KR20170031766A - Method and appratus for forming a filter rod - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of forming a filter rod that forms a filter rod (R) of fibers and / or randomly oriented filter material fibers (F) separated in the tobacco processing industry, said method comprising: F of the transfer device 2 to the inlet I of the transfer device 2 and transferring the separated filter I along the process path P in the transfer direction D from the inlet I to the outlet O of the transfer device 2. [ (F), whereby the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) along the process path (P) are formed, a step Introducing at least one additive (A), in particular a binder, into the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) on the process path (P) in the transfer device (2) (4) of the filter material fibers (F) is wrapped with the wrapper material (6) after exiting the outlet (O) of the conveying device (2) And a step of integrating the emitter fiber material (F) to the filter rod (R). Preferably at least one additive A is introduced or applied to the strands 4 of the filter material fibers F near or adjacent to the outlet O of the transfer device 2. The present invention also provides a filter rod forming apparatus 1 that forms such a filter rod R of discrete and / or randomly oriented filter material fibers F.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FORMING A FILTER ROD [0002]

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing filter material fibers, in particular filter rods of discrete fibers, in the tobacco industry. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a filter rod comprised of individual or discrete fibers, such as randomly oriented fibers.

Conventional filters for smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigarillos, typically comprise at least one substantially cylindrical segment of cellulose acetate fibers mixed with a plasticizer such as triacetin. The cellulose acetate fibers are provided in a continuous tow wrapped in the form of a bale, which is treated in a continuous bundle and sprayed with triacetin. In this process, the cellulose acetate fibers are formed into a continuous filter rod wrapped with a paper-based wrapper, and then cut to produce individual filter segments. During the formation of the filter rod, different compounds can be added to the cellulose acetate to provide a filter rod with specific properties. For example, the compound may comprise an adsorbent or flavoring and may be provided in particulate form, liquid form, or solid form. The filter for the smoking article may then be made with one segment of the filter rod, or a plurality of segments of the same or different filter rod composition assembled with at least one of the wrapping. The plurality of segments may or may not be disposed or arranged such that there is a cavity or space therebetween.

It has also been proposed to produce filters comprising nonwoven filter materials such as randomly oriented fibers. Such a filter essentially comprises a load of compressed filter material fibers, such as preferably non-plasticated acetate and / or polyethylene fibers. Such filters are particularly suitable for smoking articles with reduced length and / or reduced circumference compared to standard or so-called "king size " smoking articles, which are about 68 to 72 mm in length and about 23 to 25 mm in circumference Can provide improved filtration efficiency as compared to phosphoroused cellulose acetate.

However, one disadvantage of filters made of fibers that are separated or randomly oriented in the tobacco industry is that the filter of the conventional filter of plasticized cellulose acetate fibers due to the difficulty of controlling the volume or amount of optional additives and fibers in a single fiber segment It is more difficult to manufacture. Indeed, unlike filter segments cut from the plasticized cellulose acetate tow filter rod, segments cut from the filter rods of discrete and / or randomly oriented fibers typically retain or provide a reliable and regular shape at the cut end And the fibers and additives may tend to loosen, tear or worn out. This makes it very difficult to control the consistency and reproducibility of the filter segments, and needless to say a combination with other segments to form a smoking article filter.

Several methods or techniques and devices for producing smoking article filters from randomly oriented fibers are described in the prior art, such as US 7,318,797 and EP 2 641 484. The techniques and apparatus described in these documents are particularly suitable for handling filter material fibers in the fluidized bed so as to form filter rods of discrete and / or randomly oriented fibers using adsorption belts of adsorption conveyors similar to those used in the manufacture of tobacco rods . However, these documents do not solve the problem of controlling the structure of the filter rod to allow proper cutting and / or combination of filter segments to form the final smoking article filter.

Although the use of plasticizers with randomly oriented fibers can be considered, applying such plasticizers on the fibers is typically carried out by spraying, which can lead to substantial contamination of conventional filter rod making equipment, Potentially leading to damage to the part.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for forming a filter rod that solves the above problems. In particular, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming filter rods from separate and / or randomly oriented filter material fibers, unlike conventional plasticized cellulose acetate tows.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of forming a filter rod of filter material fibers, in particular of discrete and / or randomly oriented fibers, in the tobacco processing industry, having the features of claim 1. The invention also provides an apparatus for forming a filter rod of filter material fibers in the tobacco processing industry as set forth in claim 11. Various advantages and / or desirable features are set forth in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, in accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming filter rods from filter material fibers, particularly discrete fibers and / or randomly oriented fibers, in the tobacco processing industry,

Feeding the separated filter material fibers to the inlet of the transfer device,

Conveying filter material fibers along a process path in a direction of transport from an inlet to an outlet of the transfer device whereby substantially continuous strands of separated filter material fibers are formed along the process path,

Introducing at least one additive, in particular a binder, into the strands of filter material fibers in the transfer device, preferably at a location along the process path which is arranged closer to the outlet than the inlet, and

And incorporating the filter material fibers into the filter rod by wrapping the strands of the filter material fibers with the wrapper material after the strand has exited the exit of the transfer device in the transport direction.

Since the separate filter material fibers are loose and / or random oriented fibers, it is essential to first collect the fibers to form a substantially continuous strand. This is accomplished by the present invention by supplying separate or loose fibers to the transfer device and transferring these filter material fibers along the process path. According to the invention, at least one additive, such as a binder, may be added to a substantially continuous strand of filter material fibers near the outlet of the transfer device. This provides efficient transport of the fibers in a controlled and consistent manner without the risk of contamination or contamination of the transfer device. Filter rods produced from discrete or randomly oriented fibers generally allow for higher additive load or content as compared to conventional cellulose acetate tow filters, especially because the additive in randomly oriented fibers is activated charcoal ), It may be particularly advantageous to produce a filter having improved filtration characteristics for the gaseous phase components of tobacco smoke.

In a preferred embodiment, the transfer device is an adsorption transfer device comprising at least one adsorption member, for example an adsorption belt, along a process path. The step of introducing at least one additive into the strand preferably comprises applying the additive to the adsorptive transfer device, in particular to the strands of filter material fibers on the adsorber belt. Importantly, the use of a binder in this manner is not a simple matter since the binder must be applied uniformly to the fibers. The fibers are typically conveyed in the fluidized bed prior to being drawn onto the adsorption belt of the adsorptive transport device to form a filter rod (similar to the way a tobacco rod is produced when producing smoking articles). Thus, the application of the binder to the fibers in the fluidized bed or in the adsorptive transfer device can lead to contamination or widespread contamination of the filter rod making machinery and can result in a reduction in the air stream in the fluidized bed and / Uniform application can be made difficult. Rather, semi-intuitively, these problems are solved or at least substantially improved by introducing a binder into the strands of filter material fibers near the exit of the transfer device.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of applying at least one additive is carried out at a final 1/3, preferably a final 1/5, more preferably a final 1/10 of the process path formed by the transfer device, And applying the additive on the upstream side of the outlet. In this context, it is noted that the adsorptive transfer device may be 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 applying the at least one additive is carried out at a position at least adjacent to or close to the outlet of the transfer device before the strands of filter material fibers exit the transfer device. The application of the additive at or near the outlet, and at the outlet, and thus immediately before wrapping of the fibers to form the filter rod, ensures that the fast or rapid contact between the binder, fiber and wrapper material results in improved bonding action to the fibers, Thereby providing improved stability of the filter rod.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the introduction of the at least one additive comprises applying, by spraying, a substantially fluid or liquid additive on the strands of filter material fibers in the process path, preferably by spraying. In this regard, introducing at least one additive preferably includes applying or conveying the additive to the strands of filter material fibers through a gas phase carrier such as compressed air or steam. The at least one additive preferably comprises at least one of an aqueous composition, a perfume composition, a binder composition and a plasticizer. The at least one additive may alternatively or additionally be provided as an encapsulated compound or material. The spraying of the additive onto the continuous strands of fibers preferably takes place at an angle in the range of 0 ° to 90 ° with respect to the transport direction.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method comprises locally relaxing or reducing the vacuum or negative pressure applied to the strands of filter material fibers in the transfer device before or immediately before introducing at least one additive, such as a binder. In the case of an adsorption transfer apparatus, this can be achieved by one or more plate members or baffles disposed on the adsorption belt in the process path. In this manner, the strand's filter material fibers are relaxed and at least one additive can penetrate the strand better. In addition, the lower the vacuum strength, the lower the additive loss.

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

In a preferred embodiment, feeding the filter material fibers to the inlet of the conveying device comprises conveying a mixture of filter material fibers (e.g., different fibers) to the inlet of the conveying device.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for forming a filter rod from a filter material fiber separated in a tobacco processing industry,

A transfer device having a transfer member for transferring separate filter material fibers along a process path in a transfer direction from an inlet to an exit of a transfer device, the transfer member comprising a plurality of filter material fibers A conveying device configured to generate a continuous strand;

Means for forming a filter rod having a core of filter material fibers surrounded by a wrapper material by wrapping a continuous strand of filter material fibers with a wrapper material after the strand has exited or exited the exit of the transfer device; And

At least one, such as a nozzle constructed and arranged to apply the additive, preferably by spraying, to the strands of filter material fibers in the transfer device at a different location of the process path and preferably closer to the exit than the inlet of the transfer device And an additive application system including an application device.

As described above, unlike conventional cellulose acetate tows in which cellulose acetate tow fibers are provided as continuous strands from a toe-veil to a filter manufacturing apparatus and processed and compressed by a plasticizer in a filter manufacturing apparatus, the filter material The fibers are separated and thus are provided as loose, randomly oriented fibers. Thus, it is essential to first collect the separated fibers and arrange them into a substantially continuous strand, which is accomplished through a transfer device.

Moreover, the apparatus of the present invention advantageously provides an additive application system that is disposed close to the outlet of the transfer apparatus. This results in a highly efficient delivery of additives such as binders to the fibers in a controlled and consistent manner without risk of unwanted contamination of the transfer device. Also, the placement of the application device of the application system, for example at a position adjacent to the outlet or exit, immediately prior to the wrapping means, allows rapid contact between the binder, fiber and wrapper material by allowing application of the binder at the surface of the fiber strands immediately prior to wrapping. To provide improved bonding to the fibers and improved stability to the fabricated filter rod.

In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device is an adsorption conveying device and the conveying member is an adsorption belt. Thus, the filter material fibers are typically supplied to the inlet by a low pressure or vacuum created by the adsorption transfer device and / or within the adsorption transfer device. In this regard, at least one applicator, such as a nozzle, preferably has a final 1/3, more preferably a final 1/5, and even more preferably a final 1/10 of the process path formed by the transfer device, I.e. at the outlet or upstream of the outlet. In this context, it is noted that the transfer device can typically be expected to have a length in the range of about 1 meter to about 3 meters.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one applicator (e.g., nozzle) of the additive application system is disposed proximate or adjacent to the outlet of the transfer apparatus. In this connection, the application device or the nozzle is arranged or oriented at an angle of 0 [deg.] To 90 [deg.] With respect to the transfer member of the transfer device. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the applicator or nozzle is oriented or arranged to extend substantially parallel to the direction of the transfer member, preferably substantially in a horizontal plane. In another preferred embodiment, the additive application system comprises at least one second application device (e.g., a second nozzle), and at least one second application device is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the continuous strands in the transfer device Or may be extended.

In a preferred embodiment, the additive application system of the apparatus comprises at least one carrier source and / or a reservoir or supply of each additive. Each carrier source and / or each reservoir or supply is in fluid communication with the at least one applicator, preferably preferably with at least one respective nozzle. The additive application system also preferably includes heating means for heating the additive before or during application in the transfer device.

As described above, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the device locally relieves vacuum or negative pressure applied to the strands of filter material fibers at at least one applicator or nozzle or immediately upstream of the at least one applicator or nozzle At least one plate member or baffle member disposed within the transfer device for reducing or decreasing the pressure. In this way, the filter material fibers of the strand on the adsorption belt can be loosened to allow the at least one additive to penetrate the strand better, which also reduces the additive loss.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a filter rod manufactured by the apparatus and / or method of the present invention described in connection with any one of the above embodiments. Thus, the present invention also provides a smoking article having a filter element cut from such a filter rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus for forming filter rods of randomly oriented fibers in the tobacco processing industry according to a particular embodiment;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view in the direction of the arrow BB of the device of Figure 1;
3 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method according to a preferred embodiment.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings serve to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

It is to be understood that the generic and widely understood elements which may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily drawn to facilitate a more abstract view of the embodiments. The elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale with respect to each other. Although specific acts and / or steps in a method embodiment may be described or illustrated in a specific order of occurrence, those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to a sequence is not actually required. It is also to be understood that the terms and expressions used in the present specification have the ordinary meanings consistent with the terminology and expressions in the respective respective research and research fields, except where the specific meaning is otherwise specified.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is schematically illustrated an apparatus 1 for forming a filter rod R from filter material fibers F for use in the tobacco processing industry. The apparatus 1 of this particular embodiment is characterized in that it separates and separates the randomly oriented filter material fibers F from the fiber supply S in the inlet I of the conveying device 2 along the treatment path P (2) configured to convey or convey to the outlet (O) of the conveying device (2) to the conveying device (D). The separated and randomly oriented fibers F may be fed to the inlet I of the conveying device 2 and may comprise a single type of fiber or a mixture of different types and optionally also a particulate material. In order to transport these separated fibers F from the fiber supply portion S, the conveying device 2 comprises a elongated conveying member 3 in the form of an endless adsorption belt. This adsorption belt member 3 draws the loosely held separated and randomly oriented filter material fibers F from the supply S under the action of negative pressure or vacuum V and the adsorption belt 3 is driven in an infinite loop The fibers F are transported in the transport direction D. Owing to the structure and operation of the adsorption belt 3, the conveying device 2 is arranged in such a manner that when the fibers F are taken out and conveyed along the process path from the inlet I to the outlet O, To form or create a continuous strand (4). The device 1 incorporates a continuous strand 4 of filter material fibers F by wrapping the strap 4 with at least one sheet or web of lapping material 6 such as one or more thin sheets or webs of paper. Further comprises a lapping device 5 for connecting to the transfer device 2 at the outlet O in order to allow the transfer device 2 to move.

The apparatus 1 further comprises at least one first nozzle (not shown) constructed and arranged to apply the additive A to the strands 4 of the filter material fibers F in the process path P in the transfer device 2 8). ≪ / RTI > Each of these first nozzles 8 is disposed in the vicinity of or near the outlet O of the adsorption transfer apparatus 2 and extends in a plane substantially parallel to the conveying direction D, As shown in Fig. Preferably the additive A delivered via the first nozzle 8 is projected substantially in liquid form onto the fiber strand 4 on the adsorption belt 3 adjacent to the outlet O of the conveying device 2 Binder composition. In a variant, the additive (A) may also be a binder which is provided in powder form (e.g., powder or microencapsulated particles) and is projected onto the fibers. Such a binder can be applied to the web 5 after it has left the transfer device 2, for example in the lapping device 5 or even downstream of the lapping device 5 and before the subsequent filter rod R is cut, Can be activated by heating and / or compressing the strands (4).

The additive application system 7 also includes at least one second nozzle 9 proximate the outlet O and extending or oriented substantially perpendicular to the delivery direction D as shown in Figure 1 do. This second nozzle 9 can be used to deliver the same additive or different additive to the first nozzle 8 in the same or different form. Each of the first and second nozzles 8 and 9 is connected to a conduit or a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir 11 which holds the additive A to be applied to the fibers F. When the same additive A is delivered, (10). Advantageously, the reservoir 11 and / or the nozzles 8, 9 are arranged in such a way that the additive does not adhere to these nozzles 8, 9, especially when the additive A is gel and / or viscous at room temperature (25 占 폚) 9), or may be combined with the heating means. The heating means for heating the additive (A) The first and second nozzles 8 and 9 are also preferably connected to the strands 4 of the fibers F conveyed on the suction belt 3 along the process path P of the conveying device 2, A pressure source 12 constructed and arranged to carry or drive the additive A from the reservoir 11 to the first and second nozzles 8 and 9, respectively, for application, e.g., spray, And is connected in a communicating state.

When the first and second nozzles 8 and 9 are used to transfer different additives to the fiber strand 4, each of the first and second nozzles 8 and 9 is connected Preferably, it is connected to a separate reservoir for the additive, and each reservoir is again connected to a pressure source. As an example, the first nozzle 8 is constructed and arranged to spray the binder composition onto the fiber strand 4 at or near the outlet O of the transfer device 2, and thus to the binder reservoir . On the other hand, the second nozzle 9 is sealed and sealed at regular intervals before it exits the transfer device 2 to be wrapped through the lapping device 5 to form a continuous filter rod R (Not shown) from the capsule feed or storage vessel (not shown). At this time, a feeder or reservoir for the binder additive and the capsule may be connected to an individual pressure source to allow application or projection at the proper pressure of the two additives from each of the nozzles 8,9.

In a preferred embodiment, a vacuum breaker (not shown in the figure) may be provided or arranged at the position of the first nozzle 8 and / or preferably before the nozzle, to the transfer device 2. [ The vacuum breaker, which may be formed of a biasing member disposed on the upstream side of the first nozzle 8 in the process path P or which may include a deflecting member, preferably has a vacuum or negative pressure in the transfer device 2 locally Thereby relaxing the fibers on the adsorption belt 3. [ This allows the additive (A) to be sprayed onto the fiber strands (4) to be better penetrated into the fibers, thus enabling a more homogeneous mixing of the fibers and additives. This further reduces the risk of contamination in the conveying device 2 and provides improved control over the delivery of the additive A to the fiber strands 4.

These fibers enter the lapping device 5 directly when the fibers F in the substantially continuous strand 4 exit or exit the outlet O of the conveying device 2. [ A strip or web 6 of lapping material (e.g., paper) is placed underneath the strand 4 of the fibers F drawn from the bulk roll 13 and out of the outlet O through the roller 14 and parallel to the strands To the moving position. In this way, the fiber strands 4 can be discharged or discharged from the adsorption belt 3 and laminated on the lapping material 6. The lapping device 5 then incorporates the fiber strands 4 into a substantially continuous filter rod R by means of a lapping material 6. To assist the lapping process, the applicator 15 provides a localized adhesive to the strip or web 6 of paper so that the lapping material is adhesively bonded when wrapped around the strands 4 of the fibers F. [ Since the additive A is immediately applied to the fiber strand 4 at the lapping apparatus 5 or immediately upstream of the lapping apparatus, the additive A also interacts with the strip or web of lapping material to ensure uniform and reliable It is possible to provide a wrapped filter rod. If the additive A is a binder it ensures that the randomly oriented fibers F of the filter material are not loosened or worn when the filter rod R is later cut to form individual filter segments for smoking articles.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flow chart schematically illustrating the steps of a method of forming a filter rod R of filter material fibers F according to an embodiment of the present invention described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 Respectively. In this regard, the first box I of FIG. 3 shows the step of supplying the filter material fibers F to the inlet I of the conveying device 2, for example, through a fluidized bed (not shown). The second box then represents the step of conveying the filter material fibers F along the process path in the conveying direction D from the inlet I to the outlet O of the conveying device 2, Substantially continuous strands 4 of filter material fibers F are formed along the process path formed by the transfer device 2. The third box III comprises at least one additive (not shown) in the strand 4 of the filter material fibers F in the conveying device 2 at a position of the process path P closer to the outlet O than the inlet I A), in particular a binder. The final box IV in Fig. 3 of the drawing shows that the fiber strand 4 is wrapped with the wrapper material 6 after the strand 4 exits the exit O of the conveying device 2 in the conveying direction D Thereby integrating the filter material fibers F into the filter rod R. Fig.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations exist. In this regard, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments or illustrative embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one illustrative embodiment, and will fully convey the principles of the invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the described elements.

It is also to be understood that in the present specification, the terms "comprising," "comprising," "including," "including," "containing," "containing," " Means that the process, method, device, device, or system described herein is not limited to the feature or component or element or step recited, nor is it explicitly enumerated, or any other element, (I. E., Non-exclusively) to include features, features, parts, or steps. Also, the phrase " a " as used herein is intended to be understood to include one or more meanings unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as " first, "second," third, " and the like are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on an object or establish a particular ranking of the importance of the object.

1: Device
2: Feeding device
3: feeding member or suction belt
4: fiber strand
5: Lapping device
6: strip or web of wrapper material
7: Additive application system
8: First nozzle
9: Second nozzle
10: conduit or piping
11: Storage tank
12: Pressure source
13: Bulk roll
14: Roller
15: Adhesive applicator
F: filter material fiber
R: fiber rod
S: fiber supply part
V: Vacuum or negative pressure
P: Process path of the transfer device
D: Feed direction
I: entrance of the conveying device
O: exit of conveying device
A: Additive

Claims (15)

A method of forming a filter rod (R) of a filter material (F) separated in a tobacco processing industry,
Feeding the separated filter material fibers F to the inlet I of the conveying device 2,
Transferring the filter material fibers F along the process path P in the transfer direction D from the inlet I to the outlet O of the transfer device 2 thereby to transfer the filter material fibers F along the process path P, Wherein the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) are formed,
At least one additive (A), in particular a binder, is added to the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) on the process path (P) in the transfer device (2) Introducing step, and
After the strand 4 has exited the outlet O of the conveying device 2 in the conveying direction D by wrapping the strand 4 of the filter material fiber F with the wrapper material 6, ) Into the filter rod (R)
≪ / RTI > The filter rod according to claim 1, wherein at least one additive (A) is introduced or applied to the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) at or near the outlet (O) of the transfer device (2) Way. 3. A process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transfer device (2) is an adsorption transfer device along one of the process paths (P), comprising at least one adsorption member, in particular an adsorption belt, 4) comprises applying the additive (A) to the adsorption transfer apparatus, in particular to the strands (4) of filter material fibers on the adsorption belt (3). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of introducing at least one additive (A) is carried out before the strand (4) of the filter material fibers (F) Is performed at the final 1/3, preferably the final 1/5, and more preferably the final 1/10 of the process path (P) formed by the first stage (2). 5. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the step of introducing at least one additive (A) is carried out on a strand (4) of filter material fibers in the process path (P) Characterized in that the additive (A) is applied on the strand (4) at an angle of 0 to 90 relative to the conveying direction (D) To form a filter rod. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Locally relaxing or reducing the vacuum or negative pressure applied to the strands of filter material fibers in the transfer device before or immediately before introducing the at least one additive
≪ / RTI > 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Heating the additive (A) before the step of introducing at least one additive (A) and / or during the step of introducing at least one additive (A)
≪ / RTI > 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The at least one additive (A) comprises at least one of an aqueous composition, a perfume composition, a binder composition, a plasticizer, and an encapsulated compound or material. 9. Process according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the step of introducing at least one additive (A) is carried out in the presence of a gas phase carrier, (A) to the surface of the filter rod. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of feeding the separated filter material fibers (F) to the inlet (I) of the transfer device (2) comprises the steps of (a) (F) and optionally a mixture of at least one particulate material to the inlet (I). A filter rod forming apparatus (1) for forming a filter rod (R) from a filter material fiber (F) separated in a tobacco processing industry,
Having a conveying member (3) for conveying separated filter material fibers (F) along a process path (P) in a conveying direction (D) from an inlet (I) of the conveying device (2) (2), wherein the conveying member (3) is configured to produce a continuous strand (4) of filter material fibers (F) from separate filter material fibers (F) fed to the inlet (I);
By wrapping the continuous strand 4 of the filter material fibers F with the wrapper material 6 after the strand 4 has exited or exited the outlet O of the transfer device 2, A lapping device 5 for forming a filter rod R having a core of filter material fibers F surrounded by the lapping device 5; And
In particular the binder, to the strand 4 of fibers F at a position on the process path P of the transfer device 2 closer to the outlet O than the inlet I, (8, < RTI ID = 0.0 > 9) < / RTI &
The filter rod forming apparatus comprising: 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the at least one applicator is constructed and arranged to apply the additive (A) by spraying, preferably at or near the outlet (O) of the transfer device (2); And / or
The conveying device is an adsorption conveying device 2 and the conveying member is an adsorption belt, and the filter material fibers F are conveyed by a suction conveying device 2 and / or a low pressure or vacuum (V) To the inlet (I). 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said at least one applicator comprises nozzles (8, 9);
Wherein said nozzles (8, 9) are arranged or oriented at an angle of 0 [deg.] To 90 [deg.] With respect to the direction (D) And / or
The nozzles 8, 9 are oriented or extended substantially parallel to the direction D of the conveying member 3, preferably in a substantially horizontal plane; And / or
Wherein the nozzles (8, 9) are oriented or extended substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. 14. A system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the additive application system (7) comprises at least one supply or reservoir (11) and optionally a carrier source (12) for each additive , Each carrier source (12) and each supply or reservoir (13) being connected to said at least one applicator, and preferably to a respective nozzle (8, 9). Method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the strands (4) of the filter material fibers (F) at the at least one application device or nozzle (8, 9) or immediately upstream of the at least one application device or nozzle Further comprising at least one plate member or baffle member disposed within the transfer device (2) for locally relieving or reducing the vacuum or negative pressure applied thereto; And / or
Wherein the additive application system (7) comprises heating means for heating the additive (A) before application in the transfer device (2) or during application in the transfer device (2).

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