EP1532881A2 - Method and apparatus for producing a wrapper-free filter rod of the tobacco industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The acetate fibers (10) are moved on a suction belt (13) through a trimming area where surplus material (15''') is removed by a disk (16) and through a compressing unit (17) with a drum acting on the fleece. The material (15") is moved to a formatting device (20) by a suction unit (14) creating a line of fibers using two chamfered disks (22). The line is heated and the fibers connected to cellulose fibers by microwaves (31). It can be optionally sprayed (34) with polypropylene forming an outer coating.

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a wrapping material strip-free Filter strand of tobacco processing Industry, where filter material is applied to a format tape and is formed in a formatting device to the filter strand, wherein the filter strand in the format device or in the conveying direction the filter material downstream of the format device with Energy is applied to a composite of the filter material to reach.

The invention further relates to a device for producing a tobacco-processing cladding strip-free filter strand Industry comprising a format device in which a format tape is movable, the finer to filter material comprising fibers Length is windable.

The invention further relates to a format device of the tobacco processing Industry comprising a sub-format and an upper format, wherein the format device has an inlet region and wherein the format device is designed to be a format tape, the by the format device is movable to material, in particular Filter material to wrap the tobacco processing industry.

A corresponding method and a corresponding device are known from US-A-3,377,220. In this document, compare in particular FIG. 11 and the associated description of the figures, becomes Filteracetattow, which exists in an endless form, crushed in a corresponding device and means an air stream an air-permeable format tape in a format device fed. In the area of the format device becomes Steam added to the filter material to make a connection of the filter material to accomplish.

Compared to this prior art, it is an object of the present invention Invention to provide a method and an apparatus by means of a very homogenous strand of tobacco processing material Industry, in particular a filter strand, are formed can.

This object is achieved by a method for producing a tobacco-processing cladding strip-free filter strand Industry, where filter material applied to a format tape is formed and in a formatting device to the filter strand with the filter strand in the format device or in Conveying direction of the filter material downstream of the format device is energized to a composite of the filter material to reach, and wherein the filter material upstream of the Step of applying to the format tape substantially completely is isolated.

By essentially complete separation of the filter material is a very homogeneous stranding possible.

For this purpose, in particular the European patent application EP 03 007 675.6, which was filed on 03.04.2003 and the European Patent application EP 03 007 672.3 with the same filing date directed. Both applications are filed by the applicant of the present patent application. The disclosure of these patent applications is intended in its entirety in the present patent application be included. It is essential according to the invention that the filter materials, preferably fibers of finite length include, are essentially completely separated. Here is the appearance of a stream of isolated fibers similar a blizzard, that is, a stream of fibers, the one homogeneous statistical distribution of fibers both spatially and also temporally. In particular, this essentially means complete separation of the fibers, that essentially no Groups of fibers that are interconnected, more present are. Only after the separation of the fibers is a composite again the fibers, for example, then in the filter strand produced. This makes it possible to produce a filter strand, the contains no bridges or cavities.

The transporting of the separated fibers is preferably done by means of a stream of air, so that the isolated fibers, without Fiber groups to form, can be transported. Preferably the separation happens by means of an air flow. This will the degree of separation very high.

The filter materials may correspond to those mentioned in the Patent applications are disclosed. It can also filter materials Find use, for example, in the European Patent application with the file number 03 004 594.2 the Applicant are disclosed. These are in particular Multi-component fibers having a length between 0.5 mm and 30 mm and preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm and in particular preferably between 3 mm and 6 mm. They are preferably a core is provided in the multi-component fiber and a corresponding shell, which have different material, wherein the shell material has a lower melting point than having the core material. There may also be other filter materials such as activated carbon granules, for example, or cellulose fibers. The disclosure content of the European patent application with the file number 03 004 594.2 should also fully included in the disclosure of this patent application be.

Under a wrapping material strip-free filter strand is in particular a filter strand understood that not with a wrapping material strip is surrounded. In a wrapping material strip For example, it is a filter paper strip. A wrapping material strip-free filter strand is thus a Filter strand, the no wrapping material strip, in particular has no filter paper strip.

If, after the separation of the filter material, a fleece, comprising the filter material, which is subsequently formed The format tape is stored is the homogeneity of the formed Filter strand increased. Here, the fleece is expediently in formed a Saugstrangförderer. The Saugstrangförderer points at least one suction belt on which the fleece is aufauert.

It is particularly preferred if the applied on the format tape Filter material by means of at least one beveled disc is preformed. This makes it very evenly and with appropriate low friction reduce the cross section of the filter material or the format tape according to the filter material wrap or partially wrap, making an effective manufacturing process is possible. Preferably, two discs are used, their chamfers border each other in particular. If the Slices are swash plates, is a particularly homogeneous filter strand formation possible.

In an expedient embodiment, the energy is to connect the fibers microwave energy or hot air. A special fast manufacturing process is given when after loading with energy the filter strand is cooled. The handling properties of cut-to-length filter elements be improved by the strand with a curable Coat is provided from a liquid material. in this connection an outer skin is applied after production of the filter strand. This happens, for example, by dipping or spraying with a hardenable material, such as hot melt adhesive, starchy Glue, polypropylene or similar.

When subsequently to the prescribed procedure the manufactured Filter strand is cut to length in filter elements, is an inventive Manufacturing process for filter elements specified.

The object is further achieved by a device for producing a tobacco-processing cladding strip-free filter strand Industry, comprising a format device, solved, in a format tape is movable, comprising the filter material Fibers of finite length can be wound, wherein a Aufschauervorrichtung is provided upstream of the format device, by means of the substantially completely separated fibers to a nonwoven are aufschauerbar. The device according to the invention can without a wrapping material strip feeding device be designed. Corresponding is none Hüllmaterialfördervorrichtung necessary. The format band borders thus directly to the filter material on the format tape can be applied.

By the device according to the invention can be a very uniform and homogeneous filter strand are produced.

Preferably, the Aufschauervorrichtung comprises a Saugstrangförderer, which preferably has at least one suction belt. If at least one beveled in the area of the format device Slice is provided, can be a very uniform preforming the filter strand or the fleece allows his. As part of the In particular, the term "pane" also includes the term "pane" Role. The chamfered disk is preferably designed to rotate, wherein the circumference of the disc in the conveying direction of the format strip or the filter material moves. The chipped slice serves to preform the web for the final formation of the Filter strand in the format device.

Preferably also an operative connection with the format tape provided such that the format tape detected by the chamfer becomes and is increasingly bent inward. The shape of the chamfer is preferably at least partially circular or elliptical, preferably provided a quarter circle or a Viertelellipse is. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which two chamfered discs are provided, in particular the same Rotate rotation axis and their chamfers adjoin each other. If at least one disc is a swash plate and preferably both discs are swash plates, is particularly effective a preforming of the web possible. The swash plates are preferably aligned in the conveying direction inclined to each other. A swash plate is an oblique within the scope of the invention Asked disc that is not at right angles to the driving them Axis is arranged.

An effective connection of the filter materials is then possible when a unit supplying energy to the filter material is provided is. This unit is preferably in the range of the format device arranged. Preferably, the energy is in the form of microwaves or hot air can be supplied.

The filter properties of the filter strand can be improved when a sheath device is provided by means of the Filter strand is providable with an outer skin. A very effective one and uniform filter stranding is possible when the Width of the format tape at least equal to the circumference of forming filter strand is. If the width is equal to the circumference of the is to form a filter strand, is a filter strand formation with a very small seam possible. At a width greater than the circumference is to be formed of the filter strand, an overlap happens of the format tape in the format device.

The object is further achieved by a format device of the tobacco processing Industry, including a sub-format and an upper format solved, wherein the format device has an inlet region and wherein the format device is configured such that a format tape that is movable by the format device to Material, in particular filter material, the tobacco processing industry can be wound, wherein in the inlet region a rotatably mounted Disc pair is provided which is adapted to at least to bend a part of the format band progressively.

The format device according to the invention is a very uniform strand formation possible.

Preferably, the pair of discs is a pair of swash plates. In a expedient embodiment, the axes of rotation of the discs coaxial. In a further preferred embodiment is for the Slices provided a common axis of rotation.

When the discs are chamfered at their respective peripheral surfaces, is a particularly effective preforming of the filter strand possible. For this purpose, preferably at least a part of the chamfer is a pitch circle, in particular a quarter circle. If one in cross-section elliptical Filter strand is desired, the chamfer can at least a part of a Ellipse include, in particular a quarter ellipse.

Under bevel is in the context of this invention, in particular a Form of the peripheral surface of the letter understood in cross section there is no straight line perpendicular to at least one Front side is. Instead, a hollow or milled out available.

The object is further achieved by the use of a swash plate pair in the range of a format device of tobacco processing Industry for bending a format tape solved. Preferably happens the bending transverse to the conveying direction of the format strip.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Strangmaschine,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung der Strangmaschine aus Fig. 1 in Richtung A der Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

im oberen Bereich eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Formatvorrichtung und im unteren Bereich zur besseren Veranschaulichung eine Draufsicht auf ein Formatband, das durch die Formatvorrichtung hindurch bewegbar ist,

Fig. 4

im oberen Bereich eine schematische Seitenansicht der Formatvorrichtung aus Fig. 3 und im unteren Bereich eine schematische Seitenansicht des Formatbandes aus Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung entlang des Schnitts A-A aus Fig. 4, und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung entlang B-B aus Fig. 4.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. With respect to all details of the invention not explained in detail, reference is expressly made to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a strand machine according to the invention,

Fig. 2

1 is a schematic sectional view of the strand machine of FIG. 1 in the direction A of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

in the upper area a schematic plan view of a formatting device according to the invention and in the lower area for a better illustration a plan view of a format strip which is movable through the formatting device,

Fig. 4

in the upper area a schematic side view of the format device of FIG. 3 and in the lower area a schematic side view of the format strip of FIG. 3,

Fig. 5

a schematic sectional view along the section AA of Fig. 4, and

Fig. 6

a schematic sectional view along BB of Fig. 4th

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an inventive Stranding machine 1. The stranding machine 1 substantially corresponds in the European patent application with the file number 03 007 675.6 and the European patent application with the Reference 03 007 672.3 disclosed stranding machine, wherein in Difference to the strand machines disclosed therein a filter strand in the filter rod machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 without Wrapping strip can be produced.

As disclosed in the aforementioned European patent applications, appropriate finite fibers 10 are separated or essentially completely separated and via a fluidized bed 12 in Direction of a suction belt 13 of a Saugstrangförderers 14 by means Transport air conveyed in the conveying direction 50. The isolated Fibers 10 are thrown on the suction belt 13 and form an increasing in Fig. 1 to the left fiber layer 15 in the channel of Saugstrangförderers 14 on the left in Fig. 1 moving Suction belt 13. The fiber layer 15 increases in the conveying direction 50 ' to and is on the way in the conveying direction 50 'on the trimmer 16th equalized. After trimming, a fibrous layer 15 "'is removed. The remaining on the suction belt 13 fiber layer 15 'is compressed after leveling in a pressing device 17. The Pressing device is in this embodiment as a conveyor belt formed, which includes a corresponding press roller. The Conveyor belt is or the press roller is substantially in the conveying direction emotional. This is in Fig. 1 counterclockwise.

After leveling and compaction, the transfer of the densified fiber layer 15 "of the suction belt conveyor 14 the format device 20. The fiber layer is in this embodiment a fiber fleece. To the fiber layer on the suction belt 13 to accumulate, suction air is used by a suction air connection 18 acts on the suction belt 13. In the area the transfer of the fibrous layer 15 "to the format device is a Compressed air connection 19 provided by means of which the fiber layer 15 "is detached from the suction belt 13 and on the format tape 23 of the format device 20 is applied.

The format device 20 comprises a format console 21, a format set 22 and, as already mentioned, the format tape 23. Die Further components of the format device 20 are described below described in more detail. The formed in the format device 20 Filter strand 33 is optionally in a Besprüheinheit 34 with, for example Polypropylene sprayed to a coat or an outer skin to provide on the filter strand 33. Subsequently, the Filter strand 33 of a cutting device 35 supplied in the filter rods 36 are cut off from the filter strand 33.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the invention Strand machine or a part of the invention Stranding machine in direction A of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2 is the separation the fibers 10 and the supply of the separated fibers 10 to Saugstrangförderer 14 shown schematically. The isolation corresponds to that, as for example in the European Patent applications with the file number 03 007 675.6 and 03 007 672.3. It can be any kind of in both European Patent applications mentioned singling use Find.

In a storage shaft 24 fibers are introduced. Two feed rollers 25 promote the fibers in the effective range of a transport roller 27, which deflects the fibers from the stowage bay. In the separating device 26 are also separating rollers 28 are provided, which are in operative connection with a grid 29. through the transport air, which is not shown schematically in Fig. 2 (This will be to the above-mentioned European patent applications ), And the separating rollers 28 become fibers that have been essentially completely separated promoted by the grid 29, so that in the area of the fluidized bed 12 predominantly scattered fiber prevail. In the area of Fluidized bed 12, the isolated fibers also by means of transport air in particular by substantially continuous acceleration isolated the suction belt 13 of the suction belt conveyor 14th fed. Excess transport air is in the exhaust 30 or in a rolling room, not shown, of the fluidized bed 12th dissipated.

3 shows a top view of a format device according to the invention, the component of the strand machine 1 according to the invention is. In Fig. 3 and also in Fig. 4, the format tape 23 for the better Representability outside, but parallel to the format set 22 shown. The format set 22 comprises an inlet chamber 41, a sub-format 46 and an upper format 47, see also the 4 is a microwave unit 31, a cooling unit 32 and an outlet chamber 45 is provided.

The format tape 23 is counterclockwise in the conveying direction 50 'moves. Before the inlet chamber 41 and after the outlet chamber 45, the format tape 23 is being guided. In the inlet chamber 41, the format tape 23 'laterally increasingly upward shaped round. At the end of the inlet chamber 41, the upwards curved sides of the format strip 23 'by a pair of swash plates 42 and increasingly bent inwards. To Leaving the effective range of the swash plate pair 42 is the Format band 23 'already almost completely round shaped. Between the sub-format 46 and the upper format 47 is the full Circular forming of the 23 "format tape The side edges of the format tape 23 "either face or overlap on impact. It is preferred if the side edges of the format tape 23 "facing each other on impact, so that a seam 40 is formed. In this case, the format tape is as wide as the size of the too generating filter strand. After passing through the subformat 46, the upper format 47, the microwave unit 31 and the cooling unit 32 passes the format tape 23 "in the outlet chamber 45th There the format strip 23 'is formed back into the straight shape 23.

To allow the guidance of the swash plates 42, there are two Auslenkräder 43 arranged at the end of the inlet chamber 41. The Swash plates 42 are attached to a shaft 44 around which the Turn swash plates. There are also side walls 48 provided in which the shaft 44 is mounted.

In Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view taken along the Section A-A of Fig. 4 shown. In particular, they are the swash plates 42 clearly recognizable, in the lower part of the strand cross-section 49 at least partially generate by the respective chamfer 51. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view along of the section B-B of Fig. 4. At this point is the filter strand already fully formed. The filter strand or fibers in However, the filter strand do not have a completely solid Composite formed.

The fiber layer 15 "is in the region of the inlet chamber 41 of Saugstrangförderer 14 passed to the format tape 23 '. In the course of the round shaping of the format strip 23 'or 23 "is on the Format tape 23 'transferred fiber layer 15 "round of the format tape 23 ". The 23" format tape holds and leads the fiber strand 33 through the microwave unit 31. There are the binding fibers of the fiber strand 33 by microwave action fused to each other so and with filler fibers too merge. Binding fibers are in particular bicomponent fibers in question, which include a core and a jacket, wherein the sheath comprises a lower melting material than the sheath Core. Here is in particular the European patent application with the application number 03 004 594.2 of the Applicant. Suitable filler fibers are, for example, cellulose fibers. These fibers are also in the aforementioned European patent application disclosed accordingly. The advantage of using a microwave unit 31 is the low heating of the Filter strand 33, allowing a format cooling, a contact cooling is sufficient.

After the microwave unit 31, according to the principle of contact cooling can be configured, the fiber strand 33 by a Cooling unit 32 out. For this purpose, cooling water is through the upper format 47 and sub-format 46 passed. There they cool and harden fused areas. The fiber strand 33 is then cured. The type, material and condition of the format tape 23 are chosen so that a fusion of binding fibers with the Format tape is not possible. Preferably, the format tape permeable to air. When removing the format tape 23 "in 23 'and then 23 remains the cured fiber strand 33 in round Shape. It can also be a fiber strand 33 in oval or elliptical Form to be formed. This is the format device or form fitting 22 corresponding oval or elliptical form.

The format strip 23 'is the fiber strand up and to the side free and promotes him to the cutting device 35th There is the cured Fiber strand 33 cut into filter rods 36. Before the Cutting the filter rods 36 may around the fiber strand 33 in a Spray unit 34, which may also be a dip, is a wrapping material be applied, such as a hot melt adhesive.

The chamfer 51 of the swash plates is according to the desired Form configured of the filter strand to be formed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

rod machine

10

fibers

12

fluidized bed

13

suction belt

14

suction rod

15

fiber layer

15 '

trimmed fiber layer

15 "

compacted fiber layer

15 '' '

discharged fiber layer

16

trimmer

17

pressing device

18

suction air

19

Compressed air connection

20

format device

21

format console

22

garniture

23, 23 ', 23 "

format tape

24

accumulating shaft

25

feed roller

26

separating device

27

transport roller

28

separating roller

29

grid

30

suction

31

microwave unit

32

cooling unit

33

filter rod

34

Besprüheinheit

35

cutter

36

Fiber filter rod

40

seam

41

inlet chamber

42

swash plate

43

deflection roller

44

wave

45

outlet chamber

46

under format

47

upper format

48

Side wall

49

Strand cross-section

50

conveying direction

50 '

conveying direction

51

chamfer

Claims (27)

A method of producing a wrapping material strip-free filter strand (33) of the tobacco processing industry, wherein filter material (10) is applied to a format strip (23) and formed in a formatting device (20) to the filter strand (33), the filter strand (33) in the Forming device (20) is energized to achieve a composite of the filter material (10), characterized in that the filter material (10) upstream of the step of applying to the format strip (23) is substantially completely separated. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that after the singulation of the filter material (10) first a nonwoven fabric (15, 15 ', 15 ") comprising the filter material is formed, which is then deposited on the format strip (23). A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the nonwoven fabric (15, 15 ', 15 ") is formed in a suction strand conveyor (14). Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on the format strip (23) applied filter material (10) is preformed by means of at least one chamfered disc (42). A method according to claim 4, characterized in that two discs (42) are used whose chamfers (51) in particular adjoin one another. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the discs (42) are swash plates. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the energy is microwave energy or hot air. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that after being exposed to energy, the filter strand (33) is cooled. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the filter strand (33) is provided with a curable shell of a liquid material. Method for producing a filter element (36) of the tobacco-processing machine Industry comprising a method according to a or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein subsequently the Filter strand (33) in filter elements (36) is cut to length. Apparatus for producing a filter material strip (33) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a format device (20) in which a format strip (23) is movable, which can be wound around filter material (10) of finite length, characterized in that a puffing device (12, 13 , 14, 26) is provided upstream of the format device (20), by means of which substantially completely separated fibers (10) can be thawed to form a fleece (15, 15 ', 15 "). Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the Aufschauervorrichtung (12-14, 26) comprises a Saugstrangförderer (14). Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the region of the format device (20) at least one chamfered disc (42) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that two chamfered discs (42) are provided. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that at least one disc (42) is a swash plate. Device according to one or more of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the filter material (10) energy supplying unit (31) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the energy in the form of microwaves or hot air can be fed. Device according to one or more of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that a jacket device (34) is provided, by means of which the filter strand (33) can be provided with an outer skin. Device according to one or more of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the width of the format strip (23) is at least equal to the circumference of the filter strand (33) to be formed. A tobacco processing industry format apparatus (20) comprising a sub-format (46) and an upper format (47), the formatting device (20) having an entrance area (41), and wherein the formatting device (20) is configured to include a format strip (23), which is movable by the format device (20) in order to wind material (10), in particular filter material (10), of the tobacco-processing industry, characterized in that a rotatably mounted pair of discs (42) is provided in the inlet region (41) is to progressively bend at least a portion of the format tape (23). Forming device according to claim (20), characterized in that the disk pair (42) is a pair of swashplates. Forming device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the axes of rotation (44) of the discs (42) are coaxial. Forming device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that a common axis of rotation (44) is provided for the discs (42). Forming device according to one or more of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the discs (42) are chamfered at their respective peripheral surface. Forming device according to claim 24, characterized in that at least a part of the chamfer (51) comprises a pitch circle, in particular a quarter circle. Use of a pair of swashplates (42) in the area of one Forming device (20) of the tobacco processing industry for Bending a format tape (23). Use according to claim 26, characterized in that the bending takes place transversely to the conveying direction (50) of the format strip (23).

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