EP2449895A2 - Device for producing coaxial filters for smokeable rod shaped articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The coaxial filter manufacturing apparatus has an enclosure medium (22), where a filter tow strip (6) is enclosed by another filter tow strip (10) to form a coaxial filter strand. A tow guide track is equipped, along which the former filter tow strip is movable in the direction of a longitudinal extension. Another tow guide track is equipped, along which the latter filter tow strip is movable in the direction of a longitudinal extension. An independent claim is also included for an arrangement with a transfer spin.

Description

The invention relates to a device for producing coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes.

Coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles and in particular for cigarettes are known (eg from the US 3,396,061 A ) and have an inner, formed into a round bar soul, which is surrounded by an outer sheath. Both the inner core and the outer cover are each made of filter tow material. Typically, the characteristic of a coaxial filter is that the filter tow material used for the core differs from the filter tow material forming the outer cover, for example, in terms of material, density, stiffness, and the additives contained therein. As a result, in particular the permeability, the filtration properties and / or the taste and thus the smoking behavior and / or mechanical properties such as stiffness can be selectively influenced in a desired manner.

It is an object of the present invention to propose a device for the production of coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles that is as simple as possible to implement.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention with a device for producing coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes, with a wrapping device, which is designed to wrap a first filter tow with a second filter tow to form a Koaxialfilterstranges, a first Tow guideway, along which the first filter tow is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extent to the wrapping means, a second Towführungsbahn along which the second filter tow is movable in a substantially expanded shape in the direction of its longitudinal extent to the wrapping means, an upstream first interface, of which the first Tow guideway leads to the wrapping device and provided for connection to an outlet-side interface of a first processing unit for processing the first filter tow strip is, an upstream second interface from which the second Towführungsbahn leads to the wrapping device and which is intended to be connected to an outlet side interface of a second processing unit for processing the second filter Tertstreifens, and a downstream of the wrapping means located third interface for selectively coupling with an inlet-side interface one of a plurality of webs of a conventional for further processing of simple filter towers provided multi-lane processing device, in particular strand-making machine, is formed.

Furthermore, the above object according to a second aspect of the present invention is achieved with a device for producing coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes, with a wrapping device, which is designed to wrap a first filter tow with a second filter tow strip to form a Koaxialfilterstranges a first tow path along which the first filter tow is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extent to the wrapping means, a second tow path along which the second filter tow is movable in a substantially expanded shape in the direction of its longitudinal extent to the wrapping means, an upstream first interface from which the first tow path leads to the wrapping device and provided for connection to an outlet side interface of a first lane of a two-lane treatment apparatus for conditioning the first filter tow, an upstream second interface from which the second towpath leads to the enclosure means and for connection to an outlet-side interface of a second lane of the two-lane treatment apparatus is provided for the preparation of the second filter tow strip, and a third interface located downstream of the wrapping device, which is designed for selective coupling with an inlet-side interface of one of several webs of a conventional multi-lane further processing device, in particular a strand production machine, provided for further processing simple filter tows.

The solution according to the invention allows to a greater extent the use of previously used for the production of simple, so single-layer filter strands components. These are, on the one hand, modules, machines or devices for processing filter tow strips and, on the other hand, the downstream processing device or strand production machine for further processing of the processed filter tow strips into filter strands or filter rods. In this process, filter tows (eg made from cellulose acetate threads) are removed from a bale, treated by stretching and treating with softener, round-shaped and delivered in a desired shape and consistency for further processing to the further processing device or strand production machine, which is made from the processed filter tow strip by wrapping with a wrapping material strip produces a filter strand, which is finally cut into filter rods for cigarettes or other rod-shaped smoking articles. While the filter treatment device and the further processing device essentially constituted the entire system for the production of simple filter strands or filter rods, for the production of coaxial filters according to the present invention, only an additional device according to claim 1 or 2 is required, which is arranged between the filter preparation device and the further processing device or Strand making machine is arranged and brings together two filter towers to form a Koaxialfilterstranges. For this purpose, the invention proposes to use a conventional multi-lane system, so to speak to separate these between the filter preparation and the strand production to arrange the mentioned device according to claim 1 or 2 between the processing device or the processing units on the one hand and the further processing device or strand manufacturing machine on the other to activate only one lane and to block or switch off the remaining lane (s). In this case, the invention makes use of the knowledge that the simultaneous preparation and feeding of at least two filter towers is required separately for the production of coaxial filters, which offers the use of a conventional multi-lane system, which hitherto for the simultaneous production of simple, so single-layer filter strands or filter rods has been used. However, the single-lane use of the multi-lane processing device or strand production machine and the resulting use of only a part of this device or machine is nevertheless economically advantageous because resorting to an existing device or machine, which - if at all - subject to only minor modifications and adaptations need to be, while the provision of a specifically designed device or machine would require a significantly higher cost, which is avoided by the inventive solution, however, skillfully.

For the coupling of the third interface located downstream of the wrapping device with an inlet-side interface of a web of the multi-web processing device, a suitable web has to be selected from the plurality of webs. This can be done manually, for example, by the coupling is already made during installation. But it is also conceivable to provide a switching mechanism in the manner of a switch, wherein the switching can be done manually or by motor. Further, the entire plant can also be configured to optionally allow the simultaneous production of simple filter strands or filter rods on all webs, such as in the two-strand process or, alternatively, the production of coaxial filters using only one web in the multi-web processing apparatus. For such optional operation offers the previously mentioned switching mechanism in a particularly advantageous manner.

In this context, it should be noted that the term "towpath" primarily means the path along which the filter tow moves. Of course, at least sections, the tow guide track may be provided with a web guide, which leads the filter towers supportive. However, such a track guide is at least not consistently mandatory.

The construction according to the invention is particularly suitable for carrying out the device according to claim 1 or 2 as a module with the defined interfaces for integration into a conventional multi-lane system intended for the production of simple filter strands. This more fully meets the growing demand for greater flexibility in packaging and use of a filter web.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

If a two-strand system is used, the third interface should preferably be designed for selective coupling to an inlet-side interface of a first or second web of a conventional two-line further processing device provided for further processing simple filter tow strips, in particular a strand production machine.

For a space-saving arrangement, the tow guideways should be substantially one above the other.

It is advantageous to design the first tow guide track in such a way that, at least along a section located downstream and adjacent to the covering device, the first filter tow strip is guided in a substantially round-shaped state. Thus, the first filter tow strip already enters the wrapping device as a substantially round-shaped strand. Conveniently, the first Towführungsbahn at least one Keilnutrolle, over which the first filter tow is guided. Alternatively or additionally, the first tow guide track can have at least one nozzle and / or a funnel through which the first filter tow strip is guided. The wedge roll or nozzle and / or the funnel form a means for deflecting the filter tow strip and at the same time may also serve as a means for rounding the first filter tow strip.

For the purpose of better guidance or deflection, the second tow guide track can also have at least one roller over which the second filter tow strip is guided. Since the second filter tow strip is used to form the outer layer or casing for the coaxial filter and is therefore wrapped in the wrapping device from the outside around the then already substantially round shaped first filter tow, the second filter tow along the second tow path is at least initially in a substantially spread Form moves in the direction of its longitudinal extension. Therefore, that roller should preferably be provided with a smooth or slightly concave curved surface. By using a concavely curved lateral surface, the second filter tow can already be preformed a little by obtaining an at least slight curvature transversely to its longitudinal extension, with which it then runs into the wrapping device, whereby the wrapping process taking place there is somewhat simplified.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the wrapping device has a hollow inlet or wrapping finger, which tapers in the conveying direction, through which both filter tow strips are guided together and the second filter tow strip is placed around the first filter tow strip. Thus, the preferred wrap-around or wrap-around finger has a cup or funnel shape, the inner surface of which forms a guide for the outer second filter tow and, due to the cross-sectional constriction increasing in the transport direction, causes the second filter tow to move as it progresses through the run-in or wrap-around finger around which at the same time also passes through the inlet or wrapping finger guided first filter tow.

In particular, when the tow guide tracks are arranged substantially one above the other, the two filter tow strips reach the wrapping device in a superimposed arrangement. Preferably, the spread or already a little preformed second filter tow should be down, which not only has the advantage that the then coming from above substantially already round-shaped first Filtertowstreifen by means of gravitational influence comes into contact with the second Filtertowstreifen, but the spreading or slightly preformed underlying second filter tow also assumes a protective function for the already round-shaped and therefore narrower first filter tow. However, it is alternatively also conceivable, if necessary, to guide the first filter tow strip from below against the second filter tow strip.

In the downstream conventional multi-lane further processing device provided for further processing of simple filter tow strips, in particular a strand-making machine, each lane is usually assigned at least one processing unit. When connecting a path selected from the plurality of webs with their inlet-side interface to the third interface of the device according to claim 1 or 2, as mentioned above, according to the invention, the other tracks are disabled or disabled, so that expediently, the processing units associated with these other tracks are switched off In order to avoid unnecessary use of these then not effectively used processing units on the one hand, and on the other hand to save a by the operation of these aggregates unnecessary energy consumption.

The strand forming units generally present in the further processing device should therefore preferably be designed to be switched off selectively.

Furthermore, the cutting devices which are likewise generally provided in a further processing device should optionally be able to be switched off, wherein in the case of switching off a cutting device, the associated blade can preferably be brought into a rest position outside the web. For this For example, a pivot mechanism may be provided by which the knife is folded away. The movement of the knife when not in use in a rest position outside the track is used in particular for safety. Furthermore, each web of the further processing device can be assigned a switch-off push-in drum.

Also, the further processing device may comprise at least one transfer spider, which is provided with replaceable shoes for the acquisition and further transport of cut from the Koaxialfilterstrang filter rods.

When using separate processing units for processing the filter tow strips, the processing units are preferably arranged substantially one above the other for a space-saving arrangement, which is particularly suitable when the tow guideways in the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 are arranged substantially one above the other.

Preferably, at least one section of at least one conditioning unit may be arranged such that the transport of the filter tow strip takes place there approximately in the horizontal or vertical direction.

In a preferred development of this embodiment, an upper processing unit is arranged such that the transport of the filter tow strip through this processing unit takes place approximately in the horizontal direction, and the lower processing unit is arranged so that the transport of the filter tow strip through this processing unit in an upstream section approximately in vertical direction and takes place in a downstream section approximately in the horizontal direction. Such an arrangement proves to be particularly space-saving.

It is fundamentally irrelevant whether the preparation of the first filter tow strip in the upper processing unit and the processing of the second filter tow strip in the lower processing unit takes place or vice versa. In the event that instead of separate processing units, a common two-lane processing device for the separate preparation of two filter tows is used, preferably the outlet-side interfaces of this processing device can be arranged one above the other, which is particularly suitable when the tow guideways in the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 are arranged substantially one above the other. Furthermore, the webs in the processing device can preferably also be arranged substantially one above the other.

Fig. 1

im Längsschnitt eine schematische Darstellung einer im Wesentlichen gesamten Anlage zur Herstellung von Koaxialfiltern in einer ersten Ausführung, welche herkömmliche Aufbereitungseinheiten einerseits und eine herkömmliche Strangherstellungsmaschine anderer-seits sowie ein dazwischenliegendes Übergangsmodul aufweist,

Fig. 2

im Längsschnitt eine schematische Darstellung einer im Wesentlichen gesamten Anlage zur Herstellung von Koaxialfiltern in einer zweiten Ausführung, welche herkömmliche Aufbereitungseinheiten einerseits und eine herkömmliche Strangherstellungsmaschine andererseits sowie ein dazwischenliegendes Übergangsmodul aufweist,

Fig. 3

ein sich auf die Anlage gemäß Fig. 1 oder 2 beziehendes Blockschaltbild zur vereinfachten Darstellung der Transport- und Verarbeitungswege und

Fig. 4

ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Umhüllungsfingers in Seitenansicht (a), Draufsicht (b) und Querschnittsansicht (c).

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

in a longitudinal section a schematic representation of a substantially entire plant for the production of coaxial filters in a first embodiment, which has conventional processing units on the one hand and a conventional strand-making machine on the other hand and an intermediate transition module,

Fig. 2

in a longitudinal section a schematic representation of a substantially entire plant for the production of coaxial filters in a second embodiment, which has conventional processing units on the one hand and a conventional strand-making machine on the other hand and an intermediate transition module,

Fig. 3

according to the system Fig. 1 or 2 Related block diagram for simplified representation of the transport and processing paths and

Fig. 4

an embodiment of a wrapping finger in side view (a), top view (b) and cross-sectional view (c).

In the figures are only schematically and partly in detail components, modules and devices and a plant containing them according to the invention for the production of coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles as in particular Cigarettes are shown in the strand process, the figures each only substantially show the parts and components required for the understanding of the invention. Components of the machine or device which are customary in mechanical engineering, such as, for example, details of a frame and of holders, supports and coverings, are essentially not shown in the drawings for the sake of better clarity. In addition, in the figures, the processing and transport direction is oriented from right to left.

Like the schematic representations of Figures 1 and 2 can recognize, the system shown there in its upstream in relation to the processing and transport direction region a filter tow preparation section 2. This filter tow preparation section 2 has a first processing unit 4, which is provided for processing and feeding a first filter tow strip 6. The first filter tow 6 is withdrawn before entering the first processing unit 4 of a filter towers, not shown, and directed via a likewise not shown deflection and Towausbevungsorgan towards the unspecified in the figures inlet of the first processing unit 4. Within the first processing unit, the first filter tow 6 is at least processed accordingly by stretching and treatment with plasticizer, possibly round-shaped and delivered in a desired shape and consistency via an outlet-side interface 4a from the processing unit 4. The processing facilities used for this purpose are in the Figures 1 and 2 in the first processing unit 4 shown only schematically and also not marked with reference numerals. As the Figures 1 and 2 can also be seen, the first processing unit 4 is arranged horizontally in the illustrated embodiment, so that there takes place the transport of the first filter tow 6 in the horizontal direction.

Furthermore, the filter processing section 2 has a second processing unit 8, through which a second filter tow 10 is prepared and made available, such as Figures 1 and 2 also show schematically. The second filter tow 10 is before entering the second processing unit 8 deducted from a second filter bales, not shown, and directed over a second processing unit 8 arranged deflection and Towausbungsungsorgan 12, which sits at the upper end of a support arm, not shown, in the direction of an inlet of the second processing unit 8, not shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the second conditioning unit has an upstream first portion 8a and a downstream second portion 8b. In this case, these two sections 8a, 8b are arranged and aligned such that the transport of the second filter tow strip 10 through the first section 8a takes place vertically and through the second section 8b overall substantially approximately horizontally, before the second filter tow strip 10 passes through an outlet-side interface 8c the second conditioning unit 8 is output. In the second processing unit 8, the second filter tow 10 is prepared in particular by stretching and treating with plasticizer and output in a desired shape and consistency. The processing devices used for this purpose are provided in the two sections 8a, 8b of the second processing unit 8, but not shown in detail in the figures.

As the Figures 1 and 2 can also be seen, the first processing unit 4 is disposed above the second processing unit 8 and is in the concrete embodiment shown on the second section 8b of the second processing unit 8. On the other hand, the first portion 8a of the second processing unit 8 is arranged upright at the upstream end of the second portion 8b of the second processing unit 8 and also the first processing unit 4.

Instead of two separate processing units 4, 8, a two-lane filter preparation device can also be provided, which forms a uniform device in which a filter tow strip is processed and treated separately along two paths in the same way as in the previously described processing units 4, 8.

In a conventional plant for the production of simple, so single-layer filter strands or filter rods, the prepared and round shaped filter tows are transferred to a multi-strand strand making machine, which together with the processing device or the processing units of the type described above substantially the entire system for the production of simple filter strands or Forms filter rods. In this case, the downstream strand production machine is adapted accordingly with regard to the number of its webs to the number of webs used in the processing units or the processing device. In general, such a system operates in the two-strand process, so that the downstream strand-making machine is a two-strand machine. To such a two-strand machine is also in the in the FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically represented and designated by the reference numeral "14" further processing device. The processing units 4, 8 and the two-strand machine 14 in the representation of Figures 1 and 2 So form conventional components for the construction of a plant for the production of simple filter strands or filter rods.

As the FIGS. 1 to 3 can also be seen, in addition, a device 16 is provided which takes over specific functions for a production of coaxial filters and is hereinafter referred to as a transition module. In this transition module 16, the two filter tow strips 6, 10 are combined to form a common coaxial filter strand in the manner described in more detail below. Thus, while the treatment section 2 and the two-strand machine 14 essentially forms the entire plant for the production of simple filter strands or filter rods, only the mentioned transition module 16, which is arranged between the treatment section 2 and the two-strand machine 14, is required for the production of coaxial filters according to the invention , In other words, a conventional two-strand plant is used and, as it were, only separated between the filter preparation and the strand production in order to insert the transition module 16.

For transporting the filter tow strips 6, 10 to be taken over by the processing units 4, 8 through the transition module 16 are in the transition module 16 corresponding Towführungsbahnen 18, 20 provided, as in the block diagram of Fig. 3 is indicated schematically. As Fig. 3 The first towpath 18 serves to transport the first filter tow 6 and the second towpath 20 to transport the second filter tow 10. The upstream end of the first towpath 18 forms its inlet-side interface 18a and forms the upstream end of the second towpath 20 their inlet side interface 20a. For the connection of the first tow guideway 18 to the upper first processing unit 4, the outlet-side interface 4a of the first processing unit 4 and the inlet-side interface 18a of the first tow path 18 must coincide with respect to positioning and alignment with each other, the same for the connection of the inlet-side interface 20a of the second Tow guideway 20 to the outlet-side interface 8c of the second processing unit 8 applies. The aforementioned interfaces 4a, 8c, 18a and 20a are preferably provided with passage openings for the passage of the respective filter tow strip.

Like a comparison of Fig. 3 with the Figures 1 and 2 Furthermore, let the two Towführungsbahnen 18, 20 converge toward a wrapping device 22, which is also included in the transition module 16. In the wrapping device 22, the upper first filter tow 6 is enveloped from below with the second filter tow 10 in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, the first filter tow 6 should be rounded at the latest when entering the wrapping device 22 substantially. The circular shaping of the first filter tow strip 6 can already take place in the first processing unit 4; Alternatively or additionally, however, it is also conceivable to carry out the round shaping of the first filter tow strip 6 within the transition module 16 by way of corresponding processing devices, not shown, along the first tow guide track 18. In contrast, the lower second filter tow strip 10 should reach the wrapping device 22 in a substantially expanded form or optionally in a shape slightly curved transversely to its longitudinal extent. Therefore, a round shaping of the second filter tow strip 10 in the second processing unit 8 does not take place.

Due to the fact that, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the first conditioning unit 4 lies above the second conditioning unit 8, the first tow guide track 18 is also necessarily arranged above the second tow guide track 20 within the transition module 16. Thus, the first filter tow 6 is transported along the first tow guide track 18 from above toward the second tow line strip 10 passed beneath the second tow guide track 20 until the first filter tow 6 in the shroud device 22 comes to rest on top of the second filter tow strip 10 then be wrapped by the second filter tow 10. However, it should additionally be noted at this point that the relative arrangement of the two filter tow strips can also be interchanged as required, so that the upper filter tow strip is spread substantially flat and is moved from above in the direction of an essentially already circularly shaped filter tow line located underneath that the round-shaped filter tow is wrapped with the substantially flat-spread filter tow from the top.

The wrapping of the first filter tow strip 6 with the second filter tow strip 10 results in a common coaxial filter strand, the inner core of which is formed by the round shaped first filter tow 6 and the outer wrapping layer of the second filter tow 10. The coaxial filter strand thus produced emerges from the shroud 22 through an outlet 22a and is then conveyed into the two-strand machine 14. The outlet 22a of the shroud 22 simultaneously forms an outlet-side interface for the transition module 16 and, for smooth transfer of the coaxial filter strand into the two-strand machine 14, must conform to one of the two paths in terms of positioning and alignment with the inlet side interface. These interfaces are also preferably provided with corresponding passage openings for the passage of the Koaxialfilterstranges.

While at least two filter tow strips must be available separately from one another for the formation of the coaxial filter strand and thus at least two-lane processing is required, the coaxial filter strand produced from the filter tow strips forms only a single strand, which is connected downstream Two-strand machine 14 only to move along a track and continue to process. This operating state is shown schematically in the block diagram of Fig. 3 shown. There, the two tracks 14a, 14b of the two-strand machine 14 are shown schematically, of which in the side view of Figures 1 and 2 only the track 14a is shown as a front track recognizable. How the FIGS. 1 to 3 Further, the track 14a is connected with its inlet side interface 14aa to the outlet side interface 22a of the transition module 16 and the outlet of the sheath device 22, respectively. Thus, the emerging from the transition module 16 coaxial filter strand, the in Fig. 3 is denoted by the reference numeral "24", in the illustrated embodiment, only further transported along the path 14a in the two-strand machine 14. In contrast, the other web 14b is not needed and therefore is locked or shut down, which is in Fig. 3 represented symbolically by an "x". Thus, the two-strand machine 14, the actual or original use of which was to further process two filter tows formed from each one filter tow, is used to make coaxial filters for one-way processing, while in this case the other web remains unused. The same applies to the use of a stranding machine with more than two webs, in which all other webs are switched off except for the single web used for further processing of the coaxial filter strand.

During its movement along the path 14a, the coaxial filter strand 24 is subjected to various further processing steps. Here, the Koaxialfilterstrang 24 is wrapped in particular with a wrapping material strip and then cut into filter rods. Although the processing equipment used for this purpose are partially schematic in the Figures 1 and 2 shown, but not marked with reference numerals.

The coupling of the outlet-side interface 22a of the transition module 16 with the inlet-side interface of one of the webs (eg web 14a according to FIG Fig. 3 ) can be done manually, for example, by making the connection already during the installation. But it is also conceivable to provide a switching mechanism in the manner of a switch, wherein the switching manually or can be done by motor. The use of such a switching mechanism is therefore particularly advantageous because the further processing of Koaxialfilterstranges 24 is not set to a specific path, but if necessary, depending on the application, a choice between the tracks can be made.

While the lower second Towführungsbahn 20 in the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 is essentially rectilinear, as it is in Fig. 3 is shown schematically, are in the illustrated embodiments according to the Figures 1 and 2 In the area of the upper first Towführungsbahn 18 deflection provided to redirect the first Towführungsstreifen 6 and lead accordingly. For this purpose, in the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 two wedge rollers 26 provided as deflection rollers over which the first filter tow 6 is guided. In the second embodiment according to Fig. 2 are provided as deflection two nozzles and / or funnels 27, through which the first filter tow 6 is guided. In this context, it should be noted that the wedge rollers 26 according to Fig. 1 and the nozzles or funnels 27 according to FIG Fig. 2 In addition to their deflection function, they can also support the circular shaping of the first filter tow strip 6.

As the Figures 1 and 2 can be seen, two spaced-apart rollers 28 are rotatably mounted for the purpose of better guidance of the lower second filter tow strip 10 in the illustrated embodiment, over which the second filter tow 10 is guided. In addition to the guiding function, these two rollers 28 also exert a supporting function, since the second filter tow strip 10 rests on it. Since the second filter tow 10 must be spread substantially flat or slightly curved, the use of rollers is required because they have a wider footprint than, for example, the aforementioned wedge grooves 26. In the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 is the lateral surface of the rollers 28 a little concave, whereby the second filter tow 10 is already preformed a little. This gives him a downward slight curvature transverse to its longitudinal extent, with which he then in the wrapping device 22 runs, whereby the wrapping process takes place there is simplified.

The wrapping device 22 has an inlet or wrapping finger 30, which in Fig. 4 is shown. This wrapping finger 30 is a hollow body which tapers in the conveying direction according to the arrow A and which is open at its two end faces. As Fig. 4 Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the wrapping finger 30 is open in its upstream portion 30a at the top to facilitate the entry of the already substantially circularly shaped first filter tow strip 6 obliquely from above. At its downstream end 30b, however, the lateral surface of the wrapping finger 30 is closed, in particular Fig. 4b lets recognize. Accordingly, the wrapping finger 30 has a cup or funnel shape whose inner surface forms a guide for the outer second filter tow 10. The increasing in the conveying direction according to arrow A cross-sectional constriction has the result that the second filter tow 10 leaves its originally substantially spread flat shape and during its continued movement through the wrapping finger 30 to the same also guided by the wrapping finger 30 first filter tow 6 sets. Fig. 4c shows in cross-section the structure of the manufactured Koaxialfilterstranges 24, which as the inner soul has the round-shaped first filter tow 6 and as an outer wrapping the second filter tow 10.

Claims (25)

Device (16) for the production of coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes, with - a wrapping device (22) which is designed to wrap a first filter tow strip (6) with a second filter tow strip (10) to form a coaxial filter strand (24), a first tow path (18) along which the first filter tow strip (6) is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extension to the wrapping device (22), a second tow guide track (20) along which the second filter tow strip (10) is movable in a substantially expanded form in the direction of its longitudinal extent to the wrapping device (22), - an upstream first interface (18a) from which the first Towführungsbahn (18) leads to the wrapping device (22) and for connection to an outlet-side interface (4a) of a first processing unit (4) for processing the first filter tow strip (6) is - An upstream second interface (20a), from which the second Towführungsbahn (20) leads to the wrapping device (22) and for connection to an outlet-side interface (8c) of a second processing unit (8) for the preparation of the second filter tow strip (10) is and a third interface (22a) located downstream of the wrapping device (22) and adapted for selective coupling to an inlet-side interface (14aa) of one (14a) of a plurality of webs (14a, 14b) of a conventional multi-web processing device provided for further processing simple filter tows ( 14), in particular strand production machine, is formed. Device (16) for the production of coaxial filters for rod-shaped smoking articles, such as cigarettes, with - a wrapping device (22) which is designed to wrap a first filter tow strip (6) with a second filter tow strip (10) to form a coaxial filter strand (24), a first tow path (18) along which the first filter tow strip (6) is movable in the direction of its longitudinal extension to the wrapping device (22), a second tow guide track (20) along which the second filter tow strip (10) is movable in a substantially expanded form in the direction of its longitudinal extent to the wrapping device (22), - an upstream first interface (18a) from which the first Towführungsbahn (18) leads to the wrapping means (22) and which is provided for connection to an outlet side interface of a first web of a two-lane processing device (2) for processing the first filter tow strip (6) is - An upstream second interface (20a) from which the second Towführungsbahn (20) leads to the wrapping device (22) and which is provided for connection to an outlet side interface of a second web of the two-lane processing device (2) for the preparation of the second filter tow strip (10) is and a third interface (22a) located downstream of the wrapping device (22) and adapted for selective coupling to an inlet-side interface (14aa) of one (14a) of a plurality of webs (14a, 14b) of a conventional multi-web processing device provided for further processing simple filter tows ( 14), in particular strand production machine, is formed. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third interface (22a) for selectively coupling with an inlet-side interface (14aa) of a first or second web (14a) of a conventional two-way processing device (14), in particular a strand production machine, provided for further processing of simple filter tows. is trained. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the tow guide tracks (18, 20) are arranged substantially one above the other. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first tow guide track (18) is designed to guide the first filter tow strip (6) in a substantially circularly shaped state at least along a section located downstream of the wrapping device (22). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the first tow guide track (18) has at least one wedge roller (26) over which the first filter tow strip (6) is guided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the first tow guide track (18) has at least one nozzle (27) and / or a funnel, through which the first filter tow strip (6) is guided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the second tow guide track (20) has at least one smooth or concave curved roller (28) over which the second filter tow strip (10) is guided. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, in which the wrapping device (22) has a hollow inlet or wrapping finger (30) which tapers in the conveying direction (A), through which both filter tow strips (6, 10) are guided together and in this case the second filter tow strip (10) is placed around the first filter tow (6). Arrangement with a device (16) according to at least one of the preceding claims and with a downstream conventional for further processing of simple filter towers provided multi-lane post-processing device (14), in particular strand-making machine, which has a plurality of webs (14a, 14b), each path is assigned at least one processing unit, wherein one of the plurality of webs selected path (14a) with its inlet-side interface (14aa) to the third interface (22a) is connectable and the remaining tracks (14b) and the other tracks associated processing units are switched off. Arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the further processing device (14) comprises two webs (14a, 14b), each web of which is assigned at least one processing unit, wherein optionally the first or second web (14a) with its inlet side interface (14aa) to the third interface (22a) connectable and the other track (14b) and the other track associated processing units are switched off. Arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the further processing device (14) optionally comprises disconnectable strand forming units. Arrangement according to at least one of claims 10 to 12, in which the further processing device (14) optionally have switchable cutting devices. Arrangement according to Claim 13, in which the cutting devices each have at least one knife which, when the cutting device is switched off, can be brought into a rest position outside the web, to which the cut-off device is switched off. Arrangement according to at least one of claims 10 to 14, wherein each web of the further processing device (14) is associated with a deactivatable push-in drum. Arrangement according to at least one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the further processing device (14) has at least one transfer spider, which is provided with replaceable shoes for taking over cut filter strand pieces. Arrangement with a device (16) according to claim 1 and optionally additionally according to at least one of claims 3 to 9 and with a first processing unit (4) for processing the first filter tow strip (6) and a second processing unit (8) for processing the second filter tow strip (10), wherein the first interface (18a) to an outlet-side interface (4a) of the first conditioning unit (4) and the second interface (20a) to an outlet-side interface (8c) of the second conditioning unit (8) is connected. Arrangement according to claim 17 and further according to claim 4, wherein the processing units (4, 8) are arranged substantially one above the other. Arrangement according to claim 17 or 18, wherein at least a portion of at least one conditioning unit is arranged so that there takes place the transport of the filter tow strip approximately in the horizontal direction. Arrangement according to at least one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least a portion of at least one conditioning unit is arranged so that there takes place the transport of the filter tow strip approximately in the vertical direction. Arrangement according to claims 18 to 20, wherein an upper processing unit (4) is arranged so that the transport of the filter tow strip (6) through this processing unit (4) takes place approximately in the horizontal direction, and the lower processing unit (8) is arranged in that the transport of the filter tow strip (10) through this processing unit (8) in an upstream section (8a) is approximately vertical Direction and in a downstream portion (8b) takes place approximately in the horizontal direction. Arrangement with a device (16) according to claim 2 and optionally additionally according to one of claims 3 to 9 and with a two-lane processing device for the separate preparation of two filter tow strips, wherein the first interface to an outlet-side interface of a first path of the treatment device and the second interface is connected to an outlet-side interface of a second web of the treatment device. Arrangement according to claim 22 and claim 4, wherein the outlet-side interfaces of the treatment device are arranged one above the other. Arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the webs are arranged in the processing device substantially one above the other. Use of a conventional multi-lane, preferably two-lane, further processing apparatus (14) provided for further processing of simple filter tows, which has a plurality of webs (14a, 14b), of which each web is assigned at least one processing unit, for further processing of a coaxial filter strand (24) by wrapping a first filter tow strip (6) having a second filter tow strip (10), preferably by means of a device (16) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein of the plurality of webs (14a, 14b) a web (14a) is determined for the further processing of Koaxialfilterstranges (24) and the remaining tracks (14b) and the other tracks associated Bearbeitungsagregate be turned off.

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