EP2798967B1 - Method for producing multi-segment filters for the tobacco-processing industry, and multi-segment filter manufacturing device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing multi-segment filters of the tobacco-processing industry. The invention further relates to a multi-segment filter manufacturing apparatus having a multi-segment filter assembler adapted to assemble groups of filter segments in cross-axial conveying, wherein a transfer device is provided which transfers the assembled groups of filter segments to a strand forming device, wherein the strand forming device longitudinally conveys the groups of filter segments longitudinally.

Out EP 1 427 299 B1 a device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters of the tobacco-processing industry is known in a strand process, wherein initially a cross-working assembling device is provided, a thereto downstream subsequent transfer device and a strand forming device. The transfer device discharges the formed groups of filter segments, which are conveyed transaxially, into a longitudinally conveyed strand.

DE 10 2009 054 801 A1 discloses a multi-segment filter production of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a conveyor for transferring groups of filter segments in the manufacture of multi-segment filters of the tobacco processing industry, wherein a spreading drum is provided, having movable members, the organs each having at least one trough for receiving a group of Have filter segments and wherein the organs are longitudinally displaceable longitudinally to the longitudinal axis of the respective trough. Here, an entire group of filter segments is spread relative to another group of filter segments located in another cross-axially spaced well.

US Pat. No. 5,875,824 discloses a method and apparatus for, among other things, producing activated carbon cigarette filters. For this purpose, filter elements or filter segments are spaced apart from each other and discharged into a longitudinal axial promotional conveyor. In the gaps between the filter elements is filled according to activated carbon granules. When in the US Pat. No. 5,875,824 A1 According to the disclosed device, it may happen that the distance between the filter segments varies minimally, whereby the volume of the gaps between the filter segments may differ from one another. This may result in gaps or chambers not completely filled with activated charcoal granules, so that smoke drawn through corresponding filters can pass the activated charcoal granulate so that the filter properties do not reach the optimum conditions could correspond.

DE 1 243 072 B discloses a method and apparatus for making filter rods or other rod-shaped articles consisting of at least two parts.

It is an object of the present invention to enable a more precise production of multi-segment filters, wherein in particular the size of a chamber or a gap provided between filter segments is defined and precisely kept constant or defined and precisely adjusted.

This object is achieved by a method for producing multi-segment filters of the tobacco-processing industry, wherein initially a stream of cross-axially funded groups of filter segments is formed, which are arranged along axial axial alignment with each other, then followed by a longitudinal axial displacement of at least one filter segment a gap in the group of filter segments is formed, and then the group of filter segments provided with the gap is transferred into a longitudinally axially conveyed filter strand, wherein at least two different filter segments, in particular longitudinally aligned with one another, are combined to form the stream of cross-axially conveyed groups of filter segments assembling the filter segments into a group of filter segments in self-contained functional units of a modular multisegment filter assembler and forming a gap into downstream of or arranged in the multi-segment filter assembly device transfer device, which is designed in particular as a module of the multi-segment filter assembly device, wherein the over dispensing the gapped group of filter segments to a strand forming device.

Here, for example, in Fig. 2 or in Fig. 3 of the EP 1 427 299 B1 be provided shown modular multi-segment filter assembly. The individual modules have there the reference numerals 61.1, 61.2, 605.1, 605.2 and 604. The transfer unit, which may also be designed as a module and may be part of the Multisegmentfilterzusammenstellvorrichtung or downstream connected to this, has in Figs. 2 and 3 of the EP 1 427 299 B1 the reference numeral 62. According to the invention, the group of filter segments is pulled apart in the transfer device, for example in a trough of a drum provided there so that a defined gap is formed.

Characterized in that first a group of filter segments is formed, which are arranged longitudinally axially aligned with each other, followed by an oblong displacement of at least one filter segment is then made to form a corresponding gap in the group of filter segments, the path is reduced to the transfer the group of filter segments with gap to the transfer to a strand, which is conveyed longitudinally axially, whereby on the way there the filter elements can jump by correspondingly reduced number of transfers of the group of filter segments less or their position can change less. As a result, a more precise formation of the gaps or chambers between the filter segments is possible. In particular, the extent of the gap, that is to say the distance between two filter segments adjoining the gap, can be predetermined.

Preferably, before forming a gap in the group of Filter segments the filter segments of the group spaced apart arranged. In this way, a desired large gap can be formed in a defined manner.

Preferably, the gapped groups of filter segments are wrapped in longitudinal axial conveying with a wrapping material strip and preferably fixed accordingly. The fixing can for example be done by applying an adhesive strip on the wrapping material strip, so that the filter segments applied thereto can no longer move.

Preferably, during the longitudinal axial conveying of the group of filter segments provided with gap, at least one gap is filled with a filter material, in particular a granulate. The filling thus preferably takes place during the longitudinal axial conveying of the group of filter segments, that is to say in strand formation or in the strand formed. The filling of the gap is preferably done before closing a wrapping material strip around the group of filter segments or around the filter strand.

Preferably, a gap is formed in the group of filter segments by spreading filter segments apart in a trough of a spreading drum. For this purpose, it is preferably provided to design the troughs of the spreading drum so that at least one section of each trough can be moved away from another section of the same trough. It can also be provided a mechanical element which can be introduced between two filter segments and can then be moved in the longitudinal axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective trough so as to space at least one filter segment from another filter segment. It can also be two parts of each Trough of the spreading drum to be designed longitudinally axially movable to a more variable design of the method according to the invention and to provide the device according to the invention.

The spreading drum is preferably arranged in the transfer device.

The outer filter segments of the group of filter segments are preferably guided and / or fixed in their position after the gap has been formed from the outside at the end faces of the outer filter segments by means of at least one positioning element. As a result, it is ensured that the filter segments can not move further outward than is desired from the tolerances specified here.

Preferably, the filter segments of the group of filter segments adjoining the gap are guided and / or fixed in their position by means of a positioning element. If this preferred embodiment of the method is selected, the filter segments are also restricted or fixed inwardly in their position.

The object is further achieved by a multi-segment filter manufacturing apparatus having a multi-segment filter assembling device configured to assemble groups of filter segments in cross-axial conveying, wherein a transfer device is provided which transfers the assembled groups of filter segments to a strand forming device, the strand forming device longitudinally conveying the groups of filter segments in that the transfer device comprises a spreading device by means of which a gap is formed or can be formed in the group of filter segments formed, the transfer device being designed to introduce the gapped group of filter segments into the strand forming device leave. By providing a gap in the transfer device, it is possible specifically to specify the positioning of the filter segments and thus the width of the gap precisely, without this could change significantly in the further process.

Preferably, the multi-segment filter assembly device comprises the transfer device or joins the transfer device downstream of the multi-segment filter assembly device.

Preferably, the spreading device is a spreading drum.

When downstream of the spreader drum is a wobble drum by means of which the filter segments of the group of filter segments are positioned or positionable after the gap has been formed, an even more precise adjustment of the size of the gap and the position of the gap is possible.

Preferably, the wobble drum comprises a positioning element which fits into the gap formed and has a longitudinal axial length which corresponds to the extent of the predetermined longitudinal axial extent of the gap desired in the filter strand. As a result, the size of the gap is set very precisely.

Preferably, the longitudinal axial position of the positioning element and / or the longitudinal axial extent of the positioning element can be predetermined and / or adjusted. As a result, a particularly high variability in the production of multi-segment filters with chambers or gaps between filter segments is possible.

In the context of the invention is under a gap between two filter elements also to understand a chamber.

In the context of the invention, multisegment filters which have a gap or a chamber are also to be understood as chamber filters or chamber multisegment filters.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine Draufsicht auf Elemente einer Multisegmentfilterherstellvorrichtung, die erfindungsgemäße und bevorzugte Varianten des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erläutern sollen.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive concept using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, reference being expressly made to the drawing with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. It shows:

Fig. 1

schematically a plan view of elements of a Multisegmentfilterherstellvorrichtung, the inventive and preferred variants of the method according to the invention are to explain.

In Fig. 1 schematically a Multisegmentfilterherstellvorrichtung 1 is shown. This includes a multi-segment filter assembly 10 and a strand forming device 11. The multi-segment filter assembly 10 comprises a first module 12 and a second module 13 and a transfer device 14. The transfer device 14 does not necessarily have to be part of the multi-segment filter assembly 10, but may be downstream, in cross-axial Connecting the conveying direction 26 to the multi-segment filter assembly 10.

In the context of this exemplary embodiment, however, the transfer device 14 is to be encompassed by the multi-segment filter assembly device 10.

The transfer device 14 transfers the cross-axially formed groups of filter segments, which have a gap 17, to a strand forming device 11, in which the assembled groups of filter segments are conveyed longitudinally in the longitudinal axial conveying direction 27.

First, filter segments 15 of a first sort are dispensed in the first module 12 on drums, not shown, and possibly still positioned. The cross-axially, ie transversely to the longitudinal axis of the filter segments 15 and 16, funded filter segments 15, which are preferably conveyed on respective drums or on a conveyor belt with wells, are transferred to the second module 13. In a drum or at a specific position of a conveyor belt in the second module 13, a filter segment 16 of a second kind is deposited to the filter segment 15. Subsequently, the filter segments 15 and 16 are pushed along the axial axis on a further drum or at another position of the conveyor belt by means of a positioning device 21, so that they are now without a gap. It is also possible to combine several identical or further different filter segments in this way, for example by providing further modules. For this purpose, reference is made in particular to the EP 1 427 299 B1 ,

The assembled filter segments 15 and 16, which are now referred to as a group of filter segments, each one group in a trough of the conveying element, for example a conveyor drum is arranged, are in a transfer unit 14th to hand over. There is in the embodiment of Fig. 1 Initially provided by a positioning device 21 of a conveyor drum 30 that the positioning of the filter segments 15, 16 as desired. In a subsequent spreading drum 31, the filter segments 15 and 16 are spread apart, so that a gap 17 results. In this embodiment, only the upper filter segment 15 is displaced in the direction of the spreading movement 22 upwards in the trough. The indication "upwards" concerns the Fig. 1 , In reality, the movement will preferably be horizontal or substantially horizontal or horizontal, since preferably the troughs on conveyor drums or the troughs on a conveyor belt are aligned horizontally and transversely or transversely to the conveying direction 26.

In order to achieve precisely defined positioning of the filter segments 15 and 16 or by the size of the gap 17, a wobble drum 32 with a positioning device 24 ensures that the filter segments 15 and 16 move in the direction of a positioning element 25 between the filter segments 15 and 16 is arranged to be moved or, if the position is already correct, be performed accordingly. In this way, a completely defined gap with regard to the length or the distance of the adjacent to the gap filter segments can be generated. The positioning movement 23 is represented by arrows. A wobble drum 32 is preferably used because it is most gentle to the end faces of the filter segments. The positioning device 24, which may be designed as a swash plate acting in each case outwardly on the end faces of the filter segments, preferably moves along with the movement of the drum 32. Thus, the faces of the filter segments 15 and 16 do not rub against the swash plates.

In order to maintain the positioning, positioning devices 21 are also provided in the accelerator drum 33, which ensure that the position of the filter segments is maintained. Subsequently, the groups of filter segments, including the gap, are transferred from a cross-axial conveying direction 26 in a longitudinal axial conveying direction 27 to form a filter strand 18 having corresponding chambers 19 or gapped groups of filter segments. In the longitudinal axial conveying direction 27 downstream of the introduction of groups of filter segments in the strand 18, a granulate 29 is introduced into the chambers 19 formed. This can be done according to the US Pat. No. 5,875,824 happen. Subsequently, a wrapping material is wrapped around the formed filter strand and glued according to, so that after a corresponding cutting of multi-segment filters n-times working length they can be further processed, for example cut into appropriate lengths are connected with tobacco sticks, and then to form filter cigarettes.

The chambers 19 can also remain empty, so that form hollow chamber filters. It can also be provided alternately to provide hollow chambers and filled with a material such as granules or capsules chambers. Other variants of multi-segment filters with corresponding chambers 19 or envisaged gaps between the filter segments can also be formed.

According to the invention filter segments are first assembled and then formed by repositioning the filter segments gaps or chambers between the segments. For this purpose, the filter plug or filter segments are first assembled without gaps and arranged in the correct order of the later filter.

In Fig. 1 is a horizontal line shown in dashed lines. This represents the centerline of a gap 17 after the gap has been formed. It can be seen that according to the embodiment at Fig. 1 the gap is formed by shifting only one filter segment in one direction. It can also be provided that two adjacent filter segments are displaced in each case in the opposite direction to one another in order to form a gap 17. The gap is generated in a transfer unit or transfer device 14, preferably in a spreading drum. The correspondingly generated gap is fixed by webs or positioning devices on the following drums and by external guides for the filter segments in their position relative to each other. The creation of the gap in the transfer device 14 has the advantage that the filter segments in the drum run do not pop and the drum run can be maintained in the modules of the multi-segment filter assembly.

All mentioned features, including those of the drawing alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features that are characterized in particular, preferably optional features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Multisegmentfilterherstellvorrichtung

10

Multi-segment filter collator

11

Strand forming device

12

first module

13

second module

14

Transfer device

15

filter segment

16

filter segment

17

gap

18

strand

19

chamber

21

positioning

22

spreading

23

positioning

24

positioning

25

positioning

26

transverse axial conveying direction

27

longitudinal axial conveying direction

28

Multi-segment filter rod

29

granules

30

conveyor drum

31

spreading drum

32

tumbling

33

accelerating drum

Claims (14)

1. Process for producing multi-segment filters of the tobacco processing industry, with first a flow of cross-axially conveyed groups of filter segments (15, 16) being formed, which are or shall be arranged aligned with one another according to the longitudinal axis, with then a gap (17) being formed in the group of filter segments (15, 16), with then the group of filter segments (15, 16) provided with the gap (17) being transferred into a longitudinally conveyed filter strand (18), with upon the formation of the flow of cross-axially conveyed groups of filter segments (15, 16) at least two different filter segments (15, 16) are combined, in particular longitudinally aligned with one another, with the combination of the filter segments (15, 16) to a group of filter segments (15, 16) taking place in independent functional units (12, 13) of a modularly constructed multi-segment filter combination device (10), with the transfer device (14) transferring the group of filter segments (15, 16) provided with gaps (17) to a strand forming device (11), characterised in that the formation of a gap (17) takes place by longitudinal motion (22) of at least one filter segment (15, 16) in a transfer device (14) located downstream of or in the multi-segment filter combination device (10).
2. Process according to Claim 1, characterised in that before the formation of a gap (17) in the group of filter segments (15, 16) the filter segments (15, 16) of the group are arranged without separation from one another.
3. Process according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the group of filter segments (15, 16) provided with a gap (17) are wrapped with a wrapping material strip during the longitudinal conveying.
4. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one gap (17) is filled with a material, in particular a granulate (29) or a capsule, during the longitudinal conveying of the group of filter segments (15, 16) provided with a gap (17).
5. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the transfer device (14) is made as a module of the multi-segment filter combination device (10).
6. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the formation of a gap (17) in the group of filter segments (15, 16) takes place by spreading (22) filter segments (15, 16) apart in a trough of a spreading drum (31).
7. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the outer-lying filter segments (15, 16) of the group of filter segments (15, 16) after the formation of the gap (17) are guided and/or fixed in their position from outside on the end surface of the outer-lying filter segments (15, 16) by means of positioning devices (21, 24).
8. Process according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the filter segments (15, 16) of the group of filter segments (15, 16) adjacent to the gap (17) are guided and/or fixed in their position by means of a positioning element (25).
9. Multi-segment filter production device (1) with a multi-segment filter combination device (10), which is designed to combine groups of filter segments (15, 16) in case of cross-axial conveying, with a transfer device (14) being provided, which transfers the combined groups of filter segments (15, 16) onto a strand forming device (11), with the strand forming device (11) conveying the groups of filter segments (15, 16) longitudinally, characterised in that the transfer device (14) includes a spreading device (31), by means of which a gap (17) is formed or can be formed in the formed group of filter segments (15, 16), with the transfer device (14) being made to deliver the group of filter segments (15, 16) provided with a gap into the strand forming device (11) .
10. Multi-segment filter production device (1) according to Claim 9, characterised in that the multi-segment filter combination device (10) includes the transfer device (14) or the transfer device (14) is connected downstream of the multi-segment filter combination device (10).
11. Multi-segment filter production device (1) according to Claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the spreading device (31) is a spreading drum
12. Multi-segment filter production device (1) according to Claim 11, characterised in that a whirling drum (32) is connected downstream of the spreading drum (31), by means of which the filter segments (15, 16) of the group of filter segments (15, 16) are positioned or can be positioned after the formation of the gap (17).
13. Multi-segment filter production device (1) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the whirling drum (32) includes a positioning element (25), which fits into the formed gap (17) and has a length along the logitudinal axis that corresponds to the predeterminable extension of the longitudinal extension of the gap (17) in the filter strand (18).
14. Multi-segment filter production device (1) according to Claim 12, characterised in that the longitudinal position of the positioning element (25) and/or the longitudinal extension of the positioning element (25) is predeterminable and/or adjustable.

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