DE3223070A1 - Arrangement for conveying a stream of rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry transversely to their axis - Google Patents

Abstract

A branching zone (7) for the controlled selective charging of a processing station (2) or of an interim storage device (3) with cigarettes (31) or similar articles in the tobacco processing industry is provided with pivotable flaps (71, 92), which separate from one another flows of cigarettes moved relative to each other, and especially prevent the mutual friction between cigarettes in a moving stream of cigarettes and cigarettes in a stream of cigarettes which is at rest. <IMAGE>

Description

Stw .: cigarette-mass flow diversion-diverting flap-IL

Arrangement for the transverse axial conveying of a stream of rod-shaped articles the tobacco processing industry The invention relates to an arrangement for transverse axial Conveying a stream of rod-shaped articles from the tobacco processing industry a machine or a group of machines of a first type to a machine or a group of machines of a second type, with one in a branching zone opening feed conveyor as well as discharge conveyors leading away from the branching zone for the article.

Under the designation rod-shaped article of the tobacco processing Industry "in the present context are cigarettes, filter rods, filter cigarettes, Cigarillos, etc. summarized.

Machines of the first type should include, for example, manufacturing machines for mentioned article as well as machines for erection and processing in an upstream Processing level can be understood.

Machines of the second type are further processing machines, such as Packing machines or distribution devices for the pneumatic conveyance of the articles.

It is the endeavor of the tobacco processing industry to make machines connect the first and second type as directly as possible with each other. Be like that for example those produced on a cigarette or filter cigarette machine Stw. Cigarette mass flow diversion diverter flap Ir th article directly to one downstream packing machine -funded.

In the operation of such direct links, there may be differences in performance between the machines of the first and second type or to malfunctions or failures the processing machines or production machines come, so that for example the production machine constantly produces more than its associated packaging machine can accommodate, or in the other case the production machine cannot accommodate the packaging machine fully occupied.

In order not to shut down the machines concerned in these cases to have to use intermediate links in the form of storage devices, which in connection with the generic funding either with proper When the machines work, the largest part can be run through as quickly as possible the article guarantee, on the other hand article temporarily in the case of the malfunctions mentioned and save for later return to the direct flow.

The greater the quantitative differences between the per unit of time from the slope zone on the one hand directly to the further processing machine and on the other hand the articles conveyed to the storage device, i.e. the greater the relative speed between the two conveying flows, the stronger or longer the articles become the slower flowing flow of articles from the adjacent articles moving past of the faster flowing current is strained and damaged. In extreme cases are these always the same adjacent articles in a standing article stream, if that is 100% of all articles supplied by a single conveyor the branching zone are conveyed away and the adjacent Stw .: Cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-II article column of the second discharge conveyor is idle. This rubbing together of articles between relative to one another Moving flow of articles is called "scratching" and the critical one by the experts Zone in which this scratching takes place, referred to as the "scratching zone".

The invention is based on the object in a branching zone to take measures to distribute article flows through which the so-called Zrubbelzone "is removed and a distribution resp.

Removal from the branching zone is guaranteed.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that at least a discharge conveyor opposite by means of a flap which can be pivoted by a drive means the branching zone can be shut off.

Preferably, the branching zone is within a production machine with a processing machine connecting conveyor line of the conveyor arrangement is provided, two discharge conveyors leading away from the branching zone are provided, from those of the first conveyor directly to the finishing machine and the second with the pivotable flap connected discharge conveyor with an intermediate storage device is connected, which is expediently a tray filling station.

To second the flow of articles to the machine requesting the articles Kind, for example a packing machine, not to tear off, is according to a advantageous embodiment of the invention provided that the flap according to a monitoring element monitoring the filling level of the branching zone in the locked or open position can be pivoted, the monitoring element expediently Stw .: Cigarette-Massenstromumlei.tung-UmleitklapIje-I r wise as the fill level of the Branch zone detecting level button is formed.

In order to be able to do justice to the operating state in which the further processing machine fails or no article m-hr requested or can be taken out, thus 100 X the Articles need to be picked up by the second conveyor, provides a provision according to the invention Design before that also between the branching zone and the first discharge conveyor a hinged butterfly valve is provided to prevent that during the actuation of the flaps, especially when opening the flaps, articles between the back of the flap and the discharge conveyors are jammed, is after another Proposal is the free one pointing downstream in the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor End of the flaps with a deflector wall curved along the pivoting radius of the flaps Mistake.

An even flow of articles as they are distributed from the branching zone out is ensured according to an expedient embodiment that the connecting the branching zone with a magazine in the intermediate storage device Outfeed conveyor designed as an essentially horizontally aligned intermediate conveyor is, the intermediate conveyor designed as a belt conveyor expediently is connected to the branching zone via an inclined shaft.

Another suggestion is the entry end of the shaft immediately adjacent to the deflector wall of the pivotable flap.

To create optimal conditions in the branching zone and According to a further proposal, the flap with monitoring means is to be maintained to activate or deactivate your drive means when reaching an intermediate position the flap.

Stw .. Cigarette mass flow diversion-diverting flap F The one with the invention The advantage achieved is that two article streams, especially one flowing Article flow and a static article flow are absolutely separated from each other or against each other are blocked off, so must neighboring articles of the steady and moving stream no longer touch each other, thus no longer rub past each other and onto them Way to be treated gently.

The invention is illustrated below with reference to one in the drawing Embodiment explained in more detail. Here: FIG. 1 shows a schematically illustrated generic machine coupling in side view, Figure 2 is an enlarged Partial representation of the system in the area of the branching zone of section II according to FIG. 1, FIGS. 3a and 3b show a cross section through divided along a line x-y Drive means of the conveyor shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a cross section by the drive means of a flap according to the invention and FIG. 5 a control circuit of the entire machine coupling shown in FIG.

Stw .: Cigarette mass flow diversion-diversion flap-It At the in The coupling of machines shown in FIG. 1 are cigarette streams shown by arrows moved between the individual units, which from a machine of the first type in Form of a production machine designed as a filter attachment machine 1, a machine of the second type in the form of a processing machine designed as a packing machine 2, an intermediate storage device in the form of a tray filling station 3 and a Tray emptying station 4 exist. The illustrated streams of cigarettes consist of a single-layer cigarette stream 6 leaving the filter attachment machine 1, which is converted into a mass flow 8 in a branching zone 7, a cigarette flow 9, -directly into a magazine 13 via a belt conveyor 11 and a pair of belts 12 the packing machine 2 is transferred, a stream of cigarettes 14, which via a intermediate conveyor 16 consisting of two conveyor belts into a magazine 17 of the tray filling station 3 is transferred for filling in trays 18 and a stream of cigarettes 19, which via a conveyor belt 21 from the tray emptying station 4 to the direct Cigarette stream 9 is übergeSWlft. An arrow 22 indicates that a filled tray 18 is fed directly to the tray emptying station 4, while an arrow 23 indicates that alternatively an empty tray 18 for later use at a certain The place of storage is transferred.

To drive the pair of belts 12 and the conveyor belt 21 are each Drive motors 24 and 26 are provided. More details in the area of the branching zone 7 provided conveyor, drive and monitoring elements are based on the following the Figures 2 to 4 explained in more detail.

Stw. Cigarette mass flow diversion-diversion flap-II The filter attachment machine 1 is provided with a dispensing drum 27, in which, according to Figure 3a, via suction holes 28 wells 29 filter cigarettes 31 acted upon by suction air. After submission The filter cigarettes 31 form the single-layer cigarette stream from the troughs 29 6, which is between two strip webs 32 and 33 to form the mass flow 8 is transferred into the branching zone 7. The ribbon webs 32 and 33 are around Deflection and drive rollers 34, 36 and 37, 38 guided around, the main drive the filter attachment machine 1 derived drive for the upper belt web 32 in FIG 3a is shown. For this purpose the delivery drum 27 has a drive shaft 39, which carries a drive gear 41, which via a toothed belt 42 with a Drive pinion seated on a shaft 43 of the drive roller 37 of the upper belt web 32 44 is engaged. In the same way, not shown, the lower belt web 33 driven.

The first discharge conveyor leading away from the branching zone 7 in the form of the belt conveyor 11 also has a main drive in a manner not shown the filter attachment machine 1 derived drive, which by means of a transport coupling 46 is separable or switchable.

The intermediate conveyor 16 which forms the second discharge conveyor and which over an inclined shaft 47 is connected to the branching zone 7, consists of an upper and a lower conveyor belt 48 and 49, which according to FIGS and 3b are equipped with the following different drive means. To the drive of the Zviscilenförderers 16 is a first drive in the form of a controllable DC motor 51 is provided, the drive gear 52 of which has a toothed belt 53 and a freewheel 54 with a Stw. Igaretten-Massenstromumle ütunq-Uii tt! Itkldppe-II Drive shaft 56 of a drive roller 57 of the conveyor belt 49 in operative connection stands. For synchronous drive of a drive roller 58 of the upper conveyor belt 48 its drive shaft 59 carries a drive pinion 61, which via spur gears 62 and 63 with a drive pinion seated on the drive shaft 56 of the drive roller 57 64 cooperates.

The second drive means of the intermediate conveyor 16 is from the main drive the filter attachment machine 1 derived, including its drive shaft 39 another Drive gear 66 carries, which via a toothed belt 67 with a loose on the Drive shaft 56 of the lower conveyor belt 49 mounted gear 68 in drive connection The drive connection between the gear 68 and the drive roller 77 is can be produced by an electromagnetic clutch 69 seated on the drive shaft 56.

The branching zone 7 is opposite the intermediate conveyor 16 through a pivotable flap 71 can be shut off.

The flap 71 is at its end with one along its pivot radius Understand curved deflector wall 72, which when pivoting the opening of the inclined shaft 47 painted over. According to FIG. 4, the drive for pivoting the flap 71 is used a servomotor 73, the drive pinion 74 via a toothed belt 76 with a a drive shaft 77 seated pinion 78 cooperates. The drive shaft 77 carries a cam 79, which acts on a control roller 81, which is on a the flap shaft 82 attached spring-loaded control lever 83 is mounted. Except the closed position shown in solid lines in Figure 2, the flap 71 can a with 71 'denoted, shown in dashed lines, half-open intermediate position and the also assume the fully open position 71 ″, also shown in dashed lines. These positions are Stw .: cigarette bulk flow diversion by control defined by three microswitches 84, 86, 37, which by three on the drive shaft 77 offset from one another arranged control cams 88, 89, 91 are acted upon.

The branching zone 7 is also opposite the belt conveyor 11 can also be shut off by a shut-off valve 92, which is also equipped with a deflector wall 93 and provided in a manner not shown with the same means as in accordance with Figure 4 is adjustable by a servomotor 94, in the present embodiment however only in the closed and in the open position, with intermediate positions if required can also be provided.

The branching zone 7 is also filled with one of its fillings registering, on the mass flow 8 resting level button 96 provided, which is mounted on a pivot shaft 97, at the opposite end of which is a spring-loaded Cam lever 98 sits, softer with two proximity switches 99 and 101 for controlling the flap 71 or the belt conveyor 11 cooperates, the proximity switches 99 and 101 and the microswitches 88, 89, 91 in the control circuit explained below are integrated according to Figure 5 for operating the overall arrangement.

According to Figure 5, the magazine 13 of the packing machine 2 with three as photocells 10 to 104 shown signal generators equipped, which for the purpose of controlling the cigarette level in the magazine 13 with a control circuit 106 for controlling the tray emptying station 4 and linked to a control circuit 107 for controlling the tray filling station 3 are.

In addition to the proximity switches already mentioned, the control circuit has 99 and 101 of the level switch 96 and Stw. Cigarette mass flow diverter-diverter flap-Ir the microswitches 88, 89, 91 to control the flap 71 two further microswitches 108 and 109 to control the butterfly valve 92. Furthermore, the control circuit assigned a main switch 111 for switching on the entire machine coupling, a switch 112 for switching on the tray emptying station 4, a memory in the form a flip-flop element 113 with a set input a, a clear input b and an output c, eight AND; elements 114 to 121, six AND elements 122 to 127 a negative input two OR gates 128 and 129 and ten amplifiers 131 to amplify the output signals emanating from some of the elements mentioned. The elements mentioned are in the manner shown in Figure 5 with each other as well linked with the also shown, previously described drive elements.

The following is the mode of operation of the control circuit for operation the machine coupling explained in more detail: When commissioning the entire machine coupling by operating the main switch 111 and the switch 112 for the tray emptying station 4 it is assumed that the cigarette level in the magazine 13 of the packing machine 2 is straight the lower photocell 104 covers, so that this has an output signal on the set input a of the memory 13 outputs, which is set so that at its output c a Signal appears. This means that the signals from the main switch 111, the switch, are available 112 and the memory 113 at the AND gate 114, the output signal of which is in turn via the amplifier 131 the drive motor 24 for operating the belt pair 12 in operation puts. In the event that the Stw .: Cigarette mass flow diversion-diversion flap-Ir Branch zone 7 is not sufficiently filled with cigarettes, so that the level button 96 is in a lowered lower position in which it is consequently does not face the proximity switch 101, so that it does not have an output signal emits, initially remains an output signal of the AND gate 117 and thus the Commissioning of the belt conveyor 11 from the branching zone 7 to the packing machine 2. The missing output signal of the proximity switch 101 is determined by negating the one input of the AND gate 122 reversed, so that this emits an output signal. The output signal of the AND gate 122 sets the drive motor 26 of the conveyor belt Lll with its full power in operation, so that the packing machine 2 to 100% of the tray emptying station 4 is supplied with cigarettes. At the same time, the Branching zone 7 through the single-layer cigarette stream 6 from the filter attachment machine 1 is continuously filled, so that the level button 96 is raised and at the same time the proximity initiator 101 is activated. Its output signal is at the input of the AND gate 122 is negated, so that its output signal disappears. This has to Consequence that again by reversing the missing output signal of the AND gate 122 the AND gate 123 emits an output signal which the drive motor 26 of the Conveyor belt 21 switches to a lower output, at which only 20% of all Cigarettes requested by the packing machine 2 in front of the tray emptying station 4 are fed. The remaining 80% of requested cigarettes are made by the stream of cigarettes 9 is fed directly from the filter attachment machine 1 by the output signals of the proximity initiator 101 and the AND gate 114 acted upon AND gate 117 an output signal for starting up the belt conveyor 11 by activating the Transport coupling 46 releases. Stw .: cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-lL By running in the manner described loading of the magazine 13 Packing machine 2 slowly rises and finally reaches the middle level Photocell 103, the entire regulation being based on the cigarette level in this central area between the photocells 103 and 104 of the magazine 13 to stabilize in the long term. In order to avoid damage to the Cigarettes by so-called "rubbing" in the area of the branching zone 7 between the cigarettes of the moving stream of cigarettes 8 or 9 and the cigarettes of the stationary one To prevent cigarette stream 14 in the shaft 47, the flap 71 in the held closed position shown in solid lines.

As soon as the cigarette level is the area between the two photocells 103 and 104 and reaches or exceeds the middle photocell 103, so that this also emits a signal to the AND gate 115, which acts Output signal in turn the AND gate 116. The three input signals from the AND gates 114 and 115 as well as the proximity initiator 101 leave an output signal at the AND gate 116 appear, which the DC motor 51 for starting the conveyor belts 48 and 49 of the intermediate conveyor 16 starts. The DC motor 51 is, for example with the help of a potentiometer set to a power with which 20% of the Branch zone 7 supplied cigarettes via the intermediate conveyor 16 to the tray filling station 3 to be transferred. To make this possible, of course, the way to Intermediate conveyor 16 are at least partially released by the flap 71. This is done in that the AND gate 118 both by the signal of the flap control assigned, raised by the Stw. Cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-II Level button 96 also activated proximity switch 99 as well as by the output signal of the AND element 115 is acted upon so that a signal appears at its output, which in turn activates the OR gate 128.

The output signal of the OR gate 128 is applied to the downstream AND gate 119, the other input of which also receives a signal from the closed Microswitch 88 receives. In this way, the AND gate 119 gives an output signal from, which forms an input signal for the OR gate 129, its output signal - amplified by the amplifier 131 - the servomotor 73 for actuating the flap 71 puts into operation. The servomotor 73 initially moves the flap 71 into the semi-open position Intermediate position 71 ', in which the microswitch 84 by the cam 88 according to Figure 4 is applied so that the output signal of the microswitch 84, the The input signal of the AND gate 119 disappears and the servomotor 73 is stopped will. If by conveying away cigarettes by the intermediate conveyor 16 the If the level in the branching zone 7 drops, the signal from the proximity switch also disappears 99, so that the flap 71 remains in the intermediate position 71 '. If on the other hand the level in the branching zone 7 does not drop or shortly thereafter again to the If the original height increases, there is still a signal from the proximity switch 99, the output signal of the OR gate 12B now together with the signal of the second microswitch 86 acts on the AND element 120, hits.

Its output signal is applied to the corresponding input of the OR gate 129, whose output signal continues or again the servomotor 73 activated. The flap 71 is thus moved into the fully open position 71 ″. Stw .: Cigarette mass flow diversion-diverting flap-Ir If the performance of the packing machine 2 is not sufficient to control the cigarette level with the loading method described above to hold in the area between the two photocells 102 and 103, so that the Level continues to rise and finally the top photocell 102 is covered or the magazine 13 threatens to overflow, action must be taken accordingly. this happens by signaling the photo cell 102, which clears the memory 113, so that its output signal disappears. There are no more cigarettes requested by the packing machine 2. Because of the loss of the corresponding input signal at the two AND gates 114 and 115 their output signals also disappear, so that the drive motor 24 of the belt pair 12 is stopped and at the same time as a result the omitted output signal of the AND gate 123 of the drive motor 26 of the Cigarette stream 19 from the Schragenentleers did ion 4 removing conveyor belt 21 is switched off. In addition, the output signal of the AND element disappears 117, so that the transport coupling 46 of the belt conveyor 11 is also disconnected. Of furthermore the UN) -Glwd116 no longer emits an output signal, so that the previously with 20% power working DC motor 51 is stopped. In its place takes over the drive derived directly from the filter attachment machine 1 with the full performance of 100% the removal of the entire branching zone 7 supplied Mass flow. For this purpose, the AND element 124 is connected to the input signal of the proximity initiator 101 and consequently negation of the disappeared output signal of the AND element 114 applied to a corresponding input signal, so that the AND gate 124 a Output signal emits, which activates the electromagnetic clutch 69. So is a fluid connection between the drive gear 66 and the drive shaft 56 of the intermediate conveyor 16 produced.

Stw .: cigarette bulk; Tromletung-Uml ei tk flap-u: The flap 71 is still held in the fully open position by now the AND gate 125 by the dt negated signal of the AND gate 114 and by the signal of the proximity switch 99 is applied, so that the output signal of the AND gate 125 is present at the C, DER element 128 and its output signal to the previously described Way, the flap 71 holds in the fully open position 712 '. That way will the entire stream of cigarettes via the inclined shaft 47 and the horizontal intermediate conveyor 16 transferred into the magazine 17 of the tray filling station 3, at which on known, In a manner not shown any further, cigarette racks 18 in succession moved downwards by its own controlled drive on the magazine 17 and thereby are continuously filled.

In order to avoid that cigarettes of the now dormant stream of cigarettes 9 on the stationary belt conveyor 11 and cigarettes of the 100 V0 down Rub the cigarette stream 14 conveyed away by the intermediate conveyor 16 against one another and are damaged, the butterfly valve 92 is closed or up into the Locked position moved.

This is done by negating the output signal the AND gate 114 an input signal and from the microswitch 108 a further input signal The AND element 127 is pending. The resulting output signal of the AND element 127 activates the servomotor 94 for actuating the shut-off valve 92 in the closing position 92 '.

When this closed position is reached, the signal from the microswitch disappears 108 exactly as with the microswitches described above by applying the appropriate pressure by means of a cam, whereby the servomotor 94 is switched off. Upon reaching In another operating state, the shut-off valve 92 is opened Stw .. Cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-II in the same way through the AND element 121 and the associated microswitch 109 for limiting the open position.

The through a full magazine 13 with a cigarette level above the photocell 102 marked operating state of the machine coupling is as long as keep up until the level of cigarettes in the magazine 13 of the packing machine 2 is restored until it has sunk below the lowest photocell 104, an unnecessary unrest to be avoided in the conveyor system.

Claims (12)

Stw .: cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-I claims 1. Arrangement for the transverse axial conveying of a stream of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing Industry of a machine or a group of machines of a first type a machine or a group of machines of a second type, with one in one Feeder conveyors opening into the branching zone as well as those leading away from the branching zone AbBörderern £ Qr the article characterized in that at least one Abförderer (11 or 16) can be pivoted by means of a drive means (73 or 94) Flap (71 or 92) relative to the branching zone (7) can be shut off. 2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the branching zone (7) within a production machine (1) with a processing machine (2) connect the conveyor line of the conveyor arrangement is provided. 3. Arrangement according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that two discharge conveyors (11, 16) leading away from the branching zone (7) are provided, of which the first discharge conveyor (11) connects directly to the further processing machine (2) and the second discharge conveyor which is operatively connected to the pivotable flap (71) (16) is connected to an intermediate storage device (3). 4. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate storage device (3) is a tray filling station. Stw .: cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-l r 5th arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the Flap (71) in accordance with a monitoring device that monitors the filling level of the branching zone (7) Monitoring member (96) can be pivoted into the blocking or oven position. 6. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the monitoring member (96) designed as the level of the branching zone (7) detecting level switch is. 7. Arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized characterized in that between the branching zone (7) and the first discharge conveyor (11) a pivotable butterfly valve (92) is provided. 8. Arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized characterized in that the one pointing downstream in the conveying direction of the discharge conveyor (11 or 16) free end of the flaps (71 or 92) with one along the pivot radius of the flaps curved deflector wall (72 or 93) is provided. 9. Arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized characterized in that the branching zone (7) with a magazine (17) of the intermediate storage device (3) connecting discharge conveyor (16) as an essentially horizontally aligned intermediate conveyor is trained. 10. The arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the as Belt conveyor (48, 49) formed intermediate conveyor (16) over an inclined shaft (47) is connected to the branching zone (7). Stw .. Cigarette-mass flow diversion-diversion flap-Ir 11th arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the inlet end of the shaft (47) the deflector wall (72) of the pivotable flap (71) is immediately adjacent. 12. Arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized characterized in that the flap (71) is provided with monitoring means (84) for activating or deactivation of its drive means (73) when an intermediate position is reached (71 ') of the flap is provided.