Production of rod-shaped hollow segments for the tobacco processing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing rod-shaped hollow segments (70) for the tobacco processing industry, wherein hollow cylindrical blanks (60) are conveyed in a row transversely axially one behind the other, wherein the hollow cylindrical blanks (60) have a first head end (61) and a second head end (62), wherein for each blank (60) or several blanks (60) the following method steps are carried out: a) a mandrel (52) for the blank (60) is introduced into the first head end (61) of the blank (60) by a linear relative movement between the mandrel (52) and the blank (60), b) by a linear relative movement between a die (54) having a cavity (56) and the blank (60), the second head end (62) of the blank (60) is inserted into the cavity (56) of the die (54) for the second head end (62) of the blank (60) introduced,c) the second head end (62) of the blank (60) is formed by a relative movement between the second head end (62) of the blank (60) and the die (54).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing rod-shaped hollow segments for the tobacco processing industry. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing rod-shaped hollow segments for the tobacco processing industry and a multi-segment rod production machine for the tobacco processing industry.

[0002] To produce multi-segment products for the tobacco processing industry, various rod-shaped segments, either as base rods or as strand sections, are provided and assembled into a multi-segment product using a drum machine. It is known from the prior art to produce base rods and feed them into the drum machine's processing process using feed modules, or to connect the drum machine directly to a strand machine for direct further processing of the strand sections.

[0003] EP 1 691 633 B1 discloses, for example, a drum machine in the tobacco processing industry for producing multi-segment articles, wherein the drum machine comprises several feed modules that provide rod-shaped segments and feed them to a transport path.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide hollow segments in a simple and process-reliable manner, for example for the production of smoking article products with multiple segments.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method for producing rod-shaped hollow segments for the tobacco processing industry, wherein hollow cylindrical, in particular tubular, moldings are conveyed in a row transversely axially one behind the other, wherein the hollow cylindrical moldings have a first, preferably open, head end and a second, preferably open, head end, wherein the following method steps are carried out for each molding or several moldings: a) a, preferably first, mandrel for the blank is introduced into the first head end of the blank by a linear relative movement between the, in particular first, mandrel and the blank, b) by a linear relative movement between a die having a cavity and the blank, the second head end of the blank, preferably together with the introduced mandrel, is introduced into the cavity of the die for the second head end of the blank, c) by a, in particular linear and / or rotary, relative movement between the second head end of the blank and the die, the second head end of the blank is shaped, in particular deformed, d) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank and the die, the blank with the shaped second head end is moved out of the die and / or by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank and the mandrel, the mandrel is moved out of the first head end.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea that, for example, rod-shaped hollow segments are produced on a supply module for a multi-segment rod production machine on which rod-shaped multi-segment filters with several, in particular more than three or four or five or more than five, segments are produced, wherein the hollow segments are provided, for example, with a flanged collar on one, in particular exclusively one, head end after their production. This makes it possible to form the preforms into further processable hollow segments, whereby, due to the flanged collar of the hollow segments, these can be attached to manufactured multi-segment groups, thereby providing multi-segment groups with at least one hollow segment. According to the invention, the preforms are formed at one (second) head end by means of a forming tool during their transverse axial conveyance.For example, the moldings are made of paper, so that the moldings are processed as paper tubes according to the method according to the invention.

[0007] A conveyor device is provided for the transverse axial conveyance of the moldings. In one embodiment, the conveyor device comprises a drum arrangement with at least one or more conveyor drums for transverse axial conveyance of the moldings during the production process of the rod-shaped hollow segments. During their transverse axial conveyance, the moldings are preferably aligned on the conveyor drums such that the (central) longitudinal axes of the moldings are aligned parallel to the rotational axis of the conveyor drum(s).

[0008] In particular, the hollow cylindrical moldings are empty inside, i.e. without contents in the enclosed interior of the moldings.

[0009] Furthermore, one embodiment of the method provides that, in particular upstream, before method step c), in particular and before or after method step a), at least the second head end of the molded article is moistened, in particular by a moistening device. By moistening the second head ends by means of the moistening device, it is possible to specifically weaken the second head ends of the molded articles, for example, made of paper, thereby simplifying the forming or reshaping process of the second head ends by the die for forming or reshaping the head ends.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the method, the second head end of the blank is preferably machined, in particular cut, by means of a machining tool, in particular a cutting tool, before method step c), in particular before or after method step a), in particular upstream. Machining the second head ends before forming by the respective die facilitates the forming or reshaping process of the second head ends, since, for example, using a cutting tool as a machining tool, the end region of the second head ends to be deformed is specifically prepared or weakened for further processing by the die. This improves the forming process of the second head ends.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it is further provided that the second head end of the blank is flanged by means of the die after introduction into the cavity, so that the second head end has an end-side constriction with a, in particular annular, flanged collar, wherein in particular the die in the cavity has a forming engraving, in particular a flanging engraving, for the flanging of the second head end of the blank and / or wherein in particular the end-side flanged collar has a, preferably central and / or circular, opening, wherein furthermore in particular the opening of the flanged collar has a diameter of 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0012] In particular, the moistening of the second head ends of the blanks by the moistening device and / or the processing, in particular the cutting, of the second head ends of the blanks by the processing tool, in particular the cutting tool, takes place before the head ends are formed by the die. For example, the moistening device is designed as a spray nozzle or a spray device, for example to apply a liquid, such as water, to the second head end. Furthermore, the processing tool is designed, for example, with at least one or more knives to cut the end region of the second head ends. Furthermore, it is provided within the scope of the invention that the processing tool pre-forms the end region of the second head ends to be deformed, thereby facilitating further processing by the second die with a deformation of the end region of the second head ends.

[0013] For the forming of the second head ends by the die, a mandrel is provided for stabilizing each preform. This mandrel is inserted into the cavity of the preform. This stabilizes the preforms during the production of the hollow segments. In particular, the diameter of the mandrels is smaller than the diameter of the hollow cylindrical preforms, which is particularly circular.

[0014] Furthermore, one method step is characterized in that the die is rotated relative to the, in particular stationary, blank during or after the second head end of the blank is introduced into the cavity. The rotation of the die relative to the stationary blank, which is held or fixed by the respective mandrel, uniformly shapes or deforms the end region of the second head ends.

[0015] For this purpose, it is further advantageous that, after the mandrel has been inserted into the molded article, the mandrel is fixed in its relative movement, particularly linearly, to the mandrel. The mandrels for the molded articles are preferably made of plastic.

[0016] A simple fixing of the preforms to the respective mandrel is achieved in that the mandrel is expanded, in particular in the radial direction, during or after insertion of the mandrel into the preform and / or in that the preform is pressurized with compressed air via at least one outlet opening of the mandrel during or after insertion of the mandrel into the preform.

[0017] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method, it is advantageous for the mandrel to have a lateral stop for the first head end of the blank, wherein the blank is moved against the stop, particularly after method step b) and before method step c). This ensures secure positioning of the blanks on the respective mandrel. In particular, the length of the mandrel is smaller than the length of the blanks to be formed and the length of the produced rod-shaped hollow segments.

[0018] Furthermore, the method is characterized in that the method steps, in particular those described above, are carried out during the transverse-axial conveying of the moldings on at least one conveyor element, in particular a conveyor drum, or exclusively on one conveyor element, in particular a conveyor drum. Preferably, the method steps described above are carried out on a conveyor drum, wherein in particular the conveyor drum is designed with receiving troughs for the moldings arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction, and the preferably linearly movable mandrels for the moldings are arranged on one side of the receiving troughs, and furthermore, the respective dies for forming the end head regions of the moldings are arranged on the other side of the receiving troughs.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that the processing of the second head end of the molding takes place upstream before method step c), in particular before method step a), by carrying out the method steps: i) a further, in particular second, mandrel for the blank is introduced into the first head end of the blank by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the further mandrel and the blank, ii) the second head end of the blank, preferably together with the introduced mandrel, is introduced into the cavity of the further, in particular second, die by a, in particular linear, relative movement between a further, in particular second, die having a cavity for the second head end of the blank and the blank, iii) the second head end of the blank is machined, in particular cut, by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the second head end of the blank and the die, iv) the blank with the machined second head end is moved out of the further die by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank and the further die and / or by a, in particular linear,Relative movement between the blank and the mandrel moves the mandrel out of the first head end.

[0020] According to a further development of the method, it is provided that the method steps i) to iv) and the method steps a) to d) are each carried out on different conveying elements, in particular conveyor drums, wherein in particular the method steps i) to iv) are carried out during the transverse axial conveying of the moldings on one conveyor element, in particular conveyor drum, and the method steps a) to d) are carried out during the transverse axial conveying of the moldings on a subsequent conveyor element, in particular conveyor drum.

[0021] Preferably, according to a further aspect, after the execution of method steps i) to iv), in particular on, preferably exclusively, a conveyor drum for the moldings, the processed moldings are transferred to a subsequent conveyor element, in particular a conveyor drum, and method steps a) to d) are carried out on the subsequent conveyor element.

[0022] In particular, in a further development of the method, after method step iii), the second head end of the molding is moistened, in particular by a moistening device.

[0023] An embodiment of the method is further developed in that the further die is moved linearly relative to the, in particular stationary, molded article during or after the second head end of the molded article is introduced into the cavity.

[0024] Furthermore, a further development of the method is characterized in that after the further mandrel has been inserted into the blank, the mandrel fixes the blank in its, in particular linear, relative movement to the mandrel.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that during or after insertion of the further mandrel into the molding, the mandrel is expanded, in particular in the radial direction, and / or that during or after insertion of the mandrel into the molding, the molding is pressurized with compressed air via at least one outlet opening of the mandrel.

[0026] Preferably, the further mandrel has a lateral stop for the first head end of the molding, wherein the molding is moved against the stop, in particular after process step ii) and before process step iii).

[0027] Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for the process steps or a series of process steps to be carried out several times in succession for the moldings to be processed in order to produce rod-shaped hollow segments.

[0028] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device for producing rod-shaped hollow segments for the tobacco processing industry, wherein hollow cylindrical, in particular tubular, moldings are or can be conveyed transversely one behind the other in a row, wherein the hollow cylindrical moldings have a first, preferably open, head end and a second, preferably open, head end. The device is preferably configured to carry out a method described above, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 17. To avoid repetition, express reference is made to the above statements.

[0029] Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that the device according to the invention for producing rod-shaped hollow segments is a component of a module for providing segments for multi-segment rods, such as multi-segment filter rods with multiple segments. Furthermore, it is also provided within the scope of the invention that the device is designed such that two or more rows of preforms arranged transversely one behind the other are produced, in particular simultaneously, on the device to form rod-shaped hollow segments. In this case, the device is designed with two or more lanes.

[0030] Furthermore, an embodiment of the device is characterized in that the device has a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor drum, for the transverse axial transport of the hollow cylindrical moldings one behind the other in at least one row along a conveyor path, wherein the conveyor device, in particular a drum arrangement with one or more conveyor drums, has receiving troughs for the moldings, wherein preferably first mandrels for insertion into the first head end of the moldings are provided laterally on the receiving troughs of the conveyor device, wherein a movement means is provided to insert the preferably first mandrels for each molding in a preferably linear relative movement between the, in particular first, mandrel and the molding into the first head end of the molding, wherein in particular the movement means is designed, after one or the forming of the second head end of the molding by a or the die, by a,in particular linear, relative movement between the blank and the mandrel to move the mandrel out of the first head end.,

[0031] Furthermore, a further development of the device is characterized in that along the conveying path of the blanks, opposite the, preferably first, mandrels for the first head end of the blanks, in particular first dies with cavities for receiving the second head ends of the blanks are arranged laterally on the receiving troughs, wherein a movement means is provided in order to introduce the second head end of the blank, preferably together with the introduced mandrel, into the cavity of the die for the second head end of the blank by means of a, in particular linear, relative movement between the, preferably first, dies and the respective blank, wherein in particular the movement device is designed to move the blank with the formed second head end out of the die by means of a, in particular linear, relative movement between the, preferably first, dies.

[0032] Furthermore, a movement means is expediently provided in order to form, in particular to reshape, the second head end of the molding by a relative movement, in particular a linear and / or rotary movement, between the second head end of the molding and the die.

[0033] In particular, the device comprises a moistening device for the second head ends of the moldings upstream of the forming of the second head ends of the moldings along the conveying path of the moldings.

[0034] According to an advantageous aspect, the device is characterized in that the, in particular first, dies in the cavity have a forming engraving for flanging the second head end of the blank. Preferably, the forming engraving is designed as a die or the like.

[0035] Preferably, the mandrels each have a fixing device for the moldings, so that after insertion of the mandrel into the molding, the molding is fixed in its, in particular linear, relative movement to the mandrel.

[0036] Advantageously, according to one embodiment, the mandrels each have at least one outlet opening which can be pressurized with compressed air, so that during or after insertion of the mandrel into the molding, the mandrel is, in particular in the radial direction, and / or that during or after insertion of the mandrel into the molding, the molding is pressurized with compressed air via at least one outlet opening of the mandrel.

[0037] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the mandrels each have a lateral stop for the first head end of the molding.

[0038] A further development of the device is further developed in that the device has at least one processing tool, in particular a cutting tool, for the second head ends of the moldings upstream of the forming of the second head ends of the moldings along the conveying path of the moldings, wherein in particular the processing tool is designed as a second die having a cavity for the second head ends of the moldings, wherein furthermore in particular a cutting contour for the second head end of the moldings is formed in the cavity of the second die.

[0039] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the device, it is provided that for the processing of the second head ends of the moldings by the processing tools, in particular cutting tools, the device has a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor drum, for the transverse axial transport of the hollow cylindrical moldings one behind the other in at least one row along a conveyor path, wherein the conveyor device, in particular a drum arrangement with one or more conveyor drums, has receiving troughs for the moldings, wherein further, preferably second, mandrels are provided laterally on the receiving troughs of the conveyor device for insertion into the first head end of the moldings, wherein a movement means is provided for inserting the further, preferably second, mandrels for each molding in a linear relative movement between the further, in particular second, mandrel and the molding into the first head end of the molding,wherein, in particular, the movement means is arranged, after one or more machining operations on the second head end of the blank by the machining tool, to move the mandrel out of the first head end by a relative movement, in particular a linear movement, between the blank and the mandrel.

[0040] According to a further development of the device, it is provided that along the conveying path of the blanks, opposite the further, preferably second, mandrels for the first head end of the blanks, further, in particular second, dies with cavities for receiving the second head ends of the blanks are arranged laterally on the receiving troughs, wherein a movement means is provided in order to introduce the second head end of the blank, preferably together with the introduced mandrel, into the cavity of the further die for the second head end of the blank by means of a, in particular linear, relative movement between the further, preferably second, dies and the respective blank, wherein in particular the movement device is set up, after one or the processing of the second head end of the blanks by the processing tool, by means of a, in particular linear,Relative movement between the blank and the further die to move the blank with the formed second head end out of the further die.

[0041] Furthermore, an embodiment of the device is characterized in that the first dies are formed from a sintered material and / or that the second dies are made from a sintered material.

[0042] Advantageously, the cavity of the first dies has an air guide line, wherein the air guide line can be supplied with compressed air, and / or the cavity of the second dies has an air guide line, wherein the air guide line can be supplied with compressed air.

[0043] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a multi-segment rod manufacturing machine of the tobacco processing industry for producing multi-segment rods with several, in particular four or more than four or five or more than five, segments, with several modules for providing individual, transversely axially conveyed segments, wherein at least one or more modules each have at least one device, in particular as described above, preferably according to one of claims 18 to 31. To avoid repetition, express reference is made to the above statements.

[0044] For example, the object is further achieved by a method for providing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular with a plurality of rod-shaped article segments, wherein rod-shaped, in particular cylindrical, articles are provided, each wrapped by a wrapping material strip, wherein the provided rod-shaped articles each have a projecting cylindrical hollow section at least at one head end or at both head ends, wherein in particular the cylindrical hollow section is or is formed by the wrapping material strip, wherein after the provision of the rod-shaped articles, one cylindrical hollow section or both cylindrical hollow sections are formed, in particular folded, by means of a processing tool, in particular a die.

[0045] For the forming of a hollow section, a linear relative movement is preferably carried out between a die having a cavity and the rod-shaped article, wherein the head end of the rod-shaped article, which is formed with a cylindrical hollow section, is introduced into the cavity of the die by means of the relative movement, wherein the cylindrical hollow section is formed, in particular folded, by means of a relative movement, in particular linear and / or rotary, between the head end of the rod-shaped article and the die. After the forming, the rod-shaped article with the formed head end is moved out of the die by means of a relative movement, in particular linear, between the rod-shaped article and the die.

[0046] If the rod-shaped article has two cylindrical hollow sections which are formed, it is preferably provided that the two or both cylindrical hollow sections of the rod-shaped article are formed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0047] During the forming of the cylindrical hollow sections of the wrapping material strips, the provided rod-shaped articles are conveyed transversely axially on one or more conveyor drums. The wrapped rod-shaped articles have at least one article segment or several rod-shaped article segments that are wrapped by the respective, in particular extra-wide, wrapping material strip, wherein the cylindrical hollow sections protrude from the end faces of the article segments at the head ends. By forming the hollow sections, the head ends of the rod-shaped articles are provided with a flanged collar or the like, whereby the provided rod-shaped articles can thus be provided for further process steps after the forming of the hollow sections.

[0048] In particular, in the rod-shaped articles provided, the length of the hollow sections is smaller than the radius of the rod-shaped articles or smaller than the diameter of the rod-shaped articles.

[0049] Furthermore, in a further method step, it is provided that the rod-shaped articles with one or both folded hollow sections are subsequently prepared for further manufacturing processes of rod-shaped article groups, such as multi-segment article groups. For example, the rod-shaped articles with the folded hollow sections are placed against other rod-shaped article pieces or inserted between other rod-shaped article pieces. Furthermore, it is also provided that the rod-shaped articles with the folded hollow sections are cut in the middle and subsequently spaced apart from one another longitudinally axially, so that at least one further article piece or article segment is inserted between them.In another process step, the rod-shaped articles with the folded hollow sections are cut in the middle and reoriented, for example, by a turning process, so that the cut ends of the rod-shaped articles face away from each other. After the reorientation, at least one additional article piece or article segment is inserted between them. In a subsequent process step, the rod-shaped article groups thus formed are at least partially or completely wrapped by a wrapping strip over the entire length of the article groups.

[0050] Furthermore, according to a further solution to the problem, a method is provided for providing rod-shaped, in particular hollow-cylindrical, articles of the tobacco processing industry, wherein rod-shaped articles have a hollow-cylindrical shape and are conveyed, in particular transversely axially, wherein during the, in particular transversely axial, conveyance of the rod-shaped articles, an indentation-forming region is cut into the hollow-cylindrical shape of the articles by means of a cutting device, wherein in a subsequent step, in particular a forming step, the respective indentation-forming region is pressed in.

[0051] In this case, the cutting device comprises at least two cutting blades, in particular rotatable circular blades, whereby two parallel cuts are made in the hollow cylindrical shape of the rod-shaped articles by means of the cutting blades. The length of the cuts in the circumferential direction is smaller than the circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical shape of the articles.

[0052] Furthermore, a further development provides that the cuts for the indentation forming areas have an angular range of less than 270°, in particular less than 200° or 180° or 120°.

[0053] According to a further aspect, it is provided that the hollow cylindrical shapes of the rod-shaped articles have at least one or more indentation forming regions, in particular arranged next to one another.

[0054] Furthermore, it is advantageous in the method that in a further method step the rod-shaped articles are cut in the area of ​​the indented indentation forming areas.

[0055] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, after the formation of the indentation forming regions in the hollow cylindrical shapes of the rod-shaped articles, the rod-shaped articles are wrapped by a wrapping material strip, which makes it possible in particular to cover the indentation forming regions or to provide rod-shaped articles with a cylindrical casing.

[0056] During the forming step, the indentation forming areas in the hollow cylindrical molds are pressed radially inward relative to the central longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles or their hollow cylindrical shape. For this purpose, one embodiment provides for the indentation forming areas to be pressed radially inward by means of an indentation device during the transverse axial conveying.

[0057] In one embodiment, the pressing in of the indentation forming areas cut into the hollow cylinder shape can, for example, take place during a transfer of the rod-shaped hollow cylindrical articles from one conveyor drum to another conveyor drum, wherein the conveyor drum receiving the articles has receiving troughs which have elevations or raised areas in the area of ​​the cut indentation forming areas.

[0058] In particular, the cut indentation-forming region is pressed in a dimensionally stable manner by means of the indentation device, which makes it possible, for example, for the position of the indented indentation-forming region to be held by the residual stress. Furthermore, a further development provides for the indented indentation-forming region to be provided with a perforation pattern or perforations, wherein the perforation pattern is, in particular, linear and / or aligned parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical shape of the rod-shaped article. This achieves, for example, a fixation of the respective indented indentation-forming region.Furthermore, it is further possible that the indented indentation molding region of the respective hollow cylindrical shape of the rod-shaped articles is wetted with a fixing solution or the like by means of a wetting device, thereby improving the stability of the indented indentation molding regions.

[0059] In particular, the hollow cylindrical shapes of the rod-shaped products are designed as rollable hollow products, preferably made of paper. For example, paper tubes or the like are produced as rod-shaped articles with the indentation molding areas.

[0060] Furthermore, it is intended that the provided hollow-cylindrical rod-shaped articles with the indented indentation-forming regions be used or employed for the production of other rod-shaped articles, such as multi-segment article groups. The indented indentation-forming regions, for example in multi-segment article groups, serve as product barriers for, for example, product components from adjacent article segments. This prevents displacement of the product components, such as metal strips or the like, within the multi-segment article groups.

[0061] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may fulfill individual features or a combination of several features.

[0062] The invention is described below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, whereby express reference is made to the drawings for all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text. They show: Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a conveyor drum for producing rod-shaped hollow segments; Fig. 2 schematically shows a flow diagram for producing rod-shaped hollow segments; Fig. 3 schematically shows a cross-section through a rod-shaped hollow segment in detail, Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a conveyor arrangement for producing rod-shaped hollow segments, and Fig. 5 schematically shows a detail of a process sequence for producing rod-shaped segment groups with hollow segments. Fig. 6 schematically shows, in simplified form, a sequence of process steps for a process for providing rod-shaped articles for the tobacco processing industry with folded-in hollow sections at the ends; Fig. 7 schematically shows a detail of a drum arrangement for providing hollow-cylindrical rod-shaped articles with indentation forming areas and Fig.8 schematically shows a perspective view of a hollow cylindrical rod-shaped article with an insertion area.

[0063] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with "in particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

[0064] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a repeated presentation is omitted.

[0065] In Fig. 1 a perspective view of a conveyor drum 50 is schematically shown, wherein the conveyor drum 50 is configured to carry out a method according to the invention for producing rod-shaped hollow segments from moldings 60.

[0066] The conveyor drum 50 has a drum body 51 having receiving troughs (not shown here) in the circumferential direction, wherein the preforms 60 transferred to the conveyor drum 50 are conveyed transversely axially in a row one behind the other in the receiving troughs. The preforms 60 are preferably made of paper in a hollow cylinder and each have a first open head end 61 and a second open head end 62.

[0067] Arranged laterally on the receiving troughs of the conveyor drum 50 for the preforms 60 are mandrels 52 for the first head end 61 of the preforms 60. The mandrels 52 can be moved linearly and axially parallel to the rotation axis of the conveyor drum 50 with respect to the stationary receiving troughs by means of a movement mechanism, such as a lifting link (not shown here). The mandrels 52 each have a stop 53 at their ends, which, after the respective mandrel 52 has been inserted into a hollow cylindrical preform 60, is brought into contact with the first head end 61 of the respective preform 60.

[0068] On the side of the receiving troughs opposite the mandrels 52, dies 54 are arranged laterally on the receiving troughs for the blanks 60. The dies 54 each have a cavity for receiving the second head end 62 of the respective blanks 60 (see Fig. 2). The dies 54 on the receiving troughs of the conveyor drum 50 can be moved linearly and parallel to the axis of rotation by means of a corresponding motion linkage and can also be rotated.

[0069] When the preforms 60 are transferred into the receiving troughs of the conveyor drum 50, the preforms 60 are arranged asymmetrically in the receiving troughs so that the preforms 60 protrude laterally beyond the receiving troughs with their second head end 62, so that the second head ends 62 are received into the cavity of the dies 54 by a linear movement of the dies 54. The mandrels 52 and the dies 54 are arranged stationary on the conveyor drum 50 and are rotated about the rotation axis of the conveyor drum 50 with the rotation of the conveyor drum 50.

[0070] After the preforms 60 have been transferred into the receiving troughs of the conveyor drum 50, the preforms 60 are positioned between the laterally arranged mandrels 52 and the laterally arranged dies 54. The mandrels 52 are then moved by means of a corresponding lifting mechanism (not shown here) toward the first head ends 61 of the hollow cylindrical preforms 60 and inserted into the preforms 60 until the head ends 61 of the preforms 60 come into contact with the lateral stop 53. Following this, the dies 54 are moved linearly toward the second head end 62 of the preforms 60, so that after the linear movement of the dies 54, the head ends 62 of the preforms 60 are received in the cavity of the dies 54. Preferably, the linear movement of the dies 54 is superimposed with a rotational movement of the dies 54, so that the dies 54 are rotated about their own axis of rotation during the rotation of the conveyor drum 50.

[0071] In Fig. 2 Various method steps for forming the head end 62 of the blanks 60 using the die 54 are shown schematically in detail. In method step 100, the mandrel 52 is received in the hollow cylindrical blank 60, wherein the front end of the mandrel 52 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the open (second) head end 62. Then, in a subsequent method step 110, the preferably rotationally driven die 54 is moved linearly in the direction of the head end 62 of the blank 60, so that the head end 62 is received in a cavity 56 of the die 54. At the end of the cavity 56, the die 54 has a forming engraving 55, which is brought into contact with the head end 62 of the blank 60, whereby the head end 62 is formed.

[0072] In a further subsequent process step 120, the die 54 is moved linearly away from the head end 62 in the opposite direction, whereby the head end 62 is released onto the conveyor drum 50. Subsequently, the mandrel 52 is withdrawn from the blank 60 by a linear movement. By inserting the head end 62 of the blanks 60 into the respective cavity of the die 54, the head ends 52 are brought into contact with a forming engraving 55 (see Fig. 2 ), so that the head end 62 of the blanks 60 is machined or formed by means of the forming die 55. In a further process step, the blanks 60, with the head end machined by the die 54, are then transferred to subsequent conveyor drums as rod-shaped hollow segments.

[0073] The Fig. 1The conveyor drum shown can, in one embodiment, be a component of a module for providing a segment for a multi-segment rod with several, in particular more than three or four or five or more than five, segments. The module itself can be a component of a multi-segment rod manufacturing machine in the tobacco processing industry. Within the scope of the invention, it is possible for the module or a module to also comprise several conveyor drums, as in Fig. 1 shown, for example, to simultaneously provide two rod-shaped hollow segments on two conveyor tracks. The conveyor drums can be part of a conveyor arrangement with multiple conveyor drums.

[0074] In Fig. 2Furthermore, an air duct 57 of the die 54 is schematically shown in the die 54 for supplying cleaning air to the cavity 56. By supplying cleaning air to the air duct 57, the cavity 56 is permanently protected from contamination, thereby reducing the risk of contamination. Furthermore, by supplying air to the cavity 56, the friction between the blank 60, preferably made of paper, and the inner walls of the cavity 56 is reduced. The die 54 is preferably made of a sintered material.

[0075] In Fig. 3A cross-section through a rod-shaped hollow segment 70 is shown schematically by way of example. The hollow segment 70 is produced from a molding 60 according to the method steps, as described above by way of example, wherein the hollow segment 70 has a flanged collar 72 at the (second) head end 62. The flanged collar 72 has a preferably circular opening 73. The opening 73 of the flanged collar 72 has, for example, a diameter of 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0076] Fig. 4 shows schematically a perspective view of a conveyor arrangement for producing rod-shaped hollow segments, wherein the conveyor arrangement comprises a conveyor drum 50, as exemplified in Figure 1shown and described, and has a conveyor drum 150 arranged upstream of the conveyor drum 50 with respect to the transverse axial conveying direction of the preforms 60. The conveyor drum 150 is identical or similar in construction to the conveyor drum 50, wherein the individual elements of the conveyor drum 150 correspond to the elements of the conveyor drum 50 and are increased by an amount of 100. The conveyor drum 150 has receiving troughs for the hollow cylindrical preforms 60 in the circumferential direction, wherein a row of mandrels 152 and a row of dies 154 for forming the head ends of the preforms are provided to the sides of the receiving troughs. After a first forming of the head ends 62 of the preforms 60 by the dies 154 on the conveyor drum 150, the preformed preforms 60 are conveyed via a conveyor drum (not shown here) to the downstream conveyor drum 50.For example, it is possible for the head ends 62 to be preformed by the dies 154, since the dies 154, for example, have larger radii in the forming engraving, and then the head ends 62 of the blanks 60 are finally formed by the dies 54 on the downstream conveyor drum 50. For this purpose, the die 54 can be designed with smaller radii in the forming engraving.

[0077] Within the scope of the invention, it can further be provided that, for example, a moistening device for the second head ends of the moldings and / or a cutting device or a cutting tool for the second head ends of the moldings can be provided on the conveyor drums having dies or upstream of the conveyor drums having dies in order to prepare the second head ends of the moldings for the forming before the forming of the second head ends.

[0078] In Fig.5A schematic process sequence for the production of rod-shaped segment groups 300 with hollow segments 70 is shown. The rod-shaped segment groups 300 comprise, for example, tobacco segments 200 and hollow segments 70. For the production of the segment groups 300, two tobacco segments 200 arranged longitudinally next to one another are first conveyed transversely. In the illustration of Fig. 5 The tobacco segments are conveyed from right to left, for example on conveyor drums, in a transverse axial direction.

[0079] After providing pairs of tobacco segments 200, a hollow cylindrical molded article 160 is placed on the outer sides of each pair of tobacco segments 200, so that the tobacco segments 200 of a pair are arranged between the outer molded articles 160. Subsequently, the outer molded articles 160 are spaced apart from one another longitudinally axially, so that a gap or spacing is created or formed between the respective molded article 160 and the tobacco segment 200.

[0080] After spacing the preforms 160 from tobacco segments 200, mandrels 152.1, 152.2 are inserted into the preforms 160 from the outside at the outer head ends of the preforms 160. In addition, a molded part or a die 154.1, 154.2 is inserted between the tobacco segments 200 and the inner head ends of the preforms 160, wherein the head end of the preform 160 facing the die 154.1, 154.2 is then deformed by a linear relative movement between the respective die 154.1, 154.2 and the preform 160, so that hollow segments 70 are formed. Subsequently, the formed blanks 160 or the hollow segments 70 formed with a deformed head end are moved away or removed from the respective die 154.1, 154.2 and the mandrels 152.1, 152.2 are pulled out of the formed blanks 160. Thereafter, the formed blanks 160 orHollow segments 70 are moved in the longitudinal axial direction in the direction of the pairs of tobacco segments 200 arranged therebetween, so that the head ends of the moldings 160 or hollow segments 70 are arranged at the head ends of the tobacco segments 200 facing the moldings 160 or hollow segments 70, thereby forming rod-shaped segment groups 300. In the further course, it is preferably provided that in further (not shown) method steps, further rod-shaped segments are supplied to the segment groups 300.

[0081] A simplified sequence of process steps for a method for providing rod-shaped articles with folded hollow sections at the ends is described in Fig. 6 presented schematically.

[0082] In a first method step A, a rod-shaped article 80 is produced, wherein the rod-shaped article 80 has a central article segment 81 and two adjacent article segments 82. The rod-shaped article 80 or its article segments 81, 82 are wrapped by a wrapping strip 85, wherein the wrapping strip 85 protrudes at the two free head ends of the article segments 82, whereby a cylindrical hollow section 83 is formed at both head ends.

[0083] The cylindrical hollow sections 83 are folded using dies (not shown) at the two head ends, preferably in an intermediate step, as shown schematically in process step B.

[0084] In subsequent steps, the rod-shaped article 80 is cut in the middle, whereby the central article segment 81 is cut into two article segments 81.1, thus forming two article pieces 80.1, 80.2. The article pieces 80.1, 80.2 cut from the article 80 are then turned by 180°, for example, by a turning process, and spaced apart longitudinally axially. In subsequent steps, hollow article segments 84 and another rod-shaped article segment 86 are inserted between the article pieces 80.1, 80.2. The formed multi-segment article group is then wrapped by a wrapping strip 87 (see process step C).

[0085] In Fig. 7A partial view of a drum assembly T for providing hollow cylindrical, rod-shaped articles with indentation forming areas is schematically shown, wherein the drum assembly is configured to carry out a method for providing rod-shaped, hollow cylindrical articles for the tobacco processing industry with indentation forming areas. The drum assembly T is, for example, a component of a multi-segment article manufacturing machine or the like. Fig. 8 also shows schematically in a perspective view a hollow cylindrical rod-shaped article 90 with a formed and indented indentation forming area 92.

[0086] The drum arrangement T has a conveyor drum 91 on which manufactured hollow cylindrical rod-shaped articles 90, such as paper or paper tubes, are arranged in receiving troughs and are conveyed transversely axially while the conveyor drum 91 rotates. In particular, the rod-shaped articles 90 have a hollow cylindrical shape. Two cutting blades 93 arranged side by side are arranged on the conveyor drum 91, so that two parallel cuts are made in the hollow cylindrical shape of the articles 90, whereby an indentation forming region 92 is formed in the hollow cylindrical shape (see FIG. Fig. 8 ).

[0087] After the cuts have been made into the hollow cylindrical shape of the articles 90, the rod-shaped articles 90 are conveyed to a forming drum 95 arranged on the conveyor drum 91, wherein the forming drum 95 has indentation bodies 96 as elevations on its outer side, wherein the indentation forming regions 92 are pressed in in the radial direction of the rod-shaped articles 90 by means of the indentation bodies 96. The rod-shaped articles 90 formed with the indented indentation forming regions 92 are then conveyed further and, if necessary, made available for further processing to produce multi-segment articles.

[0088] All mentioned features, including those that can be inferred from the drawings alone, as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features. List of reference symbols

[0089] 50 Conveyor drum 51 Drum body 52 Mandrel 53 Stop 54 Die 55 Forming engraving 56 Cavity 57 Air duct 60 Blank 61 First head end 62 Second head end 70 Hollow segment 72 Flanged collar 73 Opening 80 Rod-shaped article 80.1, 80.2 Article piece 81 Article segment 81.1 Article segment 82 Article segment 83 Hollow section 84 Article segment 85 Wrapping strip 87 Wrapping strip 90 Rod-shaped article 91 Conveyor drum 92 Indentation forming area 93 Cutting blade 95 Forming drum 96 Indentation body 100 Process step 110 Process step 120 Process step 150 Conveyor drum 151 Drum body 152 Mandrel 152.1, 152.2Mandrel 154Die 154.1, 154.2Die 160Forming 200Tobacco segment 300Segment group Drum arrangement

Claims

1. A method for producing rod-shaped hollow segments (70) for the tobacco processing industry, wherein hollow cylindrical, in particular tubular, blanks (60) are conveyed in a row transversely axially one behind the other, wherein the hollow cylindrical blanks (60) have a first, preferably open, head end (61) and a second, preferably open, head end (62), wherein for each blank (60) or several blanks (60) the following method steps are carried out: a) a, preferably first, mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) for the blank (60) is introduced into the first head end (61) of the blank (60) by a linear relative movement between the, in particular first, mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) and the blank (60), b) by a linear relative movement between a die (54) having a cavity (56) and the The second head end (62) of the blank (60) is preferably used together with the inserted mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2), introduced into the cavity (56) of the die (54) for the second head end (62) of the blank (60), c) the second head end (62) of the blank (60) is formed, in particular reshaped, by a, in particular linear and / or rotary, relative movement between the second head end (62) of the blank (60) and the die (54), d) the blank (60) with the formed second head end (62) is moved out of the die (54) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank (60) and the die (54), and / or the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) is moved out of the first head end (61) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank (60) and the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2 moved out.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in particular upstream, before process step c), in particular and before or after process step a), at least the second head end (62) of the molding (60) is moistened, in particular by a moistening device.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that , in particular upstream, before process step c), in particular and before or after process step a), the second head end (62) of the molding (60) is machined, in particular cut, by means of a machining tool, in particular a cutting tool.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatthe second head end (62) of the blank (60) is flanged after introduction into the cavity (56) by means of the die (54), so that the second head end (62) has an end-side constriction with a, in particular annular, flange collar (72), wherein in particular the die (54) in the cavity (56) has a forming engraving (55), in particular a flanging engraving, for flanging the second head end (62) of the blank (60) and / or wherein in particular the end-side flange collar (72) has a, preferably central and / or circular, opening (73), wherein further in particular the opening (73) of the flange collar (72) has a diameter of 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm, and / or that the die (54) during or after introduction of the second head end (62) of the blank (60) into the Cavity (56) is rotated relative to the, in particular stationary, molding (60) and / or that after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) the blank (60) is fixed in its, in particular linear, relative movement to the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) and / or that during or after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) into the blank (60) the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) is expanded, in particular in the radial direction, or that during or after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) into the blank (60) the blank (60) is pressurized with compressed air via at least one outlet opening of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) has a lateral stop (53) for the first head end (61) of the preform (60), wherein the preform is moved against the stop (53), in particular after method step b) and before method step c), and / or that the method steps are carried out during the transverse axial conveyance of the preforms (60) on at least one conveying element, in particular a conveying drum (50, 150), or exclusively on one conveying element, in particular a conveying drum.

6. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in thatthe processing of the second head end (62) of the blank (60) upstream of process step c), in particular before process step a), is carried out by carrying out the process steps: i) a further, in particular second, mandrel (152) for the blank (60) is introduced into the first head end (61) of the blank (60) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the further mandrel (152) and the blank (60), ii) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between a further, in particular second die (154) having a cavity (56) for the second head end (62) of the blank (60) and the blank (60), the second head end (62) of the blank (60), preferably together with the introduced mandrel (152), is introduced into the cavity (56) of the further, in particular second, die (154), iii) by a, in particular linear,By means of a relative movement between the second head end (62) of the blank (60) and the die (154), the second head end (62) of the blank (60) is machined, in particular cut, iv) by means of a relative movement, in particular a linear movement, between the blank (60) and the further die (154), the blank (60) with the machined second head end (62) is moved out of the further die (154) and / or by means of a relative movement, in particular a linear movement, between the blank (60) and the mandrel (152), the mandrel (152) is moved out of the first head end (61).

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in thatthe process steps i) to iv) and the process steps a) to d) are each carried out on different conveying elements, in particular conveyor drums, wherein in particular the process steps i) to iv) are carried out during the transverse axial conveying of the moldings (60) on one conveyor element, in particular a conveyor drum, and the process steps a) to d) are carried out during the transverse axial conveying of the moldings (60) on a subsequent conveyor element, in particular a conveyor drum, and / or that after the execution of the process steps i) to iv), in particular on, preferably exclusively, one conveyor drum (150) for the moldings (60), the processed moldings (60) are transferred to a subsequent conveyor element, in particular a conveyor drum, and the process steps a) to d) are carried out on the subsequent conveyor element and / or that after the process step iii), the second head end (62) of the molding (60),in particular by a moistening device, and / or that the further die (154) is moved linearly relative to the, in particular stationary, molding (60) during or after introduction of the second head end (62) of the molding (60) into the cavity (56) and / or that after introduction of the further mandrel (152) into the molding (60), the molding (60) is fixed in its, in particular linear, movement relative to the mandrel (152). and / or that during or after insertion of the further mandrel (152) into the preform (60), the mandrel (152) is expanded, in particular in the radial direction, and / or that during or after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) into the preform (60), the preform (60) is pressurized with compressed air via at least one outlet opening of the mandrel (152) and / or the further mandrel (152) has a lateral stop for the first head end (61) of the preform (60), wherein the preform, in particular after process step ii) and before process step iii),is moved against the stop., 8. Device for producing rod-shaped hollow segments (70) of the tobacco processing industry, wherein hollow cylindrical, in particular tubular, moldings (60) are or can be conveyed transversely axially one behind the other in a row, wherein the hollow cylindrical moldings (60) have a first, preferably open, head end (61) and a second, preferably open, head end (62), wherein the device is preferably designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in thatthe device comprises a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor drum, for the transverse axial transport of the hollow cylindrical moldings (60) one behind the other in at least one row along a conveyor path, wherein the conveyor device, in particular a drum arrangement with one or more conveyor drums (50, 150), has receiving troughs for the moldings (60), wherein preferably first mandrels (52, 152) are provided laterally on the receiving troughs of the conveyor device for insertion into the first head end (61) of the moldings (60), wherein a movement means is provided for inserting the preferably first mandrels (52, 152) for each molding (60) in a preferably linear relative movement between the, in particular first, mandrel and the molding (60) into the first head end (61) of the molding (60), wherein in particular the movement means is configured, after one or the forming of the second head end (62) of the molding (60) by a or the die (54),by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the preform (60) and the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) to move the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) out of the first head end (61), and / or that along the conveying path of the preforms (60), opposite the, preferably first, mandrels (52, 152) for the first head end (61) of the preforms (60), laterally on the receiving troughs, in particular first, dies (54) with cavities (56) for receiving the second head ends (62) of the preforms (60) are arranged, wherein a movement means is provided in order to move the second head end (62) of the preform (60), preferably together with the introduced mandrel, into the cavity (56) of the die (54) for the second head end (62) of the blank (60), wherein in particular the movement device is arrangedafter forming the second head end (62) of the blanks (60) by one or the die (54), to move the blank (60) with the formed second head end (62) out of the die (54) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank (60) and the die (54).

10. Device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in thata movement means is provided in order to shape, in particular to reshape, the second head end (62) of the molding (60) by a relative movement, in particular a linear and / or rotary movement, between the second head end (62) of the molding (60) and the die (54), and / or that the device upstream of the shaping of the second head ends of the moldings (60) along the conveying path of the moldings (60) has a moistening device for the second head ends (62) of the moldings (60) and / or that the, in particular first, dies (54) in the cavity (56) have a forming engraving (55) for flanging the second head end (62) of the molding (60).

11. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in thatthe mandrels (52, 152) each have a fixing device for the preforms (60), so that after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) into the preform (60), the preform (60) is fixed in its, in particular linear, relative movement to the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) and / or that the mandrels (52, 152) each have at least one outlet opening that can be pressurized with compressed air, so that during or after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) into the preform (60), the mandrel (152) is expanded, in particular in the radial direction, and / or that during or after insertion of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) into the preform (60), the preform (60) is guided via at least one outlet opening of the mandrel (52, 152.1, 152.2) is pressurized with compressed air and / or that the mandrels (52, 152) each have a lateral stop for the first head end (61) of the molding (60).

12. Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in thatthe device upstream of the forming of the second head ends (62) of the preforms (60) along the conveying path of the preforms (60) has at least one processing tool, in particular a cutting tool, for the second head ends (62) of the preforms (60), wherein in particular the processing tool is designed as a second die (154) having a cavity (56) for the second head ends (62) of the preforms (60), wherein furthermore in particular in the cavity (56) of the second die (154) a cutting contour for the second head end (62) of the preforms (60) is formed.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in thatfor the processing of the second head ends (62) of the preforms (60) by the processing tools, in particular cutting tools, the device comprises a conveyor device, in particular a conveyor drum, for the transverse axial transport of the hollow cylindrical preforms (60) one behind the other in at least one row along a conveyor path, wherein the conveyor device, in particular a drum arrangement with one or more conveyor drums, has receiving troughs for the preforms (60), wherein further, preferably second, mandrels (152) are provided laterally on the receiving troughs of the conveyor device for insertion into the first head end (61) of the preforms (60), wherein a movement means is provided for inserting the further, preferably second, mandrels (152) for each preform (60) in a linear relative movement between the further, in particular second, mandrel (152) and the preform (60) into the first head end (61) of the preform (60),wherein, in particular, the movement means is configured to move the mandrel (152) out of the first head end (61) after machining of the second head end (62) of the blank (60) by the machining tool, by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank (60) and the mandrel (152), and / or that along the conveying path of the blanks (60), opposite the further, preferably second, mandrels (52, 152) for the first head end (61) of the blanks (60), further, in particular second, dies (154) with cavities (56) for receiving the second head ends of the blanks (60) are arranged laterally on the receiving troughs, wherein a movement means is provided to move the second head end (61) of the blank (60), preferably together with the introduced mandrel, by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the further, preferably second, dies (154) and the respective blank (60). (152),into the cavity (56) of the further die (154) for the second head end (62) of the blank (60), wherein in particular the movement device is designed, after one or the processing of the second head end (62) of the blanks (60) by the processing tool, to move the blank (60) with the shaped second head end (62) out of the further die (154) by a, in particular linear, relative movement between the blank (60) and the further die (154).

14. Device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in thatthe first dies (54) are formed from a sintered material and / or that the second dies (154) are made from a sintered material and / or that the cavity (56) of the first dies (54) has an air guide line (57), wherein the air guide line (57) can be supplied with compressed air, and / or that the cavity (56) of the second dies (54) has an air guide line (57), wherein the air guide line (57) can be supplied with compressed air.

15. Multi-segment rod manufacturing machine of the tobacco processing industry for producing multi-segment rods with several, in particular four or more than four or five or more than five, segments, with several modules for providing individual, transversely axially conveyed segments, wherein at least one or more modules each have at least one device according to one of claims 8 to 14.

Images