RU2809649C2 - Moulding installation and method for forming continuous tubular rod - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: moulding.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions is related to a moulding installation and a method for forming a tubular rod from a rod material. The moulding installation includes a feed path for continuously supplying continuous rod material in a transport direction, a moulding device connected to a downstream end of the feed path and configured to form a continuous tubular rod from the continuous rod material. The moulding device includes a tubular element configured to pass continuous rod material through the tubular element to form a continuous tubular rod, and a steam generator configured to generate superheated steam. The steam generator is in fluid communication with the tubular element with the ability to supply superheated steam to the continuous rod material. The moulding device further contains several fluid channels with the ability to supply superheated steam from the steam generator to several injection points located along the length of the tubular element, wherein at least one fluid channel of the several fluid channels contains a temperature control unit containing a sensor temperatures and a device that influences the temperature.

EFFECT: group of inventions improves the quality and stability of moulded rods.

14 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a forming apparatus and a method for forming a tubular rod from a rod material.

There are known installations and methods for molding hollow acetate tubes using a plasticizer. Typically, the plasticizer is distributed over an acetate rod. The treated rod is then heated and formed into a rod shape. Heat treatment with steam followed by air cooling stabilizes the rod material in the form of a rod. Although saturated steam heat treatment provides intense and rapid heat exchange with the rod material, it can also create water droplets. Drops of water can negatively affect the material and the molding process of the rod.

It is desirable to have a forming apparatus and a forming method that improves the process of forming the tubular rod. In particular, it is desirable to improve the control of the molding process to improve the quality and stability of the molded cores.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a forming apparatus comprising a feed path for continuously supplying continuous rod material along a conveying direction and a forming device connected to a downstream end of the feed path and configured to form a continuous tubular rod from the continuous rod material. The forming device includes a tubular member configured to pass continuous rod material through the tubular member to form a continuous tubular rod. The forming device also includes a steam generator configured to generate superheated steam, the steam generator being in fluid communication with the tubular member for supplying superheated steam to the continuous rod material. The forming device further includes several fluid channels for supplying superheated steam from the steam generator to several injection points located along the length of the tubular element. At least one fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels comprises a temperature control unit containing a temperature sensor and a temperature influencing device.

Superheated steam is supplied from the steam generator through a distribution system containing several fluid channels to the molding device. Preferably, in the distribution system of the molding machine of the present invention, two to ten fluid channels are available, more preferably three to seven fluid channels, for example five fluid channels. For example, the fluid channel may be a pipe, tube or passage, or a combination of pipes, tubes and passages.

The temperature control unit may be located in the molding plant between the steam generator and the rod material in the tubular element. Preferably, the temperature control unit, in particular the temperature sensor, is located adjacent to the position in which the rod material is treated with superheated steam. This makes it possible to very accurately measure the temperature of the steam acting on the rod material, which is an advantage. The location of the temperature influencing device near the injection point of the superheated steam allows the temperature differences of the superheated steam at the injection point to be set or adjusted to the desired temperature of the steam to be applied to the rod material by the temperature influencing device. A device that influences temperature can be used, for example, to compensate for the temperature losses of superheated steam delivered from the generator to the rod material. For example, temperature losses can be caused by the influence of the environment affecting the molding plant, or the length of the path that the superheated steam must travel. The thermostat can also be used to heat or cool the superheated steam supplied by the steam generator. This allows the generator to be configured to produce highly superheated steam or less superheated steam and to individually control the temperature of the superheated gas in separate fluid passages near the injection point of the superheated steam. The use of a temperature control unit also allows the use of steam generators that are unable to provide superheated steam within the required temperature range. In this case, the missing heating required to achieve the desired temperature range can be achieved using the temperature control unit.

Preferably, the temperature control unit is located as close as possible to the rod material to be processed, so that temperature losses are as low as possible. In this case, the measured temperatures exactly correspond to the actual temperature of the superheated steam acting on the rod material, which is an advantage.

Preferably, the temperature control unit is located in the end section of the fluid channel at the injection point of the superheated steam.

Preferably, the injection end of at least one fluid channel containing the temperature control unit comprises a nozzle. Preferably, the injection end of the at least one fluid channel is in the form of a nozzle. Through the nozzle, superheated steam can be very effectively introduced into the rod material and distributed throughout it. In particular, when using a fibrous rod material, superheated steam can very effectively push plasticizer molecules between the fibers of the rod material, where the plasticizer molecules liquefy.

Preferably the temperature sensor is located in the nozzle.

The temperature influencing device may be a heating device that is configured to heat the superheated steam, a cooling device that is configured to cool the superheated steam, or a heating/cooling device that is configured to either heat or cool the superheated steam as needed. .

Preferably, the temperature influencing device is a heating/cooling device. In this case, the superheated steam may be heated or cooled depending on the temperature of the superheated steam supplied by the steam generator and depending on the temperature or pressure desired at a particular location in the rod material and at a particular state of the molding process.

The heating device or cooling device may be an electrical device, such as a resistance heater, an inductor, and, for example, an induction heating fluid path or a Peltier element. Heating or cooling devices may also be based on fluid heating or fluid cooling.

Preferably, the heating device is a resistance heater located around the fluid channel.

Preferably, the combined heating/cooling device is based on fluid heating and fluid cooling. For example, the outer tube may be positioned around the fluid passage. Cooling or heating fluid may be directed through the fluid passage between the outer tube and the outer portion of the fluid passage, thereby cooling or heating the fluid passage and the superheated steam flowing within the fluid passage.

The temperature influencing device may be located within the fluid passage, for example, on the inner wall of the fluid passage, in the wall of the fluid passage, or outside the fluid passage, for example, may be located around the fluid passage. If an external temperature influencing device is used, preferably the fluid channel material has high thermal conductivity at least in the region of the external temperature influencing device.

More than one fluid channel of multiple fluid channels, for example, three, four, or even each fluid channel of multiple fluid channels may comprise a temperature control unit. Preferably, more than one fluid channel or all fluid channels comprise a temperature control unit. This allows very precise control of the molding process, for example changing or adjusting it to achieve an optimized result, which is an advantage.

The molding machine can be used to form rods from various continuous materials, in particular when using different plasticizers or different hardeners. Precise control allows the molding process to be adjusted for the different curing conditions of the material combinations used in the molding apparatus of the present invention.

Preferably, each temperature control unit operates separately and independently of the other temperature control units. This preferably allows for individual temperature control in more than one fluid channel. Preferably, it is possible to individually control the temperature in each fluid channel equipped with a temperature control unit. Preferably, the temperature control units are mutually coordinated to accurately control the cooling process of the material of the rod or molded rod and subsequently adjust it if necessary.

Preferably, the amount of superheated steam supplied from the steam generator to the one or more fluid channels is controlled on a per-channel basis. For example, each fluid channel may be equipped with a valve. In such embodiments, the valve may be controlled individually. For example, a steam distribution system includes a manifold coupled to a steam generator at an inlet end of the manifold and coupled to multiple fluid passages at multiple outlet ends of the manifold. Valves may be located adjacent to each outlet end of the manifold. For example, the provision of valves allows some or more superheated steam to be supplied to upstream fluid passages (upstream of the rod material transport path) to enhance the heating effect and to supply, for example, a smaller amount of superheated steam to downstream fluid channels, or vice versa.

The forming apparatus may also include a pressure control unit for controlling the pressure of superheated steam supplied to the tubular element and to the rod material, respectively. Since pressure and temperature are not independent parameters, control of the tubular rod manufacturing process can be improved if the temperature and pressure of the superheated steam are controlled near the injection point of the superheated steam.

Preferably, at least one fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels comprises a pressure control unit comprising a pressure sensor and a pressure influencing device.

Preferably, the pressure control unit, in particular the pressure sensor, is located close to the position in which the rod material is treated with superheated steam. This makes it possible to very accurately measure the pressure of superheated steam acting on the rod material, which is an advantage. A pressure influencing device near the superheated steam injection point allows the pressure differences of the superheated steam at the injection point to be set or adjusted to the desired steam pressure acting on the rod material.

The pressure influencing device can be used, for example, to compensate for pressure losses between the steam generator and the rod material. For example, pressure losses can be caused by pressure differences in the steam distribution system of the molding machine. The pressure influencing device can also be used generally to further increase the pressure or decrease the pressure of the superheated steam supplied by the steam generator. In this way, the steam generator can be set to produce superheated steam at a predetermined value, for example an average value. Preferably, individual control of the superheated steam pressure is carried out in separate fluid channels adjacent to the steam injection point. The use of a pressure control unit also allows the use of steam generators that are unable to provide superheated steam within the required temperature range. In this case, the pressure control unit can provide the desired temperature range.

Preferably, the pressure sensor is located upstream of the pressure influencing device. In this way, the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor can be directly used to activate the pressure influencing device.

The pressure influencing device may be a pressure increasing device, a pressure decreasing device, or a pressure decreasing and increasing device.

Preferably, the pressure influencing device is a pressure regulator configured and capable of decreasing the pressure, more preferably configured and capable of decreasing or increasing the pressure in the fluid passage.

The pressure regulator may, for example, be a restrictor that limits the passage of superheated steam in the fluid passage.

The pressure regulator may, for example, be an actuated screw located in the fluid passage. By acting as a pressure reducing device, the screw can slow the flow of superheated steam passing through the fluid passage. By acting as a pressure increasing device, the screw can accelerate the flow of superheated steam passing through the fluid passage. The screw can also be used to vary the speed of superheated steam passing through the fluid passage.

Preferably, at least one of the pressure regulators contains or is a screw located in the fluid channel.

The pressure influencing device may also be, for example, a valve located in the fluid passage.

Preferably, at least two fluid channels are equipped with the same type of pressure influencing device.

More than one fluid passage of multiple fluid passages, for example three, four fluid passages, or preferably even each fluid passage of multiple fluid passages, may comprise a pressure control unit. If more than one fluid channel, or even all fluid channels, comprise a pressure control unit, this allows very precise control of the molding process. In particular, the molding process can be modified or adapted to achieve an optimized result.

The tubular element of the molding device may comprise a plurality of tubular element segments. Preferably, each tubular element segment of the plurality of tubular element segments comprises an injection site. Thus, each tubular element segment may be connected to at least one fluid passage for supplying superheated steam to the rod material passing through the tubular element segment. One fluid channel may be provided per segment of the tubular element.

The molding device of the molding plant allows the production of tubular rods, filled or hollow rods. To produce a hollow rod, the tubular member includes an inner core or core to form a continuous hollow tubular rod from the continuous rod material. Preferably, the core is located concentrically within the tubular element or within one, more or all segments of the tubular element.

Preferably, the molded rod is cooled to allow the plasticizer to cure and lock the rod into the form of a tubular rod. Cooling can be achieved by introducing air to the tubular rod. Preferably, cooling is carried out using pressurized air supplied to a rod formed from the rod material.

Accordingly, the molding apparatus may include a source of pressurized air, such as, for example, a pressurized air generator, for supplying pressurized air to the continuous tubular rod to cool the continuous tubular rod. Preferably, cooling is carried out after heating, that is, downstream of the heating process. Cooling can be carried out in the tubular element or downstream of the tubular element. For example, it is possible to supply pressurized air to the tubular rod through one of several fluid passages, for example, to a downstream injection point through a downstream fluid passage. If the tubular element comprises multiple tubular element segments, one tubular element segment, such as a downstream tubular element segment, may be coupled to a fluid passage for supplying cooling air, such as pressurized air, to the core being molded at the located earlier along the flow of segments of the tubular element. Cooling air accelerates the curing of the plasticizer and thus can quickly stabilize the continuous rod into a rod shape.

Although refrigeration using pressurized air has been described, it should be understood that pressurized air can also be used for heating, and that other gases suitable for cooling or heating can also be used. In particular, in an alternative or additional embodiment, pressurized gases that are compressed by a gas compressor, for example carbon dioxide or pressurized nitrogen, can be used.

In accordance with the present invention, the core may be provided in a tubular member or in one or more segments of a tubular member. The core can be used to create an internal shape in a molded rod, for example to create a so-called hollow acetate tube or HAT (hollow acetate tube). In some embodiments, the core has a circular cross-section, however other cross-sections are possible, for example in the shape of a polygon such as a triangle, square, star or others, in the shape of icons or pictograms such as hearts, clubs or diamonds or other round, oval or semicircular shapes. In addition, the cross-section of the core may be continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the core may vary along the length of the core. Preferably, the core extends through all segments of the tubular elements to which superheated steam is supplied or along the length of the heated tubular element. This helps mold the rod into the desired shape while it is still hot, which is an advantage. Preferably, the core extends into at least one of the segments of the tubular element, to which pressurized air is supplied for cooling. This makes it possible to secure the rod in the desired shape, which is an advantage. Preferably, the core does not extend into at least one segment of the tubular element to which pressurized air is supplied for cooling. This makes it easier to remove the rod from the core, which is an advantage.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the tubular member or at least one of the tubular member segments comprises a molded inner tube disposed within the tubular member or within a tubular member segment such that a rod extending through the tubular member segment extends along an inner surface of the molded inner tube. Thus, the molded inner tube can be shaped to the outer part of the rod during the molding process. For example, the inner tube has a circular cross-section, but other cross-sections are possible, for example in the shape of a polygon such as a triangle, square, star or others, in the shape of icons or pictograms such as hearts, clubs or diamonds or other round, oval or semicircular shapes. Specifically, the molded inner tube creates a series of grooves around the periphery of the molded rod.

Additionally, the cross-section of the inner surface of the molded inner tube may be continuous. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the molded inner tube may vary along the length of the molded inner tube. Changing the cross-section can, for example, create spiral grooves around the periphery of the molded rod.

Preferably, the molding installation comprises a main control system. The main control system controls the continuous rod forming process. For example, the main control system receives data from the temperature control unit or units, if available, also data from the pressure control unit or units, if available, data from the valves, and preferably also data from the final molded core. . The data from the final molded rod may, for example, be the diameter of the rod obtained from a line scan camera. In the main control system, the data can be analyzed and if deviations from the desired result are detected, the molding parameters can be adjusted. The main control unit can, accordingly, give commands to temperature control units, pressure control units, valves or additional elements of the molding plant, for example, a steam distribution system or a plasticizer applicator. The main control unit can be used to control additional production line devices during the core forming process, such as a cutting device to cut a continuous core into individual segments. With the help of the main control system, molding parameters such as pressure applied to the rod material, heating or cooling can be monitored, adjusted and recorded.

Although superheated steam is supplied through a steam distribution system to the molding member tubular member, the same distribution system or a separate distribution system may be used to supply pressurized air to the rod material.

Preferably, the superheated steam as well as the pressurized fluid is supplied through several injection points to the rod material, for example through injection points located along the length of the tubular element.

With a steam generator in the molding plant, a distribution system and distribution system fluid passages are used to direct superheated steam to the rod material, and a temperature control unit or units and a pressure control unit or units are used to control the temperature and pressure of the superheated steam.

If a gas compressor is further used in the molding plant, and the distribution system and fluid passages of the distribution system are used to direct pressurized air to the rod material, then a temperature control unit or units and a pressure control unit or units may be used to control the temperature and pressure. air under pressure.

If a steam generator as well as a gas compressor are used in a molding plant, both fluid compressors can be connected to the same distribution system. Superheated steam and pressurized air may be directed through the same or different fluid passages in the distribution system. Accordingly, pressure control units and temperature control units can control the pressure and temperature of superheated steam and pressurized air.

Preferably, the superheated steam and pressurized air are directed through different fluid passages in the same distribution system. Preferably, the superheated steam is directed through fluid passages leading to upstream injection points of the tubular element. Preferably, the pressurized gas is directed through fluid passages leading to downstream injection points of the tubular element. Preferably, the superheated steam is supplied to two or three injection points of the tubular element located earliest in the flow direction. Preferably, pressurized air is supplied to at least the furthest downstream injection point of the tubular element.

The present invention also relates to a method for forming a continuous tubular rod from a continuous rod material. The method includes providing a continuous rod material, molding the continuous rod material into a continuous tubular rod, and heating the continuous rod material during molding by supplying superheated steam from a steam generator through a steam distribution system to the continuous tubular rod. The method further includes the steps of measuring the temperature of the superheated steam in the steam distribution system at a point where the superheated steam is injected into the continuous tubular rod and providing a temperature influencing device in the steam distribution system downstream of the steam generator. The temperature influencing device is capable of and configured to change the temperature of superheated steam supplied from the steam generator to the continuous rod material during molding.

Preferably, the method includes heating or cooling superheated steam supplied from the steam generator before supplying the superheated steam to the continuous rod material.

Preferably, the method includes measuring the temperature of the superheated steam at multiple injection locations along the way of forming the continuous rod material.

Preferably, the method further includes measuring the superheated steam pressure at at least one of the injection points and providing a pressure influencing device in the superheated steam distribution system. The pressure influencing device is configured and capable of changing the pressure of superheated steam. The pressure influencing device may decrease or increase the pressure in the fluid passage. Preferably, the pressure influencing device may reduce the pressure of the superheated steam supplied to the continuous rod material.

The method may further include the step of applying a plasticizer to the continuous rod material before forming the continuous tubular rod. Applying a plasticizer to the rod material before molding the material into a rod affects the material of the rod. For example, plasticizers may improve the molding characteristics of the rod material, may increase the stability of the final rod, or may affect the draw resistance of the molded rod, or combinations of these effects.

The method may further include the step of cutting the continuous tubular rod into individual segments. The individual segments may have a finite length of the aerosol generating product segment. The individual segments may also have a length of several final lengths, and they can be cut to their final length in an additional process step in the method for manufacturing aerosol generating articles.

Preferably, the rod material contains cellulose acetate.

Preferably, the continuous tubular rod is a continuous hollow acetate tube (HAT).

The present invention also relates to a production line for producing a continuous tubular rod. The production line contains a molding plant in accordance with the present invention, described in this document. The production line further comprises a device for applying a plasticizer located upstream of the molding unit. A plasticizer application device is provided for applying plasticizer to a continuous rod material. The production line may further comprise a cutting device located downstream of the forming device for cutting the continuous tubular rod into individual rod segments.

The present invention is further described with respect to embodiments, which are illustrated by the following drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a molding plant with a temperature control unit;

in Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a molding machine containing several tubular element segments;

in Fig. 3 shows a molding machine with a molded inner tube in tubular element segments;

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a molding plant with a temperature and pressure control unit;

in Fig. 5 schematically shows the production line for continuous rods;

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a molding plant such as that used in the production line shown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 1, a continuous material 1, for example a rod material, impregnated with a plasticizer, for example triacetin, is directed in the transport direction 100. The continuous material is directed through a tubular element (not shown) and is thus treated with superheated steam.

Superheated steam is generated in steam generator 2 and directed through the steam distribution system to the rod material 1. The superheated steam is directed to a tubular element through which the rod material is passed to form the rod. The direction of superheated steam flow is shown by arrow 200.

Typically, the steam distribution system includes a manifold that distributes superheated steam from the steam generator 2 into a plurality of individual pipes 20. In FIG. 1 shows one end of the steam distribution system in the form of a fluid channel in the form of a single pipe 20. The pipe 20 ends with a nozzle 21 directing superheated steam to the material of the rod 1. This end of the steam distribution system is equipped with a temperature control unit 3. The temperature control unit 3 includes a heating element 30, such as a resistive heating element, surrounding the pipe 20. The temperature control unit 3 also includes a temperature sensor 31 located in the nozzle 21. The temperature control unit 3 may also include a data management system and a power supply system for receiving data from the temperature sensor 31 and from the heating element 30, and also to provide the heating element 30 with heating power if necessary to heat the superheated steam to a higher temperature and also to a higher pressure. The pipe 20 is made of a material capable of withstanding the heat of the superheated steam as well as the heat generated by the heating element 30.

Although the steam distribution system and temperature control are shown in FIG. 1, using a single pipe 20 equipped with a temperature control system 3, the steam distribution system preferably comprises several separate pipes, which may be equipped with their own individually controllable temperature control units.

The data management system and the power supply system for the temperature control unit 3 may also be integrated into a main control system configured to control the molding plant, as well as possibly additional devices used in the core manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, the heating element 30 may be a cooling element or a combined heating and cooling element. This allows cooling or heating or allows cooling or heating of the superheated steam depending on the temperature of the superheated steam supplied from the steam generator 2 and the temperature of the superheated steam required to process the continuous material.

In FIG. 2, the forming apparatus includes a tubular member 41 configured as a plurality of subdivided members, five tubular member segments 410 arranged sequentially along the feed direction of the continuous material.

At least the pipe 20 leading to the first of the divided element segments 410 (the upstream segment) is equipped with a temperature control unit 3 (not shown). Preferably, the pipes leading to the first and second divided element segments 410 are equipped with a temperature control unit 3. Thus, the at least two upstream pipes 20 are made of a material that is resistant to the heat provided by the heating element 30.

Preferably, the last of the split element segments 410 (the outermost segment) is used to cool the continuous rod, for example, by directing pressurized air into the interior of the element segment 410. The pipe 20 conducting pressurized cooling air to the last element segment 410 does not require the heat resistance of the heating element pipes and, accordingly, can be made of a less heat resistant material than the heating element pipes.

In FIG. 3 shows that the last of the tubular element segments 410, when viewed in the direction of transport of the rod material, contains a molded inner tube 44 located in the tubular element segment 410. The rod extending through the tubular member segment 410 extends along the inner surface of the molded inner tube 44. Thus, the molded inner tube imparts its shape to the outer portion of the rod during the molding process. Preferably, the molded inner tube has a substantially circular cross-section. In particular, the molded inner tube 44 creates a series of grooves around the periphery of the molded rod, for example, for the passage of air, which is an advantage. Preferably, all tubular element segments 410 in tubular element 41 include an inner tube 44. Most preferably, the upstream element segments 410 to which superheated steam is supplied to heat the rod material are provided with an inner tube 44.

In FIG. 4 shows another example of a molding plant in a simplified manner. For the same or similar features, the same or similar reference numbers are used as in FIG. 1.

The molding installation includes a steam generator 2 and a steam distribution system, with only one distribution system pipe 20 shown. The pipe 20 is equipped with a temperature control unit 3 installed in the end section of the steam distribution system.

Pipe 20 is additionally equipped with a pressure control unit 5. The pressure control unit 5 contains a pressure sensor 51 for measuring the pressure of the superheated steam. The pressure sensor is located upstream of the heating element 30. The pressure control unit 5 also contains a device 50, 52 that affects the pressure. The pressure influencing device in the illustrated embodiment consists of two screws 50 and a pressure regulator 52, such as a valve.

One of the screws 50 is located in the pipe upstream of the pressure sensor 51. The second screw 50 is located downstream of the heating element 30, but upstream of the pressure regulator 52 when viewed in the superheated steam flow direction 200. Preferably, a speed sensor is located at the second screw position to measure the speed of the superheated steam. Because the pressure regulator is located immediately upstream of nozzle 21 where superheated steam is introduced into tubular member 41, the pressure regulator allows very precise control and adjustment of the superheated steam pressure applied to the rod material. In particular, any increase in pressure that may occur due to heating of the superheated steam can be balanced by the pressure regulator 52.

Various sensors and actuators can measure and act on the temperature, speed and pressure of superheated steam.

As already mentioned for the molding plant embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the molding plant shown in FIG. 4 may also contain multiple pipes, and more than one pipe may be equipped with its own individually controllable temperature control units 3 and its own individually controllable pressure control units 5.

Temperature and pressure control blocks 3, 5 allow you to adjust the temperature, pressure and speed of superheated steam after the superheated steam exits from the steam generator 2 and, in general, at the outlet of one or more pipes 20. The sequential arrangement of injection nozzles and temperature control blocks 3, 5 pressure allows you to consistently obtain, preferably independently, temperature and pressure profiles at different application points during the core molding process.

This also applies if one or more downstream pipes are used for cooling, for example by supplying pressurized air. Measuring the temperature and pressure of pressurized air applied to the rod material or to an already formed but not fully stabilized rod allows for controlled cure and shape stabilization. This advantage is achieved by sequential control of temperature and pressure during the cooling process.

In FIG. 5 shows a production line for making continuous rods or continuous rod components, preferably for aerosol generating products.

Preferably, hollow rods are made from cellulose acetate and cut into segments. These segments can be used in "heat without combustion" type aerosol generating devices.

The production line includes a transport device 10 for transporting a continuous material, such as a cellulose acetate rod material, in a transport or supply direction 100 .

There is a preparation block 7 on the production line. The transport device 10 supplies the rod material to the preparation block 7. The preparation unit 7 is configured to form a continuous flow of rod material wetted with a curing fluid or plasticizer, such as, for example, triacetin. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the plasticizer block is part of the preparation block 7. Plasticizer blocks are known from the prior art. The plasticizer block can also be located upstream from the preparation block 7. Further downstream from the preparation block 7, the production line contains a molding unit 4 located in series with the preparation block 7. The forming unit 4 is configured to receive a flow of rod material and allow the material to harden to convert the rod material into a continuous axially rigid rod.

Preferably, the production line further includes a wrapping unit 8 for wrapping the rod in wrapping paper. In addition, the production line may include a cutting unit 9, preferably a rotary cutting head of a known type. The cutting unit 9 is located downstream from the forming unit 4 and the wrapping unit 8 and is configured to cut the rod into rod segments. For example, the desired length of the segments into which the rod is cut is obtained using a suitable measuring device (not shown).

Suitable wrapping unit 8, transport device 10 and cutting unit 9 are known in the art and will not be described in detail hereinafter.

The production line includes a main control system 500 configured to receive and send signals to and from the molding unit 4. The main control system 500 allows control of, for example, the heating or non-heating of a temperature control unit or, if present, a pressure regulator. Preferably, the main control system 500 also controls additional units of the production line, for example, the preparation unit 7 and the transport device 10. In addition, the main control system 500 can control the wrapping unit 8 and the cutting unit 9.

The molding plant 4 is shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6. The forming unit 4 includes a tubular element 41 configured to receive a rod material saturated with curing material. The direction of transportation of the transport device 10, as well as the direction of supply of the rod material into the tubular element 41 of the forming installation 4 is shown by arrow 100.

The tubular member 41 is configured to shape the rod material into a generally cylindrical rod, such as a filled rod or a hollow rod, and advance the rod in the feed direction 100 to additional components of the production line.

The tubular member 41 defines an opening 45 through which the rod material can pass. Preferably, the opening 45 includes an inner surface 451. Preferably, the inner surface 451 compresses the rod material to form the material into a substantially cylindrical continuous rod in the form of a rod. The inner surface 451 may, for example, be the inner surface of a molded inner tube 44, as shown in FIG. 3.

The tubular member 41 may include a core located within the tubular member. In this case, continuous material is directed around and along the core and inside the inner surface 451, thereby forming a hollow tube of rod material.

The forming unit 4 further includes a steam generator 2 in fluid communication with two circular nozzles 21 for injecting superheated steam under pressure into the interior of the tubular member 41. The superheated steam hardens the plasticizer present in the rod material and converts it into a substantially rigid rod.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the tubular element 41 is one continuous tubular element containing two injection points of superheated steam under pressure to act on the continuous material. Preferably more than two, for example three to five, nozzles 21 are present to inject superheated steam or also pressurized air at three to five injection locations located along the tubular element 41.

Claims (20)

1. Molding installation containing: a feeding path for continuously feeding continuous material of the rod in the direction of transportation; a forming device coupled to a downstream end of the supply path and configured to form a continuous tubular rod from the continuous rod material, the forming device comprising: a tubular member configured to pass the continuous rod material through the tubular member to form a continuous tubular rod; a steam generator configured to generate superheated steam, wherein the steam generator is in fluid communication with a tubular element for supplying superheated steam to the continuous rod material, wherein the molding device further comprises a plurality of fluid passages for supplying superheated steam from the steam generator to a plurality of injection points located along the length of the tubular member, and wherein more than one of the plurality of fluid passages comprises a temperature control unit comprising a temperature sensor and a device that influences temperature. 2. The molding plant according to claim 1, characterized in that one of more than one temperature control units is located in the end section of the fluid channel at the injection point. 3. The molding installation according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the injection end of at least one fluid channel containing the temperature control unit comprises a nozzle. 4. Molding installation according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature sensor is located in the nozzle. 5. The molding unit according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the temperature influencing device is a heating device, preferably a heating-cooling device. 6. Molding installation according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that each fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels contains a temperature control unit. 7. The molding installation according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one fluid channel of the plurality of fluid channels comprises a pressure control unit containing a pressure sensor and a pressure influencing device. 8. The molding installation according to claim 7, characterized in that the device influencing the pressure is a pressure regulator configured to decrease the pressure, preferably decrease and increase the pressure, in the fluid channel. 9. The molding plant as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular element comprises a plurality of tubular element segments, wherein each tubular element segment of the plurality of tubular element segments comprises an injection site. 10. A forming apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member includes a core for forming a continuous hollow tubular rod from the continuous rod material. 11. A production line for manufacturing a continuous tubular rod, comprising a molding unit as defined in any one of the preceding claims and comprising a plasticizer applicator located upstream of the molding unit for applying plasticizer to the continuous rod material. 12. A method for forming a continuous tubular rod from a continuous rod material, comprising: ensuring continuous rod material; molding the continuous rod material into a continuous tubular rod; heating the continuous rod material during molding by supplying superheated steam from a steam generator through a steam distribution system to the continuous tubular rod, and thereby measuring the temperature of the superheated steam in the steam distribution system at multiple injection locations of the superheated steam to the continuous tubular rod along the molding path of the continuous rod material, and providing a temperature influencing device in a steam distribution system downstream of the steam generator, wherein the temperature influencing device is configured to change the temperature of superheated steam supplied from the steam generator to the continuous rod material during molding. 13. The method of claim 12, comprising heating or cooling superheated steam supplied from the steam generator before supplying the superheated steam to the continuous rod material. 14. The method according to any one of claims 12, 13, comprising measuring the pressure of the superheated steam at at least one of the injection points and providing a pressure influencing device in the distribution system, wherein said pressure influencing device is capable of changing the pressure, preferably reduce the pressure of superheated steam supplied to the continuous rod material.

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