EP1847187B1 - Processing unit for processing at least one filter strip and device with at least two such processing units - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a processing unit for processing at least one filter tow strip for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles such as cigarettes, with at least one Towführungsstrecke, along which the filter tow is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extent, and associated with the Towführungsstrecke processing facilities for processing the filter tow which in are arranged substantially one above the other, so that at least the running in the region of the processing devices portion of the tow guide path is angled to the horizontal, preferably approximately vertically, is directed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for processing filter tow material for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as belgelnweise cigarettes, with filter tow providing means for providing at least two filter towers and at least two processing units and a system with at least one such device and with at least one downstream device for processing the filter tow strips.

A processing unit of the type mentioned is from the EP 1 314 363 A1 which forms the closest prior art from which you present invention emanates. With this known device filter rods can be produced in the single-strand method. In this process, filter tows (eg of cellulose acetate filaments) are pulled off a bale, stretched, processed, round-shaped and delivered in a desired shape and consistency for further processing to a filter rod making a filter strand from the processed filter tow by wrapping with a wrapping material strip, which finally in Filter bars for cigarettes or other rod-shaped smoking articles is cut.

From the DE 42 09 789 A1 or the DE 43 08 093 A1 Devices are known with which filter rods can be produced in the two-strand process and have the horizontally operating processing units.

Although the devices and systems described above have been well-established in practice, it has been found that in some cases the space required for setting up such a device or systems presents difficulties. Furthermore, the demand for greater flexibility in the assembly of such devices and systems as well as a further improvement and simplification of the machining process is growing.

In view of these findings, the invention is based on the object of further improving a processing unit and a device of the type mentioned in the introduction.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by a processing unit for processing at least one filter tow strip for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles such as cigarettes, with at least one Towführungsstrecke along which the filter tow is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extension, and with the Towing path associated processing facilities for processing the filter tow, which are arranged substantially one above the other, such that at least the section of the tow guide section extending in the region of the processing devices is directed at an angle to the horizontal, preferably approximately vertically, characterized in that the processing devices comprise means for stretching, treating and forming the filter tow strip and are arranged in their order such that at least along of the running in the region of the processing means portion of the Towführungsstrecke the filter tow is subjected to a downward movement.

Due to the fact that the mentioned processing devices are substantially one above the other according to the invention, the footprint required by the processing unit can be significantly reduced. Although it does not appear in certain embodiments excluded that, in contrast to the prior art, the treatment unit according to the invention claimed a greater height in the vertical direction; However, this is readily acceptable in view of the advantage achieved by the construction according to the invention a significant reduction in space requirements in the horizontal direction and otherwise provides experience otherwise anyway no problem. The superimposition of said processing means according to the invention has an angle relative to the horizontal and preferably approximately vertical Towlauf entailed. This in turn leads to easy accessibility to these processing facilities and the Towführungsstrecke, resulting in a further advantage ease of use and maintenance results.

In addition, the invention skilfully utilizes the influence of gravity, whereby the movement of the filter tow strip is at least partially supported, at least along the section of the tow guide path extending in the region of said processing means. In addition, this measure takes into account the fact that the filter tow is pulled off predominantly upwards by a bale to be set up next to the processing unit.

In one in the WO 2005/058079 A1 Although disclosed apparatus for processing filter tow material for the production of filters, the filter towers are subjected to a downward movement, namely first between a first spreader nozzles having deflection and Towausbebungsungsorgan and machine-arranged second Ausbreitersüsen inclined and then within the machine frame in the region of a stretching device between the upper and lower brake and draw roll pairs substantially vertically downwardly along a vertically downwardly extending portion of the tow guideways. After leaving the stretching device, the filter tow strips are deflected in a horizontal orientation, guided past an application device and then deflected via transport rollers to overlying deformation rollers, whereby they are formed into round tow strands.

In this context, it should be noted that the term "tow routing path" primarily means only the path along which the filter tow strip moves through the processing unit. Of course, at least in sections, the tow guide path can be provided with a web guide, which guides the filter tow strip in a supportive manner. However, such a track guide is at least not consistently mandatory. Especially in the case of a substantially vertical orientation of at least the section of the tow guide section extending in the region of the mentioned processing devices, the filter tow strip can in particular also run freely between in each case two adjacent processing devices.

The construction according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the processing unit as a module with a defined interface for the connection to at least one further processing unit. This results in a modular design that meets the growing need for greater flexibility in the assembly of a filter strand plant more. In particular, a multi-strand filter machine can be realized in a particularly simple way by the modular arrangement of several processing units, their footprint is determined by the selected number of processing units used and is thus strand-dependent, but nevertheless significantly lower than conventional multiple-strand filter machines. In this context, it is also conceivable, for example, to provide at least one of the processing units used with two Towführungsstrecken and thus perform as a two-strand module. Furthermore, the modular design leads to a higher number of identical parts and thus to a total of less design effort, which in turn has an advantageous effect in lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.

Preferably, the processing unit should be provided with an interface for connection to a downstream device for further processing of the filter tow strip, in particular a stranding machine.

In order to be able to exploit the influence of gravity particularly efficiently, an inlet forming the beginning of the tow path should not be located lower than the highest processing device and expediently above it, in order thus to effect, by the action of gravity, an essentially automatic threading of the filter tow into the processing unit enable.

Conveniently, at least one filter tow strip supply means is provided for feeding a filter tow strip from a filter tow supply means to the inlet. In this case, the filter replacement device comprises at least one filter towball and the filter tow strip supply means has an arm at the upper free end of which the filter tow strip to be withdrawn from the bale over a necessary height is deflected towards the inlet for entry into the processing unit. Furthermore, the treatment unit is expediently provided with an outlet for the exit of the processed filter tow strip in the direction of a downstream device for further processing. To this end, preferably the filter tow strip supply means may be arranged and arranged to move the filter tow strip from the filter tow supply means to the inlet approximately in the direction corresponding to or at an angle, preferably approximately transversely to the direction of the recycled filter tow strip as it exits the inlet. With these versions, the filter tow supply means can be placed either behind or next to the processing unit.

In the embodiment described above, a threading roller pair may be arranged downstream of and adjacent to the inlet, as needed, to effectively assist in guiding the filter trough strip entering the conditioning unit under gravity to the first processing device.

The tow guide path may extend at least partially approximately horizontally between the last processing device and the outlet for the exit of the processed filter tow strip in the direction of a downstream device for further processing. In the case of a substantially vertical and downward Towlaufes by the processing facilities may preferably extend the tow guide path between the lowest located processing device and the outlet at least partially approximately horizontally. If necessary, but it is also alternatively or additionally conceivable, after the last processing device to divert the tow path section in sections in the vertical direction to adjust the outlet of the processed filter tau stripe to the height of the inlet of the downstream device accordingly.

It is also possible, for example, to provide a device for rounding the filter tow strip, which preferably forms the last processing device in the sequence. This results in the advantage that, after leaving this last processing device, the filter tow strip, which is now essentially round in cross-section, can in principle be deflected in any direction before it leaves the processing unit.

Furthermore, a device for treating the filter tow strip by dispensing treatment liquid onto the filter tow strip is preferably provided.

Conveniently, the means for treating the filter tow strip for delivery of treatment liquid should be formed at an angle or approximately transversely to the direction of movement of the filter tow strip, preferably in the horizontal direction. Due to the present invention relative to the horizontal angle and preferably approximately vertical Towlaufes a simple way without a lot of management effort touching the filter tow with the treatment device and in particular their spray box prevented, which can otherwise lead to damage of the filter tow by unwanted adhesion to the treatment device and thus to service interruptions , Another advantage of spraying at an angle or transverse to the horizontal and preferably vertical direction of movement of the filter tow strip and thus preferably in the horizontal direction is that in the event of a possible drop formation of the filter tow remains untouched. Because in this case, the drops fall down next to the filter tow, for example, in a designated drip tray. Thus, a possible drop formation is essentially uncritical, which is particularly important in a business interruption or a machine stop.

In addition, the angle-wise or preferably approximately vertical tow-line, which is angled relative to the horizontal, optionally also permits a two-sided delivery of treatment liquid to the filter tow strip, resulting in a more effective treatment of the filter tow strip.

Further, preferably one of the processing means may also comprise means for injecting particulate additives, such as e.g. Activated carbon powder or - have granules, in or on the filter tow.

Of course, other functions for the processing facilities are conceivable, the enumeration is omitted here.

In particular for the modular construction or at least the use of at least two processing units, it is expedient to have the processing unit with at least one further inlet and at least one other To provide outlet, which can be passed through such a further inlet and such a further outlet of the processed by another processing unit filter tow, so that the treated by the processing units filter tow can run in substantially the same direction to the same downstream device.

It is also conceivable to provide at least two, preferably approximately parallel to each other, Towführungsstrecken in a processing unit. In this case, it may be particularly expedient to assign at least part of the processing devices together to the tow guide sections in one and the same processing unit. Alternatively, it is of course also conceivable to provide separate processing devices for each tow guide path.

In order to achieve the object stated above, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a device for processing filter tow material for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes, with filter tow providing means for providing at least two filter tows and at least two processing units according to the invention. Such a device accordingly has a substantially modular construction of at least two processing units.

Expediently, such a device should furthermore have a guide device, which is preferably also provided as a module, by means of which the filter tow strips prepared by the processing units are transferred to a downstream device for further processing, such as a stranding machine. By way of example, the guide device can be designed in such a way that it selectively transfers only one filter tow strip each to an individual machine module provided as a downstream device. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the guide device in such a way that it combines at least two filter tow strips with one another and together to a stranding machine provided as a downstream device for the production transferred from filters, which are thus composed of at least two filter towers simultaneously. The latter development is particularly suitable for processing at least two filter towers made of different materials and / or with other different properties and thus for the production of filters in which, for example, the flue gas paths are controllable due to different draw resistances of the individual tows.

Of course, any processing unit can be used for connection to a separate single-strand machine module, which is to be provided in this case as a single-strand machine.

It is of course also possible to provide each processing unit for connection to a strand line of a downstream multi-strand machine.

In the device according to the invention, the processing units can be arranged in different ways with respect to the direction of movement of the processed filter tow strips as they leave the device. For example, it is conceivable to arrange the processing units either essentially one behind the other and / or substantially next to one another.

The same applies to the filter tow providing means with respect to the direction of movement of the processed filter tow strips as they exit the device. In this regard, it is also conceivable, in particular, to arrange the filter tow supply means either essentially next to and / or in front of the processing units. A group-by-group summary of the filter tow provision means is also conceivable, for example, in that the filter tow provision means in the group are arranged essentially next to one another and the group is placed substantially in front of the processing units.

The construction of the device can result in a machine setup either in line or at an angle. In the latter case, the processing units are in the essentially arranged in an angular, preferably approximately at right angles, to the processing direction of a downstream device row.

Thus, the invention offers the possibility, in the context of the concept of a multiple-strand filter production, of coupling a multiple-strand processing device, which is modularly constructed from a group of processing units according to the invention, with single-strand, two-strand and / or multiple-strand filter machines. The special feature of this modular coupling is, in particular, to produce the filter towers independently of each other within one and the same system and, for example, to be able to make different settings independently of each other. This also gives the possibility of a very high format flexibility, including the achievement of different filter lengths. Conveniently, the plurality of filter tows can be threaded continuously in the multiple line system. The filters can be produced as required by the processing units each deliver the processed filter tow in the required form. In particular, due to the modularity, the device according to the invention offers, as further advantages, rapid realizability of individual multiple-line systems as well as increased efficiency, since in the case of the interruption of the operation of one strand line, it can continue to be produced on the other line lines.

Figur 1

schematisch im Querschnitt (Figur 1 a) und im Längsschnitt (Figur 1 b) den Aufbau eines Aufbereitungsmoduls gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung;

Figur 2

schematisch im Querschnitt eine Kombination von vier Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit einer Vierstrangmaschine;

Figur 3

in schematischer Draufsicht die Anordnung von Figur 2;

Figur 4

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von vier Aufbereitungsmodulen in nebeneinander liegender Anordnung mit einer Vierstrangmaschine;

Figur 5

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von vier Aufbereitungsmodulen in nebeneinander liegender Anordnung gemäß Figur 3 mit vier Einzelstrangmaschinenmodulen, die wahlweise entweder als eine gemeinsame Vierstrangmaschine gemäß den Figuren 2 und 3 oder alternativ auch als separate Einstrangmaschinen vorgesehen sein können;

Figur 6

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von vier Aufbereitungsmodulen in nebeneinander liegender Anordnung gemäß Figur 3 mit vier Einstrangmaschinenmodulen, welche sich von der Anordnung gemäß Figur 5 dadurch unterscheidet, dass zwei Einstrangmaschinenmodule jeweils an der einen Seite und an der anderen Seite von der Gruppe der vier Aufbereitungsmodule liegt und wahlweise jeweils entweder gemeinsam als Zweistrangmaschinen oder alternativ auch als separate Einstrangmaschinen vorgesehen sein können;

Figur 7

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von zwei Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit einer Mehrfachstrangmaschine, wobei jedem Aufbereitungsmodul ein neben diesem platzierter Towballen zugeordnet ist;

Figur 8

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von zwei Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit einer Mehrfachstrangmaschine, wobei jedem Aufbereitungsmodul ein Towballen zugeordnet ist und die beiden Towballen in nebeneinander liegender Anordnung vor dem jeweiligen Aufbereitungsmodule platziert sind;

Figur 9

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von zwei Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit zwei Einfachstrangmaschinenmodulen, welche wahlweise entweder als eine gemeinsame Zweistrangmaschine oder alternativ als separate Einstrangmaschinen vorgesehen sein können;

Figur 10

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von zwei Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit zwei Einstrangmaschinenmodulen, von denen jeweils eines an der einen Seite und an der anderen Seite der Gruppe der zwei Aufbereitungsmodule liegt;

Figur 11

in schematischer Draufsicht eine Kombination von zwei Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit zwei getrennt voneinander aufgestellten Einstrangmaschinenmodulen, welche jeweils als separate Einstrangmaschine vorgesehen sind;

Figur 12

schematisch im Längsschnitt eine Kombination eines sichtbaren ersten Einstrangaufbereitungsmoduls und eines dahinter liegenden, nicht sichtbaren weiteren Einstrangaufbereitungsmoduls mit einer Mehrfachstrangmaschine;

Figur 13

schematisch im Längsschnitt eine Kombination eines sichtbaren Zweistrangaufbereitungsmoduls gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung mit einer Mehrfachstrangmaschine; und

Figur 14

schematisch im Querschnitt eine Kombination von zwei Aufbereitungsmodulen in hintereinander liegender Anordnung mit einer Einstrangmaschine, in der die von den beiden Aufbereitungsmodulen aufbereiteten Filtertowstreifen gemeinsam zur Herstellung eines Filters verwendet werden.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

schematically in cross section ( FIG. 1 a) and in longitudinal section ( FIG. 1 b) the construction of a processing module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2

schematically in cross section a combination of four processing modules in succession arrangement with a four-strand machine;

FIG. 3

in a schematic plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4

a schematic plan view of a combination of four processing modules in side-by-side arrangement with a four-strand machine;

FIG. 5

in a schematic plan view of a combination of four processing modules in adjacent arrangement according to FIG. 3 with four single-strand machine modules, either as a common four-strand machine according to the Figures 2 and 3 or alternatively may be provided as a separate single-strand machines;

FIG. 6

in a schematic plan view of a combination of four processing modules in adjacent arrangement according to FIG. 3 with four single-strand machine modules, which differs from the arrangement according to FIG. 5 differs in that two single-strand machine modules each lie on one side and on the other side of the group of four processing modules and can either be provided either together as two-line machines or alternatively as separate single-strand machines;

FIG. 7

a schematic plan view of a combination of two processing modules in a series arrangement with a multi-strand machine, each processing module is associated with a placed next to this towball;

FIG. 8

a schematic plan view of a combination of two processing modules in succession arrangement with a multi-strand machine, each preparation module is associated with a towball and the two towballs are placed in juxtaposed arrangement in front of the respective processing modules;

FIG. 9

a schematic plan view of a combination of two processing modules in succession arrangement with two single-strand machine modules, which may be provided either either as a common two-line machine or alternatively as a separate single-strand machines;

FIG. 10

a schematic plan view of a combination of two processing modules in a series arrangement with two single-strand machine modules, one of which is located on one side and on the other side of the group of the two processing modules;

FIG. 11

in a schematic plan view of a combination of two processing modules in succession arrangement with two separately set up single-strand modules, which are each provided as a separate single-strand machine;

FIG. 12

schematically in longitudinal section a combination of a visible first Einstrangaufbereitungsmoduls and an underlying, not visible further single-strand preparation module with a multi-strand machine;

FIG. 13

schematically in longitudinal section a combination of a visible Zweistrangaufbereitungsmodul according to another preferred embodiment of the invention with a multi-strand machine; and

FIG. 14

schematically in cross section a combination of two processing modules in successive arrangement with a single-strand machine in which the processed from the two processing modules filter towers are used together to produce a filter.

In the figures, only schematically and in part in detail processing modules and a device containing them according to the invention for processing filter towers for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles such as in particular cigarettes in the strand process are shown, the figures only in each case only substantially for the understanding show the parts and components required by the invention. In mechanical engineering usual components of the machine such as details of the machine frame, brackets, bearings and panels are not shown in the drawings in the interest of their better manageability substantially.

In FIG. 1 is schematically in cross section ( FIG. 1 a) and in longitudinal section ( FIG. 1b ), the construction of a treatment module 2, which has a housing 4.

At the top of its housing 4, the processing module 2 is provided with an inlet 6, through which a filter tow 8 enters the housing 4. The filter tow 8 is before entering the processing module 2 of a in FIG. 1 withdrawn filter bales shown and deflected via a above the processing module 2 and not shown in the figures deflecting and Towausbungsungsorgan, which is arranged at the upper end of a support arm, also not shown in the figures, in the direction of the inlet 6.

As FIG. 1 can recognize the filter tow 8 passes through the inlet 6, the processing module 2 in the illustrated embodiment along a downward vertical section of unspecified Towführungsstrecke after entering through the inlet 6, wherein the downward movement of the filter tow 8 is supported by gravity influence. Especially FIG. 1b shows further that the filter tow 8 has a flat strip shape when entering through the inlet 6.

The threading of the filter tow 8 in the inlet 6 is also already done with the help of gravity. In order to assist the threading, the processing module 2 in the illustrated embodiment, a Einfädelwalzenpaar 10, which is located directly below the inlet 6.

After the threading roller pair 10 of the filter tow 8 passes through various processing facilities.

After the filter tow 8 first undergoes pre-stretching between the threading roller pair 10 and a downstream pair of rollers 12, passes the filter tow 8 a per se known stretching device, which is formed by the pair of rollers 12 and another downstream pair of rollers 14 and makes a main stretch on the filter tow 8 ,

Downstream of the lower roller pair 14 of the filter tow 8 passes through a treatment device 16, the two spaced spray nozzles 17, 18, between which the filter tow 8 moves in each case at a distance from this. In this way, the filter tow 8 in the treatment device 16 is sprayed on both sides with a treatment agent which in FIG. 1a in the form of spray jets 20 is shown recognizable. The vertical running of the filter tow 8 within the treatment device 16 any contact with the spray nozzles 17, 18 disposed on both sides is avoided. Even a possible drop formation is not critical and leaves the filter tow 8 unaffected, which is particularly important for a possible business interruption or a machine stop. Because in one In such a case, the treatment agent 20 drips vertically downward from the spray nozzles 17, 18 at a distance from the filter tow 8 and is collected by a bowl-shaped bottom section 22 of the treatment device 16.

After exiting the treatment device 16, the filter tow 8 passes through a further pair of rollers 24 before being round-shaped in an underlying molding device 26. The thus round shaped filter tow is in the illustrated embodiment according to FIG. 1 subsequently deflected by a deflecting roller 28 mounted below the shaping device 26 into a horizontally directed section of the tow guide section to form a further deflecting roller 30, wherein that horizontally directed section of the tow guide path is spanned in the section of the tow guide path between the inlet 6 and the shaping device 26 by the flat filter tow strip 8 Plane or parallel to this plane and thus in the drawing plane of FIG. 1b runs. Of the further guide roller 30 of the round shaped filter tow 8 in the illustrated embodiment according to FIG. 1 is guided obliquely upwards to an outlet 32 formed in the housing 4, where the filter tow 8 emerges from the processing module 2. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to redirect the round-shaped filter tow strips emerging from the shaping device 26 in a different direction, for example transversely to the plane which is spanned by the flat filter tow strip 8 between the inlet 6 and the shaping device 26.

As FIG. 1 can recognize, are due to the vertical Towlaufes the processing facilities with each other. For easy accessibility to these processing facilities, for example, for the purpose of maintenance, the housing 4 can be opened accordingly, which is not shown in detail in the figures.

This in FIG. 1 Of course, the processing module shown can be used as a single functional unit with a downstream stranding machine. However, since the structure is based on a modular concept with essentially uniform interfaces and the use of as many common parts as possible Use this processing module particularly simple and without much design effort with several similar processing modules in combination with a downstream multi-strand machine for a multiple strand filter production. Examples of such combinations are in the FIGS. 2 to 8 shown, with the examples presented there are not exhaustive.

FIG. 2 shows, for example, schematically in longitudinal section a combination of four consecutively arranged treatment modules 2 with a downstream stranding machine for a four-strand filter production. In this example, the four processing modules 2 lie behind one another in the production direction and exit the filter tow strips 8 processed and shaped by them in the same direction, which is different from the illustration in FIG FIG. 1b transverse to the plane which is spanned by the flat filter tow between the inlet and the former. Thus, each conditioning module 2 must have at least one further inlet 34, through which the filter tow 8 of the respectively adjacent conditioning module 2 enters and exits through the outlet 32 again. In this way, a passage of the filter tow 8 is successively ensured by the processing modules 2. It is important that the inlets 34 and the outlets 32 are aligned with each other to form uniform interfaces. Possibly. can also be provided further outlets, whereby the staggered arrangement of the filter tow 8 is taken into account. Accordingly, the inlets 34 must be offset or provided in appropriate number. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide the inlets 34 and outlets 32 as elongated openings which receive the filter towers 8 together. The latter measure is preferable in terms of consistent modularity.

In this context, for the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the outlet 32 is located at the in FIG. 2 presented processing modules 2 lower than in FIG. 1 This is evidenced that, in particular, the height of the outlet 32 can be chosen arbitrarily, provided that with regard to the most consistent modularity possible Interfaces in all processing modules 2 are the same and are adapted accordingly with regard to the further transport to the downstream stranding machine.

At the in FIG. 2 Furthermore, an additional transition module 36 is further provided, in which the four filter towers 8, which in the rest in FIG. 2 are shown as a common dashed line for simplicity's sake, so continued and summarized that they can enter into a downstream multi-strand machine 40. As FIG. 2 can be seen in the embodiment shown there, the filter towers 8 are deflected relative to the outlet 32 to a higher level, wherein in FIG. 2 only the purpose intended upper guide roller 38 is shown.

In FIG. 3 the same four-strand arrangement is shown schematically in plan view. Furthermore, four Towballen 44 are shown schematically, of which each Towballen 44 is assigned to a processing module 2. In the arrangement according to FIG. 3 each Towballen 44 is placed next to the associated processing module 2, which can be realized with respect to each processing module 2, the same path length for removing the corresponding filter tow from the associated Towballen 44. During removal from the towballs 44 care must be taken that the filter tow is twisted by about 90 ° in order to then enter the processing module 2 in a direction transverse to the processing direction.

In FIG. 4 is also a four-line arrangement shown, however, the arrangement according to the Figures 2 and 3 differs in that the four processing modules 2 are not in a row, but next to each other, so that in the transition module 36, the four filter towers (not shown here) must be merged at an angle before they are passed to the multi-strand machine 40. The relative assignment of the towballs 44 to the processing modules 4 corresponds to that of FIG. 3 , so according to FIG. 4 the towballs 44, viewed in the processing direction, are each placed in front of the processing modules 2.

The arrangement of FIG. 4 has the advantage that a rotation of the filter tow after removal from the towballs 44 and before entry into the processing modules 2 can be omitted.

In FIG. 5 is a similar arrangement as in the Figures 2 and 3 shown, but with the difference that now in detail four downstream single-strand modules 42 are shown. In each case one single-strand machine module 42 is assigned to a processing module 2, so that in each case one of a processing module 2 processed filter tow 8 is further processed in a single-strand machine module 42. Although the four filter towers 8 at the exit from the processing modules 2 in the same manner as in the arrangement according to FIG. 2 guided parallel to each other; however, the arrangement differs from FIG. 5 from the arrangement according to FIG. 2 in that the filter tow strips 8 are deflected by about 90 ° before entry into the downstream single-strand machine modules 42. For this purpose (instead of in the Figures 2 and 3 illustrated common transition module 36) has four guide modules 46 arranged separately from each other, each having a guide roller 48 for deflecting the associated filter tow 8.

The entry of the filter tow strips 8 in the single-strand machine modules 42 is effected by an inlet finger, which is part of each of the illustrated single-strand machine modules 42 and in FIG. 5 designated by the reference numeral 50. Otherwise, in FIG. 5 Still other components of the single-strand machine modules 42 shown, but not designated in detail.

As with the arrangements according to the FIGS. 2 to 4 also form in the arrangement according to FIG. 5 the summarized to form a group processing modules 2 together one - here four-stranded - treatment device.

The four in FIG. 5 single-strand machine modules 42 shown can be used either as a common four-strand machine similar to those in the FIGS. 2 to 4 schematically illustrated multiple stranding machine 40 or alternatively be provided as a separate single-strand machines.

The guide modules 46 may be provided as separate modules or alternatively as part of the respective single-strand machine module 42.

In FIG. 6 is a similar arrangement as FIG. 5 shown, but with the difference that the four single-strand machine modules 42 are placed separately in two pairs of groups and the arrangement of the four processing modules 2 is placed between these two groups. Thus, in the arrangement according to FIG. 6 two adjacent single strand machine modules 42 on one side and the other two adjacent single strand machine modules 42 on the other side of the group formed by the four processing modules 2. This in turn has the consequence that the processed by the conditioning modules 2 filter towers 8 not as in the arrangement of FIG. 5 emerge from the summarized to form a group processing modules 2 in the same direction, but two filter towers 8 are guided in the one and the other two filter towers 8 in the opposite direction. In the process, the two filter tow strips 8 guided to a group of the single-strand machine modules 42 are delivered by those processing modules 2 which lie closest to the corresponding group of the two single-strand machine modules 42; ie according to FIG. 6 The two left processing modules 2 supply the two left-hand single-strand machine modules 42 and the two right-hand processing modules 2 supply the two right-hand single-feed module modules 42.

While in the arrangement according to FIG. 6 the four conditioning modules 2 in the same way as according to FIG. 5 together form a processing device, either the single-strand machine modules 42 may be provided as a separate single-strand machines or the pairwise groups of single-strand machine modules 42 may be combined to form a common two-column machine.

In FIG. 7 is a similar arrangement as in FIG. 3 shown, with the difference that only two treatment modules 2 are used for a two-strand filter production. The same applies to FIG. 8 compared to FIGS. 3 and 4 ,

In FIG. 9 is a similar arrangement as in FIG. 5 shown here, but with the difference that only two processing modules 2 are used for a two-strand filter production. As far as shows FIG. 9 an arrangement that the left half of in FIG. 6 corresponds to the arrangement shown.

In FIG. 10 is a similar arrangement as in FIG. 6 shown here, however, with the difference that only two processing modules are used for a two-strand filter production, wherein in each case only a single single stranding machine module 42 is located on one side and on the other side of the processing device formed from a group of two processing modules 2. Thus, in the arrangement of FIG. 10 to provide the two single-strand machine modules 42 as separate single-strand machines.

FIG. 11 shows an arrangement that differs from the arrangement according to FIG. 9 differs in that both single-strand machine modules 42 are not arranged parallel to each other, but one of the two single-strand machine modules 42 (according to FIG. 11 the 'upper' single-strand machine module 42) is aligned with respect to its direction of strand line processing direction to the exit direction of the filter tow 8 from the associated processing module 2, so that unlike the other single-strand machine module 42, there is no deflection of the filter tow 8. Thus, in this arrangement, a common transition module 36 of the in the FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrated type use in which only the one (according to FIG. 11 , Lower ') filter tow 8 is deflected over a guide roller 48. The arrangement of FIG. 11 As a result, the two single-strand machine modules 42 used there are to be provided as separate single-strand machines.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment, according to which the processing modules 2 in a opposite FIG. 2 placed by 90 ° offset arrangement by the guided through the processing modules 2 filter tow 8 runs in a plane parallel to the processing direction of a downstream multi-strand machine 40 level. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the filter tow 8 must be deflected after exiting the shaping device to the side, such as FIG. 12 can be seen schematically. Thus, in this arrangement, processing modules 2 of the in FIG. 1b shown embodiment use. In FIG. 12 For reasons of a simpler representation, only the front processing module 2 facing the viewer can be seen, while the further processing modules 2 lying behind are not visible. In that regard, the arrangement of the processing modules 2 corresponds to FIG. 12 those of FIG. 4 However, wherein the deducted from the Towballen 44 filter towers 8 must be subjected before their entry into the processing modules 2 a twist by 90 °. Accordingly, lets FIG. 12 schematically recognize that the processing modules 2 optionally also in a opposite FIG. 2 90 ° offset arrangement can be placed.

The basis of the FIGS. 1 to 12 Processing modules 2 described in each case have only a single tow guide path and are therefore designed to be single-stranded. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to process more than one filter tow strip in a single processing module 2.

As an example, in FIG. 13 a processing module 2 is shown in which two filter towers 8, which lie next to one another in substantially the same plane, are processed before they are then jointly deflected laterally in the direction of the transition module 36. Further leaves FIG. 13 schematically recognize in this embodiment, that each of the processing means is designed so that they are capable of simultaneously processing both filter towers 8. Accordingly, for example, only common roller pairs are used, through which both filter tow strips 8 run together. The same applies to the treatment facility. In contrast, however, a separate shaping device is to be provided for each filter tow 8.

With the in FIG. 13 illustrated arrangement can realize at least a two-strand filter production. When using several corresponding conditioning modules 2, in a row at right angles to the viewing plane of the FIG. 13 Accordingly, a filter production can be realized with a number of strands, which is a multiple of two.

The basis of the FIGS. 1 to 13 In each case, only one strand line in a downstream multi-strand machine 40 or a downstream and corresponding single strand machine module 42 are supplied. In principle, it is also conceivable to provide at least two filter tow strips 8, which are each provided by different processing modules 2, for the production of a and the same filter.

As an example, in FIG. 14 an arrangement with two successive processing modules 2 is shown, wherein the processed from these filter towers 8 in a downstream common transfer module 36 by means of pulleys 37, 38 are brought together. A downstream stranding machine 60 has a combined inlet finger 52 on the inlet side, in which the two filter tow strips 8 merged in the transfer module 36 are united with one another, and then used together in the stranding machine 60 on a single strand line for the production of a filter.

At this point, for the sake of completeness, it should be noted that as in the FIGS. 1 and 2 also in the FIGS. 12 to 14 the towballs 44 are not shown.

In principle, single-strand preparation modules can also be used according to the FIGS. 1 to 12 and 14 with twin or multiple strand preparation modules according to FIG. 13 combine with each other.

Claims (33)

1. Preparation unit for the preparation of at least one filter tow strip (8) for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles such as for example cigarettes, with at least one tow guide section along which the filter tow strip (8) can be moved in the direction of its longitudinal extent, and with processing apparatus (12, 14, 16, 24, 26) assigned to the tow guide section for processing the filter tow strip (8) which are arranged substantially on top of one another so that at least the section of the tow guide section running in the area of the processing apparatus (12, 14, 16, 24, 26) is directed at an angle to the horizontal, preferably approximately vertically,
   characterised in that the processing apparatus (12, 14, 16, 24, 26) comprise apparatus for stretching, treating and shaping the filter tow strip (8) and are arranged in their sequence so that at least along the section of the tow guide section running in the area of the processing apparatus (12, 14, 16, 24, 26), the filter tow strip (8) is subjected to a movement directed downwards.
2. Preparation unit according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the preparation unit (2) is executed as a module with a defined interface for connection to at least one further preparation unit (2).
3. Preparation unit according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised by an interface for connection to a downstream device (40; 42; 60) for the further processing of the filter tow strip (8), in particular a strand machine.
4. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that at least along the section of the tow guide section running in the area of the processing apparatus (12, 14, 16, 24, 26), the filter tow strip (8) can be moved partially due to gravitational support.
5. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, with an inlet (6) forming the beginning of the tow guide section,
   characterised in that the inlet (6) does not lie deeper than the highest situated processing apparatus (12, 14).
6. Preparation unit according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the inlet (6) is arranged above the highest situated processing apparatus (12, 14).
7. Preparation unit according to claim 5 or 6, with at least one filter tow strip feed means for feeding a filter tow strip (8) from a filter tow provision means (44) to the inlet (6) and with an outlet (32) for the outflow of the prepared filter tow strip (8) towards a subordinate device (40; 42; 60) for further processing,
   characterised in that the filter tow strip feed means is developed and arranged so that it leads the filter tow strip (8) from the filter tow provision means (44) to the inlet (6) approximately corresponding in direction to the direction of the prepared filter tow strip (8) on its outflow from the outlet (32).
8. Preparation unit according to claim 5 or 6, with at least one filter tow strip feed means for feeding a filter tow strip (8) from a filter tow provision means (44) to the inlet (6) and with an outlet (32) to the outflow of the prepared filter tow strip (8) towards a subordinate device (40; 42; 60) for further processing,
   characterised in that the filter tow strip feed means is developed and arranged so that it leads the filter tow strip (8) from the filter tow provision means (44) to the inlet (6) at an angle, preferably approximately transversely, to the direction of the prepared filter tow strip (8) on its outflow (32) from the outlet.
9. Preparation unit according to at least one of claims 5 to 8,
   characterised in that a pair of threading rolls (10) is arranged downstream from and adjacent to the inlet (6).
10. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, with an outlet (32) for the outflow of the prepared filter tow strip (8) towards a subordinate device (40; 42; 60) for further processing,
    characterised in that the tow guide section runs at least partially approximately horizontally between the last processing apparatus (26) and the outlet (32).
11. Preparation unit according to claim 10,
    characterised in that the tow guide section runs at least partially approximately horizontally between the lowest situated processing apparatus (26) and the outlet (32).
12. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, with an apparatus (26) for moulding the filter tow strip,
    characterised in that the apparatus (26) for moulding the filter tow strip forms the last processing apparatus in the sequence.
13. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, with an apparatus (16) for treating the filter tow strip (8) by delivery of treatment liquid (20) onto the filter tow strip (8),
    characterised in that the apparatus (16) for treating the filter tow strip (8) is developed for delivery of treatment liquid (20) at an angle or approximately transverse to the direction of movement of the filter tow strip (8), preferably in horizontal direction.
14. Preparation unit according to claim 13,
    characterised in that the apparatus (16) for treating the filter tow strip (8) is developed for delivery on both sides of treatment liquid (20) onto the filter tow strip (8).
15. Preparation unit according to at least one of claims 12 to 14,
    characterised in that a processing apparatus has means for the injection of carbon into the filter tow strip.
16. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised by at least one further inlet (34) and at least one further outlet (32) for conducting at least one filter tow strip (8) prepared by another preparation unit (2).
17. Preparation unit according to at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterised by at least two tow guide sections, preferably running approximately parallel to one another.
18. Preparation unit according to claim 17,
    characterised in that at least part of the processing apparatus (12, 14, 16, 24) is assigned jointly to the at least two tow guide sections.
19. Device for the preparation of filter tow material for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as for example cigarettes, with filter tow provision means (44) for the provision of at least two filter tow strips (8), with at least two preparation units (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims.
20. Device according to claim 19,
    characterised by a guide apparatus (36; 46), intended preferably as a module, for transferring the filter tow strip (8) prepared by the preparation units (2) to at least one subordinate device (40; 42; 60) for further processing, preferably a strand machine.
21. Device according to claim 20,
    characterised in that the guide apparatus (46) is developed such that it transfers in each case only one filter tow strip (8) to a single-strand machine module (42) intended as a subordinate device.
22. Device according to claim 20,
    characterised in that the guide apparatus (36) is developed such that it combines at least two filter tow strips (8) with one another and transfers jointly to a strand machine (60) intended as a subordinate device, for the production of filters having at least two filter tow strips.
23. Device according to claim 19 or 20,
    characterised in that each preparation unit (2) is intended for connection to a separate single strand machine module (42).
24. Device according to claim 19 or 20,
    characterised in that each preparation unit (2) is intended for connection to a strand line of a subordinate multistrand machine (40).
25. Device according to at least one of claims 19 to 24,
    characterised in that the preparation units (2) are arranged substantially behind one another with regard to the direction of movement of the prepared filter tow strips (8) on their outflow from the device.
26. Device according to at least one of claims 19 to 25,
    characterised in that the preparation units (2) are arranged substantially next to one another with regard to the direction of movement of the prepared filter tow strips (8) on their outflow from the device.
27. Device according to at least one of claims 19 to 26,
    characterised in that filter tow provision means (44) are arranged substantially next to the preparation units (2) with regard to the direction of movement of the prepared filter tow strips (8) on their outflow from the device.
28. Device according to at least one of claims 19 to 27,
    characterised in that filter tow provision means (44) are arranged substantially before the preparation units (2) with regard to the direction of movement of the prepared filter tow strips (8) on their outflow from the device.
29. Device according to claim 28,
    characterised in that the filter tow provision means (44) are arranged substantially next to one another in a group with regard to the direction of movement of the prepared filter tow strips (8) on their outflow from the device.
30. Device according to at least one of claims 19 to 29,
    characterised in that the preparation units (2) are arranged substantially in a row lying at an angle, preferably approximately right angles, to the direction of processing of a subordinate device (40; 42).
31. Device according to at least one of claims 19 to 30,
    characterised in that at least one preparation unit (2) is arranged, with regard to the direction of movement of the filter tow strip (8) prepared by this, on its outflow from the preparation unit (2), at an angle, preferably approximately right angles, to the direction of processing of a subordinate device (40; 42).
32. Device according to claim 31,
    characterised by at least one guide apparatus (46) for the transfer of at least one filter tow strip (8) prepared by a preparation unit (2) to a subordinate device (42), wherein the guide apparatus (46) has means, preferably rollers or rolls (48), for diverting the prepared filter tow strip (8).
33. System for the production of filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as for example cigarettes, from filter tow material, with at least one device according to at least one of claims 19 to 32 and with at least one subordinate device (40; 42; 60) for the further processing of the filter tow strips (8).

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