KR20190111792A - Apparatus and method for producing a strand from web material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (2) and a method for manufacturing a strand (4) from a web material. The device (2) for manufacturing a strand (4) from a web material comprises a separating device (12) for dividing a flat web (6) into a plurality of strips (14). The separating device (12) includes a first roller (26) and a second roller (28) for interacting with the first roller. Outsides (30, 32) of the rollers (26, 28) include a circumferential direction groove (34) and an uplifting unit (36) which are alternatively closed in a circumferential direction in a shaft direction (A). The uplifting unit (36) of the first roller (26) is combined within the groove (34) of the second roller (28) in an operating area. The uplifting unit (36) of the second roller (28) is combined within the groove (34) of the first roller (26). The separating device (12) is provided to allow the flat web (6) to be strongly extended in a horizontal direction for a separating line and to be separated along the separating line, thereby separating adjacent strips (14) from each other along the predetermined separating line in the operating area. The device (2) further comprises a strand forming unit (20) to form the strand (4) from the plurality of strips (14). The present invention can improve an overall life.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A STRAND FROM WEB MATERIAL}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing strands from web materials, comprising a separating apparatus configured to divide a flat web into a plurality of strips. The invention also relates to a method for producing strands from a web material, wherein the flat web is divided into a plurality of strips by a separating device.

An apparatus for producing strands from recycled tobacco material is disclosed, for example, in DE 1 954 036. The flat web of recycled tobacco material is cut into parallel strips using a disk knife cutting device. This strip is integrated to form a strand and is surrounded by an outer wrapping. The wrapped strand is cut into pieces of a predetermined length so that rod-shaped articles such as cigarettes can be produced, for example.

Disc knives are used to make individual strips. The interactive circular cutting knives cut the material at the point of cut by directly contacting each other and sliding the two blades directly against each other.

It is an object of the present invention to specify improved apparatus and improved methods for producing strands.

The object is achieved through the apparatus, which is a device for producing strands from a web material, comprising a separation device configured to divide the flat web into a plurality of strips, the separation device comprising: a first roller and a material interacting with the first roller; A second roller, the outer surface of the roller comprising a circumferential groove and a circumferentially closed circumferential direction, the ridge of the first roller in the operating region engaging into the groove of the second roller and the second The ridges of the rollers engage into the grooves of the first roller, the separation device wherein the flat webs extend strongly laterally relative to the dividing line and tear along the dividing line, so that immediately adjacent strips are separated from each other along a predetermined dividing line in the operating area. A strand forming unit configured to separate, wherein the apparatus is configured to form strands from the plurality of strips It characterized in that it further comprises.

The first and second rollers do not contact each other in the operating area. The flat web is not cut by the interaction of the two blades along the dividing line, but is torn in a defined manner by excess extension. Thus, in the apparatus according to an aspect of the invention, the flat web is divided in a defined manner along at least one separation line, in which case however no cutting operation takes place. In contrast, the flat web is torn in a defined manner and preferably strongly overextended locally to create an open structure at the breaking edge of the strip. Due to this open structure, the strip is more suitable for delivery, for example to absorb additives or, for example, upon heating.

Flat webs are, for example, flat recycled tobacco material, PLA films or paper webs. When the recycled tobacco material is used as a flat web, the strand produced from the plurality of strips of recycled tobacco material in the strand forming unit is, for example, the strand from which the tobacco product is made later. Due to their ability to absorb and re-deliver additives, strands of recycled tobacco material are particularly suitable for the so-called "heat-not-burn" tobacco products. If the PLA film is used as the material of a flat web, for example cooling elements and the like can be produced from the strands. If the flat web is a paper web, the situation is similar. From this a filter element or also a spacer can be produced, for example.

Another advantage of the separating device according to an aspect of the present invention is that the wear of the separating device is significantly reduced compared to conventional cutting devices in which the blades used for dividing the flat web are in direct contact with each other and sliding each other in the cutting operation. . The interacting rollers of the separation device do not come into mechanical contact with each other and therefore do not touch during operation of the device. For this reason, there is no or a significant reduction in material wear or wear in the two rollers. This enables the service life of the roller to be much longer and improved compared to the conventional solutions.

Preferably, the grooves and ridges of the first roller both have the same dimensions as the grooves and ridges of the second roller. All grooves and ridges present in each roller thus have the same width in the axial direction of the roller and the same depth in the radial direction. In particular, the same applies to the ridges. In particular, it is also provided that the ridges of the first roller and the ridges of the second roller have different heights in the radial direction. Thus, the strip located in the groove on the roller can be pressed from the ridge of the other roller to the bottom of the groove. This pressurization can result in the conveyance of a flat web. On the other hand, the strips present in the opposing grooves freely lie on the end faces of the ridges. The two rollers are similar to each other and can be designed complementary to each other. This allows for optimal interaction between the rollers.

Thus, the separation device is particularly designed for producing a plurality of strips from a flat web, in which case the strips produced are all at least approximately the same width. In addition, the rollers of the separation device may in particular be configured to produce strips with different widths. In this case regular strip widths as well as irregularly different strip widths may be provided. For example, for this purpose, the second groove and the ridges interacting therewith have twice the width of each of the grooves or ridges adjacent in the axial direction. Thus, strips of different widths can be produced regularly. It is therefore possible to produce strips of different widths or to provide a pattern. The width of the strip is in this case transverse to the longitudinal extension of the strip and measured in the strip plane. The strip plane should be the plane from which the smooth strip of recycled tobacco material leaving the separation device extends.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the ridges and the grooves are connected to each other by radially extending flanks and the separating line extends between the first flank of the first roller and the second flank of the second roller.

It is also particularly proposed that the ridges and grooves have at least approximately rectangular cross sections. In this case the cross section of the ridge and groove is considered in the plane in which the two axes of the two rollers are located. The first flank is understood to mean a flank that extends between the ridge and the groove on the surface of the first roller or between the groove and the ridge. The same applies to the second flank corresponding to the second roller. A radially extending flank is to be understood as meaning an area in the plane defined by the radius of the roller.

Through the construction of the above mentioned grooves and ridges, ie by means of flanks extending radially between the ridges and grooves, a particularly efficient separation process can be achieved.

According to yet another embodiment, the device is configured such that the separating device separates the flat web having a predetermined material thickness, in which case there is an axial gap between the first and second flanks, the gap of the flat web. 1 to 3 times the value of the preset material thickness.

In other words, this means that there is an axial distance between the ridge of the first roll and the ridge of the second roll. In other words, the grooves of the other rollers are axially overlapped by the axial gaps. Certain axial gaps have proven particularly suitable to ensure an efficient separation process of adjacent strips.

For example, the outer surface of the roller may be described as including a plurality of disks spaced apart from each other. The distance between the discs is the respective axial width of the grooves. The width measured in the axial direction of the disc corresponds to the width of each of the ridges. The rollers are arranged periodically with the alignment disks parallel to each other at equal distances. The distance of the ridges is configured such that a strip having a strip width of at least approximately 0.8 mm to 10 mm can be produced from a flat web. For example, this value also corresponds to the axial distance of adjacent ridges.

The device is also arranged, in particular, for the separating device to separate the flat web with a predetermined material thickness, in which case the radial measurement of the roller is measured between the upper side of the ridge of the first roller and the upper side of the ridge of the second roller. The distance is improved through being five to ten times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web. In other words, the two rollers are aligned with each other such that they are joined together by 5 to 10 times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web. This ensures that the flat web is overextended in a direction perpendicular to the surface by 5 to 10 times the value of its material thickness. The defined value ensures that the flat web is overextended beyond the value for elongation so that reliable separation of adjacent strips occurs.

For example, the device comprises a first embossing device arranged downstream of the separation device and configured to emboss the strip in a longitudinal direction, for example periodically varying, from the strip plane.

Periodically variable structures are, for example, wavy or zigzag in shape. Since the embossed structure rises from the strip plane and thus rises "out of plane" in this sense, the first embossing device may also be referred to as an "out-of-plane" embossing device. The embossed structure ensures that the strips of produced strands fit together. In other words, in a strand comprising a plurality of strips of recycled tobacco material, there is an interaction between the individual strips. They can no longer be easily displaced in the axial direction of the strands with respect to each other, which prevents unwanted effects such as for example head loss.

According to another advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the grooves and ridges of the rollers are designed to be axially, in particular periodically, variably when viewed in the circumferential direction.

Through this configuration of the roll, the produced strip obtains a structure that is variable in the plane of the strip, ie "in plane" in this sense. This "in-plane" structure has an effect similar to the "out-of-plane" structure described above. The strips interact with each other in the fabricated strand, reducing the possibility of displacement in the longitudinal axial direction. This property is advantageous both for the manufactured product and for the processing of the strands. For example, when cutting strands, the likelihood that individual strips are removed from individual strips is reduced.

According to another embodiment, it is provided that the ridges of the rollers comprise recesses in the circumferential direction in the circumferential direction at the end faces facing outward. In other words, when viewed in the cross-section in which the axial direction is located, the ridges of the roller are set inward in part in the area of the end face, ie in a smaller radial direction. The grooves provided on the end faces of the ridges are, for example, V-shaped, U-shaped, semi-circular or any other suitable shape. Due to the configuration of the end face of the ridge, the strip has only a small contact surface with the end face of the ridge. The radially enclosing grooves extend over an area of, for example, 60% to 80% of the total end face, so that the remaining maximum support surface of the strip is between 20% and 40%. The reduction of the support surface advantageously hinders the tendency to adhere to the end faces of the ridges present, depending on the web material. For example, it is also provided that the groove extends on almost the entire end face of the ridge. In this case, if the cross section of the groove is for example V-shaped, in the ideal case, only the contact of the strip along two lines (two points in the cross section) is formed. Thus a minimal support surface of the strip can be achieved on the end face of the ridge. The reduction of the contact area and thus the tendency of the material to adhere to the end faces of the ridges is advantageous for the treatment of recycled tobacco material, which has a partly significant cohesive concentration, in particular because of its high glycerin content.

The principle that the web material is divided into individual strips remains unaffected by this change in the shape of the ridges. To this end, there is always provided a small area which extends parallel to the axial direction, especially in the edge area of the ridge, so that the ridge does not sharply tape to its edge. This configuration also has the advantage that the service life of the roller can be improved. Similar to the cutting knife used to process the paper sheet, this section of the ridge has the effect of the free bevel on the actual cutting bevel. The free bevel absorbs high resistance during cutting, relieving the burden on the main bevel, thereby improving the overall life.

For example, the device comprises a bending device arranged downstream of the separation device, which bending device is provided with a strip in the strip plane which is produced by the separation device, in particular having a structure which is periodically present in the strip plane. Configured to bend from the strip plane at least partially in the region of the extreme to the remaining surface portion.

The bent extreme, for example the corrugated tip in the case of a corrugated cut or the zigzag cut, for example the outer edges of the teeth, ensures that the strips of strands fit more strongly against each other. For example, the extreme may be bent or bent by at least about 90 ° with respect to the strip plane. It is likewise provided that successive extremes bend, bend or bend alternately up and down, for example, from the strip plane.

The aforementioned method not only increases the interaction of the strips in the produced strands, but can also reduce undesirable phenomena such as, for example, head loss, and can also increase the filling capacity of the strips at the same time. This is particularly advantageous for short tobacco products such as those used for example for "heat-not-burn" products.

According to another example, the device comprises an optional delay device between the first embossing device and / or the bending device and the strand forming unit, wherein the delay device has a delay having a longer transport path than at least the transport path and the transport path. There is a grouping device, which provides a path and is further configured to divide the plurality of strips into at least a first group and a second group, in which the first group is guided along the transport path and the second group is along the delay path. Guided, the delay device is further configured to merge the first and second groups back to form a common strand downstream of the transport and delay path and to provide this common strand to the strand forming unit.

Due to the difference in length between the transfer path and the delay path, phase shift between the two groups of strips can be achieved. For example, different groups of strips are pulled through rollers or bolts having different diameters so that the provided path difference can be set. The phase shift achieved in this way is for example half the period of the embossed "out-of-plane" structure or the "in-plane" structure present as a result of the separation process. Thus, the extremes of the strips of the first group impinge on the same extremes of the strips of the second group, whereby particularly large volume gains and thus increased filling forces can be realized.

In this case, the device is designed such that, for example, adjacent strips are alternately assigned to the first and second groups. It is also proposed, for example, that the apparatus is configured such that a plurality of groups is provided, in which case starting with the number of three groups, two or more delay paths of different lengths are also provided. By providing different phase shifts between the individual groups, the filling power and the volume gains involved in this regard can be further improved.

According to another example, the device comprises a second embossing device arranged downstream of the separation device and configured to emboss the strip in a transverse direction relative to its longitudinal direction rising from the strip plane.

For example, the strip is embossed longitudinally with a V-shaped, W-shaped, channel-shaped or similar structure rising from the strip plane. This structure, which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strip, does not guarantee that the strips fit against each other in the longitudinal direction of the produced strand, but there is an improved filling force effect.

Particularly in combination with, for example, an "in-plane" variable separation process, ie a strip that is periodically variable in plane, such as, for example, wavy, such intermediate or longitudinal folding has a greatly increased volume and thus improved filling Force. At the same time, the fitting of the strip occurs through the "in-plane" structure and also in the longitudinal direction.

According to one embodiment, the device is improved by a tensioning device, in particular a tension roller pair, which is integrated in the conveying path of the plurality of strips downstream of the separation device and upstream of the strand forming unit.

The tensioning device is particularly advantageous when recycled tobacco material is used as the web material. The recycled tobacco material is very different in properties, but many flat webs of recycled tobacco material are somewhat tacky. After this web material is separated into individual strips, it becomes partly difficult to remove the individual strips by rollers. The tensioning device ensures that the individual strips are continuously removed from the rollers of the separation device. In this case tearing of the strip occurs on the one hand by too strong a tensile force and on the other hand it can be avoided that an individual strip is attached to the roller by too little tension. Thus, the tensioning device is intended to remove the strips individually and continuously from the rollers, but is an optional means for applying too much force to the material so that no negative extension effect occurs.

In this regard, the tensioning device comprises a sensor and the device for producing the strand comprises a corresponding control device / adjustment device such that the force acting on the individual strips can be measured by force measurement in the tensioning device and It is particularly proposed that it can be adjusted if necessary.

According to another embodiment, the device is characterized in particular by a tensile decoupling device which is immediately upstream of the strand forming unit, the tensile decoupling device decoupling the strip from the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction so that the strip is formed without the tensile stress. It is configured to be provided as a unit.

Preferably, the decoupling is performed before entering the strand forming unit so that the strand can be pulled into the format inlet of the strand forming unit without tensile stress. For example, such a tension decoupling device is implemented through a roof box or the like.

According to another preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises an injection device having an injector wherein the strand forming unit is at least approximately centered in the format channel of the strand forming unit, the injector being at the center of the strand of recycled tobacco material. It is improved through being configured to supply liquid additives, compressed air, flavor chambers, metal chambers and / or metal strips.

Provided injectors have a positive effect on strand formation in various embodiments. For example, compressed air supplied to the center of the strands supports strand formation and, if necessary, adhesion of the strips to the wrapping material. Once the liquid additive is supplied to the center of the strand, the liquid remains in the strand and is adsorbed or absorbed by the surrounding strips. In many cases, liquid additives cause unwanted optical changes, such as staining, discoloration, and the like on the wrapping material. If a liquid additive is supplied at the center of the strand, the chance of penetration into the wrapping material is very low. Thus the unwanted effects described above can be almost completely avoided. By supplying the flavor chamber, the metal chamber or the metal strip, the variability of the field of use and the strand made from the recycled tobacco material can be improved.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device comprises an applicator device between the separation device and the strand forming unit, which is configured to provide liquid and / or solid additives to the strip, the applicator device applying the solid additive to the strip. When configured to provide, the applicator further comprises a wetting device, wherein the wetting device is configured to wet the strip with a liquid upstream of the applicator of the solid additive, the solid additive being in particular dry, granular and / or It is characterized by being a dust additive.

Treating individual strips with liquid or solid additives does not have a negative impact on the separation process compared to treating flat webs with the corresponding additives. This is done in an untreated flat web and is not negatively affected by the additives supplied. Liquid additives can be applied, for example, in a sputtering chamber or in a vortex chamber. Liquid and / or solid additives may also be applied on the strip by mechanical contact, for example by grinding contact. Dust additives are for example tobacco dust. As liquid additives, for example, flavor retaining substances, nicotine containing substances or substances for rod hardening are provided. This applies advantageously for all mentioned embodiments.

According to another example, the apparatus comprises a guide element, for example arranged immediately upstream of the strand forming unit and comprising first and second guides for guiding the at least two strip bundles in a strand-like geometric arrangement. The guide element further comprises a center guide for guiding the seal, in particular at least partially surrounded by the first and / or second guide.

According to another example, it is provided that the device is designed to be supplied with a first flat web and a second flat web separate thereto. The strip made from the first flat web is guided in the first guide and the strip made from the second flat web is guided in the second guide. Strand-like geometrical arrangements are, for example, arrangements in which the channels draw circular sectors. The center guide is in this case arranged for example in the center of the circle. In this case the guide is not exactly a circular sector, but a circular section in which the area provided for the center guidance is omitted from the center.

For example, it is also provided that strips made from different flat webs are assigned to a plurality of guides. Thus, an alternating arrangement of the strips of the first and second flat webs when viewed in the circumferential direction of the strand can be provided. This contributes to the homogenization of the strands. The individual circular sectors can be, for example, 180 °, 120 ° or 90 ° of the circular angle, depending on whether two, three or four individual bundles are guided to the strand inlet. Other divisions are also provided depending on the number of strands desired to be homogenized with each other.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device is improved through the application device being configured to treat at least two strip bundles through different additions and / or through the addition of different additives.

This embodiment is provided for example when a single flat web is processed into strips. The strip produced from such a single flat web is divided into two different strip bundles and subsequent addition of additives allows for various modifications of the produced strand. In this case, different additions may relate to the application of different additives (ie different kinds such as for example perfumes) as well as the amount of additives (if it is the same type of additive used). The different additives may thus be different additives from each other depending on the type and / or amount.

According to another preferred embodiment, the device comprises a strand forming unit comprising an adhesive device, wherein the strand forming unit is formed on the inner side, in particular the entire strip, before the strand forming unit forms the strands from the plurality of strips. It can be improved through being configured to adhere to the surface and / or to bond the supplied thread to the center of the strand.

Applying an adhesive to the inner side surface on a wrapping material, such as wrapping paper, allows for attaching the outer strip present on the strand to the packaging material, thus improving securing the strip in the rod. In addition, improved mechanical strength of the strand can be achieved. Contact with the bonded wrapping material may be supported by introducing compressed air through an injector that is at least approximately in the center of the format channel. By adhering the thread fed to the center of the strand, the thread can be prevented from being removed from the rod-shaped article produced, for example, during the cutting process of the strand.

By the apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, recycled tobacco material can be processed which can be produced according to the paper process or according to the slurry process. It is also proposed that the recycled tobacco material produced according to the hybrid process is processed. The device preferably comprises a supply device for receiving a reel in which, for example, the recycled tobacco material is spread. In this case it is also particularly proposed that more than one reel is present so that more than two flat webs of recycled tobacco material can be supplied to the separation device.

In particular, it is also provided that the recycled tobacco material is fed to the separation device in such a way that the fibers present in the flat web are aligned parallel to the preset separation line. Thus, the flat web can be split particularly efficiently into individual strips.

The device according to an aspect of the invention is also particularly modular. In particular, a device comprising a separating device, a strand forming unit, a first embossing device, a bending device, a retardation device, a grouping device, a second embossing device, a tension decoupling device, an injection device, an application device, a guide element and / or an adhesion device It is proposed to be designed as a separate module or unit that can be assembled to be flexibly joined together to form a suitable device for producing strands of recycled tobacco material.

As already explained above, the device is also proposed to be treated with a web material which is a PLA film or paper web.

According to yet another embodiment, the device is formed as a two strand machine. This relates to all its functional units, in particular the strand forming unit is designed as a two strand machine.

The object is also achieved by the method, wherein the flat web is divided into a plurality of strips by means of a separation device, the method for producing a strand from the web material, wherein the separation device comprises a first roller and an interaction therewith. A second roller, the outer surface of the roller including a circumferential groove and a circumferentially closed circumferential direction, the ridge of the first roller engaging in the groove of the second roller; The ridges of the second roller engage into the grooves of the first roller, and the flat webs extend strongly laterally relative to the dividing line and tear along the dividing line, so that immediately adjacent strips are separated from each other along a predetermined dividing line in the operating area. In the strand forming unit, a strand is formed from the plurality of strips.

The same method for producing a strand of recycled tobacco material applies to the same or similar advantages already mentioned in connection with the apparatus, so that the repetition is omitted. There is provided a very efficient way of operating with low wear and an open structure present at the cutting edge to provide a strip which allows for improved absorption or release of additives or fragrances.

As already mentioned in the context of the device, the flat web is for example a flat recycled tobacco material, PLA film or paper web. Thus, the method is used, for example, in the manufacture of tobacco products when the flat web is a recycled tobacco material. If a PLA film is used as the material for the flat web, a cooling element or the like can be produced by the above method, for example. Even if the flat web is a paper web, the situation is similar. From this, for example, filter elements or also spacers may be produced.

The method is preferably such that a flat web is treated to a predetermined material thickness, wherein the ridges and grooves of the roller are connected to each other via radially extending flanks, and the separating lines are connected to the first and second rollers of the first roller. Extending between second flanks of the axial gap, wherein an axial gap is provided between the first and second flanks, the axial gap being improved through being one to three times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web. .

In addition, in particular, a flat web is treated with a predetermined material thickness, in which case the distance measured in the radial direction of the roller between the upper side of the ridge of the first roller and the upper side of the second roller is the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web. It is proposed that 5 to 10 times.

By this method, for example, a strip having a strip width of 0.8 mm to 10 mm is produced. The two rollers do not contact each other. Thus, the method is for dividing a flat web into individual strips, in which case the surfaces interacting with each other at the surface of the operating area of the rollers are not in mechanical contact with each other.

According to one example, the method comprises embossing the strip in a longitudinal direction, in particular a periodically variable structure, rising from the plane of the strip by means of a first embossing device disposed downstream of the separation device.

Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the grooves and ridges of the roller are designed variably in the axial direction, in particular in the circumferential direction, in which a strip having a structure which is variable in the strip plane is produced by the separating device. Is proposed.

That is to say, in other words, the method is suitable for producing strips comprising "out-of-plane" and / or "in-plane" variable structures. Preferably, the individual strips are sandwiched together in the formed strands so that undesirable phenomena such as for example head loss can be reduced.

This effect is according to another example, wherein the method is bent from the strip plane with respect to the remaining surface portion at least partially in the region of its extreme which is present in the strip plane by means of a bending device disposed downstream of the separation device. It can be improved through including.

In this context, for example, it is proposed that the continuous extreme bend or bend in a different direction from the strip plane. The angle between the bent area and the remaining surface area is for example at least about 90 °. By the above-mentioned method, the filling power of the produced strand can be improved.

According to another example, there is an optional delay device between the first embossing device and / or the bending device and the strand forming unit, the delay device having at least a transport path and a delay path having a longer transport path than the transport path. And there is also a grouping device for dividing the plurality of strips into at least a first group and a second group, in which the first group is guided along the transfer path and the second group is guided along the delay path It is proposed that the first and the second group merge to form a common strand again downstream of the feed and delay paths and the common strand is provided to the strand forming unit.

Thus, different groups of strips are delayed relative to each other. This delay is for example 180 ° of the period of the variable structure of the strip. In this way, the filling power of the strip is further improved.

Another method of improving the filling force is, according to another example, a second embossing device disposed downstream of the separating device, the structure being laterally variable relative to its longitudinal direction rising from the strip plane to the strip. It is embossed.

Furthermore, the method can be improved by pulling the strip in the conveying direction away from the separating device and in the direction of the strand forming unit by a tensioning device, in particular a tension roller pair, downstream of the separating device and upstream of the strand forming unit. .

According to another advantageous refinement of the method, the strip is decoupled from the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction, in particular by a tension decoupling device which is immediately upstream of the strand forming unit, so that the strip is provided to the strand forming unit without the tensile stress. Is provided. Advantageously, a format inlet without tensile stress is ensured. For this purpose it is provided for example that a loop is formed before the format entry.

According to yet another embodiment, the method comprises an injection device having an injector, wherein the strand forming unit is at least approximately centered in the format channel of the strand forming unit, by means of which the liquid additive, compressed air, flavor chamber, The metal seals and / or metal strips are improved through feeding to the center of the strand of recycled tobacco material.

The supply of liquid additive at the center of the strand can prevent the formation of optically undesirable stains on the outer side of the wrapping material and can improve the adhesion of the strip to the wrapping material, especially when bonded, by the supply of compressed air. have.

According to yet another embodiment, the method is provided with a liquid and / or solid additive in the strip by means of an application device present between the separating device and the format unit, and if the strip is provided with a solid additive, the strip may It is improved through the use of granular and / or dusty additives which are wetted with a liquid upstream of the applicator and in particular dried as solid additives. The supply of different additives makes it possible to provide a very flexible manufacturing process.

According to a further embodiment, the method is characterized in that the strip is divided into at least two strip bundles, guided by guide elements, which guide elements are arranged immediately upstream of the strand forming unit and at least two in a strand-like geometric arrangement. A first guide for guiding the first strip bundle and a second guide for guiding the second strip bundle to guide the two strip bundles, the guide element further comprising a central guide, in particular the thread being guided, The center guide includes at least partially surrounded by a first and / or second guide.

The above mentioned example is particularly advantageous when the method is designed, for example, to be supplied with two different flat webs of different recycled tobacco material to the separation device. The strip of the first flat web is guided in the first guide and the strip of the second flat web is guided in the second guide. In this case it is also particularly proposed that the strip of the first flat web is split and guided in two first guides. The same applies to the strips of the second flat web guided by the two second guides. The two guides may for example be arranged alternately along the perimeter of the strand-like geometrical arrangement. This is for example the case of a first flat web of type A and a second flat web of type B, the guides can be arranged alternately A-B-A-B along the circumference of the guide element.

According to another example, it is provided that the at least two strip bundles are treated by means of an application device through different additions and / or through the addition of different additives. This example is particularly advantageous when a single flat web is processed from a single web material.

The produced strip is divided into at least two strip bundles and processed through different additions of additives. In this case it is provided that not only different additives but also different amounts of the same additive can be added. Thus, a simple change of the type of strand produced, for example fragrances or marks, is possible.

According to a further embodiment, the method is carried out by the bonding device included in the strand forming unit, before the strands are formed from the plurality of strips in the strand forming unit, the strip of lapping material is adhered to the inner side, in particular to the entire surface, and And / or through the adhesion of the thread fed to the center of the strand.

By adhesion of the lapping material, in particular the entire surface, a mechanically stable strand can be provided in which undesirable effects such as head loss or the like can be significantly reduced or avoided.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments according to the invention, together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below without restricting the general inventive concept by way of example with reference to the drawings, with reference to the drawings clearly for the details according to the invention not described in detail herein.

1 shows, in schematic simplified representation, an apparatus for producing strands from a web material.
FIG. 2 is a schematic simplified detail view of the roller of the detaching device of the apparatus for producing the strands shown in the operating region of the two rollers, in a section in which the axis of the roller is located; FIG.
3 shows yet another apparatus for producing strands having a first embossing apparatus, shown in a simplified simplified diagram.
4 shows yet another apparatus for producing strands having a tensile decoupling apparatus shown in a simplified simplified diagram.
FIG. 5 shows a schematic simplified plan view of a roller which is designed such that the grooves and ridges are periodically varied in the axial direction when viewed in the circumferential direction.
FIG. 6 shows another apparatus for producing strands having a bending apparatus, shown in a simplified simplified representation.
7 shows a schematic simplified plan view of a strip of web material marked with extremes bent by the bending device.
8 shows yet another apparatus for producing a strand having a delay apparatus shown in a simplified simplified representation.
9 shows yet another apparatus for producing strands having an application apparatus shown in a simplified simplified representation.
FIG. 10 shows another apparatus for producing strands from two different web materials, shown in a simplified simplified representation.
11 shows in schematic simplified plan view a guide element of the device.
FIG. 12 shows yet another apparatus for producing a strand having a tensioning device shown in a simplified simplified diagram.
FIG. 13A shows a first schematic simplified cross section through the ridge of the roller, wherein the ridge includes a groove in its outer end face.
FIG. 13B shows a schematic simplified cross-sectional view through another ridge of a roller that includes a groove in which the ridges are formed differently.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are each provided with the same reference numerals, and therefore in each case an exception is a new feature.

1 shows an apparatus 2 for producing the strand 4 from the web material. The web material develops from the reel 8 as a flat web 6. For this purpose, a winding release unit 10 is provided. The web material is for example recycled tobacco material, PLA film or paper. The flat web 6 is fed to the separating device 12 included in the device 2. The separating device 12 is configured to divide the flat web 6 into a plurality of strips 14. The strip extends in the strip plane and is continuously positioned perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the example of FIG. 1. The strip plane E is also located perpendicular to the paper plane.

1 shows a schematic plan view of a plurality of manufactured strips 14 showing strips 14 arranged side by side. The longitudinally separated flat web 6, consisting of strips 14 extending parallel to each other, is a device for producing the strands 4 via the conveying rollers 16, only some of which are given reference numbers for clarity. Inflow of the strand forming unit 20 of (2) and conveyed in the direction of the bundling funnel 18. In the strand forming unit 20, the strands 4 are formed of the strands 4 from the plurality of strips 14. Strand formation takes place, for example, in the format channel 22, which is only schematically shown. After strand formation, the strands 4 can be cut into individual rod shaped segments 24 of the desired length.

Separation device 12 includes a first roller 26 and a second roller 28 that interact. The two rollers 26, 28 are not in mechanical contact with each other. The first roller 26 rotates about the first axis 27, and the second roller 28 rotates about the second axis 29.

2 shows a schematic simplified detail of the two rollers 26, 28 of the separating device 12 in the operating area of the two rollers 26, 28. The figure shown in FIG. 2 is a cross section in which the axes 27, 29 of the rollers 26, 28 are located.

The first roller 26 includes a first outer surface 30 and the second roller 28 includes a second outer surface 32. The outer surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 alternately circumferentially close 34 in the axial direction A parallel to the first axis 27 and the second axis 29. And a ridge 36. For clarity, only some of the grooves 34 and ridges 36 are provided with reference numerals. Within the operating area of the two rollers 26, 28, the ridge 36 of the first roller 26 engages in the groove 34 of the second roller 28 and the fusion of the second roller 28. The base 36 couples to the groove 34 of the first roller 26. The flat web 6, when introduced into the operating area between the two rollers 26, 28, locally excessively strongly extends laterally relative to the separation line such that the flat web 6 is torn along the separation line. The position of the dividing line is indicated by the separating plane T, which is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2. The dividing line extends in the separating plane T and is perpendicular to the paper plane of the drawing of FIG. 2.

The ridges 36 of the rollers 26, 28 each comprise an upper side 38, which is part of each of the outer sides 30, 32 of the associated rollers 26, 28, respectively. The grooves 34 likewise comprise a bottom 40 which is part of the outer side 30, 32 of the associated rollers 26, 28, respectively. The ridge 36 and the groove 34, more precisely the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 and the bottom 40 of the adjacent groove 34 are connected to each other via flanks 42 and 44, respectively. Depending on whether the groove 34 or the ridge 36 is assigned to the first or second rollers 26, 28, these flanks are referred to as the first flank 42 if they are the first roller 26, and The second roller 28 may be referred to as the second flank 44. The flanks 42, 44 extend in the radial direction, ie in the radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A. The radial direction R extends in the radial direction of each of the rollers 26, 28. A separating line extends between the second flank 44 of the second roller 28 and the first flank 42 of the first roller 26, respectively, in which the flat web 6 is separated into a strip 14.

Separation device 12 is installed to separate flat web 6 to a predetermined material thickness. An axial gap 46 is provided between the flanks 42, 44 of the opposing rollers 26, 28, ie between the first flank 42 and the second flank 44, which gap is a flat web 6. 1 to 3 times the value of the predetermined material thickness. The radial direction R of the rollers 26, 28 between the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 of the first roller 26 and the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 of the second roller 28. The distance D measured in) is 5 to 10 times the value of the preset material thickness of the flat web 6.

By local excess extension of the flat web 6, the individual strips 14, which are likewise only partly numbered for clarity, are present separately from each other in the grooves 34 of the rollers 26, 28. . The strip 14 includes an open structure at its edge 48 because it is not separated by cutting but is defined and torn by excess extension.

3 shows another apparatus 2 for producing the strands 4. This device 2 also comprises a winding release device 10, a separation device 12 and a strand forming unit 20 which are very schematically shown. The device 2 also comprises a first embossing device 50 arranged downstream of the separating device 12. The first embossing device 50 is configured to emboss to the strip 14 a structure that is variable in the longitudinal direction L of the strip 14 rising from the strip plane E indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 3. The embossed structure is shown to be greatly exaggerated in the direction perpendicular to the strip plane E for clarity. In particular, the embossed structure is a periodic structure.

In addition, there may be a second, not shown, second embossing device which is included alternatively or additionally to the first embossing device 50 of the device 2, which is also its longitudinal direction which also rises from the strip plane E. It is designed to emboss to the strip 14 a structure that is transverse to (L). For example, the strip 14 is embossed with a V-shaped structure extending like a channel in the longitudinal direction (L).

4 likewise shows another device 2 comprising a winding release unit 10 and a separation device 12 and a strand forming unit 20. The device 2 shown in particular comprises a tension decoupling device 52 which is arranged immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 20. Tensile decoupling device 52 is, for example, a loop box in which a plurality of produced strips 14 is guided into a loop.

The tensile decoupling device 52 ensures that the strip 14 is decoupled from the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction L, so that the strip 14 can be provided to the strand forming unit 20 without the tensile stress.

According to yet another embodiment, the device 2 is designed such that when viewed in the circumferential direction, the grooves 34 and the ridges 36 of the rollers 26, 28 are variably configured in the axial direction A. This is illustrated in the figure of FIG.

This figure shows an example of a schematic simplified plan view of the first roller 26. These grooves 34 and the ridges 36 are formed in a waveform periodically along the circumference of the roller 26. The second roller 28, which is not visible in FIG. 5, is configured complementary to the first roller 26, so that each ridge 36 of the different rollers 26, 28 is each opposite roller 26. It is also guaranteed to be coupled to the matching groove 34 of, 28. The rollers 26, 28 are not exactly complementary in shape, as it should still be ensured that the outer surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 are not in contact. With the help of the correspondingly designed roller pairs 26, 28, the flat web 6 can be separated into strips 14, the structure of which can be varied in the strip plane E. FIG. The strip plane E is in the drawing plane in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows another device 2 comprising a separating device 12, the rollers 26, 28 of which are designed as described in connection with FIG. 5. Correspondingly, the separating device 12 leaves a strip 14 comprising a variable structure located in the strip plane E. The device 2 also comprises a bending device 54, which is arranged downstream of the separating device 12, and which has the structure of the produced strip 14 of its extremes 56 in the plane. It is configured to bend from the strip plane E partially for the remaining surface portion in the region.

7 shows by way of example a schematic simplified plan view of a single strip 14 of web material having a variable structure disposed in the strip plane E. As shown in FIG. As an example, a zigzag structure is shown.

The bending device 54 is configured to bend the extreme end 56 of this structure, for example the outer tip of the zigzag structure shown, from the strip plane E with respect to the remaining surface portion 58. In this case, for example, all the extreme ends 56 can be bent in the same direction. Alternatively, the extreme end 56 may also be bent in another direction out of the strip plane E. FIG. For example, they are alternately bent upwards and downwards from the strip plane E, as schematically and very exaggerated in FIG. 6.

8 shows another apparatus 2 for producing the strands 4. The apparatus 2 again comprises a winding release unit 10 and a strand forming unit 20. In addition, the device 2 is provided with, for example, a separation device 12, which separates the grooves 34 and the ridges 36, which are not variably configured in the circumferential direction in the rollers 26, 28. Include. In this case, downstream of the separating device 12, a first embossing device 50 is mounted which embosses the manufactured strip 14 with a variable structure which rises from the strip plane E (see FIG. 3).

Alternatively, the separating device 12 is a separating device as described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein the rollers 26, 28 are grooves 34 and ridges 36 which are variably configured in the circumferential direction. It includes. Thus, by this separating device 12, a plurality of strips 14 varying in the strip plane E is provided (see FIG. 5). In this case, the first embossing device 50 can be omitted. Instead, the device 2 comprises a bending device 54 as described in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7 at the position of the first embossing device 50.

Between the first embossing device 50 or the bending device 54 and the strand forming unit 20, the device 2 comprises an optional delay device 60. This provides the conveyance path 62 shown by the solid line and the delay path 64 shown by the dotted line. Delay path 64 includes a longer transport path compared to transport path 62. The delay device 60 further comprises a grouping device 66, which is shown in a very simplified and simplified manner, wherein the plurality of strips 14 leaving the separating device 12 are separated from the first group and And to divide into a second group. The strip 14 of the first group is guided along the transport path 62 and the second group is guided along the delay path 64. This has the effect that the first group guided on the transfer path 62 undergoes a phase shift in the longitudinal direction L of the strip 14 relative to the strip 14 of the second group guided on the delay path 64. . At the end of the delay device 60, the first and second groups are merged again in the merge unit 68 downstream of the transfer and delay paths 62, 64 to form a common strand 4. This common strand 4 is then provided to the strand forming unit 20. The merging unit 68 is optional. Their function may also be provided only through the inlet funnel 18.

According to another embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, the strand forming unit 20 comprises an injection unit 70. It comprises an injector 72, which is at least approximately centered in the format channel 22 of the strand forming unit 20. The injector 72 is configured to supply liquid additives, compressed air, flavor chambers, metal chambers and / or metal strips to the strands 4 formed in the format channels 22. The seal is arranged in the center of the strand 4, which applies equally to the additive.

9 shows another device 2 for producing a strand 4 comprising an application device 74. The apparatus 2 also includes a winding release unit 10, a separation device 12 and a strand forming unit 20. An application device 74 present between the separation device 12 and the format unit 20 is installed to provide liquid and / or solid additives to the strip 14. If the application device 74 is configured to provide a solid additive such as tobacco dust or the like to the strip 14, it may also include a wetting device not shown in FIG. 9. This allows the strip 14 to wet, allowing solid additives to adhere better on the strip 14. In addition, the application device 74 may be configured to provide a liquid additive to the strip 14. In such a case, the strip 14 is for example sprayed or guided through the mist chamber.

According to another exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the apparatus 2 comprises two unwinding units 10 and 10 ′. In each of the unwinding units, reels 8, 8 ′ in which the web material is present are arranged. In particular, it is provided that the reels 8, 8 ′ comprise different web materials. In this regard, a first flat web 6 and a second flat web 6 ′ of the separation device 12 are provided. Thus, the separating device 12 provides two different strip bundles, in which case the first strip bundle is made of the web material of the first unwinding unit 10 and the second strip bundle is the second unwinding unit ( 10 ') web material. In order to homogenize the two materials, for example tobacco material, a guide element 76 is provided immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 20.

Guide element 76 is shown in a simplified simplified plan view in the longitudinal direction L in FIG. 11. Guide element 76 is illustratively designed to guide four strip bundles. For this purpose it comprises four guides 78 which are divided into two groups. There are two first guides 78A and two second guides 78B, indicated by A and B in the figure. For example, the first strip bundle is guided in guide 78A, while the second strip bundle is guided in guide 78B. Thus, homogenization between two strip bundles in the strand supplied to the strand forming unit 20 can be ensured. The guide element 76 is designed, for example, in the manner of a sleeve or a ring.

The guide element 76 further comprises a center guide 80 suitable for guiding the thread, for example a flavoring chamber, a metal thread or a metal strip. This center guide 80 is surrounded by another guide 78 so that the thread is fed to the center of the strand.

The guide element 76 may also be used to separate the plurality of manufactured strips 14 into different groups in the apparatus 2 comprising only a single unwinding unit 10. Individual groups of strips 14 can in this case be guided individually, in particular the application device 74 can be designed such that different groups are treated by different additions of additives. In this case the additive addition may differ depending on the kind and amount. Again, at the end of this process, groups of different bundles can be merged and homogenized, as discussed, for example, with respect to FIG.

According to yet another embodiment, the format unit 20 comprises, for example, an adhesive device configured to adhere a strip of wrapping material, for example a paper strip, supplied to the format channel 22 (see FIG. 1) to the entire surface in particular. Include. Further, before the strands 4 are formed from the plurality of strips 14 in the format channel 22, they may be provided to bond the yarn fed to the center of the strands 4 as well.

In particular, it is provided that the unwinding unit 10, 10 ′ is configured to receive a multiple width, for example a double width reel 8, 8 ′. Thus, further processing takes place in a multi strand machine, for example a double strand machine. The components present downstream of the unwinding unit in the device 2 are implemented in multiples, for example in dual, in an embodiment not shown.

FIG. 12 shows in a simplified simplified schematic view another device 2 for producing a strand 4 comprising a tensioning device 82. Tension device 82, for example tension roller pair 84, is disposed downstream of separation device 12 in the transport path of the plurality of strips 14. Tension device 82 is integrated in the material flow upstream of strand forming unit 20. Tension device 82 is used in device 2 in which web material, in particular recycled tobacco material, is processed. Since the recycled tobacco material is often tacky, it is sometimes difficult to pull the individual strips 14 from the rollers of the separation device 12. The tensioning device 82 now ensures that the individual strips 14 are pulled out of the rollers 26, 28 by a defined force, in which case the force applied is neither too high nor too low.

Tension device 82 further comprises a tension control device and / or adjustment device 86, in which the tension applied on strip 14 can be measured. To this end, for example, a force measuring roller or dancer can be integrated into the tensioning device 82, for example for process optimization.

13A shows a first schematic simplified cross section through the ridge 36 of the rollers 26, 28. Only a partial region of the ridge 36 in the region of the outer end face 88 is shown. A recess 90 in the circumferential direction is recessed in the end face 88 of the ridge 36. In the illustrated embodiment, it is V-shaped. The strip 14 comes into contact with the end face 88 of the ridge 36 only in the left and right edge regions 92 and 94. Thus, the contact area between the strip 14 and the end face 88 of the ridge 36 is substantially reduced. Thus, the tendency for the strip 14 to adhere to the end face 88 of the ridge 36 is substantially reduced.

The same applies to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13B. This figure again shows the end region of the ridge 36 in a simplified simplified cross-sectional view. The U-shaped groove 90 is recessed in the end face 88 of the ridge 36. The strip 14, not shown in this figure, comes into contact with the end face 88 of the ridge 36 only in the left edge region 92 and the right edge region 94. For this reason, in this configuration of the end face 88 of the ridge 36 also the tendency of the strip 14 to adhere to the end face 88 is substantially reduced.

According to yet another embodiment the device 2 is designed as a two strand machine. This relates to all functional units, in particular the strand forming unit 20 is designed as a two strand machine.

Additional Examples:

Example 1:

Apparatus 2 for producing strand 4 from recycled tobacco material, comprising a separating device 12 configured to divide the flat web 6 of recycled tobacco material into a plurality of strips 14, In the device,

The separating device 12 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 28 interacting therewith, the outer surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 being in the axial direction A. Alternately circumferentially closed circumferential grooves 34 and ridges 36, wherein the ridges 36 of the first roller 26 in the operating region are characterized in that the Engage into the groove 34 and the ridge 36 of the second roller 28 engage into the groove 34 of the first roller 26, and the separation device 12 comprises the flat web. 6 is strongly extended laterally with respect to the dividing line and torn along the dividing line, thereby separating the immediately adjacent strips 14 from each other along a predetermined dividing line in the operating region, wherein the apparatus 2 is And further comprising a strand forming unit 20 configured to form strands 4 of tobacco recycled from the plurality of strips 14. Device characterized in that.

Example 2:

In example 1, the ridge 36 and the groove 34 are connected to each other via radially extending flanks 42 and 44, the separating line being connected to the first flank of the first roller 26 ( 42) and a second flank (44) of the second roller (28).

Example 3:

In Example 2, the separating device 12 is configured to separate the flat web 6 to a predetermined material thickness, and an axial gap 46 is formed between the first and second flanks 42 and 44. Device, characterized in that the axial gap is one to three times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web (6).

Example 4:

In any of the examples 1 to 3, the separating device 12 is configured to separate the flat web 6 to a predetermined material thickness, and that of the ridge 36 of the first roller 26 The distance D measured in the radial direction R of the rollers 26, 28 between the upper side 38 and the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 of the second roller 28 is the flat Device characterized in that it is 5 to 10 times the value of the preset material thickness of the web (6).

Example 5:

In any one of examples 1-4, it comprises a first embossing device 50 disposed downstream of said separating device 12, said embossing device being longitudinally rising from said strip plane (E). L), in particular arranged to emboss a periodically variable structure on the strip (14).

Example 6:

In any of the examples 1 to 5, the grooves 34 and the ridges 36 of the rollers 26 and 28 are designed variably in the axial direction, in particular periodically, when viewed in the circumferential direction. Device characterized in that.

Example 7:

In Example 6, it comprises a bending device 54 disposed downstream of the separating device 12, the bending device being present in the strip plane E, in particular by the separating device 12 periodically. Configured to bend from the strip plane (E) at least partially in relation to the remaining surface portion (58) at least partially in the region of its extremes (56) present in the strip plane (E). Device characterized in that.

Example 8:

In any of Examples 5-7, there is an optional delay device 60 between the first embossing device 50 and / or the bending device 54 and the strand forming unit 20, The delay device provides a delay path 64 having at least a conveying path 62 and a longer conveying path than the conveying path 62, and further comprising at least a first group and a second group of the plurality of strips 14. There is a grouping device 66, which is configured to divide into: in the delay device 60 the first group is guided along the transfer path 62 and the second group is guided along the delay path 64. And the delay device 60 merges the first and second groups to form a common strand again downstream of the transfer and delay paths 62 and 64 and combines the common strand into the strand forming unit 20. Further configured to provide to Device according to claim.

Example 9:

The apparatus of any of Examples 1-8, comprising a second embossing device disposed downstream of the separating device 12, the second embossing device transverse to its longitudinal direction ascending from the strip plane. And emboss the variable structure to the strip.

Example 10:

In any of the examples 1 to 9, in particular, it comprises a tension decoupling device 52 which is immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 20, the tension decoupling device extending the strip 14 in the longitudinal direction ( L) by decoupling from tensile stress, the strip (14) is configured to be provided to the strand forming unit (20) without tensile stress.

Example 11:

In any of examples 1-10, the strand forming unit 20 has an injection device 70 having an injector 72 at least approximately centered in the format channel 22 of the strand forming unit 20. Wherein the injector 72 is configured to supply a liquid additive, compressed air, a flavor chamber, a metal chamber and / or a metal strip to the center of the strand 4 of recycled tobacco material. .

Example 12:

Applicator according to any one of examples 1 to 11, which is present between the separating device 12 and the strand forming unit 20, which is configured to provide liquid and / or solid additives to the strip 14. 74, wherein when the applicator 74 is configured to provide a solid additive to the strip, the applicator 74 further comprises a wetting device, wherein the wetting device is a part of the applicator of the solid additive. And upstream the strip (14) with a liquid, the solid additive being in particular a dry, granular and / or dusty additive.

Example 13:

In any of the examples 1-12, the first and second guides 78A, in particular for directing the at least two strip bundles in a geometric arrangement similar to the strands arranged immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 2, A guide element 76 comprising 78B, which guide element 76 is in particular at least partially surrounded by the first and / or second guides 78A, 78B. Apparatus further comprising a center guide (80).

Example 14:

The apparatus of examples 12 or 13, wherein the application device (74) is configured to process the at least two strip bundles through different additions and / or through the addition of different additives.

Example 15:

In any of the examples 1-14, the strand forming unit 20 comprises an adhesive device, wherein the strand forming unit 20 is a cigarette in which the strand forming unit 20 is recycled from the plurality of strips 14. Before forming the strands 4 of material, the strips of lapping material are configured to adhere to the inner side, in particular to the entire surface, and / or to bond the thread supplied to the center of the strands 4 of the recycled tobacco material. Device characterized in that.

Example 16:

In the method for producing the strand 4 from the recycled tobacco material, the flat web 6 of the recycled tobacco material is divided into a plurality of strips by the separating device 12.

The separating device 12 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 28 interacting therewith, the outer surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 being in the axial direction A. Alternately circumferentially closed circumferential grooves 34 and ridges 36, wherein the ridges 36 of the first roller 26 in the operating region are characterized in that the Into the groove 34 and the ridge 36 of the second roller 28 into the groove 34 of the first roller 26, the flat web 6 transverse to the dividing line By strongly extending in the direction and tearing along the dividing line, the immediately adjacent strips 14 are separated from each other along the predetermined dividing line in the operating region, and regenerated from the plurality of strips 14 in the strand forming unit 20. Characterized in that a strand (4) of tobacco material is formed.

Example 17:

In Example 16, the flat web 6 is treated to a predetermined material thickness, and the ridges 36 and the grooves 34 of the rollers 26 and 28 extend radially, flanks 42 and 44. Are separated from each other, and the separation line extends between the first flank 42 of the first roller 26 and the second flank 44 of the second roller 28, and the first and the first An axial gap (46) is provided between the two flanks (42, 44), said axial gap being one to three times the value of a predetermined material thickness of said flat web (6).

Example 18:

In Example 16, the flat web 6 is treated to a predetermined material thickness and the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 of the first roller 26 and the fusion of the second roller 28 The distance D measured in the radial direction R of the rollers 26, 28 between the upper side 38 of the base 36 is from five times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web 6. 10 times.

Example 19:

In one of the examples 16-18, in particular in the longitudinal direction L, which rises from the strip plane E, by the first embossing device 50 disposed downstream of the separating device 12, in particular And embossing a periodically variable structure on the strip (14).

Example 20:

In any of examples 16-19, the grooves 34 and the ridges 36 of the rollers 26, 28 are variable in the axial direction A, particularly periodically, when viewed in the circumferential direction. And a strip (14) having a structure which is variable in the strip plane (E) by the separating device (12).

Example 21:

In example 20, the strip 14 is at least partially in the region of its extremes 56 present in the strip plane E by means of a bending device 54 disposed downstream of the separating device 12. Bending from the strip plane (E) with respect to the remaining surface portion (58).

Example 22:

In any of Examples 19-21, an optional delay device 60 is present between the first embossing device 50 and / or the bending device 54 and the strand forming unit 20, wherein The delay device provides a delay path 64 having at least a conveying path 62 and a longer conveying path than the conveying path 62, and further comprising at least a first group and a second group of the plurality of strips 14. There is a grouping device 66 which divides into the second device, in which the first group is guided along the transfer path 62 and the second group is guided along the delay path 64, And said first and said second group are merged again to form a common strand downstream of said transfer and delay paths (62, 64) and said common strand is provided to said strand forming unit (20).

Example 23:

The structure of any of examples 16-22, wherein the second embossing device disposed downstream of the separation device is embossed to the strip, the structure being laterally variable relative to its longitudinal direction rising from the strip plane. Characterized in that the method.

Example 24:

In any of examples 16-23, the strip 14 is decoupled from the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction L, in particular by a tension decoupling device 68 which is immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 20. And the strip (14) is provided to the strand forming unit (20) without tensile stress.

Example 25:

In any of examples 16-24, the strand forming unit 20 has an injection device 70 having an injector 72 at least approximately centered in the format channel 22 of the strand forming unit 20. Wherein the liquid additive, compressed air, flavor chamber, metal chamber and / or metal strip are fed to the center of the strand (4) of recycled tobacco material by the injector (72).

Example 26:

In any of the examples 16-25, the strip 14 is filled with liquid and / or solid additives by an application device 74 present between the separation device 12 and the format unit 20. If provided, and the strip 14 is provided with a solid additive, the strip 14 is wetted with a liquid upstream of the applicator of the solid additive, and the granular and / or dusty additive, particularly dried as a solid additive, Characterized in that it is used.

Example 27:

In any of the examples 16-26, the strip 14 is divided into at least two strip bundles, guided by guide elements 76, which guide elements in particular of the strand forming unit 2 A first guide 78A for guiding the first strip bundle and a second guide for guiding the second strip bundle, disposed immediately upstream and guiding the at least two strip bundles in a strand-like geometrical arrangement. 78B), the guide element 76 further comprises a center guide 80 in which the thread is guided, in particular the center guide 80 being the first and / or the second guide 78A, 78B. At least partially enclosed by.

Example 28:

The method according to examples 26 or 27, wherein the at least two strip bundles are processed by different application and / or through the addition of different additives by the application device (74).

Example 29:

In any one of Examples 16-28, before the strand forming unit 20 of the tobacco material recycled from the plurality of strips 14 is formed in the strand forming unit 20, the strand forming unit 20 By means of the bonding device included, the strip of lapping material is adhered to the inner side, in particular to the entire surface, and / or the thread fed to the center of the strand of the recycled tobacco material (4).

All of the above-mentioned features disclosed in combination with other features, as well as those deduced only from the figures, and also individual features are considered essential to the invention, alone and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be achieved by individual features or by a combination of a plurality of features. In the context of the present invention, features designated as "particularly" or "preferably" should be understood as optional features.

2: device 4: strand
6, 6 ': flat web 8, 8': reel
10, 10 ': winding release unit 12: separation device
14 strip 16 feed roller
18: inflow funnel 20: strand forming unit
22: format channel 24: rod shape segment
26: first roller 27: first axis
28: second roller 29: second axis
30: first outer surface 32: second outer surface
34: groove 36: bulge
38: upper side 40: bottom
42: first flank 44: second flank
46: axial gap 48: edge
50: first embossing device 52: tensile decoupling device
54: bending device 56: extreme end
58: remaining surface portion 60: delay device
62: feed path 64: delay path
66: grouping device 68: integration unit
70: injection unit 72: injector
74: coating device 76: guide element
78: guide 78A: first guide
78B: Second guide 80: Center guide
82 tension device 84 tension roller pair
86 tension control device 88 end face
90: recess 92: left edge area
94: right edge area A: axial direction
T: Separation plane R: Radial direction
D: Distance L: Longitudinal
E: strip flat

Claims (17)

Apparatus (2) for manufacturing strand (4) from web material, comprising a separating device (12) configured to divide the flat web (6) into a plurality of strips (14). ,
The separating device 12 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 28 interacting therewith, the outer surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 being in the axial direction A. Alternately circumferentially closed circumferential grooves 34 and ridges 36, wherein the ridges 36 of the first roller 26 in the operating region are characterized in that the Engage into the groove 34 and the ridge 36 of the second roller 28 engage into the groove 34 of the first roller 26, and the separation device 12 comprises the flat web. (6) is configured to strongly extend laterally with respect to the dividing line and tear along the dividing line, thereby separating the immediately adjacent strips 14 from each other along a predetermined dividing line in the operating region, wherein the apparatus 2 is And further comprising a strand forming unit 20 configured to form strands 4 from the plurality of strips 14. Device. 2. The ridge 36 and the groove 34 are connected to each other via radially extending flanks 42 and 44, the separation line being the first flank of the first roller 26. (42) and a second flank (44) of the second roller (28). 3. The separating device (12) according to claim 2, wherein the separating device (12) is configured to separate the flat web (6) with a predetermined material thickness, and an axial gap (46) between the first and second flanks (42, 44). Is present, the axial gap being 1 to 3 times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web (6). 4. The ridge 36 of claim 1, wherein the separation device 12 is configured to separate the flat web 6 at a predetermined material thickness. The distance D measured in the radial direction R of the rollers 26 and 28 between the upper side 38 of) and the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 of the second roller 28. Is 5 to 10 times the value of the predetermined material thickness of the flat web (6). The groove (34) and the ridge (36) of the rollers (26) and (28) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 are axially, in particular cyclically, variable when viewed in the circumferential direction. Apparatus characterized in that the design. The tensioning device as claimed in claim 1, which is integrated downstream of the separating device 12 and upstream of the strand forming unit 20 in the transport path of the plurality of strips 14. In particular comprising a pair of tension rollers, in particular further comprising a tension decoupling device 52 which is immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 20, which tensions the strip 14 in the longitudinal direction (L). Decoupling from tensile stress, the strip (14) is configured to be provided to the strand forming unit (20) without tensile stress. 7. The injection device according to claim 1, wherein the strand forming unit 20 has an injector 72 at least approximately centered in the format channel 22 of the strand forming unit 20. And 70, wherein the injector 72 is configured to supply a liquid additive, compressed air, a flavor chamber, a metal chamber and / or a metal strip to the center of the strand 4 of recycled tobacco material. Device. 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip 14 is configured to provide liquid and / or solid additives to the strip 14. An applicator 74, and when the applicator 74 is configured to provide a solid additive to the strip, the applicator 74 further comprises a wetting device, wherein the wetting device is a Upstream of the applicator, characterized in that the strip (14) is wetted with a liquid, the solid additive being in particular a dry, granular and / or dusty additive. 9. The strand forming unit 20 according to claim 1, wherein the strand forming unit 20 comprises an adhering device, wherein the strand forming unit 20 is formed by the strands from the plurality of strips 14. Before forming the strand (4), the device is characterized in that it is configured to adhere the strip of wrapping material to the inner side, in particular to the entire surface and / or to glue the thread fed to the center of the strand (4). In the method for producing the strand 4 from the web material, in which the flat web 6 is divided into a plurality of strips by the separating device 12,
The separating device 12 comprises a first roller 26 and a second roller 28 interacting therewith, the outer surfaces 30, 32 of the rollers 26, 28 being in the axial direction A. Alternately circumferentially closed circumferential grooves 34 and ridges 36, wherein the ridges 36 of the first roller 26 in the operating region are characterized in that the Into the groove 34 and the ridge 36 of the second roller 28 into the groove 34 of the first roller 26, the flat web 6 transverse to the dividing line Strongly extending in the direction and tearing along the dividing line, the immediately adjacent strips 14 are separated from each other along the predetermined dividing line in the operating region, and strands from the plurality of strips 14 in the strand forming unit 20 (4) is formed. The flat web 6 is treated with a predetermined material thickness, and the ridges 36 and the grooves 34 of the rollers 26, 28 extend radially, and the flanks 42, 44 connected to each other, the separation line extends between the first flank 42 of the first roller 26 and the second flank 44 of the second roller 28, wherein the first and the An axial gap (46) is provided between the second flanks (42, 44), said axial gap being one to three times the value of a predetermined material thickness of said flat web (6). The flat web 6 is treated with a predetermined material thickness, the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 of the first roller 26 and the second roller 28 of claim 12. The distance D measured in the radial direction R of the rollers 26, 28 between the upper side 38 of the ridge 36 is 5 of the value of the preset material thickness of the flat web 6. Fold to 10 times. The groove 34 and the ridge 36 of the rollers 26, 28, in the circumferential direction, in particular in the axial direction A, according to claim 10. Thus, the method is characterized in that a strip (14) is designed which is variable and which has a structure which is variable in the strip plane (E) by the separating device (12). 14. The strip (14) according to any of the claims 10 to 13, wherein the strip (14) is by means of a tension device, in particular a pair of tension rollers, downstream of the separation device (12) and upstream of the strand forming unit (20), A tension decoupling device which is pulled in the conveying direction away from the separating device 12 and in the direction of the strand forming unit 20, and in particular the strip 14 is in particular immediately upstream of the strand forming unit 20. Decoupled from the tensile stress in the longitudinal direction (L) by (68) so that the strip (14) is provided to the strand forming unit (20) without tensile stress. The injection device according to claim 10, wherein the strand forming unit 20 has an injector 72 at least approximately centered in the format channel 22 of the strand forming unit 20. 70, wherein the injector 72 supplies liquid additives, compressed air, a flavor chamber, a metal chamber and / or a metal strip to the center of the strand 4 of recycled tobacco material. Way. 16. The liquid and / or solid according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the strip 14 is provided by an application device 74 existing between the separation device 12 and the format unit 20. If an additive is provided and the strip 14 is provided with a solid additive, the strip 14 is wetted with a liquid upstream of the applicator of the solid additive and is particularly dried as a solid additive, granular and / or powdery. Process wherein the additives are used. 17. The adhesive according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein strands are formed in the strand forming unit 20 before strands 4 are formed from the plurality of strips 14 in the strand forming unit 20. By means of the device, the strip of lapping material is bonded to the inner side, in particular to the entire surface, and / or to the thread fed to the center of the strand (4).

Images