EP2227103A1

EP2227103A1 - Filter tow bale, method and device for producing a filter tow bale and filter tow strips

Info

Publication number: EP2227103A1
Application number: EP08866006A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paul Rustemeyer
Original assignee: Rhodia Acetow GmbH
Current assignee: Cerdia Produktions GmbH
Priority date: 2007-12-21
Filing date: 2008-12-04
Publication date: 2010-09-15
Also published as: RU2446725C2; JP2011510614A; AR069805A1; RU2010130478A; UA100134C2; JP5415447B2; KR20100101658A; US20100300468A1; TW200927001A; DE102007061933A1; WO2009083092A1; CA2710315A1; BRPI0819590A2; CN101925311A

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter tow bale (2) from compressed filter tow, which is characterized in that the filter tow bale (2) comprises at least two separate filter tow strips (1, 1') that are arranged together in layers.

Description

Filter tow bales.

Apparatus and method for producing a filter tow bale as well

Filter tow strips

The present invention relates to a filter tow bale having the features of the preamble of claim 1, an apparatus and a method for producing a filter tow bale and a filter tow strip.

A filter tow bale of the type mentioned is for example manufactured and sold by 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 laid loosely into jugs of several meters 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 discussion of the manufacturing process of Filter Tow is disclosed in the article CA Filter Tow for Cigarette Filter, Paul Rustemeyer, Macromolecular Symposia 208 (2004), 267-291.

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 spray box to triacetin ^¬ in which the Acetatoberfläche is solubilized and made tacky. In the format part of the filter rod machine, the filter tow band is shirred and on the cross section of the compressed future filter rod. The filaments stick together and form a three-dimensional spatial network structure with the filter hardness desired for further processing and the consumer.

To increase productivity, it is known for example from DE 43 20 317, which also goes back to the Applicant, to produce filter rods on double filter rod machines, in which two filter tow strands are processed in parallel and synchronously.

For a very constant quality of the filter rods, on the one hand, the filter tow strips should have similar properties and, on the other hand, should run as evenly as possible from the filter tow bale as well as run into the double filter rod machine.

The invention has for its object to provide a filter tow bale, which allows the most uniform drainage of filter tow strip and is suitable for use in a double filter rod machine. Furthermore, an apparatus and a method for producing a filter tow bale and a filter tow strip for such a filter tow bales are to be specified.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with respect to the filter tow bale by the subject-matter of claim 1, with regard to the device by the subject-matter of claim 10, with regard to the method by the subject-matter of claim 18 and with respect to the filter tow strip solved the subject of claim 21.

The invention has the advantage that spontaneous voltage increases of the filter Tows on the double filter rod machine are largely avoided by the separate filter tow strips, whereby the associated density fluctuations are minimized in the filter produced. In addition, the filters Tows can be made simultaneously and stored so that their properties are similar or identical, resulting in the production on the double filter rod machine to improved filter uniformity of both strands. In addition, the identical run lengths of the two filters reduce Tows production waste. For different filter tow lengths, for example due to the drainage of two different filters Tow bales, the process of inserting a new filter tow causes increased waste and machine downtime. The bale according to the invention also makes it possible to insert different filters Tows in the bales, so that, for example, filter rod machines for special filters can be supplied with two different Tows.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least two filter tow strips are chaotically piled in insertion paths, in particular in substantially parallel paths or in acute-angled zigzag paths in the bale. This embodiment is based on the general idea to arrange the two filter tow strips directed in bales, wherein the two strips form a web pattern. The web pattern can be constructed, for example, from essentially parallel webs or from acute-angled zigzag webs. The two filter tow strips are chaotically heaped along and within the webs, respectively. This means that in this embodiment, the chaotically piled filter tow strips each have a preferred direction or a dominant direction, which runs in batches in the web. The tracks thus each form imaginary lateral boundaries within which the chaotically heaped filter tow strips are arranged. Due to the web-like arrangement of the layered filter tow strips, the flow behavior of the strip is advantageously influenced by the bale.

The two filter tow strips can be arranged side by side in the filter tow bale substantially in parallel paths and have a distance which is at least 0 cm and at most less than half the bale width. At a distance of 0 cm, the filter tow strips or the webs within which the filter tow strips are arranged abut each other directly. The distance between the parallel tracks or the parallel strips can be> 0 cm and at most less than half the bale width. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least two filter tow strips are arranged overlapping at least in sections and have an overlapping region. The overlap area may have an overlap degree of 100% to> 0%. Subareas of this overlap area are also possible. At a degree of overlap of 100%, the filter tow strips or the webs within which the filter tow strips are arranged are completely superimposed. The filter tow strips can be stored in such a way in the bale, that the strips are arranged alternately at the top and bottom. In this case, the strip arranged below in a strip at the end of the bale has an inflection reversal in such a way that the strip, which is initially arranged below, is arranged on top of the returning path after the inflection point reversal. This results in a self-regulation that prevents the strips from leading, as the lower of the two strips has a higher tension if it wants to overtake the upper strip. Due to the arrangement of the strips, the lower one takes along the upper strip. After the turning point when running back the other strip is at the top, so that then the lower strip in turn has the greater tension and entrains the strip arranged above. Overall, this results in a self-regulation in the expiration of the two strips of the bale.

Further preferred embodiments of the filter tow bale according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

With regard to the device for producing a filter tow bale, the invention is based on the idea of providing an insertion device which cooperates with a can for depositing the filter tow and means for simultaneously producing or providing at least two separate filter tow strips. In this case, the separate filter tow strips by a single or a double insertion device layered together in the pot can be stored. In the context of the inventive method for producing a filter tow bale, in particular for processing in a double filter rod machine, at least two separate filter tow strips are produced or provided simultaneously, layered together in a can and pressed into a bale shape.

With the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention, the filter tow bale according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner.

Preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention or of the method according to the invention are specified in the subclaims.

A filter tow strip of crosslinked and crimped filaments, which is particularly suitable for a filter according to the invention, has at least two partial strips on, wherein the partial strips at least partially, in particular completely overlapping arranged and connected in the overlapping area by applying a mechanical surface force. Due to the easy connection between the two partial strips, which are otherwise considered as separate partial strips in the context of the invention, the flow behavior of the filter tow strip from the bale is positively influenced.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Show in it

1 shows a schematic cross section of two filter tow strips in different combinations A - E in the region of the insert;

2 shows a filter tow bale according to the invention during the course of the

Filter tow strip according to a preferred embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows a filter tow bale according to the invention during the expiration of

Filter tow strip according to another preferred embodiment; and

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the top of the bale surface, wherein the insertion track of two superimposed filter tow strip is shown.

Fig. 1 shows schematically different variants A - E for the combination of two filter tow strips 1, 1 ', whereby the combination of the two filter tow strips 1, 1' takes place before or during the insertion into a jug. The filter tow located in the pot is then pressed into a double tow bale 2.

The combined filter tow strips shown in FIG. 1 are located in the insert (not shown), in particular between the conveyor rollers of an inserter. This illustration is chosen for reasons of clarity, since the arrangement of the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'relative to each other there is particularly well clear. The Arrangement of the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'in the insert determines the arrangement of the two strips 1, 1' in the filter tow bale 2. This means that the strips 1, 1 'arranged parallel in the insert, as shown in the filter tow bale 2 are also arranged substantially parallel or in parallel paths. The superimposed strips 1, 1 'according to illustration B are also arranged one above the other in the bale or are stored in superimposed webs.

The filing of the filter tow strips in the pot and thus the arrangement of the filter strips in the pressed bale takes place in layers. The webs are arranged in a predetermined pattern, which results from the arrangement of the filter tow strip 1, 1 'in the insert and the leadership of the filter tow strip 1, 1' when inserting. Within the webs, the filter tow strips 1, 1 'are each chaotically heaped. The tracks follow a given pattern. By way of example, the webs are arranged parallel, completely overlapping or partially overlapping. The arrangement of the filter tow strips 1, V and the associated webs is explained in more detail with reference to the variants A - E according to FIG.

According to variant A in FIG. 1, the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'are arranged at a distance next to one another. The strips 1, 1 'are aligned parallel to one another, wherein the distance along the two strips 1, 1' remains substantially constant. The filter tow strips 1, 1 'may have a distance of 0 cm from one another, so that the filter tow strips 1, 1' directly touch. It is also possible for the distance between the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'to correspond to half the width of the double tow bale 2, so that one filter tow strip 1, V is assigned one half of the double tow bale 2. Also, all distance values between 0 cm and half the bale width or less than half the bale width are possible, in particular in the range between 0.5 cm and 20 cm, between 5 cm and 20 cm or between 5 cm and 10 cm.

According to variant B, the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'in length are completely overlapping combined. In this way, over the entire strip width forms a light connection between the two filter tow strip 1, 1 ', which allows a particularly uniform, synchronous running of the filter tow strip 1, 1' of the invention double tow bale 2. The two filter tow strips 1, 1 'can also, as shown in variant C, partially overlapping each other be combined, wherein the degree of overlap of the two filter tow strip 1, 1 'between 0% (variant A) and 100% (variant B) may vary. Even if a slight connection is established by the compression of the strips 1, 1 'arranged one above the other, the strips are regarded as separate strips 1, 1' in the sense of the invention.

According to a preferred variant D, the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'are arranged completely overlapping one another and folded in half lengthwise, so that the combined strip essentially consists of four filter tow layers. After inserting the combined strip not only a slight connection between the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'achieved by pressing the Double Tow bale 2 according to the invention with this variant, but also a slight connection of the two longitudinal halves of the first filter tow strip. 1 among themselves. By folding the combined strip is also achieved that from relatively broad filter tow strip 1, 1 'a relatively narrow and easy to handle combined strip is formed. This advantage is also provided by variant E, wherein the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'are folded into one another, i. the first filter tow strip 1 has a degree of overlap of 50% with the second filter tow strip 1 ', whereby the non-overlapping part of the first filter tow strip 1 is folded so that it overlaps on the overlapping part of the second filter tow strip 1 ', in particular with the overlap area congruent, rests. The outer, non-overlapping part of the second filter tow strip 1 'is also folded so that it comes to rest on the folded first filter tow strip 1. According to variant E, the connecting surface between the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'is particularly large, so that a relatively intensive and yet easy-to-release connection between the two filter tow strips 1, 1' is formed and thus to a particularly advantageous, uniform and synchronous running of the combined strip or the two filter tow strip 1, 1 'of the invention Double Tow bale 2 leads.

FIGS. 2 and 3 each show a double tow bale 2 according to the invention, wherein the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'according to variant A from FIG. 1 are arranged next to one another. A bale 2 with superimposed strips 1, 1 'or webs according to variant B would be handled according to FIG. 2. The distance between the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'in FIG. 2 is less than half the bale width, while the distance between the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'in the double tow bale 2 according to FIG. 3 corresponds exactly to half the bale width.

Furthermore, a drain device 3 with guide rings 4 is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, via which the first filter tow strip 1 and the second filter tow strip 1 'run off the bale 2 and are fed to a double filter rod machine (not shown). The two filter tow strips 1, 1 'are respectively arranged meandering in a plane in the double tow bale 2, wherein the distance between the two filter tow strips 1, 1' to one another is substantially constant. The embodiment according to FIG. 3 differs from FIG. 2 in that one half of the double tow bale 2 is assigned to a respective filter tow strip 1, 1 '. When inserting the filter tow strip 1, 1 'in the bale 2 so for example, the first filter tow strip 1 is inserted in the middle of the bale 2 starting meandering toward an outer edge in parallel paths, while the second filter tow strip 1' of a Beginning opposite outer edge, parallel to the first filter tow strip 1 meandering towards the center of the double tow bale 2 is inserted. This means that the two first laid webs have a distance to each other, which corresponds to half the bale width. Since the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'are arranged parallel to one another, the other respectively corresponding, parallel paths are spaced from each other by the amount of half the bale width.

In general, a filter tow bale 2 of compressed filter tow comprises at least 2 separate filter tow strips 1, 1 ', which are arranged in layers, preferably in the same layer. A filter tow bale with exactly two filter tow strips is also known as a double tow bale. Generally, the strips are each arranged together, in particular in pairs in a layer and together form a plane. In this case, a surface is considered to be the surface which is swept once by the filter tow or the corresponding inserter as part of a laying cycle. Within this level, it is possible that due to the accumulation of the individual filter tow strips, there is a local accumulation of several filter tow sections on top of each other, but they still lie in the plane swept over each lay cycle.

The filter tow bale is constructed of a plurality of corresponding layers or levels arranged one above the other, each by jointly depositing the two Filter tow strips are formed in a jug with subsequent pressing of the strips. The stripes over several layers are ideally formed throughout the entire bale throughout. The arrangement of the filter tow strips is carried out according to a predetermined pattern, which may vary depending on the process engineering requirements. The pattern results from the arrangement of the webs in which the filter tow strips are deposited in the pot and which can also be found in the bale 2 after pressing. The webs correspond to the preferred directions of the filter tow strips, which are chaotically piled within the webs or stored statistically rearranged. An example of a corresponding accumulation track is shown in FIG. It can be seen that two filter tow strips 1, 1 '(dotted line / solid line) are arranged substantially one above the other. The arrangement of the filter tow strips 1, 1 'does not mean that the two traces of accumulation are arranged exactly one above the other. On the contrary, when the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'are deposited, the accumulation track shown in FIG. 4 results, with the two filter tow strips 1, 1' having a common preferred direction. The insertion paths resulting from this preferred direction are arranged one above another in the example according to FIG. 4 and have an overlap degree of 100%. At lower degrees of overlap, for example at a degree of overlap of 50%, the two webs, within which the accumulation traces of the two strips 1, 1 'are arranged, are offset from each other in such a way that the splitting traces essentially overlap only in half. It is clear that in the case of statistically rearranged hemming, there are larger or smaller degrees of overlap in certain areas. However, it is important that, for example, at an overlap degree of 50%, the accumulation tracks or tracks at least predominantly run so that they lie in about half of each other.

The arrangement of the tracks or accumulation marks in the bale is essentially determined by how the filter tow strips 1, 1 'are arranged in the insert, in particular in the rollers of the insert. This arrangement is shown in the variants A - E according to FIG. 1. For example, in variant C (about 50% degree of overlap) results in a corresponding arrangement of the accumulation tracks or tracks in the compressed bale.

In addition to the parallel arrangement of the webs (overlapping or side by side), it is also possible to divergently arrange the webs such that the webs along their longitudinal extent diverge. In addition, an acute-angled zigzag arrangement of the insertion paths is possible.

The invention also includes bales with more than two separate filter tow strips, for example with 3 or 4 strips. The parallel arrangement of the filter tow strips 1, 1 'means that the webs in which the filter tow strips 1, 1' are arranged are arranged in pairs directly adjacent to each other or directly adjacent to each other in the bale. The tracks of the first and second filter tow strips 1, 1 'may be overlapping, directly adjacent, i. be arranged in abutment or parallel with a distance from each other. Preferably, the two filter tow strips 1, 1 'arranged overlapping in the bale 2 are inserted so that they enter into a light connection.

There are various possibilities for the simultaneous production or provision of the separate strips. It is possible to produce different independent strips in different independent crimping machines. Furthermore, various independent strips can be made within a single crimping machine, with the filter tow strips being guided in the crimping chamber with such a great distance that connection of the strips does not occur. Furthermore, a continuous strip can be produced, which is subsequently separated into two individual strips. There are various possibilities for this. The strip can be separated either in the crimping machine, after the crimping machine, on the way to the loading device or in the loading device. The fact that the separation of the strip is not carried out in the filter rod machine, it is avoided that the filter rod machine is contaminated by the resulting fiber fragments in the separation, so that the maintenance intervals of the filter rod machine can be increased.

The simultaneously produced separate filter tow strips are combined by a single and a double, or generally multiple insertion device (not shown) placed in the pot. The loading device is coupled to a correspondingly programmed control. The control of the loading device allows the storage of the two filter tow strips in the pot according to a predetermined pattern, for example in superimposed webs. The apparatus for producing a filter tow bale further comprises, in addition to the means for simultaneous production described above, a spinner for producing filaments, a crimping device for crimping the filaments, a dryer and the loading device which cooperates with the can for depositing the filter tow.

The separating device may comprise two guide rings spaced transversely to the conveying direction of the filter tow strip and a guide ring arranged upstream of the guide rings in the conveying direction. Alternatively or additionally, the separating device may comprise at least one separating wedge.

Instead of the simultaneous or synchronous production of the separate filter tow strips 1, 1 ', a jug can be charged with two separate filter tow strips, which are provided in the form of two individual bales. The individual bales can be provided for example in the form of broke bales. From the single bales, two strips are withdrawn and transferred together into a jug.

From the above description it is clear that the separate filter tow strips 1, 1 'can be produced in various ways, with no restriction on the number of filter tow strips, but more than two, for example three or four filter tow strips can be prepared or provided. The particular advantages of the exemplary embodiments according to the invention result from the fact that the filter tow strips 1, 1 'are deposited together in layers in the pot and pressed into bales. These filter tow bales have at least two separate filter tow strips which are arranged in batches together in layers.

The insertion of the filter tow strips in the double tow bales in such a way that the filter tow strips overlap, furthermore offers the advantage that the filter tow strips make a light connection with each other, which is achieved by pressing, ie by applying mechanical Pressure is effected. It has been found that such a loose connection between the filter tow strips allows a particularly uniform and synchronous running of the strips from the bale, so that density fluctuations in the manufactured filter strand are avoided. In this respect, a connected from partial strips filter tow strip is claimed, the relative low strength of the compound is determined by the fact that this is generated by applying mechanical pressure to the sub-strips, in particular during pressing of the bale.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1 first filter tow strip

1 'second filter tow strip

2 double tow bales

3 drainage device

4 guide rings

***

Claims

claims

1. Filter Tow bale (2) from compacted filter tow characterized in that the filter tow bale (2) at least two separate filter tow strip, in particular double tow, which are arranged in layers, preferably in the same layer.

2. Filter Tow bale (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two filter tow strips (1, I ¹ ) chaotically piled in tracks, in particular in substantially parallel paths or in acute-angled zigzag paths, are arranged in bales.

3. Filter Tow bale (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two filter tow strips (1, 1 ^* ) in the filter tow bale (2) are arranged side by side substantially in parallel paths and have a distance, the at least 0 cm and at most less than half the bale width.

4. Filter Tow bale (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two filter tow strips (1, I ^ are arranged overlapping at least in sections and have an overlap region.

5. Filter Tow bale (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the overlap region has an overlap ratio of 100% to> 0%, in particular from 90% to 10%, in particular from 80% to 20%, in particular from 70% to 30 %, in particular from 60% to 40%.

6. Filter Tow bale (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the filter tow strips (1, 10 are folded into each other and each having a folding edge.

7. Filter Tow bale (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the folding edges are arranged substantially one above the other.

8. Filter Tow bale (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the folded edges are arranged substantially opposite one another.

9. Filter Tow bale (2) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the folding edges of a filter tow strip (1, 10 each encloses the longitudinal edge of the other filter tow strip (1 ', 1).

Device for producing a filter tow bale (2) having an insertion device which cooperates with a can for depositing the filter tow, characterized in that means for the simultaneous production or means for providing at least two separate filter tow strips (1, I ¹ ) are provided, wherein the separate filter tow strips (1, 10 by a single or a double insertion device together in layers, preferably in the same layer, can be stored in the pot.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for simultaneously producing at least two filter tow strip (1, 10 more spinning machines or a multiple spinning machine include.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the means for simultaneously producing at least two filter tow strips (1, 10 more crimping machines or a Mehrfachkräuselmaschine, in particular a Doppelkräuselmaschine include, which with two separate filter tow strip (1, 10 fed becomes.

13. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the means for simultaneously producing at least two filter tow strips (1, 10 at least one separating device for separating the filter tow strip (1, 10 downstream of the crimping machine ,

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the separating device comprises at least two transverse to the conveying direction of the filter tow strip (1, 10 spaced guide rings arranged.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the two guide rings upstream of a guide ring in the conveying direction.

16. The device according to at least one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the separating device comprises at least one of the crimping machine downstream separating wedge.

17. The device according to at least one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the insertion device (3) comprises means for common storage of at least two filter tow strip (1, IQ in a pot.

18. A method for producing a filter tow bale (2), in particular for processing in a double filter rod machine, in which at least two separate filter tow strips (1, IQ simultaneously prepared or provided, layered together, preferably in the same layer, placed in a pot and pressed in bale shape.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the filter tow strips (1, IQ are stored at least partially overlapping in the pot.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the at least two filter tow strips (1, IQ are produced by separation of a common filter tow strip (1, IQ, wherein the separation in or after a crimping machine or before or during depositing done in the pot.

21. Filter tow strips of crosslinked and crimped filaments with at least two partial strips, wherein the partial strips at least partially, in particular completely, are arranged overlapping and connected in the overlap region by applying a mechanical surface force.

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