EP3384789B1 - Tape for manufacturing cigarettes or filters of cigarettes and a method of manufacture of said tape - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a belt for the production of cigarettes or filters for cigarettes, with a flat film shaped into a ring. The invention also relates to a method for producing a belt for producing cigarettes or filtering cigarettes, a flat film being formed into a ring. A generic tape is from EP 3 031 336 A1 known. Among other things, it is proposed to use a flat plastic film as the material for the tape. The problem here, however, is the fact that such plastic films usually deform elastically or even plastically when a corresponding force is applied and are therefore only suitable to a very limited extent for such use.

Suction belts for transporting tobacco are for example from the DE 10 2011 006 803 B4 , DE 10 2012 204 970 A1 , DE 10 2012 211 069 B4 and DE 10 2012 223 074 A1 known.

In particular, describes the DE 10 2012 223 074 A1 a band with a flat film shaped into a ring, in which tensile elements increasing the tensile strength thereof are arranged. This film is inserted into the fabric of the tape.

A format belt for the production of cigarettes or filters for cigarettes is in the EP 2 910 670 A1 described.

the DE 10 2013 223 308 A1 describes a method for producing a suction belt of a filter rod machine.

the EP 3 031 336 A1 discloses a suction belt for transporting tobacco and / or filter material in the manufacture of cigarettes. The suction band has a flat band material shaped into a ring and a plurality of openings distributed over the surface of the band material.

Most of these known tapes for the production of cigarettes have a fabric made of warp threads and weft threads, which is suitable in terms of its strength for the intended use, but requires a relatively large effort for its production compared to a plastic film.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a belt for the production of cigarettes or filters for cigarettes, as well as a method for the production thereof, which is easy to manufacture and which is suitable for the operational requirements of such a belt.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features mentioned in claim 1.

The tensile elements arranged in the film according to the invention can significantly increase the tensile strength of the film so that it can meet and even exceed the requirements placed on such a belt for the production of cigarettes or filters for cigarettes. The process reliability when using the tape according to the invention is also increased for these reasons.

The use of a film, in particular a plastic film, enables the tape according to the invention to be manufactured more simply and cost-effectively, since, for example, much simpler machines can be used to manufacture the tape.

Another advantage of using a film for the tape according to the invention is that, compared to a fabric, it offers a much larger contact surface and is therefore subject to less wear, which ultimately means that it has a longer service life.

The tensile strength of the tape according to the invention is increased if, in a very advantageous development of the invention, the tension elements are designed as tension cords running at least approximately around the entire circumference of the ring.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the tension elements are integrated into the film in their entire thickness. This results in a uniform surface on both sides of the film, so that no problems arise when processing the cigarettes or the filters with the tape according to the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is also possible for the tension elements to protrude over the surface of the film on at least one side. In this way, the tape according to the invention can also be protected against wear, since it is not the film but rather the tension elements that are exposed to wear. Furthermore, an increased roughness can be achieved on the side on which the tension elements protrude, which can be advantageous for the transport of tobacco.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the tension elements are designed as monofilament threads. Such monofilament threads can be simple to manufacture with high strength at the same time.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the tension elements are designed as multifilament threads. Even multifilament threads can be produced with a high strength and it is possibly possible to use different materials for the individual filaments of such threads.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it can be provided that the tension elements are designed as a plurality of fibers integrated into the material of the film. Such individual fibers, which then do not run around the entire circumference of the belt but only around a part of the same, also increase the tensile strength of the belt and can possibly be processed more easily than threads running around the entire circumference.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention can consist in that the belt is designed as a suction belt and provided with a large number of perforations is. Such a perforated film is very suitable for use as a suction belt. The number and distribution of the perforations on the film can be adapted to the specific application.

If the perforations are made in the film in such a way that burrs protrude on one side of the film, there is an advantageous and easy-to-implement option for transporting tobacco using the belt according to the invention on the side on which the burrs protrude.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the perforations are located in the area of the respective deformations of the film. In this way, an even better transport of the tobacco can result with the help of these deformations.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention can consist in that the tape is designed as a format tape and has a surface roughness that is higher on one side than on the other side. If the tape has an increased surface roughness on one side, it can be used as a format tape with all of the advantages of using a film mentioned above.

A method for producing such a tape is specified in claim 12.

The method according to the invention is suitable for producing a belt for the production of cigarettes or filters for cigarettes in a simple and reliable manner.

In an advantageous development of the method, it is possible for the tension elements to be melted into the film when it is produced. This results in a particularly secure connection between the tension elements and the film.

In order to improve the positioning of the tension elements within the film, it can furthermore be provided that the tension elements are connected to respective cross-connecting elements which have a lower melting temperature than the material of the film.

In order to be able to use the tape produced with the method according to the invention as a suction tape, provision can also be made for perforations to be made in the film.

In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in principle on the basis of the drawing.

Fig. 1

eine Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Band für die Herstellung von Zigaretten oder Filtern von Zigaretten;

Fig. 2

das Band aus Fig. 1 in seinem zu einem Ring geformten Zustand;

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt nach der Linie III-III aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine alternative Ausführungsform des Bands in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 5

eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform des Bands in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 6

eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform des Bands in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 7

eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform des Bands in einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 8

eine vergrößerte Darstellung einer in das Band eingebrachten Perforation;

Fig. 9

eine alternative Ausführungsform der Perforation aus Fig. 8; und

Fig. 10

eine alternative Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bands.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a plan view of a belt according to the invention for the production of cigarettes or filters for cigarettes;

Fig. 2

the tape off Fig. 1 in its ring-shaped state;

Fig. 3

a section along the line III-III Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

an alternative embodiment of the band in a sectional view;

Fig. 5

a further alternative embodiment of the band in a sectional view;

Fig. 6

a further alternative embodiment of the band in a sectional view;

Fig. 7

a further alternative embodiment of the band in a sectional view;

Fig. 8

an enlarged view of a perforation made in the tape;

Fig. 9

an alternative embodiment of the perforation Fig. 8 ; and

Fig. 10

an alternative embodiment of the tape according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a very schematic representation of a film 1 that is part of an in Fig. 2 belt 2 shown can be formed, which is intended for the manufacture of cigarettes or filters of cigarettes. Since the manner in which the cigarettes or the filters for the cigarettes are manufactured with the belt 2 is known, details of the manufacturing process or the devices used for the manufacturing process are not shown.

The film 1 is preferably made of a plastic material such as polyamide (PA) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Of course, other materials are also suitable for forming the film 1. Since the film 1 would have a tensile strength that is too low for use in the production of cigarettes or for filtering cigarettes, tensile elements 3 which increase the tensile strength thereof are arranged in the film 1.

In Fig. 2 As already mentioned, the film 1 is shown in its ring-shaped state in which it forms the band 2. For this purpose, the two end regions of the film 1 are connected to one another in a connecting region 4. This connection of the end regions of the film 1 in the connection region 4 can be carried out, for example, by means of ultrasound or laser welding. Of course, other methods known per se are also suitable for this purpose. An endless production of the band 2 in order to reach the ring is also possible, the foil 1 also being used here.

The tension elements 3 according to the in Figures 1 and 3 to 7 The illustrated embodiments are each designed as tension cords 3 a running at least approximately around the entire circumference of the annular band 2. This ensures sufficient strength of the film 1 and of the band 2 formed with the film 1. Depending on the method for connecting the two ends of the film 1, the tension elements 3 in the connecting area 4 can optionally be dispensed with.

In the sectional views of the embodiments of the band 2 according to FIG Figures 3, 4 and 5 the tension elements 3 are integrated into the film 1 in their entire thickness.

In other words, the tension elements 3 do not protrude beyond the film 1 at any point. Here are the tension elements 3 in the embodiment of Fig. 3 circular, in the embodiment of Fig. 4 rectangular and in the embodiment of Fig. 5 triangular. Of course, other cross-sectional shapes of the tension elements 3 are also conceivable, such as, for example, elliptical tension elements 3, pentagonal or polygonal tension elements 3 and other cross-sectional shapes. Elliptical tension elements 3 can have a relatively high tensile strength with a relatively small thickness.

In the Figures 6 and 7 The illustrated embodiments of the band 2, the tension elements 3 protrude on at least one side over the surface of the film 1. In the present case, in the embodiment of Fig. 6 the tension elements 3 on both sides over the film 1 and have a round cross-section. In contrast, the tension elements 3 in the embodiment of FIG Fig. 7 a triangular cross-section and protrude only on one side over the surface of the film 1. In principle, however, it would also be possible to have tension elements 3 having a circular cross section protrude on only one side or to have tension elements 3 having a triangular cross section protrude on both sides of the film 1. Furthermore, rectangular or square tension elements 3 could also be used, which could protrude over the surface of the film 1 on one or both sides. As a result of the tension elements 3 protruding beyond at least one side of the film 1, a higher surface roughness can be produced on this side of the film 1 than on the other side. As a result, the belt 2 can be used, for example, as a format belt with which, for example, filters for cigarettes can be produced. The roughness required for use as a format tape can also be achieved by a suitable coating of at least one side of the film 1.

The width of the film 1 can for example be between 5 mm and 30 mm. The height of the film 1 can be between 0.3 mm and 2 mm, for example. The number of tension elements 3 provided over the width of the belt 2 is to be regarded as purely exemplary in the figures and can be adapted to the requirements placed on the belt 2 with regard to tensile strength and other mechanical properties being. Of course, the number of tension elements 3 used also depends on the strength of the tension elements 3 themselves. Various metals, carbon or carbon and various plastics such as Vectran, aramid, polyamide, polyetheretherketone or other plastic materials suitable for increasing the tensile strength of the film 1 can be used as the material for the tension elements 3. If necessary, however, natural materials such as linen, for example, can also be used for the tension elements 3.

The tension elements 3 can be designed as monofilament threads, as shown in FIG Figures 3 to 7 is shown. However, it is also possible to use multifilament threads for the tension elements 3. Different materials can also be twisted to form a tension element 3 or connected in some other way. A combination of monofilament and multifilament threads is also conceivable.

The belt 2 described here can also be used as a suction belt for transporting tobacco and for this purpose can have a large number of perforations 5. In the embodiment of the belt 1, the perforations 5 are in FIG Fig. 1 indicated. Furthermore, in the sectional views of Figures 8 and 9 Examples of the execution of the perforations 5 are shown. In the embodiment of Fig. 8 the perforations 5 introduced into the film 1 in such a way that burrs 6 protrude on one side of the film 1. When the belt 1 is used as a suction belt, these ridges 6 can be used to transport tobacco. The perforations 5 can be introduced into the film 1, for example, by means of punching or in another suitable manner. In principle, when making the perforations 5, care should be taken that the tension elements 3 are not damaged. In contrast to the illustration, the perforations 5 can also be designed as slots or have another suitable shape.

In the embodiment of the band 1 according to Fig. 9 the perforations 5 are made in the area of the respective deformations 7 of the film 1. These deformations 7 can also be used to transport tobacco. In the present case, the perforations 5, which are located in the area of the deformations 7, also have the burrs 6. However, it would also be possible to approach the ridges 6 dispense. The same also applies to the embodiment of Fig. 8 . The tape 2 provided with the perforations 5 can, however, optionally also be used as a format tape.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of the band 2 in which the tension elements 3 are designed as a plurality of fibers 3b, for example carbon fibers, integrated into the material of the film 1. In this way, too, the tensile strength of the film 1 can be increased. For example, the fibers 3b can be introduced into the film 1 during production by melting the fibers 3b with the material of the film 1. For this purpose, the material of the tension elements 3 should have a higher melting temperature than the material of the film 1 or it should at least be ensured that the material of the film 1 in its molten state is not able to melt the tension elements 3.

This method for producing the film 1, in which the tension elements 3 are melted around the material of the film 1, can also be used in the case in which the tension elements 3 are designed as the tension cords 3a. For example, in this case the film 1 can be extruded and it is possible to continuously feed the tensile cords 3a into a corresponding extrusion mold. A suitable positioning of the tension cords 3 in the device (not shown) provided for producing the film 1 can be provided.

Furthermore, it is possible, before casting around the material of the film 1, the tension elements 3 with respective, in Fig. 1 to connect indicated cross-connecting elements 8, so that a desired arrangement of the tension elements 3 within the film 1 is ensured. The cross-connecting elements 8 can optionally have a lower melting temperature than the material of the film 1, so that they are fused to the same when the film 1 is produced and only the tension elements 3 remain in the film 1 or the tape 2.

It is also possible to produce several strips 2 at the same time and to cut them to the desired width.

The ones in the Figures 1-10 The illustrated exemplary embodiments each contain individual features of the belt 1 according to the invention, some of which are illustrated in combination with one another. The features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, features of different exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another if there are no obvious reasons against certain combinations.

Claims (15)

1. Tape (2) for the manufacture of cigarettes or filters of cigarettes, which is formed by a flat film (1) formed into a ring and extending over the entire width of the tape (2), and wherein tension elements (3) are arranged in the film (1) to increase the tensile strength thereof.
2. Tape according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the tension elements (3) are in the form of tension strands (3a) extending at least approximately around the entire circumference of the ring.
3. Tape according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   the tension elements (3) are integrated in their entire thickness in the film (1).
4. Tape according to claim 1, 2 or 3,
   characterized in that
   the tension elements (3) project beyond the surface of the film (1) on at least one side.
5. Tape according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the tension elements (3) are formed as unifiliar threads.
6. Tape according to one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   the tension elements (3) are formed as multifil threads.
7. Tape according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   the tension elements (3) are formed as a plurality of fibers (3b) integrated into the material of the film (1).
8. Tape according to one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   the tape (2) is designed as a suction tape and is provided with a plurality of perforations (5).
9. Tape according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   the perforations (5) are introduced into the film (1) in such a way that burrs (6) project from one side of the film (1).
10. Tape according to claim 8 or 9,
    characterized in that
    the perforations (5) are located in the region of respective deformations (7) of the film (1).
11. Tape according to one of claims 1 to 7,
    characterized in that
    the tape (2) is designed as a garniture tape and has an increased surface roughness on one side compared with the other side.
12. Process for producing a tape (2) for the manufacture of cigarettes or filters of cigarettes, wherein a flat film (1) extending over the entire width of the band (2) is formed into a ring and forms the band (2), and wherein tension elements (3) increasing the tensile strength of the film (1) are introduced into the same.
13. Process according to claim 12,
    characterized in that
    the tension elements (3) are melted into the film (1) during its production.
14. Process according to claim 13,
    characterized in that
    the tension elements (3) are connected to respective cross-connection elements which have a lower melting temperature than the material of the film (1).
15. Process according to claim 12, 13 or 14,
    characterized in that
    perforations (5) are introduced into the film (1).

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