EP1905317B1 - Method and device for warming and hardening filter rods - Google Patents

Method and device for warming and hardening filter rods Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1905317B1
EP1905317B1 EP07075851A EP07075851A EP1905317B1 EP 1905317 B1 EP1905317 B1 EP 1905317B1 EP 07075851 A EP07075851 A EP 07075851A EP 07075851 A EP07075851 A EP 07075851A EP 1905317 B1 EP1905317 B1 EP 1905317B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filter rods
hot
air oven
cooling device
air
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07075851A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1905317A1 (en
Inventor
Sönke Horn
Wolff Stephan
Scherbarth Thorsten
Buhl Alexander
Maurer Irene
De Boer Jann
Böttcher Maik
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Koerber Technologies GmbH
Original Assignee
Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH filed Critical Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH
Priority to PL07075851T priority Critical patent/PL1905317T3/en
Publication of EP1905317A1 publication Critical patent/EP1905317A1/en
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Publication of EP1905317B1 publication Critical patent/EP1905317B1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
    • A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
    • A24D3/025—Final operations, i.e. after the filter rod forming process
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/35—Adaptations of conveying apparatus for transporting cigarettes from making machine to packaging machine

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for heating and curing filter rods or the like, which consist of at least one filter material and a hot melt adhesive connecting the filter material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for heating and curing filter rods or the like, which consist of a filter material and a hot melt adhesive connecting the filter material, comprising means for heating and curing the filter rods and a transport unit for transporting the filter rods through the device.
  • Such devices and methods are used in the tobacco processing industry in the manufacture of filter rods or the like for cigarette filters or the like.
  • the filter material drawn off from a bale in an endless strip, the so-called tow, which preferably consists of individual fibers and / or threads, for example of cellulose acetate, is processed.
  • the filter material is optionally provided with additives, for example in the form of granulated activated carbon and / or other additives, as well as a suitable binding material for binding (binding) of the filter material.
  • a binding material or binder is in addition to the commonly used triacetin, inter alia, a hot melt adhesive, which may be provided, for example, in powder, granular or fibrous form.
  • a hot melt adhesive which may be provided, for example, in powder, granular or fibrous form.
  • the filter strand or the filter rods go through a so-called curing line to cure the applied during the filter rod manufacturing on the fiber material plasticizer (eg triacetin).
  • the DE 100 08 786 A1 discloses, for example, a conveyor in which a multilayer filter bar mass flow is continuously passed through a microwave heating system. By heating, the plasticizer can diffuse easier and faster into the interior of the fibers, whereby the curing is accelerated.
  • microwaves which are used in the cited prior art for curing plasticizers, for the heating of hot melt adhesives until melting thereof is unsuitable.
  • the filter rods are transported in one layer and sporadically successively through a hot air oven with at least one heating zone and by a cooling device with at least one cooling zone, wherein the filter rods during transport through the hot air oven and by the cooling device uniformly and continuously first to melt the hot melt adhesive to a temperature which is just above the melting temperature of the hot melt adhesive, heated and then cooled to cure the hot melt adhesive. Due to the single-layered and scattered transport of the filter rods through the hot air oven and the cooling device, all filter rods are first heated uniformly, whereby the hot melt reliably melt even inside the filter rods to the core and can form contact points between the fibers with each other. The final cooling causes the filter rods cured for a short time, so are no longer plastically deformable, and immediately after leaving the hot air oven, so that the filter rods can be stored directly or further processed.
  • the filter rods are transported transversely to their longitudinal extent by the hot air oven and the cooling device.
  • a compact design can be realized in a particularly simple manner.
  • the filter rods are rotated during transport through the hot air oven and the cooling device about its central or rotational axis. This allows a particularly uniform loading of the filter rods with heated or cooled air.
  • An expedient development of the method provides that the hot air in the hot air oven and the cold air are swirled in the cooling device. This type of air recirculation is achieved in an effective manner that the filter rods are uniformly heated and cooled, which increases the quality of the filter rods.
  • the filter rods are transported in several planes through the hot air oven and through the cooling device.
  • the individual transport planes are spaced from each other.
  • An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the individual heating zones and the cooling zone are set and regulated independently of each other in terms of temperature. This allows a simple and easily manageable adaptation of the temperature profiles to different requirements and / or compositions of the filter rods. This is a gentle heating of the hot melt adhesive while suppressing unwanted side effects, such. Discoloration of the filter paper, feasible.
  • the filter rods are full, so from all sides initially charged with hot air and then with cold air. In that the whole Surface of the filter rods comes into contact with hot and cold air, a particularly uniform heating and cooling is achieved.
  • the object is achieved by a device having the features mentioned above in that the device for continuous and uniform heating and curing of the filter rods is formed and a hot air oven with at least one heating zone and arranged in the transport direction T of the filter rods behind the hot air oven cooling device comprises at least one cooling zone, and the transport unit is designed for single and individual transport of the filter rods through the hot air oven and the cooling device.
  • the transport unit comprises at least two separate conveying elements, wherein the conveying elements are connected to one another via a transfer drum or the like. This can ensure that each conveyor element is exposed only to a constant temperature. In other words, this design causes a conveying element to go through either only a warm or a cold zone.
  • the conveying elements are designed and set up as a vertical conveyor. This has the advantage that falling from the transport unit filter rods fall through down, where they can then be collected and removed.
  • the devices shown in the figures are used for heating and curing of filter rods. However, the invention relates equally to the treatment of filter strands or the like.
  • FIG. 1 schematically is a device 10 for heating and curing of filter rods 11, the at least one fibrous filter material and a binding material connecting the filter material, namely, for example, a present in powder, granular or fibrous form hot melt adhesive and additionally optionally from other additives such as activated carbon granules o .ae. are formed shown.
  • the device 10 essentially comprises a transport unit 12 for the filter rods 11 and a device 13 for heating and curing the filter rods 11.
  • the Device 10 in the transport direction T of the filter rods 11 a device 14, for example in the form of a Schragenstation, assigned to singulate the filter rods 11 from a mass flow.
  • the device 14 for example, stored in Schragen filter rods 11 can be separated by means of a drum 15 or the like and the transport unit 12 are supplied. Alternatively, however, a loading of the transport unit 12 is possible directly through a filter rod machine.
  • the device 13 is designed for continuous and uniform heating and curing of the filter rods 11 and comprises a hot-air oven 16 and a cooling device 17.
  • the hot-air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 may form a unit or be formed separately and arranged one after the other, the cooling device 17 being in the transport direction T of FIG Filter rods 11 is disposed behind the hot air oven 16.
  • the hot air oven 16, which is preferably designed as a circulating air oven, has at least one heating zone 18, but preferably two heating zones 18 and 19. However, the number of heating zones 18, 19 can optionally be increased.
  • the cooling device 17 preferably has a cooling zone 20. In non-described embodiments, the number of cooling zones 20 or the length of the cooling section can vary, in particular be increased. All heating zones 18, 19 and cooling zones 20 are preferably separately controllable with respect to the temperature setting.
  • Both the hot air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 are preferably assigned in all heating zones 18, 19 or cooling zones 20 means 21 for swirling the hot air or cold air.
  • the ambient air and / or the heated air and / or the cooled air can be uniformly swirled within the device 13.
  • the device 13 virtually forms a closed system, such that the heated and / or cooled air is taken up again and again swirled. Therefore, the heating zones 18, 19 and the cooling zone 20 except for an opening 22 for inserting the filter rods 11 into the device 13 and an opening 23 for discharging the filter rods 11 from the device 13 in an outwardly closed space.
  • the cooling device 17, which usually uses ambient air to cool or harden the filter rods 11, can optionally be assigned a cooling unit 24 or the like, which additionally cools the ambient air.
  • the above-mentioned transport unit 12 is designed for the single-layer and individual transport of the filter rods 11 through the device 13. Preferably and in order to simplify the input and removal of the filter rods 11 to or from the transport unit 12, this protrudes on the input side in the region of the opening 22 and on the output side in the region of the opening 23 from the hot air oven 16 or the cooling device 17.
  • the transport unit 12 comprises an endlessly arranged or arranged conveyor chain 25.
  • the lattice-like conveyor chain 25 has receptacles 26, wherein the receptacles 26 are designed and aligned for the transaxial reception of the filter rods 11.
  • Each receptacle 26 is designed to receive a filter rod 11 lying transversely to its longitudinal extension.
  • the receptacles 26 for receiving a plurality of filter rods 11 form such that two or more filter rods 11 are in their longitudinal extension one behind the other, all filter rods 11 seen in a receptacle 26 in the transport direction T next to each other - a strand of several forming individual filter rods 11 - lie.
  • the width of the receptacles 26 and the distances from receptacle 26 to receptacle 26 are chosen to be consistent.
  • a plurality of conveyor chains 25 may also be arranged next to one another, so that the transport unit 12 is designed to be multi-track or multi-lane. In addition to the conveyor chains 25 and conveyor belts or other suitable funding can be used.
  • the transport unit 12 or, more precisely, the conveyor chain 25 is assigned a cover element 27.
  • the cover member 27 extends above the conveyor chain 25 at least within the hot air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 over the entire transport path of the filter rods 11 of the device 13.
  • the cover member 27 is part of the device 13 and firmly connected thereto.
  • the cover member 27 is fixed with respect to the conveyor chain 25.
  • the distance of the cover 27, which may be formed as a grid plate, for example, is selected such that the filter rods 11 are held compulsorily in the receptacles 26.
  • Both the conveyor chain 25 and the cover 27 are designed to be permeable to air. Of course, this also applies to the pictures 26 This ensures that the swirling hot air / cold air can attack from all sides to the filter rods 1.
  • the transport unit 12 may also be designed such that a conveyor chain 25 or the like is guided in multiple levels through the device 13. The different levels are then spaced from each other, so that the respective single-layer arrangement of the filter rods 11 is ensured on the conveyor chain 25.
  • the guidance of the transport unit 12 through the device 13 may be looped, meandering or otherwise realized.
  • the transport unit 12 can, as in FIG. 5 shown, also consist of a plurality of drums 29 forming drums.
  • transfer drums 30 and rolling drums 31 are arranged alternately, which are in operative connection with each other.
  • the drum barrel 29 extends through the entire device 10.
  • Each of the drums 30, 31 has recesses for receiving the filter rods 11, which are aligned transversely to the transport direction T, so that the filter rods 11 also transported transversely to its longitudinal extent or to its axis of rotation become.
  • the diameter of the rolling drums 31 is preferably greater than the diameter of the transfer drums 30. Of course, other diameter ratios are possible.
  • the pitch of the drums and in particular of the rolling drums 31 is likewise variable, but is preferably 3 ⁇ .
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 a further possibility of the embodiment of the transport unit 12 can be seen.
  • the transport unit 12 comprises at least two such conveying elements 33, which are formed and arranged separately from each other. Adjacent conveying elements 33 are connected to one another via a transfer drum 34 or other suitable and customary transfer means. In other words, the transfer drum 34 ensures the transfer from one conveyor element 33 to the next conveyor element 33.
  • the conveying elements 33 can be single-tracked or, as in FIG FIG. 6 darg Pope be formed also two lanes.
  • the multilobility can also be achieved by juxtaposing two or more conveyor elements 33.
  • the filter rods 11 themselves are conveyed transversely to their longitudinal extension or transversely to their rotational or central axis as in the previously described embodiments.
  • Each conveyor element 33 is formed from two spaced-apart conveyor chains 35, 36.
  • the conveyor chains 35, 36 are guided around drive and / or deflection rollers 37, 38.
  • the rollers 37, 38 are arranged vertically one above the other.
  • One of the rollers 37, 38, preferably the lower roller 38 is larger in diameter than the overlying roller 37. However, the diameters may vary.
  • the conveying elements 33 are formed endlessly circulating and comprise for receiving the filter rods 11 a plurality of roller element 39 or rollers which are arranged between the conveyor chains 33. Many roller elements 39 are arranged close to each other to form a support surface 40 for the filter rods 11.
  • the roller elements 39 are formed or arranged along the entire length of the conveyor chains 35, 36. For purposes of better clarity, the roller elements 39 are only partially shown in the figures.
  • Two adjacent roller elements 39 which are cylindrical, each form a trough for receiving the filter rods 11.
  • the adjacent roller element 39 however, have a distance which on the one hand is so small that the filter rods 11 can not slip, and on the other hand is so large, that air can flow between adjacent roller elements 39. In other words, the bearing surface 40 formed by the roller elements 39 is permeable to air.
  • the roller elements 39 are rotatably mounted on the conveyor chains 35, 36.
  • the drive of the roller elements 39 and the rotation thereof takes place in particular by frictional engagement.
  • the support surface 40 is assigned a guide element 41 at a distance.
  • the guide element 41 which is preferably arranged stationary, may be formed, for example, by two guide webs 42, 43 spaced apart from one another, which are arranged between the conveyor chains 35, 36 and above the support surface 40, so that the filter rods 11 are virtually sandwiched between the roller elements 39 on one side and the guide rods 42, 43 on the other Lying side.
  • the guide webs 42, 43, etc. ensure that the filter rods 11 rotate during transport about their central or rotational axis, the guide webs 42, 43 hold the filter rods 11 during the predominantly vertical transport on the support surface 40th
  • the conveying elements 33 are preferably designed and set up as vertical conveyors.
  • the vertically oriented conveying elements 33 are arranged one behind the other, wherein the adjacent conveying elements 33 are connected to each other by means of the transfer drums 34.
  • means 44 for separating the filter rods 11 are provided on the input side.
  • the means 44 may also have sliding elements, by means of which the one-line incoming filter rods 11 are distributed over two tracks.
  • the means 44 may include elements for pitch change.
  • the conveying elements 33 may also be designed as one-lane or more than two lanes. In the example shown, two heating zones 18, 19 and a cooling zone 20 are provided. Of course, almost any number of modules 32 can be arranged one behind the other.
  • the suction air, which is supplied to the conveying elements 33 in the heating zones 18, 19, is heated.
  • the suction air which is supplied to the conveying element 33 in the cooling zone 20 is optionally not heated or even cooled.
  • the products or rod-shaped articles namely in particular the filter rods 11 are separated by means of the device 14 and the drum 15 and individually inserted into the receptacles 26 of the conveyor chain 25, wherein the filter rods 11 are transverse to their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T.
  • the spaced apart in the transport direction T filter rods 11 are then inserted by means of the conveyor chain 25 through the opening 22 in the hot air oven 16.
  • the filter rods 11 successively pass through a first heating zone 18 and a second heating zone 19.
  • the heating zones 18, 19 there is a previously set temperature profile, which may be the same or different for both heating zones 18, 19.
  • heating zones 18, 19 air sucked in from the surroundings is preferably heated by means of radiant heaters or the like and swirled by the means 21.
  • the heated and fluidized hot air then circulates in the heating zones 18, 19, the Filter rods 11 are uniformly applied to both from above and from below and from the side with the hot air.
  • the hot melt adhesive contained in the filter rods 11 Due to the uniform loading of the filter rods 11 with hot air, these or more precisely the hot melt adhesive contained in the filter rods 11 are brought to its melting temperature.
  • the filter material as a hot melt adhesive polyethylene (PE briefly) was added, the filter rods 11 are heated to about 150 ° C.
  • other hot melt adhesives require different melting temperatures that can be individually adjusted for each heating zone 18, 19.
  • contact points form between the individual fibers of the filter material. In this state, the filter rods 11 are soft and plastically deformable.
  • the cooling zone 20 of the cooling device 17 connects.
  • the filter rods 11 are cooled to approximately room temperature. This can e.g. be done by the filter rods 11 are cooled with ambient air, wherein the sucked ambient / indoor air is swirled by the means 21.
  • the ambient air within the cooling device 17 can also be cooled by the cooling unit 24, namely to temperature values which are below the room temperature.
  • the filter rods 11 In the cured state of the filter rods 11, these are no longer plastically deformable and directly for further processing / storage or the like used.
  • the cured filter rods 11 are then discharged through the opening 23 of the device 13 and fed to a transport unit, a storage medium or a device for further processing.
  • the transport of the filter rods 11 through the heating zones 18, 19 and the cooling zone 20 takes place continuously and at a preselected speed.
  • the residence time of the filter rods 11 in the hot air oven 16 and in the cooling device 17 is controlled by the speed of the conveyor chain 25.
  • the filter rods 11 are held by the cover member 27 in the receptacles 26. In other words, the cover member 27 prevents the filter rods 11 from flying out of the seats 26 due to the swirling air.
  • the method described can also be carried out with heating in one or more than two heating zones. The same applies to the cooling or curing.
  • the method has been described for transporting the filter rods 11 in one plane. However, there is also the possibility that the filter rods in several tracks / tracks next to each other or in several levels one above the other through the hot air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 are transported.
  • the filter rods 11 are heated in the same way uniformly and continuously until melting of the hot melt adhesive and cooled to cure.
  • the single-web or multi-web fed filter rods 11 are separated by the means 44 and stored by a drum arranged on the input side to the first conveyor element 33.
  • the filter rods 11 are in troughs which are transverse to the transport direction T.
  • the filter rods 11 are held by means of negative pressure on the conveyor element 33. More specifically, the filter rods 11 are sucked by the negative pressure to the support surface 40.
  • the bearing surface 40 forming roller elements 39 are driven by frictional engagement. By the rotating roller elements 39, the filter rods 11 rotate about their central or rotational axis. Since the suction air is heated in the heating zone 18 and 19, the filter rods 11 are acted upon directly with the warm air.
  • the filter rods 11 pass successively through the modules 32 arranged one behind the other, wherein the transfer is effected by the transfer drum 34.
  • the filter rods 11 are first guided substantially vertically downwards, then deflected around the roller 38 and then again guided substantially vertically upwards.
  • the cooling zone 20 wherein the suction air is then either not heated or even cooled.
  • the filter rods 11 are removed in a known manner from the transfer drum 34.

Abstract

Heating and hardening cigarette filters comprising a filter material and a hot-melt adhesive binder comprises passing a single layer of individual filters through a hot air oven to heat the filters to a temperature just above the melting point of the binder and then through a cooler to harden the binder. An independent claim is also included for apparatus for heating and hardening cigarette filters, comprising a conveyor for transporting the filters through an oven and cooler as above.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Erwärmen und Aushärten von Filterstäben oder dergleichen, die mindestens aus einem Filtermaterial sowie einem das Filtermaterial verbindenden Schmelzkleber bestehen. Des Weiteren betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zum Erwärmen und Aushärten von Filterstäben oder dergleichen, die aus einem Filtermaterial sowie einem das Filtermaterial verbindenden Schmelzkleber bestehen, umfassend eine Einrichtung zum Erwärmen und Aushärten der Filterstäbe sowie eine Transporteinheit zum Transportieren der Filterstäbe durch die Einrichtung.The invention relates to a method for heating and curing filter rods or the like, which consist of at least one filter material and a hot melt adhesive connecting the filter material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for heating and curing filter rods or the like, which consist of a filter material and a hot melt adhesive connecting the filter material, comprising means for heating and curing the filter rods and a transport unit for transporting the filter rods through the device.

Derartige Vorrichtungen und Verfahren kommen in der Tabak verarbeitenden Industrie bei der Herstellung von Filterstäben oder dergleichen für Zigarettenfilter oder dergleichen zum Einsatz. Bei der Herstellung der Filterstäbe wird das von einem Ballen in einem endlosen Streifen abgezogene Filtermaterial, dem so genannten Tow, das vorzugsweise aus einzelnen Fasern und/oder Fäden z.B. aus Celluloseacetat besteht, aufbereitet. Anschließend wird das Filtermaterial optional mit Zusätzen, beispielsweise in Form von granulierter Aktivkohle und/oder anderen Zusätzen, sowie einem geeigneten Bindematerial zum (Ver-)binden des Filtermaterials versehen. Als Bindematerial bzw. Bindemittel eignet sich neben dem häufig verwendeten Triacetin u.a. ein Schmelzkleber, der z.B. in Pulver-, Granulat- oder Faserform vorgesehen sein kann. Dieses in der beschriebenen Weise aufbereitete Filtermaterial wird in einer Filterstrangmaschine zu einem endlosen Filterstrang verarbeitet und anschließend in Filterstäbe einfacher oder mehrfacher Gebrauchslänge geschnitten. Zur Bildung der Faserverbindungen in den Filtersträngen bzw. Filterstäben werden diese üblicherweise erst einer Erwärmung und dann einer Abkühlung ausgesetzt.Such devices and methods are used in the tobacco processing industry in the manufacture of filter rods or the like for cigarette filters or the like. In the production of the filter rods, the filter material drawn off from a bale in an endless strip, the so-called tow, which preferably consists of individual fibers and / or threads, for example of cellulose acetate, is processed. Subsequently, the filter material is optionally provided with additives, for example in the form of granulated activated carbon and / or other additives, as well as a suitable binding material for binding (binding) of the filter material. As a binding material or binder is in addition to the commonly used triacetin, inter alia, a hot melt adhesive, which may be provided, for example, in powder, granular or fibrous form. This processed in the manner described filter material is processed in a filter rod machine to an endless filter strand and then cut into filter rods simple or multiple use length. To form the fiber compounds in the filter strands or filter rods, they are usually exposed first to heating and then to cooling.

Bisher sind Vorrichtungen und Verfahren bekannt, bei denen der Filterstrang bzw. die Filterstäbe eine so genannte Aushärtestrecke durchlaufen, um den bei der Filterstabherstellung auf das Fasermaterial aufgebrachten Weichmacher (z.B. Triacetin) auszuhärten. Die DE 100 08 786 A1 offenbart z.B. eine Fördereinrichtung, bei der ein mehrlagiger Filterstabmassenstrom kontinuierlich durch eine Mikrowellenerwärmungsanlage geschleust wird. Durch die Erwärmung kann der Weichmacher einfacher und schneller in das Innere der Fasern diffundieren, wodurch die Aushärtung beschleunigt wird. Es hat sich jedoch gezeigt, dass der Einsatz von Mikrowellen, die im genannten Stand der Technik zum Aushärten von Weichmachern eingesetzt werden, für das Erwärmen von Schmelzklebern bis zum Schmelzen derselben ungeeignet ist.So far, devices and methods are known in which the filter strand or the filter rods go through a so-called curing line to cure the applied during the filter rod manufacturing on the fiber material plasticizer (eg triacetin). The DE 100 08 786 A1 discloses, for example, a conveyor in which a multilayer filter bar mass flow is continuously passed through a microwave heating system. By heating, the plasticizer can diffuse easier and faster into the interior of the fibers, whereby the curing is accelerated. However, it has been found that the use of microwaves, which are used in the cited prior art for curing plasticizers, for the heating of hot melt adhesives until melting thereof is unsuitable.

Es ist daher Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Verfahren vorzuschlagen, das ein zuverlässiges Erwärmen und Aushärten von Filterstäben, die aus einem Filtermaterial sowie einem das Filtermaterial verbindenden Schmelzkleber bestehen, ermöglicht. Des Weiteren ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine kompakte Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens zu schaffen.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method that allows reliable heating and curing of filter rods, which consist of a filter material and a hot melt adhesive connecting the filter material. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compact apparatus for carrying out the method.

Diese Aufgabe wird zum einen durch ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art dadurch gelöst, dass die Filterstäbe einlagig und vereinzelt nacheinander durch einen Heißluftofen mit mindestens einer Heizzone und durch eine Kühleinrichtung mit mindestens einer Kühlzone transportiert werden, wobei die Filterstäbe während des Transports durch den Heißluftofen und durch die Kühleinrichtung gleichmäßig und kontinuierlich zunächst zum Schmelzen des Schmelzklebers auf eine Temperatur, die kurz oberhalb der Schmelztemperatur des Schmelzklebers liegt, erwärmt und anschließend zum Aushärten des Schmelzklebers gekühlt werden. Durch den einlagigen und vereinzelten Transport der Filterstäbe durch den Heißluftofen und die Kühleinrichtung werden sämtliche Filterstäbe zunächst gleichmäßig erwärmt, wodurch der Schmelzkleber zuverlässig auch im Inneren der Filterstäbe bis hin zum Kern schmelzen und Kontaktpunkte zwischen den Fasern untereinander bilden kann. Das abschließende Abkühlen führt dazu, dass die Filterstäbe kurzfristig ausgehärtet, also nicht mehr plastisch verformbar sind, und zwar unmittelbar nach dem Verlassen des Heißluftofens, so dass die Filterstäbe direkt gespeichert oder weiter verarbeitet werden können.This object is achieved on the one hand by a method of the type mentioned above in that the filter rods are transported in one layer and sporadically successively through a hot air oven with at least one heating zone and by a cooling device with at least one cooling zone, wherein the filter rods during transport through the hot air oven and by the cooling device uniformly and continuously first to melt the hot melt adhesive to a temperature which is just above the melting temperature of the hot melt adhesive, heated and then cooled to cure the hot melt adhesive. Due to the single-layered and scattered transport of the filter rods through the hot air oven and the cooling device, all filter rods are first heated uniformly, whereby the hot melt reliably melt even inside the filter rods to the core and can form contact points between the fibers with each other. The final cooling causes the filter rods cured for a short time, so are no longer plastically deformable, and immediately after leaving the hot air oven, so that the filter rods can be stored directly or further processed.

Vorzugsweise werden die Filterstäbe quer zu ihrer Längserstreckung durch den Heißluftofen und die Kühleinrichtung transportiert. Dadurch lässt sich auf besonders einfache Weise eine kompakte Bauform realisieren.Preferably, the filter rods are transported transversely to their longitudinal extent by the hot air oven and the cooling device. As a result, a compact design can be realized in a particularly simple manner.

Vorteilhafterweise werden die Filterstäbe während des Transports durch den Heißluftofen und die Kühleinrichtung um ihre Mittel- bzw. Rotationsachse gedreht. Das ermöglicht eine besonders gleichmäßige Beaufschlagung der Filterstäbe mit erwärmter oder gekühlter Luft.Advantageously, the filter rods are rotated during transport through the hot air oven and the cooling device about its central or rotational axis. This allows a particularly uniform loading of the filter rods with heated or cooled air.

Eine zweckmäßige Weiterbildung des Verfahrens sieht vor, dass die Heißluft im Heißluftofen und die Kaltluft in der Kühleinrichtung verwirbelt werden. Durch diese Art Umluftführung wird auf effektive Weise erreicht, dass die Filterstäbe gleichmäßig erwärmt und abgekühlt werden, was die Qualität der Filterstäbe erhöht.An expedient development of the method provides that the hot air in the hot air oven and the cold air are swirled in the cooling device. This type of air recirculation is achieved in an effective manner that the filter rods are uniformly heated and cooled, which increases the quality of the filter rods.

Vorteilhafterweise werden die Filterstäbe in mehreren Ebenen durch den Heißluftofen und durch die Kühleinrichtung transportiert. Damit ist gemeint, dass die Filterstäbe zwar einlagig, aber in mehreren Ebenen übereinander, beispielsweise meanderförmig bzw. schleifenartig durch den Heißluftofen und die Kühleinrichtung laufen, wodurch eine besonders kompakte Bauweise erreicht wird. Dabei sind die einzelnen Transportebenen beabstandet zueinander.Advantageously, the filter rods are transported in several planes through the hot air oven and through the cooling device. This means that the filter rods, although single-layer, but in several levels one above the other, for example meandering or loop-like run through the hot air oven and the cooling device, whereby a particularly compact design is achieved. The individual transport planes are spaced from each other.

Eine zweckmäßige Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die einzelnen Heizzonen und die Kühlzone temperaturmäßig unabhängig voneinander eingestellt und geregelt werden. Dies erlaubt eine einfache und leicht handhabbare Anpassung der Temperaturprofile an unterschiedliche Anforderungen und/oder Zusammensetzungen der Filterstäbe. Damit ist eine schonende Erwärmung des Schmelzklebers bei gleichzeitiger Unterdrückung unerwünschter Nebeneffekte, wie z.B. Verfärbung des Filterpapiers, realisierbar.An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the individual heating zones and the cooling zone are set and regulated independently of each other in terms of temperature. This allows a simple and easily manageable adaptation of the temperature profiles to different requirements and / or compositions of the filter rods. This is a gentle heating of the hot melt adhesive while suppressing unwanted side effects, such. Discoloration of the filter paper, feasible.

Vorzugsweise werden die Filterstäbe vollumfänglich, also von allen Seiten zunächst mit Heißluft und anschließend mit Kaltluft beaufschlagt. Dadurch, dass die gesamte Oberfläche der Filterstäbe mit Heiß- und Kaltluft in Kontakt kommt, wird eine besonders gleichmäßige Erwärmung und Abkühlung erzielt.Preferably, the filter rods are full, so from all sides initially charged with hot air and then with cold air. In that the whole Surface of the filter rods comes into contact with hot and cold air, a particularly uniform heating and cooling is achieved.

Zum anderen wird die Aufgabe durch eine Vorrichtung mit den eingangs genannten Merkmalen dadurch gelöst, dass die Einrichtung zum kontinuierlichen und gleichmäßigen Erwärmen und Aushärten der Filterstäbe ausgebildet ist und einen Heißluftofen mit mindestens einer Heizzone und eine in Transportrichtung T der Filterstäbe hinter dem Heißluftofen angeordnete Kühleinrichtung mit mindestens einer Kühlzone umfasst, und die Transporteinheit zum einlagigen und vereinzelten Transport der Filterstäbe durch den Heißluftofen und die Kühleinrichtung ausgebildet ist. Die sich daraus ergebenden Vorteile wurden bereits im Zusammenhang mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren beschrieben, so dass an dieser Stelle auf eine Wiederholung verzichtet und auf obige Ausführung verwiesen wird.On the other hand, the object is achieved by a device having the features mentioned above in that the device for continuous and uniform heating and curing of the filter rods is formed and a hot air oven with at least one heating zone and arranged in the transport direction T of the filter rods behind the hot air oven cooling device comprises at least one cooling zone, and the transport unit is designed for single and individual transport of the filter rods through the hot air oven and the cooling device. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with the method according to the invention, so that at this point a repetition is dispensed with and reference is made to the above embodiment.

Eine zweckmäßige Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Transporteinheit mindestens zwei separate Förderelemente umfasst, wobei die Förderelemente über eine Übergabetrommel oder dergleichen miteinander verbunden sind. Damit kann gewährleistet werden, dass jedes Förderelement nur einer gleich bleibenden Temperatur ausgesetzt ist. Anders ausgedrückt bewirkt diese Ausbildung, dass ein Förderelement entweder nur eine warme oder eine kalte Zone durchläuft.An expedient development of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the transport unit comprises at least two separate conveying elements, wherein the conveying elements are connected to one another via a transfer drum or the like. This can ensure that each conveyor element is exposed only to a constant temperature. In other words, this design causes a conveying element to go through either only a warm or a cold zone.

Vorteilhafterweise sind die Förderelemente als Vertikalförderer ausgebildet und eingerichtet. Das hat den Vorteil, dass von der Transporteinheit fallende Filterstäbe nach unten durchfallen, wo sie dann aufgefangen und entnommen werden können.Advantageously, the conveying elements are designed and set up as a vertical conveyor. This has the advantage that falling from the transport unit filter rods fall through down, where they can then be collected and removed.

Weitere zweckmäßige oder bevorzugte Weiterbildungen oder Ausführungsformen des Verfahrens und der Vorrichtung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen und der Beschreibung. Das Verfahrensprinzip sowie die bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung werden anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung näher erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Erwärmen und Abkühlen von Filterstäben mit zugeordneter Vorrichtung zum Vereinzeln der Filterstäbe aus einem Massenstrom,
Fig. 2
eine Vorderansicht entlang dem Schnitt II-II gemäß Figur 1,
Fig. 3
eine Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der Transporteinheit,
Fig. 4
eine Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Erwärmen und Abkühlen von Filterstäben in Detailansicht,
Fig. 5
eine Vorderansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung mit einer als Trommellauf ausgebildeten Transporteinheit,
Fig. 6
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Heiz- oder Kühlmoduls mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Förderelementes,
Fig. 7
eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung mit einer aus mehreren Förderelementen gebildeten Transporteinheit, und
Fig. 8
eine schematische Darstellung von Details eines Förderelementes.
Further expedient or preferred developments or embodiments of the method and the device will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. The method principle and the preferred embodiment of the device will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:
Fig. 1
a side view of an apparatus for heating and cooling of filter rods with associated device for separating the filter rods from a mass flow,
Fig. 2
a front view along the section II-II according to FIG. 1 .
Fig. 3
a side view of a section of the transport unit,
Fig. 4
a side view of an apparatus for heating and cooling of filter rods in detail view,
Fig. 5
a front view of another embodiment of the device with a designed as a drum race transport unit,
Fig. 6
a perspective view of a heating or cooling module with a further embodiment of a conveying element,
Fig. 7
a perspective view of another embodiment of the device with a transport unit formed from a plurality of conveying elements, and
Fig. 8
a schematic representation of details of a conveying element.

Die in den Figuren gezeigten Vorrichtungen dienen zum Erwärmen und Aushärten von Filterstäben. Die Erfindung bezieht sich jedoch in gleicher Weise auf die Behandlung von Filtersträngen oder dergleichen.The devices shown in the figures are used for heating and curing of filter rods. However, the invention relates equally to the treatment of filter strands or the like.

In der Figur 1 ist schematisch eine Vorrichtung 10 zum Erwärmen und Aushärten von Filterstäben 11, die mindestens aus einem faserartigen Filtermaterial und einem das Filtermaterial verbindenden Bindematerial, nämlich z.B. einem in Pulver-, Granulat- oder Faserform vorliegenden Schmelzkleber und zusätzlich optional aus weiteren Zusätzen, wie z.B. Aktivkohlegranulat o.ä. gebildet sind, gezeigt. Die Vorrichtung 10 umfasst im Wesentlichen eine Transporteinheit 12 für die Filterstäbe 11 und eine Einrichtung 13 zum Erwärmen und Aushärten der Filterstäbe 11. Optional ist der Vorrichtung 10 in Transportrichtung T der Filterstäbe 11 eine Vorrichtung 14, beispielsweise in Form einer Schragenstation, zum Vereinzeln der Filterstäbe 11 aus einem Massenstrom zugeordnet. Mittels der Vorrichtung 14 können die z.B. in Schragen gespeicherten Filterstäbe 11 mittels einer Trommel 15 oder dergleichen vereinzelt und der Transporteinheit 12 zugeführt werden. Alternativ ist jedoch auch eine Bestückung der Transporteinheit 12 direkt durch eine Filterstrangmaschine möglich.In the FIG. 1 schematically is a device 10 for heating and curing of filter rods 11, the at least one fibrous filter material and a binding material connecting the filter material, namely, for example, a present in powder, granular or fibrous form hot melt adhesive and additionally optionally from other additives such as activated carbon granules o .ae. are formed shown. The device 10 essentially comprises a transport unit 12 for the filter rods 11 and a device 13 for heating and curing the filter rods 11. Optionally, the Device 10 in the transport direction T of the filter rods 11 a device 14, for example in the form of a Schragenstation, assigned to singulate the filter rods 11 from a mass flow. By means of the device 14, for example, stored in Schragen filter rods 11 can be separated by means of a drum 15 or the like and the transport unit 12 are supplied. Alternatively, however, a loading of the transport unit 12 is possible directly through a filter rod machine.

Die Einrichtung 13 ist zum kontinuierlichen und gleichmäßigen Erwärmen und Aushärten der Filterstäbe 11 ausgebildet und umfasst einen Heißluftofen 16 und eine Kühleinrichtung 17. Heißluftofen 16 und Kühleinrichtung 17 können eine Einheit bilden oder separat ausgebildet und nacheinander angeordnet sein, wobei die Kühleinrichtung 17 in Transportrichtung T der Filterstäbe 11 hinter dem Heißluftofen 16 angeordnet ist. Der Heißluftofen 16, der vorzugsweise als Umluftofen ausgebildet ist, weist mindestens eine Heizzone 18, vorzugsweise jedoch zwei Heizzonen 18 und 19 auf. Die Anzahl der Heizzonen 18, 19 kann jedoch optional erhöht werden. Die Kühleinrichtung 17 weist vorzugsweise eine Kühlzone 20 auf. In nicht beschriebenen Ausführungsformen kann die Anzahl der Kühlzonen 20 bzw. die Länge der Kühlstrecke variieren, insbesondere vergrößert werden. Sämtliche Heizzonen 18, 19 und Kühlzonen 20 sind dabei bezüglich der Temperaturweinstellung vorzugsweise separat ansteuerbar.The device 13 is designed for continuous and uniform heating and curing of the filter rods 11 and comprises a hot-air oven 16 and a cooling device 17. The hot-air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 may form a unit or be formed separately and arranged one after the other, the cooling device 17 being in the transport direction T of FIG Filter rods 11 is disposed behind the hot air oven 16. The hot air oven 16, which is preferably designed as a circulating air oven, has at least one heating zone 18, but preferably two heating zones 18 and 19. However, the number of heating zones 18, 19 can optionally be increased. The cooling device 17 preferably has a cooling zone 20. In non-described embodiments, the number of cooling zones 20 or the length of the cooling section can vary, in particular be increased. All heating zones 18, 19 and cooling zones 20 are preferably separately controllable with respect to the temperature setting.

Sowohl dem Heißluftofen 16 als auch der Kühleinrichtung 17 sind vorzugsweise in allen Heizzonen 18, 19 bzw. Kühlzonen 20 Mittel 21 zum Verwirbeln der Heißluft bzw. Kaltluft zugeordnet. Mittels der Ventilation durch angetriebene Lüfterelemente oder dergleichen kann die Umgebungsluft und/oder die erwärmte Luft und/oder die gekühlte Luft gleichmäßig innerhalb der Einrichtung 13 verwirbelt werden. Dabei bildet die Einrichtung 13 quasi ein geschlossenes System, derart, dass die erwärmte und/oder gekühlte Luft immer wieder aufgenommen und erneut verwirbelt wird. Daher befinden sich die Heizzonen 18, 19 und die Kühlzone 20 mit Ausnahme einer Öffnung 22 zum Einführen der Filterstäbe 11 in die Einrichtung 13 und einer Öffnung 23 zum Abführen der Filterstäbe 11 aus der Einrichtung 13 in einem nach außen hin abgeschlossenen Raum. Der Kühleinrichtung 17, die zum Abkühlen bzw. Aushärten der Filterstäbe 11 üblicherweise Umgebungsluft verwendet, kann optional ein Kühlaggregat 24 oder dergleichen zugeordnet sein, das die Umgebungsluft zusätzlich abkühlt.Both the hot air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 are preferably assigned in all heating zones 18, 19 or cooling zones 20 means 21 for swirling the hot air or cold air. By means of ventilation by driven fan elements or the like, the ambient air and / or the heated air and / or the cooled air can be uniformly swirled within the device 13. In this case, the device 13 virtually forms a closed system, such that the heated and / or cooled air is taken up again and again swirled. Therefore, the heating zones 18, 19 and the cooling zone 20 except for an opening 22 for inserting the filter rods 11 into the device 13 and an opening 23 for discharging the filter rods 11 from the device 13 in an outwardly closed space. The cooling device 17, which usually uses ambient air to cool or harden the filter rods 11, can optionally be assigned a cooling unit 24 or the like, which additionally cools the ambient air.

Die oben erwähnte Transporteinheit 12 ist zum einlagigen und vereinzelten Transport der Filterstäbe 11 durch die Einrichtung 13 ausgebildet. Vorzugsweise und zur Vereinfachung der Eingabe und Abnahme der Filterstäbe 11 auf die bzw. von der Transporteinheit 12 ragt diese eingangsseitig im Bereich der Öffnung 22 und ausgangsseitig im Bereich der Öffnung 23 aus dem Heißluftofen 16 bzw. der Kühleinrichtung 17 heraus. Die Transporteinheit 12 umfasst in der gezeigten Ausführungsform eine endlos umlaufend ausgebildete bzw. angeordnete Förderkette 25. Die gitterartig ausgebildete Förderkette 25 weist Aufnahmen 26 auf, wobei die Aufnahmen 26 zur queraxialen Aufnahme der Filterstäbe 11 ausgebildet und ausgerichtet sind. Jede Aufnahme 26 ist zur Aufnahme eines quer zu seiner Längserstreckung liegenden Filterstabes 11 ausgebildet. Es besteht jedoch selbstverständlich die Möglichkeit, die Aufnahmen 26 zur Aufnahme mehrere Filterstäbe 11 auszubilden, derart, dass zwei oder mehr Filterstäbe 11 in ihrer Längserstreckung hintereinander liegen, wobei sämtliche Filterstäbe 11 in einer Aufnahme 26 in Transportrichtung T gesehen dann nebeneinander - einen Strang aus mehreren einzelnen Filterstäben 11 bildend - liegen. Die Breite der Aufnahmen 26 sowie die Abstände von Aufnahme 26 zu Aufnahme 26 sind gleich bleibend gewählt. Alternativ zu einer einzigen Förderkette 25 können auch mehrere Förderketten 25 nebeneinander angeordnet sein, so dass die Transporteinheit 12 mehrspurig bzw. mehrbahnig ausgebildet ist. Neben den Förderketten 25 sind auch Förderbänder oder andere geeignete Fördermittel einsetzbar.The above-mentioned transport unit 12 is designed for the single-layer and individual transport of the filter rods 11 through the device 13. Preferably and in order to simplify the input and removal of the filter rods 11 to or from the transport unit 12, this protrudes on the input side in the region of the opening 22 and on the output side in the region of the opening 23 from the hot air oven 16 or the cooling device 17. In the embodiment shown, the transport unit 12 comprises an endlessly arranged or arranged conveyor chain 25. The lattice-like conveyor chain 25 has receptacles 26, wherein the receptacles 26 are designed and aligned for the transaxial reception of the filter rods 11. Each receptacle 26 is designed to receive a filter rod 11 lying transversely to its longitudinal extension. However, it is of course possible, the receptacles 26 for receiving a plurality of filter rods 11 form such that two or more filter rods 11 are in their longitudinal extension one behind the other, all filter rods 11 seen in a receptacle 26 in the transport direction T next to each other - a strand of several forming individual filter rods 11 - lie. The width of the receptacles 26 and the distances from receptacle 26 to receptacle 26 are chosen to be consistent. As an alternative to a single conveyor chain 25, a plurality of conveyor chains 25 may also be arranged next to one another, so that the transport unit 12 is designed to be multi-track or multi-lane. In addition to the conveyor chains 25 and conveyor belts or other suitable funding can be used.

Der Transporteinheit 12 bzw. genauer der Förderkette 25 ist ein Abdeckelement 27 zugeordnet. Das Abdeckelement 27 erstreckt sich oberhalb der Förderkette 25 mindestens innerhalb des Heißluftofens 16 und der Kühleinrichtung 17 über die gesamte Transportstrecke der Filterstäbe 11 der Einrichtung 13. Bevorzugt ist das Abdeckelement 27 Bestandteil der Einrichtung 13 und fest mit dieser verbunden. Mit anderen Worten ist das Abdeckelement 27 gegenüber der Förderkette 25 feststehend ausgebildet. Der Abstand des Abdeckelementes 27, das z.B. als Gitterblech ausgebildet sein kann, ist derart gewählt, dass die Filterstäbe 11 zwingend in den Aufnahmen 26 gehalten werden. Sowohl die Förderkette 25 als auch das Abdeckelement 27 sind luftdurchlässig ausgebildet. Dies gilt selbstverständlich auch für die Aufnahmen 26 begrenzenden Seitenwände 28. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, dass die verwirbelte Heißluft/Kaltluft von allen Seiten an den Filterstäben 1 angreifen kann.The transport unit 12 or, more precisely, the conveyor chain 25 is assigned a cover element 27. The cover member 27 extends above the conveyor chain 25 at least within the hot air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 over the entire transport path of the filter rods 11 of the device 13. Preferably, the cover member 27 is part of the device 13 and firmly connected thereto. In other words, the cover member 27 is fixed with respect to the conveyor chain 25. The distance of the cover 27, which may be formed as a grid plate, for example, is selected such that the filter rods 11 are held compulsorily in the receptacles 26. Both the conveyor chain 25 and the cover 27 are designed to be permeable to air. Of course, this also applies to the pictures 26 This ensures that the swirling hot air / cold air can attack from all sides to the filter rods 1.

In nicht gezeigten Ausführungsformen kann die Transporteinheit 12 auch derart ausgebildet sein, dass eine Förderkette 25 oder dergleichen in mehreren Ebenen durch die Einrichtung 13 geführt ist. Die unterschiedlichen Ebenen sind dann beabstandet zueinander, so dass die jeweils einlagige Anordnung der Filterstäbe 11 auf der Förderkette 25 gewährleistet ist. Die Führung der Transporteinheit 12 durch die Einrichtung 13 kann schleifenartig, meanderförmig oder in anderer Weise realisiert sein.In embodiments not shown, the transport unit 12 may also be designed such that a conveyor chain 25 or the like is guided in multiple levels through the device 13. The different levels are then spaced from each other, so that the respective single-layer arrangement of the filter rods 11 is ensured on the conveyor chain 25. The guidance of the transport unit 12 through the device 13 may be looped, meandering or otherwise realized.

Die Transporteinheit 12 kann, wie in Figur 5 dargestellt, auch aus mehreren einen Trommellauf 29 bildenden Trommeln bestehen. Vorzugsweise sind abwechselnd Übergabetrommeln 30 und Rolltrommeln 31 angeordnet, die miteinander in Wirkverbindung stehen. Der Trommellauf 29 erstreckt sich durch die gesamte Vorrichtung 10. Jede der Trommeln 30, 31 weist Mulden zur Aufnahme der Filterstäbe 11 auf, die quer zur Transportrichtung T ausgerichtet sind, so dass die Filterstäbe 11 ebenfalls quer zu ihrer Längserstreckung bzw. zu ihrer Rotationsachse transportiert werden. Der Durchmesser der Rolltrommeln 31 ist vorzugsweise größer als der Durchmesser der Übergabetrommeln 30. Selbstverständlich sind auch andere Durchmesserverhältnisse möglich. Die Teilung der Trommeln und insbesondere der Rolltrommeln 31 ist ebenfalls variabel, beträgt aber vorzugsweise 3π.The transport unit 12 can, as in FIG. 5 shown, also consist of a plurality of drums 29 forming drums. Preferably, transfer drums 30 and rolling drums 31 are arranged alternately, which are in operative connection with each other. The drum barrel 29 extends through the entire device 10. Each of the drums 30, 31 has recesses for receiving the filter rods 11, which are aligned transversely to the transport direction T, so that the filter rods 11 also transported transversely to its longitudinal extent or to its axis of rotation become. The diameter of the rolling drums 31 is preferably greater than the diameter of the transfer drums 30. Of course, other diameter ratios are possible. The pitch of the drums and in particular of the rolling drums 31 is likewise variable, but is preferably 3π.

Den Figuren 6 und 7 ist eine weitere Möglichkeit der Ausgestaltung der Transporteinheit 12 zu entnehmen. In der Figur 6 ist ein einzelnes innerhalb eines Moduls 32 zum Heizen oder Kühlen der Filterstäbe 11 integriertes Förderelement 33 dargstellt. Die Transporteinheit 12 umfasst mindestens zwei solcher Förderelemente 33, die separat zueinander ausgebildet und eingerichtet sind. Benachbart zueinander liegende Förderelemente 33 sind über eine Übergabetrommel 34 oder andere geeignete und übliche Übergabemittel miteinander verbunden. Mit anderen Worten stellt die Übergabetrommel 34 den Transfer von einem Förderelement 33 zum nächsten Förderelement 33 sicher.The FIGS. 6 and 7 a further possibility of the embodiment of the transport unit 12 can be seen. In the FIG. 6 is a single within a module 32 for heating or cooling of the filter rods 11 integrated conveyor element 33 dargstellt. The transport unit 12 comprises at least two such conveying elements 33, which are formed and arranged separately from each other. Adjacent conveying elements 33 are connected to one another via a transfer drum 34 or other suitable and customary transfer means. In other words, the transfer drum 34 ensures the transfer from one conveyor element 33 to the next conveyor element 33.

Die Förderelement 33 können einbahnig oder, wie in Figur 6 dargstellt, auch zweibahnig ausgebildet sein. Die Mehrbahnigkeit kann auch durch das nebeneinander Anordnen von zwei oder mehr Förderelementen 33 erreicht werden. Die Filterstäbe 11 selbst werden wie auch in den zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsformen quer zu ihrer Längserstreckung bzw. quer zu ihrer Rotations- oder Mittelachse gefördert. Jedes Förderelement 33 ist aus zwei beabstandet zueinander angeordneten Förderketten 35, 36 gebildet. Die Förderketten 35, 36 sind um Antriebs- und/oder Umlenkwalzen 37, 38 geführt. Die Walzen 37, 38 sind vertikal übereinander angeordnet. Eine der Walzen 37, 38, vorzugsweise die untere Walze 38 ist im Durchmesser größer als die darüber liegende Walze 37. Die Durchmesser können aber variieren.The conveying elements 33 can be single-tracked or, as in FIG FIG. 6 dargstellt be formed also two lanes. The multilobility can also be achieved by juxtaposing two or more conveyor elements 33. The filter rods 11 themselves are conveyed transversely to their longitudinal extension or transversely to their rotational or central axis as in the previously described embodiments. Each conveyor element 33 is formed from two spaced-apart conveyor chains 35, 36. The conveyor chains 35, 36 are guided around drive and / or deflection rollers 37, 38. The rollers 37, 38 are arranged vertically one above the other. One of the rollers 37, 38, preferably the lower roller 38 is larger in diameter than the overlying roller 37. However, the diameters may vary.

Die Förderelemente 33 sind endlos umlaufend ausgebildet und umfassen zur Aufnahme der Filterstäbe 11 mehrere Rollenelement 39 oder Walzen, die zwischen den Förderketten 33 angeordnet sind. Viele Rollenelemente 39 sind zur Bildung einer Auflagefläche 40 für die Filterstäbe 11 eng nebeneinander angeordnet. Die Rollenelemente 39 sind entlang der gesamten Länge der Förderketten 35, 36 ausgebildet bzw. angeordnet. Zu Zwecken der besseren Übersicht sind in den Figuren nur abschnittsweise die Rollenelemente 39 dargestellt. Zwei benachbarte Rollenelemente 39, die zylindrisch ausgebildet sind, bilden jeweils eine Mulde zur Aufnahme der Filterstäbe 11. Die benachbarten Rollenelement 39 weisen jedoch einen Abstand auf, der einerseits so gering ist, dass die Filterstäbe 11 nicht durchrutschen können, und andererseits so groß ist, dass Luft zwischen benachbarten Rollenelementen 39 hindurchströmen kann. Anders ausgedrückt ist die durch die Rollenelemente 39 gebildete Auflagefläche 40 luftdurchlässig.The conveying elements 33 are formed endlessly circulating and comprise for receiving the filter rods 11 a plurality of roller element 39 or rollers which are arranged between the conveyor chains 33. Many roller elements 39 are arranged close to each other to form a support surface 40 for the filter rods 11. The roller elements 39 are formed or arranged along the entire length of the conveyor chains 35, 36. For purposes of better clarity, the roller elements 39 are only partially shown in the figures. Two adjacent roller elements 39, which are cylindrical, each form a trough for receiving the filter rods 11. The adjacent roller element 39, however, have a distance which on the one hand is so small that the filter rods 11 can not slip, and on the other hand is so large, that air can flow between adjacent roller elements 39. In other words, the bearing surface 40 formed by the roller elements 39 is permeable to air.

Die Rollenelemente 39 sind drehbar an den Förderketten 35, 36 gelagert. Der Antrieb der Rollenelemente 39 bzw. die Rotation derselben erfolgt insbesondere durch Reibschluss. Dazu ist der Auflagefläche 40 im Abstand ein Führungselement 41 zugeordnet. Das Führungselement 41, das vorzugsweise ortsfest angeordnet ist, kann beispielsweise aus zwei beabstandet zueinander angeordneten Führungsstegen 42, 43 gebildet sein, die zwischen den Förderketten 35, 36 und oberhalb der Auflagefläche 40 angeordnet sind, so dass die Filterstäbe 11 quasi sandwichartig zwischen den Rollenelementen 39 auf der einen Seite und den Führungsstäben 42, 43 auf der anderen Seite liegen. Neben der Tatsache, dass die Führungsstege 42, 43 u.a. dafür sorgen, dass sich die Filterstäbe 11 beim Transport um ihre Mittel- bzw. Rotationsachse drehen, halten die Führungsstege 42, 43 die Filterstäbe 11 während des vornehmlich vertikalen Transports auch auf der Auflagefläche 40. Vorzugsweise sind die Förderelemente 33 nämlich als Vertikalförderer ausgebildet und eingerichtet.The roller elements 39 are rotatably mounted on the conveyor chains 35, 36. The drive of the roller elements 39 and the rotation thereof takes place in particular by frictional engagement. For this purpose, the support surface 40 is assigned a guide element 41 at a distance. The guide element 41, which is preferably arranged stationary, may be formed, for example, by two guide webs 42, 43 spaced apart from one another, which are arranged between the conveyor chains 35, 36 and above the support surface 40, so that the filter rods 11 are virtually sandwiched between the roller elements 39 on one side and the guide rods 42, 43 on the other Lying side. In addition to the fact that the guide webs 42, 43, etc. ensure that the filter rods 11 rotate during transport about their central or rotational axis, the guide webs 42, 43 hold the filter rods 11 during the predominantly vertical transport on the support surface 40th The conveying elements 33 are preferably designed and set up as vertical conveyors.

Mehrere der zuvor beschriebenen Förderelemente 33 bilden die Vorrichtung 10 (siehe insbesondere Figur 7). Die vertikal ausgerichteten Förderelemente 33 sind hintereinander angeordnet, wobei die benachbarten Förderelemente 33 mittels der Übergabetrommeln 34 miteinander verbunden sind. Eingangsseitig sind Mittel 44 zum Vereinzeln der Filterstäbe 11 vorgesehen. Die Mittel 44 können auch Schiebeelemente aufweisen, mittels der die einbahnig ankommenden Filterstäbe 11 auf zwei Bahnen verteilt werden. Auch können die Mittel 44 Elemente zur Teilungsänderung umfassen. Die Förderelemente 33 können auch einbahnig oder mehr als zweibahnig ausgebildet sein. Im gezeigten Beispiel sind zwei Heizzonen 18, 19 und eine Kühlzone 20 vorgesehen. Selbstverständlich können nahezu beliebig viele Module 32 hintereinander angeordnet sein. Die Saugluft, die den Förderelementen 33 in den Heizzonen 18, 19 zugeführt wird, wird erwärmt. Die Saugluft, die dem Förderelement 33 in der Kühlzone 20 zugeführt wird, ist wahlweise nicht erwärmt oder sogar gekühlt.Several of the conveying elements 33 described above form the device 10 (see in particular FIG. 7 ). The vertically oriented conveying elements 33 are arranged one behind the other, wherein the adjacent conveying elements 33 are connected to each other by means of the transfer drums 34. On the input side, means 44 for separating the filter rods 11 are provided. The means 44 may also have sliding elements, by means of which the one-line incoming filter rods 11 are distributed over two tracks. Also, the means 44 may include elements for pitch change. The conveying elements 33 may also be designed as one-lane or more than two lanes. In the example shown, two heating zones 18, 19 and a cooling zone 20 are provided. Of course, almost any number of modules 32 can be arranged one behind the other. The suction air, which is supplied to the conveying elements 33 in the heating zones 18, 19, is heated. The suction air which is supplied to the conveying element 33 in the cooling zone 20 is optionally not heated or even cooled.

Im folgenden wird das Verfahrensprinzip anhand der Figuren näher erläutert:
Die Produkte bzw. stabförmigen Artikel, nämlich insbesondere die Filterstäbe 11 werden mittels der Vorrichtung 14 bzw. der Trommel 15 vereinzelt und einzeln in die Aufnahmen 26 der Förderkette 25 eingelegt, wobei die Filterstäbe 11 in Transportrichtung T quer zu ihrer Längserstreckung liegen. Die in Transportrichtung T beabstandet zueinander liegenden Filterstäbe 11 werden dann mittels der Förderkette 25 durch die Öffnung 22 in den Heißluftofen 16 eingeführt. In dem Heißluftofen 16 durchlaufen die Filterstäbe 11 nacheinander eine erste Heizzone 18 und eine zweite Heizzone 19. In den Heizzonen 18, 19 herrscht ein zuvor eingestelltes Temperaturprofil, das für beide Heizzonen 18, 19 gleich oder unterschiedlich eingestellt sein kann. In den Heizzonen 18, 19 wird vorzugsweise aus der Umgebung angesaugte Luft mittels Heizstrahlern oder dergleichen erwärmt und durch das Mittel 21 verwirbelt. Die erwärmte und verwirbelte Heißluft zirkuliert dann in den Heizzonen 18, 19, wobei die Filterstäbe 11 sowohl von oben als auch von unten und von der Seite mit der Heißluft gleichmäßig beaufschlagt werden.In the following, the method principle is explained in more detail with reference to the figures:
The products or rod-shaped articles, namely in particular the filter rods 11 are separated by means of the device 14 and the drum 15 and individually inserted into the receptacles 26 of the conveyor chain 25, wherein the filter rods 11 are transverse to their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T. The spaced apart in the transport direction T filter rods 11 are then inserted by means of the conveyor chain 25 through the opening 22 in the hot air oven 16. In the hot air oven 16, the filter rods 11 successively pass through a first heating zone 18 and a second heating zone 19. In the heating zones 18, 19 there is a previously set temperature profile, which may be the same or different for both heating zones 18, 19. In the heating zones 18, 19, air sucked in from the surroundings is preferably heated by means of radiant heaters or the like and swirled by the means 21. The heated and fluidized hot air then circulates in the heating zones 18, 19, the Filter rods 11 are uniformly applied to both from above and from below and from the side with the hot air.

Durch die gleichmäßige Beaufschlagung der Filterstäbe 11 mit Heißluft werden diese bzw. genauer der in den Filterstäben 11 enthaltene Schmelzkleber auf seine Schmelztemperatur gebracht. Für den Fall, dass dem Filtermaterial als Schmelzkleber Polyethylen (kurz PE) beigemischt wurde, werden die Filterstäbe 11 auf ca. 150°C aufgeheizt. Selbstverständlich erfordern andere Schmelzkleber andere Schmelztemperaturen, die für jede Heizzone 18, 19 individuell eingestellt werden können. Wenn der Schmelzkleber geschmolzen ist, bilden sich Kontaktpunkte zwischen den einzelnen Fasern des Filtermaterials. In diesem Zustand sind die Filterstäbe 11 weich und plastisch verformbar.Due to the uniform loading of the filter rods 11 with hot air, these or more precisely the hot melt adhesive contained in the filter rods 11 are brought to its melting temperature. In the event that the filter material as a hot melt adhesive polyethylene (PE briefly) was added, the filter rods 11 are heated to about 150 ° C. Of course, other hot melt adhesives require different melting temperatures that can be individually adjusted for each heating zone 18, 19. When the hot melt adhesive has melted, contact points form between the individual fibers of the filter material. In this state, the filter rods 11 are soft and plastically deformable.

Unmittelbar an die Heizzonen 18, 19 des Heißluftofens 16 schließt sich die Kühlzone 20 der Kühleinrichtung 17 an. In der Kühlzone 20, die ebenso wie die Heizzonen 18, 19 temperaturmäßig individuell steuerbar ist, werden die Filterstäbe 11 etwa auf Raumtemperatur abgekühlt. Dies kann z.B. dadurch erfolgen, dass die Filterstäbe 11 mit Umgebungsluft gekühlt werden, wobei die angesaugte Umgebungs-/Raumluft durch die Mittel 21 verwirbelt wird. Um den Abkühlungs- bzw. Aushärteprozess zu beschleunigen, kann die Umgebungsluft innerhalb der Kühleinrichtung 17 auch durch das Kühlaggregat 24 abgekühlt werden, und zwar auf Temperaturwerte, die unterhalb der Raumtemperatur liegen. Durch das Abkühlen in der Kühlzone 20 erstarrt der Schmelzkleber und gibt den Fasern des Filtermaterials und damit auch den Filterstäbe 11 insgesamt die erforderliche Härte. Im ausgehärteten Zustand der Filterstäbe 11 sind diese plastisch nicht mehr verformbar und direkt zur Weiterverarbeitung/Speicherung oder dergleichen verwendbar. Die ausgehärteten Filterstäbe 11 werden dann durch die Öffnung 23 aus der Einrichtung 13 ausgeschleust und einer Transporteinheit, einem Speichermedium oder einer Vorrichtung zur Weiterverarbeitung zugeführt.Immediately to the heating zones 18, 19 of the hot air oven 16, the cooling zone 20 of the cooling device 17 connects. In the cooling zone 20, which as well as the heating zones 18, 19 can be individually controlled in terms of temperature, the filter rods 11 are cooled to approximately room temperature. This can e.g. be done by the filter rods 11 are cooled with ambient air, wherein the sucked ambient / indoor air is swirled by the means 21. In order to accelerate the cooling or hardening process, the ambient air within the cooling device 17 can also be cooled by the cooling unit 24, namely to temperature values which are below the room temperature. By cooling in the cooling zone 20 of the hot melt adhesive solidifies and gives the fibers of the filter material and thus also the filter rods 11 a total of the required hardness. In the cured state of the filter rods 11, these are no longer plastically deformable and directly for further processing / storage or the like used. The cured filter rods 11 are then discharged through the opening 23 of the device 13 and fed to a transport unit, a storage medium or a device for further processing.

Der Transport der Filterstäbe 11 durch die Heizzonen 18, 19 und die Kühlzone 20 erfolgt kontinuierlich und mit vorgewählter Geschwindigkeit. Die Verweildauer der Filterstäbe 11 in dem Heißluftofen 16 und in der Kühleinrichtung 17 wird über die Geschwindigkeit der Förderkette 25 gesteuert. Während des Transports der Filterstäbe 11 durch die Heizzonen 18, 19 und die Kühlzone 20 werden die Filterstäbe 11 durch das Abdeckelement 27 in den Aufnahmen 26 gehalten. Mit anderen Worten verhindert das Abdeckelement 27, dass die Filterstäbe 11 aufgrund der verwirbelten Luft aus den Aufnahmen 26 fliegen. Das beschriebene Verfahren kann auch mit dem Erwärmen in einer oder mehr als zwei Heizzonen durchgeführt werden. Entsprechendes gilt für das Abkühlen bzw. Aushärten.The transport of the filter rods 11 through the heating zones 18, 19 and the cooling zone 20 takes place continuously and at a preselected speed. The residence time of the filter rods 11 in the hot air oven 16 and in the cooling device 17 is controlled by the speed of the conveyor chain 25. During the transport of the filter rods 11 through the heating zones 18, 19 and the cooling zone 20, the filter rods 11 are held by the cover member 27 in the receptacles 26. In other words, the cover member 27 prevents the filter rods 11 from flying out of the seats 26 due to the swirling air. The method described can also be carried out with heating in one or more than two heating zones. The same applies to the cooling or curing.

Das Verfahren wurde für einen Transport der Filterstäbe 11 in einer Ebene beschrieben. Es besteht jedoch auch die Möglichkeit, dass die Filterstäbe in mehreren Bahnen/Spuren nebeneinander oder in mehreren Ebenen übereinander durch den Heißluftofen 16 und die Kühleinrichtung 17 transportiert werden. Dabei werden die Filterstäbe 11 in gleicher Weise gleichmäßig und kontinuierlich bis hin zum Schmelzen des Schmelzklebers erwärmt und zum Aushärten abgekühlt.The method has been described for transporting the filter rods 11 in one plane. However, there is also the possibility that the filter rods in several tracks / tracks next to each other or in several levels one above the other through the hot air oven 16 and the cooling device 17 are transported. The filter rods 11 are heated in the same way uniformly and continuously until melting of the hot melt adhesive and cooled to cure.

Mittels der in den Figuren 6 und 7 gezeigten Vorrichtung 10 werden die einbahnig oder mehrbahnig zugeführten Filterstäbe 11 durch das Mittel 44 vereinzelt und von einer eingangsseitig angeordneten Trommel auf das erste Förderelement 33 abgelegt. Dabei liegen die Filterstäbe 11 in Mulden, die quer zur Transportrichtung T liegen. Die Filterstäbe 11 werden mittels Unterdruck auf dem Förderelement 33 gehalten. Genauer werden die Filterstäbe 11 durch den Unterdruck an die Auflagefläche 40 gesaugt. Die die Auflagefläche 40 bildenden Rollenelemente 39 werden durch Reibschluss angetrieben. Durch die rotierenden Rollenelemente 39 drehen sich die Filterstäbe 11 um ihre Mittel- bzw. Rotationsachse. Da die Saugluft in der Heizzone 18 bzw. 19 erwärmt wird, werden die Filterstäbe 11 direkt mit der warmen Luft beaufschlagt. Die Filterstäbe 11 durchlaufen die hintereinander angeordneten Module 32 nacheinander, wobei die Übergabe durch die Übergabetrommel 34 erfolgt. Innerhalb eines Moduls 32 werden die Filterstäbe 11 zunächst im Wesentlichen vertikal nach unten geführt, dann um die Walze 38 umgelenkt und anschließend wieder im Wesentlichen vertikal nach oben geführt. Entsprechendes gilt für die Kühlzone 20, wobei die Saugluft dann entweder nicht erwärmt oder sogar gekühlt wird. Nach dem Auslaufen aus der Kühlzone 20 werden die Filterstäbe 11 in bekannter Weise von der Übergabetrommel 34 abgenommen.By means of in the FIGS. 6 and 7 10, the single-web or multi-web fed filter rods 11 are separated by the means 44 and stored by a drum arranged on the input side to the first conveyor element 33. The filter rods 11 are in troughs which are transverse to the transport direction T. The filter rods 11 are held by means of negative pressure on the conveyor element 33. More specifically, the filter rods 11 are sucked by the negative pressure to the support surface 40. The bearing surface 40 forming roller elements 39 are driven by frictional engagement. By the rotating roller elements 39, the filter rods 11 rotate about their central or rotational axis. Since the suction air is heated in the heating zone 18 and 19, the filter rods 11 are acted upon directly with the warm air. The filter rods 11 pass successively through the modules 32 arranged one behind the other, wherein the transfer is effected by the transfer drum 34. Within a module 32, the filter rods 11 are first guided substantially vertically downwards, then deflected around the roller 38 and then again guided substantially vertically upwards. The same applies to the cooling zone 20, wherein the suction air is then either not heated or even cooled. After leaving the cooling zone 20, the filter rods 11 are removed in a known manner from the transfer drum 34.

Claims (39)

  1. Method for warming and hardening of filter rods (11) consisting of at least a filter material and a hot-melt adhesive bonding the filter material, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are consecutively transported, in single layer and separated, through a hot-air oven (16) having at least on heating zone (18, 19) and through a cooling device (17) having at least one cooling zone (20), wherein the filter rods (11) are, during transport through the hot-air oven (16) and through the cooling device (17), evenly and continuously first warmed for melting the hot-melt adhesive to a temperature slightly above the melting temperature of the hot-melt adhesive and subsequently cooled for hardening the hot-melt adhesive.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are cooled to about room temperature in the cooling device (17) after leaving the hot-air oven (16).
  3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are transported through several heating zones (18, 19) within the hot-air oven (16) and through one cooling zone (20) within the cooling device (17).
  4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are transported through the hot-air oven (16) and through the cooling device (17) transversely to their longitudinal extension.
  5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are transported through the hot-air oven (16) and through the cooling device (17) by means of a transport unit (12) having individual receptacles (26) for the filter rods (11).
  6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that, during transport through the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17), the filter rods (11) are held in the respective receptacles (26) of the transport unit (12) by a cover element (27) or the like.
  7. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the filter rods (11), during transport through the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17), are held in recesses of the transport unit (12) by means of negative pressure.
  8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the filter rods (11), during transport through the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17), are rotated about their centre or rotational axis.
  9. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the suction air for creating the negative pressure is heated within the hot-air oven (16) so that the filter rods (11) are directly charged with the hot air.
  10. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hot air in the hot-air oven (16) and/or the cold air in the cooling device (17) is swirled.
  11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are transported through the hot-air oven (16) and through the cooling device (17) on several levels.
  12. Method according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the individual heating zones (18, 19) and the cooling zone (20) are independently set and controlled with respect to temperature.
  13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are charged first with hot air and afterwards with cold air on their entire circumference, i.e. from all sides.
  14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that ambient air is used as cold air for cooling or hardening the filter rods (11).
  15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the ambient air is additionally cooled by a cooling aggregate (24) or the like.
  16. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are separated out of a mass flow before being put on the transport unit (12).
  17. Method according to any one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the length of stay of the filter rods (11) in the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17) is controlled by means of the speed of the transport unit (12)
  18. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the filter rods (11) are heated in the hot-air oven to about 150°C.
  19. Apparatus for warming and hardening of filter rods (11) consisting of a filter material and a hot-melt adhesive bonding the filter material, comprising a device (13) for warming and hardening the filter rods (11) and a transport unit (12) for transporting the filter rods (11), characterized in that the device (13) is designed for continuous and even warming and hardening of the filter rods (11) and comprises a hot-air oven (16) having at least on heating zone (18, 19) and a cooling device (17) having at least one cooling zone (20) arranged behind the hot-air oven (16) in transport direction T of the filter rods (11), and that the transport unit (12) is designed for transporting the filter rods (11) through the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17) in single layer and separated.
  20. Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the hot-air oven (16) has two or more heating zones (18, 19).
  21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the transport unit (12) comprises a conveying chain (25) or the like, the conveying chain (25) having receptacles (26) for transverse axial reception of the filter rods (11) such that the filter rods (11) are transported transversely to their longitudinal extension lying in a receptacle (26).
  22. Apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that a cover element (27) is associated to the conveying chain (25) or the like, which cover element extends over the entire transport distance of the filter rods (11) at least within the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17).
  23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the cover element (27) is designed stationary with respect to the conveying chain (25).
  24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the conveying chain (25) is designed to be endlessly circulating.
  25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the transport unit (12), on the one hand, and the cover element (27), on the other hand, are designed to be permeable to air.
  26. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the transport unit (12) is formed by a drum path (29) consisting of rolling drums (31) and transfer drums (30).
  27. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the transport unit (12) comprises at least two separate conveying elements (33), wherein the conveying elements (33) are connected to each other by means of a transfer drum (34) or the like.
  28. Apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that a specific conveying element (33) is associated to each heating zone (18, 19) and each cooling zone (20).
  29. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that each conveying element (33) is formed by two conveying chains (35, 36) disposed in mutually spaced manner, wherein roller elements (39) are arranged between the conveying chains (35, 36) for forming a support surface (40) for the filter rods (11).
  30. Apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the roller elements (39) are rotatably mounted on the conveyer chains (35, 36).
  31. Apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that two roller elements (39) lying adjacent to each other each form a recess for receiving the filter rods (11).
  32. Apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the support surface (40) is permeable to air.
  33. Apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 32, characterized in that the conveying elements (33) are designed and arranged as vertical conveyors.
  34. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 33, characterized in that means (21) for swirling the hot air and the cold air are associated to the hot-air oven (16) and to the cooling device (17), respectively.
  35. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 34, characterized in that the individual heating zones (18, 19) and the cooling zone (20) may be controlled separately.
  36. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 35, characterized in that a cooling aggregate (24) is associated to the cooling device (17).
  37. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 36, characterized in that the transport unit (12) protrudes from the hot-air oven (16) at its input side and from the cooling device (17) at its output side.
  38. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 37, characterized in that an apparatus (14) or a means (44) for separating the filter rods (11) from a mass flow is associated to the hot-air oven (16) at its input side.
  39. Apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 38, characterized in that the transport unit (12) is designed in such a way that the filter rods (11) being transported in single layer may be transported through the hot-air oven (16) and the cooling device (17) on several levels.
EP07075851A 2006-09-28 2007-09-27 Method and device for warming and hardening filter rods Not-in-force EP1905317B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL07075851T PL1905317T3 (en) 2006-09-28 2007-09-27 Method and device for warming and hardening filter rods

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006047098A DE102006047098A1 (en) 2006-09-28 2006-09-28 Method and device for heating and curing filter rods

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EP1905317A1 EP1905317A1 (en) 2008-04-02
EP1905317B1 true EP1905317B1 (en) 2010-08-25

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JP (1) JP2008079612A (en)
CN (1) CN101152021B (en)
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GB201007946D0 (en) * 2010-05-12 2010-06-30 British American Tobacco Co Filter additive
WO2016016862A1 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-02-04 Montrade S.P.A. Apparatus and method for the production of filters for cigarettes or other smoking articles
PL234036B1 (en) * 2016-09-06 2020-01-31 Int Tobacco Machinery Poland Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Cleaning unit of the tobacco industry machine designed for manufacturing the multiple-segment filter bars and method for cleaning the bar-like elements train
CN114290712B (en) * 2022-01-24 2024-04-05 广东鑫球新材料科技有限公司 High-precision temperature-control fiber rod heating forming device
CN114762532A (en) * 2022-05-06 2022-07-19 南通金源新材料有限公司 Quick curing device is glued to center line

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JPS62250261A (en) * 1986-04-23 1987-10-31 チッソ株式会社 Production of tubular fiber molded body
JPH0775648B2 (en) * 1987-05-19 1995-08-16 チッソ株式会社 Cylindrical filter
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CN101152021B (en) 2012-03-14
CN101152021A (en) 2008-04-02
DE502007004842D1 (en) 2010-10-07
DE102006047098A1 (en) 2008-04-03
EP1905317A1 (en) 2008-04-02
PL1905317T3 (en) 2011-02-28
ATE478572T1 (en) 2010-09-15
JP2008079612A (en) 2008-04-10

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