EP2222195B1 - Filter tow strip, filter rod machine, method for producing filter tow strips and method for producing filter rods - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter tow strip, especially twin tow from cross-linked and crimped filaments which form at least two partial strips (12a, 12b) that are interlinked by a section of reduced cross-linking density (11), the linking filaments (13) being interlooped and/or interlocked in such a manner that the linking filaments form intersections (14). The filter two strip is characterized in that the maximum cross-cutting force of the partial strips (12a, 12b) does not exceed 20 cN on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) and/or the number of the linking filaments (13) does not exceed 200 cross-locking and/or cross-looping filaments on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) when impinged with the maximum cross-cutting force.

Description

The present invention relates to a filter tow strip having the features of the preamble of claim 1, a filter rod machine, a method for producing a filter tow strip and a method for producing filter rods.

A filter tow strip of the type mentioned is for example from the EP 0 629 722 A1 known to the applicant.

For the production of cigarettes filters are used, which are made of a band or a continuous strand of crimped cellulose acetate fibers, the so-called filter tow. In the production of filter tow, spun filaments of cellulose acetate are crimped in a stuffer box, whereby the impressed crimp structure is fixed while passing through a dryer. After the filter tow has been brought to a constant final moisture content, it is loosely placed in jugs several meters high in regular patterns. The loose tow layer is then compacted in bale presses into a filter tow bale and finally packed, which is provided for further processing into filters.

A detailed explanation of the manufacturing process of Filter Tow is in the article CA Filter Tow for Cigarette Filter, Paul Rustemeyer, Macromolecular Symposia 208 (2004), 267-291 disclosed.

The processing of filter tow to filter rods is carried out on a filter rod machine on which the filter tow in a processing section as strong as possible to develop its maximum filling power, which is then gathered on the format of the future cigarette filter and coated with paper. To buckle the filter tow, it is pulled apart by means of compressed air driven spreader nozzles and stretched by a system of draw rolls with threaded or screwed surfaces. Thereafter, the spread filter tow is fed to a triacetin spray box, in which the acetate surface is dissolved and tackified. In the format part of the filter rod machine, the filter tow band is gathered and compressed to the cross section of the future filter rod. During this process, the filaments stick together and form a three-dimensional spatial network structure with the desired filter hardness for further processing and the consumer.

To increase productivity, it is for example from the DE 43 20 317 also known to the applicant, to produce filter rods on double filter rod machines, in which two Fitter Tow strands are processed in parallel and synchronously. In order to achieve the same properties in the two strands, in the aforementioned EP 0 629 722 A1 described to use a multi-width filter tow strip having a predetermined tear line. The filter tow strip can be divided along the predetermined tear line into individual strips, each with the same total titre. Due to the defined divisibility of the total or double stripe in two strips, the double-width filter tow strip is also referred to as twin tow. To separate the multiply filter tow strip is in the EP 0 629 722 A1 discloses that the strip is subjected to a stretching force in the longitudinal direction, which causes the strip is separated into two or more parts.

For problem-free production and consistent quality of the filter rods, it is important that the division of the multiple-width filter tow strip is as even as possible and the partial strands run as evenly as possible into the double rod machine.

The invention has for its object to provide a filter tow strip, in particular Twin Tow made of crosslinked and crimped filaments, which allows a problem-free processing on a filter rod machine, especially on a double filter rod machine, the separation of the filter tow strip for continuous production as evenly as possible should be done. The invention is further based on the object of specifying a filter rod machine, in particular a double filter rod machine, with which the filter tow strip can be separated as resistant as possible, and a method for producing a filter tow strip, in particular a twin tow and a method for producing filter rods.

According to the invention this object is achieved with regard to the filter tow strip by the subject-matter of claim 1, with regard to the filter rod machine by the subject-matter of claim 7 and with regard to the methods by the subject-matter of claim 12 and the subject-matter of claim 18.

The invention has the advantage that the separation of the filter tow strip according to the invention is achieved largely without problems even in fast-running processes. Due to the uniform binding force of the Filter Tow halves along the Twin Tows, voltage fluctuations and thus quality fluctuations of the filter rods are effectively avoided. In contrast to EP 0 629 722 A1 , which discloses only the longitudinal breaking strength of the filter tow strip, the filter tow strip according to the invention is defined by the maximum transverse cutting force, which does not exceed 20 cN, and over a length of 20 cm. This has the advantage that the release properties of the strip can be set much more accurately than in the strip according to FIG EP 0 629 722 A1 so that the separation behavior of the strip is improved.

The division of the filter tow strip into two individual filter tow strips in front of the spreader nozzle or in front of the spreader nozzles of the filter rod machine according to the invention makes it possible, without difficulty - depending on the existing filter tow material - between a twin tow bale, i. a bale with a filter tow according to the invention, and, if necessary, two bales with standard filter tow to change.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Querschnitt durch einen Filter Tow Streifen nach einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel, der zur Messung der Quertrennkraft in Klemmbacken eingespannt ist;

Fig. 2a - 2f

Schnittbilder von Filter Tow Streifen nach verschiedenen erfindungs- gemäßen Ausführungsbeispielen, bei denen der Verbindungsbereich zwischen den Teilstreifen unterschiedlich angeordnet ist; und

Fig. 3a, b, c

schematische Darstellungen eines Ausschnitts einer Doppelfilterstab- maschine nach erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispielen im Bereich der Trenneinrichtung.

In this show

Fig. 1

a schematic cross section through a filter tow strip according to an embodiment of the invention, which is clamped for measuring the cross-cutting force in jaws;

Fig. 2a - 2f

Sectional views of filter tow strips according to various embodiments of the invention, in which the connection area between the partial strips is arranged differently; and

Fig. 3a, b, c

schematic representations of a section of a Doppelfilterstab- machine according to embodiments of the invention in the region of the separator.

An example of a filter tow strip 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG Fig. 1 in which the illustrated filter tow strip 10 is a double-width filter tow strip, ie a so-called twin tow made of crosslinked and crimped filaments. The filter tow strip 10 comprises two partial strips 12a, 12b, which are connected by a region of lower mesh density 11. The filaments 13, which connect the two partial strips 12a, 12b in the region of lower crosslinking density 11, are mutually looped and / or hooked in such a way that the connecting filaments 13 form crossing points 14.

The invention is not limited to filter tow strip 10 with two partial strips, but generally includes multi-width filter tow strip with a plurality of partial strips, for example. Three or four partial strips, which are respectively connected to each other.

The filter tow strip 10 according to Fig. 1 is clamped between two jaws A of a measuring device, which are moved apart so far that the two sub-strips 12a, 12b of the filter tow strip or the Twin Tows and the intermediate connection region 11 can be seen with low crosslinking density. Instead of the jaws A comb clamps can be used, in particular for measurement in superimposed partial strips.

The connection region 11 is designed such that the maximum transverse separation force required to separate the partial strips does not exceed 20 cN over a length of approximately 20 cm. The maximum transverse separation force corresponds to that force perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the filter tow strip 10, which occurs in a continuous expansion, ie in a continuous moving apart of the jaws A, just before the cross-cutting force decreases again and the Teilheifen are completely separated. The maximum cross-cutting force may be lower than 20 cN, for example 15 cN, 10 cN, 7 cN, 5 cN, 4 cN, 3 cN, 2 cN or 1 cN.

In this case, the maximum cross-cutting force in a range of 0.5cN to less than 20cN, the lower limit of 0.5 cN can be combined with the above upper limits. Other possible lower limits are 1cN, 1.5 cN, 2cN, 2.5cN.

Alternatively or in addition to the maximum transverse separation force, the separation behavior of the filter tow strip 10 can be determined by the number of binding filaments 13 in the connection region 11 between the two partial strips 12a, 12b. The detection of the binding filaments 13 takes place at the maximum of the transverse separating force, ie shortly before the complete separation of the two partial strips 12a, 12b, as in FIG fig. 1 shown. During the separation of the two partial strips 12a, 12b or the halves, the binding filaments 13 are partly torn off and / or unhooked, the still crossed or connected filaments being detected shortly before the complete separation, ie at the cross-separation force maximum, for determining the separation behavior ,

To determine the number of binding filaments 13, the connected or crossing filaments of the respective partial strips 12a, 12b are each regarded as a filament. This means that the number of binding filaments 13 essentially corresponds to the number of crossing points 14. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 The connection marked I at the right end of the clamping jaws A comprises two filaments 13 interleaved with one another, which are regarded as a filament for determining the number of binding filaments 13 and have a point of intersection 14. The same applies to compound II, in which two filaments 13 are entangled and form a point of intersection 14. In compound III, four filaments 13 are connected together and form two crossing points 14. The compound III therefore comprises two binding filaments 13. This means that when subjected to the maximum cross-cutting force at most 200 crossing points are provided to a length of 20 cm. The lower limit of the number of crossing points to a length of 20cm can be 1 crossing point. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 crossing points are also possible as the lower limit.

Depending on the manufacturing process, the filaments 13 may either be only looped, ie the individual filaments 13 form stitches or loops that mutually engage and form a connection. The filaments 13 can also only be hooked, wherein at least one filament 13 of a connecting filament pair forms a free end and into a loop or into another filament hook intervenes. Furthermore, a combination of entangled and entangled filaments 13 is possible. The connecting filaments form 13 crossing points 14, ie the opposing filaments 13 of the two partial strips 12a, 12b meet and cross each other.

With regard to the maximum cross-cutting force, it is sufficient if 95% of the samples at which the maximum cross-cutting force of the Filter Tow strip is measured have an upper limit of 20 cN over a length of 20 cm for the maximum cross-cutting force. That is, the invention also includes filter tow strips where in places the maximum cross-cutting force exceeds the upper limit of 20 cN, as long as this does not significantly affect the continuous operation of the filter rod machine processing the filter tow strip. The aforementioned tolerance of 95%, better still 99% has been found to be sufficient. It has also proved to be advantageous if the Twin Tow has a connection region which is such that 95% of the samples of a Twin Tows connect less than 50 transverse Ververende filaments to 20 at clamping length of the two tow halves or partial strips. Further, 99% of the samples of a twin tow may have less than 100 cross-herniated filaments on a 20 cm chuck length of the substrips 12a, 12b.

It is understood that the reference length of 20 cm of the Filter Tow strip section for measuring the maximum cross-cutting force can be chosen differently, for example longer. The maximum cross-cutting force with a longer reference section increases accordingly.

In contrast to a filter tow strip, which is optimized with respect to a longitudinal expansion force, the filter tow strip according to the embodiment of the invention in the connection region, i. in the region of low or low crosslink density 11 with respect to the cross-cutting force optimized. As a result, an improved and secure separation of the partial strips 12a 12b is achieved, since the optimized parameter, namely the transverse separating force, is correlated with the separating direction which runs transversely to the longitudinal direction of the filter tow strip 10.

To measure the quality-relevant parameters of the Twin Tows, a force-extensometer with clamping devices is used, which is a pair of jaws having a clamping length of 20 cm. To measure the cross-cutting force, a 20 cm long filter tow is clamped in the longitudinal direction with the edges of the filter Tows in the jaw pair. The jaws A in the force-extensometer are slowly moved apart, so that the Twin Tow is first stretched. The required force is measured. The crossing crimped filaments of the fiber strand form a nonwoven structure. In the connecting region between the partial strips, ie in the region with a low crosslink density, the dividing seam between the two twin tow halves opens. The open area is characterized by the number of cross-linked or cross-looped filaments that form, for example, a cross pattern. The jaws are further moved apart, with the cross-cutting force passes through a maximum at the point at which the filaments that hold the two tow halves together are maximally stretched. The number of cross-linked filaments is then detected.

As the jaws widen further, the entanglements between the binding filaments of the two tow tow halves of the Twin Tows tear apart and the cross-cutting force decreases.

In the FIGS. 2a-2f different embodiments are shown in which the partial strips 12a, 12b of the filter tow strip 10 are arranged differently. According to Fig. 2a the partial strips 12a, 12b are arranged side by side, wherein the connecting portion 11 and the partial strips 12a, 12b are arranged in a plane. The arrangement according to Fig. 2a For example, it can be made by crimping the two partial strips 12a, 12b together, whereby the crosslinking density in the connecting region 11 is adjusted so as to give a maximum transverse separating force of 20 cN.

According to the Figures 2b - 2f the two partial strips 12a, 12b are overlapping, ie arranged at least partially or completely overlapping. The connection of the two partial strips can be produced by mechanical needling or by needling by means of an air jet or a jet of water. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2b the partial strips are arranged overlapping one another in the edge region. According to Fig. 2c the partial strips 12a, 12b arranged completely overlapping one above the other, wherein the connecting filaments 13 formed as a common central track are. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2d are the connecting filaments 13 and the connecting portion 11 formed as an edge track. It is also possible, as in Fig. 2e shown to provide the connecting filaments 13 over the entire width of the overlapping partial strips 12a, 12b. Another way of connecting the two partial strips 12a, 12b is to arrange the connecting filaments 13 randomly distributed in the longitudinal direction of the partial strips, as in FIG Fig. 2f shown.

In the FIGS. 3a-3c three embodiments are shown for double filter rod machines, each having two spreader nozzles 20a, 20b. The other machine parts that are usually present, for example, the stretching device, the spray device and the format part are not shown. As in Fig. 3a To recognize, a separating device 21 in the form of a separating wedge 23 upstream of both spreader nozzles 20a, 20b, wherein the separating device 21 is arranged between the two spreader nozzles 20a, 20b. In this case, the separating edge of the separating wedge 23 counter to the conveying direction of the filter tow strip 10, so that the filter tow strips 10 is divided by the separating edge. For better guidance of the separating wedge 23 two guide rings 22a, 22b downstream and a guide ring 24 upstream. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3a For example, the guide rings 22a, 22b may be mounted so as to apply a normal force component to the partial strips 12a, 12b.

The two spreader nozzles 20a, 20b can also be used as a separating device 21 in that the two spreader nozzles 20a, 20b are arranged so that their inlet openings do not line up, so that a normal force component is exerted on the partial strips 12a, 12b ( Fig. 3b ). In this embodiment, due to the obliquely arranged spreader nozzles 20a, 20b, the separation point of the filter tow strip 10 the spreader nozzles 20a, 20b upstream. To enhance the separation effect of the separating wedge 23 according to Fig. 3a at or in the region of the separation point of the obliquely arranged spreader nozzles 20a, 20b according to FIG Fig. 3b be provided as in Fig. 3c shown.

The separating device 21 may be directly downstream of a force measuring device for measuring the voltage of the separated partial strips 12a, 12b in situ (not shown). Furthermore, a control device may be provided which acts in such a way that the conveying speed the individual partial strips 12a, 12b is regulated by means of the tension in the partial strips 12a, 12b.

In the method for producing filter tow strips, the crosslinking density in the connection region between the two partial strips 12a, 12b is set such that a maximum transverse separating force of the partial strips of 20 cN to a length of 20 cm or this force is not exceeded. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the partial strips side by side side by side and crimping them together, the crosslinking density being controlled by the spacing of the partial strips from one another during crimping. The crosslinking density can also be controlled by mechanical needling or by needling by means of an air jet or a water jet, if the partial strips 12a, 12b are arranged partially or completely overlapping each other.

The filter tow strip 10 can already be separated into partial strips 12a, 12b before the bale packaging, wherein the separated partial strips 12a, 12b are placed in different cans or in a divided can with several storage areas or in a single can. It is also possible to insert the undivided filter tow strip into a jug and pack it into a bale. In the latter case, the separation of the filter tow strip into the partial strips 12a, 12b takes place during the production of the filter rods, the maximum transverse separating force with which the filter tow strip 10 is divided not exceeding 20 cN over a length of 20 cm. To separate the filter tow strip 10, a double filter rod machine is preferably used which has a separating device in front of the spreader nozzles, as in FIGS FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c shown.

In a filter tow (Twin Tow) produced according to the invention, a release force was measured at the predetermined tear line, ie in the range of the lower crosslinking density of 7-12 cN and in another example of 2.5-4 cN. These values relate to the lower and upper limits of the scatter of the measurement. In further examples a maximum cross-cutting force of 1cN - 10 cN, as well as 0.5 cN - 5 cN was measured. At the maximum cross-cutting force of 1cN - 10 cN, the number of connecting filaments or the number of crossing points was 2 - 20. At the maximum cross-cutting force of 0.5 cN - 5 cN, the number of connecting filaments or the number of crossing points was 1 - 10. The above values for the number the connecting filaments are the median (at most half of the observations in a sample have a value <m and at most half a value> m).

Further examples gave the following values for the mean maximum cross-dividing force / median of the number of connecting filaments: 8cN / 80, 7cN / 25, 2cN / 4 and 4cN / 8.

The cross-cutting force and the number of connecting filaments can be adjusted, for example, as explained above, by a variation of the spacing of the partial strips in the crimping machine.

1. 1. Filter Tow Streifen (10), insbesondere Twin Tow aus vernetzten und gekräuselten Filamenten, die wenigstens zwei Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) bilden, die durch einen Bereich geringerer Vernetzungsdichte (11) verbunden sind, wobei die verbindenden Filamente (13) gegenseitig verschlauft und/oder verhakt sind derart, dass diese jeweils Kreuzungspunkte (14) bilden, wobei auf einer Länge von 20 cm des Filter Tow Streifens (10) die maximale Quertrennkraft der Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) 20 cN nicht übersteigt und/oder auf einer Länge von ca. 20 cm des Filter Tow Streifens (10) die Zahl der verbindenden Filamente (13) 200 querverhakende und/oder querverschlaufende Filamente bei Beaufschlagung des Filter Tow Streifens (10) mit der maximalen Quertrennkraft nicht übersteigt.
2. 2. Filter Tow Streifen (10) gemäß Beispiel 1, wobei die maximale Quertrennkraft ≤ 15 cN, insbesondere ≤ 10 cN, insbesondere ≤ 7 cN, insbesondere ≤ 5 cN, insbesondere ≤ 4 cN, insbesondere ≤ 3 cN, insbesondere ≤ 2 cN, insbesondere ≤ 1 cN beträgt.
3. 3. Filter Tow Streifen (10) nach Beispiel 1 oder 2, wobei die Anzahl der querverhakenden und/oder querverschlaufenden Filamente (13) im Bereich der geringeren Vernetzungsdichte (11) ≤ 150, insbesondere ≤ 125, Insbesondere ≤ 100, insbesondere ≤ 75, insbesondere ≤ 50, insbesondere ≤ 40, Insbesondere ≤ 30, insbesondere ≤ 25, insbesondere ≤ 20, insbesondere ≤ 15, insbesondere ≤ 10, insbesondere ≤ 5, beträgt.
4. 4. Filter Tow Streifen (10) nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 1 bis 3, wobei die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) Seite an Seite angeordnet sind.
5. 5. Filter Tow Streifen (10) nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 1 bis 3, wobei die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) im Randbereich überlappend übereinander angeordnet sind.
6. 6. Filter Tow Streifen (10) nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 1 bis 3, wobei die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) übereinander angeordnet sind und dass die verbindenden filamente (13) im Bereich der Überlappung der Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) liegen, insbesondere als gemeinsame Mittelspur, Randspur, über die ganze Breite verteilt oder in Längsrichtung willkürlich verteilt.
7. 7. Filterstabmaschine, insbesondere Doppelfilterstabmaschine mit wenigstens einer Ausbreiterdüse (20a, 20b), einer Streckeinrichtung, einer Sprüheinrichtung und einem Formatteil, wobei vor der Ausbreiterdüse (20a, 20b) wenigstens eine Trenneinrichtung zum Vereinzeln von Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) des Filter Tow Streifens (10), insbesondere des Twin Tows, angeordnet ist.
8. 8. Maschine nach Beispiel 7, wobei die Trenneinrichtung (21) wenigstens zwei Leitringe (22a, 22b) umfasst, die so angebracht sind, dass sie auf die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) eine Normalkraftkomponente ausüben.
9. 9. Maschine nach Beispiel 7 oder 8, wobei die Trenneinrichtung (21) wenigstens einen in Förderrichtung des Filter Tow Streifens (10) angeordneten Trennkeil (23) umfasst.
10. 10. Maschine nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 7 bis 9, wobei die Trenneinrichtung (21) zwei Ausbreiterdüsen (20a, 20b) umfasst, die so angeordnet sind, dass sie auf die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) eine Normalkraftkomponente ausüben, da ihre Eintrittsöffnungen nicht in einer Linie stehen.
11. 11. Maschine nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 7 bis 9, wobei der Trenneinrichtung (21) ein Kraftmessgerät zur Spannungsmessung der getrennten Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) in situ unmittelbar nachgeordnet ist.
12. 12. Maschine nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 7 bis 11, wobei eine Regelungseinrichtung vorgesehen ist, die derart wirkt, dass die fördergeschwindigkeit der einzelnen Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) anhand der Spannung in den Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) geregelt wird.
13. 13. Verfahren zum Herstellen von Filter Tow Streifen (10), insbesondere nach einem der Beispiele 1 bis 6, bei dem wenigstens zwei Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) aus vernetzten und gekräuselten Filamenten (13) durch einen Bereich geringerer Vernetzungsdichte (11) verbunden werden, wobei die Filamente (13) im Bereich geringerer Vernetzungsdichte (11) gegenseitig verschlauft und/oder verhakt werden und Kreuzungspunkte (14) bilden derart, dass die maximale Quertrennkraft der Teilstreifen 20 cN auf einer Länge von 20 cm des Filter Tow Streifens (10) nicht übersteigt und/oder die Zahl der verbindenden Filamente 200 querverhakende und/oder querverschlaufende Filamente (13) auf einer Länge von 20 cm des Filter Tow Streifens (10) bei Beaufschlagung des Filter Tow Streifens (10) mit der maximalen Quertrennkraft nicht übersteigt.
14. 14. Verfahren nach Beispiel 13, insbesondere zum Herstellen eines Filter Tow Streifens nach Beispiel 4, wobei die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) Seite an Seite angeordnet und gemeinsam gekräuselt werden.
15. 15. Verfahren nach Beispell 13, insbesondere zum Herstellen eines Filter Tow Streifens nach Beispiel 5, wobei die Tellstreifen (12a, 12b) teilweise überlappend übereinandergeführt und mechanisch durch Vernadeln oder mit einem Luftstrahl oder mit einem Wasserstrahl so behandelt werden, dass bindende Filamente entstehen.
16. 16. Verfahren nach Beispiel 13, insbesondere zum Herstellen eines Filter Tow Streifens nach Beispiel 6, wobei die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) vollkommen überlappend übereinandergeführt und mechanisch durch Vernadeln oder mit einem Luftstrahl oder mit einem Wasserstrahl so behandelt werden, dass bindende Filamente (13) entstehen.
17. 17. Verfahren nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 13 bis 16, wobei der Filter Tow Streifen in die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) getrennt und die separierten Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) in verschiedene Kannen oder in eine geteilte Kanne mit mehreren Ablagebereichen oder in eine einzige Kanne eingelegt werden.
18. 18. Verfahren nach wenigstens einem der Beispiele 13 bis 16, wobei der ungeteilte Filter Tow Streifen (10) in eine Kanne eingelegt wird.
19. 19. Verfahren zum Herstellen von Filterstäben aus Filter Tow Streifen aus vernetzten und gekräuselten Filamenten, bei dem ein filter Tow Streifen (10), insbesondere Twin Tow, durch ein Aufbereitungsteil und ein Formatteil gefördert wird, wobei der filter Tow Streifen (10) wenigstens zwei durch einen Bereich geringerer Vernetzungsdichte (11) miteinander verbundene Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) aufweist und die Filamente (13) im Bereich der geringeren Vernetzungsdichte (11) gegenseitig verschlauft und/oder verhakt sind derart, dass die Filamente (13) Kreuzungspunkte (14) bilden, wobei die Teilstreifen (12a, 12b) vor dem Formatteil mit einer maximalen Quertrennkraft getrennt werden, die 20 cN auf einer Länge des Filter Tow Streifens von 20 cm nicht übersteigt.

Particular embodiments of the invention are disclosed as follows:

1. Filter tow strips (10), in particular twin tows of crosslinked and crimped filaments, which form at least two partial strips (12a, 12b) which are connected by a region of lower crosslinking density (11), wherein the connecting filaments (13) loop each other and / or are hooked such that they each form crossing points (14), wherein over a length of 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10), the maximum transverse separation force of the partial strips (12a, 12b) does not exceed 20 cN and / or over a length 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) the number of connecting filaments (13) does not exceed 200 crosshatching and / or transverse loop filaments when the filter tow strip (10) is subjected to the maximum cross-cutting force.
2. 2. Filter Tow strip (10) according to Example 1, wherein the maximum transverse separating force ≤ 15 cN, in particular ≤ 10 cN, in particular ≤ 7 cN, in particular ≤ 5 cN, in particular ≤ 4 cN, in particular ≤ 3 cN, in particular ≤ 2 cN, in particular ≤ 1 cN.
3. 3. filter tow strips (10) according to example 1 or 2, wherein the number of cross-linking and / or transverse looping filaments (13) in the region of lower crosslinking density (11) ≦ 150, in particular ≦ 125, in particular ≦ 100, in particular ≦ 75, in particular ≦ 50, in particular ≦ 40, in particular ≦ 30, in particular ≦ 25, in particular ≦ 20, in particular ≦ 15, in particular ≦ 10, in particular ≦ 5.
4. 4. Filter Tow strip (10) according to at least one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the partial strips (12a, 12b) are arranged side by side.
5. 5. Filter Tow strip (10) according to at least one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the partial strips (12a, 12b) are arranged overlapping one another in the edge region.
6. 6. Filter Tow strip (10) according to at least one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the partial strips (12a, 12b) are arranged one above the other and that the connecting filaments (13) in the region of the overlap of the partial strips (12a, 12b) are, in particular as a common middle track, edge track, distributed over the entire width or distributed arbitrarily in the longitudinal direction.
7. 7. Filter rod machine, in particular double filter rod machine with at least one spreader nozzle (20a, 20b), a stretching device, a spraying device and a format part, wherein in front of the spreader nozzle (20a, 20b) at least one separating device for separating partial strips (12a, 12b) of the filter tow strip (10), in particular of the Twin Tows, is arranged.
8. 8. The machine according to Example 7, wherein the separating means (21) comprises at least two guide rings (22a, 22b) which are mounted so as to exert on the partial strips (12a, 12b) a normal force component.
9. 9. Machine according to Example 7 or 8, wherein the separating device (21) at least one in the conveying direction of the filter tow strip (10) arranged separating wedge (23).
10. The machine according to at least one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the separator (21) comprises two spreader nozzles (20a, 20b) arranged to exert a normal force component on the substrips (12a, 12b) since their inlet openings are not to stand in a line.
11. 11. The machine according to at least one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the separating device (21) is a force measuring device for voltage measurement of the separated partial strips (12a, 12b) in situ immediately downstream.
12. 12. Machine according to at least one of examples 7 to 11, wherein a control device is provided which acts such that the conveying speed of the individual partial strips (12a, 12b) is controlled by the voltage in the partial strips (12a, 12b).
13. 13. A method for producing filter tow strips (10), in particular according to one of Examples 1 to 6, in which at least two partial strips (12a, 12b) of crosslinked and crimped filaments (13) are connected by a region of lower crosslinking density (11) in which the filaments (13) are mutually interlaced and / or hooked in the region of lower crosslinking density (11) and intersection points (14) form such that the maximum cross-separation force of the sub-strips 20 cN over a length of 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) does not exceed and / or the number of connecting filaments does not exceed 200 crosshatching and / or transverse looping filaments (13) over a length of 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) when the filter tow strip (10) is subjected to the maximum cross-cutting force.
14. 14. The method of Example 13, in particular for producing a filter tow strip according to Example 4, wherein the partial strips (12a, 12b) are arranged side by side and crimped together.
15. 15. The method according to Beispell 13, in particular for producing a filter tow strip according to Example 5, wherein the Tellstreifen (12a, 12b) partially overlapping one another and mechanically treated by needling or with an air jet or a water jet so that binding filaments are formed.
16. 16. The method of Example 13, in particular for producing a filter tow strip according to Example 6, wherein the partial strips (12a, 12b) completely overlapping each other and mechanically treated by needling or with an air jet or a water jet so that binding filaments (13 ) arise.
17. 17. Method according to at least one of examples 13 to 16, wherein the filter tow strips are separated into the partial strips (12a, 12b) and the separated partial strips (12a, 12b) into different cans or into a divided can with several storage areas or into a single Can be inserted.
18. 18. The method according to at least one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the undivided filter tow strip (10) is inserted into a pot.
19. 19. A method for producing filter rods from filter tow strips of crosslinked and crimped filaments, in which a filter tow strip (10), in particular Twin Tow, is conveyed through a processing part and a format part, the filter tow strip (10) at least two has partial strips (12a, 12b) connected to one another by a region of lower crosslinking density (11) and the filaments (13) are mutually looped and / or hooked in the region of lower crosslinking density (11) such that the filaments (13) have crossing points (14) form, wherein the partial strips (12a, 12b) are separated before the format part with a maximum cross-cutting force not exceeding 20 cN on a length of the filter tow strip of 20 cm.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Filter tow strips

11

Area with lower density of crosslinking

12a, 12b

partial strip

13

filaments

14

crossing points

20a, 20b

spreading nozzle

21

separator

22a, 22b

guide rings

23

separating wedge

24

guide ring

A

jaws

Claims (18)

1. A filter tow strip (10), particularly twin tow of cross linked and crimped filaments, which constitute at least two component strips (12a, 12b), which are connected by a region of lower cross-linking density (11), wherein the connected filaments (13) are mutually looped and/or hooked such that they define intersection points (14), characterised in that in a length of 20cm of the filter tow strip (7) the maximum transverse separating force of the component strips (12a, 12b) does not exceed 20cN and/or over a length of ca. 20cm of the filter tow strip (10) the number of the connecting filaments (13) does not exceed 200 transverse hooking and/or transverse looping filaments when subjecting the filter tow strip (7) to the maximum transverse separating force.
2. A filter tow strip (10) as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the maximum transverse separating force is ≤ 15cN, particularly ≤ 10cN, particularly ≤ 7cN, particularly ≤ 5cN, particularly ≤ 4cN, particularly ≤ 3cN, particularly ≤ 2cN, particularly ≤ 1cN.
3. A filter tow strip (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the number of the transverse hooking and or transverse looping filaments (13) in the region of the lower cross-linking density (11) is ≤ 150, particularly ≤ 125, particularly ≤ 100, particularly ≤ 75, particularly ≤ 50, particularly ≤ 40, particularly ≤ 30, particularly ≤ 25, particularly ≤ 20, particularly ≤ 15, particularly ≤ 10, particularly ≤ 5.
4. A filter tow strip (10) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the component strips, (12a, 12b) are arranged side to side.
5. A filter tow strip (10) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the component strips (12a, 12b) are arranged to overlap one another in the edge region.
6. A filter tow strip (10) as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the component strips (12a, 12b) are arranged above one another and that the connecting filaments (13) lie in the region of the overlap of the component strips, particularly in the form of a common central track, edge track, distributed over the entire width or arbitrarily distributed in the longitudinal direction.
7. A filter rod machine, particularly a double filter rod machine with at least one spreader nozzle (20a, 20b), a stretching device, a spraying device and a format portion, characterised in that arranged in front of the spreader nozzle (20a, 20b) there is at least one separating device for separating component strips (12a, 12b) of the filter tow strip (7), particularly of the twin tow, wherein the separation device (21) includes at least two guide rings (22a, 22b), which are so mounted that they exert a normal force component on the component strip (12a, 12b).
8. A machine as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the separating device (21) includes at least one separating wedge (23) arranged in the conveying direction of the filter tow strip (10).
9. A machine as claimed in at least one of claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the separating device (21) includes two spreader nozzles, (20a, 20b), which are so arranged that they exert a normal force component on the component strips (12a, 12b), since their entry openings do not stand in a line.
10. A machine as claimed in at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that arranged downstream of the separating device (21) there is a force measuring device for measuring the tension directly in situ of the separated component strips (12a,12b).
11. A machine is claimed in at least one of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that a control device is provided, which acts such that the conveying speed of the individual component strips (12a, 12b) is controlled by way of the tension in the component strips (12a, 12b).
12. A method of producing filter tow strips (10), particularly in accordance with one of claims 1 to 6, in which at least two component strips (12a, 12b) of cross linked and crimped filaments (13) are connected by a region of lower cross-linking density (11), wherein the filaments (13) are mutually looped and/or hooked in the region of lower cross-linking density (11) and define intersection points (14) such that the maximum transverse separating force of the component strips does not exceed 20cN over a length of 20cm of the filter tow strip (10) and/or the number of the connecting filaments does not exceed 200 transversely hooking and/or transversely looping elements (13) over a length of 20cm of the filter tow strip when subjecting the filter tow strip (10) to the maximum transverse separating force.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1, particularly for producing a filter tow strip as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the component strips (12a, 12b) are arranged side to side and are crimped together.
14. A method as claimed in claim 12, particularly for producing a filter tow strip as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the component strips (12a, 12b) are conducted above one another so as to partially overlap and are so treated mechanically by needling or with an air jet or with a water jet that binding filaments are produced.
15. A method as claimed in claim 12, particularly for producing a filter tow strip as claimed in claim 6, wherein the component strips (12a, 12b) are conducted so as to overlap completely and are so treated mechanically by needling or with an air jet or with a water jet that binding filaments (13) are produced.
16. A method as claimed in at least one of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the filter tow strip is separated into the component strips (12a, 12b) and the separated component strips (12a, 12b) are inserted into different canisters or into a divided canister with a plurality of filling regions or into a single canister.
17. A method as claimed in at least one of claims 13 to 16, characterised in that the undivided filter tow strip (10) is inserted into a canister.
18. A method of producing filter rods from filter tow strips of cross-linked and crimped filaments, in which a filter tow strip (10), particularly twin tow, is conveyed through a preparation portion and a format portion, wherein the filter tow strip (10) has at least two component strips (12a, 12b) connected together by a region of lower cross-linking density (11) and the filaments (13) are mutually looped and/or hooked in the region of the lower cross-linking density (11) such that the filaments (13) define intersection points (14), wherein the component strips (12a, 12b) are separated before the format portion with a maximum transverse separating force, which does not exceed 20cN over a length of the filter tow strip of 20cm.

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