The metering device or the at least one preferably has Dosing device additionally a separating function, whereby the The degree of separation of the entire processing facility continues can be enlarged. If preferably a mixing device provided, it is possible to use different materials and also to prepare different fibers. The fibers can be Cellulose fibers, fibers made of thermoplastic starch, flax fibers, Hemp fibers, flax fibers, sheep wool fibers and cotton fibers or, as Already described above, multi-component fibers, act. Preferably, the mixing device additionally enables one Separation and / or dosing of the fibers. In this case it is a very compact processing device possible. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is the Processing device designed such that finite fibers with a Length that is smaller than that of a filter to be manufactured. Furthermore, the processing device is preferably designed such that around finite fibers with an average fiber diameter in the range of Prepare 10 to 40 µm, especially 20 to 38 µm. A special one preferred fiber diameter is in a range of 30 to 35 microns.

According to the invention, a filter manufacturing device comprises a Processing device according to the invention, described above has been.

An inventive filter is according to one of the above described method produced.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung des Verfahrensablaufs zur Aufbereitung von Filtermaterial,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Faservorbereitung,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Vordosierung,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Hauptdosierung,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Mischtrommel,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer Dosiervorrichtung mit einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Hauptdosiervorrichtung mit einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in einer dritten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 9

eine dreidimensionale schematische Darstellung einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in einer vierten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 10

eine schematische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zur Filterstrangherstellung,

Fig. 11

einen Teil der Fig. 10 in einer Aufsicht in Richtung A, und

Fig. 12

einen Teil der Fig. 10 in schematischer Darstellung in Seitenansicht, in Richtung B,

Fig.13

eine schematische dreidimensionale Ansicht einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung in einer fünften Ausführungsform,

Fig. 14

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch eine weitere erfinderische Ausführungsform einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 15

eine entsprechende schematische Darstellung wie in Fig. 14, wobei die Zufuhr von Granulat zusätzlich dargestellt ist, und

Fig. 16

eine schematische Darstellung entsprechend der Fig. 15, wobei die Granulatzufuhr in einem anderen Bereich vorgenommen wird.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawings, to which reference is expressly made with regard to all of the details according to the invention which are not explained in detail in the text. Show it:

Fig. 1

1 shows a schematic representation of the process sequence for the preparation of filter material,

Fig. 2

1 shows a schematic representation of a device for fiber preparation,

Fig. 3

1 shows a schematic representation of a device for predosing,

Fig. 4

1 shows a schematic representation of a device for main dosing,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a mixing drum,

Fig. 6

1 shows a schematic illustration of a metering device with a separating device in a first embodiment,

Fig. 7

1 shows a schematic representation of a main metering device with a separating device in a second embodiment,

Fig. 8

1 shows a schematic illustration of a separating device in a third embodiment,

Fig. 9

3 shows a three-dimensional schematic illustration of a separating device in a fourth embodiment,

Fig. 10

1 shows a schematic view of a device for producing filter strands,

Fig. 11

a part of FIG. 10 in a plan in direction A, and

Fig. 12

10 a part of FIG. 10 in a schematic illustration in a side view, in the direction B,

Figure 13

2 shows a schematic three-dimensional view of a separating device in a fifth embodiment,

Fig. 14

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation through a further inventive embodiment of a separating device,

Fig. 15

a corresponding schematic representation as in Fig. 14, wherein the supply of granules is also shown, and

Fig. 16

a schematic representation corresponding to FIG. 15, wherein the granulate feed is carried out in another area.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a process flow from the Preparation up to the production of a filter tobacco processing industry. Through the different ways of The procedure is variable. By doing Example of FIG. 1, fiber preparation 1 takes place first, in which primarily the transfer of all fixed delivery forms from Fibers are made in an airy-wooly state. in this connection loosened fiber groups should arise. In addition to these fiber groups individual fibers can already be created. The Fiber preparation 1 is, for example, with a device according to FIG. 2 carried out. Such a device is known per se. To the pressed delivery forms include, for example, fiber bales and fiber mats (10) or a fiber felt (10). Fiber bales are usually by means of Unpacked bale breaker and fiber mats (10) or fiber felt (10) by means a hammer mill 13.

Even uncompressed fibrous materials that are in a tight package, are loosened up in the fiber preparation and airy, woolly exaggerated. A bale breaker for fiber materials is from the company, for example Trützschler available and a hammer mill for fiber materials, for example from from the Kamas company.

As a second step, which is optionally possible in this exemplary embodiment, there is a pre-metering 2. A pre-metering 2 is, for example, with the 3 possible. The pre-metering serves a rough one Dosage of the fiber material and a further separation to the extent that they are present in groups or as a tight packing Fibers continue to be loosened. At this point, too further completely isolated fibers arise. Instead of pre-dosing A main dosing or dosing 4 can also be carried out alone become. Whether a pre-dosing 2 is necessary depends on the Quality of the material originating from the fiber preparation. The aim of metering 4 or pre-metering 2 is to implement it a defined stable, uniform mass flow of fibers and in addition, some pre-separation. The step of Dosing 4 leads to a further separation of the fiber groups. It is possible, before the step of dosing 4 a step of mixing and / or dosing 3. At this step, several Filter materials, as in Fig. 1 by those leading into box 3 Ways is indicated, and possibly an additive such as a binder for example or an activated carbon granulate can be mixed.

It is also possible to use differently constructed or identical preparation and dosing lines of the same design execute, so that several different fibers are processed in parallel and can be dosed. The goal of mixing is to get a homogeneous one Mixing of the individual fiber components and various To achieve additives. Mixing and / or dosing is, for example, with a 5 possible. A main dosage is, for example, with a device according to FIG. 4 possible.

In the mixing and / or dosing step, the different fiber materials continuously or discontinuously mixed together. 5 is a continuous one Mixing device 111 shown. The mixing device 111 also fulfills a buffer storage function for the fibrous materials. In the procedural step of mixing and / or dosing it is not only possible to mix different fibers together, but also additives in solid or liquid form. These additives are used for Binding of the fibers to each other and / or influence the Filtration properties of the fiber filter favorable.

The discharge from the mixing device 111 is defined, whereby a Dosing function is given. In this respect it would be possible to dose 4 by mixing and / or dosing 5. After dosing 4 or the mixing and / or metering 5, the fiber material is one Step of separating 6 fed. The goal of the separation is one complete dissolution of the remaining fiber groups in individual fibers. This is used in the subsequent step of strand production 7 to group the individual fibers so that an optimal fleece structure can arise in which no bridges and cavities are contained. It is important that fiber for fiber can be put together such a fleece can be formed. It is thus possible according to FIG to use three dosing steps. There can be more Dosage levels upstream of the separation.

The fiber stream emerging from the separation consists of individual Fibers that are carried in air or in an air stream. The Appearance of the air flow with the carried fibers or a with Airflow loaded with fibers is very similar to that of a snowstorm. For the production of the strand, the separated fibers are, for example, with a Fluid bed fed to the suction belt of a special suction belt conveyor. When producing strand 7, a strand with a constant cross section is produced generated, the cross section in particular being constantly square, at the same time producing a uniform density. No later than when building the strands, the fibers are in a fleece-like structure. The finished fiber filter strand has sufficient hardness, tensile resistance, Weight consistency, retention and further processability.

Fig. 2 shows a fiber preparation device 114. A fiber field 10 is by means of feed rollers 11 into the effective range of a hammer mill 13 Hammered 12 promoted. The hammers 12 of the hammer mill 13 are in housed a housing 14. In the tear-off area 15, the Hammers 12 on the fiber felt and thus form fiber groups 16. Die Fiber groups 16 are in a tube 18 by means of air flow 17th transported. An air flow loaded with fiber groups is created 19. At this point, isolated fibers can also arise his. The hammers 12 of the hammer mill 13 rotate in the falling direction, so that the fibers in the direction of rotor rotation tangentially from the housing 14 of the Hammer mill 13 are ejected.

A pre-metering device 113 is shown schematically in FIG. 3. A with Fiber material 41 loaded air stream is fed to a separator 20 which separates the fibrous material 41 from the air flow, so that Fiber material 42 falls through the shaft 21 into the storage container 22. in the the lower part of the storage container 22 are two spiked rollers 23 arranged. The spiked rollers 23 rotate slowly and perform this Fiber material to a third spiked roller 24. The third spiked roller 24 rotates quickly and pulls fiber groups out of the fiber material. These fiber groups get into the funnel 25 by going down slip. At the lower end of the funnel 25 is a cellular wheel sluice 26 arranged. The fiber groups slide into the cells of the cellular wheel sluice 26 and are carried into channel 27. There is a channel 27 Air flow 28 which the fibers or discharged into the channel 27 Takes fiber groups with it. The air flow 28 is already taking out Process returned fibers with that fed to the fiber groups become. The air stream 29 is fully loaded with fibers and fiber groups. A fiber / fiber group mixture 29 becomes with the air flow transported. By varying the speed of the rotating parts, namely spiked rollers 23 and 24 and the rotary valve 26 can Mass flow rate can be set so that a pre-metering can be realized is.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a metering device with the a main dosage is possible. The fiber / fiber group mixture 29 is by means of an air flow in the separator 30 e.g. one Rotary separator transported. There is the fiber / fiber group mixture separated from the air flow. The separated fiber material 31 arrives in the storage shaft 32 and falls down to it Feed rollers 34. Several pairs of rollers can also be provided or one pair of feed belts or several pairs of feed belts. In vibration elements 33 are located in a section of the storage well 32 provided by means of a seamless supply of the fiber / fiber group mixture 31 to the feed rollers 34 is made possible.

The feed rollers 34 convey the fiber material between the wipers 35 in the metering channel 36 formed by this. A rotating roller 37, for example a spiked roller, tears the fibers out of the fiber material out and enters this in the channel 38. There is one in channel 38 Air flow 39, which detects the fibers or the fiber material 40 and accordingly transported in the direction of the arrow. About the speed of the Feed rollers 34 become the mass flow rate of metering channel 36 specified.

5, a mixing device 111 is schematic, three-dimensional Representation shown. Different fiber materials 43 and 44 as well further fiber materials or additives 45 in the liquid or solid phase are introduced into the mixing space 46. With the fiber materials can it is cellulose fibers, fibers made of thermoplastic starch, Flax fibers, hemp fibers, linseed fibers, sheep wool fibers, cotton fibers or multi-component fibers, in particular bicomponent fibers act that have a length that is smaller than the one to be manufactured Filters and have a thickness, for example in the range of 25 and 30 microns lies. For example, stora fluff EF cellulose fibers are untreatable from the company StoraEnso Pulp AB can be used which has an average cross section of 30 µm and a length between 0.4 and 7.2 mm. As Synthetic fibers such as bicomponent fibers can be fibers of the type Trevira, 255 3.0 dtex HM with a length of 6 mm from Trevira GmbH Find use. These have a diameter of 25 µm. As further examples of synthetic fibers can include cellulose acetate fibers, Polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers and polyethylene terephthalate fibers Find use. Additives can be the taste or the smoke influencing materials are used such as coal granules or Flavors and binders, by means of which the fibers can be glued together.

The fiber material 43 and 44 introduced into the mixing space 46 or corresponding additives 45 are fed to rollers 50-52 which during the filling and mixing process with suitable Rotate speeds. The position of the rollers 50-52 is preferred adjustable both horizontally and vertically. With that they are Center distance of the rollers to each other adjustable. You can also have several Rollers can be arranged on different floors. The ones to be mixed Components are detected by the rollers 50-52, accelerated and in Mixing room 46 swirled together. The swirling causes a thorough mixing of the components. The length of stay of the mixing components in the mixing space 46 is due to the geometric Texture of the sieve 47 adjustable. In addition, the length of stay of the components to be mixed in the mixing space 46 by the position a pusher by means of which the openings of the sieve 47 partially or can also be closed entirely. The drawer is in not shown in the figure.

The fiber mixture 53 or generally the mixture 53 is by the Openings of the sieve 47 are conveyed into the chamber 54. This can continuously or at intervals. Chamber 54 is preferred pivotable and an air stream 55 flows through it. The airflow 55 seizes the mixture 53 and takes it with it. The loaded airflow 56 leaves the chamber 54 and continues the mixture 53.

6 shows a separation device 115 in schematic form Represented in connection with a metering device 112. The dosing device 112 corresponds essentially to the dosing device 4, but the vibration elements 33 as separate Sections of the chute 32 are shown and the wipers 35 a have a slightly different shape than that in FIG. 4. That by the rotating Roller 37 fiber material torn out of the metering channel 36 fed directly to a separation chamber 61. About the speed of the Feed rollers 34 become the mass flow rate of metering channel 36 certainly. The entire separation device is made of air flows through. This flow 133 is caused by the negative pressure at the fluid bed end. This negative pressure is created on the one hand by the Suction nozzle 71 guided air flow 72 and the other through the Flow in the suction belt conveyor, which is arranged at the fluid bed end 69 and is not shown in this figure.

The fibers or the move in the singling chamber 61 Fiber groups under the influence of gravity and flow through the Air flow 63 or the air inlet 63 through the Ventilation openings 62 happens in the area of the rollers 60. Die Rollers 60 of the series of rolls 60 grasp the uncontaminated fibers (and, of course, some of the fibers already present), accelerate them and hit them against the sieve 64 Separation chamber 61. Instead of a sieve with appropriate Sieving steps, can also be perforated sheets or round bar grids Find use.

Due to the mechanical stress, the fiber groups in Individual fibers dissolve and eventually pass through sieve 64. That is, the fibers are separated from the by the Sieve leading flow 133 detected and passed through the sieve 64 or sucked. The speed of the rollers 60 and the area as well as the thickness of the Flow 133 determine the mass flow rate of the separation chamber 61 of the openings of the sieve 64.

The separated fibers 65 reach the fluidized bed 66. There they become from one on the air nozzle, which is designed as a nozzle bar 67, escaping air flow 68 detected and moved on the fluidized bed 66. It A plurality of nozzle strips 67 can also be provided. Mainly the negative pressure applied at the end of the fluidized bed 69 ensures sufficient Flow 133 to convey the separated fibers to the end of the fluid bed 69 out. The flow 133 is partly through the flow divider 70 Fluid bed end 69 separated from the fiber stream and enters the Suction nozzle 71. The by the vacuum and the nozzle bar 67th generated flow withdraws air from the separation chamber 61. About the Ventilation openings 62 in the separation chamber 61 flow air 63 to.

In the fluidized bed area, the individual fibers are then in the air flow Current 133, which previously served the separation, transported. This happens almost vertically to the fluid bed and then along thereof. The flow 133 can, for example, by further air flows. Airflow 68 can be supplemented.

A suction belt conveyor connects to the fluidized bed 66, which in this figure is not shown (see in particular FIGS. 10 and 12). On the The individual fibers are piled up on the suction belt. It can too two suction belts are used or even more suction belts.

Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of an inventive Separating device. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 6 only one roller 60 is provided in this exemplary embodiment. There are also a plurality of air flows 74 in the separation chamber 61 provided, which are generated by air nozzles 73. There can be several Air nozzles 73 as shown in Fig. 7 can be used. These have to not only be arranged on the chamber surface, but can be in the separation chamber 61 can also be distributed. The air currents carry the Fibers of the roller 60 too. Instead of one roller, several can be used Rollers are used. The function of the roller 60 or more Rollers 60, corresponds to the function of Fig. 6. By the air currents 74 there is increased turbulence in the separation chamber 61, so that the separation of the fibers compared to the embodiment 6 is improved. The separated fibers 65 arrive correspondingly through the screen 64 as in the example according to FIG. 6.

8 is a further embodiment of an inventive Separating device 115 shown. The air flow is thereby the negative pressure applied at the end of the fleece 69 and that from the Nozzle ledge 67 flowing air flow 68 generated. It can too several nozzle strips are used. The main air flow begins above the sieve 64, passes the stirrer rows 82 and 83 as well as that Sieve 64. The main air flow then reaches the fluidized bed area 66 and passes through the fluidized bed 66 to the end.

The essentially non-isolated fiber material or fiber / fiber group mixture 31 reaches the housing above the screen 64. Instead of the illustration in FIG. 8, this can also be inclined at an angle be like with 45 ° to the horizontal. The fiber / fiber group mixture 31 comes under the influence of gravity and under the influence of Main air flow in the area of stirring tools 82 and 83. Die Stirrer rows 82 and 83 consist of one behind the other Stirring rods that drive a suitable stirring tool. The Mixing tools are offset by 90 ° to each other. It can too other displacement angles can be provided. The uncommon Fiber groups are torn apart by the rotating stirring tools, accelerated and hit against the screen 64 of the housing. Instead of of the screen 64 can also be a perforated plate or a round bar grid Find use. The fiber groups or the fiber group mixture 31 is thrown against the sieve 64 until it is in Have dissolved individual fibers and passed the sieve 64 in the main air flow to have. Then the fibers arrive as in the previous ones Embodiments on the fluidized bed 66 and one Suction belt conveyor, which is also not shown in Fig. 8. The in Fig. 8 shown separating device is at least with respect to Stirrer series 82 and 83 from EP 0 616 056 B1 from M + J Fibretech A / S, Denmark, known. The disclosure content of EP 0 616 056 B1 is intended be fully included in this patent application.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention Separating device 115 is in a schematic in FIG. 9 three-dimensional representation disclosed. That essentially uncommon fiber material or fiber / fiber group mixture transported through the air streams 76 into the sieve drums 78. this happens via lateral openings 77 in the housing 79. The fiber material is in Blown in direction of the longitudinal axes of the sieve drums 78. By the blowing the fiber material on both sides counterclockwise results there is a circumferential ring flow 80. The ring flow is superimposed 80 of a flow normal or substantially perpendicular to it, the by a vacuum applied to the fleece bed end 69 and a Airflow 68 is caused. The one prevailing at the fluid bed end 69 Negative pressure arises from the negative pressure in a not shown Suction belt conveyor, which is arranged at the fluid bed end 69 and for another on the air flow 72, which is conveyed through the suction nozzle 71 becomes. The normal flow takes its place above the sieve drums 78 Beginning and passes the screening drums 78 through their jacket openings. The Normal flow then reaches the fluidized bed area 66 and passes through it the same to the end 69, where part of the normal flow at the wedge 70 is separated from the fibers.

The non-isolated fiber material arrives in the drums 78 Inner circumferential surfaces of the drums 78. The drums 78 rotate with one Direction of rotation 81 of the sieve drums 78 in the clockwise direction. That on the Drum jacket surfaces stored, essentially uncontaminated The rotating drum drums the fiber material Separation rollers 85 fed. The separating rollers 85 rotate in Direction of rotation 84 of the separating rollers 85 against the Clockwise. Alternatively, it would be clockwise rotation possible. The separating rollers 85 or needle rollers capture the unsingle fiber groups and tear them apart as well as accelerate them this. The fiber groups are against the inner surface of the Drums 78 flung until they dissolved into individual fibers and have passed the jacket openings, i.e. from the air flow (the Normal flow) detected and passed through the sieve drum 78 or be sucked. Instead of a sieve drum 78, a drum can also be used be provided with perforated sheets or round bar grids.

The fibers or individual fibers are caught by an air stream and sucked through the radial openings of the drum. The air flow causes the fibers to become a fluid bed promoted. As soon as the fiber-laden flow reaches the fluid bed is deflected and guided along the curved fluid bed. Due to the centrifugal forces acting on the fibers, they move Fibers to the curved guide wall and flow to the suction belt conveyor. The air flowing above the fibers becomes on the wedge or separator 70 separated and discharged via the suction nozzle 71.

The corresponding fiber streams 75 are shown schematically in FIG. 9. There are isolated fibers from one of the nozzle strips 67 escaping air flow 68 is detected and corresponding to that Fluid bed end 69 fed, just like that on the fluid bed 66 individual fibers coming through the air flow 68. It can several nozzle strips can also be provided.

Fiber groups that pass through the Drums 78 that have not or have not been completely separated come with the ring flow 80 into the parallel drum 78. For separation the fibers pass through the openings 132 of the sieve drums 78. Im only isolated fibers can essentially pass through the openings 132 to step. The openings 132 are thus designed such that only individual fibers can pass through.

The separating device shown in FIG. 9 corresponds at least to partly those of WU 01/54873 A1 or US 4,640,810 A from Scanweb, Denmark or USA. The revelation the just mentioned patent application or the just mentioned US patent is to be fully included in the disclosure content of this Patent application to be included.

10 shows a schematic representation of a Strand making machine 110.

11 shows part of the strand making machine 110 in one Top view in the direction of arrow A and Fig. 12 is a side view of the 10 in the direction of arrow B.

The uncontaminated fiber material arrives at the chute 32 Dosing device 34, which in this example has a pair of feed rollers 34 a rotating roller 32. The direction of material entry 100 is in Fig. 11 in the plane of the drawing down, as is shown schematically there. The non-separated fiber material is in the separation chamber 61 sporadically. The by the air flow in the suction nozzle 71 and the Air flow 72 ′ in the suction belt conveyor 89 generates air flow on the fluidized bed 66 promotes the individual fibers 65. The air flow 72 in the suction nozzle 71 is upward from the plane of the drawing with respect to their direction in Fig. 11 out as shown in Fig. 11. Airflow 72 also transports excess fibers. The air flow 72 'serves to hold the on the Suction tape 89 fibers 65.

The separated fibers 65 move on the fluidized bed 66 in the direction of Fluid bed end 69, at which, as shown in the figures Suction belt conveyor 89 is arranged. The suction belt conveyor 89 prevails through continuous air suction vacuum. This air suction is represented schematically by the air flow 72 '. The vacuum sucks the isolated fibers 65 and holds them on the air-permeable suction belt Suction belt conveyor 89 fixed.

The separated fibers 65 are corresponding to the air-permeable Suction belt of the suction belt conveyor 89 showered. The suction belt 116 moves in the direction of the strand production machine 110, that is to say in FIG. 10 to the left. A thickness is formed linearly towards the strand machine 110 increasing fiber cake or fiber stream 86 on the suction belt. The heaped fiber stream 86 is of different strengths and will end the fill-up zone of the suction belt conveyor 89 by means of trimming by a Trimmer 88 trimmed to a uniform thickness. The Trimming device 88 may be a mechanical one such as Trimmer disks or a pneumatic one, for example using air nozzles. The Mechanical trimming is inherent in cigarette rod machines known. Pneumatic trimming is done in such a way that it is horizontal at the end of the fiber stream 86 a nozzle is arranged from which a Air jet emerges and pulls out part of the fiber stream 86 so that Excess fibers 87 are removed. It can be a point jet nozzle or use a flat jet nozzle.

After trimming, the fiber stream 86 is divided into a trimmed one Fiber strand 90 and a strand of excess fibers 87. It is too possible, all fibers below a trim size of one Detect the jet and tear it away. The excess fibers are returned to the fiber processing process and will later again formed into a fiber strand.

The trimmed fiber strand 90 is held on the suction belt 116 and in Moved towards the strand machine 110. With the trimmed fiber strand 90 it is a loose nonwoven fabric, which by a Compression band 92 is compressed. Instead of the compression band 92 a role can also be used. You can also have several Tapes or rolls are used. There is also a side Densification of the fiber cake, as shown in particular by Fig. 11 is. In Fig. 11, the compression bands 101 are shown that are conical run to each other at the speed of the suction belt with the Fiber cake. Create the toothed shape of the compression bands 101 Zones of different densities in the compressed fiber cake. In the zones The filter strand is cut later with a higher density. The higher one Fiber density in the filter end area ensures a more compact Cohesion of the fibers in this sensitive zone and also one better processability of the filter rods. For vertical compaction A compression band 92 is provided in the direction. Instead of Compaction belt 92 can also be provided rolls.

The trimmed and compressed fiber strand 91 is fed to the strand machine 110 passed. The transfer takes place by releasing the compacted Fiber strand 91 from suction belt 116 and the application of fiber strand 91 on a format tape of the strand machine 110. The format tape is in the Figures not shown. This can be a standard format tape act that also with a normal filter rod machine or Cigarette rod machine is used. The handover is from a nozzle 93 directed from above onto the compressed fiber strand 91 carried by an air flow 94.

A fiber filter strand 95 is produced in the strand machine 110, whereby from a bobbin 98 a wrapping material strip 99 around the fiber material is wrapped as usual. Through volume reduction and round shaping or oval shaping of the compressed fiber strand 91 when enveloping with A certain internal pressure builds up in the wrapping material strip 99 Fiber filter strand 95 on. In the curing device 96 Binding components contained in the fiber mixture, superficial heated and melted. Accordingly, the outer Layers of bicomponent fibers are melted so that a Connection between the fibers is created. This is particularly true of referred to the applicant's patent application DE 102 17 410.5. The Hardener 96 can also be a microwave heater, a Include laser heating, heating plates or sliding contacts. By Heating the binding components combines the individual fibers in the Fiber strand with each other and merge superficially. When cooling down the melted areas of the fiber strand harden again. The The resulting lattice structure gives the fiber strand stability and hardness. Finally, the hardened fiber filter strand 95 is turned into fiber filter rods 97 cut. The hardening of the fiber filter is also after Cutting into the fiber filter rods 97 possible.

The air flow 102 still shown in FIG. 12 serves as the air flows previous embodiments also for the transport of the fiber material.

13 is a three-dimensional schematic representation of a fifth Embodiment of the separating device according to the invention shown, which is similar to that of FIG. 9. In addition to the embodiment from FIG. 9 is a granulate metering device 120 provided. The granulate metering device 120 scatters over the entire width of the separating device 115 a granulate between the sieve drums 78 into the separating device 115 Granules 121 mix in the area of the sieve drums 78 with the the fibers emerging from the sieve drums 78. A mixture is created isolated fibers and granules, which in the air flow on the fluidized bed to Suction line conveyor, which is behind the suction line end 79 in the conveying direction is arranged, is promoted.

14 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of another Separating device 115 according to the invention. In this Embodiment, the airflow is improved, so that more uniform Fiber streams 75 and 75 'are generated. An air stream 122 enters the upper area of the sieve drum 78 into the device. The from the Sieve drums 78 emerging individual fibers enter channels 123 and 124 and are down by the appropriate airflow led into the area of the fluidized bed 66. In the lower part of the Fluid bed 75, the fiber streams 75 are combined into a fiber stream 75 '. In this area, a large part of the transport air is from the fiber stream separated, which is represented by the air flow 122 '. This is a Suction nozzle 125 provided in the rolling space of the fluidized bed 66. The Fiber stream 75 'comes in after the union of the two fiber streams 75 a channel formed by the fluidized bed 66 and the separator 127 becomes. At this point, depending on the procedure, it may be possible that a fleece has already formed or it may also be that the fibers are still isolated. The fiber stream 75 'is then through the negative pressure applied to the suction belt conveyor 89 to the fluid bed end 69 and the suction belt conveyor 89 transported.

15 shows a corresponding schematic sectional illustration, the 14 is similar to that of FIG. In addition to the embodiment of FIG 14 is a granule metering device 120 above the screening drums 78 arranged. Two extraction nozzles become the respective Sieve drums 78 granules 121 fed. The fiber / granulate stream formed 128, which is transported in the channels 123 and 124 united in the lower region of the fluidized bed 66 and into a fiber / granulate stream 128 '.

16 shows a further embodiment according to the invention Separating device 115. The addition of granules 121 from the granule metering device 120 is near the fluidized bed end 69 carried out. Granules 121 reach an acceleration element 129, which can be a roller, a brush or a nozzle. That accelerated Granules 121 reach the fluidized bed through line 130, specifically into a vertical fluidized bed section 131.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

fiber preparation

2

predispense

3

mix and / or dose

4

dose

5

mix and / or dose

6

seperate

7

Make strand

10

Fiber felt-feed roller

12

hammer

13

hammer mill

14

casing

15

tear away

16

fiber groups

17

airflow

18

pipe

19

airflow

20

separators

21

shaft

22

storage container

23

spiked roller

24

spiked roller

25

funnel

26

rotary valve

27

channel

28

airflow

29

Fiber / fiber group mixture

30

separators

31

Fiber / fiber group mixture

32

accumulating shaft

33

vibrating element

34

feed roller

35

scraper

36

metering

37

roller

38

channel

39

airflow

40-44

fiber material

45

additive

46

mixing room

47

scree

50-52

roll

53

fiber mixture

54

chamber

55

airflow

56

laden airflow

60

roller

61

separation chamber

62

vent

63

air inlet

64

scree

65

isolated fibers

66

fluidized bed

67

nozzle bar

68

airflow

69

Fluidized bed end

70

flow divider

71

suction

72

airflow

73

air nozzle

74

airflow

75

fiber stream

76

airflow

77

opening

78

screen drum

79

casing

80

annular flow

81

Direction of rotation of the screening drum

82

Rührerreihe

83

Rührerreihe

84

Direction of rotation of the separating roller

85

separating roller

86

fiber stream

87

excess fibers

88

trimming device

89

suction belt

90

trimmed fiber strand

91

compacted fiber strand

92

compression band

93

jet

94

airflow

95

Fiber filter rod

96

curing

97

Fiber filter rods

98

reel

99

Wrapping material strip

100

material input

101

compression band

102

airflow

103

airflow

110

Rod making machine

111

mixing device

112

metering

113

premetering

114

Fiber preparation device

115

separating device

116

suction belt

120

Granulatdosiervorrichtung

121

granules

122

airflow

122 '

airflow

123

channel

124

channel

125

suction

126

separating element

127

separators

128

Fiber / granulate flow

128 '

Fiber / granulate flow

129

accelerator

130

management

131

Vertical fluid bed section

132

opening

133

flow

Claims (30)

Process for the preparation of filter material (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) for use in the manufacture of filters (95, 97) in the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps: Feeding finite fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) to a separating device (115), Separating the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) and Transporting the separated fibers (65, 75) in the direction of a strand building device (89). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport of the separated fibers (65, 75) takes place at least partially by means of an air flow (55, 56, 68). A method according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the separation of the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65 75) at least partially by means of an air stream (63, 68 72 72 ', 76 122, 122 ') happens. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the separation of the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40-44, 53, 65, 75) at least partly by passing through openings (132) one with a plurality device (47, 64, 78) provided with openings (132). Method according to one or more of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 to 44, 53) are fed in at least partially by means of an air stream (17, 19, 28, 29, 39, 55, 56, 56, 63) happens. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least two separating steps (2-6) are provided. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a pre-separation (2) of finite fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) present in a composite (10) takes place. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one metering step (2-6) is provided, by means of which the amount of fibers, in particular predeterminable, is metered. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that at least one metering step (2-6) takes place simultaneously with a singling step (2-6). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that different types of fibers (43, 44) are used. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the different types of fibers (43, 44) are mixed. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one additive (45) is added. Method according to one or more of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that a complete separation (6) takes place with or after a second or third metering step (3-6). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fiber length is less than the length of the filter (97) to be produced. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the average fiber diameter is in the range from 10 to 40 µm, in particular 20 to 38 µm. Process for the manufacture of filters (95, 97) for the tobacco processing industry Industry, comprising a method for processing filter material (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, a fiber strand (95) also subsequently being formed and the strand is divided into filter rods (97). Preparation device for filter material (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) for use in the manufacture of filters (95, 97) in the tobacco processing industry, comprising at least one device (115) for separating the filter material (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53) and at least one metering device (111 - 114), at least one means (17, 19, 28, 29, 39, 55, 56, 63) for feeding the filter material (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53) from the at least one metering device (111 - 114) to the at least one device (115) for separating, characterized in that the processing device is designed to remove the filter material (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75), which comprises finite fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75), and wherein the device (115) for separating a substantially complete separation of the finite Fibers. Processing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the means (17, 19, 28, 29, 39, 55, 56, 63) for feeding comprises an air flow. Apparatus according to claim 17 and / or 18, characterized in that for the separation of the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75), an air stream can flow through and / or in the apparatus (115). Device according to one or more of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the device (115) for separating comprises a plurality of openings (132) through which the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) can occasionally emerge from the device (115). Processing device according to one or more of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the metering device (111-114) comprises a chute (32) from which a rotating roller (37) conveys fibers. Processing device according to claim 21, characterized in that a pair of feed rollers (34) is provided in the lower region of the metering device (111-114). Processing device according to one or more of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that the device (115) for separating by interaction of at least one rotating element (52, 60, 78, 82, 83, 85), at least one element provided with passages ( 47, 64, 78) and an air flow (63, 74, 76, 80) enables the fiber to be separated. Processing device according to one or more of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the metering device (111-114) additionally has a separating function. Processing device according to one or more of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that a mixing device (111) is provided. Processing device according to Claim 25, characterized in that the mixing device (111) additionally enables the fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 44, 53) to be separated and / or metered. Processing device according to one or more of claims 17 to 26, characterized in that it is designed in such a way to produce finite fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) with a length which is smaller than that of one Filters (37) is to be processed. Processing device according to Claim 27, characterized in that it is designed in such a way that finite fibers (10, 29, 31, 40 - 44, 53, 65, 75) with an average fiber diameter in the range from 10 to 40 µm, in particular 20 to 38 µm to prepare. Filter manufacturing device with a treatment device according to a or more of claims 17 to 28. Filters (97) made by a method according to claim 16.

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