EP2099322B1 - Tobacco shredder with double-mounted conveyor-worm shaft - Google Patents

Tobacco shredder with double-mounted conveyor-worm shaft Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2099322B1
EP2099322B1 EP07801965A EP07801965A EP2099322B1 EP 2099322 B1 EP2099322 B1 EP 2099322B1 EP 07801965 A EP07801965 A EP 07801965A EP 07801965 A EP07801965 A EP 07801965A EP 2099322 B1 EP2099322 B1 EP 2099322B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
outlet
tobacco
gap
shaft
difibrating
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EP07801965A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2099322A1 (en
Inventor
Dietmar Franke
Volker Kuhl
Gerald Schmekel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
British American Tobacco Germany GmbH
Original Assignee
British American Tobacco Germany GmbH
BAT Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
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Application filed by British American Tobacco Germany GmbH, BAT Cigarettenfabriken GmbH filed Critical British American Tobacco Germany GmbH
Priority to PL07801965T priority Critical patent/PL2099322T3/en
Publication of EP2099322A1 publication Critical patent/EP2099322A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B3/00—Preparing tobacco in the factory
    • A24B3/18—Other treatment of leaves, e.g. puffing, crimpling, cleaning
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B11/00—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses
    • B30B11/22—Extrusion presses; Dies therefor
    • B30B11/224—Extrusion chambers
    • B30B11/225—Extrusion chambers with adjustable outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B30—PRESSES
    • B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
    • B30B11/00—Presses specially adapted for forming shaped articles from material in particulate or plastic state, e.g. briquetting presses, tabletting presses
    • B30B11/22—Extrusion presses; Dies therefor
    • B30B11/24—Extrusion presses; Dies therefor using screws or worms
    • B30B11/241—Drive means therefor; screw bearings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the technical field of tobacco fiberization.
  • it relates to the technical field of shredded tobacco material production by defibration and, more specifically, the invention is to shred a tobacco rib material to produce a product having particularly advantageous properties which can ultimately be used to make smoking articles.
  • the defibration of tobacco materials has been found to be advantageous, because from the starting material, for example, a rib material, a very high quality product can be produced, the sensorial and its structure after the quality of cut tobacco hardly lagging.
  • the pressure defibration is very efficient, allows a high material yield and provides unique products.
  • a generic tobacco fiberizing apparatus which has a heatable pressure chamber, which in turn has a tobacco material inlet on the low pressure side, a relaxation gap outlet on the pressure side and a shaft-mounted screw conveyor for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet.
  • the auger shaft is mounted on the inlet side, runs until just before the outlet and is cantilevered there in the chamber.
  • the screw conveyor is centered relatively well with the aid of the product flow in the pressure chamber.
  • the free-standing end of the auger shaft inside the pressure chamber housing so that, for example, when starting the system inlet grooves in the housing and on the shaft increased wear.
  • the conveyor worm shaft extends further behind the outlet in the device and is again stored there by means of an abutment.
  • the screw conveyor shaft is centered or immobilized in the area of the outlet by being supported on both sides of the pressure chamber.
  • This multiple bearing has the advantage that it ensures the stability of the shaft position in the outlet area, in all operating conditions; This reduces the wear and the life and reliability are increased.
  • the mentioned counter-bearing can be fixed according to the invention with respect to the pressure chamber, and thereby also the centering of the shaft by the counter-bearing against the pressure chamber and in particular with respect to the stationary arranged at the pressure chamber outlet is effective, i. exactly in the most important place.
  • the counter-bearing is arranged on a discharge head, which adjoins the pressure chamber and is attached at its outlet end.
  • the invention is further characterized in that the gap outlet is limited by a first outlet part, which is attached to the pressure chamber or on the outlet head, and a second outlet part which is non-rotatably mounted on the shaft.
  • This embodiment in turn results in great advantages, and it can also be regarded as a separate invention or as a separate purpose of the invention. Namely, the devices according to the prior art have two separate axes, one for the screw conveyor and one for a part of the gap outlet, because these two elements are not on one sitting together wave. Due to ever-present manufacturing tolerances but these two axes are not really aligned with each other and this leads to small gap distances to increased wear of the tool, so the outlet parts.
  • the second outlet part is non-rotatably seated on the auger shaft, the centered orientation of the second outlet part (tool part) is by definition (even at very small gap distances), and therefore can be also realize smaller gap distances.
  • the second outlet part can be fixed to adjust the gap size at different axial positions of the shaft. It can also be chosen an embodiment in which the second outlet part for adjusting the gap size is axially displaceable and fixed by displacement means mounted on the shaft.
  • the first outlet part may form an outer part of the gap outlet, while the second outlet part forms an inner part of the gap outlet.
  • the gap of the gap outlet is an annular gap, especially a cone gap, wherein in particular the outer part has an inner cone and the inner part has a corresponding outer cone. Outer part and inner part move advantageously relative to each other, of course, moves in the above-proposed embodiment, of course, the second outlet part; because it rotates with the shaft.
  • gap sizes will be in a range of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. It is possible to make the gap walls so that they have roughening or profiling, in particular groove or funnelrillenprofilleiteren, which are preferably arranged transversely to the gap wall movement direction and in particular have a depth of up to 3 mm.
  • speeds of 0 to 600 min -1 can be achieved if drive and storage or counter bearing of the device (the auger shaft) are designed accordingly.
  • the tobacco material is introduced on the low pressure side of a pressure chamber and relaxed on the pressure side of the chamber at a gap outlet and discharged, the tobacco material by means of a Both end portions shaft-mounted screw conveyor is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the screw conveyor is operated in a speed range of up to 600 min -1 .
  • the speed range of the operating speed can essentially begin at one of the following values: 50 min -1 , 100 min -1 , 150 min -1 , 200 min -1 , 250 min -1 . It can terminate substantially at one of the following values further 300 min -1, 350 min -1, 450 min -1 500 min -1, 550 min -1. Intermediate values are possible, the selection depends on the particular device present and the desired input and output parameters.
  • a screw conveyor 1 which sits on the shaft 19, accommodated in a tube 3, which serves as a pressure chamber.
  • the screw conveyor 1 and the shaft 19 may be components of a single piece, which differ only by their function; but they can also be formed or composed of several pieces or parts.
  • the tool 7 comprises an inner cone 11 (outer part or first outlet part), ie a hollow cone.
  • the second outlet part or the inner part is formed by the cone 9, and this cone 9 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 19. Between the tapered wall of the cone 9 and the inner wall of the inner cone 11 creates a gap outlet.
  • the inner cone 11 of the tool 7 is mounted in a discharge head 13, which has the same as the inlet side arranged gear housing 15 bearings 17, which serve as an abutment according to the present invention.
  • the bearings of the gear housing 15 carry the reference numeral 16.
  • the counter-bearing 17 supports the common shaft 19, which carries the screw conveyor 1 and the cone 9.
  • the tool 7 has an adjustable gap, which is, however, fixed before the start of production, such as by a fixation of the cone 9 at a certain axial point of the shaft 19 by conventional means.
  • an adjustable gap is advantageous if the operating parameters are known and retracted precisely and a change in the gap width during production is not necessary.
  • the cone 9 to be stored on the shaft 19 displaceable fixable, in such a way that the gap width can be selectively varied during production.
  • a sliding fit and a hydraulic cylinder force application can be selected, either against a second hydraulic cylinder or against a spring bearing.
  • the rotational speed in devices of the prior art is limited to low values in the range of about 50 min -1.
  • With the multi-bearing shaft of the device according to the invention can be rotational speeds up to 300 min -1 , in particular even reach up to 600 min -1 , without being able to determine increased wear.
  • inventive device can be expected with a significant increase in material throughput, as in Figure 2 is shown.
  • Figure 2 the curves of the material throughput compared to the necessary pressure for systems with multi-bearing shaft (dashed) and with one-sided bearing shaft according to the prior art (solid) to see.

Abstract

The invention relates to a tobacco shredding device with a heatable pressure chamber (3), which has a tobacco material inlet (5) at the low-pressure end, an expansion gap outlet at the pressure end and a shaft-mounted conveyor screw (1) for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the conveyor screw shaft (19) is supported at the inlet end, and the shaft (19) extends on behind the outlet, where it is supported again by a counter bearing (17). It further relates to a method of shredding tobacco, whereby the tobacco material is introduced at the low-pressure end of a pressure chamber and is expanded and discharged at the pressure end of the chamber at a gap outlet, and the tobacco material is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet by means of a conveyor screw shaft-mounted at both end portions, and the conveyor screw is operated in a speed range of up to 600 min−1.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft das technische Gebiet der Tabakzerfaserung. Insbesondere betrifft sie das technische Gebiet der Herstellung von zerkleinertem Tabakmaterial durch Zerfaserung, und speziell wird mit der Erfindung ein Tabakrippenmaterial so zerfasert, dass ein Produkt mit ganz besonders vorteilhaften Eigenschaften hergestellt wird, welches letztendlich zur Herstellung von Rauchartikeln verwendet werden kann.The invention relates to the technical field of tobacco fiberization. In particular, it relates to the technical field of shredded tobacco material production by defibration and, more specifically, the invention is to shred a tobacco rib material to produce a product having particularly advantageous properties which can ultimately be used to make smoking articles.

Die Zerfaserung von Tabakmaterialien hat sich als vorteilhaft herausgestellt, weil aus dem Ausgangsmaterial, beispielsweise aus einem Rippenmaterial, ein sehr hochwertiges Produkt erzeugt werden kann, das sensorisch und seiner Struktur nach der Qualität von Schnitttabak kaum nachsteht. Die Druckzerfaserung ist sehr effizient, ermöglicht eine hohe Materialausbeute und liefert einzigartige Produkte.The defibration of tobacco materials has been found to be advantageous, because from the starting material, for example, a rib material, a very high quality product can be produced, the sensorial and its structure after the quality of cut tobacco hardly lagging. The pressure defibration is very efficient, allows a high material yield and provides unique products.

Aus der DE 10 2004 059 388 ist eine gattungsgemäße Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung bekannt, die eine beheizbare Druckkammer hat, welche wiederum einen Tabakmaterial-Einlass auf der Niederdruckseite, einen Entspannungs-Spaltauslass auf der Druckseite und eine wellengelagerte Förderschnecke zum Fördern des Tabakmaterials vom Einlass zum Auslass aufweist. Die Förderschneckenwelle ist einlassseitig gelagert, verläuft bis kurz vor den Auslass und liegt dort freitragend in der Kammer. Während des Normalbetriebs wird die Förderschnecke mit Hilfe des Produktstromes in der Druckkammer relativ gut zentriert. In Betriebszuständen, wo sich wenig oder kein Produkt in der Druckkammer befindet, schlägt aber das freistehende Ende der Förderschneckenwelle innen am Druckkammergehäuse an, so dass beispielsweise beim Anfahren der Anlage Einlaufriefen im Gehäuse und an der Welle ein erhöhter Verschleiß entstehen.From the DE 10 2004 059 388 a generic tobacco fiberizing apparatus is known which has a heatable pressure chamber, which in turn has a tobacco material inlet on the low pressure side, a relaxation gap outlet on the pressure side and a shaft-mounted screw conveyor for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet. The auger shaft is mounted on the inlet side, runs until just before the outlet and is cantilevered there in the chamber. During normal operation, the screw conveyor is centered relatively well with the aid of the product flow in the pressure chamber. In operating conditions where there is little or no product in the pressure chamber, but proposes the free-standing end of the auger shaft inside the pressure chamber housing, so that, for example, when starting the system inlet grooves in the housing and on the shaft increased wear.

Aus der DE 198 31 334 A1 , der US 5,366,680 und der FR 25 60 817 sind Vorrichtungen mit Förderschnecken bekannt, welche ein zu förderndes Material von einem Materialeinlass zu einem Materialauslass der Vorrichtung transportieren.From the DE 198 31 334 A1 , of the US 5,366,680 and the FR 25 60 817 are known devices with screw conveyors, which transport a material to be conveyed from a material inlet to a material outlet of the device.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, die oben genannten Nachteile des Standes der Technik zu überwinden. Insbesondere sollen eine Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung und ein Tabakzerfaserungsverfahren vorgeschlagen werden, welche in allen Betriebszuständen optimal funktionieren.It is an object of the invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung and a Tabakzerfaserungsverfahren are proposed, which work optimally in all operating conditions.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung gemäß dem Anspruch 1 und ein Verfahren gemäß dem Anspruch 11 gelöst. Die Unteransprüche definieren bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung.This object is achieved by a Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 11. The subclaims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

Erfindungsgemäß erstreckt sich bei der Vorrichtung die Förderschneckenwelle hinter dem Auslass weiter und ist dort mittels einer Gegenlagerung nochmals gelagert. Mit anderen Worten wird die Förderschneckenwelle im Bereich des Auslasses zentriert bzw. ruhig gestellt, indem eine Lagerung auf beiden Seiten der Druckkammer erfolgt. Diese Mehrfachlagerung hat den Vorteil, dass sie die Stabilität der Wellenposition auch im Auslassbereich gewährleistet, und zwar in allen Betriebszuständen; dadurch verringert sich der Verschleiß und die Lebensdauer bzw. die Zuverlässigkeit werden erhöht. Es entstehen aber überraschenderweise auch andere Vorteile, die unmittelbar mit der Produktion zu tun haben. So lässt sich experimentell nachweisen, dass erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtungen im Vergleich zum Stand der Technik sehr viel höhere Materialdurchsätze bei der Verwendung gleicher Entspannungs-Spaltauslässe realisierbar machen. Im Einzelnen wird hierauf später noch detaillierter eingegangen.According to the invention, the conveyor worm shaft extends further behind the outlet in the device and is again stored there by means of an abutment. In other words, the screw conveyor shaft is centered or immobilized in the area of the outlet by being supported on both sides of the pressure chamber. This multiple bearing has the advantage that it ensures the stability of the shaft position in the outlet area, in all operating conditions; This reduces the wear and the life and reliability are increased. But surprisingly, there are other benefits that are directly related to production. Thus, it can be experimentally demonstrated that devices according to the invention make it possible to achieve much higher material throughputs when using the same expansion gap discharge outlets compared to the prior art. In detail, this will be discussed in more detail later.

Die angesprochene Gegenlagerung kann erfindungsgemäß gegenüber der Druckkammer fixiert sein, und dadurch wird auch die Zentrierung der Welle durch die Gegenlagerung gegenüber der Druckkammer und insbesondere gegenüber dem ortsfest an der Druckkammer angeordneten Auslass wirksam, d.h. genau an der wichtigsten Stelle. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante ist die Gegenlagerung an einem Auslaufkopf angeordnet, der sich an die Druckkammer anschließt und an ihrem Auslassende befestigt ist.The mentioned counter-bearing can be fixed according to the invention with respect to the pressure chamber, and thereby also the centering of the shaft by the counter-bearing against the pressure chamber and in particular with respect to the stationary arranged at the pressure chamber outlet is effective, i. exactly in the most important place. In a preferred embodiment, the counter-bearing is arranged on a discharge head, which adjoins the pressure chamber and is attached at its outlet end.

Die Erfindung zeichnet sich ferner dadurch aus, dass der Spaltauslass begrenzt wird durch ein erstes Auslassteil, das an der Druckkammer oder an dem Auslaufkopf befestigt ist, und ein zweites Auslassteil, das drehfest auf der Welle sitzt. Durch diese Ausgestaltung ergeben sich wiederum große Vorteile, und sie kann auch als separate Erfindung oder als separater Erfindungszweck angesehen werden. Die Vorrichtungen gemäß dem Stand der Technik haben nämlich zwei getrennte Achsen, eine für die Förderschnecke und eine für einen Teil des Spaltauslasses, weil diese beiden Elemente nicht auf einer gemeinsamen Welle sitzen. Aufgrund von immer vorliegenden Fertigungstoleranzen sind aber diese beiden Achsen nicht wirklich zueinander ausgerichtet und dies führt bei kleinen Spaltabständen zu erhöhtem Verschleiß des Werkzeugs, also der Auslassteile. Wenn aber, wie dies gemäß dem oben beschriebenen Aspekt der Erfindung der Fall ist, das zweite Auslassteil drehfest auf der Förderschneckenwelle sitzt, ist die zentrierte Ausrichtung des zweiten Auslassteils (Werkzeugteils) per definitionem gegeben (auch bei sehr geringen Spaltabständen), und deshalb lassen sich auch geringere Spaltabstände realisieren.The invention is further characterized in that the gap outlet is limited by a first outlet part, which is attached to the pressure chamber or on the outlet head, and a second outlet part which is non-rotatably mounted on the shaft. This embodiment in turn results in great advantages, and it can also be regarded as a separate invention or as a separate purpose of the invention. Namely, the devices according to the prior art have two separate axes, one for the screw conveyor and one for a part of the gap outlet, because these two elements are not on one sitting together wave. Due to ever-present manufacturing tolerances but these two axes are not really aligned with each other and this leads to small gap distances to increased wear of the tool, so the outlet parts. However, if, as is the case with the above-described aspect of the invention, the second outlet part is non-rotatably seated on the auger shaft, the centered orientation of the second outlet part (tool part) is by definition (even at very small gap distances), and therefore can be also realize smaller gap distances.

Das zweite Auslassteil ist zur Einstellung der Spaltgröße an verschiedenen Axialpositionen der Welle fixierbar. Es kann ferner eine Ausführung gewählt werden, bei der das zweite Auslassteil zur Einstellung der Spaltgröße axial verschieblich und durch Verschiebeeinrichtungen fixiert auf der Welle gelagert wird. Das erste Auslassteil kann ein Außenteil des Spaltauslasses bilden, während das zweite Auslassteil ein Innenteil des Spaltauslasses bildet. In spezieller Ausführung ist der Spalt des Spaltauslasses ein Ringspalt, speziell ein Kegelspalt, wobei insbesondere das Außenteil einen Innenkonus aufweist und das Innenteil einen korrespondierenden Außenkonus. Außenteil und Innenteil bewegen sich vorteilhafterweise relativ zueinander, speziell bewegt sich natürlich bei der oben vorgeschlagenen Ausführungsvariante das zweite Auslassteil; weil es mit der Welle mit rotiert.The second outlet part can be fixed to adjust the gap size at different axial positions of the shaft. It can also be chosen an embodiment in which the second outlet part for adjusting the gap size is axially displaceable and fixed by displacement means mounted on the shaft. The first outlet part may form an outer part of the gap outlet, while the second outlet part forms an inner part of the gap outlet. In a special embodiment, the gap of the gap outlet is an annular gap, especially a cone gap, wherein in particular the outer part has an inner cone and the inner part has a corresponding outer cone. Outer part and inner part move advantageously relative to each other, of course, moves in the above-proposed embodiment, of course, the second outlet part; because it rotates with the shaft.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung werden Spaltgrößen in einem Bereich von 0,01 mm bis 2 mm liegen, insbesondere im Bereich von 0,1 mm bis 0,5 mm. Dabei besteht die Möglichkeit, die Spaltwände so zu gestalten, dass sie Aufrauungen oder Profilierungen aufweisen, insbesondere Rillen- oder Kreuzrillenprofilierungen, die vorzugsweise quer zur Spaltwand-Bewegungsrichtung angeordnet sind und insbesondere eine Tiefe von bis zu 3 mm aufweisen.According to one embodiment of the invention, gap sizes will be in a range of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. It is possible to make the gap walls so that they have roughening or profiling, in particular groove or Kreuzrillenprofilierungen, which are preferably arranged transversely to the gap wall movement direction and in particular have a depth of up to 3 mm.

Mit der vorliegenden Erfindung lassen sich Drehzahlen von 0 bis 600 min-1 erzielen, wenn Antrieb und Lagerung bzw. Gegenlagerung der Vorrichtung (der Förderschneckenwelle) entsprechend ausgelegt werden.With the present invention, speeds of 0 to 600 min -1 can be achieved if drive and storage or counter bearing of the device (the auger shaft) are designed accordingly.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zur Zerfaserung von Tabak wird das Tabakmaterial auf der Niederdruckseite einer Druckkammer eingebracht und auf der Druckseite der Kammer an einem Spaltauslass entspannt und ausgebracht, wobei das Tabakmaterial mittels einer an beiden Endabschnitten wellengelagerten Förderschnecke vom Einlass zum Auslass gefördert wird, und wobei die Förderschnecke in einem Drehzahlbereich von bis zu 600 min-1 betrieben wird.In the method according to the invention for defibering tobacco, the tobacco material is introduced on the low pressure side of a pressure chamber and relaxed on the pressure side of the chamber at a gap outlet and discharged, the tobacco material by means of a Both end portions shaft-mounted screw conveyor is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein the screw conveyor is operated in a speed range of up to 600 min -1 .

Der Drehzahlbereich der Betriebsdrehzahl kann im Wesentlichen bei einem der folgenden Werte beginnen: 50 min-1, 100 min-1, 150 min-1, 200 min-1, 250 min-1. Er kann ferner im Wesentlichen bei einem der folgenden Werte enden: 300 min-1, 350 min-1, 450 min-1 500 min-1, 550 min-1. Zwischenwerte sind möglich, die Auswahl hängt von der jeweilig vorliegenden Vorrichtung und den gewünschten Eingangs- und Ausgangsparametern ab.The speed range of the operating speed can essentially begin at one of the following values: 50 min -1 , 100 min -1 , 150 min -1 , 200 min -1 , 250 min -1 . It can terminate substantially at one of the following values further 300 min -1, 350 min -1, 450 min -1 500 min -1, 550 min -1. Intermediate values are possible, the selection depends on the particular device present and the desired input and output parameters.

In jeweiligen Ausführungsformen wird das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren mit im Wesentlichen mindestens einem der folgenden Parameter betrieben:

  • Eingangsfeuchte des Tabakmaterials: 6 % - 30 %, speziell 9 - 12 %;
  • Druck in der Kammer: 5 - 120 bar; speziell 40 - 80 bar;
  • Kammertemperatur: 90 - 180°; speziell 130°C - 150° C;
  • Endfeuchte des Tabakmaterials: 8 % - 25 %; speziell 13 % - 16 %.
In particular embodiments, the method according to the invention is operated with essentially at least one of the following parameters:
  • Initial moisture content of the tobacco material: 6% - 30%, especially 9 - 12%;
  • Pressure in the chamber: 5 - 120 bar; especially 40 - 80 bar;
  • Chamber temperature: 90 - 180 °; especially 130 ° C - 150 ° C;
  • Final moisture of the tobacco material: 8% - 25%; specifically 13% - 16%.

Die Erfindung wird im Weiteren anhand einer Ausführungsform näher erläutert. Sie kann alle hierin beschriebenen Merkmale einzeln sowie in jeder sinnvollen Kombination umfassen. In den beigelegten Zeichnungen zeigen:

Figur 1
einen Längsschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung; und
Figur 2
ein Diagramm mit einer Druck-Durchsatz-Kennlinie für die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung und eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Stand der Technik.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment. It may include all of the features described herein individually and in any meaningful combination. In the attached drawings show:
FIG. 1
a longitudinal section through a Tabakzerfaserungsvorrichtung invention; and
FIG. 2
a diagram with a pressure-flow rate characteristic for the device according to the invention and a device according to the prior art.

Bei der in Figur 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform ist eine Förderschnecke 1, die auf der Welle 19 sitzt, in einem Rohr 3 untergebracht, das als Druckkammer dient. Die Förderschnecke 1 und die Welle 19 können Bestandteile eines einzigen Stückes sein, die sich nur durch ihre Funktion differenzieren; sie können aber auch aus mehreren Stücken bzw. Teilen gebildet oder zusammengesetzt sein. Durch den Einlass 5 kann Tabakmaterial in das Rohr 3 eingebracht werden, und durch die Drehung der Förderschnecke 1 wird das Tabakmaterial gegen das Werkzeug 7 gefördert, das am Auslass des Rohres angebracht ist. Das Werkzeug 7 umfasst einen Innenkegel 11 (Außenteil bzw. erstes Auslassteil), d.h. einen Hohlkegel. Das zweite Auslassteil oder auch das Innenteil wird durch den Kegel 9 gebildet, und dieser Kegel 9 ist drehfest auf der Welle 19 angeordnet. Zwischen der sich verjüngenden Wand des Kegels 9 und der Innenwand des Innenkegels 11 entsteht ein Spaltauslass.At the in FIG. 1 illustrated embodiment, a screw conveyor 1, which sits on the shaft 19, accommodated in a tube 3, which serves as a pressure chamber. The screw conveyor 1 and the shaft 19 may be components of a single piece, which differ only by their function; but they can also be formed or composed of several pieces or parts. Through the inlet 5 tobacco material can be introduced into the tube 3, and by the rotation of the screw conveyor 1, the tobacco material is conveyed against the tool 7, which is attached to the outlet of the tube. The tool 7 comprises an inner cone 11 (outer part or first outlet part), ie a hollow cone. The second outlet part or the inner part is formed by the cone 9, and this cone 9 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 19. Between the tapered wall of the cone 9 and the inner wall of the inner cone 11 creates a gap outlet.

Der Innenkegel 11 des Werkzeugs 7 ist in einem Auslaufkopf 13 befestigt, der ebenso wie das einlassseitig angeordnete Getriebegehäuse 15 Lager 17 aufweist, die als Gegenlagerung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung dienen. Die Lager des Getriebegehäuses 15 tragen das Bezugszeichen 16. Die Gegenlagerung 17 lagert die gemeinsame Welle 19, welche die Förderschnecke 1 und auch den Kegel 9 trägt.The inner cone 11 of the tool 7 is mounted in a discharge head 13, which has the same as the inlet side arranged gear housing 15 bearings 17, which serve as an abutment according to the present invention. The bearings of the gear housing 15 carry the reference numeral 16. The counter-bearing 17 supports the common shaft 19, which carries the screw conveyor 1 and the cone 9.

Bei der dargestellten Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung hat das Werkzeug 7 einen einstellbaren Spalt, der jedoch vor Produktionsbeginn fixiert wird, etwa durch eine Fixierung des Kegels 9 an einer bestimmten axialen Stelle der Welle 19 durch herkömmliche Mittel. Eine solche Ausgestaltung ist dann vor Vorteil, wenn die Betriebsparameter genau bekannt und eingefahren sind und eine Veränderung der Spaltbreite während der Produktion nicht notwendig wird.In the illustrated embodiment of the device, the tool 7 has an adjustable gap, which is, however, fixed before the start of production, such as by a fixation of the cone 9 at a certain axial point of the shaft 19 by conventional means. Such an embodiment is advantageous if the operating parameters are known and retracted precisely and a change in the gap width during production is not necessary.

Es ist aber im Rahmen der vorliegenden Erfindung ebenfalls möglich, den Kegel 9 auf der Welle 19 verschieblich fixierbar zu lagern, und zwar so, dass die Spaltbreite gezielt während der Produktion variiert werden kann. Hierzu kann beispielsweise ein Gleitsitz sowie eine Hydraulikzylinder-Kraftbeaufschlagung gewählt werden, entweder gegen einen zweiten Hydraulikzylinder oder gegen eine Federlagerung.However, it is also possible in the context of the present invention, the cone 9 to be stored on the shaft 19 displaceable fixable, in such a way that the gap width can be selectively varied during production. For this purpose, for example, a sliding fit and a hydraulic cylinder force application can be selected, either against a second hydraulic cylinder or against a spring bearing.

In beiden Fällen werden aber durch die Gegenlagerung 17 die Welle 19 und damit die Förderschnecke 1 und der Kegel 9 sehr gut zentriert und damit wird erfindungsgemäß ein Verschleiß weitgehend reduziert bzw. vermieden.In both cases, but the shaft 19 and thus the screw conveyor 1 and the cone 9 are very well centered by the abutment 17 and thus wear is largely reduced or avoided according to the invention.

Überraschenderweise wurde bei den experimentellen Versuchen mit den erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtungen festgestellt, dass höhere Materialdurchsätze bei der Verwendung von gleichen Kegelgeometrien erreicht wurden.Surprisingly, it was found in the experimental experiments with the devices according to the invention that higher material throughputs were achieved when using the same conical geometries.

Dies lässt sich wie folgt erklären: je höher die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit des Kegels 9 ist, desto kleiner ist der Druckabfall. Mit höherer Rotationsgeschwindigkeit steigt der dynamische Druck am Kegel 9 und somit wird eine Verstopfung durch Tabakmaterial in den Rillen vermindert. In diesem Fall ist der effektive freie Querschnitt größer als bei niedriger Rotationsgeschwindigkeit des Kegels 9.This can be explained as follows: the higher the rotation speed of the cone 9, the smaller the pressure drop. As the rotational speed increases, the dynamic pressure on the cone 9 increases and thus clogging by tobacco material in the grooves reduced. In this case, the effective free cross section is greater than at low rotation speed of the cone 9.

Eine weitere Erklärungsmöglichkeit stellt eine bessere Zerfaserung dar. Damit würde an der entscheidenden Stelle, dem Ringspalt, die Viskosität des geförderten und zerfaserten Tabakmaterials erhöht und dadurch der Durchsatz verbessert.Another explanation is better defibration. This would increase the viscosity of the conveyed and shredded tobacco material at the critical point, the annular gap, thereby improving throughput.

Zusätzlich bedeuten reduzierte Drehmomente bei der Zerfaserung geringeren Energieaufwand und Schonung der Werkzeuge. Die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit in Vorrichtungen nach dem Stand der Technik ist auf niedrige Werte im Bereich von etwa 50 min-1 begrenzt. Mit der mehrfach gelagerten Welle der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung lassen sich Rotationsgeschwindigkeiten bis zu 300 min-1, insbesondere sogar bis zu 600 min-1 erreichen, ohne erhöhten Verschleiß feststellen zu können.In addition, reduced torques during defibration mean less expenditure of energy and protection of the tools. The rotational speed in devices of the prior art is limited to low values in the range of about 50 min -1. With the multi-bearing shaft of the device according to the invention can be rotational speeds up to 300 min -1 , in particular even reach up to 600 min -1 , without being able to determine increased wear.

Bei der optimierten, erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung kann man mit einer deutlichen Materialdurchsatzerhöhung rechnen, wie in Abbildung 2 dargestellt ist. Dort sind die Verläufe des Materialdurchsatzes gegenüber dem nötigen Druck für Systeme mit mehrfach gelagerter Welle (gestrichelt) und mit einseitig gelagerter Welle nach dem Stand der Technik (durchgezogen) zu sehen. Bei sonst identischen Parametern, jedoch erhöhter Drehzahl, werden erfindungsgemäß an den Punkten maximaler Vorrichtungsleistung ca. 225 kg/h Durchsatz erreicht gegenüber ca. 150 kg/h beim Stand der Technik. Dabei sind positiverweise auch noch deutlich geringere mechanische Drücke nötig.In the optimized, inventive device can be expected with a significant increase in material throughput, as in Figure 2 is shown. There, the curves of the material throughput compared to the necessary pressure for systems with multi-bearing shaft (dashed) and with one-sided bearing shaft according to the prior art (solid) to see. With otherwise identical parameters, but increased speed, according to the invention at the points of maximum device performance about 225 kg / h throughput achieved over about 150 kg / h in the prior art. It is also positive that significantly lower mechanical pressures are needed.

Claims (14)

  1. A tobacco difibrating device comprising a pressure chamber (3) which comprises a tobacco material inlet (5) on the low-pressure side, a decompression gap outlet on the pressure side and a shaft-mounted conveying screw (1) for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the conveying screw shaft (19) is mounted at the inlet end and extends beyond the outlet, where it is mounted again by means of a counter bearing (17), characterised in that
    the gap outlet is limited by a first outlet part (11) which is fastened to the pressure chamber or to a discharge head (13) which is connected to the pressure chamber (3) and fastened at its outlet end, and a second outlet part (9) which is positioned, rotationally fixed, on the shaft (19) and can be fixed on the shaft (19) at different axial positions in order to set the size of the gap.
  2. The tobacco difibrating device according to claim 1, characterised in that the pressure chamber can be heated.
  3. The tobacco difibrating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the counter bearing (17) is fixed relative to the pressure chamber (3).
  4. The tobacco difibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the counter bearing (17) is arranged on the discharge head (13).
  5. The tobacco difibrating device according to claim 1, characterised in that the second outlet part (9) is mounted on the shaft such that it can be axially shifted and fixed by shifting means in order to set the size of the gap.
  6. The tobacco difibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the first outlet part forms an outer part (11) of the gap outlet and the second outlet part forms an inner part (9) of the gap outlet.
  7. The tobacco difibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the gap is an annular gap, specifically a conical gap, wherein in particular the outer part (11) comprises an inner cone and the inner part comprises a corresponding outer cone.
  8. The tobacco difibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the size of the gap is in a range of 0.01 mm to 2 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.
  9. The tobacco difibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the gap walls comprise roughened or profiled portions, in particular grooved or cross-grooved profiles, which are preferably arranged transverse to the movement direction of the gap walls and in particular exhibit a depth of up to 2-3 mm.
  10. The tobacco difibrating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the drive and bearing and/or counter bearing of the device are configured for rotational speeds of 0 to 600 min-1.
  11. A method for difibrating tobacco, wherein the tobacco material is introduced on the low-pressure side of a pressure chamber and decompressed and extracted on the pressure side of the chamber at a gap outlet which is limited by a first outlet part which is fastened to the pressure chamber or to a discharge head (13) which is connected to the pressure chamber (3) and fastened at its outlet end, and a second outlet part which is positioned, rotationally fixed, on the shaft of a conveying screw and can be fixed on the shaft at different axial positions in order to set the size of the gap, wherein the tobacco material is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet by means of a conveying screw which is shaft-mounted at both end portions, and wherein the conveying screw is operated in a rotational speed range of up to 600 min-1.
  12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the rotational speed range of the operating rotational speed substantially begins at one of the following values: 50 min-1, 100 min-1, 150 min-1; 200 min-1; 250 min-1.
  13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the rotational speed range of the operating rotational speed substantially ends at one of the following values: 300 min-1; 350 min-1; 450 min-1; 500 min-1; 550 min-1.
  14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, which is operated using substantially at least one of the following parameters:
    - an entry moistness of the tobacco material of 6% to 30%, specifically 9% to 12%;
    - a pressure in the chamber of 5 to 120 bars, specifically 40 to 80 bars;
    - a chamber temperature of 90°C to 180°C, specifically 130°C to 150 °C;
    - an end moistness of the tobacco material of 8% to 25%, specifically 13% to 16%.
EP07801965A 2006-12-05 2007-08-29 Tobacco shredder with double-mounted conveyor-worm shaft Active EP2099322B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL07801965T PL2099322T3 (en) 2006-12-05 2007-08-29 Tobacco shredder with double-mounted conveyor-worm shaft

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006057290A DE102006057290B4 (en) 2006-12-05 2006-12-05 Tobacco pulp with double-sided auger shaft
PCT/EP2007/007544 WO2008067859A1 (en) 2006-12-05 2007-08-29 Tobacco shredder with double-mounted conveyor-worm shaft

Publications (2)

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EP2099322A1 EP2099322A1 (en) 2009-09-16
EP2099322B1 true EP2099322B1 (en) 2011-10-12

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US (1) US9173433B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2099322B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101547616B (en)
AT (1) ATE527899T1 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0718837B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102006057290B4 (en)
MY (1) MY151657A (en)
PL (1) PL2099322T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2410992C1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008067859A1 (en)

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DE102008052720B4 (en) * 2008-10-22 2014-01-02 British American Tobacco (Germany) Gmbh Extractive tobacco material extrusion
CN102178339A (en) * 2011-04-15 2011-09-14 川渝中烟工业公司 Process method for preprocessing tobacco stalks by immersing and spiral squeezing
WO2013131980A1 (en) * 2012-03-06 2013-09-12 Ht Nutri Sàrl A method of processing tobacco and its by-products
CN103738714A (en) * 2014-01-09 2014-04-23 云南烟草科学研究院 Microwave expansion tobacco stem slicing device
CN106863881B (en) * 2016-11-21 2018-06-05 云南中烟工业有限责任公司 A kind of device that pipe tobacco is compressed to specified bulk density
CN112205663A (en) * 2020-09-28 2021-01-12 四川中烟工业有限责任公司 Composite burnt sweet aroma flavor, extrusion puffing preparation method and application method thereof

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CN101547616B (en) 2013-02-06
MY151657A (en) 2014-06-30
EP2099322A1 (en) 2009-09-16
DE102006057290B4 (en) 2008-10-30
DE102006057290A1 (en) 2008-06-19
BRPI0718837B1 (en) 2018-07-03
PL2099322T3 (en) 2012-03-30
RU2410992C1 (en) 2011-02-10
BRPI0718837A2 (en) 2014-02-04
CN101547616A (en) 2009-09-30
US20100139674A1 (en) 2010-06-10
US9173433B2 (en) 2015-11-03
WO2008067859A1 (en) 2008-06-12
ATE527899T1 (en) 2011-10-15

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