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EP 3 178 332 B1 |
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EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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Mention of the grant of the patent: |
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13.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/20 |
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Date of filing: 02.12.2016 |
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International Patent Classification (IPC):
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FILTER MANUFACTURING MACHINE
FILTERHERSTELLUNGSMASCHINE
MACHINE DE FABRICATION DE FILTRE
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Designated Contracting States: |
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AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL
NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
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Priority: |
03.12.2015 IT UB20156245
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Date of publication of application: |
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14.06.2017 Bulletin 2017/24 |
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Proprietor: G.D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI |
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40133 Bologna (IT) |
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Inventors: |
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- SGRIGNUOLI, Vittorio
40127 BOLOGNA (IT)
- SARTONI, Massimo
40139 BOLOGNA (IT)
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Representative: Mangini, Simone et al |
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Studio Torta S.p.A.
Via Viotti, 9 10121 Torino 10121 Torino (IT) |
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References cited: :
EP-A1- 1 847 187 EP-A2- 1 726 223 DE-A1-102007 057 396
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EP-A1- 2 633 769 EP-A2- 2 591 686
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Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European
patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to
the European patent
granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall
not be deemed to
have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent
Convention).
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[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing filters of the tobacco
processing industry. In particular, the present invention relates to a machine for
manufacturing filters for smoking articles (cigarettes).
[0002] In the field of tobacco processing industry (Figure 14), it is known to produce filters
by using a continuous tow A of filtering material, normally cellulose acetate, which
is fed with a continuous motion through a operating station B, in the area of which
the tow A is stretched so as to widen and possibly is impregnated with a hardening
substance (e.g. triacetin), to a forming station C, in the area of which a substantially
cylindrical shaped filter rod usually wrapped by a strip of paper is obtained.
[0003] In some cases (Figure 15), a treatment device D is arranged between the operating
station B, and the forming station C to further treat the filtering material before
the manufacturing of the filter rod. This further treatment can comprise, according
to some examples, the inclusion of carbon particles or of a longitudinal flavored
strand.
[0004] The known machines for manufacturing filters are relatively rigid and do not allow,
in the majority of cases, to manufacture filters of a different type. An example of
cigarette filter manufacturing machine of the prior art is disclosed in
EP 2633769 A1.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a machine which allows to overcome,
at least partially, the drawbacks of the known art and is, at the same time, easy
and inexpensive to implement.
[0006] According to the present invention, a machine, as claimed in the independent claims
below, and, preferably, in any one of the claims depending directly or indirectly
on the aforementioned independent claims is provided.
[0007] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate examples of nonlimiting embodiments, wherein:
- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a machine made according to the present invention;
- Figures from 2 to 7 are schematic and perspective views of machines made according
to the present invention;
- Figures from 8 to 11 are schematic and perspective views of filters obtainable by
means of machines according to the present invention;
- Figures 12 and 13 illustrate filters, partly disassembled, obtainable by means of
machines according to the present invention;
- Figures 14 and 15 are perspective and schematic views of machines of the prior art.
[0008] In Figure 1, 1 denotes as a whole a machine A for manufacturing filters of the tobacco
processing industry 2 (Figures 8-13). In particular, the machine 1 is designed to
produce filters 2 for cigarettes.
[0009] The machine 1 (Figure 1) comprises a feeding assembly 3 to feed a tow 4 of filtering
material along a given path P1 through an operating station 5 and a treatment station
6 to a forming station 7. The treatment station 6 is arranged downstream of the operating
station 5 (in particular, between the operating station 5 and the forming station
7).
[0010] According to some embodiments, the treatment station 6 is (at least) partially overlapping
the forming station 7.
[0011] The machine 1 comprises an operating assembly 8, which is arranged in the area of
the operating station 5 and is designed to stretch the tow 4 so that the tow 4 itself
expands and generates a larger tow 4; and a forming assembly 9, which is arranged
in the area of the forming station 7 and is designed to form a filter rod 10.
[0012] In particular, the operating assembly 8 is also designed to apply a hardening substance
(typically, triacetin) to the larger tow 4.
[0013] The machine 1 further comprises a treatment module 11, which is arranged in the area
of the processing station 5 and is designed to carry out a first treatment on the
tow 3.
[0014] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the treatment module 11 is designed
to harden the tow 4 so as to be able to obtain a paperless filter (NWA - non-wrapped
acetate). Typically, in this case, the treatment module 11 is designed to supply heat
(in particular, steam) to the hardening substance (typically, triacetin) contained
in the tow 4 of filtering material and (then) activate said hardening substance. The
treatment module 11 can be, for example, made according to what is described in
EP 263632B1.
[0015] Figure 11 illustrates a filter 2 obtainable when the treatment module 11 is designed
to harden the tow 4.
[0016] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the treatment module 11 is designed
to insert particles 12 in the tow 4, in particular in powder or granular form. The
particles 12, in some cases, contain (consist of) carbon (activated) particles and/or
silica. In particular, the particles contain (consist of) carbon (activated) particles.
The treatment module 11 can be, for example, formed according to what is described
in one more of the following patent documents:
GB1585761,
US3128680,
WO2005/087026,
US6913784.
[0017] Figure 8 illustrates a filter 2 obtainable when the treatment module 11 is designed
to insert particles 12 into the tow 4.
[0018] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the treatment module 11 is designed
to insert, into the tow 4, a strand 13 (in particular colored and/or flavored), which
extends longitudinally along the tow 4 itself. The treatment module 11 can be, for
example, made according to what is described in
US2014/0100099.
[0019] Figure 10 illustrates a 2 filter obtainable when the treatment module 11 is designed
to insert a strand 13 into the tow 4.
[0020] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the treatment module 11 is designed
to wrap the tow 4 with a strip of corrugated material 14 so as to obtain double wrapped
filters (corrugated filters). The treatment module 11 can be, for example, made according
to what is described in
JP2007000019. Figure 13 illustrates a filter 2 obtainable when the treatment module 11 is designed
to wrap the tow 1 with a strip of corrugated material 14.
[0021] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the treatment module 11 is designed
to insert capsules 15 into the tow 4. The treatment module 11 may be, for example,
formed according to what is described in
GB1585761. Figure 12 illustrates a filter 2 obtainable when the treatment module 11 is designed
to insert capsules 15 into the tow 4.
[0022] In particular, the treatment module 11 can be replaced with a second treatment module
11 designed to carry out a second treatment (different from the first treatment) to
the tow 4 of filtering material.
[0023] In accordance with what has been mentioned above, it is for example possible to replace
the treatment module 11, designed to harden the tow 3, with the treatment module 11,
designed to insert the particles 12 or the strand 13 into the tow 3.
[0024] Preferably, the treatment module 11 is structured so that it is possible to connect
a third treatment module 11, which is designed to carry out a third treatment (different
from the first and from the second treatment) on the tow 4 of filtering material,
so that the third treatment module 11 is arranged in the area of the treatment station.
In this way it is possible to carry out two treatments, both the third treatment and
the first (or the second) treatment on the tow 4. For example, it is possible to wrap
the tow 4 with a strip of corrugated material 14 and to insert capsules 15 into the
tow 4 itself or to insert both particles 12 and a strand 13 into the tow 4 (in order
to obtain the filter illustrated in figure 9).
[0025] In particular, the treatment module 11 comprises a first connection unit, which connects
(in a releasable manner) the treatment module 11 to the operating assembly 8 and/or
to the forming assembly 9 so that the treatment module 11 functions in a coordinated
manner (in other words, in step) relative to the operating assembly 8 and/or to the
forming assembly 9. Advantageously, the treatment module 11 also comprises a second
connection unit to connect (in a releasable manner) the connection module to a third
connection unit 11 of the third treatment module.
[0026] The connection units (not illustrated) are of a known type and can be of a mechanic
and/or electric (electronic) type. For example, the connection units can comprise
the mechanic joints and/or a system of connectors/gates.
[0027] With particular reference to Figure 7, according to some embodiments (and according
to a particular aspect of the present invention), the machine comprises the treatment
module 11 (as defined above) and the third treatment module 11 (as defined above),
which is arranged in the area of the treatment station, is designed to carry out the
third treatment on the tow 4 of filtering material. Advantageously, the third treatment
module 11 can be replaced with a fourth treatment module 11 which is designed to carry
out a fourth treatment on the tow 4 of filtering material, which is different from
the third treatment.
[0028] For example the third treatment can be the insertion of the strand 13 and, the fourth
treatment, the insertion of the particles 12.
[0029] More generally, advantageously, the first, the second and the third (and the fourth)
treatment are selected in the group consisting of: insertion of the particles 12 (in
particular, as defined above), insertion of the longitudinal strand 13, insertion
of capsules 15, hardening treatment and wrapping with a strip of paper (more precisely,
with the strip of corrugated material 14 - in particular, as referred to as a preference
above).
[0030] Advantageously, the first and the third treatment are different from one another.
In particular, the first, the second and the third treatment are mutually different.
More precisely, the first, the second, the third and fourth treatment are different
from one another.
[0031] According to preferred embodiments, the treatment module 11 occupies the space available
between the forming assembly 9 and the operating assembly 8. The third treatment module
11 is mounted on the treatment module 11.
[0032] For example, in Figure 7 the machine 1 comprises the treatment module 11 for the
insertion of capsules 15 into the tow 4 and the treatment module 11 for the insertion
of the strand 13 into the tow 4.
[0033] In some cases, the machine 1 comprises a fifth treatment module (not illustrated
and similar to the previously described treatment modules), which is arranged in the
area of the processing station 6, is designed to carry out a fifth treatment on the
tow of filtering material 4 and is removable and replaceable. In particular, the further
fifth treatment is different from the first and from the third treatment. Advantageously,
the further fifth treatment is (also) different from the second and from the fourth
treatment.
[0034] In particular, the fifth treatment is selected in the group consisting of: insertion
of the particles 12 (in particular, as defined above), insertion of the longitudinal
strand 13, insertion of capsules 15, hardening treatment and wrapping with a strip
of paper (more precisely, with the strip of corrugated material 14 - in particular,
as referred to as a preference above).
[0035] More generally, the fifth treatment is different from the first, the second, the
third and the fourth treatment. According to some embodiments, the fifth treatment
module is mounted on the treatment module 11 and/or on the third treatment module
11.
[0036] Note that, advantageously, the fifth treatment module can be further mounted on the
second and/or on the fourth treatment module 11.
[0037] In some embodiments (such as that illustrated in Figure 7), the treatment module
11 comprises a first and a second connection unit (as defined above) and the third
treatment module comprises a third connection unit (as defined above) to connect the
treatment module 11 and the third treatment module 11 so that the third treatment
module 11 functions in a coordinated manner (in other words, in step) relative to
the first operating assembly 8 (and to the forming assembly 9). In particular, the
second and the third connection units are coupled to one another.
[0038] According to some embodiments, the second treatment module 11 comprises a fourth
connection unit to connect the second treatment module 11 to the third treatment module
11 by coupling (in a releasable manner) to the third connection unit 11. The fourth
treatment module 11 comprises a fifth connection unit to connect the fourth treatment
module 11 to the first or to the second treatment module 11 by coupling (in a releasable
manner) to the first or to the fourth connection unit, respectively.
[0039] Alternatively or in addition, the second treatment module 11 comprises a sixth connection
unit to connect (in a releasable manner) the second treatment module 11 to the operating
assembly 8 and/or to the forming assembly 9 so that the second treatment module 11
functions in a coordinated manner (in other words, in step) relative to the operating
assembly 8 and/or to the forming assembly 9.
[0040] According to some embodiments, the fifth treatment module comprises a seventh connection
unit to connect (the fifth treatment module 11 to one of the other treatment modules
11 (in a releasable manner) through the respective further connection unit).
[0041] Advantageously, the connection units comprise respective electric and/or mechanic
motion transfer means (for example, a shaft and/or a wheel).
[0042] For example, the connection unit may comprise mechanic joints and/or a system of
connectors/gates.
[0043] Comparing what has been described above with the machine illustrated in Figure 15,
it is important to note that the treatment device D is not replaceable and cannot
be combined with other treatment devices in order to carry out more treatments on
the tow A.
[0044] The object of the present invention allows to carry out more treatments on the tow
4 and to modify said treatments and, therefore, to manufacture, with a single machine
1, different types of cigarettes with ease.
[0045] Unless it is explicitly stated to the contrary, the content of the references (articles,
texts, patent applications etc.) cited in this text is herein fully recalled for completeness
of description.
1. A machine for manufacturing filters (2) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular
filters for cigarettes; the machine (1) comprises a feeding assembly (3) to feed a
tow (4) of filtering material along a given path (PI), through an operating station
(5) to a forming station (7); the machine (1) comprising, an operating assembly (8),
which is arranged in the area of the operating station (5) and is designed to stretch
the tow (4) so that the tow (4) itself expands and generates a larger tow (4), and
a forming assembly (9), which is arranged in the area of the forming station (7) and
is designed to form a filter rod (10); the machine (1) being characterized in that the given path (PI) extends through a treatment station (6), which is arranged between
the operating station (5) and the forming station (7); the machine (1) comprising
a first treatment module (11), which is arranged in the area of the treatment station
(6), is designed to carry out a first treatment on the tow (4) of filtering material
and can be replaced with a second treatment module (11), which is designed to carry
out a second treatment on the tow (4) of filtering material, which is different from
the first treatment; and a third treatment module (11), which is arranged in the area
of the treatment station (6), is designed to carry out a third treatment on the tow
(4) of filtering material, which is different from the first and second treatment,
and, in particular, can be replaced with a fourth treatment module (11), which is
designed to carry out a fourth treatment on the tow (4) of filtering material, which
is different from the third treatment.
2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the operating assembly (8) is designed to
apply a hardening substance (in particular, triacetin) to said larger tow (4); the
first, the second, the third and the fourth treatment (11) being selected in the group
consisting of: insertion of particles (12) (in particular, of activated carbon), insertion
of a longitudinal strand (13), insertion of capsules (15), hardening treatment, wrapping
with a strip of paper (14).
3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third treatment module (11) can
be replaced with the fourth treatment module (11); the fourth treatment being different
from the first and the second treatment; in particular, the first, the second, the
third and the fourth treatment are different from one another.
4. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first treatment module (11) occupies
the space available between the forming assembly (7) and the operating assembly (8);
the third treatment module (11) being mounted on the first treatment module (11).
5. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, and comprising a fifth treatment
module (11), which is arranged in the area of the treatment station (6), is designed
to carry out a fifth treatment on the tow (4) of filtering material and can be removed
and replaced; the fifth treatment being different from the first and the third treatment.
6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein the fifth treatment module (11) is mounted
on the first and/or the third treatment module (11); the fifth treatment being different
from the second and the fourth treatment.
7. The machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the fifth treatment is selected in
the group consisting of: insertion of particles (12) (in particular, of activated
carbon), insertion of a longitudinal strand (13), insertion of capsules (15), hardening
treatment, wrapping with a strip of paper (14).
8. The machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first treatment
module (11) comprises a first connection unit and a second connection unit; the first
connection unit connects (in a releasable manner) the first treatment module (11)
to the operating assembly (8) and/or to the forming assembly (9) so that the first
treatment module (11) works in a coordinated manner relative to the operating assembly
(8) and/or to the forming assembly (9); the third treatment module (11) comprises
a third connection unit, which is coupled (in a releasable manner) to the second connection
unit to connect the first and the third treatment module (11), so that the third treatment
module (11) works in a coordinated manner relative to the first treatment module (11).
9. The machine according to claim 8, wherein the first, the second and the third connection
unit comprise respective electric and/or mechanic motion transfer means (for example,
a shaft and/or a wheel).
10. The machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second treatment module (11) comprises
a fourth connection unit to connect the second treatment module (11) to the third
treatment module (11) by being coupled (in a releasable manner) to the third connection
unit; the fourth treatment module (11) comprises a fifth connection unit to connect
the fourth treatment module (11) to the first or the second treatment module (11)
by being coupled (in a releasable manner) to the first or the fourth connection unit,
respectively.
1. Maschine zum Herstellen von Filtern (2) der tabakverarbeitenden Industrie, insbesondere
von Filtern für Zigaretten; wobei die Maschine (1) eine Zuführanordnung (3), um einen
Strang (4) eines Filtermaterials entlang eines gegebenen Wegs (P1) durch eine Arbeitsstation
(5) einer Formungsstation (7) zuzuführen, umfasst; wobei die Maschine (1) eine Arbeitsanordnung
(8), die im Bereich der Arbeitsstation (5) angeordnet ist und ausgelegt ist, den Strang
(4) zu strecken, derart, dass sich der Strang (4) selbst ausdehnt und einen größeren
Strang (4) erzeugt, und eine Formungsanordnung (9), die im Bereich der Formungsstation
(7) angeordnet ist und ausgelegt ist, eine Filterstange (10) zu formen, umfasst; wobei
die Maschine (1) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass sich der gegebene Weg (P1) durch eine Behandlungsstation (6) erstreckt, die zwischen
der Arbeitsstation (5) und der Formungsstation (7) angeordnet ist; wobei die Maschine
(1) ein erstes Behandlungsmodul (11), das im Bereich der Behandlungsstation (6) angeordnet
ist, ausgelegt ist, eine erste Behandlung an dem Strang (4) des Filtermaterials auszuführen
und durch ein zweites Behandlungsmodul (11) ersetzt werden kann, das ausgelegt ist,
eine zweite Behandlung an dem Strang (4) des Filtermaterials auszuführen, die von
der ersten Behandlung verschieden ist; und ein drittes Behandlungsmodul (11), das
im Bereich der Behandlungsstation (6) angeordnet ist, ausgelegt ist, eine dritte Behandlung
an dem Strang (4) des Filtermaterials auszuführen, die von der ersten und der zweiten
Behandlung verschieden ist, und insbesondere durch ein viertes Behandlungsmodul (11)
ersetzt werden kann, das ausgelegt ist, ein vierte Behandlung an dem Strang (4) des
Filtermaterials auszuführen, die von der dritten Behandlung verschieden ist, umfasst.
2. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Arbeitsanordnung (8) ausgelegt ist, eine härtende
Substanz (insbesondere Triacetin) auf den größeren Strang (4) aufzubringen; wobei
die erste, die zweite, die dritte und die vierte Behandlung (11) aus der Gruppe ausgewählt
sind, bestehend aus: Einführung von Partikeln (12) (insbesondere von Aktivkohle),
Einführung eines Längsstrangs (13), Einführung von Kapseln (15), eine härtende Behandlung,
Umwickeln mit einem Papierstreifen (14).
3. Maschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das dritte Behandlungsmodul (11) durch das
vierte Behandlungsmodul (11) ersetzt werden kann; wobei die vierte Behandlung von
der ersten und der zweiten Behandlung verschieden ist; wobei insbesondere die erste,
die zweite, die dritte und die vierte Behandlung voneinander verschieden sind.
4. Maschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das erste Behandlungsmodul (11) den Raum einnimmt,
der zwischen der Formungsanordnung (7) und der Arbeitsanordnung (8) verfügbar ist;
wobei das dritte Behandlungsmodul (11) auf dem ersten Behandlungsmodul (11) angebracht
ist.
5. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche und umfassend ein fünftes Behandlungsmodul
(11), das im Bereich der Behandlungsstation (6) angeordnet ist, ausgelegt ist, eine
fünfte Behandlung an dem Strang (4) des Filtermaterials auszuführen, und entfernt
und ausgetauscht werden kann; wobei die fünfte Behandlung von der ersten und der dritten
Behandlung verschieden ist.
6. Maschine nach Anspruch 5, wobei das fünfte Behandlungsmodul (11) an dem ersten und/oder
dem dritten Behandlungsmodul (11) angebracht ist; wobei die fünfte Behandlung von
der zweiten und der vierten Behandlung verschieden ist.
7. Maschine nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei die fünfte Behandlung aus der Gruppe ausgewählt
ist, bestehend aus: Einführung von Partikeln (12) (insbesondere von Aktivkohle), Einführung
eines Längsstrangs (13), Einführung von Kapseln (15), härtende Behandlung, Umwickeln
mit einem Papierstreifen (14).
8. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das erste Behandlungsmodul
(11) eine erste Verbindungseinheit und eine zweite Verbindungseinheit umfasst; wobei
die erste Verbindungseinheit das erste Behandlungsmodul (11) (auf eine lösbare Weise)
mit der Arbeitsanordnung (8) und/oder mit der Formungsanordnung (9) verbindet, derart,
dass das erste Behandlungsmodul (11) in Bezug auf die Arbeitsanordnung (8) und/oder
die Formungsanordnung (9) auf eine koordinierte Weise arbeitet; wobei das dritte Behandlungsmodul
(11) eine dritte Verbindungseinheit umfasst, die (auf eine lösbare Weise) mit der
zweiten Verbindungseinheit gekoppelt ist, um das erste und das dritte Behandlungsmodul
(11) zu verbinden, derart, dass das dritte Behandlungsmodul (11) in Bezug auf das
erste Behandlungsmodul (11) auf eine koordinierte Weise arbeitet.
9. Maschine nach Anspruch 8, wobei die erste, die zweite und die dritte Verbindungseinheit
jeweilige elektrische und/oder mechanische Bewegungsübertragungsmittel (z. B. eine
Welle und/oder ein Rad) umfassen.
10. Maschine nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei das zweite Behandlungsmodul (11) eine vierte
Verbindungseinheit umfasst, um das zweite Behandlungsmodul (11) mit dem dritten Behandlungsmodul
(11) zu verbinden, um (auf eine lösbare Weise) mit der dritten Verbindungseinheit
gekoppelt zu sein; wobei das vierte Behandlungsmodul (11) eine fünfte Verbindungseinheit
umfasst, um das vierte Behandlungsmodul (11) mit dem ersten oder dem zweiten Behandlungsmodul
(11) zu verbinden, um (auf eine lösbare Weise) mit der ersten bzw. der vierten Verbindungseinheit
gekoppelt zu sein.
1. Machine pour la fabrication de filtres (2) de l'industrie du traitement du tabac,
en particulier des filtres pour des cigarettes; la machine (1) comprend un ensemble
d'apport (3) pour apporter une mèche (4) de matière filtrante le long d'un trajet
donné (P1), à travers un poste de commande (5) jusqu'à un poste de formage (7) ; la
machine (1) comprenant, un ensemble de commande (8), qui est agencé dans la zone de
le poste de commande (5) et est conçu pour étirer la mèche (4) de sorte que la mèche
(4) elle-même s'étende et génère une mèche (4) plus grande, et un ensemble de formage
(9), qui est agencé dans la zone de le poste de formage (7) et est conçu pour former
une tige de filtre (10) ; la machine (1) étant caractérisée en ce que le trajet donné (P1) s'étend à travers un poste de traitement (6), qui est agencé
entre le poste de commande (5) et le poste de formage (7) ; la machine (1) comprenant
un premier module de traitement (11), qui est agencé dans la zone du poste de traitement
(6), est conçu pour réaliser un premier traitement sur la mèche (4) de matière filtrante
et peut être remplacé par un deuxième module de traitement (11), qui est conçu pour
réaliser un deuxième traitement sur la mèche (4) de matière filtrante, qui est différent
du premier traitement; et un troisième module de traitement (11), qui est agencé dans
la zone du poste de traitement (6), est conçu pour réaliser un troisième traitement
sur la mèche (4) de matière filtrante, qui est différent des premier et deuxième traitements,
et, en particulier, peut être remplacé par un quatrième module de traitement (11),
qui est conçu pour réaliser un quatrième traitement sur la mèche (4) de matière filtrante,
qui est différent du troisième traitement.
2. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'ensemble de commande (8) est conçu
pour appliquer une substance de durcissement (en particulier, la triacétine) à ladite
mèche (4) plus grande ; les premier, deuxième, troisième et quatrième traitements
(11) étant sélectionnés dans le groupe constitué par : une insertion de particules
(12) (en particulier, de charbon actif), une insertion d'un brin longitudinal (13),
une insertion de capsules (15), un traitement de durcissement, un enveloppement avec
une bande de papier (14).
3. Machine selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle le troisième module de traitement
(11) peut être remplacé par le quatrième module de traitement (11) ; le quatrième
traitement étant différent des premier et deuxième traitements; en particulier, les
premier, deuxième, troisième et quatrième traitements sont différents les uns des
autres.
4. Machine selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle le premier module de traitement
(11) occupe l'espace disponible entre l'ensemble de formage (7) et l'ensemble de commande
(8) ; le troisième module de traitement (11) étant monté sur le premier module de
traitement (11).
5. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, et comprenant un cinquième
module de traitement (11), qui est agencé dans la zone du poste de traitement (6),
est conçu pour réaliser un cinquième traitement sur la mèche (4) de matière filtrante
et peut être retiré et remplacé ; le cinquième traitement étant différent des premier
et troisième traitements.
6. Machine selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle le cinquième module de traitement
(11) est monté sur le premier et/ou le troisième modules de traitement (11) ; le cinquième
traitement étant différent des deuxième et quatrième traitements.
7. Machine selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans laquelle le cinquième traitement est sélectionné
dans le groupe constitué par : une insertion de particules (12) (en particulier, de
charbon actif), une insertion d'un brin longitudinal (13), une insertion de capsules
(15), un traitement de durcissement, un enveloppement avec une bande de papier (14).
8. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le premier
module de traitement (11) comprend une première unité de raccordement et une deuxième
unité de raccordement; la première unité de raccordement raccorde (de manière libérable)
le premier module de traitement (11) à l'ensemble de commande (8) et/ou à l'ensemble
de formage (9) de sorte que le premier module de traitement (11) travaille de manière
coordonnée par rapport à l'ensemble de commande (8) et/ou à l'ensemble de formage
(9) ; le troisième module de traitement (11) comprend une troisième unité de raccordement,
qui est couplée (de manière libérable) à la deuxième unité de raccordement pour raccorder
les premier et troisième modules de traitement (11), de sorte que le troisième module
de traitement (11) travaille de manière coordonnée par rapport au premier module de
traitement (11).
9. Machine selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle les première, deuxième et troisième
unités de raccordement comprennent des moyens de transfert de mouvement électrique
et/ou mécanique respectifs (par exemple, un arbre et/ou une roue).
10. Machine selon la revendication 8 ou 9, dans laquelle le deuxième module de traitement
(11) comprend une quatrième unité de raccordement pour raccorder le deuxième module
de traitement (11) au troisième module de traitement (11) en étant couplée (de manière
libérable) à la troisième unité de raccordement; le quatrième module de traitement
(11) comprend une cinquième unité de raccordement pour raccorder le quatrième module
de traitement (11) aux premier et deuxième modules de traitement (11) en étant couplée
(de manière libérable) à la première ou à la quatrième unité de raccordement, respectivement.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only.
It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has
been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and
the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description