DE102013204250A1 - Promotion of an article mass flow from rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for conveying a multi-layer mass flow of articles (MS) composed of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods. According to the method, the following method steps are carried out: the article mass flow (MS) is conveyed by means of a belt-shaped conveyor (12, 12.1, 12.2) in a first, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal conveyor section in the transverse axial direction of the rod-shaped article, wherein the rod-shaped articles on the belt-shaped conveyor (12, 12.1, 12.2) are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the belt-shaped conveyor (12, 12.1, 12.2) in such a way that the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles with a predetermined offset distance from the center of the belt-shaped Conveying means (12, 12.1, 12.2) are aligned in the first conveyor section, - wherein in a second, to the first conveyor section, and preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal, subsequent conveyor section, the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow (MS) during the transition or during the Transition from the first conveyor section to between eite conveyor section can be or are implemented on a belt-shaped conveyor (12, 12.1, 12.2) provided in the second conveyor section in such a way that the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles in the second conveyor section are aligned with an offset distance from the center of the belt-shaped article in the second conveyor section, - the The offset distance of the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor (12, 12.1, 12.2) in the first conveyor section differs from the offset distance of the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor (12, 12.1, 12.2) in the second conveyor section. In addition, the invention relates to a device for the, preferably horizontal, conveying of a multilayered article mass flow (MS) composed of rod-shaped articles from the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods.

Description

The invention relates to a method for conveying a multi-layer article mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for, preferably horizontal, conveying a multi-layer article mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods.

Moreover, the invention relates to a storage device, preferably a storage device with variable storage capacity, for a multi-layer article mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods.

By the term "rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry", in addition to filter rods, multi-segment filter rods or multifilament rods, e.g. Also understood cigarettes, cigarillos or cigars, with or without filters, to which the invention is equally applicable.

In the production or processing of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, these rod-shaped articles are conveyed via conveyors in mass flow from a production machine to a storage device for the articles produced.

In such storage devices, in particular storage devices with variable storage capacity, the rod-shaped articles are also conveyed on conveyor belts or conveyor chains between the floors of the mass storage device, the article mass flow is guided over curves or curved conveyor lines, which due to the compactness of the multilayer article mass flow association, the rod-shaped article in the curved ie non-straight conveyor lines are shifted against each other and fanned out, whereby the fragile rod-shaped articles, e.g. Filtered cigarettes, mechanically loaded and possibly damaged, so that the optical quality of the rod-shaped article is impaired. Also, a breakout of a group of cigarettes from the compact hexagonal or hexagonal bandage and a subsequent fall from the conveyor may be the consequences.

Such memory devices are operated, for example, according to the FIFO principle (First In First Out). A storage device with variable storage capacity of HAUNI Maschinenbau AG, Hamburg, is known for example under the name VARIOS. In EP-A-1 445 218 Such a memory device for rod-shaped articles is described.

Based on this prior art, the object of the invention is to reduce in a simple manner, the mechanical loads of conveyed in the article mass flow rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry and dropping, especially for the promotion in storage facilities.

• – wobei der Artikelmassenstrom mittels eines bandförmigen Fördermittels in einem ersten, vorzugsweise kurvenfreien und linearen und/oder horizontalen, Förderabschnitt in queraxialer Richtung der stabförmigen Artikel gefördert wird,
• – wobei die stabförmigen Artikel auf dem bandförmigen Fördermittel quer, insbesondere senkrecht, zur Förderrichtung des bandförmigen Fördermittels derart angeordnet sind, dass die Stablängenmitten der stabförmigen Artikel mit einem vorbestimmten Versatzabstand zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels im ersten Förderabschnitt ausgerichtet sind,
• – wobei in einem zweiten, an den ersten Förderabschnitt, und vorzugsweise kurvenfreien und linearen und/oder horizontalen, anschließenden Förderabschnitt die stabförmigen Artikel des Artikelmassenstroms beim Übergang oder während des Übergangs vom ersten Förderabschnitt zum zweiten Förderabschnitt auf einen im zweiten Förderabschnitt vorgesehenen, bandförmigen Fördermittel derart umgesetzt werden oder sind, dass die Stablängenmitten der stabförmigen Artikel im zweiten Förderabschnitt mit einem Versatzabstand zur Mitte des bandförmigen Artikels im zweiten Förderabschnitt ausgerichtet sind,
• – wobei der Versatzabstand der Stablängenmitten der stabförmigen Artikel zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels im ersten Förderabschnitt sich vom Versatzabstand der Stablängenmitten der stabförmigen Artikel zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels im zweiten Förderabschnitt unterscheidet.

This object is achieved by a method for, preferably horizontal, conveying a multi-layer article mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods,

• Wherein the article mass flow is conveyed by means of a belt-shaped conveying means in a first, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal conveying section in the transverse-axial direction of the rod-shaped articles,
• Wherein the rod-shaped articles are arranged on the band-shaped conveying means transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the band-shaped conveying means such that the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles are aligned with a predetermined offset distance to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the first conveying section,
• - In a second, to the first conveyor section, and preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal, subsequent conveyor section, the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow at the transition or during the transition from the first conveyor section to the second conveyor section on a provided in the second conveyor section, band-shaped conveyor such are implemented or are that the rod length centers of the rod-shaped article in the second conveyor section are aligned with an offset distance to the center of the band-shaped article in the second conveyor section,
• Wherein the offset distance of the rod length centers of the rod-shaped article to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the first conveying section differs from the offset distance of the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the second conveying section.

In the context of the invention, an article mass flow is understood as meaning a mass flow of rod-shaped articles stacked one above the other and in the conveying direction and side by side, such as filter rods, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped articles in the densely packed package of the mass flow or in hexagonal or hexagonal-like association during conveyance parallel to each other are aligned. Preferably, the rod-shaped article in the multilayer article mass flow in the transverse axial direction, ie perpendicular to their longitudinal orientation, promoted. Typically, the height or width of an article mass flow, in particular transversely to the conveying direction, is a multiple of the diameter of a single rod-shaped article.

The invention is based on the idea that prior to introducing a mass flow of articles into a storage device, preferably with a variable storage capacity, the relative position between the band-shaped conveyor for the rod-shaped article and the rod-shaped articles on a horizontal conveying path in front of the storage device in a first conveyor section is changed , wherein the articles of the article mass flow in the second conveying section of the conveying path with respect to the rod-shaped articles in the first conveying section in the longitudinal axial direction, ie transversely to the conveying direction in your position on the conveyor, be changed or moved.

In an alternative, the position of the conveyor in the second conveyor section relative to the conveyor in the first section is also arranged offset in the longitudinal axial direction of the rod-shaped article, wherein the conveying directions in the first conveyor section and in the second conveyor section are linear. Since both the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section are arranged in a horizontal plane, i. That the surfaces of the conveying means are in the same plane in the first conveying section and in the second conveying section, according to the invention, the relative position between the center of the conveying means in the first conveying section and the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles in the first conveying section relative to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the second conveying section and changed the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles in the second conveying section.

By changing the rod-shaped articles with respect to the center of the linear and horizontal conveying means, it is possible for the articles to be displaced in the article mass flow, whereby it is possible to subsequently insert the rod-shaped articles outside the center of the belt-shaped conveying means into the storage device , As a result of the asymmetrical arrangement of the rod-shaped articles on the band-shaped conveying means in the second conveying section, the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow are offset outside the center of the conveying means, whereby the mechanical load of the bar-shaped ones is achieved when conveying the article mass flow in a subsequent storage device with variable storage capacity in curved conveying paths of the storage device Article is reduced, in which a quasi arc with a larger diameter is formed.

In addition, a relative change in position between the articles of a mass flow and the belt-shaped conveying means can also take place after discharge of the mass flow from a storage device in a horizontal conveying path adjoining the storage device, so that, for example, the rod-shaped articles are asymmetrical, i. not centered, are arranged on the conveyor, for example conveyor chain, on exit from the storage device on the belt-shaped conveyor or the conveyor chain and in a horizontal conveyor line, the relative position between the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow and the band-shaped conveyor element in the second conveyor section is changed. In particular, in this case the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles are centered, i. arranged in the same center plane with the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the second conveying section.

• a.) die stabförmigen Artikel im ersten Förderabschnitt symmetrisch zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels auf dem bandförmigen Fördermittel, vorzugsweise Förderkette, angeordnet sind und nach Übergang vom ersten Förderabschnitt zum zweiten Förderabschnitt die stabförmigen Artikel im zweiten Förderabschnitt asymmetrisch zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels auf dem bandförmigen Fördermittel, insbesondere Förderkette, angeordnet sind oder
• b.) die stabförmigen Artikel im ersten Förderabschnitt asymmetrisch zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels auf dem bandförmigen Fördermittel, insbesondere Förderkette, angeordnet sind und nach Übergang vom ersten Förderabschnitt zum zweiten Förderabschnitt die stabförmigen Artikel im zweiten Förderabschnitt symmetrisch zur Mitte des bandförmigen Fördermittels auf dem bandförmigen Fördermittel, insbesondere Förderkette, angeordnet sind.

It is provided in a development of the method that

• a.) the rod-shaped article in the first conveying section symmetrically to the center of the band-shaped conveyor on the belt-shaped conveyor, preferably conveyor chain, are arranged and after transition from the first conveyor section to the second conveyor section, the rod-shaped article in the second conveyor section asymmetric to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor on the belt-shaped conveyor , in particular conveyor chain, are arranged or
• b) the rod-shaped articles in the first conveying section are arranged asymmetrically to the center of the band-shaped conveying means on the band-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, and after passing from the first conveying section to the second conveying section the rod-shaped articles in the second conveying section symmetrical to the center of the band-shaped conveying means on the band-shaped conveying means , in particular conveyor chain, are arranged.

For this purpose, it is advantageous according to a preferred embodiment of the method, that the rod-shaped article by means of one, preferably only one, attacking on a front side of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow and movable offset sliding device at the transition or during the transition between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section with a Offset movement, in particular thrust movement, in the direction of the central longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped article, in particular transversely or perpendicular to the transverse axial conveying direction of the article mass flow, are acted upon.

It is further preferred that the rod-shaped article at the transition or during the transition between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section in the direction of one of the end faces of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow, preferably stationary, assigned stop are or are, in particular the offset slide device for the rod-shaped article and the stop are arranged opposite to each other and a delivery channel for the article mass flow or for form an offset or displaced article mass flow section.

The arranged laterally on the conveyor sections stop for the article mass flow is formed as a kind of guide plate, wherein the guide plate or the stopper is bevelled or angled at its two ends, whereby in cooperation with the offset sliding device, which also has at their ends bevels or bends , a funnel-shaped entrance and a funnel-shaped outlet of the conveyor channel formed is made possible.

Preferably, the offset sliding device is also formed with a straight guide plate for the article mass flow, wherein the guide plate is arranged parallel to the head ends or the end faces of the rod-shaped article. The guide plate of the offset sliding device is provided with corresponding brackets with a drive, wherein the guide plate of the offset sliding here doing a positively guided, preferably elliptical or oval or circular, movement or lifting movement, wherein during the movement of the guide plate of the offset sliding the guide plate in this case parallel to the front page or the heads of the rod-shaped articles.

A further embodiment of the method is characterized in that the offset sliding device is driven by means of a drive device, preferably oscillating device, wherein in particular the offset sliding device performs an oscillating, preferably elliptical or oval-shaped or circular movement, preferably in the horizontal plane, and / or in particular, the drive device of the offset sliding device is or is synchronized with the conveying speed of the band-shaped conveying means. In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that the offset sliding device executes a lifting movement. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the drive speed of the offset sliding device or the movement of the offset sliding device and the drive means for the offset sliding device are synchronized with the conveying speed of the belt-shaped conveying means and optionally with the conveying speeds of the first and / or the second belt-shaped conveying means.

Preferably, the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow in the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section are conveyed on the same belt-shaped conveyor, wherein preferably the band-shaped conveyor is designed as a conveyor chain and / or preferably wherein the band-shaped conveyor on the or its support side, which faces the article mass flow, transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably convex, elevations and / or, preferably concave depressions. In this case, no change of the conveying means takes place, so that the conveying means is conveyed or guided continuously in the first and in the second conveying section.

In another embodiment of the method, it is provided that between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, the belt-shaped conveying means in the horizontal plane, preferably transversely to the conveying direction of the belt-shaped conveyor, is deflected or is, so that the center of the belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain , In the first conveying section relative to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the second conveying section by an offset distance transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the horizontal conveying direction of the article mass flow, is arranged offset.

For this purpose, according to a preferred embodiment, it is further provided that the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow in the first conveying section are conveyed onto a first belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, and the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow in the second conveying section on a separate, second belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, wherein the center of the first belt-shaped conveying means and the center of the second belt-shaped conveying means are arranged transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the horizontal conveying direction of the article mass flow offset by an offset distance to each other, preferably in the horizontal plane.

For this purpose, it is further provided in a development of the method that the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow are arranged asymmetrically in the second conveyor section to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor and then in a storage device, preferably a storage device with variable storage capacity, introduced, in particular the rod-shaped article be promoted within the storage device with its asymmetric arrangement on the band-shaped conveyor.

In this case, according to the invention, before the article mass flow enters the Storage device, the rod-shaped article asymmetrically offset on the belt-shaped conveyor, wherein after the production of rod-shaped articles, in particular filter cigarettes, the articles of the formed article mass flow are arranged centrally on the belt-shaped conveyor and conveyed with this symmetrical arrangement on the conveyor to the storage device, wherein shortly before Admission of the article s according to the invention, the rod-shaped article of the mass flow offset on the conveyor in a horizontal conveying path are arranged.

In addition, a further development of the method is characterized in that the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow from one or the storage device, in particular storage device with variable storage capacity, are conveyed out on the belt-shaped conveyor, in particular the rod-shaped articles after or when leaving the storage device asymmetric to Center of the belt-shaped conveying means are arranged in a first conveying section of a horizontal conveying path and then the rod-shaped articles are arranged symmetrically to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in a second conveying section of the horizontal conveying path or are.

The asymmetrically arranged on the conveyor belt or the conveyor rod-shaped article are conveyed with their asymmetric position by the memory device, in particular the FIFO memory, wherein after the exit of the article from the storage device, the rod-shaped article in the center, i. symmetrically on the band-shaped conveyor in a horizontal conveyor line, implemented or arranged.

• – wobei ein bandförmiges Fördermittel in einem ersten, vorzugsweise kurvenfreien und linearen und/oder horizontalen, Förderabschnitt zur Förderung der stabförmigen Artikel in queraxialer Richtung vorgesehen ist,
• – wobei ein bandförmiges Fördermittel in einem zweiten, vorzugsweise kurvenfreien und linearen und/oder horizontalen, Förderabschnitt zur Förderung der stabförmigen Artikel in queraxialer Richtung vorgesehen ist,
• – wobei der zweite Förderabschnitt, vorzugsweise unmittelbar, an den ersten Förderabschnitt anschließt, a.) wobei die Mitte, insbesondere die Mittenachse in Längsrichtung, des bandförmigen Fördermittels im ersten Förderabschnitt und die Mitte, insbesondere die Mittenachse in Längsrichtung, des bandförmigen Fördermittels im zweiten Förderabschnitt mit einem Abstand (> 0 cm) quer zur Längsrichtung des oder der bandförmigen Fördermittel oder quer zur Förderrichtung oder der bandförmigen Fördermittel, vorzugweise in einer horizontalen Ebene, ausgebildet sind, so dass die Mitte oder die Mittenachsen des oder der bandförmigen Fördermittel im ersten Förderabschnitt und im zweiten Förderabschnitt parallel zueinander angeordnet sind, und/oder b.) wobei eine an einer Stirnseite der stabförmigen Artikel des Artikelmassenstroms angreifende und bewegbare Versatzschiebeeinrichtung für die stabförmigen Artikel des Artikelmassenstroms vorgesehen ist, so dass die stabförmigen Artikel beim Übergang oder während des Übergangs zwischen dem ersten Förderabschnitt und dem zweiten Förderabschnitt mit einer Versatzbewegung, insbesondere Schubbewegung, mittels der Versatzschiebeeinrichtung in Richtung der Mittenlängsachsen der stabförmigen Artikel, insbesondere oder im Wesentlichen quer oder senkrecht zur queraxialen Förderrichtung des Artikelmassenstroms, beaufschlagt werden oder beaufschlagbar sind.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a device for, preferably horizontal, conveying a multilayer article mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods, wherein the device is designed for carrying out the method described above,

• Wherein a band-shaped conveying means is provided in a first, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal conveying section for conveying the rod-shaped articles in the transverse-axial direction,
• Wherein a band-shaped conveying means is provided in a second, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal conveying section for conveying the rod-shaped articles in the transverse-axial direction,
• - wherein the second conveyor section, preferably directly, adjoins the first conveyor section, a.) Wherein the center, in particular the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped conveyor in the first conveyor section and the center, in particular the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped conveyor in the second conveyor section are formed at a distance (> 0 cm) transversely to the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped conveying means or transversely to the conveying direction or the band-shaped conveying means, preferably in a horizontal plane, so that the center or the center axes of the band-shaped conveying means in the first conveying section and in the second conveying section are arranged parallel to each other, and / or b.) Wherein an on one end side of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow attacking and movable offset sliding device is provided for the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow, so that the rod-shaped Article during transition or during the transition between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section with an offset movement, in particular thrust movement, by means of the offset sliding device in the direction of the central longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped article, in particular or substantially transversely or perpendicular to the transverse axial conveying direction of the article mass flow, are acted upon or acted upon are.

For this purpose, it is further preferred that a, preferably stationary, stop on a longitudinal side of the first conveyor section and / or the first conveyor section is provided for a front side of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow in the region of the conveyor sections, in particular the offset sliding device for the rod-shaped article and the Stop are arranged opposite to each other and form a delivery channel for the article mass flow or for a displaced or offset article mass flow section.

In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the offset sliding device is drivable or driven by means of a drive device, preferably oscillating device, wherein in particular the offset sliding device an oscillating, preferably elliptical or oval or circular, preferably in the horizontal plane, or preferably linear, stroke movement executes

Preferably, furthermore, the drive device for the offset sliding device is synchronized or synchronized with the conveying movement, in particular with the conveying speed, of the belt-shaped conveying means or, preferably, by using a coupling device or a connecting device. It is provided that the drive device for the offset sliding device by means of, in particular driven, conveying means or with a conveyor drive for the conveyor by means of a coupling device or connecting device is connected or operatively connected, so that the movement of the offset sliding device with the conveying movement or the conveying speed of the conveyor or coupled and / or synchronized.

Moreover, according to an alternative embodiment, it is further preferred that the same belt-shaped conveying means is provided in the first conveying section and in the second conveying section, so that the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow are conveyed on the same belt-shaped conveying means, wherein preferably the belt-shaped conveying means is designed as a conveyor chain and / or preferably wherein the band-shaped conveying means on the support side transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably convex, surveys and / or, preferably concave recesses.

In particular, a deflection device is further provided for the band-shaped conveying means provided in the first horizontal conveying section and in the second horizontal conveying section, so that the band-shaped conveying means is deflected in the horizontal plane, preferably transversely to the conveying direction of the band-shaped conveying means, between the first conveying section and the second conveying section is, so that the center of the band-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, offset in the first conveying section relative to the center of the band-shaped conveying means in the second conveying section by an offset distance, in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction of the article mass flow offset, preferably wherein the band-shaped conveying means on the support side transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably convex, elevations and / or, preferably concave recesses.

An advantageous embodiment of the device is further distinguished by the fact that in the first, preferably linear, conveying section a first belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, is provided for the transverse axial conveying of the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow and in the second, preferably linear, conveying section a second, separate belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, is provided for the transverse axial promotion of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow, wherein the center of the first belt-shaped conveying means and the center of the second belt-shaped conveying means offset transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the article mass flow by a distance (> 0 cm) to one another, preferably in the horizontal plane, wherein preferably the first belt-shaped conveying means and / or the second belt-shaped conveying means on the carrying side transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably co Nvexe, surveys and / or, preferably concave depressions exhibit. In particular, the distance by which the centers of the first conveying means and of the second conveying means are offset from one another is smaller than the width of the first or second conveying means. Preferably, the first conveying means and the second conveying means are the same width.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a storage device, preferably a storage device with variable storage capacity, for a multi-part article mass flow of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods, with an input for the article mass flow and with an output for the article mass flow, wherein in the area the device is provided with a horizontal conveying path as described above and / or wherein a device described above for conveying a multi-layer article mass flow with a horizontal conveying path is provided in the region of the output or after the output of the memory device. To avoid repetition, reference is expressly made to the above statements.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

1 schematically an arrangement of a storage device with variable storage capacity for an article mass flow of tobacco processing industry with rod-shaped articles;

2a . 2 B schematically a perspective view and a plan view of a conveyor assembly for conveying an article mass flow with rod-shaped articles;

3 schematically a plan view of another conveyor assembly for a mass flow of articles and

4 schematically a plan view of a conveyor assembly for conveying an article mass flow according to another embodiment.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

In 1 a schematic arrangement of a storage device S with variable storage capacity for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is shown, wherein via a feed conveyor 10 a mass flow MS is introduced via an entry side or an input side of the storage device S. The memory device S is designed in particular as a so-called FIFO memory.

The feeder 10 is designed as a horizontal Zuförderstrecke. In order to feed the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow to a packing machine or another further processing machine, for example a multifilter production machine, an outfeed conveyor is located on an exit side of the storage device S. 50 provided, so that the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS are conveyed or removed from the storage device S via a straight conveying path.

A memory device with variable storage capacity is, for example, in EP-A-1 445 218 , wherein the entire disclosure of this patent application for the present patent application is expressly incorporated.

In the 2a . 2 B various views of a conveyor for horizontally conveying the multi-layer article mass flow MS are shown, which form part of the feed conveyor 10 for a storage device S with variable storage capacity. Here, on a straight, horizontal and curve-free conveyor section of the article mass flow MS by means of a conveyor chain 12 conveyed in the transverse axial direction to the input side of the storage device S.

The conveyor chain 12 is designed as a conveyor chain on the article mass flow MS facing support side with a support surface, which preferably concave recesses and / or convex elevations identifies to safely receive the article of the article mass flow MS.

The individual rod-shaped articles or filter cigarettes of the article mass flow MS are multilayered one above the other and stacked one behind the other in the conveying direction, so that the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped articles or filter cigarettes in the hexagonal bandage or hexagonal bandage are aligned parallel to one another on the linear, horizontal conveying path during conveying ,

On the output side of a production machine, the rod-shaped articles produced, for example filter cigarettes, are placed on the conveyor chain 12 stored and stacked to a mass flow MS, so that the mass flow MS centrally, ie symmetrically, is arranged on the conveyor chain and is conveyed transversely axial. The middle of the conveyor chain 12 is in 2 B shown as a dash-dotted line and with the reference numeral 14 Mistake.

On the conveying path from the production machine to the storage device, the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS become an offset pushing device 20 conveyed, so that the rod-shaped article of mass flow MS longitudinally on the conveyor belt 12 be moved, resulting in an asymmetric arrangement of the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS on the conveyor chain 12 on the output side of the offset sliding device 20 results (cf. 2 B ).

The offset sliding device 20 has one on the conveyor chain on one side of the mass flow MS 12 stationary stop wall 22 against which the end faces of the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS are brought into contact after the longitudinal displacement of the rod-shaped articles.

At the the stop wall 22 opposite side is a movable sliding wall 24 arranged with two rotatable wheels 30 . 32 connected is. Here are the wheels 30 . 32 arranged side by side, so by the simultaneous rotation of the wheels 30 . 32 the sliding wall 24 performs an elliptical or oval movement, the sliding wall 24 parallel to the conveying direction of the mass flow MS or parallel to the stop wall 22 is forced.

Due to the elliptical or oval movement of the sliding wall 24 become the displacement pusher 20 zugeförderten rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS through a frontal contact with the sliding wall 24 in the longitudinal direction against the stop 22 postponed. As a result, the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS outward on the conveyor chain 12 shifted, so that the rod length center of the rod-shaped mass flow MS articles outside the center 14 the conveyor chain 12 on the output side of the displacement device 20 is arranged. As a result, the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS are outside the center 14 the conveyor chain 12 and thus asymmetrical to the middle 14 the conveyor chain 12 arranged.

Below the conveyor chain 12 is how out 2a shows a gear 26 arranged, with the teeth of the gear 26 engaged with the underside of the conveyor chain 12 to be brought. The gear 26 is for example using bevel gearboxes or other connecting means with the rotatable wheel 30 connected so that the rotational movement of the wheel 30 with the conveying movement of the conveyor chain 12 is synchronized.

The stop wall 22 and the sliding wall 24 are formed on the input side and output side with angled walls, resulting in a funnel-like inlet side and a funnel-like outlet side of the displacement sliding device 20 result.

In the context of the invention, it is further provided that by means of a (not shown here) offset sliding device with asymmetrical arrangement of the rod-shaped article on the conveyor chain 12 the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS with an offset sliding device 20 be moved longitudinally axially, so that the rod-shaped article then centered on the conveyor chain 12 are arranged.

Furthermore, preferably the stop wall 22 and the sliding wall 24 the offset sliding device 20 made of metal or plastic, wherein when manufactured from plastic antistatic agents are still provided to prevent electrostatic charges.

In the 3 and 4 In each case, further exemplary embodiments of a conveyor arrangement for an article mass flow MS are shown in a schematic plan view in each case, the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS being centered in an offset sliding device 20 be conveyed and after exiting the displacement sliding device 20 the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS are arranged asymmetrically to the conveyor chain.

According to the embodiment in 3 becomes the conveyor chain 12 using two pulley pairs arranged one behind the other 41 . 42 arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped article, so that the conveyed rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS are promoted position neutral, while by the use of Umlenkrollenpaare 41 . 42 the conveyor chain 12 is offset in relation to the rod length centers of the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS, so that after deflection of the conveyor chain 12 the rod length centers of the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS on the output side of the offset sliding device 20 asymmetrical to the middle 14 the conveyor chain 12 are arranged.

Compared to the embodiment of 3 are in the embodiment in 4 instead of a conveyor chain two conveyor chains 12.1 . 12.2 provided, which are offset transversely to the conveying direction of the mass flow MS. How out 4 it shows that they are the centers 14.1 . 14.2 the conveyor chains 12.1 . 12.2 offset parallel to the conveying direction of the mass flow MS parallel. Here are the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS of the conveyor chain 12.1 on which the rod-shaped articles are arranged symmetrically or centrally, to the subsequent conveyor chain 12.2 passing, whereby the rod center lengths of the rod-shaped article asymmetric to the center 14.2 the second conveyor chain 12.2 are arranged.

As further from the embodiment in 3 It can be seen, guide rails for the safe guidance of the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS laterally at the two end faces of the rod-shaped article 43 . 44 provided, whereby at the deflection of the conveyor chain 12 the rod-shaped articles of the mass flow MS are not shifted against each other. Such guide walls are also according to the embodiment 4 in the transfer of the rod-shaped article of the mass flow MS of the first conveyor chain 12.1 to the second conveyor chain 12.2 possible or provided.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 feeder

12

 conveyor chain

12.1, 12.2

 conveyor chain

14

 center

14.1, 14.2

 center

20

 Offset shifter

22

 abutment wall

24

 sliding partition

26

 gear

30

 wheel

32

 wheel

41

 deflection rollers

42

 deflection rollers

43

 guide wall

44

 guide wall

50

 discharge conveyor

MS

 mass flow

S

 memory device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1445218 A [0007, 0045]

Claims (18)

Method for conveying a multi-ply article mass flow (MS) from rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods, - the article mass flow (MS) being conveyed by means of a band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is conveyed in a first, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal, conveying section in the transverse-axial direction of the rod-shaped article, - wherein the rod-shaped article on the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) are arranged such that the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles with a predetermined offset distance to the center of the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 in a second, to the first conveyor section, and preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal, subsequent conveyor section, the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) at the transition or during the transition from the first conveyor section to the second conveyor section in such a way on a provided in the second conveyor section, band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) or that the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles in the second conveyor section are aligned with an offset distance to the center of the belt-shaped article in the second conveyor section, - the offset distance of the rod length centers of the rod-shaped articles to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) in the first conveying section from the offset distance of the rod length centers of the rod-shaped article to the center of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) differs in the second conveyor section. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a.) The rod-shaped article in the first conveying section symmetrical to the center of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), preferably conveyor chain, are arranged and, after transition from the first conveyor section to the second conveyor section, the rod-shaped articles in the second conveyor section asymmetrically to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, are arranged or b.) the rod-shaped article in the first conveying section asymmetric to the center of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, are arranged and after transition from the first conveyor section to the second conveyor section, the rod-shaped article in the second conveyor section symmetrical to the center of the belt-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, are arranged. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rod-shaped articles by means of a, preferably only one, on an end face of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) attacking and movable offset sliding device ( 20 ) at the transition or during the transition between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section with an offset movement, in particular thrust, in the direction of the central longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped article, in particular transversely or perpendicular to the transverse axial conveying direction of the article mass flow (MS), are acted upon. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rod-shaped article at the transition or during the transition between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section in the direction of one of the end faces of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS), preferably fixed associated stop be offset or are, wherein in particular the offset sliding device ( 20 ) for the rod-shaped article and the stop are arranged opposite to each other and form a delivery channel for the article mass flow (MS) or for a staggered or offset article mass flow section. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the offset-shifting device ( 20 ) by means of a drive device, preferably oscillating device, is driven, wherein in particular the offset sliding device ( 20 ) performs an oscillating, preferably elliptical or oval-shaped or circular, movement, preferably in the horizontal plane, and / or wherein in particular the drive device of the displacement sliding device ( 20 ) with the conveying speed of the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is or will be synchronized. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) in the first conveyor section and in the second conveyor section on the same belt-shaped conveying means (MS) 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), wherein preferably the band-shaped conveying means as conveyor chain ( 12 ) is trained. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section, the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) in the horizontal plane, preferably transversely to the conveying direction of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is deflected or is, so that the center of the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, in the first conveying section relative to the middle of the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is offset in the second conveying section by an offset distance transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the article mass flow (MS), offset. Method according to one of claims 1, 2 or 7, characterized in that the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) in the first conveying section on a first band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, and the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) in the second conveying section on a separate, second belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, are conveyed, wherein the center of the first belt-shaped conveying means ( 12.1 . 12.2 ) and the middle of the second belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the article mass flow (MS) offset by an offset distance to each other, preferably in the horizontal plane, are arranged. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) in the second conveyor section asymmetric to the center of the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) and are then placed in a storage device (S), preferably a storage device (S) with variable storage capacity, wherein in particular the rod-shaped articles within the storage device (S) with their asymmetric arrangement on the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) from one or the storage device (S), in particular storage device (S) with variable storage capacity, on the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) are conveyed out, wherein in particular the rod-shaped article after or when leaving the storage device asymmetric to the center of the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) are arranged in a first conveying section and then the rod-shaped article symmetrical to the center of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) are arranged in a second conveyor section or are. Device for, preferably horizontal, conveying a multi-ply article mass flow (MS) of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods, wherein the means for performing the method according to one of claims 1 to 10 is formed, - wherein a band-shaped conveying means in one first, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal, conveying section for conveying the rod-shaped article is provided in transverse axial direction, - wherein a band-shaped conveying means in a second, preferably curve-free and linear and / or horizontal conveying section for conveying the rod-shaped article in the transverse axial direction is provided, - wherein the second conveyor section, preferably immediately adjoins the first conveyor section, a.) Wherein the center, in particular the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) in the first conveying section and the center, in particular the center axis in the longitudinal direction, of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) in the second conveying section at a distance (> 0 cm) transversely to the longitudinal direction of the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) or transversely to the conveying direction or the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), preferably in a horizontal plane, are formed so that the center or the center axes of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) are arranged parallel to one another in the first conveying section and in the second conveying section, and / or b), wherein a displaceable sliding device (FIG. 3) acting on an end side of the rod-shaped articles of the article mass flow (MS) is ( 20 ) is provided for the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS), so that the rod-shaped article at the transition or during the transition between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section with an offset movement, in particular thrust movement, by means of the offset sliding device ( 20 ) are acted upon or acted upon in the direction of the central longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped article, in particular transversely or perpendicular to the transverse axial conveying direction of the article mass flow (MS). Device according to claim 11, characterized in that a, preferably stationary, stop ( 22 ) on a longitudinal side of the first conveyor section and / or the first conveyor section for a front side of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) in the region of the conveyor sections, wherein in particular the offset sliding device ( 20 ) for the rod-shaped articles and the stop ( 22 ) are arranged opposite to each other and form a delivery channel for the article mass flow (MS) or for a displaced or offset article mass flow section. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the offset sliding device ( 20 ) by means of a drive device, preferably oscillating device, is driven or is driven, wherein in particular the offset sliding device ( 20 ) performs an oscillating, preferably elliptical or oval-shaped or circular movement, preferably in the horizontal plane. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the drive device for the displacement sliding device ( 20 ) is synchronized or synchronized with the conveying movement, in particular with the conveying speed, of the belt-shaped conveying means or, preferably, by means of a coupling device or a connecting device. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the first conveyor section and in the second conveyor section the same belt-shaped conveying means is provided, so that the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) on the same band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), wherein preferably the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) as a conveyor chain ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) and wherein preferably the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the support side transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably convex, elevations and / or, preferably concave recesses. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a deflection device ( 41 . 42 ) is provided for the provided in the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section band-shaped conveying means, so that between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section the band-shaped conveying means in the horizontal plane, preferably transversely to the conveying direction of the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), is deflected or is, so that the center of the band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), in particular conveyor chain, in the first conveying section relative to the middle of the belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is offset in the second conveying section by an offset distance transversely, in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction of the article mass flow (MS), wherein preferably the band-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the support side transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably convex, elevations and / or, preferably concave recesses. Device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in the first, preferably linear, conveying section a first belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, for the Queraxiale promotion of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS) is provided and in the second, preferably linear, conveying section a second , Separate belt-shaped conveying means, in particular conveyor chain, is provided for the Queraxiale promotion of the rod-shaped article of the article mass flow (MS), wherein the center of the first belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) and the middle of the second belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the conveying direction of the article mass flow (MS) by a distance (> 0 cm) offset from each other, preferably in the horizontal plane, are arranged, wherein preferably the first band-shaped conveyor ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) and / or the second belt-shaped conveying means ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) on the support side transversely or perpendicular to the conveying direction, preferably convex, elevations and / or, preferably concave recesses.  Storage device (S), preferably a storage device (S) with variable storage capacity, for a multi-layer article mass flow (MS) of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes or filter rods, with an input and with an output for the article mass flow (MS), wherein A device according to one of claims 11 to 17 is provided in the region of the input or in front of the input of the memory device (S) and / or in the region of the output or the output of the memory device (S) a device according to one of claims 11 to 17 is provided.

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