EP1464240A1 - Method and apparatus for producing a fabric for the production of a filter rod - Google Patents

Abstract

In a process to manufacture cigarette filter tips a feed of suitable fibres is surrendered to a fibre separating assembly. The fibres are then surrendered as a continual sprinkle feed onto a conveyer forming a continual fleece mass. The fibre separating assembly incorporates a cylindrical separator brush that rotates about an axis. Also claimed is a commensurate assembly.

Description

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a fleece for the production of filter rods tobacco processing industry, the generic device in a first variant at least one separating device comprises, by means of the fibers, at least pure type of filter material is singular, and a sponsor on which the singled Fibers are showerable to form a fleece. Another variant A generic device comprises at least two Separating devices, by means of the fibers at least one Type of filter material can be separated, with each separation device a conveyor shaft is provided.

A process for the preparation of filter materials and a corresponding one Device for processing filter materials for Manufacture of filters for the tobacco processing industry is from the GB 718 332 known. Here, using a tobacco cutter Snippets of a material produced and this a strand machine, similar to a cigarette rod machine, where the snippets are impregnated with a chemical agent to to prevent and prevent an undesired taste, that the snippets from the end pieces of the correspondingly made Filters fall out. The cut snippets are made using a roller is conveyed into the effective area of a spiked roller, and conveyed from the roller onto a conveyor belt by means of the spiked roller, to then be fed to another spiked roller from which the snippets are made by means of a further Racket roller are knocked out and fed to a format in which the filter strand is formed with a wrapping strip becomes. The snippets are made of materials such as paper, cellulose, Textiles, synthetic materials or similar and have a similar one Structure like cut tobacco.

Due to the shape of the snippet, it is difficult to filter with homogeneous properties. In addition, the variability the setting of the filter properties only to a very limited extent possible.

A generic device and a generic method is known for example from DE 31 30 827 A1. In this Document creates a filler for cigarette filters by that a streak or stream of uninterrupted fibers of the Filler is passed on a spiked roller with such Speed is driven that the fibers through the spines in Pieces of irregular length are torn off the roller are issued in an arbitrary orientation. The torn Fibers are pinned on a conveyor belt and an uninterrupted one Carrier strips passed from the same or different Filter fabrics exist. The carrier strip and the filler are then formed into a filter string. For shaping the filter strand is fed to a strand forming machine, in which the carrier strips are compressed laterally and closed be formed into a continuous strand. So it will a filter strand is produced during the longitudinal axial transport of the same. Then, after the filter strand has been manufactured, the filter strand becomes cut into filter rods.

In contrast, the object of the present invention is a method and a device for producing a nonwoven for the Manufacture of filter rods or filter strands for tobacco processing Indicate industry whose quality is improved.

• Vereinzeln von Fasern wenigstens einer Sorte Filtermaterials in einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung,
• Zuführen der vereinzelten Fasern zu einem Förderer, der sich in einer Förderrichtung bewegt, und
• Aufschauern der vereinzelten Fasern auf dem Förderer, wodurch sich ein Vlies bildet, wobei die Vereinzelungsvorrichtung wenigstens ein Vereinzelungselement umfasst, das um eine Rotationsachse rotiert.

This task is solved by a process for the production of a fleece for the production of filter rods of the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps:

• Separating fibers of at least one type of filter material in a separating device,
• Feeding the separated fibers to a conveyor moving in a conveying direction, and
• Excitation of the separated fibers on the conveyor, whereby a fleece forms, the separating device comprising at least one separating element which rotates about an axis of rotation.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to be more uniform Fibers on the conveyor so that the Quality of what is being built on the conveyor Fleece increases and thus also the quality of what is formed from the fleece Fiber strand and the filter rods made from the fiber strand.

If the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor is particularly uniform Fibering of fibers possible.

If fibers of at least two types in separate Isolation devices are isolated, whereby in particular One sort of fiber can be separated per separation device the effectiveness of the separation and thus the degree of separation increase. It is advisable to briefly separate the fibers to bring the sponsor together so that in the conduct of the procedure a premixing of fibers can be omitted.

• Vereinzeln von Fasern wenigstens zweier Sorten Filtermaterials in voneinander getrennten Vereinzelungsvorrichtungen,
• Zuführen der vereinzelten Fasern zu einem Förderer, wobei die vereinzelten Fasern kurz vor dem Förderer zusammengeführt werden, und
• Aufschauern der zusammengeführten Fasern auf dem Förderer, wodurch sich das Vlies bildet.

The object is further achieved by a process for the production of a nonwoven for the production of filter rods in the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps:

• Separating fibers of at least two types of filter material in separate separating devices,
• Feeding the separated fibers to a conveyor, the separated fibers being brought together just before the conveyor, and
• Excitation of the merged fibers on the conveyor, which forms the fleece.

The quality of the forming fleece can be increased because the separation of the fibers in at least two types of filter material in separate Separating devices, in particular each separating device a sort of filter material is separated, to an increased The degree of separation leads to a more homogeneous one Fiber distribution in the expanded fleece leads. In order to the quality of the fleece is increased, as is that of the filter strands formed therefrom and those subsequently cut to length Filter rods.

If the separating devices each have at least one separating element which rotate about axes of rotation which aligned essentially parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor, can have a more even distribution of fibers on the Sponsors can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment of the According to the method of the invention, the fibers are shivered or the filter material from above onto the conveyor. hereby a compact procedure is possible.

If a type of fiber is a multi-component fiber, in particular Bicomponent fiber is very efficient filter strands or filter rods are manufactured. Regarding these materials reference is made in full to the European patent application with the number 03 004 594.2 of the applicant with the Title "Cigarette filter and method of manufacturing the same". The Enable multi-component fibers or bicomponent fibers a simple way to connect the fibers in the Filter strand or filter rod. For this purpose, the multi-component fibers include especially bicomponent fibers, a core and a shell of different material, the filling material one has a lower melting point than the core material. In this Fall can create a very secure bond of the fibers in the filter the filter or the mixture of fibers, which is available as filter material or from which the Filter or the filter rod is produced, brought to a temperature which is slightly above the melting point of the shell material lies. In this way there is a gluing of filter components allows.

With a corresponding bicomponent fiber, the shell can be made of Polyethylene (PE) and the core made of polyester or Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The melting point of the shell is then at 127 ° C and the melting point of the core at 256 ° C. This gives a very dimensionally stable bicomponent fiber, whose shell material has a lower melting point than the core material. An example used and preferably Bi-component fiber from Trevira bears the type designation 255, has a titer of 3.0 dtex, a cutting length between 3 and 6 mm, a core made of PES (chemical fiber made of polyester), and a jacket or a shell made of copolyethylene, the jacket or the shell is modified with increased liability, that is with additives is provided, which lead to a lower surface tension.

After supplying energy, the filter materials can at least at points of contact with the multi-component fibers or bicomponent fibers stick or stick over. At a Temperature that is above the melting temperature of the casing, softens or melts the shell accordingly, so that an adhesive connection or adhesive connection to other components of the filter can occur at points of contact. After cooling of the corresponding filter components is a very dimensionally stable filter generated.

If at least one type of granulate and / or powder shortly before Conveyor is fed, a filter rod with improved filter quality be generated. Within the scope of this invention, the The term granulate also means the term extrudate. As the preferred filter material or a preferred composition of filter material comprises 80% to 95% activated carbon granules and 5% to 20% by weight of fibers, in particular bicomponent fibers. It can also filters are made that consist of various fibers, such as bicomponent fibers, cellulose fibers and activated carbon fibers, the component or the proportion of the bicomponent fibers is between 5 and 20 percent by weight (% by weight) and the proportion of cellulose fibers is between 20 and 95% by weight. The The rest can then consist of activated carbon fibers, for example.

The fibers are preferably transported and / or separated with transport air, which is then essentially in the area of the conveyor can be removed by negative pressure.

The invention is further achieved by an apparatus for manufacturing a fleece for the production of filter rods for tobacco processing Industry with at least one separating device, separable by means of the fibers of at least one type of filter material are, and a conveyor on which the individual fibers can be showered are solved to form a fleece, the at least a separating device at least one rotating separating element includes. Through the rotating separating element can be a particularly high degree of fiber separation can be achieved, thereby reducing the density of the nonwoven produced becomes very even.

If the axis of rotation of the separating element essentially is aligned parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor, an even more uniform density of the fleece can be achieved. Due to the special orientation of the singling drum it is possibly very evenly feed fibers to the conveyor. For this reason, the quality of the manufactured increases Fleece and then the quality of the fabricated from it Filter rods.

If at least two separating devices are provided are separated from each other, the degree of separation can of fibers are increased. The separators are then arranged side by side in the conveying direction and not one behind the other. The separating devices are designed to each to separate a sort of fiber. For example, have Separating drums contained in the separating devices differently designed sieves on the respective fibers for example the diameter and / or the length adjusted could be. If following the separating devices one conveyor shaft each downstream of the conveying direction of the fibers is arranged, the isolated fibers can safely be fed to the conveyor.

An effective mixing of the fibers or other filter material components happens when the production shafts are short be brought together in a chamber before the conveyor. Preferably are other filter components such as granules, powder and / or extrudates in each case a production shaft or production shafts fed that in the chamber with the further production shafts be brought together.

The object is further achieved by a device for producing a Fleece for the production of filter rods of the tobacco processing Industry with at least two separating devices, can be separated by means of the fibers of a type of filter material, a conveyor shaft is provided for each separating device and the separating devices are separate from one another are designed. As a result, the degree of separation is Fibers increased so that the quality of the nonwoven and thus the subsequently produced filter rods is increased. Also here are preferably provided singling drums, for example have differently designed sieves.

The provision of separate separation devices means in particular that these are next to each other in the conveying direction are arranged and not in a row. Fibers from one side exclusively in one of the separate separation devices and not into another of the separate ones Separating device.

If a conveyor is provided, the downstream of the separating devices is arranged and designed to isolated Fibers to form a fleece, the Separating devices each have at least one separating element include, whose axis of rotation is substantially parallel aligned to the conveying direction of the conveyor can be a very uniform shivering of the fibers in a fleece on the Promoters happen.

If the production shafts downstream end up in a chamber effective mixing is possible. In this embodiment according to the invention, granules, Powders, extrudates or other filter materials through conveyor shafts be fed to the chamber.

If the at least one separating device above the Arranged conveyor is a very effective and space-saving Device realizable. Here the filter material is directly from looked up at the conveyor.

• Transportieren endlicher, im wesentlichen vollständig vereinzelter Fasern wenigstens einer Sorte mit Transportluft in Richtung eines Förderers,
• Bilden eines Faservlieses von sich wenigstens teilweise berührenden Fasern auf einer Oberfläche des Förderers
• Aufbringen des Faservlieses auf einen Umhüllungsstreifen und
• Umhüllen des Faservlieses mit dem Umhüllungsstreifen.

A preferred filter strand manufacturing process comprises the following process steps:

• Transporting finite, essentially completely separated fibers of at least one type with transport air in the direction of a conveyor,
• Forming a nonwoven fabric of at least partially touching fibers on a surface of the conveyor
• Application of the nonwoven fabric on a wrapping strip and
• Wrapping the nonwoven fabric with the wrapping strip.

It was recognized that in particular with transport air in Direction of a conveyor, essentially completely scattered fibers, being on a surface of the conveyor forms a nonwoven fabric for the production of a filter strand very homogeneous filter properties. The sponsor is in Within the scope of this invention in particular a belt conveyor and in particular preferably a suction belt.

When wrapping the nonwoven fabric with the wrapping material strip the fiber fleece is expediently brought into shape, so that a compact filter string is formed. If at or after wrapping the nonwoven fabric with the wrapping material strip Energy acts on this to establish a firm connection to the To create points of contact of the fibers, it is possible to Manufacture filters relatively elastic and ensure that no fiber material at the cut edges of the filter or filter element fall out.

In the variant in which the fibers have a length that is shorter as a filter separated from the fiber strand produced or Is filter element, are particularly homogeneous filter properties possible. Fibers of at least one type of fiber with are preferred an average fiber diameter in the range from 10 to 40 µm, in particular 20 to 38 µm. The fibers that are preferred to use are elongated and relatively thin. If preferably additives such as activated carbon granules, triacetin or latex filter properties are added to the fibers particularly easy to set. Activated carbon granulate is, for example, before added to the complete separation of the fibers or to the Fibers that are transported to the conveyor. Triacetin or Latex, for example, becomes the expanded fiber fleece added in the area of the conveyor.

If the nonwoven before the step of applying to the wrapping strip is compressed, can be a particularly uniform Compaction can be guaranteed. For this, the compression takes place preferably both vertically and horizontally, for example from above and below as well as from the sides of the nonwoven.

A particularly simple procedure is then given when the non-woven fabric is to be applied to the wrapping strip mechanically, in particular by means of compressed air, detached from the conveyor becomes.

The non-woven fabric is preferably applied to the wrapping strip before being applied shaped. Here, for example, the molding step at least the formation of a semicircle transverse to the conveying direction of the fleece. Preferably a full circle or Oval formed.

Appropriately, a filter or a filter element after the aforementioned filter strand manufacturing process by subsequent Cut to length from the filter strand produced.

It is also comprised of a filter string manufacturing apparatus an observation device, by means of the isolated filter materials transported on a conveyor to form a non-woven fabric, a format device in which a wrapping material around the Fiber fleece is wound and a device for transferring the Fiber fleece from the conveyor onto the format device expediently that the lookout device uses a transport air Allows filter materials to be transported to the conveyor.

By transporting the isolated filter materials using Transport air is a particularly homogeneous nonwoven fabric can be produced, so that a particularly homogeneous filter strand and therefore special homogeneous filters or filter elements can be produced.

If at least one compacting device in the area of the conveyor the filter properties are to be influenced positively. For this purpose, the conveyor or part of the conveyor is preferred Part of the compacting device. A particularly simple one The filter strand production device to be implemented is then given if the conveyor comprises at least one suction belt. Are the fibers to be processed so small that the openings of the Clogging the suction belt quickly, it is advantageous with two additional Suction belts to work, each in approximately the right Angles are arranged on both sides of the first suction belt. A particularly effective transfer of the fiber fleece takes place by means of Compressed air through which the nonwoven fabric can be removed from the conveyor is.

If the device for transferring the nonwoven fabric a conveyor belt comprises, it is possible that the nonwoven with respect to the Properties of the filter to be manufactured or in terms of shape of the filter to be manufactured accordingly. Preferably the conveyor belt is a suction belt. A particularly preferred one Embodiment is given when the conveyor belt is transverse is bent towards the transport direction. This allows, for example, a Cross section of round or oval filter strand in a simple way and Create way. For this purpose, there are preferably two conveyor belts provided that transport the nonwoven between them. The conveyor belts are designed such that the non-woven fabric is round or oval. For this purpose, the conveyor belts form for example, a semicircle or a half oval.

An alternative transfer device is given if the Device for transferring the nonwoven fabric comprises a nozzle, through which the nonwoven fabric can be transported. Preferably the Nozzle designed in such a way that the nonwoven fabric can be shaped round or oval is.

Fig. 1

eine dreidimensionale schematische Darstellung einer Vereinzelungsvorrichtung sowie eines Teils der Aufschauervorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zur Filterstrangherstellung,

Fig. 3

einen Teil der Fig. 2 in einer Draufsicht in Richtung des Pfeils A,

Fig. 4

einen Teil der Fig. 2 in schematischer Darstellung in Seitenansicht, in Richtung des Pfeils B,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Filterstrangherstellung,

Fig. 6

einen Teil der Fig. 5 in einer Draufsicht in Richtung des Pfeils A,

Fig. 7

einen Teil der Fig. 5 in schematischer Darstellung in Seitenansicht, in Richtung des Pfeils B,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Ansicht eines Teils einer Vorrichtung zur Filterstrangherstellung, bei der Teile zur Vereinfachung weggelassen wurden,

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 8 in schematischer Darstellung, ohne Vereinzelungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 10

einem Teil einer Ausführungsform einer Filterstrangherstellvorrichtung in schematischer dreidimensionaler Darstellung,

Fig. 11

eine schematische Ansicht eines Teils einer Filterstrangherstellungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 12

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Teils einer Filterstrangherstellungsvorrichtung in einer weiteren schematischen Ansicht,

Fig. 13

eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines Vlieses, und

Fig. 14

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Teils einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung eines Vlieses.

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

Fig. 1

3 shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of a separating device and a part of the inspection device,

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

part of FIG. 2 in a plan view in the direction of arrow A,

Fig. 4

2 a part of FIG. 2 in a schematic representation in a side view, in the direction of arrow B,

Fig. 5

2 shows a schematic view of a device for producing filter strands according to the invention,

Fig. 6

5 a part of FIG. 5 in a plan view in the direction of arrow A,

Fig. 7

5 a part of FIG. 5 in a schematic representation in a side view, in the direction of arrow B,

Fig. 8

1 shows a schematic view of a part of a device for producing filter strands, in which parts have been omitted for simplification,

Fig. 9

8 shows a plan view of the device according to FIG. 8 in a schematic illustration, without a separating device,

Fig. 10

a part of an embodiment of a filter rod manufacturing device in a schematic three-dimensional representation,

Fig. 11

1 shows a schematic view of part of a filter rod production device,

Fig. 12

another embodiment of a part of a filter rod production device in a further schematic view,

Fig. 13

is a schematic three-dimensional representation of an inventive device for producing a nonwoven, and

Fig. 14

is a schematic sectional view of part of a further device according to the invention for producing a nonwoven.

1 shows a separation device 10 in a schematic three-dimensional representation. It is about a variant of a separating device 10, which is shown in another European patent application by the applicant entitled "Process for Finite Fiber Processing and Processing Equipment for finite fibers for use in Manufacture of Filters ", No. 03 007 672.3. The content This patent application is intended to fully cover the disclosure content be included in the present patent application. The The subject of this patent application is the one, fiber material, which is intended for use in the manufacture of filters, prepare accordingly to essentially completely isolated Fibers and thus a homogeneous filter strand that should be made from these fibers. Among other things, the Separating device 10 from FIG. 1. becomes the filter material or fiber material in advance in advance and accordingly dosed.

The essentially non-isolated fiber material or fiber / fiber group mixture 49 becomes, for example, as schematically in FIG. 4 is shown, via a storage shaft 44 and feed rollers 46 in the effective range of a spiked roller 76 moves the fiber / Fiber group mixture knocks out in advance. This fiber / fiber group mixture 49 is then through the air currents 19 in the Sieve drums 21 acc. Fig. 1 transported. This is done from the side Openings 20 in the housing 22. The fiber material is in the direction the longitudinal axes of the sieve drums 21 are blown. By the blowing in the fiber material on both sides counter-clockwise there is a circumferential ring flow 23 Ring flow 23 of a flow normal or essentially perpendicular to this, which by a created at the end of the fluidized bed 14 Vacuum and an air flow 13 is caused. The Airflow 13 is an option for larger, heavier fibers that is not always necessary. The negative pressure prevailing at the end of the fluidized bed 14 arises from the negative pressure in a not shown Suction belt conveyor, which is arranged at the fluid bed end 14 and for others through the air flow 17 through the exhaust port 16 is promoted. The normal flow takes place above the sieve drums 21 begins and passes and flows through the sieve drums 21 through their jacket openings. The normal flow arrives then into the fluidized bed area 11 and passes through it up to the end 14.

The non-isolated or essentially non-isolated fiber material arrives in the drums 21 on the inner surface of the Drums 21. The drums 21 rotate in one direction of rotation 24 of the sieve drums 21 clockwise. That on the drum jacket surfaces stored, essentially uncontaminated fiber material from the rotating drums to the separating rollers 26 supplied. The separating rollers 26 rotate in the direction of rotation 25 counter clockwise. It would also be an alternative Clockwise rotation possible. Anyone else can stretchable rotation variants are used. The separating rollers 26, which can be configured as needle rollers the uncommon fiber groups and tear and accelerate this. The fiber groups are against the inner surface for so long the drums 21 are thrown until they are in individual fibers dissolved and passed the jacket openings or the Mantle openings can happen. Instead of a screen drum 21 a drum with perforated plates or round bar grids can also be provided his.

The fibers or individual fibers are caused by an air stream detected and passed through the radial openings of the drum or sucked. The fibers flow down through the air flow promoted to the fluid bed. As soon as the fiber-laden flow on Once the fluidized bed has arrived, it is deflected and along the curved Fluidized bed. Because of the effects on the fibers Centrifugal forces move the fibers towards the curved guide wall and flow to the suction belt conveyor. The one above the fibers accompanying air is separated on the wedge or separator 15 and discharged via the suction nozzle 16.

In Fig. 1 the corresponding fiber streams 18 are shown schematically. Individual fibers from one of the nozzle strips are optional 12 emerging airflow 13 detected and accordingly also supplied to the end of the fluidized bed 14. You can also use multiple nozzle bars be provided.

Fiber groups that pass through in a single drum pass the drums 21 were not or not completely separated with the ring flow 23 into the respective parallel drum 21. The separating device shown in Fig. 1 corresponds at least partly those of WO 01/54873 A1 and US 4, 640, 810 A from Scanweb, Denmark, and the USA, respectively are. The disclosure of the patent application just mentioned or the US patent just mentioned is intended to be fully disclosed be included in this patent application.

The separation takes place essentially through interaction the drums 21 with the rollers and an air flow and in particular by the fact that only isolated fibers Have the opportunity through the openings of the drum 21 to kick. The fiber streams 18 given by transport air the separated fibers lead towards the fluid bed end 14, the distance to the fluidized bed 11 due to the centrifugal force is getting lower. To separate air from the fibers accordingly, the flow divider 15 is provided.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a strand manufacturing machine 9th

3 shows a part of the strand production machine according to the invention 9 from FIG. 2 in a plan view in the direction of arrow A. 2 and 4 show a side view of the invention Strand manufacturing machine 9 acc. Fig. 2 in the direction of Arrow B.

The uncontaminated fiber material 49 passes through the storage shaft 44 to the metering device 46 or 76, comprising two feed rollers 46, a metering channel that between the feed rollers 46 and the spiked roller 76 is arranged and a spiked roller 76. Die The direction of the material entry 47 is in FIG. 3 in the plane of the drawing below, as shown schematically there. The uncommon fiber material 49 is separated in the separation chamber 10. The Separation takes place through the interaction of the separation rollers 26 with an air flow 50 and openings in a grille 77, which separates the separation chamber 10 from the space that the Fluid bed 11 is assigned, separates. The air flow in the Extraction nozzle 16 generated air flow on the fluidized bed 11 promotes the isolated fibers 27. The air flow 17 in the suction nozzle 16 is with respect to its direction in Fig. 3 upwards from the plane of the drawing out, as shown in Fig. 3. The air stream 17 transports also excess fibers. The air flow 28 is used for Holding and compacting the on the suction belt 43 of the suction belt conveyor 32 flared fibers 27.

The separated fibers 27 move in the direction of the fluidized bed 11 to the fluid bed end 14, on which a suction belt conveyor 32 is arranged is. In the suction belt conveyor 28 there is continuous Air suction vacuum. This air suction is due to the air flow 28 is shown schematically. The vacuum sucks the isolated Fibers 27 and holds them on the air-permeable suction belt of the suction belt conveyor 32 firmly.

The suction belt 43 moves in the direction of the strand production machine 9, that is to the left in FIG. 2. It forms a to the strand machine 9 In terms of strength, almost linearly increasing fiber cake or fiber stream 29 on the suction belt. The heaped fiber stream 29 is of different strengths and is at the end of the filling zone the suction belt conveyor by trimming by a trimming device 31 trimmed to a uniform strength. The trimmer 31 can be a mechanical such as trimmer disks or a pneumatic one, for example using air nozzles. The mechanical Trimming is known per se in cigarette rod machines. The pneumatic trim happens in such a way that in the end of the fiber stream 29, a nozzle is arranged horizontally, from which an air jet emerges and tears out part of the fiber stream 29, so that excess fibers 30 are removed. It can a point jet nozzle or a flat jet nozzle can be used.

After trimming, the fiber stream 29 is divided into a trimmed one Fiber strand 33 and a strand of excess fibers 30. It is also possible to cut all fibers below a trim level captured by a jet of jet and torn away. The excess Fibers are returned to the fiber preparation process and are later re-formed into a fiber strand.

The trimmed fiber strand 33 is held on the suction belt 43 and moved in the direction of the strand machine 9. With the trimmed fiber strand 33 is a loose nonwoven fabric, which by a Compression band 35 is compressed. Instead of the compression band 35 can also be a roller, such as a press disk 55 (see, for example, FIG. 5) are used. Multiple tapes can also be used or rollers or discs are used. It also happens laterally a compression of the fiber cake, in particular is represented by Fig. 3. 3, the compression bands 48 shown, which run conically to each other and at the speed of the suction belt with the fiber cake. The toothed form of the Compression bands 48 create zones of different densities in the compacted fiber cake. In the higher density zones the Filter strand cut later. The higher fiber density in the filter end area ensures a more compact cohesion of the fibers in this sensitive zone and also for better workability the filter rods. For compaction in the vertical direction 2, a compression band 35 is provided.

The trimmed and compressed fiber strand 34 is fed to the strand machine 9 passed. The transfer takes place by releasing the compressed fiber strand 34 from the suction belt 43 and hanging up the Fiber strand 34 on a format tape or on a wrapping material strip, which is applied to a format tape of the strand machine 9 is. The format tape is not shown in the figures. It can be a standard format tape that also with a normal filter rod machine or cigarette rod machine Is used. The handover is from one of the top nozzle 36 directed onto the compressed fiber strand 34, which is provided by an air flow 37 is supported. In the strand machine 9, a fiber filter strand 38 is formed, with a bobbin 41 a wrapping material strip 42 is pulled off and around the fiber material is wound as usual. By volume reduction and round shaping or oval shaping of the compressed fiber strand 34 when wrapping with the wrapping material strip 42 or, as shown below, before wrapping with the Wrapping material strips, a certain internal pressure builds up in the Fiber filter strand 38 on.

In the curing device 39 binding components that are in the Fiber mixture are included, superficially heated and melted. The outer layers of Bicomponent fibers contained in the fiber blend can be melted, so that a connection between the fibers are created. For this, in particular, the patent application referred to the applicant DE 102 17 410.5. As fiber materials a variety of fibers can be used are suitable for the desired 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 reference is made in particular to DE 102 17 410.5 Applicant included in the disclosure content of this application should be.

The different types of fibers are preferably before Strand formation mixed. It is also possible to use at least one additive add. The additive is, for example, a binder like latex or triacetin or around granular material, that particular effectively binds components of cigarette smoke, such as e.g. activated carbon granules.

It is particularly preferred if the fiber length used Fibers is smaller than the length of the filter to be manufactured or Filter element. The length of the fibers should therefore be between 0.1 mm and 30 mm and in particular between 0.2 mm and 10 mm lie. The length of the filter to be manufactured is a common filter for a cigarette or a filter segment for multi-segment filters of cigarettes. If also the middle one Fiber diameter in the range of 10 to 40 microns, especially 20 is up to 38 µm and particularly preferably between 30 and 35 µm, a very homogeneous filter can be produced.

The curing device 39 can be a microwave heater, a laser heater, Include hot plates or sliding contacts. By heating up the binding components, for example the outer layer of Bicomponent fibers or latex combine the individual fibers in the Fiber strand with each other and merge superficially. The curing device 39 can also dry out in liquid Allow form added binding components. When cooling down The melted areas of the fiber strand harden the heated binding components again. The resulting Lattice structure gives the fiber strand stability and hardness.

Finally, the hardened fiber filter strand 38 becomes filter rods 40 cut. The curing of the filter is also after Cutting into the filter rods 40 possible.

5 shows an embodiment of a strand manufacturing machine according to the invention 9 in a schematic representation. Fig. 6 shows a part of the strand manufacturing machine 9 in a plan view in Direction of arrow A in FIGS. 5 and 7 shows a side view 5 in the direction of Arrow B.

In contrast to the strand production machine 9 acc. the figures 2 to 4 is the isolated in this embodiment Fiber material 27 from above onto the suction belt 43 and in the transport direction 74. The separating device 10, the is also shown schematically in Figures 5 to 7, represents a modified form of the separating device 10 of FIG. 1. In the separating chamber 45 are sieve drums 21 which are in the direction of the arrow rotate. There are also separation rollers 26 in Formed by spiked rollers; however, these are in variation 1 arranged relatively centrally in the sieve drums 21. The spiked rollers 26 also serve in this case to not yet isolated fiber material or the related Beat fiber groups into individual fibers so that the isolated fibers through the outlet openings of the screening drum 21 can get into the funnel 53. Through the appropriate Air flows and in this case also gravity then the separated fibers 27 in the area of the suction belt conveyor 32, which in this case is designed with suction band cheeks 57.

A homogeneous shower of fibers 27 occurs in particular in that the screening drum 21 has a separating roller 26 comprises, the screen drum and the singling roller Have longitudinal axes, in particular the separating roller 26 an axis of rotation 91 that is parallel or substantially parallel is aligned with the conveying direction 92 of the suction belt conveyor 43. This special alignment of the screen drum 21 and the singling roller 26 can the nonwoven fabric 29 or the fiber stream 29th be looked up very evenly on the conveyor 43.

There is a corresponding fiber stream 29 on the suction belt 43 aufgeschauert. Excess fiber material 30 is removed by means of a Trimmers 31 from the remaining fiber strand 33 above this decreased. The trimmed fiber strand 33 is by means of a Press disk 55, which is also in the conveying direction of the strand rear deflection of the suction belt 43 'is compressed. Short the compressed fiber strand 34 of a suction belt 43 'held from above. For this purpose, a vacuum field 54 generated by means of an air stream 28. To replace To allow the suction belt 43 ', an air flow 37 is provided, that hits the suction belt through the nozzle 36. The compacted fiber strand 34 is then by means of an air flow 37 through the nozzle 36 detached from the suction belt 43 'and transferred to a format 56. For this purpose, the compressed fiber strand 34 arrives as usual a wrapping material strip 42, which is on a format tape is promoted. The remaining process steps correspond to those according to FIGS. 2 to 4.

8 shows part of a further device in a schematic Shown view. The suction belt 43 is around deflection rollers 59 diverted. The fiber stream 29, which is gradually built up, will after trimming to the trimmed fiber strand 33. The trimming device is not shown in this illustration of FIG. 8. In the area When the fiber strand 29 shakes, individual fibers arrive 27 from below onto the fiber strand.

The fiber strand 33 then arrives on a wrapping material strip 42, which arrives on a format tape 58. The format tape 58 and the wrapping material strip 42 are replaced by appropriate Rollers 59 deflected. Arrived in the area of the roller 61 the fiber strand 44 on the wrapping material strip 42. On this The position is the beginning of format 56, in the usual way the wrapping material strip 42 is wrapped around the fiber strand 33 becomes.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the device of FIG. 8, in particular a special feature of the side cheeks 57 is disclosed. The side cheeks 57, which are also attached to the fiber strand 29 or 33 boundaries, are designed as suction belts 43, which are in turn deflected around deflection rollers 59. With especially small and thin fibers may not be necessary to provide only one suction belt, but as in this embodiment three suction belts, so that the fiber material accordingly the suction line or the suction lines is held.

10 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of a Device for transferring the fiber strand from the suction belt 43 on the 56 format and in particular on the wrapping material strip 42. The fiber strand, which is not shown in this figure, passes from the lower region of the suction belt 43, which over the Deflection roller 59 is deflected into the free space of the opposite Bands 62.

The belts 62, which in particular can also be steel belts, are deflected with rollers 63. Due to the design of the tapes 62 results in a corresponding round cavity between two opposite bands 62. Through this cavity with round cross-section reaches the fiber strand 34 and is on the Wrapping material strips 42 placed. Through the transfer device is a preforming of the fiber strand 34 and possibly another Compacting enables. In this embodiment, the Suction belt cheeks 57 designed as fixed side walls.

11 shows a section of a strand production device 9 in a schematic representation. The one in a funnel 53 from above exasperated fiber stream 29 arrives from individual fibers 27 on the suction belt 43 and in the effective area of a pressure belt 64, which is deflected around rollers 65. The correspondingly compressed The fiber strand enters a nozzle 66 and is blown by means of an air stream 67 continues on a wrapping material strip 42 that opens a format tape 58 rests, promoted. Then the fiber strand as usual wrapped with the wrapping material strip 42, to form a fiber filter strand 38.

12 shows a section of a further strand production device 9 in a schematic representation. The suction belt 43 conveyed fiber strand 33 reaches the effective area of a nozzle 68, the compressed air 69 on the fiber strand in the area of the deflection roller 65 applies and thereby the fiber strand 33 from the suction belt 43 replaces. The angle of the nozzle or compressed air that is on the fiber strand 33 acts, is adjustable. After detaching the fiber strand 33 from the suction belt 43 it enters the ring nozzle 70. Die Air 67 flowing through the nozzle slot 71 can, depending on the nozzle design perform various functions. The function is always such that that prevailing in the nozzle inlet channel of the nozzle 70 Vacuum the fiber strand 33 from that on the pulley 65, which can also be designed as a press disk 65, running Suction belt 43 detaches. In addition, the fiber strand can pass through Flow of compressed air 67 onto the fiber strand under certain Angles conveying the fiber strand in the first format-forming Allow hollow cone 72. As a variant, it is possible that the Compressed air 67 dissolves the strand into individual fibers or fiber groups and so the individual fibers or fiber groups in the first format-forming Hollow cone 72 promotes. The fiber strand is formed by the compressed air or the individual fibers and fiber groups in the first format-forming Hollow cone 72 and then in the second format-forming Hollow cone 73 promoted. Under the second format-forming Hollow cone 73 runs the format tape 58 with the one lying thereon Wrapping material strips 42. The second hollow cone 73 has one less taper than the first hollow cone 72. In the first format-forming Hollow cone 72 are vent holes. This Vent holes ensure the air separation of the nozzle air 69 and 67.

In the first case, the fiber strand 33 as a fiber strand is transferred, this is in the format-forming hollow cones 72nd and 73 shaped from above and from the one running in format Format tape 58 from below. The complete delivery of the Fiber strand 33 on the format tape or the wrapping material strip 42 takes place under the hollow cone 73. In the second variant, supported by the nozzle air 69 in the case of single fibers and fiber groups are pressed into the format-forming hollow cone it due to the tapering of the hollow cone to a jam of the individual fibers and fiber groups, so that a new fiber strand forms. The strand is completely formed in the second hollow cone 73 and at the end of the second hollow cone 73 to the format tape or hand over the wrapping material strip 42. Then will the wrapping material strip 42 is wrapped around the strand as usual and sealed so as to form the fiber filter strand 38.

In contrast to the manufacture of cigarette strands, there is Difficulty producing filter strands acc. of the invention in Fine fiber filter materials with or without appropriate Additives such as activated carbon granules or powder in homogeneous filter strands train. The different elements are corresponding or devices designed such that the used Optimally transporting, holding or processing materials.

The fiber materials can be cellulose fibers, fibers made of thermoplastic starch, flax fibers, hemp fibers, flax fibers, Sheep wool fibers, cotton fibers or multi-component fibers, especially bicomponent fibers act that length have that is smaller than the filter to be manufactured and one Have thickness that is, for example, in the range of 25 and 30 microns. So are, for example, cellulose fibers of the stora fluff EF untreated type from Stora Enso Pulp AB can be used which has an average cross section of 30 µm and a length between 0.4 and 7.2 mm have. As synthetic fibers such as bicomponent fibers, can Trevira 255 3.0 dtex HM fibers with a length of 6 mm from Trevira GmbH are used. These have one Diameter of 25 µm. Cellulose acetate fibers, Polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers and polyethylene terephthalate fibers Find use. As additives can materials affecting taste or smoke find like activated carbon granules or flavorings and also binders by means of which the fibers are glued together can.

13 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of a Device according to the invention for producing a fleece for the production of filter rods for the tobacco processing industry. Five separating devices 80 are provided, the separating drums 81, for example in the form of sieve drums, which have been described in more detail above. Within the Singling drums 81 can, which in Fig. 13 only with one As an example, separating rollers 26 can be arranged, as also described above. It will be particularly in this regard Referring to Figures 5 to 7 as well as the Fig. 1. The singling drum 81 can be configured to order to rotate an axis of rotation 91. The singling drum 81 can, however, also be fixed, in which case a longitudinal axis is provided, which has the axis of rotation 91 shown in FIG. 13 matches. There can also be a separation roller in the separation drum 81 be arranged around an axis of rotation 91 or a rotation axis displaced parallel to the rotation axis 91 rotates. The separating drums 81 or sieve drums are designed to effectively separate fibers of one type. For this purpose, the sieves of the sieve drum can, for example, their length and width to the length and diameter of the individual fibers to be adjusted.

Downstream of the fiber conveying direction, the separating devices are connected 80 production shafts 82, which the isolated Feed fiber material to a union element 83, which is in the lower Area has a chamber 87 into which the production shafts 82 flow out. Following chamber 87 or in the lower area of the union element 83, a suction belt conveyor 84 is arranged.

The filter materials are mixed accordingly in the chamber 87. These are both about gravitation but essentially conveyed via transport air so that due to the turbulence a good mixing of the transport air in the chamber 87 is achieved. After the transfer area 85, the mixed and isolated fibers, which may be granules, which, for example, through a further shaft, not shown the chamber 87 can be mixed, in which Effective range of the suction belt 86 of the suction belt conveyor 84 transferred. A nonwoven fabric 88 is then peeled up here.

The nonwoven fabric 88 is shown in FIG. 14. The suction belt 86 moves itself in the direction of conveyance 92, so that the fluffing nonwoven fabric increases in thickness in the conveying direction.

14 is a detail from FIG. 13, in which the area of the Mixing chamber 87 is shown in somewhat more detail, and in a schematic section of such a device. The conveyor shafts 82 are initially parallel in the upper area aligned, which is a change compared to the embodiment 13 illustrates. It is also fibers 90 and Granules 89 shown. 14 in this exemplary embodiment are three different types of fibers and two different types of granules fed to chamber 87 and then to one Nonwoven fabric 88 peeled on the conveyor belt 86. The conveying air is below the suction belt 86 by one prevailing there Vacuum extracted.

After the fleece 88 flares up, the fleece becomes a strand-forming device fed as described above has been. The fleece can then be heated, so that for example used bicomponents as a component of the filter material or the fleece melts on the cover, so that a hardened and air-permeable composite after it has hardened arises. Only one type is used per separating device 80 Fibers preferably fed. A dosage also takes place at the Feed these fibers to the separating device 80 each instead of.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

9

Strand manufacturing apparatus

10

separating device

11

fluidized bed

12

nozzle bar

13

airflow

14

Fluidized bed end

15

flow divider

16

suction

17

airflow

18

fiber stream

19

airflow

20

opening

21

screen drum

22

casing

23

annular flow

24

Direction of rotation of the screening drum

25

Direction of rotation of the separating roller

26

separating roller

27

isolated fibers

28

airflow

29

fiber stream

30

excess fibers

31

trimming device

32

suction belt

33

trimmed fiber strand

34

compacted fiber strand

35

compression band

36

jet

37

airflow

38

filter rod

39

curing

40

filter rod

41

reel

42

Wrapping material strip

43

suction belt

44

accumulating shaft

45

separation chamber

46

feed roller

47

material input

48

compression band

49

Fiber / fiber group mixture

50

airflow

52

suction

53

funnel

54

Under pressure field

55

dummy block

56

format

57

Saugbandwange

58

format tape

59

idler pulley

61

role

62

tape

64

pressure belt

63

role

65

role

66

jet

67

airflow

68

jet

69

compressed air

70

ring nozzle

71

nozzle slot

72

1. Hollow cone

73

2. Hollow cone

74

Direction of transport of the filter material

75

transport direction

76

spiked roller

77

grid

80

separating device

81

separator drum

82

production well

83

combining element

84

Saugförderer

85

Transfer area

86

suction belt

87

chamber

88

non-woven fabric

89

granules

90

fibers

91

rotary engine

92

conveying direction

Claims (18)

Process for producing a nonwoven (29, 33, 34, 88) for the manufacture of filter rods (40) in the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps: Separating fibers (27, 90) of at least one type of filter material in a separating device (10, 80), Feeding the separated fibers (27, 90) to a conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86) which moves in a conveying direction, and The individual fibers (27, 90) on the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86) build up to form the fleece (29, 33, 34, 88), characterized in that the separating device has at least one separating element (26, 76, 81) which rotates about an axis of rotation (91). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis of rotation (91) is aligned substantially parallel to the conveying direction (92) of the conveyor (34, 43, 84, 86). Method according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the fibers (27, 90) of at least two types are separated in separate separating devices (10, 80). A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the individual fibers (27, 90) are brought together shortly before the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86). Process for producing a nonwoven (29, 33, 34, 88) for the manufacture of filter rods (40) in the tobacco processing industry with the following process steps: Separating fibers (27, 90) of at least two types of filter material in separate separating devices (10, 80), Feeding the separated fibers (27, 90) to a conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86), the separated fibers (27, 90) being brought together shortly before the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86), and The merged fibers (27, 90) on the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86), whereby the fleece (29, 33, 34, 38, 88) forms. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the separating devices (10, 80) each comprise at least one separating element (21, 26, 76, 81) which rotate about axes of rotation (91) which are substantially parallel to the conveying direction (92) of the conveyor (34, 43, 84, 86) are aligned. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lookup on the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86) occurs from above. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a type of fibers (27, 90) is a multi-component fiber, in particular bicomponent fiber. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one type of granulate (89) and / or powder is fed shortly before the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86). Device for producing a fleece (29, 33, 34, 88) for the manufacture of filter rods (40) in the tobacco processing industry with at least one separating device (10, 80), by means of which fibers (27, 90) can be separated at least one type of filter material, and with a conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86) on which the separated fibers (27, 90) can be showered to form a fleece (29, 33, 34, 88), characterized in that the at least one separating device ( 10, 80) comprises at least one rotating separating element (21, 26, 76, 81). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the axis of rotation (91) of the separating element (12, 26, 76, 81) is aligned essentially parallel to the conveying direction (92) of the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86). Device according to claim 10 and / or 11, characterized in that at least two separating devices are provided which are separate from one another. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that a conveying shaft (82) is arranged downstream of the conveying direction of the fibers in each case downstream of the separating devices (10, 80). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the conveyor shafts (82) are brought together in a chamber (87) shortly before the conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86). Device for producing a fleece (29, 33, 34, 88) for the manufacture of filter rods (40) in the tobacco processing industry with at least two separating devices (10, 80), by means of which fibers (27, 90) can be separated at least one type of filter material, wherein a conveying shaft (82) is provided for each separating device (10, 80), characterized in that the separating devices (10, 80) are designed separately from one another. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a conveyor (32, 43, 84, 86) is provided, which is arranged downstream of the separating device (10, 80) and is designed to separate fibers (27, 90) to form a fleece (29, 33, 34 88), the separating devices (10, 80) each comprising at least one separating element (21, 26, 76, 81) whose axis of rotation (91) is essentially parallel to the conveying direction (92) of the conveyor (32 ,, 43, 84, 86) is aligned. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the conveyor shafts (82) are brought together downstream in a chamber (87). Device according to one or more of claims 10 to 14 and / or 16 and / or 17, characterized in that the at least one separating device (10, 80) is arranged above the conveyor (32, 34, 84, 86).

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