JP6767358B2 - Filter rod forming method and equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to methods and devices for producing filter material fibers, especially separated fiber filter rods, for the tobacco industry. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and devices for forming filter rods consisting of individual or separated fibers such as randomly oriented fibers.

Conventional filters for smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigarillos usually consist of at least one substantially cylindrical segment of cellulose acetate fiber mixed with a plasticizer such as triacetin. Cellulose acetate fibers are supplied as a veiled continuous tow, then processed into a continuous bundle and sprayed with triacetin. In this process, the cellulose acetate fibers are formed into continuous filter rods, which are wrapped in paper-based packaging and then cut to make individual filter segments. During the formation of the filter rod, various compounds can be added to the cellulose acetate to give the filter rod certain properties. For example, such compounds can include adsorbents and fragrances and can be applied in the form of fine particles, liquids or solids. The filter for smoking articles can then be composed of one segment of the filter rod or multiple segments of the same or different filter rod composition combined with at least one package. The plurality of segments may or may not be arranged with cavities or spaces in between.

The manufacture of filters made of non-woven filter materials such as randomly oriented fibers has also been proposed. Such a filter basically consists of rods such as compressed filter material fibers, preferably unplasticized, such as acetate and / or polyethylene fibers. Such filters are particularly suitable for smoking articles that are shorter in length and / or outer circumference than standard or so-called "king size" smoking articles having a length of about 68-72 mm and an outer circumference of about 23-25 mm. Therefore, it is possible to provide improved filtration efficiency as compared with the conventional plasticized cellulose acetate.

However, one drawback of filters manufactured by assembling separated or randomly oriented fibers for the tobacco industry is that it is difficult to control the volume or amount of fibers and any additives in one filter segment, so conventional It is more difficult to manufacture than a filter made of plasticized cellulose acetate fiber. In fact, unlike filter segments that are cut from plasticized cellulose acetate tow filter rods, segments that are cut from filter rods of separated and / or randomly oriented fibers are usually reliable at their cut ends. It does not maintain or provide a regular shape and tends to loosen, ragged, and fray the fibers and additives. This makes it very difficult to control the consistency and reproducibility of the filter segments, not to mention combining them with other segments to form a smoking article filter.

Several methods or techniques and arrangements for producing smoking article filters from randomly oriented fibers are described in the prior art, such as US Pat. No. 7,318,797 and European Patent No. 2641484. The techniques and arrangements described in these documents allow the formation of separate and / or randomly oriented fiber filter rods using suction belts on suction conveyors similar to those used in the production of tobacco rods. Particular emphasis is placed on handling filter material fibers in the fluidized bed. However, they do not address the challenge of controlling the structure of the filter rods to allow the filter segments to be properly cut and / or combined so that the final smoking article filter is formed. ..

Although it is conceivable to use a plasticizer for randomly oriented fibers, the application of the plasticizer to the fibers is usually done by spraying, which leads to substantial contamination of conventional filter rod manufacturing equipment and is potentially Will cause damage to the part.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved filter rod forming method and apparatus that addresses the above problems. In particular, the present invention provides methods and devices for forming filter rods from separated and / or randomly oriented filter material fibers rather than conventional plasticized cellulose acetate tow.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a filter rod of filter material fibers for the tobacco processing industry, particularly separated and / or randomly oriented fibers, having the characteristics according to claim 1. The present invention also provides an apparatus for forming a filter rod of a filter material fiber for the tobacco processing industry, as described in claim 11. Various advantageous and / or preferred features are mentioned in the dependent claims.

Therefore, according to one aspect, the present invention is a method of forming a filter rod from filter material fibers, particularly separated fibers and / or randomly oriented fibers, for the tobacco processing industry.
Supplying the separated filter material fibers to the inlet of the conveyor device,
Conveying the filter material fibers from the inlet to the outlet of the conveyor device along a processing path in the transport direction to form essentially continuous strands of the separated filter material fibers along the processing path. When,
Introducing at least one additive, especially a binder, into the strands of the filter material fibers in the conveyor device along the processing path, preferably closer to the outlet than the inlet.
Provided is a method comprising: after the strands of the filter material fibers exit the outlet of the conveyor device in the transport direction, the strands are wrapped with a packaging material to collectively form the filter material fibers into a filter rod. ..

Since the separated filter material fibers are loose and / or randomly oriented fibers, it is first necessary to collect these fibers and form them into substantially continuous strands. This is achieved by the present invention by feeding the separated or loose fibers to the conveyor device and transporting these filter material fibers along the processing path. In the present invention, at least one additive, such as a binder, can be added to a substantially contiguous strand of filter material fibers near the outlet of the conveyor device. This allows the fibers to be efficiently transported in a controlled and stable manner without the risk of contamination or contamination of the conveyor equipment. Filter rods produced from separated or randomly oriented fibers are usually capable of higher additive inclusions or contents compared to conventional cellulose acetate tow filters, which is the gas phase component of tobacco smoke. It can be particularly important in the manufacture of filters with improved filtration properties, especially when the additive in the randomly oriented fibers is an adsorbent such as activated carbon.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor device is a suction conveyor device that includes one or more suction conveyor members such as suction belts along a processing path. The step of introducing at least one additive into the strands preferably comprises applying the additive to the strands of filter material fibers on the suction conveyor device, especially on the suction belt. Importantly, using a binder in this way is not an easy task as the binder needs to be applied evenly to the fibers. The fibers are usually transported in a fluidized bed before being drawn into the suction on the suction belt of the conveyor device to form the filter rods (similar to the manner in which the tobacco rods are produced during the production of smoking articles). Therefore, applying the binder to the fibers in the fluidized bed or in the suction conveyor can lead to dirt or widespread contamination of the filter rod maker and also in the airflow and / or in the suction conveyor of the fluidized bed. Pressurization or vacuum can make uniform application to the fibers difficult. Somewhat counter-intuitively, introducing a binder into the strands of filter material fibers near the outlet of the conveyor device solves these problems, or at least substantially improves them.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of introducing at least one additive is the last third, preferably the last fifth, more preferably the last tenth of the processing path defined by the conveyor device. In, ie, at the outlet or upstream thereof, the additive is applied. In this regard, the suction conveyor device is usually expected to have a length in the range of about 1 meter to 3 meters.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of introducing at least one additive is performed at least in the immediate vicinity of or adjacent to the outlet of the conveyor device, before the strands of filter material fibers leave the conveyor device. By applying the additive in the immediate vicinity of the outlet or at the outlet, i.e. just before packaging the fiber to form the filter rod, it provides improved binding to the fiber and improved stability of the produced filter rod. Rapid or rapid contact between binders, fibers and packaging materials is ensured.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the introduction of at least one additive consists of applying the additive in a substantially fluid or liquid form, preferably by spraying, onto the strands of filter material fibers on the treatment path. In this regard, the introduction of at least one additive preferably comprises applying or carrying the additive to the strands of the filter material fiber via a gaseous carrier such as compressed air or compressed flow. The at least one additive preferably comprises one or more of an aqueous composition, a fragrance compound, a binder compound and a plasticizer. Alternatively or additionally, at least one additive can be provided as an encapsulated compound or material. The spraying of the additive onto the continuous fiber strands is preferably done at an angle in the range of 0 ° to 90 ° with respect to the transport direction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method applies vacuum or pressurization to the strands of filter material fibers in a conveyor device when or immediately before introducing at least one additive, such as a binder, into the strands of filter material fibers. Includes local softening or weakening. In the case of a suction conveyor device, this is achieved by one or more plate members or baffles placed on the suction belt in the processing path. In this way, the filter material fibers of the strands are loosened and at least one additive can penetrate through the strands. In addition, the loss of additives is also reduced by reducing the vacuum strength.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter rod forming method further comprises heating the additive before and / or during the step of introducing at least one additive.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of feeding the filter material fibers to the inlet of the conveyor device comprises transporting a mixture of filter material fibers (eg, different fibers) to the inlet of the conveyor device. If desired, at least one fine particle material can be supplied to the inlet of the conveyor device along with the filter material fibers.

According to another aspect, the present invention is a device for forming a filter rod from separated filter material fibers for the tobacco processing industry.
A conveyor device having a conveyor member that conveys filter material fibers separated along a processing path from an inlet to an outlet, wherein the conveyor member is a filter material from the separated filter material fibers supplied to the inlet. With a conveyor device configured to create continuous strands of fibers,
After the contiguous strands of the filter material fibers exit or exit the outlet of the conveyor device, the strands are wrapped in packaging material to provide a filter rod with a core of filter material fibers covered with the packaging material. Means to form and
Additives are applied to the strands of the filter material fibers in the conveyor device, preferably by spraying, at a position along the processing path, preferably closer to the outlet than the inlet of the conveyor device. Provided is a device with an additive coating system with at least one coating device such as a nozzle arranged in.

As described above, in the conventional cellulose acetate tow, the cellulose acetate tow fibers are provided from the towbar to the filter making machine as continuous strands, and the filter making machine is treated with a plasticizer and compressed. The filter material fibers used in the present invention are separated and are therefore provided as loosely randomly oriented fibers. Therefore, it is first necessary to collect the separated fibers and arrange them in a substantially continuous strand shape, which is achieved via a conveyor device.

Further, the apparatus of the present invention has the advantage of providing an additive coating system that is located near the outlet of the conveyor apparatus. This assists in very efficiently delivering additives such as binders to the fibers in a controlled and stable manner without the risk of unwanted conveyor equipment contamination. In addition, by placing the coating device of the coating system at or adjacent to the outlet, eg, immediately in front of the packaging means, the binder can be applied to the surface of the fiber strands immediately prior to packaging, thereby binding. Rapid contact between the agent, fiber and packaging material is ensured, providing improved binding to the fiber and improved stability of the produced filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor device is a suction conveyor device and the conveyor member is a suction belt. Thus, the filter material fibers are typically supplied to the inlet by a suction conveyor device and / or via a vacuum or pressurization created within it. In this regard, at least one coating device, such as a nozzle, is the last third, preferably the last fifth, more preferably the last tenth of the processing path defined by the conveyor device. , It is desirable to be located at the exit or upstream of it. In this regard, the conveyor device is usually expected to have a length in the range of about 1 meter to about 3 meters.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one coating device (eg, nozzle) of the additive coating system is located in the immediate vicinity of or adjacent to the outlet of the conveyor device. In this regard, the coating device or nozzle can be arranged or oriented at an angle of 0 ° to 90 ° with respect to the conveyor member of the conveyor device. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the coating device or nozzle can be oriented or arranged so as to extend substantially parallel to the direction of the conveyor member, preferably in a substantially horizontal plane. In another preferred example, the additive coating system comprises at least one second coating device (eg, a second nozzle), the at least one second coating device with respect to the direction of movement of the continuous strands within the conveyor device. Can be oriented or extended so that they are substantially orthogonal.

In a preferred embodiment, the additive coating system of the device comprises at least one carrier source and / or a storage tank or supply of each additive. Each carrier source and / or each reservoir or supply is fluid connected to at least one coating device, i.e., preferably at least one nozzle each. In addition, the additive coating system preferably includes a heating means for heating the additive before or during coating of the additive on the conveyor device.

As mentioned above, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is located within a conveyor device and locally applies vacuum or pressurization applied to the strands of filter material fibers at or immediately upstream of at least one coating device or nozzle. Includes one or more plate members or baffle members that soften or weaken. In this way, the filter material fibers of the strands on the suction belt can be loosened and at least one additive can be infiltrated by the strands while reducing the loss of additives.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a filter rod produced by the apparatus and / or method of the invention described with respect to any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also provides smoking articles having a filter element cut from such a filter rod.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the invention and its advantages are more fully understood. In the drawings, similar reference symbols indicate similar parts.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus for forming a filter rod of randomly oriented fibers for the tobacco processing industry according to one particular embodiment. A schematic view of the device of FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow BB is shown. It is a flow figure which schematically explains the method concerning a preferable embodiment.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated herein by reference. These drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Many of the other embodiments of the invention and the advantages associated with the invention will be readily recognized with reference to the detailed description below.

General and well-understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially viable embodiment are not necessarily drawn to facilitate viewing the embodiment from a more abstract perspective. It will be recognized that there is no such thing. Each element of the drawing is not always shown at a relative scale. Moreover, certain actions and / or steps in embodiments of the method may be described or described in a particular order of occurrence, but those skilled in the art are not required to be specific about such order. It will be recognized that you will understand. The terms and expressions used herein have the usual meanings as given to such terms and expressions for their respective corresponding research areas, unless specific meanings are stated. It will also be understood to have.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 1 for forming a filter rod R from a filter material fiber F, which is used in the tobacco processing industry, is schematically shown. The apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured to transport or convey the separated randomly oriented filter material fibers F from the fiber supply unit S at the inlet I to the outlet O in the transport direction D along the processing path P. A conveyor device 2 is provided. The separated randomly oriented fibers F are supplied to the inlet I of the conveyor device 2, and may be a single type of fiber or a mixture of different types, and if necessary. Fine particle materials may also be mixed. In order to transport these separated fibers F from the fiber supply unit S, the conveyor device 2 includes an elongated conveyor member 3 in the form of an endless suction belt. When the suction belt member 3 is driven by its endless loop, the filter material fibers F that are loosely held and separated at random orientation are pulled out from the supply unit S by the action of pressurization or vacuum V, and these fibers F In the transport direction D. Due to the structure and operation of the suction belt 3, the conveyor device 2 forms or produces substantially continuous strands 4 of the fibers F when the fibers F are pulled out and conveyed from the inlet I to the outlet O along the processing path. It is configured in. The device 1 further interlocks with the conveyor device 2 at the outlet O to wrap the continuous strands 4 of the filter material fibers F with at least one packaging material sheet or web 6 such as one or more thin papers or paper webs. This includes a packaging device 5 that bundles the strands 4.

The device 1 further comprises an additive coating system having at least one first nozzle 8 configured and arranged to coat the strand 4 of the filter material fiber F on the processing path P in the conveyor device 2. Includes 7. Each of the first nozzles 8 is arranged at a position near or near the outlet O of the suction conveyor device 2, and extends in a plane substantially parallel to the transport direction D, that is, a plane substantially horizontal. Or it is desirable that it is arranged so as to be oriented. The additive A carried through the first nozzle 8 is preferably a binder composition that is sprayed in a substantially liquid state on the fiber strand 4 on the suction belt 3 adjacent to the outlet O of the conveyor device 2. .. As a variation, the additive A may be a binder that is provided in powder form (eg, as powder or microencapsulated microparticles) and sprayed onto the fibers. Such a binder can be used to cleave the fiber strands 4 after the fiber strands 4 have left the conveyor device 2, for example, in the packaging device 5 or before the continuous filter rod R is cut further downstream than the packaging device 5. It can be activated by heating and / or compressing.

Further, the additive coating system 7 includes at least one second nozzle 9 extending or oriented in the immediate vicinity of the outlet O so as to be substantially orthogonal to the transport direction D, as shown in FIG. The second nozzle 9 may be used to carry the same additive A as the first nozzle 8, or may be used to carry different additives in the same or different forms. When carrying the same additive A, the first and second nozzles 8 and 9, respectively, communicate fluidly with the storage tank 11 holding the additive A added to the fiber F via a conduit or a pipe 10. Be connected. The storage tanks 11 and / or nozzles 8 and 9 can be easily applied or sprayed through the nozzles 8 and 9, especially when the additive A is a gel and / or has a viscosity at room temperature (25 ° C.). It is advantageous to include or be associated with a heating means for heating the additive A. In order to achieve this, the first and second nozzles 8 and 9 add the additive A to the strand 4 of the fiber F conveyed on the suction belt 3 along the processing path P of the conveyor device 2, for example. Fluid communication with pressure sources 12, such as compressed air or compressed flow, configured and arranged to carry or flush the additive A from the storage tank 11 to the first and second nozzles 8 and 9, respectively, for spraying. It is desirable to be connected.

When the first and second nozzles 8 and 9 are used to carry different additives to the fiber strand 4, the first and second nozzles 8 and 9, respectively, are separated for each additive by conduits or pipes as appropriate. It is preferable that each storage tank is connected to a pressure source. As an example, the first nozzle 8 may be configured and arranged so as to spray the binder composition onto the fiber strands 4 at or adjacent to the outlet O of the conveyor device 2 and connected to the binder storage tank. it can. On the other hand, the second nozzle 9 breaks into the fiber strand 4 at regular intervals before (immediately before) the strand exits the conveyor device 2 and is packaged in the packaging device 5 to form a continuous filter rod R. Capable Capsules such as capsules can be configured and arranged to be introduced from a capsule supply or storage tank (not shown). At this time, the binder additive and the capsule supply or storage tank can be connected to individual pressure sources so that these two additives can be applied or sprayed from the nozzles 8 and 9 at appropriate pressures.

In a preferred embodiment, a vacuum breaker (not shown) can be provided or placed on the conveyor device 2 at the position of the first nozzle 8 and / or preferably just before the nozzle. A vacuum breaker, which can be formed or provided with a deflection member placed upstream of the first nozzle 8 in the processing path P, locally weakens the vacuum or pressurization in the conveyor device 2 and onto the suction belt 3. It is desirable to loosen the fibers. As a result, the additive A sprayed on the fiber strand 4 can be more permeated into the fiber, and thus the fiber and the additive can be blended more uniformly. Further, this reduces the risk of contamination in the conveyor device 2 and enhances the control of the transport of the additive A to the fiber strand 4.

The fibers F in the form of substantially continuous strands 4 directly enter the packaging device 5 when exiting or exiting the outlet O of the conveyor device 2. A strip or web 6 of packaging material (eg, paper) is drawn from the bulk roll 13 and fed through a roller 14 to a position that travels parallel to the strand 4 of the fiber F exiting the outlet O. .. In this way, the fiber strands 4 can be removed from or ejected from the suction belt 3 and deposited on the packaging material 6. After that, the packaging device 5 uses the packaging material 6 to combine the fiber strands 4 into a substantially continuous filter rod R. To assist in this packaging process, the applicator 15 locally applies an adhesive to the paper strip or web 6 so that the packaging material is adhesively bonded as it wraps around the strands 4 of the fibers F. can do. Since the additive A is applied to the fiber strands 4 just upstream of the packaging device 5, the additive A interacts with strips or webs of packaging material to provide a uniformly and reliably packaged filter rod. It can also work. This is because, when the additive A is a binder, the randomly oriented fibers F of the filter material are loosened or frayed when the filter rod R is later cut to form individual filter segments for smoking articles. I also try to make sure it doesn't happen.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a flow chart illustrating each step in the method of forming the filter rod R of the filter material fiber F according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown. .. In this regard, the first frame I of FIG. 3 represents a step of supplying the filter material fiber F to the inlet I of the conveyor device 2 via, for example, a fluidized bed (not shown). The second frame II then conveys the filter material fiber F from the inlet I to the outlet O of the conveyor device 2 in the transport direction D along the processing path along the processing path defined by the conveyor device 2. It represents a step of forming substantially continuous strands 4 of filter material fibers F. The third frame III is a step of introducing at least one additive A, particularly a binder, into the strand 4 of the filter material fiber F in the conveyor device 2 at a position closer to the outlet O than the inlet I in the processing path P. Represents. In the last frame IV of FIG. 3, after the strand 4 exits the outlet O of the conveyor device 2 in the transport direction D, the fiber strand 4 is wrapped with the packaging material 6 to collect the filter material fibers F and the filter rod R. It represents the process of making.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments here are examples and are by no means intended to limit scope, availability or structure. Rather, the above overview and detailed description provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, the appended claims and their description. It is understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope as described in the legal equivalents.

Further, in this document, "comprising, composing", "include, incorporating", "contining, connecting", "having, having" and variants thereof. Is intended to be understood in a comprehensive (ie, non-exclusive) sense, and the processes, methods, devices or systems described herein are the features or parts or elements or processes listed. It is recognized that the process, method, article, or device may include other elements, features, parts, or processes that are not explicitly stated, but are not limited to. Let's go. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood to mean "one or more" unless otherwise stated. Further, "first", "second", "third", etc. are merely used as labels and impose numerical requirements on those objects, or It is not intended to rank a particular importance.

1 Equipment 2 Conveyor equipment 3 Conveyor members or suction belts 4 Fiber strands 5 Packaging equipment 6 Packaging material strips or webs 7 Additive application system 8 1st nozzle 9 2nd nozzle 10 Conduit or piping 11 Storage tank 12 Pressure source 13 Bulk roll 14 Roller 15 Adhesive coater F Filter material Fiber R Filter rod S Fiber supply part V Vacuum or pressurization P Processing path in conveyor device D Conveyor direction I Conveyor device inlet O Conveyor device outlet A Additive

Claims (22)

A method for forming a filter rod (R) from separated filter material fibers (F) for the tobacco processing industry.
Supplying the separated filter material fibers (F) to the inlet (I) of the conveyor device (2), and
The filter material fiber (F) is conveyed from the inlet (I) to the outlet (O) of the conveyor device (2) in the conveying direction (D) along the processing path (P), and the processing path (P) ) To form the strand (4) of the filter material fiber (F).
At least one binder on the strand (4) of the filter material fiber (F) on the processing path (P) in the conveyor device (2) at a position closer to the outlet (O) than the inlet (I). Introducing (A) and
After the strand (4) of the filter material fiber (F) exits the outlet (O) of the conveyor device (2) in the transport direction (D), the strand (4) is packaged with the packaging material (6). By doing so, the filter material fibers (F) are collectively formed into a filter rod (R).
The conveyor device (2) is a suction conveyor device provided with a suction belt as one or more suction members along the processing path (P).
In the step of introducing the at least one binder (A) into the strand (4), the binder (A) is applied to the strand (4) of the filter material fiber on the suction belt (3). The last tenth of the processing path (P) that includes and is defined by the conveyor device (2) before the strand (4) of the filter material fiber (F) exits the conveyor device (2). The method performed in. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the at least one binder (A) is introduced or applied to the strand (4) of the filter material fiber (F) at or near the outlet (O) of the conveyor device (2). Method. The step of introducing the at least one binder (A) is to apply the binder (A) in a substantially fluid or liquid state to the strands (4) of the filter material fibers on the treatment path (P). The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binder (A) is applied to the strand (4) at an angle of 0 ° to 90 ° with respect to the transport direction (D). The method according to claim 3, wherein the application of the binder is performed by spraying. Claims further comprising locally softening or weakening the vacuum or pressurization applied to the strands of the filter material fibers in the conveyor device at or shortly before the introduction of the at least one binder (A). Item 4. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising heating the binder (A) before and / or during the step of introducing the at least one binder (A). The first to sixth claims, wherein the at least one binder (A) comprises one or more of an aqueous composition, a fragrance composition, a binder composition, a plasticizer and an encapsulated compound or material. Either way. Claimed that the step of introducing at least one binder (A) comprises applying or carrying the binder (A) to the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) via a gaseous carrier. The method according to any one of 1 to 7. The method according to claim 8, wherein the binder (A) is applied to or carried on the strand (4) of the filter material fiber (F) via a compressed flow of compressed air or a gaseous carrier. 1. The step of supplying the separated filter material fibers (F) to the inlet (I) of the conveyor device (2) includes carrying a mixture of randomly oriented fibers (F) to the inlet (I). 9. Any method according to 9. The step of supplying the separated filter material fibers (F) to the inlet (I) of the conveyor device (2) carries a mixture of randomly oriented fibers (F) and at least one fine particle material to the inlet (I). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which comprises the above. An apparatus (1) for forming a filter rod (R) from separated filter material fibers (F) for the tobacco processing industry.
A conveyor device (2) having a conveyor member (3) for transporting filter material fibers (F) separated along a processing path (P) in a transport direction (D) from an inlet (I) to an outlet (O). , The conveyor member (3) is configured to form a continuous strand (4) of the filter material fibers (F) from the separated filter material fibers (F) supplied to the inlet (I). Device (2) and
After the continuous strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) exit from the outlet (O) of the conveyor device (2), the strands (4) are packaged with the packaging material (6) to form the packaging material. A packaging device (5) for forming a filter rod (R) made of a filter material fiber (F) covered with (6), and a packaging device (5).
The binder (A) is applied to the strand (4) of the fiber (F) at a position closer to the outlet (O) than the inlet (I) on the processing path (P) in the conveyor device (2). It comprises an additive coating system (7) equipped with at least one coating device such as nozzles (8, 9) configured and arranged to coat.
Wherein the at least one coating apparatus, wherein the conveyor device (2) even before the hand from the outlet (O), wherein the conveyor device 1 of the last 10 minutes of the processing paths which are determined by (2) (P) in, constructed and arranged to apply the said binder (a), one且,
The conveyor device is a suction conveyor device (2), the conveyor member is a suction belt, and the filter material fiber (F) is pressurized or vacuumed (V) produced by the suction conveyor device (2). A device (1) configured to be fed to the inlet (I). 12. The device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the filter material fiber (F) is supplied to the inlet (I) by pressurization or vacuum (V) created inside the suction conveyor device (2). The device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the coating device applies the binder (A) by spraying. The at least one coating device includes nozzles (8, 9), which are arranged or oriented at an angle of 0 ° to 90 ° with respect to the direction (D) of the conveyor device (2). The device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14. The at least one coating device includes a nozzle (8, 9), which is oriented substantially parallel to the direction (D) of the conveyor member (3) in a substantially horizontal plane. The device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, which is attached or extended. The at least one coating device includes a nozzle (8, 9), which is oriented or extends so as to be substantially orthogonal to the direction (D) of the conveyor member (3). Item (1) according to any one of Items 12 to 14. The additive coating system (7) includes at least one supply unit or storage tank (11) for each binder (A), and each supply unit or storage tank (13) is attached to the at least one coating device. The connected device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 17. The device (1) according to claim 18, wherein each supply unit or storage tank (13) is connected to each nozzle (8, 9) of the at least one coating device. The additive coating system (7) comprises at least one supply or storage tank (11) and carrier source (12) for each binder (A), and each carrier source (12) and each supply or The device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the storage tank (13) is connected to the at least one coating device. The device (1) according to claim 20, wherein each carrier source (12) and each supply unit or storage tank (13) are connected to each nozzle (8, 9) of the at least one coating device. Vacuum or pressurization placed in the conveyor device (2) and applied to the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) at or just upstream of the at least one coating device or nozzle (8, 9). The additive coating system (7) further comprises one or more plate members or baffle members that locally soften or weaken, and / or the additive coating system (7) is said to be coupled before or during coating on the conveyor device (2). The device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 21, further comprising a heating means for heating the agent (A).

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