EP4241941A2 - Device and method for producing a strand for the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (11) for separating a flat web (6) from a web material into a plurality of strips (14), comprising a separating device (12) and a deflecting device (13), the separating device (12) having a first and a second cooperating with it Roller (26, 28), and wherein the lateral surfaces (30, 32) of the rollers (26, 28) in the axial direction (A) alternately have closed circumferential grooves (34) and blades (36) in the circumferential direction of the respective roller (26, 28 ) and in an effective area the blades (36) of the first roller (26) in the grooves (34) of the second roller (28) and the blades (36) of the second roller (28) in the grooves (34) of the first roller (26) intervene, and the separating device (12) is set up to separate the flat web (6) into a plurality of adjacent strips (14), and wherein the deflector device (13) comprises at least one deflector element, the webs (50) of which are in the Grooves (34) of the first or second roller (26, 28) engage, the at least one deflector element (54, 56) being designed in sections as a plate-shaped deflector (62), which forms a closed surface downstream of the effective area of the separating device (12). , which extends in the axial direction (A) over at least two webs (50).

Description

The invention relates to a device for separating a flat web from a web material into a plurality of strips, comprising a separating device and a deflecting device, the separating device comprising a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith, the lateral surfaces of the rollers alternating in the axial direction in the circumferential direction of the respective roller have closed circumferential grooves and blades and in an effective area the blades of the first roller engage in the grooves of the second roller and the blades of the second roller engage in the grooves of the first roller, and the separating device is set up to divide the flat web into a plurality of to separate adjacent strips and wherein the deflector device comprises at least one deflector element, the webs of which engage in the grooves of the first or second roller. The invention further relates to a device for producing a strand in the tobacco processing industry, comprising such a device for cutting a flat web.

The invention also relates to a method for separating a flat web from a web material into a plurality of strips, in which the flat web is separated into the plurality of adjacent strips using a separating device which comprises a first roller and a second roller cooperating therewith, wherein the Outer surfaces of the rollers in the axial direction alternately have closed circumferential grooves and blades in the circumferential direction of the respective roller and in an effective area the blades of the first roller engage in the grooves of the second roller and the blades of the second roller engage in the grooves of the first roller, with a deflector device , which comprises at least one deflector element, the webs of which engage in the grooves of the first or second roller, the strips are removed from the grooves of the first or second roller with a deflector device.

For example, a device for producing a strand, which includes a cutting device for cutting a flat web, is possible DE 1 954 036 A out. The flat sheet is cut into parallel strips using a disk knife cutting device. The strips are then combined into a strand and surrounded with a covering. In the known device, a flat sheet of reconstituted tobacco material is processed. The produced and coated strand is cut into pieces of predetermined length so that rod-shaped smoking articles can be produced.

Out of US 5,025,814 a device is known which comprises a pair of cutting rollers for separating the flat web into the plurality of strips. The device also includes guide combs positioned so that the tines of the combs extend into the spaces between adjacent blades of the cutting rollers. The device also includes cleaning combs whose tines also engage in the grooves between the blades.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for cutting a flat web and a device for producing it of a strand, whereby a reliable separation of the flat web into individual strips should be possible.

The object is achieved by a device for separating a flat web from a web material into a plurality of strips, comprising a separating device and a deflecting device, the separating device comprising a first roller and a second roller cooperating with it, and the lateral surfaces of the rollers alternating in the axial direction in the circumferential direction of the respective roller have closed grooves and blades and in an effective area the blades of the first roller engage in the grooves of the second roller and the blades of the second roller engage in the grooves of the first roller, and the separating device is set up to insert the flat web to separate a plurality of adjacent strips, and wherein the deflector device comprises at least one deflector element, the webs of which engage in the grooves of the first or second roller, the device being developed in that the at least one deflector element is designed in sections as a plate-shaped deflector, which is downstream of the effective range of the separating device forms a closed surface which extends in the axial direction over at least two webs.

When cutting a flat web from a web material, it often happens in practice that the strips downstream of the effective area get stuck in the grooves between the blades of the rollers and follow the direction of rotation of the roller. To avoid this, deflectors or combs, such as those from the US 5,025,814 are known, used which lead the strips from the bottom of the groove back to the outside of the rollers. However, it has turned out that in many cases individual strips are not reliably guided by such known deflectors. A possible consequence is strip tears, which lead to disruptions in the production process.

In the context of the invention, it was found that through a plate-shaped deflector designed as a closed surface, which is arranged downstream of the effective range of the separating device, such disruptions to the production process can be effectively avoided. The individual strips produced by the separating device are guided on the surface of the plate-shaped deflector and can be further processed by devices available downstream. The reliability of the device and the quality of the product produced with this device, i.e. the large number of strips, can be improved.

The plate-shaped deflector of the deflector extends outside the rollers. The location of the deflector should be understood in light of the following explanations. The deflector device comprises at least one deflector element, in many cases two deflector elements, the webs of which extend in some areas in the grooves between adjacent blades of the roller. These sections or areas of the webs extend within the cylindrical surface of the roller. The outer circumferences of the roller blades span a cylindrical surface. The blades of the first roller span a first cylindrical surface, the blades of the second roller span a second cylindrical surface. Viewed in a cross section that is perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the rollers, the first and second cylinder surface overlap each other. The axes of rotation of the rollers are aligned parallel to each other. They extend in the axial direction. The overlapping area of the cylinder surface should be referred to as the effective area. The plate-shaped deflector lies outside and downstream of this effective area. It lies outside the rollers, i.e. outside an area or volume that is surrounded by the first cylinder surface and the second cylinder surface.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that an extent of the plate-shaped deflector in the axial direction is greater than or equal to a dimension of the effective area in the axial direction. The plate-shaped deflector is therefore dimensioned larger in the axial direction as the effective range of the separating device in this direction. This ensures that no strips created by the separating device fall down on the edge areas of the plate-shaped deflector and may possibly be lost in the subsequent production steps. The reliability of the device with regard to uninterrupted production is further improved by such a design of the plate-shaped deflector.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device is developed in that the webs of the at least one deflector element are held on one side of the plate-shaped deflector and extend from the deflector in the direction of their respective free ends into the grooves of the first roller or the second roller.

In other words, the deflector elements are designed in such a way that their webs are only connected to one another on the outlet side, namely via the deflector arranged downstream of the effective area, but not on the inlet side. A deflector element designed in this way, which is plate-shaped and closed only downstream of the effective area, is much easier to install. For example, it is possible to mount or replace the deflector element without having to dismantle the rollers of the separating device or even one of the two rollers of the separating device. This is always necessary for devices that are closed on both the inlet and outlet sides. However, since this is not provided for in the embodiment mentioned, there are great advantages with regard to assembly and service of the device for separating the flat web.

It is furthermore provided in particular that the webs, viewed in cross section, are designed to be significantly higher than they are wide in order to give them the required mechanical stability. This applies in particular to deflector elements designed according to the above embodiment are, namely those deflector elements whose webs are only held on one side of the plate-shaped deflector.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that at least one web of at least one deflector element, in particular all webs of at least one deflector element, further in particular all webs of all deflector elements, have a T-shaped cross section.

If a separation plane is defined which is perpendicular to a shortest connection between the two axes of rotation of the rollers of the separating device, a flat side of the T-shaped cross sections is oriented in the direction of this separation plane. The flat side mentioned is a top side of the T when it is viewed written upright. The cross section of the webs is viewed in a plane that is oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to a longitudinal direction of the respective webs. In this same level, the webs are also viewed with regard to the previously mentioned feature, according to which they are made higher than they are wide. The height of the webs is measured in one direction towards the parting plane. In other words, the webs have a larger dimension in a direction perpendicular to the parting plane than in a direction parallel to the parting plane.

However, if the webs are made higher than they are wide, dirt can easily accumulate or, when separating wetter materials, sticking can occur between the webs and the groove flanks of the rollers, which in the worst case can block the separating device. The design of the webs with a T-shaped cross section is advantageous because only that part of the webs that comes into contact with the strips separated from the flat web and presses them out of the grooves of the rollers fills almost the entire groove width. The part further towards the bottom of the groove is made much narrower (viewed in the axial direction of the rollers), which means that contamination can no longer block the separating device as easily.

Likewise, contaminants can fall out of the deflectors in the direction of the groove base and can be removed, for example scraped out, from the groove base using a downstream device.

Furthermore, the device is designed in particular in such a way that the deflector device comprises a first and a second deflector element, which are arranged on opposite sides of a separation plane, with a shortest connection between a first axis of rotation of the first roller and a second axis of rotation of the second roller perpendicular to the separation plane stands, the two deflector elements being arranged on both sides of the separation plane, in particular mirror-symmetrically to the separation plane.

In particular, asymmetrical configurations are also provided in which the two deflector elements are not arranged mirror-symmetrically to the separation plane. For example, it is provided that one of the two deflectors is arranged closer to the parting plane than the other. This can in particular be the geodetically lower deflector. This can, for example, be arranged in the immediate vicinity, i.e. just below the parting plane. It is therefore possible to support the strips emerging from the separating device from below so that they can be fed to the further process steps approximately within the separating plane.

It is furthermore provided in particular that the two deflectors diverge in a funnel shape downstream, i.e. in the process direction. Here too, an asymmetrical configuration can be provided, for example only the upper (geodetically higher) of the two deflectors can be curved, so that a funnel-shaped extension results.

If the first roller and the second roller have the same radii, the separation plane is the same distance from the first and second axes of rotation. For rolls with radii of different sizes, the separation plane is closer to the roll with the smaller radius. The first and second cylinder lateral surfaces intersect along two lines that run parallel to each other. These two lines lie in the separation plane.

There is therefore one deflector element per roller. The strips that may be present in the grooves between the blades as a result of the separation process can be lifted out of the associated roller by the respective deflector element. The strips are then reliably guided on the first or second deflector element.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the webs of the at least one deflector element extend in sections in a partial area of the grooves of the first or second roller, the plate-shaped deflector adjoining the webs downstream and connecting all webs to one another, and in particular the plate-shaped Deflectors and the webs are formed in one piece.

The plate-shaped deflector is located downstream of the webs. The webs are located downstream of the effective area in some areas. Following the cylinder surface defined by the blades, the webs merge into the plate-shaped deflector. The plate-shaped deflector is as close as possible to the cylinder surface. However, a distance between the cylinder surface and the plate-shaped deflector is chosen to be only so small that the associated roller can rotate freely about its axis of rotation.

It is particularly advantageous if the plate-shaped deflector and the webs are designed in one piece. For example, the deflector element or deflector elements are made in one piece. The webs are made, for example, by cutting into a flat Component grooves are introduced. The deflector element or deflector elements are therefore preferably designed in one piece of material. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the deflector element or deflector elements are designed to be flat, ie completely flat. However, it is also provided that one or both deflector elements are curved. For example, the deflector elements, viewed in a cross section that is perpendicular to the axial direction, can be bent in such a way that a funnel-shaped opening is created on both the inlet side and the outlet side. Upstream of the effective area, i.e. against the material flow direction, this funnel expands in the feed area. Downstream of the effective range of the separating device, i.e. in the material flow direction, the further funnel also expands.

According to a further embodiment, the first and/or the second plate-shaped deflectors comprise a further plate-shaped deflector upstream of the effective area. The plurality of webs of the first and/or second deflector element also extends in sections in a partial area of the grooves upstream of the effective area of the separating device and merges further upstream into the further plate-shaped deflector. The further plate-shaped deflector adjoins the webs of the deflector element upstream.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one deflector element is set up to exert a spring force acting in the direction of a separation plane on the flat web or the strips, with a shortest connection between a first axis of rotation of the first roller and a second axis of rotation of the second roller being perpendicular stands on the separation plane, wherein in particular the at least one deflector element is designed as a spring-elastic element and / or is mounted spring-loaded.

In other words, the first deflector element exerts a spring force in the direction of the second roller or is mounted spring-loaded in this direction. Accordingly, the second deflector element acts in the direction of the first Roller exerts a spring force or is spring-loaded in this direction. The spring force can be adjustable.

Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the first and/or the second deflector element is designed or mounted to be adjustable, specifically in the direction of the opposite roller. The first and/or second deflector elements are therefore adjustable. They are delivered to the opposite roller so that the strips made from the web material rest between a surface of the webs of the deflector element and an outer end face of the cutting edges. A material thickness of the web material is compensated for by the spring effect or the resilient mounting of the deflector element.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one deflector element, viewed in a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction, has at least one S-impact. In particular, it is provided that the first and/or the second deflector element has a first S-shape in a first direction and a further S-shape in the opposite direction. For example, it is possible to have an extended inlet area (first S-stroke), an area in which the first and second deflector elements are at a minimum distance from each other (between the first and second S-stroke) and an extended outlet area (second S -blow).

According to a further embodiment, the device is further developed in that a stripping device is further comprising a first and/or a second comb-shaped stripper with a plurality of tines, tines of the first stripper for cleaning the first roller in the grooves of the first roller intervene and tines of the second scraper engage in the grooves of the second roller for cleaning the second roller, the scraper device comprising a suction device for sucking off particles removed by the scrapers from the roller or rollers.

The particle suction provided is advantageous because any particles remaining in the rollers as a result of the separation process can be removed from the ongoing production process in this way. They can be returned to the production process elsewhere or disposed of.

According to a further embodiment, the device is designed such that the at least one deflector element is mechanically coupled to at least one vibration exciter, which is designed to set the deflector element into periodic or aperiodic oscillation.

For this purpose, for example, at least one suspension of the deflector element is designed as a vibration exciter. Suitable vibration exciters are, for example, piezo actuators, eccentrics or ultrasound generators. It is also envisaged that a mechanical element rotating with unbalance is used as a vibration exciter. By causing the deflector element to vibrate, the wear of the deflector element can be reduced. Furthermore, mechanical blockages (clogging) of the rollers are prevented or eliminated by the strips.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the separating device is set up to separate immediately adjacent strips from one another along a predetermined separating line in the effective area by stretching the flat web transversely to the separating line to such an extent that it tears apart along the separating line.

In such a device, the first and second rollers are not in direct contact with one another in the effective area. The flat web is not cut along the dividing line by the interaction of two blades, but is torn in a defined manner by over-stretching. Since the flat web is not cut, but rather torn in a defined manner, open structures are created at the breaking edge, i.e. at the side edges of the strips.

Because of this open structure, the strips of web material are, for example, better suited to absorb additives or to release them, for example when heated.

According to a further embodiment, it is provided that the first and / or the second roller are designed as an intermittent roller, with all blades of the intermittent roller each comprising at least one recess that interrupts a cutting edge of the blade, the recesses in the blades of intermittent roller are arranged along a helix and this helix lies in a cylinder jacket spanned by the cutting edges of the blades and the axis of the helix coincides with an axis of rotation of the intermittent roller.

In the context of the present description, a “recess” is to be understood as an intermittent or groove which is introduced into the corresponding blade in such a way that it interrupts the cutting edge of the blade. A “helix” is meant to be a helix that has a constant pitch. The recesses arranged along the helix ensure that the flat web is separated with the separating device in such a way that the individual strips are connected to one another in pairs by webs. This means that the loss of individual strips from the process can be avoided, even in the event of a break or strip tear. The defective strip is fed back into the process with the next crossbar.

The web material from which the individual strips are made and from which the flat web is made is, for example, reconstituted tobacco material, PLA film, a paper web or even another web material.

The object is further achieved by a device for producing a strand in the tobacco processing industry, comprising a device according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, the device further comprising a strand forming unit, which is designed to form a strand from the multitude of strips.

By means of such a device, if, for example, reconstituted tobacco material is used as the sheet material, a rod-shaped article for the tobacco processing industry can be produced. For example, this item is an HNB (Heat-not-Burn) product. If a PLA film is used as the web material, the device can be used to produce, for example, a cooling element, in particular for an HNB article. If paper is used as the sheet material, a filter or a spacer element can be made.

The object is further achieved by a method for separating a flat web from a web material into a plurality of strips, in which the flat web is separated into the plurality of adjacent strips using a separating device which comprises a first roller and a second roller which interacts with it, wherein the lateral surfaces of the rollers in the axial direction alternately have closed circumferential grooves and blades in the circumferential direction of the respective roller and in an effective area the blades of the first roller engage in the grooves of the second roller and the blades of the second roller engage in the grooves of the first roller, with a deflector device, which comprises at least one deflector element, the webs of which engage in the grooves of the first or second roller, the strips are removed from the grooves of the first or second roller with a deflector device, and this method is further developed in that the strips downstream of the effective range of the separating device along a surface of a plate-shaped deflector, the at least one deflector element being designed in sections as a plate-shaped deflector, which forms a closed surface downstream of the effective range of the separating device, which extends in the axial direction over at least two webs.

All strips that are produced in the effective area of the separating device, are guided over the surface of the plate-shaped deflector. In this way, a very reliable method for separating the flat web can advantageously be provided.

Otherwise, the same or similar advantages apply to the method as have already been mentioned with regard to the device.

According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the grooves of the first roller are cleaned of existing particles by tines of a first scraper, which engage in the grooves of the first roller, and the grooves of the second roller are cleaned of existing particles by tines of a second scraper, which engage in the grooves of the second roller, with the particles removed from the grooves being sucked out.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that immediately adjacent strips are separated from one another along a predetermined dividing line in the effective area by stretching the flat web transversely to the dividing line to such an extent that it tears apart along the dividing line.

Furthermore, the method is particularly developed in that the first and/or the second roller are/is designed as an intermittent roller, with all blades of the intermittent roller each comprising at least one recess which interrupts a cutting edge of the blade, the recesses in the blades the intermittent roller are arranged along a helix and this helix lies in a cylinder jacket spanned by the cutting edges of the blades and the axis of the helix coincides with an axis of rotation of the intermittent roller and the flat web is separated into strips connected to one another by transverse webs, which are separated during the separation process the recesses in the blades.

Further features of the invention can be seen from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments according to the invention can fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

Fig. 1

eine Vorrichtung zum Herstellen eines Strangs aus Bahnmaterial in schematisch vereinfachter Darstellung,

Fig. 2

eine schematisch vereinfachte Detailansicht der Walzen einer Trennvorrichtung einer Vorrichtung zum Auftrennen einer Flachbahn aus einem Bahnmaterial, dargestellt im Wirkbereich der beiden Walzen und in einer Schnittebene, in der die Rotationsachsen der Walzen liegen,

Fig. 3

eine schematisch vereinfachte perspektivische Darstellung einer Trennvorrichtung mit einer Abweisvorrichtung und einer Abstreifvorrichtung mit Absaugung,

Fig. 4

eine schematisch vereinfachte perspektivische Detailansicht der Walzen einer Trennvorrichtung mit einer Abweisvorrichtung, dargestellt im Wirkbereich der beiden Walzen,

Fig. 5

eine schematisch vereinfachte Draufsicht auf ein Abweiselement der Abweisvorrichtung,

Fig. 6

eine schematisch vereinfachte perspektivische Detailansicht eines einteilig ausgeführten Abweiselements in Betriebsstellung, wobei die mit der Walze zusammenwirkende gegenüberliegende Walze nicht dargestellt ist,

Fig. 7

eine schematisch vereinfachte Schnittdarstellung, in einer Ebene senkrecht zu einer Axialrichtung, der beiden Walzen der Trennvorrichtung einschließlich einer Abweisvorrichtung,

Fig. 8

eine schematisch vereinfachte perspektivische Detaildarstellung der Walzen einer Trennvorrichtung einschließlich einer weiteren Abweisvorrichtung,

Fig. 9

eine schematisch vereinfachte perspektivische Darstellung einer der beiden Walzen einer Trennvorrichtung mit einer weiteren Abweisvorrichtung,

Fig. 10

die aus Fig. 9 bekannte Walze einschließlich der Abweisvorrichtung, dargestellt in einer Schnittansicht, in einer Ebene senkrecht zu einer Axialrichtung,

Fig. 11

eine weitere schematische schematisch vereinfachte perspektivische Detaildarstellung die Walzen einer Trennvorrichtung mit einer weiteren Abweisvorrichtung,

Fig. 12

eine weitere schematisch vereinfachte Schnittdarstellung, in einer Ebene senkrecht zur Axialrichtung der beiden Walzen der Trennvorrichtung einschließlich einer weiteren Abweisvorrichtung und

Fig. 13

eine weitere schematisch vereinfachte Detailansicht der Walzen der Trennvorrichtung, dargestellt im Wirkbereich der beiden Walzen und in einer Schnittebene, in der die Rotationsachsen der Walzen liegen, wobei zusätzlich eine Abweisvorrichtung mit im Querschnitt T-förmigen Stegen dargestellt ist.

The invention is described below without limiting the general idea of the invention using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, with express reference being made to the drawings with regard to all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text. Show it:

Fig. 1

a device for producing a strand of web material in a schematically simplified representation,

Fig. 2

a schematically simplified detailed view of the rollers of a separating device of a device for separating a flat web from a web material, shown in the effective area of the two rollers and in a sectional plane in which the axes of rotation of the rollers lie,

Fig. 3

a schematically simplified perspective view of a separating device with a deflector device and a stripping device with suction,

Fig. 4

a schematically simplified perspective detailed view of the rollers of a separating device with a deflector device, shown in the effective area of the two rollers,

Fig. 5

a schematically simplified top view of a deflector element of the deflector device,

Fig. 6

a schematically simplified perspective detailed view of a one-piece deflector element in the operating position, wherein the opposite roller cooperating with the roller is not shown,

Fig. 7

a schematically simplified sectional view, in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction, of the two rollers of the separating device including a deflector device,

Fig. 8

a schematically simplified perspective detailed view of the rollers of a separating device including a further deflector device,

Fig. 9

a schematically simplified perspective view of one of the two rollers of a separating device with a further deflector device,

Fig. 10

from Fig. 9 known roller including the deflector device, shown in a sectional view, in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction,

Fig. 11

a further schematic schematically simplified perspective detailed representation of the rollers of a separating device with a further deflector device,

Fig. 12

a further schematically simplified sectional view, in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the two rollers of the separating device including a further deflector device and

Fig. 13

a further schematically simplified detailed view of the rollers of the separating device, shown in the effective range of the two rollers and in a sectional plane in which the axes of rotation of the rollers lie, with a deflector device also being shown with webs that are T-shaped in cross section.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and/or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that they are not presented again.

Within the scope of the invention, features marked “in particular” or “preferably” are to be understood as optional features.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic and simplified representation of a device 2 for producing a strand 4 from a web material. The web material is unrolled as a flat web 6 from a bobbin 8, for example. For this purpose, an unwinding unit 10 is provided. It is also envisaged that the flat web 6 is fed in another way. The web material of the flat web 6 is, for example, reconstituted tobacco material, PLA film or paper.

The flat web 6 is fed to a device 11 included in the device 2 for separating the flat web 6. The device 11 for separating the flat web 6 comprises a separating device 12 and a deflecting device 13. The separating device 12 is set up to separate the flat web 6 into a plurality of strips 14. The strips 14 extend in a strip plane, which is shown in the illustration Fig. 1 is perpendicular to the plane of the paper. The strips 14 are led out of the separating device 12 by the deflector device 13. In Fig. 1 a schematic top view of the large number of strips 14 produced is shown as a detailed view, with this view being rotated 90 ° from the plane of the paper for clarity. The essentially parallel strips 14 are conveyed, for example, via transport rollers 16 in the direction of an inlet funnel 18 of a strand forming unit 20. Instead of the transport rollers 16, a smooth, flat guide, for example a sheet metal or the like, can also be provided, over which the strips 14 are pulled and/or pushed. It is further provided that the device 11 differs from the representation in Fig. 1 is not constructed in such a way that the flat web 6 is processed in a horizontal direction. This can be redirected or fed or subjected to one or more processing steps in directions other than the horizontal direction. However, it has proven to be advantageous if the separated strips 14 are no longer deflected until they reach the inlet funnel of the strand forming unit 20. The strand forming unit 20 is part of the device 2 for producing the strand 4. In it, a strand 4 is formed from the large number of strips 14. The strand formation takes place, for example, in a format channel 22, which is only indicated schematically. After strand formation, the strand 4 can be cut into individual rod-shaped articles 24 of a desired length.

The separating device 12 of the device 11 for separating the flat web 6 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 28 which interacts with it. The two rollers 26, 28 are not in mechanical contact with one another. The first roller 26 rotates about a first axis of rotation 27, the second roller 28 rotates about a second axis of rotation 29.

Fig. 2 shows a schematically simplified detailed view of the two rollers 26, 28 of the separating device 12 in the effective area of the two rollers 26, 28. Fig. 2 is a representation in a sectional plane in which the axes of rotation 27, 29 of the rollers 26, 28 lie. The axes of rotation 27, 29 of the rollers 26, 28 extend in the axial direction A.

The first roller 26 has a first lateral surface 30 and the second roller 28 has a second lateral surface 32. The lateral surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 have grooves 34 and blades 36 which are alternately closed in the circumferential direction in the axial direction A. For reasons of clarity, only some of the grooves 34 and the blades 36 are provided with reference numbers. In the effective range of the two rollers 26, 28 shown, the blades 36 of the first roller 26 engage in the grooves 34 of the second roller 28 and the blades 36 of the second roller 28 engage in the grooves 34 of the first roller 26. The flat web 6, when introduced into the effective area between the two rollers 26, 28, is locally and transversely along a parting plane T, which is shown in a dotted line, is so overstretched that the flat web 6 tears apart in this parting plane T. The dividing plane T lies in the representation of Fig. 2 perpendicular to the web plane E, in which the flat web 6 is fed to the separating device 12.

The blades 36 of the rollers 26, 28 each include an upper side 38, which is part of the lateral surface 30, 32 of the associated roller 26, 28. The grooves 34 each include a base 40, which is also part of the lateral surface 30, 32 of the associated roller 26, 28. The blades 36 and the grooves 34, more precisely the top 38 of the blade 36 and the bottom 40 of the adjacent groove 34, are each connected to one another by flanks 42, 44. Depending on whether the grooves 34 or the blades 36 are assigned to the first or the second roller 26, 28, these flanks should be the first flanks 42, if it is the first roller 26, and as the second flanks 44, if it is it is the second roller 28. The flanks 42, 44 run radially, i.e. in a radial direction R, which is perpendicular to the axial direction A. The radial direction R runs in the direction of a radius of the respective roller 26, 28. The dividing lines along which the flat web 6 is separated into strips 14 each run between the first flanks 42 of the first roller 26 and the second flanks 44 of the second roller 28 .

The separating device 12 is set up to separate the flat web 6, which has a predetermined material thickness. The separating device 12 can be designed in such a way that an axial gap dimension 46 is provided between the flanks 42, 44 of opposing rollers 26, 28, i.e. between the first flank 42 and the second flank 44, which is 0.5 times to twice as large. in particular 0.6 times to one time the value of the specified material thickness of the flat sheet 6. A distance D measured in the radial direction R of the rollers 26, 28 between the The top side 38 of the blades 36 and the first roller 26 and the top side 38 of the blades 36 of the second roller 28 are, for example, one to five times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web 6. The local overstretching of the flat web 6 along the dividing lines leads to the fact that in In the grooves 34 of the rollers 26, 28, the individual strips 14, of which only some are provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity, are present separately from one another. The strips 14 have an open structure at their edges 48, since they are not separated by a cut, but are torn apart in a defined manner by over-stretching.

As a result of the separation of the flat web 6 into individual strips 14, it can happen that individual strips 14 adhere to the bottom of the groove, i.e. on or near the bottom 40 of the grooves 34 in the respective roller 26, 28 and so at the end of the effective range between the two Rollers 26, 28 are difficult to remove from the grooves 34. For this reason, the separating device 12 includes the deflector device 13, which comprises at least one deflector element, the webs 50 of which engage in the grooves 34 of the first and second rollers 26, 28. The webs 50 extend between the bottom 40 of the grooves 34 and the respective strip 14. The strips 14 are led out of the grooves 34 by the webs 50 at the end of the effective range, i.e. from the bottom 40 of the grooves 34 towards the top 38 of the blades 36 led. From there, the strips 14 are led out of a cylindrical surface of the rollers 26, 28 defined by the outer circumferences of the blades 36. The strips 14 continue onto a plate-shaped deflector of the deflector element, which is arranged downstream of the effective area and is designed as a closed surface.

Fig. 3 shows a schematically simplified perspective view of the separating device 12, comprising the first roller 26 and the second roller 28. For reasons of clarity, the flat web 6 and the strips 14 produced from it using the separating device 12 are not shown. The flat web 6 is the separating device 12 from the right Side fed to an inlet area 60. In an effective area 52, the rollers 26, 28 mesh with one another and the flat web 6 is separated into individual strips 14. The deflector device 13 comprises a first deflector element 54 and a second deflector element 56. The deflector elements 54, 56 are designed in sections as plate-shaped deflectors.

At the in Fig. 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the deflector elements 54, 56 are arranged symmetrically to a separation plane AT. Their location is in Fig. 3 indicated with a dotted line. The deflector elements 54, 56 are also designed symmetrically to the separation plane AT in the inlet area 60 as well as in the outlet area 58, i.e. upstream of the effective area 52 and downstream of the effective area 52. In other words, the deflector elements 54, 56 in the inlet area 60 and in the outlet area 58 are designed in the same way.

In Fig. 3 the area of the second deflector 56 designed as a plate-shaped deflector 62 is visible in the outlet area 58. This plate-shaped deflector 62 is designed as a closed surface and connects the in Fig. 3 invisible webs 50 of the second deflector element 56 with each other.

The deflector elements 54, 56 are set up, for example, to exert a spring force acting in the direction of a separation plane AT on the flat web 6 or the strips 14 produced. For this purpose, the deflector elements 54, 56 are designed, for example, as spring-elastic elements. It is also provided that the bearings or suspension 63 of the deflector elements 54, 56 are designed as spring bearings. The first deflector element 54 therefore exerts a spring force in the direction of the second roller 28 or is mounted spring-loaded in this direction. Accordingly, the second deflector element 56 exerts a spring force in the direction of the first roller 26 or is mounted spring-loaded in this direction. The spring force can be adjustable in each case.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the deflector elements 54, 56 are mechanically coupled to at least one vibration exciter. This is designed to cause the deflector element 54, 56 to oscillate periodically or aperiodically. For example, at least one suspension 63 of at least one deflector element 54, 56 is designed as a vibration exciter, for example as a piezo actuator, eccentric, ultrasonic generator or as a mechanical element rotating with unbalance. By causing the deflector element 54, 56 to vibrate, mechanical blockages (clogging) of the rollers 26, 28 caused by the strips 14 are prevented or eliminated.

The separating device 12 is also provided with a stripping device 64. This includes a first comb-shaped scraper 66, which is provided with a plurality of tines, the tines of the first scraper 66 engaging in the grooves 34 of the first roller 26 and serving to clean the first roller 26. The scraper device 64 further comprises a second scraper 68, which is also provided with tines, the tines of the second scraper 68 engaging in the grooves 34 of this roller 28 for cleaning the second roller 28. The scraper device 64 further comprises a suction device 70 with which the particles removed from the rollers 26, 28 by the scrapers 66, 68 are sucked out. At the in Fig. 3 In the device shown, the suction device 70 each includes a hood 72 in which a suction channel 74 is present. The hood 72 extends to an outer surface of the rollers 26, 28, so that particles removed by the scrapers 66, 68 are absorbed into the interior of the hood 72 and removed via the suction channel 74.

The first cutting roller 26 or the second cutting roller 28 or both cutting rollers 26, 28, ie the first cutting roller 26 and the second cutting roller 28, are designed, for example, as intermittent roller(s). The design of the separating device 12 with at least one intermittent roller ensures that the strips 14 are connected in pairs with crossbars. In the case of an intermittent roller, all blades 36 of the intermittent roller 26, 28 are each provided with a recess which interrupts a cutting edge of the blade 36. The recesses in the blades 36 of such an intermittent roller 26, 28 are arranged along a helix. This helix lies in a cylinder jacket spanned by the cutting edges of the blades 36. The axis of this helix coincides with the respective axis of rotation 27, 29 of the intermittent roller 26, 28.

Fig. 4 shows the first roller 26 and the second roller 28 in a schematically simplified perspective detailed view. In the figure, an outer blade 36 of the first roller 26 is visible at the front. In the effective area 52, this blade 36 overlaps with a blade 36 of the second roller 28. The blade 36 therefore engages in a groove 34 of the opposite roller 26, 28. The web 50 of the second deflector element 56 extends through this groove 34. An opposite first deflector element 54 also has webs 50, only one of which is partially visible. These extend through the grooves 34 of the first roller 26. The flat web 6 is fed to the effective area 52 from the right side between the first deflector element 54 and the second deflector element 56. In the effective area 52, the flat web 6 is separated into individual strips 14, which are led out of the roller 26, 28 on the upper side 76 of the webs 50 facing the opposite roller 26, 28. The strips 14 then reach the plate-shaped deflector 62, which is in Fig. 4 for the second deflector element 56 is provided with reference numbers. The strips 14 are guided on the top of the deflector 62 and made available for further processing steps. In the same way as described for the second deflector element 56, the strips 14 are also guided out of the first roller 26 by the first deflector element 54. In the outlet area 58, the strips 14 are guided between the two deflector elements 54, 56, more precisely between the plate-shaped deflectors 62 of the respective deflector elements 54, 56.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic and simplified top view of a deflector element, for example the first deflector element 54, of the deflector device 13. The deflector element 54 comprises a plurality of webs 50. Between the webs 50 there are free spaces or slots through which the blades 36 of the first roller 26 in protrude through the ready-to-use assembly state. The webs 50 merge into the plate-shaped deflector 62. An extent 78 of the plate-shaped deflector 62 in the axial direction A is larger than a dimension of the effective area 52 in this direction. The dimension of the effective area 52 in the axial direction A corresponds to the distance between the outer blades 36 of the rollers 26, 28. Since the blades 36 of the roller 26 protrude through the slots between the webs 50, this is the distance between the outer edges of the outermost slots, measured in axial direction A.

The deflector element 54 is, for example, made in one piece. For this purpose, for example, a plate is provided with slots so that the webs 50 are created. The deflector element 54 is therefore completely flat, for example.

Fig. 6 shows a schematically simplified perspective detailed view of a one-piece deflector element 54 in the operating position. The opposite roller 28 cooperating with the roller 26 shown is not shown. By way of example only, the deflector element shown should once again be the first deflector element 54. The blades 36 of the first roller 26 extend in the grooves between the webs 50. The webs 50 merge into the plate-shaped deflector 62. The plate-shaped deflector 62 adjoins the webs 50 downstream and connects all webs 50 to one another. Upstream, the webs 50 in the illustrated embodiment are also connected to one another with a further plate-shaped deflector 80.

Fig. 7 shows in a schematically simplified sectional view, which lies in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A, the first roller 26 and the second roller 28. Also shown are the first deflector element 54 and the second deflector element 56, which together form the deflector device 13. The two deflector elements 54, 56 are arranged on opposite sides of the separation plane AT. The separation plane AT is arranged such that it is perpendicular to a shortest connection between a first axis of rotation 27 of the first roller 26 and a second axis of rotation 29 of the second roller 28. The separation plane AT separates this shortest connection exactly in the middle. The separation plane AT is therefore the same distance from the first and second rotation axes 27, 29. This applies under the condition that the two rollers 26, 28 have radii of the same size. The two deflector elements 54, 56 are, for example, arranged mirror-symmetrically to the separation plane AT.

Fig. 8 shows the first roller 26 and the second roller 28 again in a schematically simplified perspective detailed view, with the second roller 28 being designed with a second deflector element 56 according to a further exemplary embodiment. The webs 50 are on the in the Fig. 8 side lying at the front is recorded in a common holder 82. In particular, it is provided that the webs 50 are not formed in one piece or in one piece with this holder 82. The webs 50 also each have an S-shape, so that their upper side 76 partially reduces the distance to the opposite roller, in this case the first roller 26. The S-stroke is directed in the direction of this first roller 26.

Fig. 9 shows a further schematically simplified perspective view, in which the second roller 28 and a second deflector element 56 are shown according to a further exemplary embodiment. The deflector element 56 has a first S-shape in a first region 84 and a second S-shape in a second region 86.

Fig. 10 shows it off Fig. 9 Known roller 28 including the second deflector element 56 in a sectional view, shown in one plane perpendicular to the axial direction A. The first and second regions, 84, 86, in which the S-beats pronounced in opposite directions are present in the deflector element 56 are again visible.

Fig. 11 shows a further schematic and simplified perspective view of the rollers 26, 28 of the separating device 13, each with a deflector element 54, 56 according to a further exemplary embodiment. The deflector elements 54, 56 are designed in such a way that they each have two S-shapes directed in opposite directions. These are present in the first and second areas 84, 86. In addition, in a third area 88 there is a recess in which the deflector 54, 56 again moves away from the opposite roller 26, 28.

Fig. 12 shows a further schematically simplified sectional view in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A of the two rollers 26, 28 of the separating device 12. The separating device 12 shown comprises a deflector device 13, comprising a first deflector element 54 and a second deflector element 56. Different from that in the previous exemplary embodiments The deflector devices 13 described are the webs 50 in Fig. 12 Deflector elements 54, 56 shown are each held on one side of the plate-shaped deflector 62 and extend from this into the grooves 34 of the first roller 26 or into the grooves 34 of the second roller 28. A web 50 is completely visible from the first deflector element 54, as the sectional view in Fig. 12 reveals the view of a groove 34 of the first roller 26. Starting from the deflector 62, this web 50 extends into the groove 34 in the direction of its free end 90. The web 50 of the second deflector element 56 is only partially visible, since the associated groove of the second roller 28 in the sectional view of Fig. 12 is not shown.

The outlet zone between the deflector elements 54, 56 widens in a funnel shape. The plate-shaped deflector 62 of the second deflector element 56 is in particular flat and, for example, parallel the parting plane AT indicated in a dotted line. The individual strips (not shown) can thus be guided out of the effective area between the rollers 26, 28 via the webs 50 and the plate-shaped deflector 62 of the second deflector element 56.

Furthermore, by way of example, a first stripper 66 of a stripping device 64 already explained above is in Fig. 12 shown on the first roller 26.

Fig. 13 shows the rollers 26, 28 of the separating device 12 in a further schematically simplified detailed view. An effective area between the two rollers 26, 28 is shown in a sectional plane in which the axes of rotation of the rollers 26, 28 lie. The representation is similar to that in Fig. 2 . The first roller 26 and the second roller 28 are only shown in sections. The blades 36 of the first roller 26 engage in grooves 34 of the second roller 28. The blades 36 of the second roller 28 engage, conversely, in the grooves 34 of the first roller 26. In the grooves 34 of the first roller 26 and in the grooves 34 of the second roller 28, the webs 50 of the first deflector element 54 are arranged, also shown in cross section. The webs 50 of the second deflector element 56 are arranged in the grooves 34 of the second roller 28 and are shown in cross section. The webs 50 are T-shaped in cross section. A flat top 92 of the webs 50 faces the parting plane AT. On this flat top 92 the in Fig. 13 Strips 14, not shown, are led out of the effective area between the first and second rollers 26, 28. The webs 50 only fill the grooves 34 approximately widthwise in a head area 94. In a much narrower fuselage area 96, the width of the webs 50 is significantly smaller. It is therefore possible for contaminants to be transported between the groove flanks 98 and the narrow body area 96 towards the bottom 40 of the grooves 34, where they can be transported using the in Fig. 13 stripping device 64, not shown, can be removed.

All of the features mentioned, including those that can be seen from the drawings alone as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features, are viewed alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments according to the invention can be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features.

Reference symbol list

2

Device for producing a strand

4

strand

6

Flat track

8th

Bobine

10

Unwinding unit

11

Device for cutting a flat web

12

Separating device

13

Deflector device

14

stripes

16

transport rollers

18

Inlet funnel

20

Strand forming unit

22

Format channel

24

Article

26

first roller

27

first axis of rotation

28

second roller

29

second axis of rotation

30

first lateral surface

32

second lateral surface

34

grooves

36

Sound

38

Top

40

Floor

42

first flank

44

second flank

46

axial gap dimension

48

edge

50

Bridges

52

Effective range

54

first deflector element

56

second deflector element

58

Run-out area

60

Inlet area

62

plate-shaped deflector

63

suspension

64

Stripping device

66

first scraper

68

second scraper

70

Suction device

72

Hood

74

Suction channel

76

Top

78

expansion

80

another rejector

82

bracket

84

first area

86

second area

88

third area

90

free ending

92

flat top

94

Head area

96

Torso area

98

groove flanks

A

Axial direction

AT

separation plane

E

paper plane

R

radial direction

T

dividing plane

Claims (15)

Device (11) for separating a flat web (6) from a web material into a plurality of strips (14), comprising a separating device (12) and a deflecting device (13), the separating device (12) having a first and a second cooperating with it Roller (26, 28), and wherein the lateral surfaces (30, 32) of the rollers (26, 28) in the axial direction (A) alternately have closed circumferential grooves (34) and blades (36) in the circumferential direction of the respective roller (26, 28 ) and in an effective area the blades (36) of the first roller (26) in the grooves (34) of the second roller (28) and the blades (36) of the second roller (28) in the grooves (34) of the first roller (26) intervene, and the separating device (12) is set up to separate the flat web (6) into a plurality of adjacent strips (14), and wherein the deflector device (13) comprises at least one deflector element (54, 56), the webs of which (50) engage in the grooves (34) of the first or second roller (26, 28), characterized in that the at least one deflector element (54, 56) is designed in sections as a plate-shaped deflector (62) which is located downstream of the effective area of the Separating device (12) forms a closed surface which extends in the axial direction (A) over at least two webs (50). Device (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the webs (50) of the at least one deflector element (54, 56) of the deflector device (13) are held on one side of the plate-shaped deflector (62) and extend from the deflector (62). extend towards their respective free ends (90) into the grooves (34) of the first roller (26) or the second roller (28). Device (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one web (50), in particular all webs (50), of the at least one deflector element (54, 56) have a T-shaped cross section. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the deflector device (13) comprises a first and a second deflector element (54, 56) which are arranged on opposite sides of a separation plane (AT), one The shortest connection between a first axis of rotation (27) of the first roller (26) and a second axis of rotation (29) of the second roller (28) is perpendicular to the separation plane (AT), with the two deflector elements (54, 56) on both sides of the Separation plane (AT), in particular mirror-symmetrical to the separation plane (AT), are arranged. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one deflector element (54, 56) is designed to apply a spring force acting in the direction of a separation plane (AT) to the flat web (6) or the strips (14 ), wherein a shortest connection between a first axis of rotation (27) of the first roller (26) and a second axis of rotation (29) of the second roller (28) is perpendicular to the separation plane (AT), in particular the at least one deflector element (54 , 56) is designed as a spring-elastic element and / or is mounted spring-loaded. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one deflector element (54, 56), viewed in a plane which is perpendicular to the axial direction (A), has at least one S-shaped impact. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a stripping device (64), which comprises a first and / or a second comb-shaped stripper (66, 68) with a plurality of tines, tines of the of the first scraper (66) for cleaning the first roller (26) engage in the grooves (34) of the first roller (26) and tines of the second scraper (68) for cleaning the second roller (28) engage in the grooves (34) of the second Roller (28), the stripping device (64) comprising a suction device (70) for sucking off particles removed by the strippers (66, 68) from the roller or rollers (26, 28). Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one deflector element (54, 56) is mechanically coupled to at least one vibration exciter, which is set up to cause the deflector element (54, 56) to oscillate periodically or aperiodically offset. Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the separating device (12) is set up to separate immediately adjacent strips (14) from one another along a predetermined separating line (T) in the effective area (52) by the flat web (6) is stretched transversely to the dividing line (T) to such an extent that it tears apart along the dividing line (T). Device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and/or the second roller (26, 28) are designed as intermittent rollers, with all blades (36) of the intermittent roller each having at least one recess which interrupts a cutting edge of the blade (36), the recesses in the blades (36) of the intermittent roller (26, 28) being arranged along a helix and this helix lying in a cylinder jacket spanned by the cutting edges of the blades (36). and the axis of the helix coincides with an axis of rotation (27, 29) of the intermittent roller (26, 28). Device (2) for producing a strand (4) for the tobacco processing industry, comprising a device (11) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and a strand forming unit (20) which is designed to select one from the plurality of strips (14). To form strand (4). Method for separating a flat web (6) from a web material (6) into a plurality of strips (14), in which with a separating device (12) which comprises a first and a second roller (26, 28) cooperating with it Flat web (6) is separated into the plurality of adjacent strips (14), the lateral surfaces (30, 32) of the rollers (26, 28) in the axial direction (A) alternately having closed circumferential grooves in the circumferential direction of the respective roller (26, 28). (34) and blades (36) and in an effective area (52) the blades (36) of the first roller (26) in the grooves (34) of the second roller (28) and the blades (36) of the second roller (28 ) engage in the grooves (34) of the first roller (26), with the webs (50) of which are inserted into the grooves (34) of the first or second with a deflector device (13), which comprises at least one deflector element (54, 56). Roller (26, 28), the strips (14) are removed from the grooves (34) of the first or second roller (26, 28) with a deflector device (13), characterized in that the strips (14) downstream of the Effective area (52) of the separating device (12) are guided along a surface of a plate-shaped deflector (62), the at least one deflector element (54, 56) being designed in sections as a plate-shaped deflector (62). is, which forms a closed surface downstream of the effective area (52) of the separating device (12), which extends in the axial direction (A) over at least two webs (50). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the grooves (34) of the first roller (26) are cleaned of existing particles by tines of a first scraper (66) which engage in the grooves (34) of the first roller (26), and the grooves (34) of the second roller (28) are cleaned of existing particles by tines of a second scraper (68) which engage in the grooves (34) of the second roller (28), the particles removed from the grooves (34). be sucked off. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that immediately adjacent strips (14) are separated from one another along a predetermined dividing line (T) in the effective area (52) by stretching the flat web (6) transversely to the dividing line (T) to such an extent that it tears apart along the dividing line (T). Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the first and / or the second roller (26, 28) are/is designed as an intermittent roller, with all blades (36) of the intermittent roller each comprising at least one recess, which a cutting edge of the blade (36) interrupts, the recesses in the blades (36) of the intermittent roller being arranged along a helix and this helix lying in a cylinder jacket spanned by the cutting edges of the blades (36) and the axis of the helix with an axis of rotation (27, 29) of the intermittent roller collapses and the flat web (6) is separated into strips (14) connected to one another by transverse webs, which lie in the recesses of the blades (36) during the separation process.

Images