EP2286681A1 - Device and method for manufacturing a filter strand for the tobacco industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a strand intake (2) supplying filter segments to a strand forming unit (4) for wrapping the segments with wrapping material strips. A sealing device (6) seals the strips along a seam. A suction device (8) is arranged before the sealing device and sucks air from a surrounding e.g. angular section, of the segments. The suction device is arranged in an area of a sleeve of the intake. The sleeve includes a guiding side, which faces towards the segments. The guiding side has a concave, guide surface adapted to a convex, surface curvature of the segments. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a multifilter strand from filter segments for a tobacco industry.

Description

The invention relates to a device for forming a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry from filter segments, with a strand inlet for feeding the filter segments to a strand forming unit for wrapping the filter segments with a wrapping material strip, and with a closing device for closing the wrapping material strip.

The invention further relates to a method for forming a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry from filter segments, comprising the steps of: the filter segments are fed by means of a strand run of a strand forming unit and the filter segments are wrapped in the strand forming unit with a wrapping material strip, the wrapping material strip is then closed.

Devices and methods of the aforementioned type are known from the prior art.

The object of the present invention is to improve devices and methods of the aforementioned kind.

This object is achieved by a device for forming a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry from filter segments, in particular for forming a Multifilterstrangs at least partially carbon filter particles and / or other granules having filter segments, with a strand inlet for feeding the filter segments to a strand forming unit for wrapping the filter segments with a A wrapping material strip, and with a closing device for closing the wrapping material strip, characterized by a suction device arranged in front of the closing device for sucking air from the surroundings of the filter segments.

The invention includes the recognition that particulates, in particular on the surface of the filter segments and / or on the surface of the wrapping material strip, may interfere with the closing of the wrapping material strip or at least may impair the appearance of the closed wrapping material strip, particularly in the region of its seam. These particles may in particular be coal particles made of carbon particle-enriched filter segments, which are also referred to as charcoal filters, or else other granules.

The invention further includes the recognition that such particles adhere with a certain force to the surface of the filter segments and / or on the surface of the wrapping material strip. With the aid of the aspiration of air according to the invention from the surroundings of the filter segments, this force is now overcome, so that the particles detach from the surface of the filter segments and / or on the surface of the wrapping material strip. As a result, it is advantageously achieved that neither the closing of the wrapping material strip is adversely affected by such particles, nor is the appearance of the closed wrapping material strip, in particular in the region of its seam, adversely affected by such particles. It is advantageous if a suction strength of the suction device is designed to suck off carbon particles, in particular adhering to the filter segments and / or the wrapping material strip, which are used in currently customary charcoal filters. The invention can also be applied to today's machine speeds, in which the filter segments move in the strand intake with at least about 400m / min.

Thanks to the present invention, the number of carbon particles trapped in the seam of the wrapping material strip has been reduced by a factor of about 100.

The negative pressure provided for suction is preferably set such that, on the one hand, only a tolerable number of particles remain on the surface of the filter segments and / or on the surface of the wrapping material strip, and on the other hand damage to the filter segments and / or the wrapping material strip is avoided by the negative pressure.

The invention can be developed by forming the closing device for closing the wrapping material strip along a seam, and wherein the suction device is designed to suck air from an angle section of the filter segments intended for the seam. As a result, in particular in the above sense, the force effect of the negative pressure on the filter segments and the wrapping material strips can be minimized since the negative pressure only has to be sufficient for the abovementioned angle section.

The suction device is preferably arranged in the region of the strand inlet, in particular in the region of an inlet finger of the strand inlet, further in particular in the conveying direction between a beginning of the inlet finger and the closing device. These positions represent advantageous positions of the suction device, since the invention has recognized that the filter segments are exposed to forces when entering the strand inlet, in particular in the inlet fingers, which in particular disturbing particles, especially the coal particles mentioned, from the filter segments, especially if this is Charcoal filter, solve. These particles therefore occur in this Increased area, so that a suction is useful especially in this area. In this case, if the inlet finger has a leading to the leading filter segments guide page, which has a, preferably convex, surface curvature of leading filter segments adapted, preferably concave, guide surface, the suction formed with a at least one of the guide surface side facing away from the inlet finger, preferably has a smallest possible cross-section, more preferably closed upstream, suction together. This represents an implementation of the suction device according to the invention which is easy to implement. The suction device may advantageously have a suction tube opening into the suction channel, which is advantageously arranged in an acute angle formed between a conveying direction of the inlet finger and a conveying direction of the suction tube, preferably at an angle from 30-60 degrees, more preferably from 45-60 degrees.

A device according to the invention is preferably further developed in that the inlet finger on the one hand has a leading to the filter segments leading side, which has a, preferably convex, surface curvature of leading filter segments adapted, preferably concave, guide surface, and on the other hand formed in its guide surface Has recess. This recess cooperates extremely advantageously with the suction device described above, since the invention has recognized that the filter segments when entering the strand inlet, in particular in the inlet finger, are acted upon by this with a pressure which is caused in particular by the so-called format strip, which Press filter segments from below on the strand inlet or inlet finger. Due to the recess according to the invention, this pressure on the filter segments is suddenly released, which results in a kind of trampoline effect. The surface of the filter segments or possibly also the surface of the wrapping material strips abruptly lifts when they enter the recess, so that the pressure on the Particle filter particles overcome the force with which they adhere to the respective surfaces and detach from the respective surfaces. This is very advantageous, since thereby the vacuum used for the suction no longer has to overcome this adhesive force, but only the gravity of the very light particles, such as Charcoalteilchen must overcome, to suck them. It is advantageous if the recess in the area, preferably directly below, the suction device is located.

The recess is advantageously sufficiently deep, i. in their depth to the behavior, in particular the weight of the particles to be dissolved, especially to that of coal particles, adapted so that a release of adhering to the filter segments and / or the wrapping material strip carbon particles is made possible. In this case, the recess preferably has a, seen in the conveying direction preferably at the beginning of the recess, the deepest depth of about 1-4 mm and / or a length of about 0.5 to 2 cm. These measures have been found to be optimal for dissolving those carbon particles found in current Charcoal filters.

In a further preferred development of the device according to the invention, the recess has a variable depth, preferably a downstream, more preferably continuously, decreasing variable depth.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for forming a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry from filter segments, in particular for forming a Multifilterstrangs from at least partially carbon filter particles having filter segments, comprising the steps: the filter segments are fed by means of a strand run a strand forming unit, the filter segments are in the wrapping material strip is wrapped with a wrapping material strip, the wrapping material strip is closed, characterized in that a suction of air from the environment of the filter segments is made before closing the wrapping material strip.

The method according to the invention can be developed by guiding the filter segments in the strand inlet by means of an inlet finger. Further, it is preferable if the wrapping material strip is closed along a seam and the suction of air from a section provided for the seam is carried out from the surroundings of the filter segments.

It is also advantageous if the suction of air from the environment of the filter segments in the region of the strand inlet is made.

It is desirable if, in the area of the strand inlet, a pressure acting on the filter segments, preferably abruptly, is changed, preferably reduced. It is advantageous if the suction is carried out in the region of the change in pressure.

Although it is in the perforating, ie an active insertion of holes, rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, from the own DE 3742250 A1 It is known to blow off or suck off the resulting dust, a suction of the type described in this invention has not been known in any form so far.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent by combining the preferred features discussed.

Further advantageous developments of the invention are specified in particular in the dependent claims.

Figur 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Figur 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht von schräg unten auf die erste Ausfüh- rungsform der Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Teils einer zweiten Ausfüh- rungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Figur 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten auf einen vorderen, in der Figur 3 rechts dargestellten Abschnitt des in Figur 3 dargestellten Teils der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Figur 5

eine schematische Schnittansicht der zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Figur 6

einen Blick schematisch von vorne, in der Figur 5 von rechts, auf die zweite Ausführungsform der Erfindung gemäß Figur 5; und

Figur 7

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch ein Filtersegment mit einem um das Filtersegment gewickelten, fast entlang seiner Naht geschlossenen Umhüllungsmaterialstreifen.

The invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

FIG. 1

a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2

a perspective view obliquely from below of the first embodiment of the FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

a schematic side view of a part of a second embodiment of the inventive device;

FIG. 4

a perspective view from below of a front, in the FIG. 3 right section of the in FIG. 3 illustrated part of the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5

a schematic sectional view of the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6

a view schematically from the front, in the FIG. 5 from the right, to the second embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 5 ; and

FIG. 7

a schematic sectional view through a filter segment with a wrapped around the filter segment, almost closed along its seam wrapping material strips.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the invention. In the FIG. 1 The device shown is a device 1 for forming a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry from in FIG. 7 The device 1 has a strand inlet 2 for feeding the filter segments 3 to a strand forming unit 4 for wrapping the filter segments 3 with a in FIG. 7 shown wrapping material strip 5, wherein the strand inlet 2 itself is part of the strand forming unit 4. Next, however, the strand forming unit at least one further downstream, in the FIG. 1 Closing device 6 shown on the left side for closing the wrapping material strip 5. In addition, the device 1 also has a suction device 8 arranged in front of the closing device 6 for sucking air from the environment of the filter segments 3 entering the strand inlet 2 of the strand forming unit 4. To guide the filter segments 3, the strand forming unit 4 further comprises a strand channel 10, which, as in FIG. 1 arranged by dots, to the left, ie downstream, can continue.

As in FIG. 1 shown, the suction device 8 in the region of the strand inlet 2 and in particular very front in the region of the strand inlet 2, ie in the FIG. 1 right at the beginning of the strand inlet 2, upstream of the closing device 6 is arranged. The suction strength of the suction device 8 is designed to suck off carbon particles adhering to filter segments 3 and / or to wrapping material strips 5 of the tobacco processing industry. However, the suction device 8 may also be designed to suck off other adhering to the filter segments 3 and / or the wrapping material strip 5 granules. The suction device 8 has a suction tube 12.

The suction tube 12 of the suction device 8 opens with its strandkanalseitigen end, as in the in FIG. 2 shown perspective view from below of the suction device 8 can be seen in a suction channel 14. In the FIG. 2 the strand channel 10 is omitted in order to look into the suction channel 14 from below. In the FIG. 2 the downstream end 16 is on the right. As the FIG. 2 Furthermore, the suction channel 14 is closed only in a first portion 18 on the strand channel 10 side facing away from the opening for the suction tube 12, while the suction channel 14 is partially open in a second portion 20 on the strand channel 10 side facing away. Alternatively, and not shown, the suction channel 14, however, on its entire in FIG. 2 shown to be completely closed in accordance with Section 18.

In a further alternative embodiment, not shown, the suction channel 14 at its in the FIG. 2 also shown left, upstream end also be closed.

The suction tube 12 of the suction device 8 opens in a manner in the suction channel 14, that the suction device 8 for sucking air from a seam, along which the wrapping material strip 5 of the closing is closed, provided angle portion of the filter segments 3 and the strand channel 10, in which the filter segments 3 move, is formed. In the in FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment sucks the suction tube 12 of the suction device 8, the air from a lying above the strand channel 10 located in the filter segments 3, about 60 degrees comprehensive angle section.

The suction pipe 12 of the suction device 8 is according to FIG. 1 in a stromwärts between in the FIG. 1 from right to left running conveying direction of the strand channel 10 and a direction indicated by the arrow 22 conveying direction of the suction tube 12 formed acute angle of about 60 degrees. Alternatively, however, other acute angles of 30 to 60 degrees, preferably from 45 to 60 degrees, can be selected.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a part of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention. In particular, the shows FIG. 3 a arranged in the region of the strand inlet 2 inlet finger 24. The inlet finger 24 has a in the FIG. 3 right beginning 26 and one in the FIG. 3 left end 28 shown on. The beginning 26 is upstream, while the end 28 is downstream. At the beginning of the 26 in the strand channel 10 moving filter segments 3 or other articles of the tobacco processing industry come into contact with a bottom 29 of the inlet finger 24. This bottom 29 is in the FIG. 4 for a front part 30 of the inlet finger 24 shown in perspective from below. The underside 29 is formed as a leading to the filter segments 3 leading side or guide surface 29. For this purpose, the guide surface on a convex surface curvature, which is adapted to leading filter segments 3. This convex surface curvature is for example in the FIG. 6 clearly visible.

Like from the Figures 3 and 4 is also clearly visible, the inlet finger 24 in the front region 30 has a trained in its guide surface 29 Recess 32. In the region of the recess is also a reduction in the width W of the guide surface 29 according to FIG. 4 available.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the second embodiment of the invention. According to FIG. 5 the suction tube 12 of the suction device 8 is located on a side of the inlet finger 24 facing away from the guide surface 29 of the inlet finger 24. The suction device 8 or its suction tube 12 continues to cooperate with its suction channel 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet finger 24 is for this purpose, as in FIG. 5 is shown schematically positioned in the suction channel 14.

The recess 32 in the inlet finger 24 is sufficiently deep to allow dissolution of carbon particles and / or other granules adhering to the filter segments 3 and / or the wrapping material strip 5. The recess 32 is at least partially below the opening of the suction tube 12. The deepest depth of the recess 32 is seen in the conveying direction, ie, for example, in the FIG. 5 seen from right to left, at the beginning of the recess 32 and is about 2 mm. The length of the recess 32 is about 2 cm. The recess 32 has a variable depth, as for example in the FIG. 3 is shown schematically. The depth of the recess 32 decreases downstream from continuously, as seen from FIG. 3 evident.

When carrying out the inventive method for forming a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry from filter segments 3, in particular for forming a Multifilterstrangs from at least partially coal particles and / or granules having filter segments 3, the filter segments 3 are fed by means of the strand inlet 2 of the strand forming unit 4, in the strand forming unit 4 with a wrapping material strip 5 is wrapped, wherein the wrapping material strip 5 is closed in the closing device 6, wherein before closing the wrapping material strip 5, a suction of air from the environment of the filter segments 3 in the strand channel 10 by means of the suction device 8 is made. The filter segments 3 in the strand inlet 2 within the strand channel 10 guided by the guide surface 29 of the inlet finger 24.

The suction of the air by means of the suction device 8 and in particular the suction tube 8 of the suction takes place along the seam, along which the wrapping material strip 5 is closed, the air approximately in an angular range of 60 degrees above the located in the strand channel 10 filter segments 3 in particular is made from the region of the recess 32 in the inlet finger 24 below the suction tube 12.

Due to the fact that the filter segments 3 in the strand channel 10 according to FIG. 1 run in from the right and then according to FIG. 5 led from the beginning 26 of the guide surface 29 of the inlet finger 24 and also easily pressed into the strand channel 10, it comes when entering the filter segments 3 in the area below the recess 32 of the inlet finger 24 to a sudden reduction of the not in the region of the recess 32 As a result of this sudden pressure reduction, the corresponding filter segment 3 also expands abruptly in the region of the recess 32, so that correspondingly located on the filter segments 3 coal particles or other granules directed away from the filter segment 3 away Impulse in the direction of the suction tube 12 of the suction experienced, from which these particles or granules can then be sucked.

FIG. 6 shows a view from the front, in the FIG. 5 from the right, to the second embodiment of the invention according to FIG. 5 , Clearly visible is the convex shape of the guide surface 29 of the inlet finger 24th

FIG. 7 shows a schematic sectional view through a filter segment 3, which standard has an envelope strip 3a. The filter segment 3 is furthermore shown with a wrapping material strip 5 wound around the filter segment 3 and almost closed along its seam. Above the resulting Seam is schematically indicated the minimum and maximum angular range, from which the air is sucked from the suction device 8.

Claims (15)

Device for forming a filter strand of the tobacco-processing industry from filter segments (3), in particular for forming a multifilament strand of filter segments (3) comprising at least partially carbon filter particles,
with a strand inlet (2) for feeding the filter segments to a strand forming unit (4) for wrapping the filter segments with a wrapping material strip (5), and
with a closing device (6) for closing the wrapping material strip (5),
characterized by a suction device (8) arranged in front of the closing device (6) for sucking air from the surroundings of the filter segments. Device according to claim 1,
wherein the closing means (6) for closing the wrapping material strip (5) is formed along a seam, and
wherein the suction device (8) is designed to suck off air from an angle section of the filter segments provided for the seam. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2,
wherein the suction device (8) in the region of the strand inlet (2) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 1-3,
wherein a suction of the suction device (8) for sucking, in particular to the filter segments (3) and / or the wrapping material strip (5) adhering, coal particles is designed. Device according to one of claims 1-4,
wherein the suction device (8) in the region of an inlet finger (24) of the strand inlet (2) is arranged. Device according to claim 5,
wherein the suction device (8) in the conveying direction (22) seen between a beginning (26) of the inlet finger (24) and the closing device (6) is arranged. Device according to one of claims 5 or 6,
wherein the inlet finger has a leading to the leading filter segments (3) facing side, which has a, preferably convex, surface curvature of the leading filter segments adapted, preferably concave guide surface (29), and
wherein the suction device (8) cooperates with a suction channel (14) formed at least on one side of the inlet finger (24) facing away from the guide surface (29) and preferably having the smallest possible cross-section, more preferably closed upstream. Device according to claim 7,
wherein the suction device (8) has a suction pipe (12) opening into the suction channel (14). Device according to claim 8,
wherein the suction tube (12) is arranged in an acute angle formed downstream between a conveying direction (22) of the inlet finger (24) and a conveying direction (22) of the suction tube (12), preferably at an angle of 30-60 degrees, more preferably from 45-60 degrees. Device according to one of claims 5-9,
wherein the inlet finger has a leading to the leading filter segments (3) facing side, which has a, preferably convex, surface curvature of the leading filter segments adapted, preferably concave guide surface (29), and
wherein the inlet finger has a recess (32) formed in its guide surface (29). Device according to claim 10,
wherein the recess (32) is sufficiently deep to allow dissolution of carbon particles adhering to the filter segments (3) and / or the wrapping material strip (5). Device according to one of claims 10 or 11,
wherein the recess (32) has a, as seen in the conveying direction (22) at the beginning (26) of the recess (32) lying deepest depth of about 1-4 mm and / or a length of about 0.5 to 2 cm. Device according to one of claims 10-12,
wherein the recess (32) has a variable depth, preferably has a downstream, preferably continuously, decreasing variable depth. Device according to one of claims 10-13,
wherein the recess (32) in the region, preferably below, the suction device (8). Method for forming a filter strand of the tobacco-processing industry from filter segments (3), in particular for forming a multifilament strand from at least partially carbon filter particles and / or granules having filter segments (3),
with the steps: the filter segments are fed by means of a strand inlet (2) to a strand forming unit (4), - The filter segments are wrapped in the strand forming unit (4) with a wrapping material strip (5), the wrapping material strip (5) is closed, characterized in that prior to closing of the wrapping material strip (5) a suction of air from the environment of the filter segments is made.

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