Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a filter rod manufacturing machine and a filter
rod manufacturing method for manufacturing a filter rod several times longer than
a filter prior to manufacturing of a filter cigarette including a thread into which
an additive liquid is impregnated inside the filter.
Background Art
[0002] A manufacturing machine of this type includes a wrapping section for wrapping a filter
tow with a wrapping material into a rod shape to form a tow rod, a cutting unit so
disposed downstream of this wrapping section as to cut the tow rod into filter rods,
and a thread feed-out unit for feeding an additive-impregnated thread into the filter
tow in a process of conveying the filter tow toward the wrapping section (see FIG.
3 of Patent Document 1, for example). Hence, each filter rod includes the additive-impregnated
thread in its filter tow.
[0003] Specifically, the thread feed-out unit of Patent Document 1 includes a feed-out path
of a thread member extending from a feed reel of the thread toward the wrapping section
and a liquid tank disposed in this feed path, an additive liquid is reserved in this
liquid tank, and a flavor is dissolved in this additive liquid. The thread member
is conveyed through the additive liquid in the liquid tank before being fed into the
filter tow, thereby impregnating the additive liquid into the thread member to obtain
the additive-impregnated thread.
Prior Art Document
Patent Document
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be solved by the Invention
[0005] The above described thread feed-out unit of Patent Document 1 further includes a
thread guide and a thread nozzle in the thread feed-out path downstream of the liquid
tank, and the thread guide and the thread nozzle enable the additive-impregnated thread
to be accurately fed into the filter tow.
[0006] Unfortunately, if the additive-impregnated thread slidingly comes into direct contact
with the thread guide and the thread nozzle, the additive-impregnated thread is compressed
by the thread guide and the thread nozzle, so that the additive liquid may be squeezed
from the additive-impregnated thread. This causes variation in impregnated amount
of the additive liquid into the additive-impregnated thread, that is, variation in
content of the additive per filter rod, and this variation deteriorates quality of
the filter rods. The above mentioned Patent Document 2 describes a filter rod manufacturing
machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a filter rod manufacturing method
according to the preamble of claim 6.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a filter rod manufacturing machine
and a filter rod manufacturing method capable of effectively reducing variation in
impregnated amount in terms of the impregnated amount of an additive liquid contained
in an additive-impregnated thread in each filter rod.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0008] The above object is achieved by a filter rod manufacturing machine according to new
claim 1.
[0009] According to the above described manufacturing machine, the thread member is fed
into the filter tow located more downstream than the merging position between the
filter tow and the wrapping material, and the additive liquid is discharged toward
this thread member at the same time. Specifically, the additive-impregnated thread
made by impregnating the additive liquid into the thread member is not formed outside
the filter tow, but inside the filter during conveyance of the filter tow in a web
shape;
a wrapping section for respectively receiving the converged filter tow and a wrapping
material at a merging position defined to be downstream of the tow converging section
if viewed in a conveyance direction of the filter tow so as to wrap the filter tow
with the wrapping material into a tow rod;
a thread feed-out nozzle for guiding a thread member toward the wrapping section,
the thread feed-out nozzle including a thread feed-out end located more downstream
than the merging position, the thread feed-out nozzle feeding the thread member from
the thread feed-out end into the filter tow, thereby forming the tow rod including
the thread member thereinside;
a liquid supply nozzle extending along the thread feed-out nozzle to supply an additive
liquid to be impregnated into the thread member, the liquid supply nozzle including
a liquid discharge outlet so located more downstream than the thread feed-out end
as to discharge the additive liquid toward the thread member fed from the thread feed-out
end; and
a cutting unit so located downstream of the wrapping section as to cut the tow rod
into filter rods, each having a predetermined length.
[0010] According to the above described manufacturing machine, the thread member is fed
into the filter tow located more downstream than the merging position between the
filter tow and the wrapping material, and the additive liquid is discharged toward
this thread member at the same time. Specifically, the additive-impregnated thread
made by impregnating the additive liquid into the thread member is not formed outside
the filter tow, but inside the filter tow; thus it is possible to eliminate the aforementioned
thread guider and thread nozzle for leading the additive-impregnated thread into the
filter tow.
[0011] Hence, the additive-impregnated thread does not slidingly come into direct contact
with the thread guide and the thread nozzle; therefore, it is prevented that the thread
guide and the thread nozzle squeeze the additive liquid from the additive-impregnated
thread, and then the squeezed additive liquid adheres to the thread guide and the
thread nozzle. Accordingly, variation in impregnated amount of the additive liquid
is suppressed in terms of the impregnated amount of the additive liquid contained
in the additive-impregnated thread per filter rod.
[0012] The wrapping section includes the tong so located downstream of the merging position
as to squeeze the filter tow into a rod shape, and in this case, the thread feed-out
end and the liquid discharge outlet are preferably disposed inside the tong.
[0013] If the thread feed-out end and the liquid discharge outlet are disposed inside the
tong as described above, the thread feed-out end and the liquid discharge outlet are
surrounded by the filter tow in a process of forming the filter tow into a rod shape.
Hence, even if part of the additive liquid discharged from the liquid discharge outlet
is not impregnated into the thread member, the part of the additive liquid is prevented
from adhering to the adjacent filter tow, and thus the tong and the wrapping material
are prevented from being unclean with this additive liquid.
[0014] The liquid discharge outlet is preferably disposed at the front end of the liquid
supply nozzle. This configuration minimizes the insertion length of the liquid supply
nozzle into the tong.
[0015] In addition, the liquid supply nozzle may extend immediately under the thread feed-out
nozzle, and the liquid discharge outlet may upwardly open. In this case, the additive
liquid upwardly discharged from the liquid discharge outlet is so applied to the lower
surface of the thread member as to be impregnated into the thread member. With the
liquid discharge outlet upwardly opening, the additive liquid is prevented from oozing
out from the liquid discharge outlet because of gravity even if the additive liquid
is stopped to be discharged from the liquid discharge outlet.
[0016] In addition, it is preferable that the liquid supply nozzle and the thread feed-out
nozzle are integrally supported by a common holder plate.
[0017] The present invention also provides a filter rod manufacturing method carried out
by the aforementioned manufacturing machine.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0018] The filter rod manufacturing machine and the filter rod manufacturing method of the
present invention form the additive-impregnated thread in the filter tow; therefore,
it is possible to effectively suppress variation in impregnated amount of the additive
liquid in terms of the impregnated amount of the additive liquid contained in the
additive-impregnated liquid per filter rod.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a filter cigarette.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a partially broken filter rod used for forming
a filer of the filter cigarette of FIG 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a part of a manufacturing machine for manufacturing
the filter rod of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a thread feed unit included in the manufacturing machine
of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the partially enlarged thread feed unit of FIG.
4.
FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining operation of the thread feed unit of FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing CV values between Examples and Comparative Examples in terms
of amount of menthol contained in a flavor-impregnated thread per filter rod.
FIG. 8 is a graph showing CV values in Examples in which the impregnated amount of
the menthol into the additive-impregnated thread is increased.
Mode for Carrying out the Invention
[0020] With reference to FIG. 1, a filter cigarette FC includes a cigarette C, and a filter
F connected to a base end of the cigarette C by wrapping them with a tipping paper
TP. The filter F includes a flavor-impregnated thread FT thereinside, and the flavor-impregnated
thread FT contains a flavor.
[0021] Specifically, the filter F is produced by cutting a filter rod FR shown in FIG. 2.
The filter rod FR includes a filter tow T formed of a bundle of acetate fibers, a
wrapping material for wrapping the filter tow T into a rod shape, that is, a wrapping
paper WP, and the flavor-impregnated thread FT disposed at a center of the filter
tow T.
[0022] FIG. 3 schematically shows a structural outline of a manufacturing machine of the
filter rod FR, and a manufacturing method of the filter rod FR carried out by this
manufacturing machine will be apparent from the following description according to
the manufacturing machine.
[0023] The manufacturing machine includes a tow bale formed of acetate fibers, that is,
the filter tow T in a web shape, and the filter tow T forms a pile 12 on a wagon 10.
A conveyance path 16 of the filter tow T extends from the pile 12 toward a tow converging
section 14, and in this conveyance path 16, there are sequentially disposed a ring
guide 18, a first banding jet 20, a second banding jet 22, pretension rolls 24, blooming
rolls 26, a third banding jet 28, an plasticizer applying unit 30, and conveyance
rolls 32 in the order from the pile 12 of the filter tow T.
[0024] The first to third banding jets 20, 22, 28 respectively inject compressed air to
the filter tow T, and this injection of the compressed air opens crimped acetate fibers,
thus opening the filter tow T. The pretension rolls 24 apply a predetermined tension
to the filter tow T, and the blooming rolls 26 stretch out the filter tow T incorporation
with the pretension rolls 24 therebetween.
[0025] When the filter tow T is conveyed through the applying unit 30, the applying unit
30 evenly applies liquid triacetin as a plasticizer to the filter tow T. Subsequently,
the filter tow T is conveyed from the conveyance rolls 32 to the tow converging section
14.
[0026] In the present embodiment, the tow converging section 14 includes a trumpet jet 34
and a trumpet guide 36, and the trumpet jet 34 and the trumpet guide 36 are disposed
sequentially in the order from the conveyance rolls 32 in a manner as to be adjacent
to each other. The trumpet jet 34 generates a compressed air flow thereinside to flow
toward the trumpet guide 36, and this compressed air flow converges the filter tow
T conveyed from the conveyance rolls 32 into a cylindrical shape in the trumpet jet
34 (tow converging step) to introduce this filter tow T into the trumpet guide 36.
Subsequently, the filter tow T in a cylindrical shape entering the trumpet guide 36
once expands in its radial direction, and then is conveyed toward a wrapping section
38.
[0027] The wrapping section 38 includes a forming bed 40, and this forming bed 40 extends
in the horizontal direction, and has a starting end 40a located near the trumpet guide
36 and a terminal end 40b spaced apart from the trumpet guide 36. There is provided
a forming groove (not shown) on an upper surface of the forming bed 40, and this forming
groove extends from the starting end 40a to the terminal end 40b. Specifically, the
forming groove is configured to be flat at the starting end 40a, but gradually increased
in depth toward the terminal end 40b while its width is gradually decreased toward
the terminal end 40b. Accordingly, the forming groove has a semi-circular cross section
at the terminal end 40b.
[0028] A part of a garniture tape 42 is disposed in the forming groove. This garniture tape
42 is formed to be endless, and is wound around a driving drum 44 below the forming
bed 40 at a predetermined winding angle, and is guided by plural guide rollers 46
at the same time. As apparent from FIG. 3, one of the guide rollers 46 is disposed
immediately under the trumpet guide 36. When the driving drum 44 is rotated, the above
described part of the garniture tape 42 travels on the forming groove of the forming
bed 40 from the starting end 40a toward the terminal end 40b of the forming bed 40.
[0029] Meanwhile, on the forming bed 40, a paper web PW is laid over the garniture tape
42, and this paper web PW is led from a web roll WR through plural guide rollers 48
onto the garniture tape 42. One of these guide rollers 48 is disposed adjacent to
the above described guide rollers 46 immediately under the trumpet guide 36.
[0030] Spray guns 50, 52 are disposed in a feed path of the paper web PW. The spray gun
50 applies a rail glue at the center of the paper web PW if viewed in the width direction
of the paper web PW, while the spray gun 52 applies a lap glue at one side edge of
the paper web PW.
[0031] The filter tow T fed through the trumpet guide 36 is laid over the paper web PW at
a merging position MP defined at or in front of the starting end 40a of the forming
bed 40, and is bonded to the paper web PW with the rail glue. Thereafter, the paper
web PW and the filter tow T travel together with the garniture tape 42 on the forming
bed 40 along the forming groove.
[0032] Immediately above the forming bed 40, a tong 54, a former 56, a heater 58, and a
cooler 60 are disposed sequentially in the order from the starting end 40a. When filter
tow T together with the paper web PW and the garniture tape T travel through the tong
54, the tong 54 squeezes the filter tow T from above (squeezing process) to compressively
form the filter tow T into a rod shape in cooperation with the forming groove of the
forming bed 40. At this time, the garniture tape 42 and the paper web PW are bent
in a U shape along the forming groove in a manner as to wrap up the filter tow T therewith
from below.
[0033] Specifically, the tong 54 defines a compressive forming passage in cooperation with
the forming groove of the forming bed 40, and this compressive forming passage has
a ceiling surface defined by the tong 54, and this ceiling surface has a shape of
an upside-down forming groove. Accordingly, the compressive forming passage has a
circular cross section at the terminal end 40b of the forming bed 40, that is, the
terminal end of the compressive forming passage.
[0034] Thereafter, during conveyance of the filter tow T, the paper web PW, and the garniture
tape 42 all together through the former 56, the paper web PW is sequentially bent
at its both side edges toward the filter tow T via the garniture tape 42. Accordingly,
the both side edges of the paper web PW are laid over each other on the filter tow
T in a manner as to be adhesively bonded to each other with the aforementioned lap
glue into a lap portion. At this time, the filter tow T is completely wrapped up with
the paper web PW (wrapping step) into the tow rod TR.
[0035] Thereafter, the tow rod TR is provided with firm bonding at its lap portion during
traveling through the heater 58 and the cooler 60.
[0036] A cutting unit 70 is disposed immediately downstream of the wrapping section 38,
and the tow rod TR is conveyed through this cutting unit 70. At this time, the cutting
unit 70 cuts the tow rod TR in a predetermined length into individual filter rods
FR (cutting step).
[0037] The filter rods FR formed in this manner are received by a receiver 72 from the cutting
unit 70, and thereafter, are conveyed toward a manufacturing machine of filter cigarettes,
that is, a filter installation machine.
[0038] In this filter installation machine, the filter rod FR is cut into double filters,
each having a length twice as long as that of the filter F. The double filter is disposed
between two cigarettes C, and the cigarettes and the double filter are connected by
being wrapped with the tipping paper to be formed into a double filter cigarette.
Thereafter, the double filter cigarette is cut into individual filter cigarettes.
[0039] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the aforementioned the filter rod FR manufacturing
machine further includes a thread feed unit 74 for embedding the flavor-impregnated
thread FT in the tow rod TR, and the details of this thread feed unit 74 are shown
in FIG. 4.
[0040] The thread feed unit 74 includes a thread feed-out nozzle 76. The thread feed-out
nozzle 76 is formed of a pipe member, and extends from the outside of the tow converging
section 14 through the tow converging section 14 toward the wrapping section 38.
[0041] Specifically, the thread feed-out nozzle 76 extends through the trumpet jet 34 and
the trumpet guide 36, and has its both ends, that is, an inlet end 78 and a thread
feed-out end (thread feed-out position) 80. The inlet end 78 is located outside the
trumpet jet 34, and the thread feed-out end 80 is located more downstream than the
above described merging position MP if viewed in the conveyance direction of the filter
tow T. In the present embodiment, as apparent from FIG. 4, the thread feed-out end
80 enters the tong 54, and has an opening toward the downstream if viewed in the conveyance
direction of the filter tow T. In addition, supposing a horizontal axial line (not
shown) extending through the center of the circular terminal end in the aforementioned
compressive forming passage, the thread feed-out end 80 is located on this axial line.
[0042] The thread feed-out nozzle 76 receives a thread member S at the inlet end 78, and
guides the received thread member S toward the thread feed-out end 80 so as to feed
this thread member S from the thread feed-out end 80 into the tong 54 (thread feed-out
step). The thread member S is fed from a thread feed source 82, and led to the inlet
end 78 of the thread feed-out nozzle 76. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the thread
feed source 82 includes a thread reel around which the thread S is wounded, and a
feed roll and the like for feeding the thread member S from the thread reel along
a guide path toward the thread feed-out nozzle 76; and FIG. 4 shows a guide roller
84 which is one of components defining the guide path, and this guide roller 84 is
disposed in the vicinity of the inlet end 78.
[0043] The thread feed unit 74 further includes a liquid supply nozzle 86. The liquid supply
nozzle 86 is also formed of a pipe member, and extends along the thread feed-out nozzle
76. Specifically, the liquid supply nozzle 86 also extends through the trumpet jet
34 and the trumpet guide 36. As apparent from FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the
liquid supply nozzle 86 is located immediately under the thread feed-out nozzle 76,
and has a front end located inside the tong 54, that is, a liquid discharge outlet
(liquid discharging position) 88. This liquid discharge outlet 88 upwardly opens more
downstream than the thread feed-out end 80. Hence, the liquid discharge outlet 88
is located immediately under the thread member S fed out from the thread feed-out
end 80, and opens toward the lower surface of this thread member S.
[0044] Specifically, as apparent from FIG. 5, the front end of the liquid supply nozzle
86 is formed as a closed end 90, and the liquid discharge outlet 88 is formed by obliquely
cutting off the upper portion of the liquid supply nozzle 86 in a predetermined length
from the closed end 90. It should be noted that the lower portion of the closed end
90 still remains.
[0045] Meanwhile, the liquid supply nozzle 86 projects from the trumpet jet 34, and is integrally
supported together with the thread feed-out nozzle 76 by a holder plate 92. With this
integral support of the liquid supply nozzle 86 and the thread feed-out nozzle 76
relative to the holder plate 92, by simply installing the liquid supply nozzle 86
and the thread feed-out nozzle 76 to the holder plate 92 at respective predetermined
installation positions, it is possible to automatically determine positioning of the
liquid discharge outlet 88 and the thread feed-out end 80 inside the tong 54, as well
as relative positioning between the thread feed-out end 80 and the liquid discharge
outlet 88. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to perform subsequent positional adjustment
of the thread feed-out end 80 and the liquid discharge outlet 88, and it is possible
to reduce variation in addition of the flavor liquid as well as it is effective for
enhancement of productivity.
[0046] In addition, the liquid supply nozzle 86 is connected to a liquid supply pipe 94
at the holder plate 92, and this liquid supply pipe 94 extends toward a liquid supply
source 96 so as to be connected to this liquid supply source 96. The liquid supply
source 96 is capable of quantitatively supplying the flavor liquid through the liquid
supply pipe 94 to the liquid supply nozzle 86. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the liquid
supply source 96 includes a liquid tank for reserving the flavor liquid, and a quantitative
pump for supplying the flavor liquid from this liquid tank.
[0047] In the case of the present embodiment, the flavor liquid contains propylene glycol
(PG) as a solvent and menthol (M) as a flavor dissolved in this propylene glycol.
[0048] According to the above described thread feed unit 74, the thread member S is fed
from the thread feed-out end 80 of the thread feed-out nozzle 76 (thread feed-out
step) into the center of the filter tow T entering the tong 54 (during the squeezing
process); meanwhile, in FIG. 6, the flavor liquid is discharged obliquely upward from
the liquid discharge outlet 88 of the liquid supply nozzle 86, that is, toward the
thread member S as shown by an arrow L in FIG. 6 (liquid discharging step). The flavor
liquid discharged in this manner is applied to the thread member S, and is impregnated
into the thread member S during the process of forming the tow rod TR. As a result,
the tow rod TR, that is, the filter rod FR formed from the tow rod TR includes the
flavor-impregnated thread FT at the center thereof.
[0049] As aforementioned, the flavor liquid is applied to the thread member S fed from the
thread feed-out end 80 of the thread feed-out nozzle 76, and subsequently, the thread
member S to which the flavor liquid is applied, that is, the flavor-impregnated thread
FT is surround by the filter tow T; thus the flavor-impregnated thread FT comes into
contact with the filter tow T, but out of contact with the thread feed-out nozzle
76 and the peripheral mechanical components, such as the tong 54, the garniture tape
42, and the forming bed 40. Hence, the flavor liquid once impregnated into the flavor-impregnated
thread FT is unlikely to ooze out from the flavor-impregnated thread FT. Even if the
flavor liquid oozes out from the flavor-impregnated thread FT, the flavor liquid in
this state adheres to only the filter tow T, but is prevented from adhering to the
thread feed-out nozzle 76 and the peripheral mechanical components.
[0050] Accordingly, if the flavor liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge outlet
88 at a constant discharge rate, it is possible to effectively suppress variation
in impregnated amount of the flavor liquid in terms of the amount of the flavor liquid
impregnated into the flavor-impregnated thread FT per filter rod FR. As aforementioned,
even if part of the flavor liquid adheres to the filter tow T, the content of the
flavor liquid per filter rod FR becomes constant.
[0051] Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, because the liquid discharge
outlet 88 upwardly opens, the flavor liquid is prevented from dropping from the liquid
discharge outlet 88 because of gravity even if the operation of the manufacturing
machine is stopped, that is, the flavor liquid is stopped to be supplied from the
liquid supply source 96. Hence, the peripheral mechanical components are prevented
from becoming unclean with the flavor liquid; therefore, it is possible to reduce
load required for cleaning the mechanical components.
[0052] With respect to filter rods FR of Examples E1, E2 manufactured by the aforementioned
manufacturing machine, the following Table 1 shows measurement results of respective
average values of the amount of menthol M contained in the flavor-impregnated thread
FT and respective CV values thereof. In Table 1, Qo and M amount respectively represent
a target content and actual impregnated amount of the menthol M per flavor-impregnated
thread FT.
[0053] Table 1 also shows results of the same measurement on filter rods of Comparative
Examples C1 to C3 manufactured by the manufacturing machine of Patent Document 1.
The difference between Examples E1 and E2, and the differences among Comparative Examples
C1 to C3 represent respective differences in manufacturing date.
[Table 1]
|
|
Qo (g/filter rod) |
Number of filter rods N |
M amount (g/filter rod) |
Example E1 |
Average |
0.026 |
10 |
0.024 |
CV value(%) |
2.81 |
Example E2 |
Average |
0.026 |
10 |
0.025 |
CV value(%) |
3.60 |
Comparative Example C1 |
Average |
0.026 |
5 |
0.0245 |
CV value(%) |
9.65 |
Comparative Example C2 |
Average |
0.026 |
5 |
0.0245 |
CV value(%) |
17.57 |
Comparative Example C3 |
Average |
0.026 |
5 |
0.0253 |
CV value(%) |
12.18 |
[0054] FIG. 7 shows the CV values of the menthol M in Table 1 in a bar graph. As apparent
from FIG. 7, the CV values of Examples E1, E2 are significantly reduced compared with
the CV values of Comparative Examples C1 to C3. This means that the amount of the
menthol M contained per filter rod FR, that is, per filter F becomes stable, which
enables manufacturing of the filter cigarettes FC in high quality.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows the CV values of the menthol M in Examples E3, E4 with respect to the
filter rods FR of Examples E3, E4 manufactured in such a manner that the target impregnated
amount Qo of the flavor liquid was changed to 0.056g/filter rod. As apparent from
FIG. 8, if the target impregnated amount Qo of the menthol M is increased, the manufacturing
machine of the present embodiment can further reduce the CV value of the menthol M.
[0056] The present invention is not limited to the manufacturing machine and the manufacturing
method according to the aforementioned embodiment, and various modifications may be
made within the scope of the appended claims.
[0057] For example, the liquid discharge outlet 88 of the liquid supply nozzle 86 may upwardly
open in the vertical direction, or may open toward a side surface of the thread member
S. There may be provided multiple liquid supply nozzles 86.
[0058] In one exemplary embodiment, the thread feed-out nozzle 76 and the liquid supply
nozzle 86 extend together through the trumpet jet 34 and the trumpet guide 36 into
the tong 54, but at least the thread feed-out nozzle 76 may once enter between the
tong 54 and the trumpet guide 36 or between the trumpet guide 36 and the trumpet jet
34 in a direction vertical to the conveyance direction of the filter tow T, and then
may be bent to extend into the tong 54 along the conveyance direction of the filter
tow T.
[0059] In addition, the additive liquid to be impregnated into the thread member may contain
other flavors than the menthol, and the solvent is not limited to propylene glycol.
Although not limited to specific one, the combination ratio between the menthol and
the solvent may be 9:1 to 5:5.
Explanation of Reference Signs
[0060]
- 14
- tow converging section
- 38
- wrapping section
- 54
- tong
- 70
- cutting unit
- 76
- thread feed-out nozzle
- 80
- thread feed-out end
- 86
- liquid supply nozzle
- 88
- liquid discharge outlet
- FR
- filter rod
- FT
- flavor-impregnated thread
- S
- thread member
- T
- filter tow
1. A filter rod manufacturing machine comprising:
a tow converging section (14) for converging a filter tow during conveyance of the
filter tow (T) in a web shape;
a wrapping section (38) for respectively receiving the converged filter tow (T) and
a wrapping material (PW) at a merging position (MP) defined to be downstream of the
tow converging section (14) if viewed in a conveyance direction of the filter tow
(T) so as to wrap the filter tow (T) with the wrapping material (PW) into a tow rod
(TR);
a thread feed-out nozzle (76) for guiding a thread member (S) toward the wrapping
section (38) to form the tow rod including the thread member thereinside;
a liquid supply nozzle (86) for supplying an additive liquid to be impregnated into
the thread member; and
a cutting unit (70) so located downstream of the wrapping section (38) as to cut the
tow rod (TR) into filter rods (FR), each having a predetermined length,
characterized in that
the thread feed-out nozzle (76) includes a thread feed-out end (80) located more downstream
than the merging position (MP), the thread feed-out end (80) feeding the thread member
(S) into the filter tow (T), and
the liquid supply nozzle (86) includes a liquid discharge outlet (88) so located more
downstream than the thread feed-out end (80) as to discharge the additive liquid toward
the thread member (S) fed from the thread feed-out end (80).
2. The filter rod manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein
the wrapping section (38) includes a tong (54) so located downstream of the merging
position (MP) as to squeeze the filter tow (T) into a rod shape, and
the thread feed-out end (80) and the liquid discharge outlet (88) are disposed together
inside the tong (54).
3. The filter rod manufacturing machine according to claim 2, wherein
the liquid discharge outlet (88) is disposed at a front end of the liquid supply nozzle.
4. The filter rod manufacturing machine according to claim 3, wherein
the liquid supply nozzle (86) extends immediately under the thread feed-out nozzle
(76), and the liquid discharge outlet (88) upwardly opens.
5. The filter rod manufacturing machine according to claim 1, wherein
the liquid supply nozzle (86) and the thread feed-out nozzle (76) are integrally supported
by a common holder plate (92).
6. A filter rod manufacturing method comprising:
a tow converging step (14) of converging a filter tow (T) during conveyance of the
filter tow (T) in a web shape;
a wrapping step (38) of respectively receiving the converged filter tow (T) and a
wrapping material (PW) at a merging position (MP) so as to wrap the filter tow (T)
with the wrapping material (PW) into a tow rod (TR);
a thread feed-out step (76) of feeding a thread member (S) into the filter tow (T)
at a thread feed-out position (80) to form the tow rod (TR) including the thread member
(S) thereinside;
a liquid discharging step (86) of discharging an additive liquid toward the thread
member (S) at a liquid discharging position (88) to impregnate the discharged additive
liquid into the thread member (S); and
a cutting step (70) of cutting the tow rod (TR) formed in the wrapping step (38) into
filter rods (FR), each having a predetermined length,
characterized in that
the tread feed-out position (80) is defined to be more downstream than the merging
position (MP), and
the liquid discharging positon (88) is defined to be more downstream than the thread
feed-out position (80).
7. The filter rod manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein
the wrapping step (38) includes a squeezing process (54) of squeezing the filter tow
(T) into a rod shape at a position downstream of the merging position (MP), and
the thread feed-out step (76) and the liquid discharging step (86) are carried out
during the squeezing process (54).
8. The filter rod manufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein
in the liquid discharging step (86), the additive liquid is upwardly discharged at
the liquid discharging position (88).
1. Filterstab-Herstellungsmaschine, umfassend:
eine Wergkonvergierungssektion (14) zum Konvergieren eines Filterwergs während des
Transports des Filterwergs (T) in einer Bahnform;
eine Umhüllungssektion (38) zum Empfangen des konvergierten Filterwergs (T) bzw. eines
Umhüllungsmaterials (PW) an einer Zusammenführungsposition (MP), die so definiert
ist, dass sie sich, beim Blick in einer Transportrichtung des Filterwergs (T), stromabwärts
der Wergkonvergierungssektion (14) befindet, um das Filterwerg (T) mit dem Umhüllungsmaterial
(PW) zu umhüllen, so dass ein Wergstab (TR) entsteht;
eine Fadenaustrittsdüse (76) zum Führen eines Fadenelements (S) in Richtung der Umhüllungssektion
(38), um den Wergstab, in dessen Inneren sich das Fadenelement befindet, zu bilden;
eine Flüssigkeitszufuhrdüse (86) zum Zuführen einer Additivflüssigkeit, mit der das
Fadenelement durchtränkt wird; und
eine Schneideinheit (70), die stromabwärts der Umhüllungssektion (38) so angeordnet
ist, dass sie den Wergstab (TR) in Filterstäbe (FR) schneiden kann, die jeweils eine
zuvor festgelegte Länge haben,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Fadenaustrittsdüse (76) ein Fadenaustrittsende (80) umfasst, das weiter stromabwärts
als die Zusammenführungsposition (MP) angeordnet ist, wobei das Fadenaustrittsende
(80) das Fadenelement (S) in das Filterwerg (T) einleitet, und die Flüssigkeitszufuhrdüse
(86) einen Flüssigkeitsabgabeauslass (88) umfasst, der weiter stromabwärts als das
Fadenaustrittsende (80) so angeordnet ist, dass er die Additivflüssigkeit in Richtung
des aus dem Fadenaustrittsende (80) zugeführten Fadenelements (S) abgibt.
2. Filterstab-Herstellungsmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei
die Umhüllungssektion (38) eine Zange (54) aufweist, die stromabwärts der Zusammenführungsposition
(MP) so angeordnet ist, dass sie das Filterwerg (T) zu einer Stabform zusammendrückt,
und das Fadenaustrittsende (80) und der Flüssigkeitsabgabeauslass (88) gemeinsam im
Inneren der Zange (54) angeordnet sind.
3. Filterstab-Herstellungsmaschine nach Anspruch 2, wobei
der Flüssigkeitsabgabeauslass (88) an einem vorderen Ende der Flüssigkeitszufuhrdüse
angeordnet ist.
4. Filterstab-Herstellungsmaschine nach Anspruch 3, wobei
sich die Flüssigkeitszufuhrdüse (86) unmittelbar unter der Fadenaustrittsdüse (76)
erstreckt und der Flüssigkeitsabgabeauslass (88) sich nach oben öffnet.
5. Filterstab-Herstellungsmaschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei
die Flüssigkeitszufuhrdüse (86) und die Fadenaustrittsdüse (76) integral durch eine
gemeinsame Halteplatte (92) gestützt werden.
6. Filterstab-Herstellungsverfahren, umfassend:
einen Wergkonvergierungsschritt (14) zum Konvergieren eines Filterwergs während des
Transports des Filterwergs (T) in einer Bahnform;
einen Umhüllungsschritt (38) zum Empfangen des konvergierten Filterwergs (T) bzw.
eines Umhüllungsmaterials (PW) an einer Zusammenführungsposition (MP), um das Filterwerg
(T) mit dem Umhüllungsmaterial (PW) zu umhüllen, so dass ein Wergstab (TR) entsteht;
einen Fadenaustrittsschritt (76) zum Führen eines Fadenelements (S) in das Filterwerg
(T) an einer Fadenaustrittsposition (80), um den Wergstab (TR), in dessen Inneren
sich das Fadenelement (S) befindet, zu bilden;
einen Flüssigkeitsabgabeschritt (86) zum Ausgeben einer Additivflüssigkeit in Richtung
des Fadenelements (S) an einer Flüssigkeitsabgabeposition (88), um das Fadenelement
(S) mit der abgegebenen Additivflüssigkeit zu durchtränken; und
einen Schneideschritt (70) zum Schneiden des in dem Umhüllungsschritt (38) gebildeten
Wergstabes (TR) zu Filterstäben (FR), die jeweils eine zuvor festgelegte Länge haben,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Fadenaustrittsposition (80) so definiert ist, dass sie sich weiter stromabwärts
als die Zusammenführungsposition (MP) befindet, und die Flüssigkeitsabgabeposition
(88) so definiert ist, dass sie sich weiter stromabwärts als die Fadenaustrittsposition
(80) befindet.
7. Filterstab-Herstellungsverfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei
der Umhüllungsschritt (38) einen Quetschprozess (54) zum Zusammendrücken des Filterstabes
(T) in eine Stabform an einer Position stromabwärts der Zusammenführungsposition (MP)
umfasst und der Fadenaustrittsschritt (76) und der Flüssigkeitsabgabeschritt (86)
während des Quetschprozesses (54) ausgeführt werden.
8. Filterstab-Herstellungsverfahren nach Anspruch 7, wobei
in dem Flüssigkeitsabgabeschritt (86) die Additivflüssigkeit an der Flüssigkeitsabgabeposition
(88) nach oben abgegeben wird.
1. Machine de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres, comprenant :
une section de convergence de mèche (14) pour faire converger une mèche de filtre
pendant le transport de la mèche de filtre (T) en une forme de bande;
une section d'enveloppement (38) pour recevoir respectivement la mèche de filtre convergée
(T) et un matériau d'enveloppement (PW) au niveau d'une position de fusion (MP) définie
pour être en aval de la section de convergence de mèche (14) lorsque vue dans une
direction de transport de la mèche de filtre (T) de manière à envelopper la mèche
de filtre (T) avec le matériau d'enveloppement (PW) pour former un bâtonnet de mèche
(TR);
une buse de sortie de fil (76) pour guider un élément de fil (S) vers la section d'enveloppement
(38) pour former le bâtonnet de mèche avec l'élément de fil à l'intérieur de celui-ci;
une buse d'alimentation en liquide (86) pour fournir un liquide additif dont doit
être imprégné l'élément de fil; et
une unité de découpe (70) située en aval de la section d'enveloppement (38) de manière
à découper le bâtonnet de mèche (TR) en bâtonnets-filtres (FR), chacun ayant une longueur
prédéterminée,
caractérisée en ce que
la buse de sortie de fil (76) comprend une extrémité de sortie de fil (80) située
plus en aval que la position de fusion (MP), l'extrémité de sortie de fil (80) amenant
l'élément de fil (S) dans la mèche de filtre (T), et
la buse d'alimentation en liquide (86) comprend une sortie de décharge de liquide
(88) située plus en aval que l'extrémité de sortie de fil (80) de manière à décharger
le liquide additif vers l'élément de fil (S) distribué à partir de l'extrémité de
sortie de fil (80).
2. Machine de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle
la section d'enveloppement (38) comprend une pince (54) située en aval de la position
de fusion (MP) de manière à presser la mèche de filtre (T) pour lui donner une forme
de bâtonnet, et
l'extrémité de sortie de fil (80) et la sortie de décharge de liquide (88) sont disposées
ensemble à l'intérieur de la pince (54).
3. Machine de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle
la sortie de décharge de liquide (88) est disposée au niveau d'une extrémité avant
de la buse d'alimentation en liquide.
4. Machine de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle
la buse d'alimentation en liquide (86) s'étend immédiatement sous la buse de sortie
de fil (76), et la sortie de décharge de liquide (88) est ouverte vers le haut.
5. Machine de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle
la buse d'alimentation en liquide (86) et la buse de sortie de fil (76) sont supportées
intégralement par une plaque de support commune (92).
6. Procédé de fabrication tige de bâtonnets-filtres comprenant :
une étape de convergence de mèche (14) pour faire converger une mèche de filtre (T)
pendant le transport de la mèche de filtre (T) en une forme de bande;
une étape d'enveloppement (38) pour recevoir respectivement la mèche de filtre convergée
(T) et un matériau d'enveloppement (PW) au niveau d'une position de fusion (MP) de
manière à envelopper la mèche de filtre (T) avec le matériau d'enveloppement (PW)
pour former un bâtonnet de mèche (TR) ;
une étape de sortie de fil (76) pour amener un élément de fil (S) dans la mèche de
filtre (T) au niveau d'une position de sortie de fil (80) pour former le bâtonnet
de mèche (TR) avec l'élément de fil (S) à l'intérieur de celui-ci;
une étape de décharge de liquide (86) pour décharger un liquide additif vers l'élément
de fil (S) au niveau d'une position de décharge de liquide (88) pour imprégner l'élément
de fil avec le liquide additif déchargé (S); et
une étape de découpe (70) pour découper le bâtonnet de mèche (TR) formé dans l'étape
d'enveloppement (38) en bâtonnets-filtres (FR), ayant chacun une longueur prédéterminée,
caractérisée en ce que
la position de sortie de fil (80) est définie comme étant plus en aval que la position
de fusion (MP), et
la position de décharge de liquide (88) est définie comme étant plus en aval que la
position de sortie de fil (80).
7. Procédé de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres selon la revendication 6, dans lequel
l'étape d'enveloppement (38) comprend un processus de pressage (54) consistant à presser
la mèche de filtre (T) pour lui donner une forme de bâtonnet au niveau d'une position
en aval de la position de fusion (MP), et
l'étape de sortie de fil (76) et l'étape de décharge de liquide (86) sont effectuées
pendant le processus de pressage (54).
8. Procédé de fabrication de bâtonnets-filtres selon la revendication 7, dans lequel
dans l'étape de décharge de liquide (86), le liquide additif est déchargé vers le
haut au niveau de la position de décharge de liquide (88).