DE102013100815A1 - A tray emptying device and method for automatically emptying trays filled with rod-shaped articles into a production machine of the tobacco-processing industry as well as a production arrangement with a production machine and at least two tray emptying devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tray emptying device (10) for automatic emptying of bar-shaped articles (11) into a production machine (12) of the tobacco-processing industry, comprising feeding means (13) for feeding article-filled, upwardly open solid trays (11A ) in the transport direction TZU, an emptying station (14) with an emptying position (15) for emptying the full trays (11A), an above the feeder (13) arranged Abtransporteinrichtung (16) for transporting emptied empty trays (11B) in the transport direction TAB, and a transfer device (17) for transporting the trays (11A, 11B) within the tray emptying device (10) during an emptying cycle, characterized in that the transfer device (17) comprises a pivoting mechanism (18) whose pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S pivot cassette (19), the for fixing, pivoting and releasing the full trays (11A) is designed and arranged, as well as independently of the pivoting mechanism (18) acting lifting device (20), which is designed and arranged for fixing, linearly processing and releasing the empty trays (11B). The invention also relates to a production arrangement (39) having a multi-segment filter production machine (40) and at least two tray emptying devices (10) and to a corresponding method.

Description

The invention relates to a Schrägenentleereinrichtung for automatically emptying filled with rod-shaped articles Schragen in a production machine of the tobacco industry, comprising a feeding device for feeding filled with articles, open at the top full rack in the transport direction T _ZU , an emptying station with an emptying position for emptying overhead the Vollschragen, arranged above the feeder Abtransporteinrichtung for removing the emptied empty trays in the transport direction T _AB , and a transfer device for transporting the trays within the Schragenentleereinrichtung during a discharge cycle.

The invention further relates to a production arrangement comprising at least one production machine of the tobacco-processing industry, namely a multi-segment filter production machine with a plurality of processing modules comprising conveyor drums, a transfer module and at least one strand-forming module for producing multi-segment filters, and at least two tray discharge devices.

The invention further relates to a method for the automatic emptying of bars filled with rod-shaped articles into a multi-segment filter production machine, comprising the steps of: feeding article-filled, upwardly open solid trays in the transport _direction T _ZU by means of a feed device, transporting the full trays from the feed device into one Emptying an emptying station by means of a transfer device, so that the full trays head over in the emptying, emptying the Vollschragen overhead, transporting the empty trays by means of the transfer device from the emptying position on a Abtransporteinrichtung, and transporting the empty trays in the transport direction T _AB means of Abtransporteinrichtung.

Such Schrageentleereinrichtungen are used in the tobacco processing industry to re-introduce rod-shaped articles that are stored for different reasons in containers, the so-called Schragen, in the production process. For this purpose, the tray emptying devices are combined with production machines to form a production arrangement for carrying out corresponding production methods, which include the cigarette production, the filter production and also the packaging thereof. Tobacco sticks, cigarettes, filter rods and in particular filter rod segments should be mentioned by way of example as rod-shaped articles. The latter are used to produce formed from at least two filter rod segments Multisegmentfilterstäben, which are also called multisegment or multiple filters. The individual filter rod segments may be e.g. made of different materials. Two or more such filter bar segments are wrapped in a multi-segment filter manufacturing machine after grouping the filter bar segments in a string process with a wrapping material to form an endless multisegment filter strand. From the endless strand of multi-segment filter rods of single or multiple use length are separated to be further processed for cigarette production. From the above, it is clear from the example of multi-segment filter production that the production machine, in this case the multi-segment filter production machine, must be supplied with the corresponding articles, for example with the respective filter rod segments.

The known Schragenentleereinrichtungen of the type mentioned have transfer devices for handling or handling of the trays, which are designed as a pivoting mechanism. With the known pivot mechanism all Schragen, so the full trays and the Leerschragen, handled during the Entleerzyklus. An emptying cycle comprises removing the full trays from the feeder, emptying the full trays in the emptying station overhead and discharging the empty trays to the removal device. Due to the fact that both the full trays and the empty trays are handled by means of the transfer device, along different axes of movement, the transfer device first has to perform a handling operation, e.g. with the full trays before another handling operation, e.g. can be performed with the empty trays. Due to the waiting times, this leads to an extension of the cycle time. Incidentally, the known transfer devices are structurally complex, since they have several axes of motion for handling the Schragen due to the multiple functionality. To protect the articles from falling out during transport from the feeder to the emptying position, it is still necessary in the prior art to cover the full trays at the open top. It is known to close the full trays before pivoting by manually plugging a lid or by manually inserting a pull sword. In other words, the lid must be put on a full rack or push the pullsword into the closed position, so that the items located in the full rack do not fall out of the tray during handling. Before or for emptying the full trays, the lid must be removed again so that the articles can fall out of the full tray. This solution is therefore very laborious and time-consuming and especially from the handling, in particular the lid cumbersome and disadvantageous.

In combination of the tray emptying devices with a production machine for forming a production arrangement, there is also a large space requirement since the prior art tray emptying devices are arranged in front, behind and / or next to the production machine, so that the so-called "footprint" of the production arrangement increases. In other words, in known production arrangements, the tray emptying devices lie in one plane with the or each production machine, so that the supply of the production machine takes place from the front or from behind and from above. As a result, the articles are first directed downwards, subsequently conveyed laterally, then conveyed upwards and finally passed down into the production machine or into a multi-segment filter production machine, which increases the load on the articles.

The invention has for its object to increase the degree of automation in the production of the tobacco-processing industry cost-effective and space-saving.

This object is achieved by a Schragenentleerstation with the features mentioned above, characterized in that the transfer device is a pivoting mechanism whose pivotal movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis swivel cassette, which is designed and fixed for fixing, pivoting and releasing the full trays , as well as a independently acting of the pivoting mechanism lifting device, which is designed and arranged for fixing, linear method and releasing the empty trays. By the execution of the invention, a division of the functions is achieved by the pivot mechanism handles the full trays and the lifting device the empty trays. By separating the functions, temporal nesting / superimposition of the activities to be performed can be achieved. In other words, individual handling steps can be carried out at the same time, so that the cycle time for an emptying cycle can be reduced to a minimum. Incidentally, such a solution is structurally simplified because each functional part, so the pivoting device on the one hand and the lift device on the other hand, only a single separate task, namely on the one handling the Vollschragen and on the other hand, the handling of Leerschragen assigned.

Preferably, the pivoting cassette is associated with a closing element which is pivotable about the pivot axis with the pivoting cassette in order to close or close the upwardly open full tray during removal from a pick-up position on the feed device and during pivoting in the emptying position the emptying position relative to the swivel cassette is linearly movable in or counter to the transport direction T _ZU of the feed device for opening the full trays and back. This ensures the falling out of the articles from the full rack during its handling in an effective and cheap way. On the manual insertion and removal of a lid or on the manual pulling the Zugschwertes transverse to the transport direction T _ZU can be dispensed with, since the closing element is inevitably mitgeschwenkt with the swivel cassette and thus automatically made available. By the linear opening and closing of the closing element in or against the transport direction T _to the feeder means, the operation can be carried out to save space. This ensures that a plurality of tray emptying devices can be arranged side by side at the same height, without interfering with each other with respect to the closing element actuation. In combination with a plurality of tray emptying devices with a production machine for forming a production arrangement, a space-saving and variable assembly of the production arrangement can thus be achieved, as will be described below.

An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the lifting device is designed and set up for the pivot-free transport of the downwardly open empty trays from the lower emptying position vertically upwards into an upper return position on the unloading device. Characterized in that the lift is designed and set up exclusively for vertical transport of the empty trays, the empty trays in their necessary for emptying alignment (Schragen down open) are picked up from the emptying position and discontinued (Schragen down open) at the return position on the Abtransporteinrichtung. This allows a simple and space-saving transport of the empty trays to achieve a compact design of Schragenentleereinrichtung possible.

Advantageously, the removal device is designed to be telescopic in and counter to the transport direction T _{AB of} the removal device to and from the lifting device such that the removal device can at least partially dip into the lifting device. In other words, the removal device or a portion of the same with respect to its or its position is variable, such that the portion telescopically extendable from a waiting position for extending the Abtransporteinrichtung in the direction of the lift assembly in a return position for settling the empty trays from the lifting device to the Abtransporteinrichtung and retractable. This invention Training allows a simple and secure take over the empty trays of the lift device and a space-saving removal of empty trays. With the immersion of Abtransporteinrichtung in the lift the retraction of the movable portion in the lift device or between two support and / or guide body of the lift device is described, so that the Abtransporteinrichtung or the section can be placed directly below the empty trays.

A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the feed device has the pick-up position and a buffer area, the feed device being assigned detection means and a control device by means of which the occupancy of the pick-up position can be controlled and a supply from the buffer area can be ensured. By separating pick-up position and buffer area on the one hand and pick-up position and emptying position on the other hand, another Vollschragen can already be brought into the pick-up position during an emptying cycle, whereby the cycle time is further reduced, since the waiting time for providing a new Vollschragen deleted in the pickup position. In other words, the feeding device can perform its "work" independently of the emptying station, namely occupy the picking position and fill the buffer area. So that the pick-up position is always occupied by a full rack to avoid idling or waiting times for the pivot mechanism, the embodiment of the invention with detection means and control device is provided, which checked using the detection means occupancy and introduced by the control device, the supply and carried out.

The previously described tray emptying devices are optionally further developed in that the emptying position in the emptying station lies in a lower level than the picking up position on the feeding device in a transporting and repositioning plane. This achieves an even more compact design of the tray emptying device.

The object is also achieved by a production arrangement of the type mentioned above in that the Schragenentleereinrichtungen are formed according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Schragenentleereinrichtungen at least partially above the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine, namely above the processing modules are arranged. The resulting advantages have already been explained in connection with the Schragenentleerstation, which is why reference is made to avoid repetition on the corresponding passages. The compact design of the tray emptying device makes it possible for these to be arranged completely or partially above the multi-segment filter production machine or the processing modules. As a result, on the one hand, the space requirement of the production arrangement is determined only by the multi-segment filter production machine. In other words, the "footprint" of the production arrangement is reduced. On the other hand, the articles can be conveyed by the inventive design and arrangement of the Schragenentleereinrichtung from top to bottom of the full trays without deflection and directly into the Multisegmentfilterherstellungsmaschine, so that a compact and gentle on the article supply of Multisegmentfilterherstellungsmaschinen is ensured with the rod-shaped articles.

Preferably, a plurality of tray emptying devices are each arranged completely directly and in alignment above the processing modules of the multi-segment filter production machine, and that the lifting device of the tray emptying device each lie substantially in a common vertical plane with the conveyor drums of the associated processing module. In this production arrangement, the effect described above amplified even further. Multiple tray emptying devices may be disposed immediately adjacent to each other above the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the vertical stroke H _{L of} the lift device within the tray discharge means substantially corresponds to the inside width B _{i of} the respective swing cassette. Thus, a reduced overall height of the production arrangement is achieved in order to make this compact and user-friendly.

Appropriately, each tray emptying device is designed as a removable module and has a module width M _B , which corresponds to at least the inside width B _{i of} the respective swivel cassette, and that the module width M _B each Schragenentleereinrichtung is equal to the module width M _{S of} the associated processing module. By this embodiment, a compact construction of the production arrangement is also achieved. Furthermore, the modular design with the minimum width of the modules ensures a flexible arrangement of the tray emptying devices above the multi-segment filter production machine or, more precisely, of the processing modules. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the exchange modules are of identical construction, so that the position of the exchange modules relative to the multi-segment filter production machine can be easily changed. The module widths M _{S of} adjacent processing modules can also differ from one another. Accordingly, the Module widths M _B adjacent Schragenentleereinrichtungen differ.

The production arrangement is optionally further developed according to the invention by providing on a side facing away from the operating side of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine, namely on the feed side of the Schrageentleereinrichtungen, an operating position increasing pedestal and on the opposite side of the loading side arranged tray car for providing and / or storage of full trays and Leerschragen includes. This embodiment of the invention simplifies the operation of the production arrangement and the supply of the same with full trays and the disposal of empty trays. Furthermore, the carts protect the operators handling the platform and the multi-segment filter production machine.

Preferably, the production arrangement on a side facing away from the operating side of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine, namely on the feed side of the Schragenentleereinrichtung, a second lift means, wherein the length of the vertical stroke H _{2 of} the lifting device substantially equal to twice the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette. By this embodiment, a compact construction of the production arrangement is also achieved.

The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above in that the full trays are fixed by means of a pivoting mechanism, the pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis swivel cassette in a pick-up position on the feeder to the pivot axis in pivoted the emptying position and released in the emptying position, while the empty trays are fixed by means of a lift device regardless of the pivot mechanism in the emptying position, moved to the complete emptying in the vertical direction linearly upwards in a return position and released in the return position. As a result, several work steps can be carried out at least partially simultaneously, whereby the changeover time is shortened.

Preferably, the multi-segment filter making machine is simultaneously fed with rod-shaped articles from a plurality of tray emptying devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rod-shaped articles flow from the trays from top to bottom into the multi-segment filter making machine or their processing modules, and during the upward transport of the empty trays from the emptying position into the return position already full trays are pivoted from the pick-up position to the emptying position.

Advantageously, the empty trays are transported overhead, namely with the open narrow side down, from the emptying position to the return position and placed in the return position without pivoting on the Abtransporteinrichtung.

The advantages resulting from the individual method steps according to the invention have also been described in connection with the tray emptying device and the production arrangement, so reference is made to avoid repetition to the corresponding passages.

Further expedient and / or preferred features and developments emerge from the subclaims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:

1 a schematic representation of a Schrageentleereinrichtung with befindlicher in emptying Abtransporteinrichtung in side view,

2 the tray emptying device according to 1 with removal means located in the return position,

3 a schematic representation of a Schrageentleereinrichtung in rear view,

4 a schematic representation of a pivoting mechanism with a released for picking up a full tilt swivel cassette in a perspective view,

5 according to the pivot mechanism 4 with a recorded and fixed Schragen,

6 a schematic representation of the transfer device with the pivoting mechanism and the fixed in the swivel cassette Schragen in the emptying position and the lifting device in perspective view,

7 a schematic representation of a production arrangement with a production machine and four Schragenentleereinrichtungen in a perspective view obliquely from the front,

8th the production arrangement according to 7 in perspective view obliquely from behind,

9 a schematic representation of another production arrangement obliquely from behind with a feed lift, and

10 a schematic representation of another production arrangement obliquely from the front with a Podestgang and Schragenwagen.

The invention will be described with reference to the drawing for tray emptying devices which supply a multi-segment filter-making machine with rod-shaped articles, namely the filter (rod) segments. Of course, the invention also includes tray emptying devices designed and arranged for emptying other rod-shaped articles, for example filter rods, cigarettes or the like, to other production machines, for example filter attachment machines, cigarette manufacturing machines or the like, and forming the corresponding production arrangements with the production machines.

The in the 1 to 3 illustrated tray emptying device 10 is for automatically emptying trays filled with rod-shaped articles 11 into a production machine 12 The tobacco processing industry is trained and set up and includes a feeder 13 for feeding filled with articles, upwardly open Vollschragen 11A in the transport _direction T _ZU , an emptying station 14 with an emptying position 15 for overhead emptying of full trays 11A , one above the feeder 13 arranged removal device 16 for the removal of emptied empty trays 11B in the transport direction T _AB , as well as a transfer device 17 for transporting the trays 11 within the tray emptying device 10 during a discharge cycle.

As a Schragen 11 Simple (single-chamber) Schragen as well as (multi-chamber) shaft trays can be used. By means of the transfer device 17 are the Vollschragen 11A from the feeder 13 in the emptying station 14 and the empty floors 11B after emptying from the emptying station 14 to the removal facility 16 transportable. Such a pick-up, emptying and dispensing the Schragen 11 is called the emptying cycle.

This tray emptying device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the transfer device 17 a swivel mechanism 18 whose pivotal movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S swivel cassette 19 for fixing, pivoting and releasing full trays 11A is designed and set up, as well as one independent of the pivot mechanism 18 acting lift device 20 used for fixing, linear procedures and releasing the empty trays 11B is designed and furnished, has. In other words, the transfer device comprises 17 two separate functional units acting independently of each other. Independently acting in this context means that the functional units are on the one hand structurally separated and on the other perform functionally different task, both functional units are each designed and set up to exercise only a single direction of movement. The swivel mechanism 18 transports the full trays 11A about the pivot axis S. The lift device 20 transports the empty trays 11B in a linear direction from bottom to top, with the transport of the full trays 11A and the empty trays 11B collision-free coordinated.

The features and further developments described below are considered individually or in combination with one another preferred embodiments of the invention. It is expressly understood that features that are summarized in the claims and / or the description or described in a common embodiment, also functional independently can further develop the Schrägenentleerstation described above or the production arrangement described below.

Optional is the swivel cassette 19 a closing element 21 associated with the swivel cassette 19 about the pivot axis S is pivotable to the open-top full tilt 11A when picking up from a pick-up position 31 on the feeder 13 and during pivoting to the emptying position 15 to close or keep closed and to secure the articles against falling out. The swivel cassette 19 itself can eg from side walls forming / performing holding and / or guide means 22 . 23 , a holding / forming or forming a back wall / representing 24 and a bottom wall forming / performing holding and / or guide elements 25 . 26 be formed. All wall elements may be formed as struts, bearing surfaces forming wall sections or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall or the bottom wall forming / performing or replacing holding and / or guide elements 25 . 26 designed as pivoting flaps. These pivoting flaps are from a recording of a Vollschragen 11A enabling waiting position (see eg 4 ) in a closing or fixing position for the full rack 11A (see eg 5 ) movable. As actuating means for the pivoting flaps, for example, pneumatic cylinders 27 . 28 be used. The closing element 21 forms in the event that the Vollschragen 11A in the swivel cassette 19 are fixed, almost the lid for the Vollschragen 11A ,

The closing element 21 is especially in the emptying position 15 relative to the swivel cassette 19 linear (direction of movement T _S ) in or against the transport direction T _{ZU of} the feed device 13 for opening the full trays 11A and movable back. The closing element 21 , For example, a simple Zugschwert is by means of suitable actuation means 29 , eg pneumatic cylinder or stepper motor, linearly movable. The actuating means 29 is in one embodiment of the swivel cassette 19 separated in the emptying station 14 at the emptying position 15 arranged, so do not pan. Alternatively, the actuating means 29 as exemplified in the 4 to 6 shown, also on the pivot mechanism 18 be arranged. In the 6 is a Vollschragen 11A in the position head over at the emptying position 15 with open closing element 21 shown.

Preferably, the lift device 20 for swivel-free transport of the downwards open empty trays 11B from the lower emptying position 15 vertically up to an upper return position 30 on the removal facility 16 is designed and furnished. The lift facility 20 has in the embodiment shown, two spaced apart, vertical support body 32 . 33 on which a lift cassette 34 vertically from bottom to top and vice versa by means of suitable drive means is movable. The lift cassette 34 is for fixing and releasing the empty trays 11B trained and furnished. For vertical, slewing-free transport of empty trays 11B from the lower emptying position 15 in the upper return position 30 are the empty trays 11B detachable with the lift cassette 34 connected, for example by clamping, hanging, clamps or the like.

The return position 30 , where the empty floors 11B on the removal facility 16 are discharged, preferably in the same plane as the removal device 16 , In other words, the return position is 30 in the transport plane T of the removal device 16 , This extends for example until shortly before the lift device 20 , In other words, between the lift device 20 and the removal facility 16 a distance formed to collisions during vertical transport of Leerschragen 11B to avoid. The empty trays 11B can be active, for example, with driven Leit-, pan or other actuators from the lift cassette 34 on the removal facility 16 be transported.

Preferably picks up the removal facility 16 the empty trays 11B but off. This is the removal facility 16 telescopically in and against the transport direction T _{AB of} the removal device 16 on the lift facility 20 formed to and from this movable, such that the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 at least partially in the lift facility 20 can dive. As mentioned, the lift facility 20 in the illustrated embodiment, the two columnar and spaced apart support body 32 . 33 on. In the intermediate space of the support body 32 . 33 a movable section emerges 35 the removal facility 16 one which is extendable in linear orientation and retractable. In the withdrawn waiting position of the section 35 (please refer 1 ) is the vertical transport path for the empty trays 11B free. In the extended position (see 2 ) lies the section 35 between the supporting bodies 32 . 33 so the section 35 below the empties to be delivered 11B lies. The section 35 thus forms the return position in the latter position 30 , When the Leerschragen 11B on the section 35 is set off, this is withdrawn to the waiting position.

Both the feeder 13 as well as the removal facility 16 have driven conveying elements 36 . 37 , For example, belt conveyors or the like, by means of which an active transport in the respective transport _direction T _ZU or T _{AB is} guaranteed. Preferably, the feeder 13 the pick-up position 31 and a buffer area 38 having. In the pick-up position 31 is the provision of a ready-to-collect full tray 11A intended. In the buffer area 38 are preferably several full trays 11A provided. The feeder 13 are associated detection means and a control device by means of which the occupancy of the pick-up position 31 controllable and a supply from the buffer area 38 is secure. The supply can be executed in a time-optimized and / or path-optimized manner by means of the control device.

In the illustrated embodiment (eg the 1 and 2 ) is the emptying position 15 in the emptying station 14 in a lower level than the pickup position 31 on the feeder 13 in a transport and picking plane. In other embodiments, the emptying position 15 and the pick-up position 31 also in the same plane. The emptying position 15 can also be higher than the pickup position 31 lie. In all cases, the emptying position 15 and the pick-up position 31 as well as the return position 30 separated from each other. In other words, three locally different working positions (picking up the Vollschragen 11A at the pick-up position 31 , Emptying the full trays 11A in the emptying position 15 , Returning the empty trays 11B at the return position 30 ) educated.

The tray emptying devices described above 10 can be designed as a single component ("stand-alone component") to rod-shaped articles of solid trays 11A back into the production process. The tray emptying devices are preferred 10 however, directly from a production machine 12 assigned to the rod-shaped articles in the production process. In this case, the described Schragenentleereinrichtungen 10 all production machines 12 be assigned to the tobacco processing industry to produce a production 39 to build.

Such production arrangements 39 include at least one production machine 12 in the example of the invention, a multi-segment filter production machine 40 for producing multi-segment filters, as well as at least two tray emptying devices 10 of the type described above for supplying the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 with the required filter (bar) segments. The multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 includes several processing modules 46 , each having a plurality of conveyor drums, a transfer module 47 and at least one strand-forming module. According to the invention are the Schrageentleereinrichtungen 10 at least partially above the multi-segment filter making machine 40 namely above the processing modules 46 , Preferably, there are a plurality of tray emptying devices 10 in each case completely directly and in alignment above the processing modules 46 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 (please refer 7 to 10 ). Also the lift facility 20 the tray emptying device 10 is in each case substantially in a common vertical plane with the conveyor drums of the associated processing module 46 , In other words, the lift device is located 20 centrally above the conveyor drums.

In the production arrangement 39 according to the 7 and 8th are three tray emptying facilities 10 in the same plane next to each other above a processing module 46 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 arranged. A fourth tray emptying device 10 is at a lower level than the other three tray dumpers 10 but also above a processing module 46 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 arranged.

All tray emptying devices 10 are preferably formed as a module, wherein each module has a module width M _B , at least the inside width B _{i of} the swing cassette 19 equivalent. In other words, the modules are at least as wide as the drawer to be emptied 11 or the inside dimension B _{i of} the swivel cassettes 19 for holding the Schragen 11 , but preferably slightly larger. Particularly preferred is a size ratio of 1.25 to 1.5. This means that the module width M _B is 1.25 times to 1.5 times the dimension B _i . For example, is the outer width B _{a of} the drawer to be emptied 11 about 720mm, so is the inside dimension of the swivel cassette 19 tuned to a width B _i = 720mm. The module width M _B in this example case is then preferably about 900 to 1080 mm. With this design, the individual modules can be easily and precisely juxtaposed, preferably side by side, above the multi-segment filter production machine 40 position. Optionally, the modules are designed identically with regard to their external dimensions, in order to enable an exchange or position change within the production arrangement 39 to be able to make. The modules are with their module width M _B parallel to the strand conveying direction of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 aligned.

The inside width B _{i of} the swivel cassette 19 has a dependence on the length of the stroke H _{L of} the lifting device 20 on. The length of the stroke H _{L of} the lift device 20 within the tray emptying facilities 10 preferably corresponds substantially to the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette 19 , With this training, a compact and height-optimized dimensioning of Schragenentleereinrichtungen 10 reached. In the above example, a width of the swing cassette 19 from B _i = 720mm results in a stroke of length H _L = 720mm. Preferably, the stroke H _L corresponds to 1.1 times B _i . The module width M _{B of} each tray emptying device 10 is preferably also equal to the module width M _{S of} the processing modules 46 , This is preferably true for a Schrägentleereinrichtung 10 with underlying processing module 46 to. Neighboring tray emptying facilities 10 can also have different module widths M _B. Accordingly, the module widths M _{S of} adjacent processing modules 46 differ from each other. However, all module widths M _{B of} the tray emptying devices are particularly preferred 10 a production arrangement 39 and correspondingly also all module widths M _{S of} the associated processing modules 46 equal.

In the production arrangement 39 according to the 9 and 10 are two tray emptying facilities 10 in the same plane next to each other above the assigned processing modules 46 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 arranged. A third tray emptying device 10 is at a lower level than the other two tray dumpers 10 but also above the assigned processing module 46 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 arranged. In addition, this operating arrangement includes 39 optionally on one of the operating pages 45 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 opposite side, namely on the feed side 41 the tray emptying devices 10 , a pedestal passage that increases the operating position 42 , Optionally, the includes production arrangement 39 on the loading side 41 opposite side of the pedestal 42 arranged Schragenwagen 43 for providing and / or stocking full trays 11a and emptiness 11B that can be moved. In a further preferred embodiment may be on the feed side 41 the tray emptying devices 10 at least one second lift device 44 for lifting and lowering the full trays 11A and the empty trays 11B be arranged. The length of the vertical stroke H _{2 of} the lift 44 corresponds substantially to twice the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette 19 ,

In the following, the inventive method for automatically emptying filled with rod-shaped articles Schragen 11 into a multi-segment filter making machine 40 explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:
There will be each tray emptying device 10 several full trays 11A made available. The full trays 11A be manually or automatically on the feeder 13 placed. The full trays filled with articles 11A stand with their upwardly open side on the feeder 13 and are transported by this in the transport _direction T _ZU . The multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 be parallel or at the same time at least about two Schrageentleereinrichtungen 10 preferably different filter (bar) segments supplied. The full trays 11A are successively forward with their broadside to a pick-up position 31 and from there by means of a transfer device 17 in an emptying position 15 the emptying station 14 transported so that the full trays 11A overhead in the emptying position 15 stand. In this position, the Vollschragen 11A emptied, preferably by gravity alone from the Vollschragen 11A into the multi-segment filter making machine 40 fall. When the Schragen 11 is completely emptied, the original Vollschragen 11A So a Leerschragen 11B is, are the empty trays 11B by means of the transfer device 17 from the emptying position 15 on a removal facility 16 transported and transported away from this in the transport direction T _AB .

According to the invention, the full trays 11A by means of a swivel mechanism 18 whose pivotal movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S swivel cassette 19 in the pick-up position 31 on the feeder 13 fixed to the pivot axis S in the emptying position 15 pivoted and in the emptying position 15 be released again while the empty trays 11B by means of a lift device 20 independent of the swivel mechanism 18 in the emptying position 15 fixed, after complete emptying in the vertical direction linearly upwards in a return position 30 procedure and in the return position 30 be released again.

These two handling operations are carried out at least partially at the same time, so that by the time-nested handling of full trays 11A and the empty trays 11B a shortening of the changeover time is achieved. In other words, during the upward transport of the empty trays 11B in the direction of the removal facility 16 already Vollschragen 11A in the emptying position 15 be brought and vice versa. All Schragen 11 that is the full trays 11A and the empty floors 11B , are exposed during their transport only a single direction of movement. The full trays 11A are pivoted exclusively about the pivot axis S. The empty trays 11B are moved linearly in a vertical direction from bottom to top. This leads to the empty trays 11B swivel-free in its downwardly open position on the removal device 16 be dropped off; be discontinued; be deducted; be dismissed. The full trays 11A be during pivoting through the closing element 21 kept closed and can during emptying of the transfer device 17 and / or the lift device 20 being held.

The settling of the empty trays 11B from the lift facility 20 on the removal facility 16 can be active. However, a section preferably proceeds 35 the removal facility 16 opposite to the transport direction T _AB on the lift device 20 too far, that the section 35 below the in the upper position of the lift device 20 moved empty trays 11B stands. In this position, the Leerschragen 11B - virtually passive - on the removal facility 16 be discontinued by the lift facility 20 the empty trays 11B releases. By moving back the section 35 in the transport direction T _AB and the active drive of conveying elements 37 the removal facility 16 become the empty trays 11B removed.

Preferably, the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine becomes 40 or their processing modules 46 simultaneously from several tray emptying facilities 10 supplied the type described above, wherein the filter (bar) segments of the full trays 11A exclusively from top to bottom in the processing modules 46 Multi-segment filter production machine 40 stream. Thus, there is a deflection-free supply of the processing modules 46 the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 with the filter (bar) segments. As mentioned, during the transport of the empty trays 11B from the emptying position 15 in the return position 30 another Vollschragen 11A from the pick-up position 31 in the emptying position 15 be panned. There is also the possibility that during the pivoting of a Vollschragens 11A from the pick-up position 31 in the emptying position 15 another Vollschragen 11A from a buffer area 38 on the feeder 13 in the pick-up position 31 is transported. Thus, virtually three different handling operations can be performed in parallel, which shorten the change time and thus the discharge cycle.

The full trays 11A can in Schragenwagen 43 to be provided. The full trays 11A Can be manually or mechanically from the Schragenwagen 43 taken and directly on the feeder 13 be dropped off; be discontinued; be deducted; be dismissed. Optionally, the full trays 11A also via a lift facility 44 to the feeder 13 be transported. The empty trays 11B can also manually or by machine from the removal device 16 removed and in Schragenwagen 43 be dropped off; be discontinued; be deducted; be dismissed. The empty trays 11B can also first by means of the lift device 44 transported and then to the Schragenwagen 43 be passed on.

The method proceeds in a corresponding manner for all other rod-shaped articles, for example filter rods, from those of a production machine 12 , For example, a Filteransetzmaschine be supplied.

Claims (15)

Tray emptying device ( 10 ) for the automatic emptying of strands filled with rod-shaped articles (US Pat. 11 ) in a production machine ( 12 ) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a feeder ( 13 ) for feeding filled with articles, open at the top full trays ( 11A ) in the transport _direction T _ZU , a discharge station ( 14 ) with an emptying position ( 15 ) for overhead emptying of the full trays ( 11A ), one above the feeder ( 13 ) arranged Abtransporteinrichtung ( 16 ) for transporting emptied empty trays ( 11B ) in the transport direction T _AB , and a transfer device ( 17 ) for transporting the Schragen ( 11A . 11B ) within the tray emptying device ( 10 ) during an emptying cycle, characterized in that the transfer device ( 17 ) a pivot mechanism ( 18 ), whose pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S swivel cassette ( 19 ) for fixing, pivoting and releasing the full trays ( 11A ) is designed and set up, and one independent of the pivot mechanism ( 18 ) acting lift device ( 20 ), for fixing, linear method and releasing the Leerschragen ( 11B ) is formed and arranged. Tray emptying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the swivel cassette ( 19 ) a closing element ( 21 ) associated with the swivel cassette ( 19 ) is pivotable about the pivot axis S, to the open-top full tray ( 11A ) when picking up from a pick-up position ( 31 ) on the feeder ( 13 ) and during pivoting into the emptying position ( 15 ) to close or keep closed, and in the emptying position ( 15 ) relative to the swivel cassette ( 19 ) linear in or counter to the transport direction T _{ZU of} the feeder ( 13 ) for opening the full trays ( 11A ) and is movable back. Tray emptying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting device ( 20 ) for the pivot-free transport of the downwardly open empty trays ( 11B ) from the lower emptying position ( 15 ) vertically upwards into an upper return position ( 30 ) on the removal facility ( 16 ) is designed and furnished. Drawer discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the removal device ( 16 ) telescopically in and against the transport direction T _AB of Abtransporteinrichtung ( 16 ) to the lift facility ( 20 ) is designed to be movable toward and away from it, such that the removal device ( 16 ) at least partially into the lift facility ( 20 ) can dive. Drawer discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the feed device ( 13 ) the pickup position ( 31 ) and a buffer area ( 38 ), wherein the feed device ( 13 ) Detection means and a control device are assigned, by means of which the occupancy of the pick-up position ( 31 ) and a supply from the buffer area ( 38 ) is securable. Drawer discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the emptying position ( 15 ) in the emptying station ( 14 ) lies in a lower level than the pick-up position ( 31 ) on the feeder ( 13 ) in a transport and picking plane. Production arrangement ( 39 ) comprising at least one production machine ( 12 ) of the tobacco processing industry, namely a multi-segment filter manufacturing machine ( 40 ) with a plurality of processing modules comprising conveyor drums ( 46 ), a transfer module ( 47 ) and at least one strand-forming module for producing multi-segment filters, as well as at least two tray emptying devices ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tray emptying devices ( 10 ) at least partially above the multi-segment filter production machine ( 40 ), namely above the processing modules ( 46 ) are arranged. Production arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of tray emptying devices ( 10 ) completely directly and in alignment above the processing modules ( 46 ) of the multi-segment filter production machine ( 40 ) are arranged, and that the lift device ( 20 ) of the tray emptying device ( 10 ) each substantially in a common vertical plane with the conveyor drums of the associated processing module ( 46 ) lies. Production arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the length of the vertical stroke H _{L of} the lifting device ( 20 ) within the tray emptying facilities ( 10 ) substantially the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette ( 19 ) corresponds. Production arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that each tray emptying device ( 10 ) as module has a module width M _B , at least the inside width B _{i of} the swivel cassette ( 19 ), and that the module width M _{B of} each tray emptying device ( 10 ) equal to the module width M _{S of} the associated processing module ( 46 ). Production arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it is located on one of the operating side ( 45 ) of the multi-segment filter production machine ( 40 ) facing away, namely on the loading side ( 41 ) of the tray emptying devices ( 10 ), an operating position increasing podium ( 42 ) and on the loading side ( 41 ) opposite side of the pedestal ( 42 ) arranged Schragenwagen ( 43 ) for providing and / or stocking full trays ( 11A ) and empty trays ( 11B ). Production arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it is located on one of the operating side ( 45 ) of the multi-segment filter production machine ( 40 ) facing away, namely on the loading side ( 41 ) of the tray emptying device ( 10 ), a second lift facility ( 44 ), wherein the length of the vertical stroke H _{2 of} the lift device ( 44 ) substantially twice the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette ( 19 ) corresponds. Method for automatic emptying of sticks filled with rod-shaped articles ( 11 ) into a multi-segment filter production machine ( 40 ), comprising the steps: - feeding filled with articles, upwardly open full trays ( 11A ) in the transport _direction T _ZU by means of a feeder ( 13 ), - transporting the full trays ( 11A ) from the feeder ( 13 ) in an emptying position ( 15 ) an emptying station ( 14 ) by means of a transfer device ( 17 ), so that the full trays ( 11A ) overhead in the emptying position ( 15 ), - overhead emptying of the full trays ( 11A ), - transporting the empty trays ( 11B ) by means of the transfer device ( 17 ) from the emptying position ( 15 ) to a removal facility ( 16 ), and - removing the empty trays ( 11B ) in the transport direction T _AB by means of the Abtransporteinrichtung ( 16 ), characterized in that the full trays ( 11A ) by means of a pivot mechanism ( 18 ), whose pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S swivel cassette ( 19 ) in a pick-up position ( 31 ) on the feeder ( 13 ) fixed to the pivot axis S in the emptying position ( 15 ) and in the emptying position ( 15 ), while the empty shelves ( 11B ) by means of a lift device ( 20 ) independent of the swivel mechanism ( 18 ) in the emptying position ( 15 ), after complete emptying in the vertical direction linearly upwards into a return position ( 30 ) and in the return position ( 30 ) be released again. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine ( 40 ) simultaneously from several tray emptying devices ( 10 ) is supplied with rod-shaped articles according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rod-shaped articles from the Schragen ( 11 ) from top to bottom into the multi-segment filter making machine ( 40 ), and during the upward transport of the Leerschragen ( 11B ) from the emptying position ( 15 ) in the return position ( 30 ) already full trays ( 11A ) from the pick-up position ( 31 ) into the emptying position ( 15 ) are pivoted. Method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the empty trays ( 11B ) overhead, namely with the open narrow side down, from the emptying position ( 15 ) in the return position ( 30 ) and in the return position ( 30 ) pivoting on the Abtransporteinrichtung ( 16 ) be dropped off; be discontinued; be deducted; be dismissed.

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