EP2805635A1 - Device and method for producing empty casings and empty casings for producing filter cigarettes - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for producing empty tubes, comprising a tipping paper feed (140) for applying a tipping paper (B) to double-length empty tubes (L) handed over by a strand unit (10) and having a cutting unit (155, 156) for producing the empty tubes ( K 1, K 2), in which the technical problem, the production variable and easier to make solved in that a cutting device (122, 123) for cutting the double-length empty tubes (L) in empty tubes (L 1, L 2) is provided in that a spreading device (137) is provided for producing a spacing between the empty tubes (L 1, L 2) and that the tipping paper feed (140) applies a tipping paper (B) to the spaced-apart empty tubes (L 1, L 2). The invention also relates to a method for the production of empty tubes and empty tubes per se.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the production of empty tubes, a method for the production of empty tubes and empty tubes for the production of filter cigarettes.

Empty tubes, so-called cigarette tubes have no tobacco, but one provided with a filter element inserted paper sleeve. These are later, for example, only filled by the consumer with tobacco.

In the production of empty tubes, double-length filter elements are first placed on a continuous paper strand in the strand unit by means of a filter feed. Subsequently, the filter elements are wrapped with the paper strand, so that a continuous strand of paper sleeves with inserted filter elements is formed. The continuous strand is then cut by the cutting device into double-length empty tubes.

In the strand unit, the double-length empty tubes are transported longitudinally or longitudinally due to production, ie in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the empty tubes. For further processing in the production unit, the double-length empty tubes are no longer transported axially, but instead transversely to their longitudinal axis, since the empty tubes are otherwise not efficient and damage-free machinable and further processed. Therefore, the strand unit has a transfer unit for transferring the empty tubes to a production unit.

The double-length empty tubes are usually transported in the production unit for further processing in arranged on the surface of rotating cylindrical drums troughs. The drums follow in one predetermined order on each other and the rotation of the drums is synchronized. The double-length empty tubes are arranged axially parallel to the axis of the drum.

The empty tubes are finished in the production unit. For this purpose, various manufacturing and, where appropriate, quality checking steps are carried out. For example, the double-length empty tubes are first wrapped with a usual way brown-colored covering paper and then cut centrally by means of arranged in the production unit cutting unit consisting of a cutting drum and a cutting blade. Thus, two empty tubes of desired length are produced. A subsequent quality control can then be checked, for example, a check of the empty tubes for any resulting holes or other damage.

In recent years, more and more filters are in demand on the market, which consist of at least two different filter sections or filter elements. Therefore, in the previously described production of empty tubes with filters used, specially made multi-part filters had to be used. This made the production of empty tubes in advance expensive and expensive.

In addition, filter cigarettes have been developed with so-called recessed filters in which the tipping paper protrudes in the axial direction beyond the end of the filter. Thereby, a cavity in front of the filter is formed by the surrounding tipping paper which is placed between the filter and the mouth of the user during use of the cigarette. However, such a filter arrangement has not been known in empty tubes so far.

The invention is therefore based on the technical problem of making the production of empty tubes variable, simpler and better. In particular, that exists technical problem in being able to produce empty tubes with multi-part filters and to allow the production of empty tubes with recessed filters.

The above-indicated technical problem is inventively achieved by a device for the production of empty tubes with a tipping paper supply for applying a tipping paper on passed by a Strangeinheit double-length empty tubes and with a cutting unit for producing the empty tubes, which is characterized in that a cutting device for cutting through the double-long Empty tubes is provided in empty tubes, that a spreader is provided for generating a distance between the empty tubes and that the tipping paper supply applies a tipping paper on the spaced empty tubes.

This results according to the invention, a gap between the two separate and spaced-apart empty tubes, which is surrounded by tipping paper. Within this space, at least one further filter element can be arranged. Alternatively or cumulatively, the intermediate space can also be used to form a recessed filter of the type described above, ie to form a cavity formed between the filter and the user's mouth by the tipping paper.

The device according to the invention essentially corresponds to a device also referred to below as a production unit, but it may also have a strand unit.

According to a preferred first aspect of the present invention, a filter supply for supplying and arranging a second filter element between the two empty tubes is provided and the tipping paper supply is provided for applying a tipping paper on the spaced apart empty tubes and the second filter element.

Thus, according to the invention used in the double-length empty tube filter element in the production unit not only as previously cut after the application of the tipping paper and thus produces individual empty tubes, but already cut before applying the tipping paper and provided with a second filter element to empty tubes with a double Make filter element.

In a preferred manner, the first filter element processed in the strand unit consists of an activated carbon filter material and the second filter element used in the production unit consists of an acetate filter material. In addition to these two materials, also crepe filter materials and hollow filters can be used. The device according to the invention makes it possible in a simple manner to change the materials of which the two filter element consist. Because this requires only a change of the supplied material, which is then processed in an identical manner. As a result, despite the increased complexity of the device, a great variability in its application is achieved.

Preferably, the filter feed arranges the second filter element after cutting the double-length empty tubes between the separate empty tubes. Thus, two different filter materials can be combined.

Furthermore, a second filter feed can arrange two third filter elements between the second filter element and in each case one empty tube. Thus, three different filter materials can be combined, namely the processed in the strand unit first filter element, the second filter element and the two third filter elements, which are used in the manufacturing unit. This results in empty tubes with a triple filter. The three filter elements can be selected from the group of acetate filters, activated charcoal filters, creping filters and hollow filters and combined in a suitable manner.

It is further preferred that the cutting unit cuts through the unit formed by the tipping paper from the empty tubes, the second filter element and possibly the third filter elements in the region of the lining paper, in particular centrally in the region of the second filter element. Thus, the separate empty tubes, the second filter element and the two third filter elements are first connected together by the applied tipping paper to form a unit. This unit is then separated in the region of the centrally arranged second filter element, so that empty tubes are produced with a triple filter.

Preferably, a quality control follows, in which the finished empty tubes can be examined for predetermined quality parameters such as the presence of holes or other damage, tightness of the filter assembly, roundness of the empty tube and / or length deviation.

For cutting through the centrally arranged second filter element, a cutting unit is used, which preferably has a cutting blade cooperating with a cutting drum, the cutting blade forming the unit formed by the tipping paper from the empty tubes, the second filter element and possibly the third filter elements in the region of the lining paper, especially cuts through the middle.

According to a further preferred second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the cutting unit cuts through the tipping paper in the area between the spaced-apart empty tubes without a filter element being arranged there. Thus, empty tubes with tipping paper with a recessed filter, since the tipping paper protrudes beyond the end of the filter of the original empty tube and forms a laterally open cavity.

Preferably, in this embodiment, a filter feed for supplying a second filter element and possibly a second filter supply for supplying third filter elements are provided and between the at least one filter feed and the Tufts paper supply are provided a cutting device for severing the second filter element and a spreading device for generating a distance between the second filter elements.

Thus, the described device can produce empty tubes with multiple filters and a design of a recessed filter.

The device described above initially has only one production unit, which is fed by means of a strand feed double-length empty tubes. However, the device according to the invention can also have the strand unit for producing double-length empty tubes with inserted filter elements themselves, so that the device is designed in two stages and is suitable for the entire production of the empty tubes according to the invention.

The technical problem indicated above is also achieved by a method for producing empty tubes, are cut in the double-length empty tubes with inserted filter elements in the filter element used and two empty tubes are formed, in which the two empty tubes are spaced from each other, in which a tipping paper is applied for connecting the separate empty tubes and in which the tipping paper is cut in the area between the empty tubes.

Preferably, a second filter element is disposed between the empty tubes, then the tipping paper is applied for connecting the empty tubes with the second filter element and finally the tipping paper is cut through in the region of the second filter element.

With this method, empty tubes with a double filter can be produced in a simple and improved manner. Thus, different, different acting filter materials can be combined to in the Proper use of the empty tubes to achieve a suitable combination of filter effects.

In particular, a third filter element is used in each case before the application of the lining paper between the second filter element and the empty tubes. In this way, a production of empty tubes with a triple filter is possible.

The method according to the invention described above can also be further developed by cutting the unit formed by the tipping paper from empty tubes in the area of the tipping paper between the spaced-apart empty tubes. Thus creates a tamping paper and the filter element of the original empty tube laterally open space, so that a Rezessfilter is formed.

In particular, it can also be provided here that a second filter element is arranged between the original empty tubes resulting from the strand unit, that the second filter element is cut through and the two sections of the second filter element are spaced from one another that a tipping paper for connecting the empty tubes with the two parts of the second filter element is applied and that the tipping paper is cut through in the region between the two parts of the second filter element.

Furthermore, in each case a third filter element can be arranged in the manner described above between the second filter elements and the empty tubes.

This method therefore serves to form an empty tube with a single or multiple filter element and with an open cavity recessed filter of the type described above.

The above-indicated technical problem is also due to an empty tube for the production of filter cigarettes with a paper tube, with a filter element, the is surrounded by the paper tube, and with a tipping paper for receiving the paper sleeve in the region of the filter element, achieved in that the tipping paper protrudes in the axial direction over the end of the paper tube and over the end of the filter element.

The empty tube according to the invention is characterized by the arrangement of the lining paper relative to the paper tube. The paper sleeve and the filter element surrounded by it is initially produced as a double-length empty tube within a strand unit. Subsequently, the double-length empty tubes are cut at the beginning of one of the methods described above within the production unit to two empty tubes with the paper sleeve completely surrounded filter. If the tipping paper is then applied and severed in such a way that the tipping paper protrudes from the paper sleeve, a space is created which can be used for additional functionalities of the empty tube.

On the one hand, this space can accommodate at least one further filter element in order to produce a multiple filter. On the other hand, the space can at least partially be used to form a recessed filter, either only with the filter element already present in the paper tube or with at least one further filter element.

A preferred embodiment of the invention thus consists in that the first filter element surrounded by the paper sleeve has a first diameter, that at least one further filter element is provided with a second diameter and is surrounded by the tipping paper and that the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.

This design with filter elements with different diameters results from the manner of producing the empty tube, as has been described above with reference to the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention. The first filter element with a first diameter is wrapped during the production of double-length empty tubes in the strand unit of the paper tube, which has a corresponding paper thickness. The further attached second and possibly third filter elements and the filter elements surrounded by the paper sleeve are enveloped only by the tipping paper, so that the second and possibly the third filter element have a second paper pulp larger by two times the paper diameter of the second diameter.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is that the tipping paper protrudes only in the axial direction over the end of the paper tube and over the end of the filter element, without another filter element is provided. Thus, empty tubes can be made with recessed filters in a simple manner.

Preferably, at least two filter elements are provided and the tipping paper protrudes in the axial direction over the end of the outer filter element. Thus, empty tubes are specified, which are provided with a Rezessfilter consisting of one or more filter elements.

Fig. 1

eine Strangeinheit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Leerhülsen,

Fig. 2

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Fertigungseinheit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Leerhülsen,

Fig. 3a

eine graphische Darstellung der Positionen der Filterelemente während der Herstellung der Filterelemente in der ersten Filtereinheit,

Fig. 3b

eine graphische Darstellung der Positionen der Filterelemente während der Herstellung der Filterelemente in der zweiten Filtereinheit,

Fig. 4

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Fertigungseinheit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Leerhülsen,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung der Herstellung von doppeltlangen Leerhülsen mit einer Strangeinheit,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Fertigstellen von Leerhülsen mit doppelten Filtern,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Fertigstellen von Leerhülsen mit dreifachen Filtern,

Fig. 8

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Fertigungseinheit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Leerhülsen mit Rezessfiltern,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung eines dritten erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Fertigstellen von Leerhülsen mit Rezessfiltern,

Fig. 10

im Querschnitt eine erfindungsgemäße Leerhülse mit einem Rezessfilter hergestellt mit einem Verfahren nach Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Fertigungseinheit einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Leerhülsen mit Dreifachfiltern und Rezessfiltern,

Fig. 12

eine schematische Darstellung eines vierten erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zum Fertigstellen von Leerhülsen mit Dreifachfiltern und Rezessfiltern,

Fig. 13

im Querschnitt eine erfindungsgemäße Leerhülse mit einem Dreifachfilter und Rezessfilter hergestellt mit einem Verfahren nach Fig. 12 und

Fig. 14

im Querschnitt eine erfindungsgemäße Leerhülse mit einem Dreifachfilter hergestellt mit einem Verfahren nach Fig. 7.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing show

Fig. 1

a strand unit of a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes,

Fig. 2

A first embodiment of a production unit of a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes,

Fig. 3a

a graphical representation of the positions of the filter elements during the manufacture of the filter elements in the first filter unit,

Fig. 3b

a graphical representation of the positions of the filter elements during the manufacture of the filter elements in the second filter unit,

Fig. 4

A second embodiment of a production unit of a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of the production of double-length empty tubes with a string unit,

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of a first method according to the invention for completing empty tubes with double filters,

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a second method according to the invention for completing empty tubes with triple filters,

Fig. 8

A third embodiment of a production unit of a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes with recessed filters,

Fig. 9

a schematic representation of a third method according to the invention for completing empty tubes with recessed filters,

Fig. 10

in cross section an empty tube according to the invention with a recessed filter produced by a method according to Fig. 9 .

Fig. 11

A fourth embodiment of a production unit of a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes with triple filters and recessed filters,

Fig. 12

a schematic representation of a fourth method according to the invention for completing empty tubes with triple filters and recessed filters,

Fig. 13

in cross section an empty tube according to the invention with a triple filter and recessed filter produced by a method according to Fig. 12 and

Fig. 14

in cross section an empty tube according to the invention with a triple filter produced by a method according to Fig. 7 ,

Based on Fig. 1 and 2 a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes is described, wherein Fig. 1 a string unit 10 and the Fig. 2 and 4 each show a manufacturing unit 100 according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a strand unit 10 with a paper feeder 20 and with a filter feed 30. The paper feeder 20 is provided for feeding a paper strand 21, which in Fig. 1 a side view is shown. The transport direction of the paper strand 21 extends in Fig. 1 from right to left.

The filter feed 30 for feeding filter elements F has a filter magazine 31, a filter cutting drum 32 with not shown cutting blades, a staggering drum 34, a sliding drum 35, an accelerator drum 36 and a Einlegerad 37. Each of said drums or the Einlegead has its own drive shaft (in Fig. 1 each to the left above) on.

The drums 32, 34 and 35 and the Einlegad 37 have receiving troughs for receiving the filter elements F, which are provided with vacuum openings, which adhere to the transferred elements. After a circulation over a predetermined angular range, for example, of 180 °, the negative pressure is automatically turned off and an adjacent drum, which is also provided with such receiving wells, takes over the elements.

In the filter magazine 31, filter rods made of the material of the filter elements are positioned and stacked so as to be aligned parallel to the axes of the drums are. The arranged on the surface of the filter cutting drum 32 receiving troughs take from the filter magazine 31, the filter rods and transport them to the cutting blades, whereby the filter rods are cut, for example, in four filter elements F.

The filter elements F are then transferred to the staggering drum 34, which separates the four filter pieces F so far that they can be received in the transfer to the sliding drum 35 each in a separate receiving trough.

During the partial circulation on the sliding drum 35, the filter pieces are moved along the receiving troughs, so that they lie in the same direction before the transfer to the accelerator drum 36 in the same direction. Various mechanical or pneumatic techniques known from the prior art can be used for the displacement.

The accelerator drum 36 accelerates the filter elements F to a higher rotational speed and consists essentially of two discs arranged offset to one another.

The insert wheel 37 takes over the filter drum F transferred from the accelerator drum 36 and transports it during the further rotation, for which purpose a receiving recess with vacuum openings is provided on the outside, to which the transferred filter elements adhere.

If the filter elements after half a turn in Fig. 1 Once they have arrived at the bottom, they are transferred to the paper strand 21 by automatically switching off the vacuum supply in this angular position. In this case, the rotational speed of the loading wheel 37 is adjusted so that the rotational speed of the filter elements F coincides with the web speed of the paper strand 21. Thus, the filter elements F and the paper strand 21 at the transfer no relative speed to each other.

In the transport direction of the paper strand 21, a gluing unit 40, a pattern set 42, in which the paper strand is placed around the filter elements around and a continuous sleeve is formed, a heating and drying unit 44 for drying and curing of the adhesive and measuring means 46 for checking the quality of resulting continuous strand 50 of paper sleeves with inserted filter elements.

This is followed by a cutting device 60, which carries a rotatable knife carrier with two knives, which cuts through the continuous strand 50 at predetermined positions during the rotation and thus produces double-length empty tubes L.

The double-length empty tubes L are then transferred to a transfer unit 70, the suction arms 72 receive the empty tubes. The suction arms 72 are guided in a known manner on an elliptical path, so that the in Fig. 1 horizontal movement of the empty tubes L in a vertical movement at the left edge of the transfer unit 70 is transferred. At this point, the transfer of double-length empty tubes L takes place to the manufacturing unit 100.

Fig. 2 shows a manufacturing unit 100 of an inventive device for the production of empty tubes. The production unit 100 has an empty tube feed 120, a filter feed 130, a tipping paper feed 140, a production unit 150 and an output unit 170.

The production unit 100 now has first an empty tube feed 120 for feeding two separate empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ . The take-up drum 121 takes the double-length empty tubes L of the in Fig. 1 1 and transfers the double-length empty tubes L to the cutting drum 122. During the partial circulation of the double-length empty tubes L with the cutting drum 122, a cutting knife 123 then divides the empty tube L into two Empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ , each having a portion of the filter element F. The sections are hereinafter referred to as filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ and are preferably the same length. The cutting drum 122 may also be formed as a wobble drum at the same time during the partial circulation to align the double-length empty tubes L for precise cutting at a predetermined location by means of the cutting blade 123 in the receiving wells.

The manufacturing unit 100 further comprises a first filter feed 130 for feeding second filter elements G consisting of a filter magazine 131, a filter cutting drum 132 with three cutting knives 133a, 133b and 133c, a staggering drum 134, a sliding drum 135, an accelerator drum 136, an expanding drum 137 and a feed drum 138. The Fig. 3a also shows a schematic representation of the result of the positions of the filter elements. In the Fig. 3a is indicated by a vertical dotted line a center plane of the manufacturing unit 100, in which the double-length empty tubes are separated after assembly with the second filter elements G in a later process step.

In the filter magazine 131, filter rods made of the material of the second filter elements are positioned and stacked so as to be aligned parallel to the axes of the drums, which corresponds to the step a) in FIG Fig. 3a equivalent.

The receiving cavities arranged on the surface of the filter cutting drum 132 take over the filter rods from the filter magazine 131 and transport them to the three cutting knives 133a, 133b and 133c, whereby the filter rods are cut into four filter elements G. This corresponds to step b) in FIG Fig. 3a , The number of cutting blades can be variable and adapted to the empty tubes to be produced.

The four filter pieces are then transferred to the staggering drum 134, which consists of four sub-drums which are driven at different rotational speeds become. Thus, the four filter pieces are separated so far that they can be included in the transfer to the sliding drum 135 each in a separate receiving trough. This corresponds to step c) in FIG Fig. 3a ,

During the partial circulation on the sliding drum 135, the filter pieces are moved along the receiving troughs so that they are in the same position in the axial direction before being transferred to the accelerator drum 136. This corresponds to step d) in FIG Fig. 3a , Various mechanical or pneumatic techniques known from the prior art can be used for the displacement.

The accelerator drum 136 has a larger peripheral speed than the shift drum 135, so that the speed of the filter elements G is adapted to the subsequent processing speed. This will be done in step e) in Fig. 3a represented by a larger distance between the filter elements G.

On the other hand, the spreading drum 137 pushes apart the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ , which have been transferred from the cutting drum 123 of the empty tube feed 120. For this purpose, the spreading drum 137 has two separate drum elements, which are arranged at an angle to each other and diverge after receiving the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ and cause the spreading of the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ .

The feed drum 138 takes over the separate empty tubes L ₁ and L _{2 transferred} from the spreading drum 137 and the filter elements G transferred from the accelerator drum 136. Thus, the components of the double-length empty tubes are joined together, which are subsequently connected to one another.

Finally, a spreading drum 139 is provided for cooperation with a second filter unit 180, which will be explained in more detail below.

The production unit 100 further has a tipping paper feed 140 for feeding tipping paper sections, which consists of at least one reel 141, a gluing unit 142 and a cutting unit 143.

The tipping paper sections are also referred to as filter paper and are usually made of brown colored paper. They are separated by a paper strip, which is unwound from one of the two reels 141a, 141b and partially applied with a glue in the gluing unit 142, by means of the cutting unit 143.

The subsequent production unit 150 has a transport drum 151, a rolling drum 152 with guide element 153, a transfer drum 154 and a cutting unit consisting of a cutting drum 155 with a cutting blade 156.

The transport drum 151 takes over the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ together with the inserted second filter element G from the feed drum 138. During circulation with the transport drum 151, a glued covering paper section is transferred from the tipping paper feed 140 as tipping paper B to the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ with the filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ and filter elements G placed so that the filter elements contained therein F ₁ and F ₂ and G are wrapped.

The unit of empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ , filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ and G and tipping paper B is then transferred to the roller drum 152, on which it comes into contact with a guide element 153 during the circulation and is forced to roll. As a result, the tipping paper over the entire circumference of the unit comes to rest.

The double-length empty tube K with glued-on tipping paper B is subsequently transferred from the transfer drum 154 to the cutting drum 155 and divided into two finished empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ by means of the cutting blade 156. In this case, the cutting blade 156 is preferably arranged in the center plane of the device 100. The cutting drum 155 is also designed as a tumbling drum to align the handed over double-length empty tubes K for precise cutting at a predetermined location in the receiving troughs.

The transfer drum 154 can also be used to introduce a perforation of the paper in the region of the filter elements by means of a laser device (not shown) in order to be able to change and adjust the suction properties of the empty tube.

An output unit 170 connects to an output drum 171, which takes over the two separated empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ and transfers them to an output conveyor 172 or to an output shaft.

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of a manufacturing unit 100, which like the in Fig. 2 shown manufacturing unit and additionally has a second filter supply 180 for supplying third, spaced-apart filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ at predetermined positions.

Fig. 3b shows a schematic representation of the result of the positions of the filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ . In Fig. 3b is again indicated by a vertical dotted line a center plane of the device 10, in which the double-length empty tubes K are separated by the cutting blade 156 during further processing.

The filter feed 180 has a filter magazine 181, a first filter cutting drum 182 with cutting blades 183a, 183b and 183c, a staggering drum 184, a sliding drum 185 and a second filter cutting drum 186 with a cutting blade 187. Finally, the second filter feed 180 also includes the spreading drum 139, which is arranged inside the first filter unit 130. Of Furthermore, two transport drums 189a and 189b are provided which transfer the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ from the cutting drum 122 to the spreading drum 137. The two transporting drums 189a and 189b serve solely to span a space above, so that the above-mentioned elements of the second filter feed 180 can be arranged. By another arrangement of the empty tube feeder 120, the transport drums 189a and 189b may also be omitted.

The filter cartridge 181 stores a plurality of filter rods of another filter material, which are received by the first filter cutting drum 182 in the manner described above of receiving wells. This corresponds to step f) in FIG Fig. 3b ,

During circulation on the first filter cutting drum 182, the cutting knives 183a, 183b and 183c cut the filter rods into four filter pieces. This corresponds to the step g) in Fig. 3b , The number of cutting blades can be variable and adapted to the empty tubes to be produced.

The four filter pieces are then transferred to the staggering drum 184, which consists of four sub-drums which are driven at different rotational speeds. Thus, the four filter pieces are separated so far that they can be included in the transfer to the sliding drum 185 each in a separate receiving trough. This corresponds to step h) in FIG Fig. 3b ,

During the partial circulation on the sliding drum 185, the filter pieces are moved along the receiving troughs so that they are in the same position in the axial direction before being transferred to the second filter cutting drum 186. This corresponds to step i) in FIG Fig. 3b , Various mechanical or pneumatic techniques known from the prior art can be used for the displacement.

Subsequently, the filter pieces are received by the second filter cutting drum 186 and separated during the rotation by the cutting blade 187. The two filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ thus produced are transferred to the following spreading drum 39. This corresponds to the step j) in Fig. 3b ,

During the circulation on the spreading drum 139, the two filter elements H ₁ and H _{2 are} pushed apart to be transferred to the accelerator drum 136 of the first filter supply 130 at predetermined axial positions. This corresponds to step k) in FIG Fig. 3b , The distance between the third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ is slightly larger than the length of the second filter element G, so that in the following between the two filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ each have a second filter element G can be arranged.

The accelerator drum 136 has a higher rotational speed than the spreading drum 139, so that the filter elements to adapt to the processing speed in the subsequent steps. The greater speed is in step 1) in Fig. 3b shown with larger vertical distances.

An arrangement of a second filter element G in the center and third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ adjacent thereto at both ends thus results on the accelerator drum 136.

In this arrangement, therefore, the second filter element G is disposed between the second filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ and the empty tube feed 120 leads the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ including the first two filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ adjacent to the third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ , between which the second filter element G is arranged. From this, a double-length empty tube K is then produced in the production unit 150 in the manner described above by adhering a tipping paper B. Subsequently, then - as already on the basis of Fig. 2 has been described - the cutting of the double-length empty tube K in the two finished empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ , which are passed to the output unit 170.

The course of the inventive method for the production of empty tubes is described below with reference to the Fig. 5 to 7 explained in more detail.

Fig. 5 shows that in the strand unit described above, first of all a continuous strand 50 of empty tubes with inserted filter elements F is produced. The dashed vertical lines indicate the positions at which the continuous strand 50 is to be cut through. As described above, the cutting is done by means of the cutting device 60. Thus, FIG Fig. 5a the state of the continuous strand of empty tubes before entering the cutting device 60th

The cutting device 60 is synchronized with the filter feed 30 so that the continuous strand is severed at the dot-dash lines, whereby the in Fig. 5b double-length empty tubes L shown with inserted filter elements F are generated. As can already be seen from the dashed lines in Fig. 5a as well as by the representation of the double-length empty tubes L in Fig. 5b results, the continuous strand is cut through at a symmetrically arranged between two filter elements F position in double-length empty tubes L. In this way, double-length empty tubes L are produced with inserted filter elements F.

At the end of the strand unit, the double-length empty tubes are transferred to the production unit, in which the process steps according to Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 be performed.

Fig. 6 shows a first example, as the double-length empty tubes L in the manufacturing unit 100 according to Fig. 2 are processed. The vertical dot-dash line shows the vertical center plane M of the production unit 100, to which all drums and other units of the manufacturing unit 100 are aligned.

According to Fig. 6a the double-length empty tubes L are arranged symmetrically to the center plane of the production unit, so that the filter elements F are arranged symmetrically to the median plane.

According to Fig. 6b the double-length empty tubes are cut through in the region of the filter element used and two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ formed, whereby the filter element F is divided into two parts, which are further referred to below filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ . As indicated by the two arrows, the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ are separated horizontally, so that a gap between the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ is formed.

To Fig. 6c is placed between the empty tubes L ₁ and L _2, a second filter element G. According to Fig. 6d the empty tubes L ₁ and L _{2 are} brought into contact with the second filter element G, which is indicated by the two arrows. This results in a unit of empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ with the filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ and the second filter element G.

Fig. 6d further shows that a tipping paper B is applied for connecting the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ to the second filter element G and is rolled so that a double-length empty tube K is again formed, such as Fig. 6e shows.

According to Fig. 6f the unit formed by the tipping paper B from empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ with the filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ and the second filter element G in the region of the lining paper B, in particular cut through the middle. This then results in two finished empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ . These are separated from each other, which is indicated by the two arrows. The two empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ are then transferred to an output unit.

Fig. 7 shows a second example, as the double-length empty tubes L in the manufacturing unit 100 according to Fig. 4 are processed. The vertical dot-dash line again shows the vertical center plane M of the manufacturing unit 100.

According to Fig. 7a the double-length empty tubes L are arranged symmetrically to the center plane of the production unit, so that the filter elements F are arranged symmetrically to the median plane.

According to Fig. 7b the double-length empty tubes are cut through in the region of the filter element used and two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ formed, whereby the filter element F is divided into two parts, which are further referred to below filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ . As indicated by the two arrows, the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ are separated horizontally, so that a gap between the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ is formed.

In parallel, according to Fig. 7c First, a second filter element G positioned symmetrically to the median plane M, to which on both sides adjacent two third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ are arranged. This unit of filter elements G with H ₁ and H ₂ is then placed in step 7e between the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ .

According to Fig. 7f The empty tubes L ₁ and L _{2 are} brought into contact with the unit of the second filter element G and third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ , which is indicated by the two arrows. This results in a unit of empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ with the filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ , the third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ and the second filter element G.

Fig. 7f further shows that a tipping paper B for connecting the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ with the third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ and the second filter element G applied and rolled so that a double-length empty tube K is created, such as Fig. 7g shows.

According to Fig. 7h the unit formed by the tipping paper B from empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ with the filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ , the third filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ and the second filter element G in the region of the lining paper B, in particular cut through in the middle. This then results in two finished empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ . These are separated from each other, which is indicated by the two arrows. The two empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ are then transferred to an output unit.

An empty tube K ₁ or K ₂ produced in this way is described below with reference to FIG Fig. 14 explained again.

Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a manufacturing unit 100 of a device according to the invention for the production of empty tubes, whose structure according to the structure of the device according to Fig. 2 equivalent. In contrast to Fig. 2 here is no filter feed 130 (see Fig. 2 ), but a spreading drum 237 and a feed drum 238 are disposed between the empty tube feeder 120 and the manufacturing unit 150 and the tipping paper feeder 140, respectively. With these drums, the previously separated by the cutter 123 empty tubes L ₁ and L _{2 are} pushed apart so that they have an axial distance from each other. Subsequently, the tipping paper feed 140 applies a tipping paper B to the spaced empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ , and the cutting unit 155 and 156 cuts the tipping paper B in the area between the spaced empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ .

Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a third inventive method for completing empty tubes with recessed filters in a in Fig. 8 illustrated production unit. The sequence essentially corresponds to the steps a) to f) in FIG Fig. 6 , so below only the differences to the procedure after Fig. 6 be explained.

The separate empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ are pushed apart to a distance which is less than in Fig. 6 is. Because in the present process, no further filter element between the filter elements F ₁ and F _{2 is} arranged. Therefore, the step c) is off Fig. 6 in Fig. 9 been omitted. As step d) in Fig. 9 shows, the two empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ are arranged spaced, while the tipping paper B is applied. After the central separation of the thus interconnected empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ in step e) and the pushing apart of the separate empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ in step f), these empty tubes have a tipping paper B projecting beyond the original empty tube L ₁ or L _{2 1} and B ₂ , which forms a Rezessfilter. The corresponding structure is in Fig. 10 shown in more detail.

Fig. 10 shows in cross section an inventive empty tube K ₁ or K ₂ for the production of filter cigarettes, prepared by a method according to Fig. 9 , The original empty tube for the production of filter cigarettes has a paper sleeve P ₁ or P ₂ and a filter element F ₁ or F _{2 surrounded} by it. A tipping paper B ₁ or B ₂ receives the paper sleeve P ₁ or P ₂ in the region of the filter element F ₁ or F ₂ , wherein the tipping paper B ₁ or B ₂ according to the invention in the axial direction over the end of the paper sleeve P ₁ or P ₂ and beyond the end of the filter element F ₁ and F ₂ protrudes.

This creates an in Fig. 10 to the right open cavity A, which forms a Rezessfilter together with the paper sleeve P ₁ and P ₂ and the filter element F ₁ and F ₂ .

Fig. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of a device or production unit according to the invention for the production of empty tubes, wherein the device substantially according to the device Fig. 4 equivalent. In contrast to Fig. 4 rejects the device Fig. 11 an additional cutting blade 223 and a further spreading drum 237 and a feed drum 238, whose operation will be explained below.

As related to the Fig. 4 has been explained, the apparatus 100, a filter feed 130 for supplying a second filter element G and a second filter feed 180 for feeding third filter elements H ₁ , H ₂ . In order to allow for a resulting threefold filter of the empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ an arrangement as Rezessfilter, between the filter feed 130 and the tipping paper feed 140 and the production unit 150, a cutting device in the form of a cutting blade 223 is provided with the drum 138th interacts. The cutting blade 223 serves to sever the second filter element G into two filter elements G ₁ and G ₂ . The separate filter elements G ₁ and G ₂ are then fed to a spreading device consisting of a spreading drum 237 and a feed drum 238 for generating a distance between the second filter elements G ₁ and G ₂ . In this way, the two filter groups F ₁ , H ₁ , G ₁ and F ₂ , H ₂ , G ₂ are spaced apart before they are introduced into the production unit 150 to be acted upon by the tipping paper feed 140 with a tipping paper B.

After application of the lining paper B is then carried out by means of the cutting unit 155, 156, the cutting of the lining paper B in the region between the spaced empty tubes L ₁ , L ₂ and between the two filter groups F ₁ , H ₁ , G ₁ and F ₂ , H ₂ , G ₂ . This creates empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ with a triple and Rezessfilter.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic representation of a fourth method according to the invention for completing empty tubes with multiple and with recessed filters in a production unit, wherein the sequence of steps a) to f) and g) to h) the steps of the same name Fig. 7 correspond. The steps f ₁ ) to f ₃ ) have been added in the present case.

As already too Fig. 7 explained, between the empty tubes L ₁ and L _2, a second filter element G and a third filter element H ₁ and H ₂ are arranged, see steps a) to f). In the fourth embodiment of the method, the centrally arranged second filter element G is then cut through (step f ₁ ). Subsequently the two sections G ₁ and G _{2 of} the second filter element G are arranged spaced from each other by the two filter groups F ₁ , H ₁ , G ₁ and F ₂ , H ₂ , G _{2 are} pushed apart, see step f ₂ ). In step f ₃ ), a tipping paper B is then applied for connecting the empty tubes L ₁ and L ₂ to the two parts of the third filter element H ₁ and H ₂ and to the two parts of the second filter element G ₁ and G ₂ . Subsequently, in step g), the tipping paper B is cut through in the region between the two parts of the second filter element G ₁ and G ₂ .

The resulting empty tubes K ₁ and K ₂ then have a triple and Rezessfilter.

In connection with the Fig. 11 and 12 It was explained that the second filter element G is cut and pushed apart only after being fed inside the filter feed 130. In addition, it is also possible to provide a cutting blade 187 corresponding to the cutting blade 187 within the filter feed 130, similar to the second filter feed 180, in order to separate the filter elements G within the filter feed 130 and to transfer them to the accelerator drum 136 already at a distance. In this case, it does not require the separate cutter 237 and 238.

Fig. 13 shows in cross section an inventive empty tube K ₁ or K ₂ with a triple and recessed filter produced by a method according to Fig. 12 , In contrast to this Fig. 10 the empty tube K ₁ or K ₂ the other filter elements G ₁ and G ₂ and H ₁ and H ₂ , which are both surrounded by the tipping paper B ₁ and B ₂ , but not from the paper sleeve P ₁ and P ₂ , This construction results in the different diameters D _{1 of} the filter elements F ₁ and F ₂ on the one hand and D _{2 of} the filter elements H ₁ and H ₂ and G ₁ and G ₂ on the other hand, wherein the diameter D ₁ smaller than the diameter D _2nd is.

At the in Fig. 13 illustrated embodiment is as in the embodiment according to Fig. 10 , a space A is formed by the above tipping paper B ₁ and B ₂ and the filter element G ₁ and G ₂ , respectively. Thus, the Fig. 13 an empty tube with a triple and Rezessfilter.

The previously based on the Fig. 11 to 13 described embodiment serves to illustrate the production of empty tubes with a triple and Rezessfilter. Instead of a triple filter can also only a double filter - similar to the Fig. 2 . 3a and 6 has been described - are prepared so that a gap between the centrally disposed filter elements G ₁ and G _{2 is} formed before the tipping paper is applied and cut in the region of the gap.

Fig. 14 shows an empty tube K ₁ or K ₂ , which with a method according to Fig. 7 has been manufactured and in contrast to Fig. 13 the filter elements H ₁ or H ₂ and G ₁ or G ₂ completely fill the space formed by the covering paper B ₁ or B ₂ protruding from the paper sleeve P ₁ or P ₂ . Thus, even with this inventive empty tube K ₁ or K _2, the tipping paper B ₁ or B ₂ protrudes in the axial direction beyond the end of the paper tube P ₁ or P ₂ and beyond the end of the filter element F ₁ or F ₂ , without However, that a recessed filter is formed with a cavity.

Claims (16)

Device for the production of empty tubes, - With a tipping paper supply (140) for applying a tipping paper (B) on by a string unit (10) handed over double-length empty tubes (L) and with a cutting unit (155, 156) for producing the empty tubes (K ₁ , K ₂ ),
characterized, - That a cutting device (122, 123) for cutting through the double-length empty tubes (L) is provided in empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ), - That a spreader (137) for generating a distance between the empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ) is provided and - That the tipping paper supply (140) a tamping paper (B) on the spaced-apart empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ) applies. Device according to claim 1,
characterized, - That a filter feed (130) for supplying and arranging a second filter element (G) between the two empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ) is provided and - That the tipping paper feed (140) a tamping paper (B) on the spaced-apart empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ) and the second filter element (G) applies. Device according to claim 2,
characterized,
that a second filter input (180) for supplying and placing two third filter elements (H _1, H ₂₎ between the second filter element (G) and in each case one empty tube (L _1, L ₂₎ prior to the application of the tipping paper (B) by Tipping paper supply (140) is provided. Device according to claim 2 or 3,
characterized,
in that the cutting unit (155, 156) forms the unit formed by the tipping paper (B) from the empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ), the second filter element (G) and optionally the third filter elements (H ₁ , H ₂ ) in the region of Tamping paper (B), in particular cuts centrally in the region of the second filter element (G). Device according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the cutting unit (155, 156) cuts through the tipping paper (B) in the area between the spaced-apart empty tubes (L ₁ , L ₂ ). Device according to claim 5,
characterized, - That a filter feed (130) for supplying a second filter element (G) and possibly a second filter feed (180) for supplying third filter elements (H ₁ , H ₂ ) are provided and in that between the at least one filter feed (180; 130) and the tipping paper feed (140) a cutting device (223) for severing the second filter element (G) and a spreading device (237, 238) for generating a distance between the second filter elements (G) is provided. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized,
that a train unit (10) for making double length empty tubes (L) with inserted filter elements (F) is provided. Method for producing empty tubes in which double-length empty tubes with inserted filter elements are cut through in the region of the inserted filter element and two empty tubes are formed, in which the two empty tubes are arranged at a distance from each other, - In which a tipping paper for connecting the separate empty tubes is applied and - In which the tipping paper is cut in the area between the empty tubes. Method according to claim 8, in which a second filter element is arranged between the empty tubes, - In which the tipping paper is applied for connecting the empty tubes with the second filter element and - In which the tipping paper is cut through in the region of the second filter element. Method according to claim 9,
in which a third filter element is used in each case before the application of the lining paper between the second filter element and the empty tubes. Method according to claim 8,
in which the unit formed by the tipping paper is cut from empty tubes in the region of the tipping paper between the spaced empty tubes. Method according to claim 11, in which a second filter element is arranged between the empty tubes, - In which the second filter element is cut through and the two sections of the second filter element are arranged spaced from each other, - In which a tipping paper for connecting the empty tubes with the two parts of the second filter element is applied and - In which the tipping paper is cut through in the region between the two parts of the second filter element. Method according to claim 12,
in which a third filter element is arranged between the second filter element and the empty tubes. Empty sleeve for the production of filter cigarettes with a paper tube (P ₁ , P ₂ ), - With a filter element (F ₁ , F ₂ ), which is surrounded by the paper tube (P ₁ , P ₂ ), and - With a tipping paper (B ₁ , B ₂ ) for receiving the paper tube (P ₁ , P ₂ ) in the region of the filter element (F ₁ , F ₂ ),
characterized, - That the tipping paper (B ₁ , B ₂ ) in the axial direction beyond the end of the paper tube (P ₁ , P ₂ ) and beyond the end of the filter element (F ₁ , F ₂ ) protrudes. Empty tube according to claim 14,
characterized, - That the first filter element (F ₁ , F ₂ ) has a first diameter (D ₁ ), - That at least one further filter element (G ₁ , G ₂ , H ₁ , H ₂ ) with a second diameter (D ₂ ) is provided and the tipping paper (B ₁ , B ₂ ) is surrounded and - That the first diameter (D ₁ ) is smaller than the second diameter (D ₂ ). Empty sleeve according to claim 15,
characterized, - That at least two filter elements (F ₁ , F ₂ , G ₁ , G ₂ , H ₁ , H ₂ ) are provided and - That the tipping paper (B ₁ , B ₂ ) in the axial direction beyond the end of the outer filter element (F ₁ , F ₂ , G ₁ , G ₂ , H ₁ , H ₂ ) protrudes.

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