EP2868214A1 - Device for manufacturing a filter rod and machine for the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (2) for producing a filter strand (10) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a filter trough processing unit (4) and a filter strand forming unit (6), wherein between the filter trough preparation unit (4) and the filter strand forming unit (6) an intermediate module (8 ), as well as a machine of the tobacco processing industry. The intermediate module (8) comprises a strand forming unit (20) comprising a transport nozzle (24), an inlet finger (26) and a format strip (30) guided through a format channel of a garniture (28), wherein a filter tow strip (12) is removed from the filter fabric preparation unit (4 ) to the transport nozzle (24) is conveyable and a of the transport nozzle (24) provided filter material strand to the inlet finger (26) and from this to the format strip (30) of the pattern (28) for producing a NWA filter strand (22) is conveyed ,

Description

The invention relates to a device for the production of a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a filter tow preparation unit and a filter strand forming unit, between which an intermediate module is mounted. Moreover, the invention relates to a machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a Filterherstellmaschine.

In filter production in the tobacco processing industry, first of all, processing of a filter tow strip withdrawn from a filter towball takes place in a filter wire processing machine, which is arranged upstream of a filter rod forming machine. In the filter fabric preparation machine, the filter tow is in particular stretched, homogenized and treated with a plasticizer. When cellulose acetate is used as the material for the filter tow, triacetin is often added as a plasticizer. With the help of this substance, the cellulose fibers are dissolved, so that they stick together during subsequent compression in a pattern garnish and solidifies the filter material.

At the end of the filter rod forming process, the filter rod is cut to length for producing filter rods. The filter rods are then fed to a further processing or intermediate storage.

Out EP-A-2 591 686 a filter manufacturing machine is known, which is composed of a plurality of independent functional units, which are designed as modules. This filter-making machine comprises a filter-trough preparation machine, wherein an insertion device is mounted between the filter-rod machine and the filter-tilling machine. The insertion device serves to make the manufacturing process more flexible. Thus, for example, an insertion device is provided, which has a process unit which introduces a flavored thread in the longitudinal axial conveying direction of the filter tow material into this. Alternatively, capsules filled with liquid may be introduced into the filter tow. For this purpose, another process unit is used. Since the process units are constructed as modules, only the corresponding process module is exchanged for the production of different filters.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a device for producing a filter strand of the tobacco processing industry, which is designed to be more flexible, in particular, different filter strands should be produced.

This object is achieved by a device for manufacturing a filter rod of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a filter wire conditioning unit and a filter rod forming unit, wherein an intermediate module is mounted between the filter wire conditioning unit and the filter rod forming unit, and wherein the means is further formed by the intermediate module comprising a strand forming unit comprising a transport nozzle, an inlet finger and a format channel a format set guided format tape, wherein a filter tow is conveyed from the Filtertowaufbereitungseinheit to the transport nozzle or conveyed and provided by the transport nozzle filter material strand to the inlet finger and from this to the format band of the pattern set for producing a NWA filter strand is conveyed or promoted.

In the context of this description, an NWA filter strand is a filter strand which is not provided with a wrapping material. The "NWA filter strand" is thus characterized significantly by its manufacturing process. While it is generally necessary for acetate filter strands to provide a wrapper material strip to avoid stretching of the filterstring after actual strand forming, this wrapper strip of material may be dispensed with in an NWA filterstring. The manufacturing process is designed so that the NWA filter strand after strand molding, even without wrapping material has a sufficiently high stability. In particular, it is not necessary to provide a wrapping material strip to prevent subsequent expansion of the filter strand.

In other words, the term "NWA filter train" describes a property of the material of the filter train which is characterized by the manufacturing method of such a filter train and can be achieved. In particular, a NWA filter strand is typically formed in a format without having a wrap strip of material present during this molding process.

With the device according to the invention various filter strands of the tobacco processing industry can be produced in a flexible manner. Starting from a conventional filter-making machine, which typically comprises a filter-trough preparation unit and a filter-strand-forming unit, by inserting the intermediate module according to the invention, the variation bandwidth in the production of filter strands can be substantially increased. By means of the intermediate module, various processing or conditioning processes or intermediate steps during the manufacture of the filter strand can be combined and, if desired, optionally provided or omitted. For this purpose, no conversion of the filter manufacturing machine is necessary.

Thus, the NWA filter strand produced in the intermediate module is suitable both as an end product and as an intermediate product of filter strand production. On the same system so different types of filter strands can be produced.

According to one embodiment, the intermediate module comprises a bypass, which is set up in such a way that a further filter tow strip which can be conveyed or conveyed from the filter tow preparation unit to the intermediate module passes through the intermediate module without being subjected to further processing steps.

A filter tow strip, which passes through the intermediate module through the bypass without further processing steps, is further processed in the subsequent filter strand forming unit, for example, to form a filter strand which is provided with a wrapping strip is provided. For this purpose, the filter tow guided by the bypass is processed accordingly in the format set of the filter strand forming unit.

It is likewise possible for both the filter tow conveyed by the bypass and the NWA filter strand to be processed in the filter strand forming unit. In this case the filter strand is an intermediate product. It forms, for example, the core of a coaxial filter strand, the filter tow conveyed via the bypass of the intermediate module to the filter strand forming unit being used to produce the casing of this coaxial filter strand.

In other words, the bypass and the strand forming unit according to this embodiment are operable in parallel or operated in parallel. The filter strand forming unit is also adapted for manufacturing such a coaxial filter strand. The coaxial filter strand may also be an NWA filter strand. This means that, similar to the core, the shell of the filter strand can also be produced without a wrapping material strip. It is also possible to manufacture the coaxial filter strand using a wrapping material strip.

If, according to a further embodiment, the bypass and the strand-forming unit are alternatively operable or operated, different filter strands can alternatively be produced. If, for example, only the filter tow conveyed through the bypass is processed in the filter strand forming unit, then a filter strand provided with a wrapping material is provided. Alternatively, if only the NWA filter strand is further processed, it is additionally provided, for example, with a wrapping material strip in the filter strand forming unit, or it passes through this unit without a wrapping strip is applied.

With the device according to the invention, therefore, a NWA filter strand with and without an additional wrapping strip, a conventional, i. with a wrapping material strip provided with filter strand and, as already mentioned, a coaxial filter strand are produced.

In the latter case, according to a further embodiment, two parallel filter tow preparation lines are provided in the filter fabric preparation unit for providing a first and a second filter tow strip, wherein the first filter tow is conveyed to the strand forming unit and the second filter tow is conveyed to the bypass of the intermediate module. From the filter material of the first filter tow band is a core of the Koaxialfilterstrangs and from the filter material of the second filter tow a shell of Koaxialfilterstrangs can be produced.

To produce a hollow filter strand, the intermediate module, according to one embodiment, comprises a guide pin which extends along the inlet finger and at least partially into a format channel of the pattern, so that a hollow NWA filter strand can be produced or manufactured.

In the format channel of the format set, the filter material flow is conveyed by a format strip. The format strip is substantially C-shaped in cross-section as it passes through the format channel. Between the lateral longitudinal edges of the format strip, ie in the upper part of the format channel, a gap is present. The emergence of this gap can not be prevented in many cases, since the length of the format strip in the course of production increase and decrease its width. Even if the width of a new If the format strip is chosen to be suitable, so that the lateral edges touch, a gap will nevertheless form between these longitudinal edges in the course of the production process.

To avoid the formation of a seam caused by this effect on the filter strand, according to another embodiment, the Formiturnitur a smoothing element, which has a smoothing surface, wherein the smoothing element is arranged in the Formiturnitur such that a free end of the Glättelements in the format channel protrudes and its smoothing surface is aligned with an inner surface of the run in the format channel format tape. Variations of the width of the format strip are, according to a further embodiment, offset by the fact that the smoothing element is movable in the direction of an interior of the format channel, wherein a direction of movement of the smoothing element is inclined relative to a radius of the format channel.

According to a further embodiment, the formation of a seam on the filter strand is avoided, the format set comprises a format strip, which is chosen in width so that it completely surrounds the NWA filter strand or longitudinal edges of the format strip overlap each other. In particular, the overlap of the longitudinal edges is chosen so large that the formation of a gap is prevented, even if the length of the format strip increases in the course of production and its width decreases.

The filter strand forming unit is, according to a further embodiment, arranged so that it comprises a further format set, wherein another format band is guided by a further format channel of this further format garnish, and wherein this further garniture at least one manufacturable or produced in the intermediate module NWA filter strand and / or a through the bypass of the intermediate module guided filter tow can be supplied or is supplied. In order to produce a NWA filter strand, which is also provided with a wrapping material strip, a wrapping material strip is supplied to this further format strip or can be fed to it so that a NWA filter strand provided with a wrapping material strip can be produced or manufactured by the further format unit.

In summary, various filter strands can be produced flexibly with the device for producing a filter strand of the tobacco-processing industry. Starting with classical filter strands, which are provided with a wrapping material, via NWA filter strands, which can optionally be additionally provided with a wrapping material, to coated or uncovered coaxial filter strands, a multiplicity of different filter strands can be produced with the device according to the invention. A change of the filter strand type is carried out without complicated conversion measures on the device.

In this regard, it is particularly advantageous that the filter fabric conditioning unit, the filter strand forming unit and the intermediate module are detachably connectable to each other so that they form a modular means for producing a filter strand of the tobacco-processing industry.

It is understood that the pattern of the intermediate module is also provided with corresponding devices, so that the filter material flow with energy, in particular heat, can be acted upon. Under the influence of pressure and temperature, the filter material solidifies to provide an NWA filter strand. This applies advantageously to all mentioned embodiments to.

The object is also achieved by a machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular by a filter manufacturing machine, which is further developed in that it comprises a device for producing a filter strand according to one or more of the aforementioned embodiments.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung zur Herstellung eines Filterstrangs, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 2

eine weitere schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung zur Herstellung eines Filterstrangs, gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Längsschnittdarstellung eines Ausschnitts einer Strangformungseinheit eines Zwischenmoduls gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch eine Strangformungseinheit eines Zwischenmoduls in einer Detailansicht, gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, und

Fig. 5

eine weitere schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch eine Strangformungseinheit eines Zwischenmoduls in einer Detailansicht, gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1

1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for producing a filter strand, according to one exemplary embodiment,

Fig. 2

FIG. 2 a further schematic representation of a device according to the invention for producing a filter strand, according to a further exemplary embodiment, FIG.

Fig. 3

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a section of a strand forming unit of an intermediate module according to an exemplary embodiment, FIG.

Fig. 4

a schematic cross-sectional view through a strand forming unit of an intermediate module in a detailed view, according to an embodiment, and

Fig. 5

a further schematic cross-sectional view through a strand forming unit of an intermediate module in a detailed view, according to a further embodiment.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

In the schematic representation of FIG. 1 a device 2 for producing a filter strand 10 of the tobacco processing industry is shown. This comprises a filter trough preparation unit 4, a filter strand forming unit 6 and an intermediate module 8 mounted between the filter trough preparation unit 4 and the filter strand forming unit 6. The filter trough preparation unit 4, the intermediate module 8 and the filter strand forming unit 6 are in particular aligned with each other so that a modular construction is provided.

The device 2 is used to produce a filter strand 10, the filter rods, z. B. for cigarettes and the like smoking article, can be processed.

The filter-tilling unit 4, which is for example of the AF type from HAUNI Maschinenbau AG, serves for drawing off and processing an endless filter tow 12 from a bale, not shown. After removal from the bale, the filter tow 12 passes through various FIG. 1 not shown pulleys and air nozzles for loosening the tissue of the filter tow 12. Subsequently, the filter tow 12 passes through a first and a second pair of stretching rollers 14, 15.

After the two stretching roller pairs 14, 15, the filter tow 12 passes through an impregnating unit 16, in which the filter tow is exposed to a plasticizer. If the material of the filter tow strip 12 is cellulose acetate, it is treated in the impregnation device 16 with triacetin as plasticizer. The processed and impregnated filter tow 13 leaves the filter fabric preparation unit 4 via the pair of rollers 18 and enters the intermediate module 8.

The intermediate module 8 comprises a strand forming unit 20, which is set up to produce a NWA filter strand 22 from the pretreated filter tow strip 13, which leaves the filter fabric conditioning unit 4. For this purpose, the strand-forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8 comprises a transport nozzle 24, which is also referred to as a stuffing nozzle, and receives the pretreated filter tow strip 13. In the transport nozzle 24, the filter tow material is pressurized with compressed air, homogenized and further conveyed into an inlet finger 26. In the transport nozzle 24, the filter tow is compressed in cross section and conveyed with a large amount of compressed air to the serving as a tow guide inlet finger 26. The internal dimension of the inlet finger 26 increases conically in the direction of the conveying direction (in FIG FIG. 1 by way of example from right to left) of the filter material strand, so that it is further compressed.

Starting from a downstream end of the inlet finger 26, the filter material strand enters a format set 28. This comprises a format channel through which a format strip 30 is guided. This format tape 30 is driven by a drive roller 32 and is guided by deflection rollers 34 and held under tension. The drive roller 32 is driven in particular by a single drive. The filter material strand leaving the inlet finger 26 is picked up by the format strip 30 and guided through the format channel of the pattern set 28.

At the beginning of the format channel of the pattern set 26, the format strip surrounds the filter material strand so that it passes through the format channel and is compacted to the desired cross section. In addition, the filter material strand is subjected to thermal energy, for example in the form of microwaves, hot air or superheated steam, so that the filter material connects to a NWA filter strand 22. For this purpose, the format tape 30, for example, permeable to superheated steam.

As a result, a strand shaping unit 20 furnished in this way delivers the NWA filter strand 22. This strand is transferred to the filter strand forming unit 6, which is, for example, a unit of the KDF type from Hauni Maschinenbau AG.

In the filter strand forming unit 6 is another format set 36, which is activated or deactivated, depending on which type of filter strand is to be provided as an end result.

By way of example, it is assumed that an NWA filter strand, which is additionally provided with a wrapping strip, is to be produced. The further format set 36 in this case only serves to clothe the NWA filter strand 22 with the wrapping strip 38, for example with a paper strip. The serving strip 38 is withdrawn from a reel 40 and fed to the format set 36. By means of a gluing device, not shown, the wrapping strip 38 is provided with glue, placed in the pattern set 36 around the NWA filter strand 22 and connected thereto. For this purpose, another format strip 42 conveys the NWA filter strand 22 together with the wrapping strip 38 through the further format channel of the further format set 36.

Typically, the filter strip provided with the wrapping strip 38 also passes through a seam plate (not shown) in which the glued seam is dried. Subsequently, the filter strand 10 is cut to length by means of a knife apparatus 44 in filter rods, which are fed to further processing or intermediate storage.

In the schematic representation of FIG. 2 a further inventive device 2 for producing a filter strand 10 of the tobacco processing industry is shown. This device 2 is of modular construction and comprises a filter-trough preparation unit 4, a filter-strand-forming unit 6 and an intermediate module 8. The filter-strand-forming unit 6 is identical to the one in FIG FIG. 1 shown filter strand forming unit 6 and will therefore not be explained again.

The filter trough preparation unit 4 according to the in FIG. 2 shown embodiment comprises two parallel filter tow preparation lines, which are exemplified in two superimposed planes. The first filter fabric preparation line provides a first processed filter tow 13a and the second filter fabric preparation line provides a second processed filter tow 13b. The two filter tow preparation lines are in the Essentially identically constructed and work analogously to the filter trough processing unit 4, as in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 1 has already been explained. Thus, a first and a second filter tow strips 12a, 12b are withdrawn from two bales, not shown. These undergo the usual preparation steps as they are related to FIG. 1 are explained. The two filter tow strips 12a, 12b are stretched by a respective first and a second pair of stretching rollers 14a, 15a or 14b, 15b.

Subsequently, an impregnation with a plasticizer takes place in the impregnation units 16a or 16b before the two filter tow strips are transferred as pretreated filter tow strips 13a, 13b via the pairs of rollers 18a and 18b to the intermediate module 8.

This in FIG. 2 shown intermediate module 8 comprises in comparison to in FIG. 1 intermediate module 8 additionally shown a bypass 46, through which the second filter tow 13b, without this being subjected to further processing steps is promoted, in other words, the intermediate module 8 passes. By way of example, the bypass 46 is a suitable channel passing through the intermediate module 8 for guiding the filter tow strip 13b. Likewise, however, it is possible that corresponding passages or openings are provided only in the partitions of the intermediate module 8 facing the adjacent modules, so that the filter tow strip 13b, possibly supported by guide rollers or pairs of rollers, is passed through the intermediate module 8.

In the lower part of the intermediate module 8 is a strand forming unit 20, as already described in connection with the in FIG. 1 shown intermediate module 8 has been explained. This comprises a transport nozzle 24, an inlet finger 26, a garniture 28, a format strip 30, a drive roller 32 and deflection rollers 34, which cooperate in the manner already described. It serves to produce the NWA filter strand 22 from the first filter tow 12a.

On the output side of the intermediate module 8, therefore, an NWA filter strand 22 and a processed filter tow strip 13b are provided. The bypass 46 and the strand forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8 thus operate in parallel in this case. The subsequent filter strand forming unit 6 is arranged according to the embodiment shown for producing a Koaxialfilterstrangs 48. A core of this coaxial filter strand 48 is formed from the NWA filter strand 22. A shell of the coaxial filter strand 48 is made from the second processed filter tow 13b.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the strand forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8 in a detailed view. At the right edge of the illustration, a part of the transport nozzle 24 is shown. The filter tow 12, 12 a is conveyed in the transport nozzle 24 by means of compressed air, which escapes through existing in the front region of the transport nozzle 24 outlet openings 50. Starting from a downstream front nozzle opening 52 of the filter material strand enters the inlet finger 26, in the interior thereof according to the in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment, a guide pin 54 is arranged. The guide mandrel 54 extends through the interior of the inlet finger 26 into the format channel 56 of the garniture 28. Since the inlet finger 26 is tapered in conveyor tapered and also inclined relative to the horizontal, the guide pin 54 in the area in which he in the Format channel 56 enters, kinked.

The guide mandrel 54 causes a hollow NWA filter strand 10 can be produced by the strand forming unit 20. Depending on the selected functionality of the subsequent filter strand forming unit 6, this hollow NWA filter strand 10 is subsequently provided with a wrapping strip 38 or the wrapping strip 38 is dispensed with.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through the strand forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8 in a detailed view.

The format unit 28 comprises an upper format 58 and a lower format 60. The upper and lower formats 58, 60 are sealed from each other by seals 61. The format strip 30 runs in the format channel, which is visible in cross section. FIG. 4 12 shows in cross section the strand forming unit 20 during the manufacture of a hollow NWA filter strand 22. In the center, the guide mandrel 54 is shown, which is surrounded by the hollow NWA filter strand 22. Between the longitudinal edges 66 of the format strip 30, a smoothing element 67 projects into the format channel. Its filter surface facing the smoothing surface 68 is aligned with an inner surface 70 of the format strip 30th

Due to the promotion of the filter strand 10 by means of a format strip 30, it may come on its upper side to form a seam, since the lateral longitudinal edges 66 of the format strip 30 are not conclusive to each other. During operation, the length of the format belt 30 increases due to mechanical stresses, while its width decreases. Even if the format tape 30 was originally chosen widthwise so that its longitudinal edges 66 conclusively abut each other, so the formation of a gap can still not be avoided many times. For this purpose, the garniture 28 is provided with the smoothing element 67.

In order to compensate for changes occurring during operation of the format strip 30, the smoothing element 67 may be inclined relative to a radial direction 72. In addition, the smoothing element 67 is movable in its longitudinal direction, so that a possibly resulting on the surface of the filter strand seam can be largely avoided.

In FIG. 5 a further schematic cross-sectional view through the strand forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8 is shown. A width of the format strip 30 is chosen here so that it completely encloses the filter strand 10 along its circumference. Optionally, the format band 30 is even selected so that the longitudinal edges 66 deviating from the representation in the FIG. 5 overlap. To adjust the format of the filter strand 10, the upper format 58 and the lower format 60 are mutually adjustable. The adjustment of the upper format 58 with respect to the lower format 60 is compensated by the seals 61.

In summary, the apparatus 2 for producing a filter strand 10 of the tobacco processing industry is capable of producing a wide variety of types of filter strands 10.

To produce a coated acetate filter strand, for example, a filter tow 13 b is fed via the bypass 64 of the intermediate module 8 to the filter strand forming unit 6. There, the processed filter tow strip 13b with a wrapping strip 38th Mistake. For producing a NWA filter strand 22, the strand forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8 is used, wherein this NWA filter strand 22 optionally passes through the strand forming unit 6 without further process steps or is provided therein with a wrapping strip 38. By using a guide mandrel 54 in the strand forming unit 20, a hollow NWA filter strand is made in the same manner. Like a completely filled (ie not hollow) filter strand, the hollow NWA filter strand can also be provided with a coating strip 38 by selectively activating the filter strand forming unit 6 or not. Finally, to produce a coaxial filter strand 48, a first and a second filter tow strip 12a, 12b of the filter tow preparation unit 4 are made available. A core 60 of this coaxial filter strand 48 is manufactured in the strand forming unit 20 of the intermediate module 8. It is a core 60 consisting of a NWA filter train. In the subsequent filter strand forming unit 6, the core 60 is sheathed, ie provided with the sheath 62.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are identified by "particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

Facility

4

Filtertowaufbereitungseinheit

6

Filter rod forming unit

8th

intermediate module

10

filter rod

12, 12a, 12b

filter tow

13, 13a, 13b

processed filter tow strips

14, 14a, 14b

first pair of stretching rollers

15, 15a, 15b

second pair of stretching rollers

16

impregnation

18, 18a, 18b

roller pair

20

Strand forming unit

22

NWA filter rod

24

transport jet

26

intake finger

28

garniture

30

format tape

32

capstan

34

idler pulley

36

further format set

38

wrapping strip

40

reel

42

another format tape

44

knife apparatus

46

bypass

48

Koaxialfilterstrang

50

outlet openings

52

nozzle opening

54

guide pin

56

format channel

58

upper format

60

under format

61

seals

62

shell

63

core

66

longitudinal edges

67

smoothing

68

smoothing surface

70

palm

72

radial direction

Claims (13)

Device (2) for producing a filter strand (10) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a filter trough preparation unit (4) and a filter strand forming unit (6), wherein an intermediate module (8) is mounted between the filter trough preparation unit (4) and the filter strand forming unit (6), characterized in that the intermediate module (8) comprises a strand forming unit (20) comprising a transport nozzle (24), an inlet finger (26) and a format belt (30) guided through a format channel of a garniture (28), wherein a filter tow (12) of the filter fabric preparation unit (4) is conveyable to the transport nozzle (24) and a filter material strand provided by the transport nozzle (24) to the inlet finger (26) and therefrom to the format strip (30) of the pattern set (28) for producing a NWA filter strand ( 22) is eligible. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate module (8) comprises a bypass (46) which is set up in such a way that a further filter tow strip (13b), which can be conveyed by the filter tow preparation unit (4) to the intermediate module (8), without undergoing further processing steps, the intermediate module (8) passes. Device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the filter fabric preparation unit (4) comprises two parallel filter tow preparation lines for providing a first and a second filter tow strip (13a, 13b), wherein the first filter tow strip (13a) to the strand forming unit (20) and the second filter tow (13b) to the bypass (46) of the intermediate module is conveyed. Device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the bypass (46) and the strand forming unit (20) are alternatively operable. Device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the bypass (46) and the strand forming unit (20) are operable in parallel, wherein the filter strand forming unit (6) is adapted for producing a Koaxialfilterstrangs (48), wherein a core (63) of the Coaxial filter strand (48) from the filter material of the first filter tow band (13a) and a sheath (62) of the Koaxialfilterstrangs (48) from the filter material of the second filter tow band (13b) can be produced. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the intermediate module (8) comprises a guide pin (54) which extends along the inlet finger (26). and at least partially extends into a format channel (56) of the pattern (28), so that a hollow NWA filter strand (10) can be produced. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the format set (28) comprises a format strip (30), which is selected in width so that it completely encloses the NWA filter strand (22) or longitudinal edges ( 66) of the format tape (30) overlap each other. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pattern (28) comprises a flattening element (67) having a smoothing surface (68), wherein the flattening element (67) arranged in the format garniture (28) in that a free end of the smoothing element (67) protrudes into the format channel and its smoothing surface (68) is aligned with an inner surface (70) of the format strip (64) guided in the format channel. Device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the smoothing element (67) is movable in the direction of an interior of the format channel, wherein a direction of movement of the smoothing element (67) relative to a radial direction (72) of the format channel is inclined. Device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the filter strand forming unit (6) comprises a further format set (36), wherein by another format channel of this further format set (36) another format strip (42) is guided, and wherein at least one in the intermediate module (8) producible NWA filter strand (22) and / or a through the bypass (46) of the intermediate module (8) guided filter tow (13 b) can be fed. Device (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that a further wrapping strip (38) can be fed to this further format strip (42) so that a further NWA filter strand (10) provided with a wrapping strip (38) can be produced by the further format unit (36) has. Device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the filter-tilling unit (4), the filter-strand forming unit (6) and the intermediate module (8) are releasably and in particular aligned with each other, so that they have a modular device (2) form. Machine of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter manufacturing machine, comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 12.

Images