JP2009523015A - Turning device, device with the turning device, and method for conveying and turning at least one filter tow strand - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention relates to a format-forming part (2a, 2b) of a device for producing filter rods, and in particular to a turning device for transporting and turning at least one filter tow strand (13) connectable to an introduction system. This turning device comprises a conveying device (40) for pneumatically conveying at least one filter tow strand (13) and said turning for a substantially pneumatically driven filter tow strand (13). It has the turning device (50) which cooperates with a conveying apparatus (40), It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

Description

  The present invention relates to a turning device for conveying and turning at least one filter tow strand. This device can be connected to the format forming part of the device for producing the filter rod, and in particular to the introduction system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device comprising such a type of turning device and to a method for conveying and turning at least one filter tow strand.

  A turning device of the type mentioned at the outset is known, for example, from WO 2005/058079. This turning device is used in a double strand device that includes two format forming sections for forming continuous filter rods and a filter material draw tube for each format forming section. These lead-in tubes receive the filter material from a conveying section extending between the lead-in tube introduction region and a stockpile region consisting of two filter material bails. Each of the rovings is unwound from the bail, and these rovings are fed to the blower along the conveying section, where the blower draws both rovings laterally apart into two filter material stripes in the introduction area. Is provided. After the blower, both stripes are carried through the press along their respective feeds, then air is blown through each stripe to increase its volume, and finally the front Transported through the processing equipment, where chemicals are added to the stripes to give the filter material flavor and moldability.

  Each supply is connected to the format-forming section by a stabilization unit, which serves to convert and stabilize each stripe into a strand of filter material. The stabilization unit receives the stripes from the supply section and transports them in the format forming section onto a tape made of pre-rubberized paper in the form of uniform strands. The stabilization unit typically has one funnel for each feed, into which a stripe is introduced and compressed, thereby forming a filter material strand. In order to improve the homogeneity of the strand filter material, air can be blown into the funnel as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,200,616.

  The paper tape is wrapped laterally around the strands in the format forming section, thereby forming a continuous filter rod. An inspection unit checks the density of the filter rods at the discharge section of the format forming section. A cutting head cuts the rod into individual filter sections.

  It is known to reduce the spacing between both filter material strands in the stabilization unit. For example, in WO 2005/058079, the spacing between both filter material strands is reduced by using two inlet funnels with two curved arcs for each filter material strand.

  The shortening of the spacing between both strands in the stabilization device of the device according to WO 2005/058079 is caused by two turning rolls having a V-shaped cross section. Both turning rolls interlock with the curved arcs of both inlet funnels and receive the filter tow strands from the two transport rolls. That is, the filter material strands are mechanically fed to both inlet funnels.

  Since the stabilizing unit has a turning function, it can also be regarded as a turning unit.

  The homogeneity of the filter rod produced with the known filter rod device comprising the stabilization unit or turning unit described above is insufficient.

  The object of the present invention is to further improve the turning device described at the outset so that filter rods with improved homogeneity can be produced. Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to easily implement the device at a relatively low cost. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device comprising such a type of turning device and to provide a method for conveying and turning at least one filter tow strand.

  According to the invention, the above-mentioned problems are solved by claim 1 for the turning device, by claim 29 for the device and by claim 32 for the method. Moreover, the above-mentioned problem is solved by an apparatus for producing a tobacco filter according to independent claim 33.

  Further refinements and design details of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

  The main point of the invention is the provision of a conveying device for pneumatically conveying at least one filter strand and a turning device cooperating with the conveying device for pneumatically driven turning of the filter tow strand. It is to be done.

  This means that the driving force is applied pneumatically in a region where the transport direction of the strand is changed and at least in the region where the transport direction changes, that is, in the turning region.

  Without being bound by the theory described below, the combination of pneumatic conveying and strand turning is expected to result in enhanced material vortex formation, thereby resulting in a very homogeneous filter material. . In particular, the tensile strength of the filter rod obtained by the filter strand device provided with the turning device according to the present invention and the variation in tensile strength are significantly improved. Moreover, since the turning device of the present invention can be embodied at low cost, the total cost of the filter strand device is reduced. The turning device according to the invention can be used in a simple manner with known filter strand devices, and the existing turning unit of such a device need only be replaced by the turning device of the invention.

  Unlike the turning device according to the invention, the turning device described in WO 2005/058079 is based on the idea of supplying the filter tow strand mechanically to the format forming part of the device. For this purpose, this known turning device combines a mechanical conveyor with a turning device. This filter strand device thus produces a filter material comparable to the filter material obtained by the filter strand device comprising the turning device of the present invention in terms of homogeneity, tensile strength and tensile strength variation. I can't.

  The turning device described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,616 operates using turning rolls that are also mechanically based. The strands coming from the turning rolls are introduced into the funnel by a forwardly directed air stream from a nozzle located just before the funnel. This means that the nozzle is only used to introduce the strand into the funnel, and no deflection or turning of the strand takes place. Based on the drive roll cooperating with the turning roll, the filter tow strand is turned in a mechanical manner.

  In one preferred embodiment, the turning device is such that the turning direction of the filter tow strand has at least one horizontal component. It has been shown that the tensile strength and the variation in tensile strength can be further improved based on the horizontal component of turning. In contrast, the turning device described in US Pat. No. 4,522,616 is intended only for the vertical turning of the strands.

  The transport device can have at least one transport nozzle that operates pneumatically, so that a conventional transport nozzle can be used, thus realizing a particularly simple technical implementation of the transport device Is done.

  The transport device preferably has two transport nozzles arranged in the region on the inlet side and the region on the outlet side of the device. The use of two transport nozzles where one nozzle is placed after the other nozzle improves the flexibility of the manufacturing process. For example, both nozzles can be operated at different pressures to affect the characteristics of the filter tow strand.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the turning device includes at least one curved arc that at least partially defines a transport path for the filter tow strand. The use of a curved arc in the context of a turning device has the advantage that a continuous turning of the filter tow strand is realized.

  In general, any component with a continuously curved structure that causes airflow deflection, for example, a baffle, is suitable for embodying a turning device.

  The curved arc portion may be connected to the transfer nozzle provided on the outlet side and / or the transfer nozzle provided on the inlet side, and in particular may be detachably connected. In this way, the curved arc and the conveying nozzle cooperate directly, thereby ensuring that the turning is driven pneumatically or pneumatically. Based on the removable connection between the curved arc section and the transfer nozzle, one of both transfer nozzles may be equipped with a curved arc section, or both transfer nozzles may each be equipped with a curved arc section. It may be.

  In order to adjust the position of one curved arc part or a plurality of curved arc parts from the viewpoint of the conveying nozzle or from the viewpoint of the curved arc part arranged oppositely, one curved arc part or a plurality of curved arc parts It may be intended that the part is arranged to be rotatable or pivotable.

  The lower limit of the bending angle of the curved arc portion may be at least 10 °, and preferred ranges are between 10 ° and 80 °, between 20 ° and 60 °, and between 30 ° and 50 °.

  In the uniform transition of the filter tow strand from one curved arc part to another curved arc part attached thereto, the ends of the curved arc parts farther from the respective transport nozzles are arranged in a straight line. Can be realized.

  In another preferred embodiment, it is intended that each curved arc is connected by a tube section, in particular by a tube section configured in a straight line. This embodiment can be considered particularly preferred for safety reasons. In this case, it is avoided that an unprotected filter tow strand traveling at a high speed becomes accessible to the operator.

  In addition, the tube section provides an effective means of extending the length of the turning device, which leads to the positive effect that critical pulsations are attenuated, especially when the machining speed is high. The increased pulsation is associated with the high pressure applied to the inlet nozzle that is necessary to ensure proper supply of strands to the fingers. In conventional turning systems, the guide path is short, so that this type of pulsation is transmitted to the format forming part of the device with little attenuation. This leads to an increase in the variation in tensile strength, particularly when the processing speed is high. Furthermore, the increased length of the system according to this embodiment of the present invention enhances the blooming effect.

  The tube section may be at least sectioned, thereby allowing compressed air to exit the tube section.

  In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tube section is provided with a supply device for supplying additive substances, such as, for example, activated carbon or softener and / or for supplying water. Based on the extended length of the system, the supply of additive and / or water in the tube section leads to an even distribution of additive and / or water in the filter tow strand. Moreover, the supply of water in the tube section of the turning device ensures a reliable separation of the water supply from the triacetin circuit which must not contain water in order to avoid hydrolysis of triacetin.

  In another embodiment, a free space is formed between each curved arc so that chemicals added to the strands before being introduced into the turning device can be released from the filter tow strands. It becomes possible.

  The turning device is preferably adapted to displace at least one filter tow strand in the horizontal direction by at least 5 cm, in particular 5-50 cm, in particular 10-40 cm, in particular 15-30 cm. In order to achieve a good vortex formation of the filter strand material, the length of the device which is suitable is such that the overall length of the device is at least 200 mm, in particular 200-1000 mm, in particular 500-900 mm, in particular 600-800 mm.

  The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying schematic drawings.

  Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 represents as a whole a double-strand device for producing a tobacco filter. The apparatus 1 includes a format forming section comprising two format forming sections 2a, 2b for forming continuous filter rods 3a, 3b, respectively, and one for each format forming section 2a, 2b. The filter material supply parts 4a and 4b are included. The supply sections 4a, 4b form part of the apparatus 1 and extend between the inlet station 6 of the supply sections 4a, 4b and the stockpile area 7 consisting of two bail 8a, 8b made of filter material. Receive the filter material.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the respective rovings 9 a and 9 b are unwound from the bail 8 a and 8 b and are conveyed along the conveying section 5 by the guide roll structure 10 a disposed at the inlet station 6.

  The conveyance section 5 includes a double guide device 11 disposed above the bails 8a and 8b for guiding the rovings 9a and 9b. Furthermore, the conveying section 5 guides the inlet station 6 as viewed in the conveying direction in order to stretch the rovings 9a, 9b in the lateral direction into the respective areaally flat stripes 13a, 13b fed to the guiding device 10a. It includes a suction device 12 positioned just in front of the structure 10a. After the guide device 10a, both stripes 13a, 13b are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction 14 along the supply section or supply section 4a, 4b, with a guide roll structure or brake roll structure 10a and two drive roll structures 10b, 10c. It is conveyed so that it may pass through the press apparatus 15 containing. Both stripes 13a, 13b are then transported in the direction 14 along their respective feeds 4a, 4b and through the expansion device 16 which blows air into the stripes 13a, 13b to increase its volume. The stripes 13a, 13b are then transported through the pretreatment device 17, where chemicals, in particular triacetin, are added to the stripes 13a, 13b, thereby imparting moldability and / or aroma to the filter material. Finally, both stripes 13a, 13b are configured in the same direction as structures 10b, 10c in the direction 14 along their respective feeds 4a, 4b and define the exit areas of the feeds 4a, 4b or feed sections 4a, 4b. It is conveyed so as to pass through the drive roll structure 10d.

  The supply units 4a and 4b are connected to the format forming sections 2a and 2b of the format forming unit by a stabilizing unit or a turning device 18 disposed immediately after the roll structure 10d. The stabilization unit 18 receives the stripes 13a and 13b from the supply sections 4a and 4b, and evenly gathers the stripes 13a and 13b to form two strands made of filter material. The filter material strands are then formed into format forming sections 2a and 2b. Transport to. In both formatting sections 2a, 2b, each filter material strand is transported onto a paper tape 19a, 19b that has been previously rubberized at the rubberizing station 20, and this paper tape is subsequently transferred to a continuous filter rod 3a, To form 3b, it is wrapped laterally around the filter material strand.

  At the exit of the format forming sections 2a, 2b, one or more inspection stations 21 inspect various quality characteristics of the filter rods 3a, 3b (eg density, diameter, appearance ...). The cutting head 22 cuts the rods 3a and 3b laterally to form subsequent filter pieces (not shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stabilization unit 18 is attached to the frame of the apparatus 1, and is provided with two stabilizations arranged side by side on the converging side to reduce the spacing between both filter material strands. A housing 23 is included which holds the sections 24a, 24b inside.

  Each stabilizing section 24 includes an inlet funnel 25 from which the stripe 13 is conveyed from the supply section 4 and an outlet funnel 26 placed behind it, through which the filter tow strand is formatted. It is conveyed to the forming section 2. The inlet funnel 25 and the outlet funnel 26 each have a nozzle, which generates a driving gas flow, in particular an air flow, for conveying the strands. Therefore, the funnels 25 and 26 each function as a transport nozzle. Each funnel 25 has a linear central axis of symmetry 27 that extends parallel to the transport direction or is located in the transport plane of the stripe 13 in the region of the supply section 4. Each outlet funnel 26 also extends obliquely with respect to the conveying direction of the filter material strands coming from the inlet funnel 25 and also extends obliquely with respect to the conveying direction of the filter material strands along the format forming section 2. It has a shaft 28. A tubular turning part is arranged between each inlet funnel 25 and outlet funnel 26, in particular a curved arc 29 having a curved area to turn the conveying direction of the filter material strands coming from the inlet funnel 25. Is arranged. Each curved arc portion 29 is preferably directly connected to the discharge portion of the inlet funnel 25.

  Air is blown into each funnel 25, 26 to further improve the homogeneity of the filter material in the filter material strands. Specifically, each funnel 25, 26 comprises a narrowing and tapered inlet region (ie, a progressively decreasing flow passage diameter) and a cylindrical intermediate section (ie, a constant flow passage diameter). A tubular body 30 is included. In addition, each funnel 25, 26 includes another tubular body 31 (that is, an increasing flow path diameter) that is slightly expanded after the tubular body 30.

  The tubular body 30 is screwed into another tubular body 31, whereby a tubular air flow passage 32 is partitioned between the outer surface of the tubular body 30 and the inner surface of the other tubular body 31. A plurality of spray openings 33 that penetrate the inner surface of the tubular body 30 in a cylindrical intermediate section are opened in the flow passage. A supply passage 34 is formed in another tubular body 31, through which the compressed air is in operation into the tubular passage 32 and from there through the blowing opening 33 to the flow passage of the tubular body 30. Infused.

  The blowing opening 33 of the inlet funnel 25 is oriented with respect to the central symmetry axis 27 such that an axial component is applied to the air flow, i.e. a component parallel to the central symmetry axis 27 is applied. Yes.

  In one variant, the blowing opening 33 of the inlet funnel 25 is applied not only to the axial component but also to the radial component (ie perpendicular to the central symmetry axis 27) to the air with respect to the central symmetry axis 27. Facing the direction. In this case, the axial airflow component, which serves to press the filter material through the inlet funnel 25, is more dominant, whereas the radial airflow component causes the airflow to vortex. To play a role.

  The outlet opening 33 of the outlet funnel 26 is oriented with respect to the central symmetry axis 28 in such a way that mainly an axial component (ie parallel to the central symmetry axis 28) is applied to the air flow, so that the filter The driving force acting on the material is maximized.

  During assembly and adjustment of the stabilization unit 18, the tubular body 13 can be screwed into or removed from another tubular body 31 to adjust the air flow region of each tubular passage 32. Thus, the air velocity and the air flow passing through the blowing opening 33 are adjusted.

  It is further noted that the filter strand material is transported through the free space 35 between each inlet funnel 25 and outlet funnel 26, at which time the filter strand material moves freely, i.e. without guide members.

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 includes a modification in which each funnel 25 is connected to a corresponding funnel 26 by a perforated tubular expansion portion.

  The free space 35 through which the filter strand material moves freely allows for the expansion of compressed air blown through the blowing opening 33 of each inlet funnel 25, thereby avoiding undesirable back pressure phenomena. The This further allows the filter strand material to release excess chemicals added by the pretreatment device 17. In order to collect and discharge the chemical substances released from the filter strand material, the housing 23 is arranged to be inclined downward and has a water receiving passage leading to the water receiving tank at the lowest point. is doing. In order to prevent chemicals released from the filter strand material from escaping out of the housing 23 and contaminating other devices 1, the housing 23 is substantially sealed and is located in the central region of the housing 23. Only having a discharge opening which is shielded against direct spraying.

  In order to allow free expansion of the compressed air blown into each outlet funnel 26 through the blowing opening 33 (and thereby avoiding undesirable back pressure phenomena), each outlet funnel 26. Includes a plurality of apertures 38 and a slightly tapered perforated tubular body 37 disposed immediately after the outlet funnel 26. The through-holes 38 in each perforated tubular body 37 are arranged only on the top surface of the perforated tubular body 37 in order to avoid a downward air flow, ie an air flow towards the format-forming section 2. Is preferred.

  In an embodiment, each stabilization section 24 of the stabilization unit 18 is disposed between the inlet funnel 25 and the outlet funnel 26 and is configured identically with the funnels 25, 26, one, two, or more The thing (not shown) provided with the above intermediate funnel is contained.

  In the embodiment, the device 1 described above is configured as a single-strand device, i.e. a format-forming part with one format-forming section 2 for forming a continuous filter rod 3 and one filter. The one (not shown) provided with the material supply part 4 is included. In this case, the stabilization unit or turning device 18 includes one stabilization section 24 comprising the inlet and outlet funnels 25, 26 described above. In a similar manner, the device 1 described above may be configured as a triple strand device or a quadruple strand device, ie three or four to form three or four consecutive filter rods 3 A format forming unit including four format forming sections 2 and three or four filter material supply units 4 may be included. In this case, the stabilization unit or turning device 18 has three or four stabilization sections 24 each comprising an inlet funnel and an outlet funnel 25, 26 as described above.

  The filter material that can be produced with the stabilization unit or turning device 18 described above has a very good homogeneity, and at least from the point of view of homogeneity, it is produced with a stabilization unit currently available on the market. It surpasses filter materials.

  The drive roll structures 10b, 10c, and 10d are distinguished in terms of size and structure along the supply units 4a and 4b, but are functionally the same. Therefore, the following description will be made only on one of these drive roll structures 10b, 10c, 10d, and this is represented by reference numeral 10 for convenience. Each drive roll structure 10 includes, for each supply unit 4, a drive roll that is rotated by a motor regardless of the motor of the other rolls, and a freely rotating roll that abuts and cooperates with the drive roll. Contains. Both motors of both drive rolls of each drive roll structure 10 may be arranged in the apparatus frame on the same side of the supply unit 4. In each drive roll structure 10, a modification may be adopted in which the motor of one drive roll is arranged on the frame of the apparatus 1 and the motor of the other drive roll is arranged beside the drive roll.

  Next, the turning device, also called the stabilization unit 18, will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the turning device is basically a turning device 50 and a conveying device 40 that cooperate with each other so that the turning of the filter tow strand 13 moving through the turning device is done pneumatically. And have.

  There are various options for industrializing the turning device. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is possible to use a curved arc portion 29 connected to the transfer nozzles 25 and 26 that operate pneumatically. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, only the transport nozzles 25a and 25b on the inlet side of the turning device 18 are provided with curved arc portions 29a and 29b, respectively.

  It is also possible to provide curved arc portions (not shown) only on the transport nozzles 26a and 26b on the exit side of the turning device. Another important point is that curved arc portions 29 are respectively provided on both the outlet-side transport nozzle 26 and the inlet-side transport nozzle 25 of the turning device (FIGS. 5 to 7).

  In general, it is possible to place the curved arc in the conveying direction as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 after the attached conveying nozzle, which means that the strand is pneumatically, ie by supplying compressed air. It means that it is pressed so as to pass through the curved arc portion 29. As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 for the transport nozzle 26 on the outlet side of the turning device, when the curved arc portion 29 is arranged above each transport nozzle when viewed in the transport direction, the strands It is sucked to pass.

  Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the curved arc portion 29 above and / or below each nozzle when viewed in the transport direction, in which case the curved arc portion is disposed below the nozzle when viewed in the transport direction, thereby The option of pressing the strand pneumatically through the curved arc portion leads to better results in terms of the tensile strength of the filter material and its variation.

  As seen in FIG. 4 and also in FIGS. 5-7, the turning device 50 is adapted to cause the turning of the filter tow strand in a direction that includes at least one horizontal component. In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the entire turning device is arranged to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, turning that includes both the horizontal direction component and the vertical direction component is performed.

  Here, turning generally means that the transport direction changes at least once.

  In order to industrially embody the turning device 50, the curved arc 29 can be replaced by another means, for example by a component with an open structure, in particular attached to the pneumatic conveying device 40. It can be replaced by a curved baffle. The curved baffle can be used to continuously turn the filter tow strand while simultaneously achieving the desired offset of the filter tow strand 13.

  In general, components that enable the turning of continuously and pneumatically driven filter tow strands can be used to industrially implement the turning device 50. This means that the turning device 50 should have at least one continuously curved wall that at least partly partitions the guide path of the filter tow strand and at the same time changes the conveying direction. Yes. In general, the turning device 50 includes a turning portion disposed between the inlet funnel or inlet transport nozzle and the outlet funnel or outlet transport nozzle. The turning portion may be tubular and includes a curved area for turning the direction of transport of filter material strands or rovings coming from an inlet funnel or inlet transport nozzle.

  When the turning device is used in a double strand device, it is preferable to change the transport direction so that both strands are fed in close proximity, ie converge (FIG. 4). These strands can then be supplied to the introduction system of the format forming unit of the apparatus. In other cases, it may be meaningful to redirect the strands in a different direction from the above, for example when two separate format forming portions are used that are spaced apart from each other.

  When the curved arc portion 29 is detachably coupled to the respective transport nozzles 25 and 26, the present apparatus is configured more flexibly. This is because the apparatus can be adapted to various process conditions. In addition to this, the curved arc portions 29 may be arranged so as to be pivotable or rotatable, whereby the direction in which the strands exit the respective curved arc portions 29 can be changed. The curved arc portion 29 on the inlet side and the curved arc portion 29 on the outlet side of the apparatus can be easily aligned by turning the curved arc portions 29 correspondingly.

  As can be seen in FIG. 4, each curved arc 29a, 29b on the inlet side of the apparatus is separated from the central axis of symmetry of the free ends of the curved arcs 29a, 29b, on the outlet side of the apparatus. It faces the direction which intersects the central axis of symmetry of the transport nozzles 26a, 26b arranged at the entrance plane. Such alignment of the curved arcs 29a, 29b with respect to the transport nozzles 26a, 26b on the outlet side of the apparatus results in an even transition of the strand 13 from the respective curved arcs 29a, 29b to the transport nozzles 26a, 26b. .

  The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 relates to a turning device having a free space 35 between the curved arc portions 29a and 29b and the outlet transport nozzles 26a and 26b. As an alternative, it is also possible to provide a tube section 51, in particular a straight tube section 51, connecting the curved arc section 29 on the inlet side of the apparatus and the curved arc section 29 'on the outlet side of the apparatus. . In order to achieve the desired offset of this system, both curved arcs 29, 29 ′ are curved in opposite directions and are curved arcs 29 that are coaxial with the central axis of symmetry of the respective transport nozzles 25, 26. , 29 ', the central symmetry axis extends in parallel. Furthermore, the ends of the respective curved arcs 29, 29 ', which are arranged away from the respective associated transport nozzles 25, 26, are arranged in a straight line, so that the tube section 51 is connected to both curved arcs. 29, 29 'can be fitted.

  The tube section 51 is a very effective means for extending the length of the tube system. This enhances the vortex formation and blooming effect of the filter material that can be realized in the system. The tube section 51 does not necessarily have to extend linearly. It is also possible to use a tube section that has a curved arc at least in a section or that is generally speaking curved.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the tube section 51 may be perforated to allow the compressed air supplied by the transport nozzle 25 on the inlet side of the apparatus to exit.

  In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the drawings, a supply device is provided in the tube section that allows additives such as activated carbon, softeners, or other materials to be supplied to the filter tow strand. Comes with. Furthermore, this supply device can be used to supply water to the strands, thereby affecting the curing time. One particular advantage of the tube section 51 is that the length of the system is increased. Thereby, the supplied additive and / or the supplied water can be evenly distributed in the filter tow strand over the entire length of the tube section. In this way, the quality of the filter rod produced with a device comprising such a turning device can be significantly improved.

  From the viewpoint of the dimensions of the turning device, the horizontal offset of the turning device 50 is preferably at least 5 cm. One preferred range is 5 to 50 cm, especially 10 to 40 cm, especially 15 to 30 cm. The overall length of the device in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least 200 mm. This means that the axial spacing between the inlet side and the outlet side of the device is at least 200 mm. A preferred range is 200 to 1000 mm, especially 500 to 900 mm, especially 600 to 800 mm.

  The bending angle of each curved arc portion is at least 10 °. At this time, the bending angle is an acute angle sandwiched between the central symmetry axes of both of the curved arc portions. The bending angle in FIG. A preferred range is 10 ° to 80 °, in particular 20 ° to 60 °, in particular 30 ° to 50 °.

  The turning device described above can be used for both single-strand and double-strand devices, and examples intended for single-strand devices are shown in FIGS. Examples intended for the strand device are shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 7 respectively.

  The tubing shown in FIGS. 5-7 may be disposed in the housing 23 as intended for the turning device 50 shown in FIGS.

  In summary, the device according to the invention is based on a combination of turning and pneumatic conveying, which leads to improved vortex formation in the system and the resulting increased homogeneity of the filter material. Improve the variation of

  Furthermore, the turning device described above enables attenuation of pulsation that occurs when the machining speed is high. The pulsation attenuation is based on the extended length of the transport path, particularly in the context of the use of the tube section between the two curved arcs attached to the inlet and outlet sides of the device. In this way, the blooming phenomenon can also be improved.

1 is a side view schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of a double strand filter rod device according to the present invention. It is a top view which shows the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a partial cross section of the stabilization unit or turning device of the apparatus of FIG. It is sectional drawing along the IV-IV line which shows the stabilization unit thru | or turning apparatus of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the turning device of the present invention including a tube section. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the turning device of the present invention, in which the tube area is perforated. Figure 3 is another embodiment of the turning device of the present invention adapted for use with a double strand device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus 2a, 2b Format formation part 3a, 3b Filter rod 4a, 4b Supply part 5 Conveying section 6 Inlet station 7 Storage area 8a, 8b Bail 9a, 9b Coarse yarn 10a Guide roll structure 10b, 10c Drive roll structure 10d Roll structure 11 Double guide device 12 Suction device 13a, 13b Strand 14 Horizontal direction 15 Press device 16 Expansion device 17 Pretreatment device 18 Stabilizing structure or turning device 19a, 19b Tape 20 made of rubberized paper Rubber drawing station 21 Inspection station 22 Cutting head 23 Housings 24a and 24b Stabilizing sections 25 and 26 Conveying nozzles 27 and 28 Axis of symmetry 29 Curved arc portion 30 Tubular body 31 Another tubular body 32 Air passage 33 Blowing opening 34 Supply passage 35 Free space 36 Discharge opening 37 A perforated tubular body 4 0 Conveying device 50 Turning device 51 Pipe area

Claims (51)

At least one filter tow strand in a turning device for conveying and turning at least one filter tow strand (13) connectable with a format forming part (2a, 2b) of the device for producing the filter rod, and in particular with an introduction system A turning device for cooperating with the conveying device (40) for turning a conveying device (40) for pneumatically conveying (13) and a filter tow strand (13) driven substantially pneumatically. (50) and the turning device characterized by the above-mentioned. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the turning device (50) is adapted such that the turning of at least one filter tow strand (13) has at least one horizontal component. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the conveying device (40) has at least one conveying nozzle (25, 26) which operates pneumatically. 4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the transport device (40) has two transport nozzles (25, 26) arranged in the inlet and outlet areas of the device. The transport nozzle (26) on the outlet side of the device has at least one central symmetry axis (28) extending in a straight line slightly inclined with respect to the transport direction of the filter tow strand. The apparatus of claim 4. 6. The device according to claim 3, wherein the conveying nozzle (25, 26) has a blowing opening (33) for injecting compressed air. Each of the transport nozzles (25, 26) includes a second tubular body (31) disposed rearward when viewed in the transport direction, and the first tubular body (30) is the second tubular body (31). ) And is open between the outer surface of the first tubular body (30) and the inner surface of the second tubular body (31) and opens toward the spray opening (33). 7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that an air passage (32) is formed. The first tubular body (30) includes a significantly tapered inlet section and a cylindrical intermediate section, and the second tubular body (31) is slightly expanded. The apparatus of claim 7. The blowing opening (33) of the conveying nozzle (25) arranged on the inlet side is arranged so that both an axial component and a radial component are applied to the air flow with respect to the central symmetry axis (27). 9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The blowing opening (33) of the transfer nozzle (25) arranged on the inlet side is arranged so that an axial component is mainly applied to the air flow with respect to the central symmetry axis (27). 9. A device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The blowing opening (33) of the conveying nozzle (26) arranged on the outlet side is arranged so that an axial component is mainly applied to the air flow with respect to the central symmetry axis (28). Device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The conveying nozzle (26) arranged on the outlet side has a plurality of through holes (38), and is arranged at the perimeter of the conveying nozzle (26) arranged on the outlet side when viewed in the conveying direction. 12. A device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a tubular body (37). The through-hole (38) of the perforated tubular body (37) is adapted to prevent the air flow from facing the format-forming belt of the device for manufacturing the filter rod when operating. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that it is formed only on the upper surface of the body (37). 14. The turning device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one curved arc (29) that at least areaally defines the transport path of the filter tow strand (13). The device described. Each one of the curved arc portions (29) is connected to the transfer nozzle (26) provided on the outlet side and / or the transfer nozzle (25) provided on the inlet side, and is particularly detachably connected. 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: 16. A device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that one curved arc (29) or a plurality of curved arcs (29) are arranged rotatably. A curve angle of the curved arc portion (29) is at least 10 °, in particular between 10 ° and 80 °, in particular between 20 ° and 60 °, in particular between 30 ° and 50 °. The apparatus in any one of 14-16. The end portions of the curved arc portions (29) separated from the respective transport nozzles (25, 26) are arranged so as to be aligned in a straight line. The device described. 19. Each of the curved arcs (29) is connected by a tube section (51), in particular by a straight tube section (51). Equipment. 20. A device according to claim 19, characterized in that the tube section (51) is at least sectioned. 21. A device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the tube section (51) is connected to a supply device for supplying additives such as activated carbon, softener and / or for supplying water. . 19. A device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that a free space (35) is formed between each of the curved arc portions (29). Said turning device (50) is adapted to horizontally offset at least one filter tow strand (13) by at least 5 cm, in particular 5-50 cm, in particular 10-40 cm, in particular 15-30 cm. The apparatus according to claim 1. 24. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overall length of the device in the longitudinal direction is at least 200 mm, in particular 200-1000 mm, in particular 500-900 mm, in particular 600-800 mm. 25. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the turning device (50) is arranged in a housing body (23). The housing body (23) is disposed so as to incline downward, and has a lowest point in the water receiving passage leading to the water receiving tank in order to discharge chemical substances released from the filter tow strand (13). 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein 27. The housing body (23) is substantially hermetically sealed and has a compressed air discharge opening (36) shielded against direct spraying. Equipment. 28. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (40) and the turning device (50) are configured for guiding single strands or double strands. An apparatus for manufacturing a filter rod, comprising the turning device according to any one of claims 1 to 28. 30. Device according to claim 29, characterized in that the turning device is arranged between the supply roller and the format forming part (2a, 2b), in particular between the introduction system. 31. A device according to claim 29 or 30, comprising a single strand device and a double strand device. A method for conveying and turning at least one filter tow strand, wherein the at least one filter tow strand is pneumatically conveyed and then turned. A plurality of supply portions (4) for each continuous stripe (13) of filter material, a plurality of format forming portions (2) for forming respective continuous filter rods (3), and the supply portions ( 4) and an apparatus (1) for producing a tobacco filter, comprising a stabilizing device (18) arranged between the format forming part (2), wherein the stabilizing device (18) comprises a plurality of stabilizing sections. (24), and the stabilization section includes an inlet funnel (25) in which the stripe is introduced from the supply section (4), and an outlet funnel (26) subsequent thereto, An apparatus characterized in that a filter material strand is fed to the format forming part (2) through the outlet funnel. 34. The stabilization sections (24) of each of the stabilization devices (18) are arranged side by side and converge to narrow the spacing of the respective filter material strands. Equipment. Each inlet funnel (25) has a central axis of symmetry (27) that extends linearly and parallel to the transport direction, or is located in the transport plane of the stripe (13) from the transport section (4). 35. Apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that A turning portion (29) is disposed between each of the inlet funnels (25) and the outlet funnel (26), and the turning portions are formed in a tubular shape, and filter material from the inlet funnel (25). 36. Apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 35, including a curved area for turning the direction of strand transport. 37. Apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that each said turning part (29) is directly connected to the discharge part of said inlet funnel (25). Each outlet funnel (26) is slightly inclined and linear with respect to the conveying direction of the filter strand material from the inlet funnel (25) and with respect to the conveying direction of the filter material strand along the format forming portion (2). 38. Device according to any one of claims 33 to 37, characterized in that it has a central axis of symmetry (28) that extends. Device according to any of claims 33 to 38, characterized in that air is blown into each funnel (25, 26) through a blowing opening (33) opening into the funnel (25, 26). Each funnel (25, 26) includes a first tubular body (30) and a second tubular body (31) placed behind the first tubular body (30) when viewed in the conveying direction. The first tubular body (30) is screwed into the second tubular body (31), and the outer surface of the first tubular body (30) and the inner surface of the second tubular body (31). 40. Device according to claim 39, characterized in that a tubular air passage (32) is defined which opens into the blowing opening (33). The first tubular body (30) includes a narrowed and tapered leading section and a cylindrical intermediate section, and the second tubular body (31) is slightly expanded. Item 40. The apparatus according to Item 40. The blowing opening (33) of each inlet funnel (25) is inclined with respect to the central symmetry axis (27) so that both axial and radial components are applied to the air flow. 42. Apparatus according to claim 40 or 41. 41. The spray opening (33) of each inlet funnel (25) is inclined with respect to a central symmetry axis (27) so that only an axial component is applied to the air flow. Or the apparatus of 41. 41. The blowing opening (33) of each outlet funnel (26) is inclined with respect to a central axis of symmetry (28) so that only an axial component is applied to the air flow. 44. The device according to any one of .about.43. Between each inlet funnel (25) and outlet funnel (26), the filter material strand is conveyed through a free space (35) in which the filter material strand travels freely without a guide. Item 45. The device according to any one of Items 33 to 44. 46. Device according to claim 45, characterized in that the stabilization device (18) comprises a housing or box (23) holding the stabilization section (24) therein. The box (23) is inclined downward to collect and discharge the chemicals released from the filter material strand, and has a water receiving passage leading to the water receiving tank at the lowest point. The apparatus of claim 46. The box (23) is substantially sealed and has an opening (36) for exiting compressed air that is shielded against direct spraying. 46. A device according to 46 or 47. Each outlet funnel (26) comprises a perforated tubular body (27) having a plurality of through holes (38) and arranged immediately after said outlet funnel (26) as viewed in the conveying direction. 49. Apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 48, characterized in that The through-hole (38) of the perforated tubular body (37) is provided on the top surface of the perforated tubular body (37) to avoid air flow directed toward the format forming part (2). 52. The device of claim 49, wherein the device is formed only on the device. Each stabilization section (24) of the stabilization device (18) includes at least one intermediate funnel disposed between the inlet funnel (25) and the outlet funnel (26). 51. Apparatus according to any one of claims 33-50.

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