EP3298909B2 - Manufacture of smoking products - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing smoking product components from more than three product segments each.

To manufacture multi-segment filters, filter segments made of different materials are assembled and grouped in multi-filter machines and formed into a multi-segment filter strand. This strand is then wrapped with a covering paper that encases and holds the filter segments together. Subsequently, multi-segment filter rods are cut to multiple working lengths and further processed in a filter assembly machine. Well-known multi-filter machines include the MULFI-ME and MERLIN models from Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH.

Furthermore, it is from EP 1 441 604 B1 A multi-segment filter manufacturing device is known, comprising a device for encasing groups of filter segments with an encasing material for the production of multi-segment filters for the tobacco processing industry. In this device, filter segments are assembled into groups within a grouping device, which is divided into modular functional units. For example, soft and hard filter segments are conveyed transversely, i.e., in a conveyor that is perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, and assembled into multi-segment filters. Subsequently, the assembled groups of filter segments are encased or wrapped with a strip of encasing material using a belt roller. This also occurs in a transverse conveying direction, i.e., in a transverse process. The result is multi-segment filters of multiple working lengths, which are then transported further and, for example, if they are twice the working length, can be placed directly between two tobacco sticks in a filter-laying machine.

In WO 2005/077210 A1 The manufacture of filter cigarettes is disclosed, wherein filter plugs of double length are inserted between tobacco sticks of double length and the double-length filter plugs are connected to the two tobacco sticks of double length by means of a wrapping sheet.

Furthermore, it reveals GB 2 259 847 A a method for the production of filter cigarettes, wherein double-length tobacco sticks are connected to a first double filter, so that after the first double filter is cut, two partial streams are produced.

Furthermore, it is assumed that DE 11 27 778 B a method for manufacturing multi-filter mouthpiece cigarettes, wherein single or multiple filters are arranged at both ends of cigarettes of single length.

Furthermore, in WO 2013/017624 A1 a filter element with a fragile capsule and a method for manufacturing a cigarette with a filter element with a fragile capsule is disclosed.

Furthermore, in WO 2014/064655 A2 a method and a machine for manufacturing multi-component cigarettes are disclosed.

The object of the present invention is to produce rod-shaped smoking products or smoking articles for the tobacco processing industry, composed of several segments, in a simple and efficient manner.

This problem is solved by a method for producing smoking product components from more than three rod-shaped article segments, wherein a first article segment group with more than three individual rod-shaped article segments is formed or provided, wherein the first article segment group with more than three individual rod-shaped article segments is or is conveyed transversely axially and is or is wrapped by a strip of wrapping material, wherein the first wrapped article segment group is cut in the middle into two article segment subgroups, each with the same number of rod-shaped article segments, and subsequently the transversely axially conveyed article segment subgroups are each turned 180° by means of a turning device, so that the ends of the wrapped article segment subgroups that were initially on the outside before turning are facing each other after turning, wherein the article segment subgroups are or become spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal axial direction after turning, and subsequently several individual rod-shaped article segments are inserted between the longitudinally spaced article segment subgroups, wherein between the after turning Several individual rod-shaped article segments are inserted at opposite ends of the article segment subgroups, and the several rod-shaped article segments are connected to the outer article segment subgroups by wrapping them with a strip of covering material to form a second article segment group, and wherein at least one smoking article product is formed from the second article segment group.

The invention is based on the idea that rod-shaped smoking product products have several rod-shaped article segments, namely more than three article segments, wherein the article segments, as well as the article segment groups and the article segment subgroups, are conveyed in a transverse axial direction before and after the turning process. In this process, the article segments, as well as the article segment groups and article segment subgroups, are conveyed transversely axially on conveyor drums or corresponding conveying devices.

By cutting the formed, wrapped article segment groups in the middle, the following results are created: The ends of the finished smoking product products have precise, straight edges, so that the two cleanly cut outer product ends contribute to an improvement in product quality during further processing of the smoking product products.

Within the scope of the invention, the rod-shaped smoking product products are designed, for example, as multi-segment filters or multi-filters. Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, it is also possible for the smoking product products to each have several, in particular different, filter segments and additionally a segment containing a substance consumable by a smoker, such as a flavoring agent.

In particular, in the manufacturing process according to the invention, the first article segment group is provided with more than three article segments, wherein the middle article segment is cut in the middle after the first article group is wrapped. Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the first article group has an even number of article segments, wherein the article segments are arranged symmetrically before wrapping. In particular, at least two article segments of the article segment group, of the article segment subgroup, and of the second article segment group differ.

Overall, the manufactured smoking product range comprises several different product segments.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the second article segment group is cut, preferably in the middle, into two or more than two smoking article products.

It is further stipulated that the article segments of the first article segment group are arranged symmetrically, in particular with respect to the vertical midplane, before cutting. The midplane is understood to be the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the formed first article segment group, with the midpoint of the article segment group's length lying in this vertical plane.

Advantageously, the method further provides that the first article segment group has an even number of article segments, particularly before cutting. The article segments are arranged symmetrically to the center plane, with the cut through the first article segment group occurring in the vertical center plane.

Alternatively, the first article segment group has an odd number of article segments, particularly before cutting. Here, the article segments of the first article segment group are also arranged symmetrically to the vertical center plane, and after the first article segment group is wrapped, a central cut is made through the middle article segment of the article segment group, which is preferably twice as long.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method, several article segments are conveyed transversely and arranged side by side to form or provide the first article segment group, preferably sequentially, so that the first article segment group is formed after the article segments are arranged side by side. Preferably, article segments of a first type are conveyed, followed by article segments of a second type, arranged next to article segments of the first type. The article segments of the first and second types are conveyed and assembled transversely on corresponding conveying drums or conveying devices.

Within the scope of the invention, it is possible that the article segments for the first article segment group are cut into article segments by cutting article pieces before being delivered to the first article segment group to be formed, and are then delivered or conveyed to the first article segment group to be formed.

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that, for the formation of the first article segment group, several article segments are spaced apart longitudinally, and subsequently, one or more further article segments, in particular two, are arranged between the longitudinally spaced article segments. For example, two or four, or an even number of, article segments are divided in the middle so that the resulting groups of article segments are spaced apart longitudinally, with the groups of article segments having the same number of members.

In a further development of the method, an alternative arrangement provides that one or more article segments are arranged at the, preferably outer and/or free, ends of an article segment, or that one or more article segments are arranged at the opposite ends of a group of article segments. In this case, the article segments for forming the first group of article segments are subsequently placed at the opposite ends of an article segment or a group of article segments, for example on a conveyor drum, thereby ensuring that the article segments forming the first group of article segments are arranged symmetrically.

Furthermore, the process is characterized by the fact that the article segment subgroups formed from the first article segment groups are conveyed transversely axially after turning, e.g. on a conveyor drum or other conveying devices.

Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that only two article segments are inserted between the article segment subgroups which are spaced apart longitudinally.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the process is characterized by the fact that the smoking product products, The product segments formed from the second group of product segments are arranged in a transverse axial sequence in a further process step after the second group of product segments has been cut. This allows the smoke product products to be conveyed, for example, to a filter forming machine for further processing. The device for producing the smoke product products, on which the process according to the invention is carried out, is connected to the filter forming machine, so that the smoke product products are conveyed to the filter forming machine, preferably transversely axially. In particular, the orientation of the smoke product products arranged in a row is uniform.

Furthermore, an advantageous process step is characterized by the fact that the article segments of the smoking product products are designed as filter segments, or that the smoking product products each have at least one or more filter segments as article segments and at least one article segment with a consumable, in particular aromatic and/or tobacco-based, product.

Overall, the method according to the invention provides a smoking product with more than three article segments, wherein the article segment subgroups formed from the first article segment group have at least two article segments.

Within the scope of the invention, it may further be provided that the manufactured smoking product products have four or more than four article segments, wherein the article segment subgroups formed from the first article segment groups and the smoking products differ by one article segment.

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 according to the invention may fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

Fig. 1a bis 1d

jeweils schematisch Verfahrensabläufe zur Herstellung von Multisegmentfiltern und

Fig. 2a bis 2d

jeweils schematisch Verfahrensschritte zur Herstellung von Multisegmentfiltern.

The invention is described below, without limiting the general concept, with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings, whereby for all details of the invention not explained in detail in the text, explicit reference is made to the drawings. The drawings show:

Figs. 1a to 1d

each schematically outlines process flows for the production of multi-segment filters and

Figs. 2a to 2d

Each schematically describes the process steps for manufacturing multi-segment filters.

Fig. 1b , Fig. 1d , Fig. 2b and Fig. 2d The illustrations are examples of embodiments that are not part of the invention.

In the drawings, identical or similar elements and/or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a re-presentation is omitted.

In the Figs. 1a to 1c The process steps for manufacturing multi-segment filters are shown schematically in 100.

According to the embodiment in Fig. 1a In process step A, two adjacent filter segments 1 are provided and conveyed transversely. During their conveying, the filter segments 1 are spaced apart longitudinally, creating a gap. In process step B, two adjacent filter segments 2 are inserted into the gap between the longitudinally spaced filter segments 1. The filter segments 1 and the filter segments 2 are each conveyed transversely, i.e., perpendicular to their central longitudinal axis, on conveying drums or corresponding conveying devices.

Subsequently, before process step C, the symmetrical arrangement of filter segments 1 and 2 from process step B is divided in the middle and the two halves of filter segments 1 and 2 are spaced apart longitudinally, so that two adjacent filter segments 3 are then inserted into the gap between the symmetrical groups of filter segments 1 and 2, creating a first article segment group.

The group of filter segments assembled in process step C is arranged symmetrically to the central plane of the assembled groups of filter segments. Subsequently, the filter segments 1, 2, 3 assembled in process step C are transferred to another conveyor drum, so that in process step D the assembled filter segment arrangement of three filter segments is subsequently enveloped as a first article segment group by a covering strip 10.

The wrapped filter segment assemblies from process step D are then transferred to a cutting drum, where the wrapped filter segment groups are cut in the center by a cutting knife 20 or a corresponding cutting device. This creates two filter segment groups, which are subsequently transferred as article segment subgroups to a turning device. In process step F, the transferred filter segment groups are each rotated 180° by a turning device, so that the filter segments 3 that were on the inside in process step E are on the outside after the turning process in process step F. According to process step F, the adjacent filter segment groups are each simultaneously rotated 180° by a corresponding turning device.

After turning in process step F, the simultaneously turned filter segment groups are transferred as article segment subgroups to a conveyor drum, so that the filter segment groups are conveyed further in a transverse axial direction. The filter segment groups are spaced transversely axially apart from each other, with the initially outward-facing ends of the filter segments (see process step E) facing each other after turning.

Subsequently, in process step G, two filter segments 4 are inserted into the central gap between the filter segment groups and then, in process step H, are enveloped by a second covering strip 30, creating a second enveloped article segment group.

In this case, the material strip 30 encloses the centrally inserted filter segments 4 and a part of the adjacent filter segments 1 of the already enclosed, outer filter segment groups.

Subsequently, the double-length filter segment groups from process step H are conveyed transversely axially to a conveyor drum, so that the double-length filter segment groups are subsequently cut in the middle as a second article segment group by means of a cutting knife 40 or a corresponding cutting device, so that two symmetrically arranged multi-segment filters 100 are created in process step I.

Subsequently, in a further process step, the adjacent multi-segment filters 100 are formed into a series of transversely axially arranged multi-segment filters 100 in process step K by means of corresponding process steps and devices.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that, between process steps F and G, the two inverted and encased filter segment groups are additionally spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal axial direction as article segment subgroups. Furthermore, it is also possible within the scope of the invention that the individually provided filter segments 1, 2, 3, 4 are cut from multiple long filter segment rods before the formation of the corresponding groups or subgroups, with appropriate conveying processes (staggering, pushing, etc.) being provided to supply two filter segments of the same type.

At the in Fig. 1b In the illustrated embodiment, process steps A to F correspond to the process steps in Fig. 1a In contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 1a In process step G, a double-length filter segment rod 400 is inserted between the filter segment groups with filter segments 1, 2, and 3. Subsequently, in process step H, it is connected to the outer filter segment groups by wrapping them with the wrapping strip 30, thus creating a second article segment group. Then, in process step E, the double-length filter segment rod 400 is cut into single-length filter segments 4 using the cutting blade 40. The central cut results in two multi-segment filters 100, which are smoking product products.

At the in Fig. 1c The embodiment shown, unlike the embodiment in Fig. 1a In process step C, a double-length filter segment rod 300 is placed in the gap between the symmetrically arranged groups of filter segments 1 and 2, so that in subsequent process step D, the double-length segment rod 300, together with the outer filter segments 1 and 2, is enveloped by the covering strip 10 to form a first article segment group and subsequently, in process step E, is cut into filter segments 3 by means of the cutting blade 20. The further process steps F to K correspond to those in Fig. 1a shown process steps.

At the in Fig. 1d the illustrated embodiment in comparison to the other embodiments, in particular to Fig. 1a In process steps D and G, segment filters twice as long as 300 or 400 are inserted between the formed subgroups of filter segments (see process step C in Fig. 1c and process step G in exemplary embodiment Fig. 1b ).

Further embodiments 2a to 2d schematically show further process diagrams for the production of multi-segment filters 100.

According to the in Fig. 2a In the process steps shown, two separate, adjacent filter segments 1 are provided in process step A and conveyed in a transverse axial direction. In process step B, two longitudinally spaced filter segments 2 are then arranged at the outer free ends of the two filter segments 1 and conveyed further, so that in process step C a filter segment 3 is formed at each of the outer free ends of the filter segments 2. In process step D, the filter segment group assembled in process step C is wrapped by a covering strip 10, so that a first wrapped article segment group is formed, and subsequently in process step E, the wrapped filter segment group is formed into two identical and symmetrically arranged article segment subgroups by means of a cutting blade 20 or the like.

In process step F, the two article segment subgroups are then turned using a turning device, so that the ends of the filter segments 3, which point outwards in process step E, point inwards in process step G and are arranged opposite each other. Subsequently, in process step G, two adjacent filter segments 4 are inserted between the turned article segment subgroups, which are spaced apart longitudinally. Then, in process step H, the filter segments 4 are connected to the already wrapped article segments by means of a wrapping strip 30 to form a second wrapped article segment group.

In process step I, the entire second group of article segments is then cut in the middle, resulting in two multi-segment filters 100 with four different segments. Subsequently, in process step K, a series of identically oriented multi-segment filters 100 are formed one after the other, which are then prepared for further processing, for example, on a filter forming machine.

At the in Fig. 2b In the illustrated embodiment, the illustrated process steps A to F correspond to the process steps A to F in Fig. 2a . After the formation of two article segment subgroups with three filter segments each (see process step E), a double-length segment rod 400 is arranged between longitudinally axially spaced and symmetrically arranged article segment subgroups from filter segments 1, 2, 3 in process step G, which is subsequently connected to the two outer article groups in process step H by means of the covering strip 30 to form a second article segment group.

Subsequently, in process step I, the twice-long segment rod 400 is cut into two filter segments 4 each by means of the cutting knife 40, so that the cutting process forms two multi-segment filters 100 with four different segments. The resulting multi-segment filters 100 are then positioned in process step K to form a series of filter segments arranged one behind the other.

At the in Fig. 2c In the process diagram shown for manufacturing the multi-segment filters 100, a filter segment rod 110, twice the length of the multi-segment filter, is provided in process step A. Subsequently, in process step B, two longitudinally spaced filter segments 2 are placed at the outer ends of the filter segment rod 110. In process step C, a filter segment 3 is then arranged at the outer free ends of each of the filter segments 2. In process step D, the group of articles formed in process step C is wrapped with a wrapping strip 10. Following this wrapping, in process step E, two filter segments 1 and two subgroups of articles, each consisting of three different filter segments 1, 2, 3, are created by cutting the segment rod 110 in the middle using the cutting blade 20.

The further process steps F to K correspond to the process steps F to K according to Fig. 2a .

In the procedural scheme according to Fig. 2d Do process steps A to F correspond to the process steps in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 2c . After forming two article segment subgroups from three different filter segments 1, 2, 3 and turning them over in process step F, double-length segment bars 400 are inserted centrally between the turned article segment subgroups, which are subsequently connected to the article segment subgroups with the wrapping strip 30 in process step H, thereby creating a second wrapped article segment group.

In process step I, the twice-long segment bar 400 is divided into two filter segments 4, so that two multi-segment filters 100 are created from the second article segment group, which are subsequently arranged one behind the other and in the same orientation in a row (see process step K).

Within the context of the disclosure, features marked with "in particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

Reference symbol list

1

Filter segment

2

Filter segment

3

Filter segment

4

Filter segment

10

Wrapping strips

20

Cutting blade

30

Wrapping strips

40

Cutting blade

100

Multi-segment filter

110

Filter segment rod

300

Filter segment rod

400

Filter segment rod

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K

Procedure step

Claims (11)

1. A method for producing smoking products (100) from more than three rod-shaped article segments (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein a first article segment group is formed or provided with more than three single rod-shaped article segments (1, 2, 3), wherein the first article segment group (1, 2, 3) with more than three single rod-shaped article segments (1, 2, 3) will be or is conveyed transaxially and will be or is wrapped by a wrapping material strip (10), wherein the first wrapped article segment group (1, 2, 3) is cut in the middle and into two articles segment subgroups, each with the same number of rod-shaped article segments (1, 2, 3), and then the transaxially conveyed article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) are each turned 180° by a turning device so that the ends of the wrapped article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) initially lying to the outside before turning face each other after turning, wherein the article segment subgroups are or will be at a distance from each other in a longitudinally axial direction after turning the article segment subgroups, and subsequently, a plurality of single rod-shaped article segments are introduced between the article segment subgroups at a distance from each other in a longitudinally axial direction, wherein several single rod-shaped article segments (4) are inserted between the ends of the article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) that face each other after turning and the plurality of rod-shaped article segments (4) with the article segment subgroups (1, 2, 3) lying to the outside are connected to a second article segment group by being wrapped with a wrapping material strip (30), and wherein at least one smoking product (100) will be or is formed from the second article segment group.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second article segment group is cut, preferably in the middle, into two or more than two smoking products (100).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the article segments of the first article segment group are arranged symmetrically, in particular to the perpendicular midplane, before cutting.
4. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first article segment group has an even number of article segments, in particular before cutting.
5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first article segment group has an uneven number of article segments, in particular before cutting.
6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a plurality of article segments are conveyed transaxially and are arranged next to each other to form the first article segment group, preferably in a sequence.
7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of article segments are spaced from each other in a longitudinally axial direction and subsequently, another or a plurality, in particular two, article segments are arranged between the article segments spaced in a longitudinally axial direction.
8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that one or more article segments are arranged at the ends of an article segment, or one or more article segments are arranged at the ends facing away from each other of a group of article segments.
9. The method according to one of claims 1 through 8, characterized in that the article segment subgroups are conveyed transaxially after turning.
10. The method according to one of claims 1 through 9, characterized in that the smoking products (100) are arranged transaxially one after the other in a row.
11. The method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the article segments of the smoking products (100) are designed as filter segments, or the smoking products (100) each have at least one or more filter segments as article segments and at least one article segment with a consumable, in particular aromatic and/or based on tobacco, product.