Tobacco processing industry machine and method for producing tobacco rods or paper filters and machine use

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine (2) in the tobacco processing industry, a method for producing paper filters and the use of the machine (2). The machine (2) comprises a flat web supply device (8), a flat web structuring device (12), a flat web pre-forming device (26) and a tobacco rod forming device (28) which are arranged in succession in the material flow direction. A transport roller (24) is arranged between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), and an application device (18) is arranged between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), which application device is provided for applying an additive (22) to at least the upper side (20) of the flat web (4), the coating device (18) comprises a wide slit nozzle (94) for coating the additive (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a machine for the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods from flat webs, comprising the following devices arranged in sequence in the direction of material flow: a flat web providing device for providing the flat web; a flat web structuring device, in particular a curling device, by means of which a structure can be introduced into the flat web, by means of which the flat web in the unrolled state acquires a cross-section that varies at least in sections; a flat web preforming device, by means of which the flat web can be converted into a preformed state; and a tobacco rod forming device, by means of which tobacco rods can be produced from the preformed flat web. The invention also relates to the use of such a machine.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for producing paper filters using a machine in the tobacco processing industry that produces tobacco rods from flat webs, wherein the machine comprises the following devices arranged in sequence along the material flow direction: a flat web providing device that provides the flat web; a flat web structuring device, in particular a curling device, by which a structure is introduced into the flat web, through which the flat web obtains a cross-section that varies at least in sections in the unfolded state; a flat web preforming device, by which the flat web is converted into a preformed state; and a tobacco rod forming device, by which tobacco rods are produced from the preformed flat web. Background Art

[0003] Flat webs have many uses in the tobacco industry and are usually processed into tobacco rods of unlimited length in a continuous process. Rod-shaped articles for the tobacco industry, such as filters or filter segments, can be produced from such tobacco rods. Other examples of applications for producing rod-shaped articles for the tobacco industry from tobacco rods include flat webs made of reconstituted tobacco material (RECON) or polylactic acid film (PLA-Folie). Such rod-shaped segments can be used for so-called HNB articles (i.e. "heat without burning"), which are also called THP articles (i.e. "tobacco heating products"). Such products of the tobacco industry are heated but not burned, so that the components of the tobacco material are released by heating and provided to consumers in an air stream.

[0004] If a paper web is used as the flat web, for example paper filters or paper filter segments can be produced from the paper web.Compared to conventional filter segments, paper filters or paper filter segments have the advantage of being biodegradable.

[0005] An important process step in processing a flat web into, for example, the above-mentioned rod-shaped articles is to transform the flat web from a flattened state into a folded or gathered intermediate state and further into a tobacco rod with a substantially circular cross section. For this purpose, the flat web is gathered together, for example, transversely to its longitudinal direction by means of a forming unit and then formed into a tobacco rod in a formatting unit, which can then be wrapped.

[0006] In some cases, it is desirable to provide the filter material with additives, such as flavoring agents. Such additives are in many cases applied to a flat web in a flattened state. However, such additives can also be applied to a web that is gathered together in a direction transverse to its longitudinal direction.

[0007] It is known from WO 2022 / 090268 A1 that the gathered flat web needs to be partially fanned out again in order to apply the additive to the flat web in this state. In the device known from this document, a plurality of individual nozzles are used. These nozzles are arranged in a recess of the coating device in order to apply the additive to the flat web in a locally limited manner during the spraying process.

[0008] For example, a device is known from EP 0913100 A2, with which additives can be applied to conventional filter materials made of fibers. In the device known from this document, a powdery material with very small particle size is pneumatically dispersed on the fiber material by means of a solid ejector nozzle. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a machine for the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods from a flat web, the use of such a machine and a method for producing paper filters from a flat web, wherein the application of additives to the flat web is to be improved.

[0010] The object is achieved by a machine for the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods from flat webs, the machine comprising the following devices arranged in sequence in the direction of material flow: a flat web providing device for providing a flat web; a flat web structuring device, in particular a curling device, by means of which a structure can be introduced into the flat web, by means of which the flat web in the unrolled state acquires a cross-section that varies at least in sections; a flat web preforming device, by means of which the flat web can be transferred into a preformed state; and a tobacco rod forming device, by means of which tobacco rods can be produced from the preformed flat web, wherein the machine is improved in the following way:

[0011] A transport roller is arranged between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device and the flat web is guided in the material flow direction by means of and / or along the transport roller, and the transport roller is arranged and designed for guiding the unfolded flat web and / or for setting the web tension of the flat web on the transport path between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device, and

[0012] A coating device is arranged between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device, in particular between the flat web structuring device and the transport roller, which is configured to apply an additive, in particular a liquid, to at least the upper side of the flat web, which is opposite to the lower side, and the flat web contacts the transport roller with the lower side, wherein the coating device includes a wide-slot nozzle for applying the additive.

[0013] Advantageously, the coating device comprises a wide slot nozzle which allows the additive to be applied quickly and efficiently, and if necessary also in a planar manner over the entire width of the flat web, and not only locally, for example along a coating track, so that a sufficient amount of additive can be applied evenly to the flat web even at high process speeds.

[0014] The wide-slot nozzle comprises in particular a nozzle gap through which the additive is ejected. The longitudinal extension direction of the nozzle gap is oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to the transport direction of the flat web. In addition, in particular the wide-slot nozzle has a nozzle gap whose longitudinal extension direction at least approximately coincides with the width of the flat web. If the length of the nozzle gap, viewed in its longitudinal extension direction, is chosen to be slightly smaller than the width of the flat web, it is possible to prevent the additive from passing by the flat web, for example reaching a collecting area provided for this purpose. There is no so-called "overspray", which inevitably results in material losses. Overspray is at least significantly reduced. If the length of the nozzle gap is chosen to be the same as or even slightly greater than the width of the flat web, a certain amount of overspray can be tolerated. For this purpose, the flat web can be wetted with the additive without edges (randloses). By wetting the flat web without edges, a particularly large amount of additive can be applied to the flat web.

[0015] The wide-slot nozzle also allows flexible application of different materials that can be used as additives. The range of additive materials ranges from liquids to highly viscous materials and, if necessary, materials that are solid at room temperature. These materials can be liquids, solids, substance mixtures such as dispersions, suspensions, gels, etc.

[0016] Furthermore, the machine for the tobacco processing industry comprises transport rollers which are provided for guiding the flat web and / or maintaining, controlling and / or regulating the web tension of the flat web. This measure can advantageously improve the effect of applying the additive by means of the wide-slot nozzle. The effect of applying the additive by means of the wide-slot nozzle can be improved if the position of the flat web and the web tension are kept within predetermined limit ranges.

[0017] The two measures mentioned above, namely the effect of the transport roller on the one hand and the function of the wide-slot nozzle in applying the additive on the other hand, can therefore act synergistically.

[0018] In order to assist the application of the additive to the flat web, according to one embodiment, the coating device comprises a wide-slot nozzle assisted by compressed air. With the assistance of compressed air, the wide-slot nozzle achieves uniform application of the additive by uniformly distributing the additive transversely to the longitudinal direction of the flat web. In addition, by using compressed air, the application of the additive can also be controlled and / or regulated more accurately. For example, the application amount and the application speed can be matched to the material type of the flat web, such as its porosity or air permeability. The matching of the application of the additive enables high process speeds to be achieved using machines in the tobacco processing industry.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the wide-slot nozzle comprises a nozzle gap provided for the additive and at least one air gap extending at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap on one side of the nozzle gap, in particular comprises a pair of air gaps extending at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap on both sides of the nozzle gap.

[0020] Preferably, at least one air gap is oriented parallel to the nozzle gap of the wide-slot nozzle. This applies not only to a pair of air gaps arranged on both sides of the nozzle gap, but also to a single air gap arranged on one side of the nozzle gap. The length of the air gap in its longitudinal extension direction is less than or equal to the length of the nozzle gap in the same direction. Similarly, according to another embodiment, the length of the air gap is greater than the length of the nozzle gap. In this way, if two air gaps are arranged on both sides of the nozzle gap, the additive sprayed from the nozzle gap can be completely surrounded by the outer layer airflow, so that overspray can be further reduced.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, a machine for the tobacco processing industry is improved in that the wide-slot nozzle comprises a base body with a heater, wherein in particular the base body comprises a supply chamber for an additive which is in fluid communication with the nozzle gap.

[0022] The heatable slot nozzle makes it possible to set a suitable viscosity range for the additive, so that the additive can be optimally applied to the flat web. The heatability of the slot nozzle can thus influence the process parameters. This is particularly advantageous if the viscosity cannot be set by adding suitable additives to the additive.

[0023] With the heated wide-slit nozzle, it is also possible to apply additives with very high viscosities, which cannot be transported and applied without heating. In particular, the additive is already supplied to the machine of the tobacco processing industry in a preheated state. According to another embodiment, such an additive heating device is constructed as part of a machine of the tobacco processing industry. For example, the additive is taken out of a storage container, supplied to the additive heating device and brought to the desired temperature. The wide-slit nozzle is then heated to ensure that the additive can be applied at the desired temperature and thus with the desired viscosity. In other words, it is prevented that the additive is cooled in the wide-slit nozzle in an undesirable manner, which could affect the application of the additive, for example because the viscosity of the additive is lower at lower temperatures. With the heated wide-slit nozzle, the desired process window can be maintained while optimizing the application of the additive. Another positive effect is that clogging of the wide-slit nozzle by residual additive after cooling can be prevented.

[0024] Furthermore, in particular, not only the wide-slot nozzle itself, but also the entire coating head is heated or can be heated by means of the provided heater. In this way, all media guided through the coating head can advantageously be temperature-controlled in the desired manner. This applies in particular not only to additives, but also to the compressed air which will be described in detail below.

[0025] According to another advantageous embodiment, the machine of the tobacco processing industry is improved in the following manner: the nozzle gap and / or at least one air gap are settable. The settability can be realized, for example, by a suitable intermediate piece. In addition, in particular, the length and / or width of the nozzle gap and / or at least one air gap are settable. The length of the nozzle gap and the length of the air gap are measured in the direction of their respective longitudinal extension directions. The length of the nozzle gap or the air gap usually extends at least approximately parallel to the width of the flat web. The width of the nozzle gap or the air gap is transverse to the width of the flat web, that is, measured in the direction of the transport direction of the flat web. The width of the nozzle gap or the air gap is transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, their respective longitudinal extension directions, that is, transverse to the length of the nozzle gap or the air gap. In addition, in particular, the width of the nozzle gap and / or at least one air gap is between 5μm and 1mm (1000μm). In addition, in particular, the width is between 10μm and 500μm, in particular between 50μm and 250μm, in particular between 100μm and 300μm.

[0026] According to another advantageous embodiment, a machine for the tobacco processing industry comprising a compressed air-assisted wide-slot nozzle is improved in the following manner: the machine comprises a compressed air heater, which is arranged to supply heated compressed air to the wide-slot nozzle. This measure is advantageous because the compressed air flow guided through the wide-slot nozzle inevitably cools the wide-slot nozzle. This undesirable cooling effect can be prevented or at least significantly reduced by supplying heated compressed air to the wide-slot nozzle.

[0027] According to another advantageous embodiment, the machine of the tobacco processing industry is improved in that the wide-slot nozzle is designed as a contact wide-slot nozzle or a wide-slot nozzle operating without contact. In particular, the wide-slot nozzle operating without contact is arranged so that the distance between the flat web and the nozzle gap of the wide-slot nozzle is between 3 mm and 60 mm.

[0028] A working distance in this interval has proven to be advantageous in practice. This working distance allows a good compromise between low overspray on the one hand and uniform distribution of the additive on the other hand. According to other advantageous embodiments, the distance is between 30 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 35 mm and 45 mm.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the wide-slot nozzle is provided for processing additives having a viscosity between 50 mPa*s and 1600 mPa*s (mPa*s=milliPascal*seconds).

[0030] In particular, machines for the tobacco processing industry comprise a control device which is provided for controlling and / or regulating a heater present in the base body of the wide-slot nozzle in such a way that the temperature of the additive is adjusted such that the viscosity of the additive has a desired value in the stated range.

[0031] Practice has shown that the viscosity of the additive can achieve good and reliable processing of the additive in the wide-slot nozzle within a specified interval. In other words, the additive can be processed in a desired manner and method by means of the wide-slot nozzle if its viscosity is within the range.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the viscosity of the additive is in the range between 100 mPa*s and 1000 mPa*s, in particular in the interval between 300 mPa*s and 600 mPa*s. The control unit of the machine is in turn configured to set the temperature of the wide-slot nozzle accordingly, in particular by means of a heater, so that the additive has the desired viscosity.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment, between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device, in particular between the flat web structuring device and the transport roller, a coating device is arranged, which is designed to apply an additive, in particular a liquid, to the upper side and the lower side of the flat web. In other words, the coating device is designed so that the flat web can be provided with the additive on both sides.

[0034] According to another advantageous embodiment, the machine for the tobacco processing industry is further improved in the following manner: the flat web preforming device has a forming shoulder or is constructed in the shape of a forming shoulder, the forming shoulder is constructed or has a deformation section and a tubular section, the deformation section has a contour extending essentially transversely to the material flow direction and is essentially convex, and the tubular section has a contour extending essentially transversely to the material flow direction and is essentially concave, wherein in particular the deformation section and the tubular section merge into each other along a deformation edge preferably in space, and the deformation section and the tubular section of the forming shoulder are arranged relative to each other so that in the material flow direction, the flat web starting from the transport roller in an at least approximately flat state first contacts the deformation section in a first transport direction and then crosses the deformation edge in a state at least partially gathered together and contacts the tubular section in a second transport direction, wherein the first and second transport directions enclose an angle between 71° and 120° (71 to 120 degrees), in particular between 71° and 90° (71 to 90 degrees), in particular at least approximately 90° (90 degrees),

[0035] wherein, in particular, the forming shoulder comprises a right front and a left front shoulder element and a right rear and a left rear shoulder element, wherein the shoulder elements are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the flat web, proceeding from the transport roller and viewed in the material flow direction, first contacts the front shoulder element and subsequently the rear shoulder element, and wherein the shoulder elements are in particular individually adjustable,

[0036] And in particular the shoulder element is adjusted in such a way that the length of the deformation edge is variable.

[0037] The flat web structuring device is particularly designed to introduce a three-dimensional structure into the flat web. The flat web structuring device is particularly designed to press a structure into the flat web. The structure introduced into the flat web by the flat web structuring device changes the cross section of the flat web as viewed in a plane oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extension direction of the flat web. In the initial state, i.e. before the flat web enters the flat web structuring device, the cross section of the flat web is at least approximately rectangular. This shape is at least partially changed by the deformation process. For example, during the deformation, the cross section of the flat web may also be locally reduced. Likewise, the deformation may also lead to local bending, bulging or the like of the flat web, also viewed in cross section. In addition, the material thickness may be locally reduced or locally increased as a result.

[0038] Advantageously, the flat web is guided by, through and / or along transport rollers and in this way the web tension of the flat web is maintained at a desired value. Alternatively or additionally, the flat web can be guided by, through or by means of transport rollers. The function of the transport rollers is to guide the unfolded, i.e. not yet gathered or compacted, flat web. In contrast to solutions in which the flat web is deflected by means of deflecting edges or similar devices and the web tension is maintained in this way, transporting the flat web by means of transport rollers prevents or reduces wear of the flat web. This web guidance is particularly advantageous for flat webs with additives. In particular, when the additive is applied only on one side of the flat web. With the above-described flat web preforming device, the flat web is in contact with the flat web preforming device only on one of its two sides.

[0039] The above-mentioned angular range allows a particularly compact design of the flat web preforming device.

[0040] According to another advantageous embodiment, the shoulder elements are respectively adjustable in a linear movement. In particular, the front shoulder element is movable along a front displacement direction which lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction of the tubular section and points in the direction of the center of the tubular section, and the rear shoulder element is movable along a rear displacement direction which runs obliquely to the plane and at least approximately intersects a straight line defined by the longitudinal axial direction, wherein the intersection point is located outside the tubular section.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the deformation edge extends in space, which means that it does not extend completely in one plane.

[0042] The shoulder elements can be adjusted individually and independently of each other. However, this need not necessarily be the case. According to other embodiments, the shoulder elements can be adjusted in pairs, for example.

[0043] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the length of the deformation edge of the profiled shoulder is between 100 mm and 400 mm, in particular between 100 mm and 300 mm, in particular between 100 mm and 180 mm, or between 180 mm and 300 mm.

[0044] The adjustability of the shoulder element allows the forming shoulder to be flexibly set according to the different requirements of tobacco rod forming. On the one hand, the forming shoulder can be set according to flat webs of different widths, and on the other hand, the forming shoulder can be set according to the desired different diameters of the material tobacco rod to be produced.

[0045] The tubular section of the forming shoulder is not necessarily a closed tubular shape. In particular, the tubular section does not have a completely closed shell surface. For example, the tubular section has a groove running along its longitudinal direction. The tubular section is, for example, cylindrical shell-shaped, but can also be, for example, slightly conical.

[0046] While the above-described embodiments form or preform the flat web by means of forming shoulders, according to other embodiments, the forming of the flat web takes place by means of mid-height rolls.

[0047] Therefore, according to another advantageous embodiment of the tobacco processing industry machine, the transport roller is a mid-height roller and the flat web preforming device includes at least one keyway roller, wherein in particular the keyway roller includes roller cheeks forming a keyway, which are coupled to each other via a connecting shaft, wherein on the connecting shaft, in particular in the center between the roller cheeks, there is a support body whose cross-section is larger than that of the connecting shaft.

[0048] The transport roller designed as a mid-height roller can also be used as a guide for the flat web, in particular, due to its more or less convex shape. According to another advantageous embodiment, the flat web preforming device also includes a first keyed roller and a second keyed roller, wherein the first keyed roller and the second keyed roller are arranged such that the first keyed roller cooperates with the lower side of the flat web, with which the flat web is also guided through or along the transport roller, and the second keyed roller cooperates with the upper side of the flat web and is in particular arranged downstream of the first keyed roller.

[0049] In this context, in particular, the first slotted roller comprises a first support body and the second slotted roller comprises a second support body, wherein the aspect ratio of the second support body, seen in a cross section centered on the respective connecting axis, is greater than the aspect ratio of the first support body. The support body of the second slotted roller is therefore designed to be narrower and taller than the support body of the first slotted roller. This assists the lateral gathering of the flat web. In this way, the flat web receives its final shape before entering the inlet hopper of the sizing unit.

[0050] According to other embodiments related to the general design of tobacco processing industry machines, the flat web is advantageously guided tangentially along the transport roller, or guided by a wrap angle greater than zero and / or less than 95 degrees, regardless of whether the embodiment includes a forming shoulder or a mid-high roller. In other words, the flat web contacts the transport roller along a wrap angle greater than zero and less than 95 degrees. In addition, according to another embodiment, the transport roller is driven. Preferably, the transport roller is driven to rotate around the rotation axis. In particular, the transport roller is driven in such a way that the circumferential speed of its rotation is equal to the speed of the material flow, or is lower or higher than the speed of the material flow. The web tension of the flat web and the wear of the transport roller related to the flat web can be optimized by driving the transport roller.

[0051] Machines for the tobacco processing industry can process flat webs, the web tension of which can also be advantageously set by transport rollers according to the desired application of additives. Different additives (such as gels, flavors, hot melt adhesives, etc.) can be applied to the web material of the flat web with the help of a wide-slit nozzle. In order to achieve the correct viscosity range for optimal application of the additive, the wide-slit nozzle can be implemented as heatable. In this way, the viscosity of the additive can be set, unless the viscosity can be changed by suitable additives. Some additives are solid at room temperature, for example in granular form, or have a very high viscosity. These additives cannot be transported or applied without heating. Therefore, machines for the tobacco processing industry can be provided with an additive heating device. In order to ensure that the additive can be applied to the flat web with the desired viscosity, the wide-slit nozzle is particularly heatable.

[0052] The wide-slot nozzle can be designed as a contact wide-slot nozzle or a non-contact wide-slot nozzle. With the help of the contact wide-slot nozzle, additives with a wide viscosity range can be processed without overdosing. The wide-slot nozzle receives the additive, keeps it at the desired temperature or heats it to the required coating temperature and transfers it to the nozzle gap, for example, via a storage chamber. The wide-slot nozzle enables uniform coating of the additive by uniform lateral distribution and transfers the additive to the flat web. With the help of the wide-slot nozzle, additives with a viscosity range between 100 mPa*s and 1600 mPa*s can be advantageously processed. This provides a larger process window for coating the additive. The contact wide-slot nozzle always has mechanical contact with the flat web and also requires a certain pressing force. Therefore, setting the web tension with the help of a transport roller is particularly advantageous for this use case.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the wide-slot nozzle is designed as a contactless wide-slot nozzle. According to this embodiment, wear of the flat web is reduced or completely avoided and no or only very little dust is generated. The application of the additive can be assisted by compressed air, wherein the volume flow of the compressed air can be adjusted and / or controlled to match the additive, in particular its viscosity, and / or to match the flat web material, for example its porosity or air permeability. The compressed air quantity is in any case set such that overspray due to possible atomization of the additive is kept to a minimum. In order to prevent the wide-slot nozzle from cooling down, a compressed air heater can be provided.

[0054] The object is also achieved by a method for producing paper filters using a machine of the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods from a flat web, wherein the machine comprises the following devices arranged in sequence in the direction of the material flow: a flat web providing device, which provides a flat web; a flat web structuring device, in particular a curling device, by means of which a structure is introduced into the flat web, by means of which the flat web in the unfolded state has a cross-section that varies at least in sections; a flat web preforming device, by means of which the flat web is converted into a preformed state; and a tobacco rod forming device, by means of which tobacco rods are produced from the preformed flat web, wherein the method is advantageously improved by the following means:

[0055] A transport roller is arranged between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device, and the flat web is guided in the material flow direction by and / or along the transport roller, the transport roller guides the unfolded flat web and / or sets the web tension of the flat web on the transport path between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device, and

[0056] A coating device is arranged between the flat web structuring device and the flat web preforming device, in particular between the flat web structuring device and the transport roller, which applies an additive, in particular a liquid, to at least the upper side of the flat web, which is opposite to the lower side, with which the flat web contacts the transport roller, wherein the coating device comprises a wide-slot nozzle for applying the additive,

[0057] And wherein the flat web is a paper web and is cut into paper filters from the produced tobacco rods.

[0058] The method of producing paper filters using machines from the tobacco processing industry has the same or similar advantages as those mentioned above with respect to the machines themselves. Machines from the tobacco processing industry are particularly suitable for producing paper filters because it is often desirable to add additives, such as flavorings or ingredients, to paper filters. Advantageously, a uniform application of the additive can be achieved and the amount of additive that can be applied can be within a wide range of parameters.

[0059] According to other embodiments, the flat web is a web made of nonwoven fabric, a flat web for producing so-called "tissue filters", or a paper web, which, in addition to paper, also includes small parts, especially small proportions, made of polylactic acid (PLA), reconstituted tobacco material (reconstituted film) or other materials. This applies to all embodiments.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the method is advantageously improved in that the coating device comprises a compressed air-assisted wide-slot nozzle and the additive is applied to the flat web with the aid of compressed air, wherein in particular the wide-slot nozzle is supplied with heated compressed air.

[0061] According to another embodiment, the coating device itself is heated. All media guided through the coating device (including the wide-slot nozzle and the storage chamber or the conveying channel if necessary) can be coated with the desired temperature.

[0062] According to another advantageous embodiment, the method is improved in that the wide-slot nozzle comprises a nozzle gap, through which the additive is applied to the flat web; and at least one air gap running at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap on one side of the nozzle gap, in particular comprising a pair of air gaps running at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap on both sides of the nozzle gap, wherein, in order to apply the additive in a compressed air-assisted manner, compressed air is guided through at least one air gap.

[0063] According to another advantageous embodiment, the method is improved by setting the nozzle gap and / or at least one air gap, wherein in particular the length and / or width of the nozzle gap and / or at least one air gap is set, and wherein in particular the width of the nozzle gap is between 5 μm and 1 mm, in particular between 10 μm and 500 μm. According to an embodiment of the method, other values ​​of the nozzle gap width mentioned in terms of the device can also be used.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the method is improved in that the wide-slot nozzle comprises a base body provided with a heater, wherein the base body comprises a reservoir chamber for the additive which is fluidically connected to the nozzle gap, and the additive is temperature-controlled in the reservoir chamber, wherein in particular the wide-slot nozzle is heated by means of the heater to a temperature such that the additive has a viscosity between 50 mPa*s and 1600 mPa*s (milliPascal seconds).

[0065] As already mentioned, the additive is brought to a desired temperature or is kept at this temperature so that it has a desired viscosity in the nozzle gap of the wide-slot nozzle, which allows optimal application of the additive.

[0066] According to another advantageous embodiment, the slot nozzle is designed as a contact slot nozzle and the additive is applied to the flat web in a contact method, or the slot nozzle is designed as a non-contact operating slot nozzle and the additive is applied to the flat web in a non-contact method, wherein in particular in the case of non-contact application the additive is applied to the flat web from a distance of between 3 mm and 60 mm. The distance is in particular between 5 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 10 mm and 30 mm, in particular between 15 mm and 50 mm, in particular between 20 mm and 30 mm.

[0067] This object is also solved by the use of a machine for producing paper filters according to one or more of the preceding embodiments. Likewise, the machine is used for producing paper filter segments or other or similar rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.

[0068] The same or similar advantages as those mentioned above with respect to the machine for the tobacco processing industry and the method for producing paper filters also apply to the use of the machine and therefore need not be repeated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Other features of the present invention are apparent from the description of the embodiments according to the present invention in conjunction with the claims and the drawings. Embodiments according to the present invention may satisfy a single feature or a combination of multiple features.

[0070] The invention is described below without limiting the general inventive concept by means of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings, wherein explicit reference is made to the drawings for all details according to the invention which are not explained in detail in the text.

[0071] Figure 1 In the schematic diagram a machine of the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods from a flat web is shown,

[0072] Figure 2 A simplified perspective view of the formed shoulder is shown.

[0073] Figure 3 A simplified front view of a forming shoulder is shown, which is configured to produce a tobacco rod having a larger cross-section.

[0074] Figure 4 A simplified front view of a formed shoulder is shown, which is configured for production with Figure 3 The setting shown is compared to a tobacco rod with a smaller cross section.

[0075] Figure 5 A simplified side view of the formed shoulder is shown.

[0076] Figure 6 A simplified perspective view of a portion of a machine for the tobacco processing industry is shown, the machine comprising a keyway roller as a preforming device,

[0077] Figure 7 A simplified perspective view showing the upper side of a flat web gathered by a keyway roll,

[0078] Figure 8 A simplified perspective view of the underside of a flat web is shown,

[0079] Fig. 9 Another simplified perspective detail view of a machine for the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods from a flat web is shown, the machine comprising first and second keyed rollers as flat web preforming means,

[0080] Fig.10 Schematic side view showing details of a machine for the tobacco processing industry, including a forming shoulder and a coating device including a wide-slot nozzle,

[0081] Fig.11 A schematic simplified side view of a coating device is shown, comprising a wide-slit nozzle,

[0082] Fig.12 A schematically simplified detail of a machine for the tobacco processing industry is shown in the region of a coating device comprising a wide-slot nozzle designed as a contact coating nozzle and

[0083] Fig.13 A schematically simplified detail of a wide-slot nozzle is shown, which operates without contact and is assisted by compressed air.

[0084] Features expressed as “particularly” or “preferably” in the context of the present invention are to be understood as optional features.

[0085] In the figures, identical or identical elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals in each case, so that there is no need for a separate reintroduction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] Figure 1 In the schematic diagram, a machine 2 for the tobacco processing industry is shown. With the aid of the machine 2, tobacco rods 6 are produced from flat webs 4. The machine 2 comprises a flat web providing device 8 for providing the flat webs 4. The flat webs 4 are provided, for example, on bobbins 10. The flat web providing device 8 can be designed as a bobbin changer. According to this embodiment, the flat web providing device has more than one holding device for accommodating bobbins 10 and, for example, corresponding splicing devices, which can connect the individual flat webs 4 present on a bobbin 10 to each other to form an infinitely long flat web 4.

[0087] The flat web 4 is, for example, a paper web. However, the flat web 4 can also be a web made of nonwoven fabric, a flat web for producing so-called "tissue filters", or a paper web which, in addition to paper, also includes small portions made of polylactic acid (PLA), reconstituted tobacco material (reconstituted film) or other materials, in particular in a small proportion. Thus, the tobacco rod produced by means of the machine 2 is, for example, a paper tobacco rod which can be cut into rod-shaped objects 92 by means of a cutting device 90. The rod-shaped objects 92 are, for example, paper filters or paper filter segments.

[0088] Downstream in the material flow direction, the machine 2 comprises a flat web structuring device 12, which comprises, for example, two crimping rollers 14. By means of the crimping rollers 14, a three-dimensional structure is introduced, in particular pressed, into the flat web 4. Continuing in the material flow direction, the flat web 4 subsequently passes through a dancer for maintaining, controlling or regulating the web tension. 16 and various deflection rollers not shown in detail reach the coating device 18. With the aid of the coating device 18, the additive 22 is applied, for example sprayed, onto the upper side 20 of the flat web 4. The opposite lower side 21 remains unwetted. According to another embodiment, the coating device 18 is designed so that both the upper side 20 and the lower side 21 of the flat web 4 can be wetted. The additive 22 is in particular a liquid. In order to apply the additive 22, the coating device 18 comprises a wide-slot nozzle. The design of the wide-slot nozzle and the coating device 18 will be described in detail below.

[0089] Continuing to view in the material flow direction, the flat web 4 with the additive 22 subsequently reaches a transport roller 24 and is introduced into a flat web preforming device 26 via or along the transport roller 24 .

[0090] The transport rollers 24 are responsible for holding the flat web 4 under a suitable prestress. Maintaining the desired prestress is advantageous for processing the flat web 4 with the additive 22, because in this way it is possible to ensure a uniform application of the additive 22. Maintaining the desired prestress is also advantageous for converting the flat web 4 into a preformed state in the flat web preforming device 26. From the flat web preforming device 26, the preformed flat web 32 arrives in the tobacco rod forming device 28 in a preformed state. The tobacco rod forming device 28 is, for example, a sizing unit, into which the preformed flat web 32 arrives via an inlet hopper 30. In the sizing unit, a tobacco rod 6 is formed from the preformed flat web 32. Rod-shaped articles 92 for the tobacco processing industry, such as filter rods or filter segments, can be cut from the tobacco rod 6 using a cutting device 90.

[0091] exist Figure 1 In the lower region of the diagram, a top view of a flat web 4 is schematically depicted. The flat web 4 has an initial width before the flat web preforming device 26, where it is formed into a gathered or, for example, cylindrical structure. The preformed flat web 32 is formed into a tobacco rod 6 in the tobacco rod forming device 28.

[0092] Important for the forming process is the web tension of the flat web 4 at the point where it enters the flat web preforming device 26. In order to set the web tension to the desired value and, for example, keep it in a set value range, a transport roller 24 is provided. The transport roller 24 is also used, in particular, to guide the flat web 4. The transport roller 24 is designed, for example, to be driven. The transport roller 24 can also be designed to rotate freely. If the transport roller 24 is driven, the drive can be controlled or regulated. For example, the speed of the transport roller 24 is matched to the web speed of the flat web 4 and the speed of the transport roller 24 is controlled or regulated accordingly to the web speed of the flat web 4. As a result, no or only a small relative movement occurs between the surface of the transport roller 24 and the flat web 4. Ideally, the two surfaces move at the same speed. In this way, wear of the flat web 4 can be avoided as much as possible and process dust that sometimes occurs can be avoided or at least significantly reduced.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the flat web preforming device 26 is designed as a forming shoulder 36. Figures 2 to 5 According to another embodiment, the flat web preforming device 26 is designed as a keyway roll 38. Figures 6 to 9 In the description.

[0094] Figure 2 The profiled shoulder 36 is shown in a simplified perspective view. The profiled shoulder 36 comprises a deformation section 40 and a tubular section 42. The two sections are distributed on various components of the profiled shoulder 36, as further described below. The deformation section 40 and the tubular section 42 merge into each other along a deformation edge 44, preferably spatially. In this sense, the deformation edge 44 is spatial, because it is not located on a single plane or runs on a single plane. The tubular section 42 is cylindrical, for example, wherein the shell surface or the inner side surface of the tubular section 42 does not necessarily form a completely closed surface. For example, in the upper region of the tubular section 42, there is a gap between the shoulder elements 50, 52, which are described in more detail below, running in the longitudinal direction of the tubular section 42.

[0095] The deformation section 40 and the tubular section 42 of the forming shoulder 36 are arranged relative to each other so that in the material flow direction, the flat web 4 starts from the transport roller 24 in an at least approximately flat or planar state and in the first transport direction T1 and first contacts the deformation section 40. Subsequently, the flat web 4 passes over the deformation edge 44 and contacts the tubular section 42 in the second transport direction T2 in an at least partially rolled-together state. In the illustrated embodiment, the first transport direction T1 and the second transport direction T2 enclose an angle of at least approximately 90°.

[0096] The forming shoulder 36 comprises a right front shoulder element 46 and a left front shoulder element 48. The two front shoulder elements 46, 48 have a curved outer surface, which forms a partial area of ​​the deformation section 40 of the forming shoulder 36. The forming shoulder 36 also comprises a right rear shoulder element 50 and a left rear shoulder element 52. The two rear shoulder elements 50, 52 again have a curved outer surface, which also forms a partial area of ​​the deformation section 40 of the forming shoulder 36. Starting from the transport roller 24, the flat web 4 first comes into contact with the front shoulder elements 46, 48, more precisely with their deformation sections 40, as seen in the material flow direction corresponding to the first transport direction T1. Beyond the deformation edge 44, the central area of ​​the flat web 4 first enters the tubular section 42 of the forming shoulder 36. Downstream of the deformation edge 44, the flat web 4 is transported in a state at least partially rolled together in the second transport direction T2. The side or edge regions of the flat web 4 continue to contact the rear shoulder elements 50, 52, more precisely their deformation sections 40, at the top. In the upper region, the flat web 4 is deformed into an at least approximately cylindrical body and conveyed in the direction of the second transport direction T2 through the tubular section 42. In this case, the side edges of the flat web 4 can overlap each other, can also abut each other, and can also have a gap extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body.

[0097] The shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 are fastened together on a flange 54. Between the flange 54 and the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 there is a guide element 56, respectively. Figure 2 Only the right guide element can be seen, by means of which the right front shoulder element 46 is held. Furthermore, spacer elements are provided between the front shoulder elements 46, 48 and the rear shoulder elements 50, 52. The right spacer element 58 extends between the right front shoulder element 46 and the right rear shoulder element 50. By means of the right spacer element 58, the deformation edge 44 can be continued continuously between the right front shoulder element 46 and the right rear shoulder element 50. On the opposite side, there is a left spacer element 60. The left spacer element 60 extends between the left front shoulder element 48 and the left rear shoulder element 52 and the deformation edge 44 continues continuously between the two shoulder elements 48, 52. Furthermore, a central spacer element 62 can be provided, which allows the deformation edge 44 to continue continuously between the right front and left front shoulder elements 46, 48.

[0098] The provision of the spacing elements 58, 60, 62 is advantageous because the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 can be adjusted individually. The shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 can each be adjusted in a linear motion. For this purpose, the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 are fastened to the corresponding guide elements, for example, by means of corresponding slotted hole connections 64. The scale allows the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 to be adjusted along a precisely defined adjustment path. The shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 are adjustable, thereby varying the length of the deformation edge 44. Thus, spacing elements 58, 60, 62 of different sizes can be provided in order to achieve a corresponding setting of the profiled shoulder 36.

[0099] The front shoulder elements 46 , 48 are movable in a front displacement direction which lies in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axial direction L of the tubular section 42 .

[0100] For adjusting the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52, in particular all the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52, a motor drive or a plurality of motor drives can be provided. Since the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 have a linear adjustability, a drive (not shown) can be implemented with a manageable technical effort. The shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 can be adjusted individually and independently of one another, whether by motor drive or by manual adjustment. A combined adjustability can also be provided.

[0101] Figure 3 A simplified front view of the forming shoulder 36 is shown, wherein a right front movement direction 66, in which the right front shoulder element 46 can be moved, and a left front movement direction 68, in which the left front shoulder element 48 can be moved, are schematically shown. The two movement directions 66, 68 point to an axis that coincides with the longitudinal axial direction L of the tubular section 42. They therefore point in the direction of the center of the tubular section 42.

[0102] The rear shoulder elements 50 , 52 can be moved along rear movement directions 70 , 72 , wherein the rear movement directions 70 , 72 run obliquely to the aforementioned plane. Figure 3 4 , a right rear movement direction 70 and a left rear movement direction 72 are schematically shown, along which the right rear shoulder element 50 can move, and along which the left rear shoulder element 52 can move. The rear movement directions 70, 72 intersect at least approximately on a straight line determined by the longitudinal axial direction L, wherein the intersection point is located outside the tubular section 42.

[0103] By moving the shoulder elements 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 , the length of the deformed edge 44 can be varied. Figure 3 The deformed edge 44 is relatively large, while the further simplified front view of the formed shoulder 36 is shown. Figure 4In this way, the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 are moved so that the length of the deformation edge 44 is smaller. If the forming shoulder 36 is, for example, in Figure 4 The state shown, then with the flat web 4 Figure 3 Compared to the state shown in the figure, the flat web 4 can be preformed more strongly than when it passes through the forming shoulder 36. In addition, flat webs 4 of different widths can be processed. Figure 3 The setting of the forming shoulder 36 shown is to process the forming shoulder 36 in Figure 4 The situation of the state shown is compared with a wider flat web 4. The forming shoulder 36 can be flexibly set according to flat webs 4 of different widths.

[0104] Figure 5 A simplified side view of the forming shoulder 36 is shown. A first and a second transport direction T1, T2 are drawn, which at least approximately enclose an angle of 90°. The shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52 are located Figure 4 In the illustrated state, they are moved to such an extent that there are no spacing elements 58, 60, 62 between the shoulder elements 46, 48, 50, 52. Also shown is a right front movement direction 66 of the right front shoulder element 46 and a right rear movement direction 70 of the right rear shoulder element 50.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the flat web preforming device 26 may not use a front bonding Figures 2 to 4 The profiled shoulder 36 is not depicted, but a keyway roller 38 is used instead.

[0106] Figure 6 A simplified perspective view of a section of the machine 2 is shown, which section includes a keyway roller 38 as a preforming device 26. The flat web 4 passes through a take-up roller pair 14 as a flat web structuring device 12 and subsequently reaches a transport roller 24 in a first transport direction T1. The transport roller 24 is responsible for the web tension required for the subsequent preforming of the flat web 4. Between the flat web structuring device 12 and the transport roller 24, a coating device 18 is arranged, by means of which an additive 22 is applied to the upper side 20 of the flat web 4. The coating device 18 can also be designed so that both the upper side 20 and the lower side 21 of the flat web 4 can be provided with the additive 22.

[0107] In the embodiment shown, the transport roller 24 is designed as a mid-high roller 74. The flat web 4 runs over the transport roller 24 in the direction of the keyway roller 38, wherein the flat web 4 is now transported in the second transport direction T2. ​​The keyway roller 38 serves as a flat web preforming device 26, which folds or gathers the flat web 4 together transversely to its longitudinal direction. Subsequently, the preformed flat web 32 enters the inlet hopper 30 as a sizing unit of the tobacco rod forming device 28 for further processing. The keyway roller 38 comprises left and right roller cheeks 76, 78 forming a keyway. They are coupled and / or connected to each other via a connecting shaft 80.

[0108] The first transport direction T1 is the direction in which the flat web 4 is conveyed toward the transport roller 24. The second transport direction T2 is the direction in which the at least partially gathered flat web 32 is conveyed downstream of the transport roller 24. The second transport direction T2 coincides, for example, with the longitudinal extension direction of the tubular section 42 of the forming shoulder 36. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the second transport direction T2 can coincide with the conveying direction of the gathered flat web 32 in the tobacco rod forming device 28. However, the second transport direction T2 and the conveying direction of the tobacco rod forming device 28 connected downstream of the entry hopper 30 can also be slightly different.

[0109] The angle between the first and second transport directions T1, T2 is always determined in a common plane. If the two transport directions are placed adjacent to each other like vectors, for example the vector tip of the first transport direction T1 adjoins the vector tip of the second transport direction T2, the angle between the two directions should always be the smaller of the two possible angles.

[0110] According to one embodiment, it is not possible for the vector of the first transport direction T1 to intersect the vector of the second transport direction T2 from above. In other words, in the machine for the tobacco processing industry according to an embodiment, web guiding from above is not possible.

[0111] Figure 7 In another simplified perspective illustration, a region of the machine 2 is shown in the region of the groove roller 38 . Figure 8 The view of the lower side 21 of the flat web 4 is shown. In the center of the connecting axis 80 connecting the roller cheeks 76, 78 is a support body 82. It is arranged centrally between the roller cheeks 76, 78 and is enlarged in cross section relative to the connecting axis 80. The support body 82 supports the gathering of the flat web 4.

[0112] Fig. 9In another simplified perspective view, a detail of a machine 2 for the tobacco processing industry is shown, wherein the flat web preforming device 26 of the machine comprises a first keyed roller 38a and a second keyed roller 38b. In principle, the two keyed rollers 38a and 38b are designed in the same way as the keyed roller 38 described above. The first keyed roller 38a cooperates with the lower side 21 of the flat web 4, with which the flat web 4 is also guided on or along the transport roller 24. By way of example, the transport roller 24 is again a mid-height roller 74. The second keyed roller 38b cooperates with the upper side 20 of the flat web 4 and is arranged, by way of example, downstream of the first keyed roller 38a.

[0113] The first and second keyway rollers 38a, 38b can have differently shaped support bodies 82. For example, the second support body 82b is designed such that its aspect ratio is greater than the aspect ratio of the first support body 82a, as viewed in the plane in which the connecting shaft 80 extends. In other words, the second support body 82b is designed to be taller and narrower than the first support body 82a. The different shapes of the support bodies 82a, 82b contribute to being able to preform the flat web 4 in a better way.

[0114] Fig.10 A schematically simplified side view of a detail of a machine 2 for the tobacco processing industry is shown. The machine 2 comprises a forming shoulder 36 as a flat web preforming device 26. A flat web 4, for example a paper web, is deflected into a first transport direction T1 by a deflection roller, not shown in detail. Before the flat web 4 enters the flat web preforming device 26, it is guided over a transport roller 24. Downstream of the transport roller 24, a coating device 18 is arranged, which comprises a wide-slot nozzle 94 for applying an additive 22. The additive 22 is supplied to the wide-slot nozzle 94 or the coating device 18 via an additive interface 96. In addition, the coating device 18 comprises a compressed air interface 98, by means of which compressed air can be supplied to the coating device 18.

[0115] The coating device 18 is arranged so that the additive 22 is applied to the flat web 4 in the additive application direction 100. The additive application direction 100 encloses an angle with the solder 102 which is located perpendicularly in the plane in which the flat web 4 extends. The angle between the additive application device 100 and the solder 102 should be referred to as the coating angle. The coating device 18 is arranged so that the coating angle is adjustable. In addition, the distance D between the wide-slit nozzle 94 and the flat web 4 is adjustable.

[0116] Furthermore, the coating device 18 comprises a wide-slot nozzle 94, which comprises a base body 104 in which a storage chamber 106 is located. The storage chamber 106 is used to accommodate the additive 22 supplied to the wide-slot nozzle 94 via the additive interface 96. A heater 108 also present in the base body 104 can adjust the temperature of the additive 22 or keep it at a desired temperature.

[0117] Fig.11 A schematically simplified side view of the coating device 18 is shown. The wide-slot nozzle 94 comprises a base body 104, in which a storage chamber 106 for the additive 22 is provided and in which a heater 108, such as a resistance heater, is integrated. The heater 108 is used to heat the additive 22, but can also heat the compressed air delivered through the compressed air interface 98. In order to further heat the compressed air, the machine 2 can also include a compressed air heater, not shown. The additive 22 can also be preheated before it is delivered to the coating device 18 through the additive interface 96. The heater 108 integrated into the base body 106 of the wide-slot nozzle 94 is also preferably used to maintain a pre-set temperature or to fine-tune the temperature when necessary.

[0118] The wide slit nozzle 94 is, for example, a contact wide slit nozzle or a non-contact wide slit nozzle. Fig.12 The wide-slot nozzle 94 is seated directly on the upper side 20 of the flat web 4 and is therefore in direct contact with the upper side. Overspray can be prevented by using a contact wide-slot nozzle.

[0119] Fig.13 , a schematically simplified detailed view of a wide slot nozzle 94 viewed from the front is shown. The wide slot nozzle 94 is a compressed air-assisted wide slot nozzle 94. It comprises a nozzle gap 110 provided for the additive 22, which in the illustrated embodiment extends, by way of example, over the entire length of the wide slot nozzle 94. An air gap 112 extends at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap on both sides of the nozzle gap 110, from which compressed air for assisting the application of the additive 22 is ejected.

[0120] The distance D between the nozzle gap 110 of the wide-slot nozzle 94 and the upper side 20 of the flat web 4 (see Fig.10 ) is, for example, between 3 mm and 60 mm. The heater 108 is configured to heat the additive to or maintain the additive at a temperature such that the additive 22 has a viscosity between 50 mPa*s and 1600 mPa*s.

[0121] All mentioned features, including those which will be taken from the drawings alone, as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, either alone or in combination. Embodiments according to the invention can be completed by individual features or by a combination of multiple features.

[0122] Reference numerals list

[0123] 2 Machines

[0124] 4Flat webs

[0125] 6 Tobacco Cartons

[0126] 8Flat web providing device

[0127] 10 bobbins

[0128] 12 Flat web structuring device

[0129] 14 Curling Rollers

[0130] 16 Jumper

[0131] 18 coating device

[0132] 20 Upper side

[0133] 21 Lower side

[0134] 22 Additives

[0135] 24 transport rollers

[0136] 26Flat web preforming device

[0137] 28 Tobacco rod forming device

[0138] 30 Enter the funnel

[0139] 32 Preformed flat webs

[0140] 36 Molded Shoulder

[0141] 38 keyway roller

[0142] 38a First keyway roller

[0143] 38b Second keyway roller

[0144] 40 variant sections

[0145] 42 Tubular sections

[0146] 44 Deformed Edge

[0147] 46 right front shoulder element

[0148] 48 Left front shoulder element

[0149] 50Right rear shoulder element

[0150] 52 Left rear shoulder element

[0151] 54 Flange

[0152] 56 Guiding element

[0153] 58 right spacer element

[0154] 60 left spacer element

[0155] 62 center spacer element

[0156] 64 Long hole connection device

[0157] 66 right front movement direction

[0158] 68 Left front moving direction

[0159] 70 right rear moving direction

[0160] 72 Left rear movement direction

[0161] 74 medium high roller

[0162] 76 Left cheek roll

[0163] 78 right cheek roll

[0164] 80 connecting shaft

[0165] 82 support body

[0166] 82a first support

[0167] 82b Second support

[0168] 90 cutting device

[0169] 92 stick-shaped items

[0170] 94 wide slot nozzle

[0171] 96 Additive Interface

[0172] 98 Compressed air interface

[0173] 100 Additive coating device

[0174] 102 solder

[0175] 104 matrix

[0176] 106 Reserve Room

[0177] 108 Heater

[0178] 110 Nozzle Clearance

[0179] 112 Air gap

[0180] D distance

[0181] L longitudinal direction

[0182] T1 First transport direction

[0183] T2 Second transport direction

Claims

1. A machine (2) for the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods (6) from a flat web (4), comprising the following devices arranged in sequence along the material flow direction: a flat web providing device (8) for providing the flat web (4); a flat web structuring device (12), in particular a curling device, by means of which a structure can be introduced into the flat web (4), by means of which the flat web (4) in the unfolded state has a cross-section that varies at least in sections; a flat web preforming device (26), by means of which the flat web (4) can be converted into a preformed state; a tobacco rod forming device (28), by means of which the tobacco rod (6) can be produced from the preformed flat web (4), characterized in that A transport roller (24) is arranged between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), and the flat web (4) is guided in the material flow direction by means of and / or along the transport roller (24), and the transport roller (24) is arranged and designed to guide the unfolded flat web (4) and / or to set the web tension of the flat web (4) on the transport path between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), and A coating device (18) is arranged between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), in particular between the flat web structuring device (12) and the transport roller (24), and is configured to apply an additive (22) to at least an upper side (20) of the flat web (4), the upper side being opposite to a lower side (21), and the flat web (4) contacts the transport roller (24) with the lower side, wherein the coating device (18) includes a wide-slit nozzle (94) for applying the additive (22).

2. The machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The coating device (18) includes a wide-slot nozzle (94) assisted by compressed air.

3. The machine (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that The wide-slit nozzle (94) comprises a nozzle gap (110) provided for the additive (22) and at least one air gap (112) on one side of the nozzle gap (110) and extending at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap, and in particular comprises a pair of air gaps (112) on both sides of the nozzle gap (110) and extending at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap.

4. The machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The wide-slot nozzle (94) comprises a base body (104) provided with a heater (108), wherein in particular the base body (104) comprises a supply chamber (106) for the additive (22) which is in fluid communication with the nozzle gap (110).

5. The machine (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The nozzle gap (110) and / or the at least one air gap (112) are adjustable, wherein in particular the length and / or width of the nozzle gap (110) and / or the at least one air gap (112) are adjustable, and wherein in particular the width of the nozzle gap is between 5 μm and 1 mm, in particular between 10 μm and 500 μm.

6. The machine (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that A compressed air heater is provided for providing heated compressed air to the wide slot nozzle (94).

7. The machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The wide-slot nozzle (94) is designed as a contact wide-slot nozzle or a contactless wide-slot nozzle, wherein, in particular, the contactless wide-slot nozzle (94) is arranged so that the distance (D) between the flat web (4) and the nozzle gap (110) of the wide-slot nozzle (94) is between 3 mm and 60 mm.

8. The machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The wide-slot nozzle (94) is designed to process additives (22) having a viscosity between 50 mPa*s and 1600 mPa*s.

9. The machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The flat web preforming device (26) has a forming shoulder (36) or is designed in the shape of a forming shoulder (36), the forming shoulder is designed or has a deformation section (40) and a tubular section (42), the deformation section (40) has a contour extending essentially transversely to the material flow direction and is essentially convex, and the tubular section has a contour extending essentially transversely to the material flow direction and is essentially concave, wherein in particular the deformation section (40) and the tubular section (42) merge into each other along a deformation edge (44) preferably in space, and wherein the deformation section (40) of the forming shoulder (36) is preferably a deformation edge (44) of the forming shoulder (36). 0) and the tubular section (42) are arranged relative to each other so that in the material flow direction the flat web starting from the transport roller (24) in an at least approximately flat state first comes into contact with the deformation section (40) in a first transport direction (T1) and then passes over the deformation edge (44) in an at least partially rolled-together state and comes into contact with the tubular section (42) in a second transport direction (T2), wherein the first and the second transport directions (T1, T2) enclose an angle between 71° and 120°, in particular between 71° and 90°, and in particular at least approximately 90°, In particular, the forming shoulder (36) comprises right front and left front shoulder elements (46, 48) and right rear and left rear shoulder elements (50, 52), wherein the shoulder elements (46, 48, 50, 52) are arranged relative to each other so that the flat web (4) starting from the transport roller (24) and viewed in the material flow direction first contacts the front shoulder element (46, 48) and subsequently contacts the rear shoulder element (50, 52), and wherein the shoulder elements (46, 48, 50, 52) can in particular be adjusted individually, and wherein in particular the shoulder elements (46, 48, 50, 52) are adjustable, thereby being able to vary the length of the deformed edge (44).

10. The machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The transport roller (24) comprises a mid-height roller (74) and the flat web preforming device (26) comprises at least one keyway roller (38), In particular, the groove roller (38) comprises roller cheeks (76, 78) forming the groove, which are coupled to each other via a connecting shaft (80), wherein a support body (82) is provided on the connecting shaft (80), in particular centrally between the roller cheeks (76, 78), the cross-section of which is larger than that of the connecting shaft (80).

11. A method for producing paper filters using a machine (2) of the tobacco processing industry for producing tobacco rods (6) from a flat web (4), wherein: The machine (2) comprises the following devices arranged in sequence along the material flow direction: a flat web providing device (8) which provides the flat web (4); a flat web structuring device (12), in particular a curling device, by means of which a structure can be introduced into the flat web (4), by means of which the flat web (4) in the unfolded state has a cross-section that varies at least in sections; a flat web preforming device (26) by means of which the flat web (4) can be converted into a preformed state; and a tobacco rod forming device (28) by means of which the tobacco rod (6) can be produced from the preformed flat web (4), characterized in that A transport roller (24) is arranged between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), and the flat web (4) is guided in the material flow direction by means of and / or along the transport roller (24), and the transport roller (24) guides the unfolded flat web (4) and / or sets the web tension of the flat web (4) on the transport path between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), and A coating device (18) is arranged between the flat web structuring device (12) and the flat web preforming device (26), in particular between the flat web structuring device (12) and the transport roller (24), wherein the coating device applies an additive (22) to at least an upper side (20) of the flat web (4), the upper side being opposite to a lower side (21), with which the flat web (4) contacts the transport roller (24), wherein the coating device (18) comprises a wide-slot nozzle (94) for applying the additive (22), And wherein the flat web (4) is a paper web and paper filters are cut from the produced tobacco rod (6).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The coating device (18) comprises a compressed air-assisted wide-slot nozzle (94) and the additive (22) is applied to the flat web (4) in a compressed air-assisted manner, wherein in particular the wide-slot nozzle (94) is supplied with heated compressed air.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The wide-slot nozzle (94) comprises a nozzle gap (110), through which the additive (22) is applied to the flat web (4), and the wide-slot nozzle (94) comprises at least one air gap (112) on one side of the nozzle gap (110) and extending at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap, in particular comprises a pair of air gaps (112) on both sides of the nozzle gap (110) and extending at least approximately parallel to the nozzle gap, wherein, in order to apply the additive (22) in a compressed air-assisted manner, compressed air is guided through the at least one air gap.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The nozzle gap (110) and / or the at least one air gap (112) are set, wherein in particular the length and / or width of the nozzle gap (110) and / or the at least one air gap (112) are set, and wherein in particular the width of the nozzle gap is between 5 μm and 1 mm, in particular between 10 μm and 500 μm.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that The wide-slot nozzle (94) comprises a base body (104) provided with a heater (108), wherein the base body (104) comprises a reservoir chamber (106) for the additive (22) which is fluidically connected to the nozzle gap (110), and the additive (22) is temperature-controlled in the reservoir chamber (106), wherein in particular the wide-slot nozzle (94) is heated by means of the heater (108) to a temperature such that the additive (22) has a viscosity between 50 mPa*s and 1600 mPa*s.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that The wide-slot nozzle (94) is designed as a contact wide-slot nozzle and the additive (22) is applied to the flat web (4) in a contact method. or The wide-slot nozzle (94) is designed as a wide-slot nozzle that operates without contact and applies the additive (22) to the flat web (4) without contact, wherein, in particular during the contactless coating, the additive (22) is applied to the flat web (4) from a distance of between 3 mm and 60 mm.

17. Use of a machine (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for producing paper filters.

Images