EP1287753B1 - Transfer device and method for transferring products of the tobacco industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The cigarette production machine has a transfer station to handle the filter and double-filter corks (10,11), to carry them between transport systems (13,15). The transfer unit has a swing movement, with a holder (16) for a cigarette filter, and successive transfer units (17a,17b) in the peripheral direction. At least two transfer units are axially offset against each other, each with an independent swing movement. The transfer station has a rotating drum (14) to take up the filters separately at the station (52) at the first transport system, and deliver them to the second transport system as axially stacked filters at a hand-over station (53).

Description

The invention relates to a transmission device for Transferring articles of the tobacco processing industry from a first transport device to a second Transport device, wherein the transfer device swiveling, each with a receptacle for one Article provided, arranged in the circumferential direction one behind the other Includes transmission elements.

The invention further relates to a method for transmitting of articles of the tobacco processing industry of Recordings of a first transport device for recordings a second transport device under Use of transmission elements at one end have a recording.

A corresponding transfer device for rod-shaped Article is from DE 31 37 223 C2, the US 4,506,779 corresponds, known. Under articles of tobacco manufacturing industry are within the scope of this invention in particular cigarettes, filters, filter plugs, filter cigarettes etc. the tobacco industry understood.

In the known so-called. Filter attachment machines are the necessary for Filterzigarettenherstellung individual pieces like filter rods and cigarettes in peripherally sucking grooves directed by rotating conveyor rollers. The division said grooves or recordings is based in certain Areas of the filter tipping machine on values such as Tact of the cigarette machine and the bar feeder.

The known from DE 31 37 223 C2 transmission device for rod-shaped articles consists of two simultaneously rotating delivery cylinders on their periphery each inserts of different pitch for have the articles, and a counter-rotating Transfer conveyor cylinder between the delivery cylinders lies and these the articles at respectively defined transmission positions takes and transfers. It is here a plurality of lever-shaped end pieces are provided, each have an arm with an insert for the article. Furthermore, the transfer conveyor cylinder has a second Dregangan on, the same as and with the angular velocity of the first rotary member turns around an axis, the separated and parallel to the axis of the first Dregangans lies between the second Turning member and each lever-shaped end piece connecting means are provided, each having a connecting rod, that the respective lever-shaped end piece and the second Drehorgan zusammeneinanderfügt. To sync to the To enable circulating speeds, the levers before taking the respective article to the transfer position swung, then swung away from this to be, so initially a throttling of the speed is given to a relative speed in the Ratio of zero between the transmission elements too enable. To submit a corresponding article a faster rotating conveyor cylinder is opposed proceeded and the respective lever such used to control the speed of the article to be submitted to the speed of receiving this article Adjust delivery cylinder. DE 31 37 223 C2 not suitable for separating articles of tobacco enabling the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the generic device a kind of planetary gear as Drive, the relatively susceptible to wear and thus prone to failure is.

Further, in US-A-3 010 561 there is a staggering apparatus of rod-shaped articles, in particular Filter rods disclosed. This is a filter rod on a trough of a trough disc inserted, wherein in the Handover on both sides of the trough congruent troughs of transmission elements. After a double Cutting, so that three filter parts are formed, the Filter rod parts lying in the movable container parts transverse to the receiving trough of the trough disc to the two adjacent, i. an anticipatory and a lagging one free trough, pivoted (Fig. 2, Fig. 3). to Movement of the outer filter rod parts are provided levers, the end of each one in a disk body is mounted rotatably mounted shaft. Every lever or Each transmission element has its own Swivel axis or lever. The levers are by means of rollers of curves or cam bodies controllable such that of the mobile receiving member parts a Muldenteil in and the other bowl part counter to the direction of rotation of the Trough disk is pivoted. After pivoting the container parts or the filter rod parts are the offset arranged filter rod parts to a Filter rod row arranged one behind the other on the trough disk arranged. Then the single-row arranged filter rod parts to a downstream magazine drum to hand over.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a generic Further develop device such that on the one hand a separation or graduation of articles of tobacco processing industry is possible, with the singulating or squadrons should happen relatively quickly and wherein the device is low in wear and tear thus subject to a lower maintenance. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a Method of transferring articles of tobacco processing Indicate industry, by means of a separation or staggering the articles possible is and given by means of a fast process management is.

The object of the invention is achieved by training a Transmission device for transmitting articles the tobacco processing industry from a first Transport device to a second transport device solved, wherein the transmission device pivotable, each with a receptacle for an article provided in the circumferential direction one behind the other Includes transmission elements and wherein each at least two transmission elements axially to each other are arranged offset and the transmission elements to a common axis are pivotable.

It is by the transmission device according to the invention possible to put up articles of the tobacco processing industry Staggering fast fashion and transporters to transfer to other transport devices. In the context of this invention comprises a transmission element in particular an arm or staff. The transmission device and the transport devices are preferably Drums. Preferably, the first transport device a feed conveyor and the second transport device a discharge conveyor.

Under axially offset from each other in the context of this invention especially understood a dislocation or arrangement, in which the transmission elements in Drehachsrichtung the transmission elements, if this one Have axis of rotation, in the axial direction of the respective recordings the transmission elements or in the axial direction of rod-shaped articles included in the shots are staggered.

The recordings of the first transport device have in a preferred embodiment, a relatively small pitch, whereas the shots of the second transport device a relatively large Have pitch. The recordings of the transmission device preferably have a variable Division on. This is due to the pivoting of the in the circumferential direction one behind the other and axially to each other enables offset transmission elements allows. In particular, these terms should be understood to mean that the axially staggered arranged at least two transmission elements define at least two levels in which arranged successively arranged transmission elements are. From the perspective of Figs. 1 and 2 of this application are two levels arranged one behind the other Transmission elements axially offset, wherein pairs of transmission elements - in the figure examples two transmission elements - arranged axially offset are. However, this level or the figures must can not be top views, but can also be side views be. For this reason, the terms should in succession or axially offset not restricting to be understood. Axially offset means in particular querab to the plane of movement of the transfer device and behind one another in the plane of movement of the transmission device.

Preferably, the at least two axially offset Transfer elements independently and in particular differently pivotable. If those a preferred embodiment is realized, a very effective separation or staggering of the transferred Articles of the tobacco processing industry happen. In the pictures of the first transport device are preferably at least two over each other or axially aligned arranged article provided, the example. Short before the transfer area accordingly in two articles an article eg. Double use length parts were split or during or shortly after handover become.

If preferably the respective axially offset Transmission elements define levels, where each level a cam is provided by means of which the transmission elements a level associated with the cam body are pivotable, a transmission device is feasible, which is subject to only a small amount of wear.

Preferably, the transfer device comprises a rotatable drum, by means of a particularly simple Embodiment of the invention is possible. If at least a cam is designed such that at a movement of the transmission elements towards a first Transfer station, where a picking up items by transmission elements of the transmission device allows the transmission elements in the direction of rotation or pivotable in the direction of the first transfer station are, a fast transmission device is feasible. In particular, it is possible to have a larger pitch the recordings of the transmission device in Comparison to the recordings of the first transport device provided. The spacing becomes the distance understood from two shots, which is an integer multiple of π can be. Due to the pivoting of the Transmission elements of the transmission device is a variable pitch or a variable distance of the Recordings of the successively arranged transmission elements or the axially offset transmission elements possible.

Preferably, the at least one cam is such designed that the transmission elements after the transfer in the first transfer station counter to the direction of rotation are pivotable. By this measure it is possible, the articles on the second transport device to hand over, which itself has a larger division as the first transport device. If in a preferred Embodiment designed the cam body in such a way are that at least partially an asynchronous Movement of the transmission elements is possible, it is easily possible, from a predetermined pitch the first transport device to another Pitch of the second transport device to transport or transfer rod-shaped articles. If the at least one transmission element at a Moving to a second transfer station, in the a delivery of articles by the transfer elements is possible, in the direction of the second transfer station is pivotable, allowing a staggering of the article is possible, is a particularly fast transmission possible.

A particularly elegant embodiment is then given if the cam associated with the planes at least identically shaped in the area of the first transfer station are. This is a synchronous movement of the superimposed arranged transmission elements or pairs of Transmission elements possible.

If preferably the cam body designed in this way are that a different pivoting of the axial staggered transmission elements at least in Range of a second transfer station is possible is a particularly elegant graduation of at least two axially aligned arranged articles, which are in the Recordings of the first transport device are possible. When two axially aligned items are the transmission elements in the region of the second transfer station pulled apart in the direction of rotation. At three axially aligned items may, for example, the middle transmission element radially, when the transmission device a drum is to the drum center be aligned. The two other transmission elements then move forward and backward in the direction of movement this middle transmission element pivots.

The object is further by a staggering device for Staggering rod-shaped articles of tobacco processing Industrial, comprising at least one transport device with receptacles for at least two axially aligned rod-shaped article and a second transport device with recordings for each one rod-shaped Article solved, which is further developed by a Transfer device between the first transport device and the second transport device is, with transmission elements for receiving the at least two axially aligned articles and to the staggered Dispensing the articles, wherein the transfer elements to a common axis are pivotable. The recording the at least two axially aligned article happens in the area of a first transfer station and the delivery in the area of a second transfer station. Preferably the first transport device is a feed conveyor and the second transport device a discharge conveyor. The transmission device is preferably a circulating endless conveyor. Further preferably both the transport devices and the revolving Endless conveyor drums.

In a preferred embodiment, an alignment device for transverse axial alignment of the second Transport device delivered article provided. These Alignment device is preferably in the field of provided second transport device and is, for example, a Wall, which are brought into engagement with the articles can to align this. Preferably, the transfer device in the relay facility as above described, trained.

Preferably, a machine for the production of elongated Products of the tobacco processing industry with at least one transmission device and / or one Staffeleinrichtung provided the type described above. The Transmission device finds particular use in a so-called MAX of the Applicant. Such a filter attachment machine the applicant is known per se. A according to a transmission device according to the invention Applicant's MAX provided a filter attachment machine is, could preferably serve, multi-segment filter manufacture. Another use of Transfer device is in filter manufacturing machines intended for the production of multiple filters. at Such machines are, for example, a MULFI the applicant. Multiple filters are filters, consisting of at least two axially arranged one behind the other Filter rods or filter plugs consists.

According to the invention, a plurality of circumferentially Transmission device successively arranged transmission element groups, each at least two axially offset from one another arranged pivotable Transmission elements around a common axis are pivotable, comprise, for transferring rod-shaped Articles used by the tobacco processing industry. The transmission element groups can also transmission element pairs in particular, two or more Transfer article through the transfer element group can be. The transmission element groups are used in particular to, articles of the tobacco processing industry to transfer from one drum to another drum and preferably these also serve the articles to graduate accordingly or to separate further.

Preferably, the transmission elements of a group independently pivotable.

• Transportieren der Artikel in den Aufnahmen der ersten Transportvorrichtung in den Bereich einer ersten Übergabestation,
• Übergabe der Artikel in die Aufnahmen der Übertragungselemente, die sich im Bereich der ersten Übergabestation befinden,
• Transportieren der Artikel in den Bereich einer zweiten Übergabestation,
• Übergabe der Artikel in die Aufnahmen der zweiten Transportvorrichtung,

wobei bei der Übergabe der Artikel in der ersten Übergabestation jeweils wenigstens zwei axial fluchtend angeordnete Artikel in wenigstens zwei axial versetzt angeordnete Übertragungselemente übergeben werden, und zum Übergeben der Artikel an die zweite Transportvorrichtung die Aufnahmen der axial fluchtend angeordneten Übertragungselemente voneinander wegbewegt werden, wobei die Übertragungselemente um eine gemeinsame Achse verschwenkt werden.The invention is further achieved by a method for transferring rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry from recordings of a first transport device to recordings of a second transport device using transfer elements which have a receptacle at one end, wherein the following method steps are included:

• Transporting the articles in the receptacles of the first transport device into the region of a first transfer station,
• Transfer of the articles into the receptacles of the transfer elements, which are located in the area of the first transfer station,
• Transporting the articles into the area of a second transfer station,
• Transfer of the articles into the receptacles of the second transport device,

wherein in the transfer of the articles in the first transfer station in each case at least two axially aligned arranged articles are transferred into at least two axially offset transmission elements, and for transferring the articles to the second transport device, the recordings of the axially aligned transmission elements are moved away from each other, wherein the transmission elements be pivoted about a common axis.

The inventive method is a fast Procedure for staggering articles of tobacco processing industry possible. If preferably the moving away from each other shots at a distance from each other were moved away, the one pitch of the Corresponds to recordings of the second transport device, is a very quick handover and adaptation to the second transport device possible. Preferably the moving away recordings of the transmission elements when feeding the recordings of the transfer elements, which are arranged offset axially, in the first Transfer station moves toward each other until these together aligned. By this development of the invention is a particularly secure takeover of the articles of the first transport device possible.

Preferably, the articles are in the circumferential direction of passed to the second transport device adjacent recordings. When the to be handed over to the second transport device Article in the following queraxial aligned These can, for example, be easily incorporated into the Filteransetzmaschine further used for example, between two wrapped in cigarette paper Tobacco stick sections to be put.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf drei Trommeln sowie im rechten Bereich die relative Positionierung von entsprechenden Filterstöpseln,

Fig. 2

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus der Fig. 1 in detaillierter Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine Querschnittsdarstellung durch eine erfindungsgemäße Staffeltrommel,

Fig. 4a

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Hebelarms mit Kurvenrollen, und

Fig. 4b

eine schematische Draufsicht der Elemente aus Fig. 4a.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive concept by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, which is expressly referred to in the rest with respect to all unspecified in the text details of the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic plan view of three drums and in the right area, the relative positioning of corresponding filter plugs,

Fig. 2

an enlarged detail of FIG. 1 in a detailed representation,

Fig. 3

a cross-sectional view through a staggering drum according to the invention,

Fig. 4a

a schematic side view of a lever arm with cam rollers, and

Fig. 4b

a schematic plan view of the elements of Fig. 4a.

In the following figures, the same reference numerals for same elements have been used, so by a renewed Presentation of the respective elements apart becomes.

In Fig. 1 is a plan view in the left area schematically shown on three drums, with the middle Drum a transmission device according to the invention to represent schematically. There are filter plug 10, from a double filter plug 11 by adding a Section 19 are generated by a circular knife 12, in recordings 16 a transport drum 13 moves. In the Fig. 1 are of the distributed over the transport drum 13 Recordings only five shown. It should be at the Transport drum 13 are presented, that these around the around the circumference with recordings 16 is provided. The Recordings 16 each take two superimposed Filter plug 10 on. In the direction of movement, through an arrow is shown, in front of the circular blade 12, are Doppelfilterstöpsel 11 recorded in the recordings. Under Double filter plugs 11 make filter plugs double Use length understood. The circular blade 12 cuts this double filter plug 11 in two filter plug 10th

The filter plug or double filter plug are through Sucked air kept in the recordings. In the transfer area 52 become the two superimposed filter plug 10th in a transfer drum and more precisely in recordings 16 of pivot arms 17a and 17b, the one above the other lying, handed over. In this case, too Suction air is used to filter plugs 10 in the Recordings. The pivot arms 17a and 17b are pivoted designed. The two superimposed Filter plugs 10 are then rotated in the direction of rotation 54 in FIG transports a second transfer area 53. First once is the movement of the two pivot arms 17a and 17b and thus also the upper filter plug 10b and of the lower filter plug 10a is the same. In the area below the transfer drum 14, the upper pivot arm 17 b and the lower swing arm 17a in different directions pivoted to an intervention or a transfer the filter plug 10a and 10b in adjacent receptacles 16th the alignment drum 15th or staggering drum 15 to allow. This process will be described later with reference to FIG described in more detail.

On the right side of Fig. 1 is schematically the relative Position of double filter plugs 11 or filter plugs 10 is shown. In position a) is a double filter plug 11 still relatively high up or schematic shown in Fig. 1 far right. In the further course feeding the double filter plug 11 into the area of the circular knife 12, this is inserted into the processing or cutting plane transported. In position f) is already a section 19 in the double filter plug 11 attached, so that two filter plug 10, namely a upper filter plug 10b and a lower filter plug 10a, were generated. From position g) to position h) becomes the distance of the filter plug is increased. In the position i) is already a certain pivoting of the two filter plug 10 has been made. In position j) is a maximum pivoting takes place. In position k) is shown that the two filter plug 10 in one Spaced apart, the pitch of the separation the recordings 16 of the alignment drum 15 corresponds. In position 1) the two filter plugs are in a line aligned one behind the other or axially aligned Service.

In Fig. 2, the transfer process or the transfer drum 14 shown in detail. In particular, it is shown here that the pivot arms 17a and 17b with respective Topfkurvenkörpern 21 a and 21 b via cam rollers 22 a and 22b are engaged. The curves 20a and 20b are correct Substantially coincide, allowing a parallel pivoting the pivot arms 17a and 17b in one much of the movement of the transfer drum 14 given is.

Only in the lower area is the curve different at the front 20b from the curve behind 20a, so that the pivot arms to pivot differently. At 25, the division is the alignment drum 15 is shown. The pitch is here, for example, 6 π, whereas the pitch of the Transport drum 13, for example, 4 π. The division of the transfer drum 14 is on average 8 n. The transfer drum rotates for example, with about 210 revolutions / min. The cam rollers turn, for example, with 1,600 revolutions / min. The Cam rollers 22a and 22b are in the center with the Rotating center of the pivot arms 17a and 17b by a lever arm 39 connected.

In Fig. 3, the transfer drum is shown in cross section. On the bearing pin 31, the hub 33 with storage 32 and the drive member 34 rotatably arranged. The connecting flange 35 concentrically connects two a mirror image interconnected drum body 36th In the drum bodies 36 are concentric with arranged at the same distance roller bearings pivotal arms 17a and 17b. On the second shaft end of the pivot arms are Lever arms 39 with cam rollers 22b for the cam roller fastened at the front and 22a for the cam follower at the rear. about Curves 20a and 20b in the Topfkurvenkörpern 21a and 21b, the required pivoting movements of Swivel arms for product transfer and product transfer initiated. The cam 21b is adjustable Topfkurvenarretierung 41 to the curved path 21a aligned.

The required holding force for the transport is with Vacuum generated. For this suction air holes 18 are provided, the product or in this embodiment the Filter plug 10 a and 10 b with the suction side of a suitable Blower connects. The suction air hole 42 and the Air flow is by means of Saugluftsteuerkörpers 43 in the areas of product acceptance and product handover switched on or off. An appropriate control is known to the skilled person. The lid 44 for the air box, the cover 45 for the gearbox and the mounting plate 46 serve to form a lubricant-tight drive housing and the external air duct. They are all over still provided seals 47, which the suction air or seal the vacuum accordingly. Further still Bearings 37 provided on which the corresponding so adjacent elements are stored. The lever arms 39 are fastened by means of clamping screws 38.

Fig. 4a shows a schematic side view of a lever arm 39 with corresponding cam rollers 22a and 22b.

4b shows a plan view of the element of FIG. 4a, wherein it is indicated that the cam rollers 22a and 22b are arranged slightly offset axially. They are further Ball bearing 49 shown to the cam rollers 22a or 22b are rotatably mounted. It is also in both Fig. 4a and in Fig. 4b, the axis 48 shown.

To take over cut bars or cigarettes or double use length filter plugs from one Drum with small pitch on a drum with changeable Division will be trough pairs of the latter Drum on the way to take over the rods in the direction of rotation and opposed during and after the acquisition pivoted to the direction of rotation of the drum until the rod-shaped article the receiving openings of the drum have completely left with the small division. After that the trough pairs are pivoted in the direction of rotation to the radial alignment to takeover drum. The Troughs of the trough pairs are easier to transfer the rods Use length to an alignment drum relative to each other pivoted in the opposite direction. The Pivoting is carried out until the distance the bars the pitch of the second transport drum or the alignment drum 15 corresponds. The bars are then transferred to the alignment drum.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

filter plugs

10a

upper filter plug

10b

lower filter plug

11

Double filter plugs

12

circular blade

13

transport drum

14

Transfer drum

15

aligning drum

16

admission

17a

Swing arm above

17b

Swing arm below

18

suction

19

cut

20a

Curve in front

20b

Curve behind

21a

Pot curve body in front

21b

Pot curve body behind

22a

Cam follower in front

22b

Cam follower at the back

25

division

26

Alignment device

31

bearing bolt

32

storage

33

hub

34

driving element

35

connecting flange

36

drum body

37

camp

38

clamping screw

39

lever arm

40

annular gap

41

Topfkurvenarretierung

42

Saugluftbohrung

43

Saugluftsteuerkörper

44

Cover for air box

45

Cover for gearbox

46

mounting plate

47

poetry

48

axis

49

ball-bearing

50

first floor

51

second level

52

first transfer station

53

second transfer station

54

direction of rotation

a) to l)

relative filter plug positions

Claims (20)

1. Transfer device (14) for transferring articles (10, 11) of the tobacco-processing industry from a first conveying device (13) to a second conveying device (15), the transfer device (14) comprising pivotal transfer elements (17a, 17b) each provided with a receptacle (16) for an article (10, 11) and being arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction, characterised in that at least two respective transfer elements (17a, 17b) are arranged mutually axially offset, the transfer elements (17a, 17b) being pivotal about a common axis (48).
2. Transfer device (14) according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least two axially offset transfer elements (17a, 17b) are pivotal independently of each other.
3. Transfer device (14) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the respective axially offset transfer elements (17a, 17b) define planes (50, 51), one cam body (21a, 21b) being provided per plane (50, 51), by means of which the transfer elements (17a, 17b) of a plane (50, 51) associated with the respective cam body (21a, 21b) can be pivoted.
4. Transfer device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises a rotatable drum (14).
5. Transfer device (14) according to either claim 3 or claim 4, characterised in that at least one cam body (21a, 21b) is configured in such a way that on a movement of the transfer elements (17a, 17b) toward a first transfer station (52), in which receiving of articles (10, 11) via transfer elements (17a, 17b) of the transfer device is possible, the transfer elements (17a, 17b) can be pivoted in the direction of rotation (54) or in the direction of the first transfer station (52).
6. Transfer device (14) according to claim 5, characterised in that the at least one cam body (21a, 21b) is configured in such a way that, during the transfer (52), the transfer elements (17a, 17b) can be pivoted counter to the direction of rotation (54).
7. Transfer device (14) according to any one or more of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the cam bodies (21a, 21b) are configured in such a way that, at least partially, an asynchronous movement of the transfer elements (17a, 17b) is possible.
8. Transfer device (14) according to claim 7, characterised in that, on a movement toward a second transfer station (53), in which delivery of articles (10a, 10b) via the transfer elements (17a, 17b) is possible, at least one transfer element (17a, 17b) can be pivoted in the direction of the second transfer station (53), so staggering of the articles (10a, 10b) is possible.
9. Transfer device (14) according to any one or more of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that the cam bodies (21a, 21b) associated with the planes (50, 51) are identical at least in the region of the first transfer station (52).
10. Staggering device for staggering rod-shaped articles (10, 11) of the tobacco-processing industry, comprising at least one first conveying device (13) having receptacles for at least two respective axially aligned rod-shaped articles and a second conveying device (15) having receptacles for a respective rod-shaped article, characterised in that a transfer device (14) is provided between the first conveying device (13) and the second conveying device (15), having transfer elements (17a, 17b) for receiving the at least two axially aligned articles (10, 10a, 10b) and for staggered delivery of the articles (10a, 10b), the transfer elements (17a, 17b) being pivotal about a common axis (48).
11. Staggering device according to claim 10, characterised in that an alignment device (26) for laterally aligning the articles (10a, 10b) deposited into the second conveying device (15) is provided.
12. Staggering device according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterised in that the transfer device (14) is constructed according to any one or more of claims 1 to 9.
13. Machine for producing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, comprising at least one transfer device (14) according to any one or more of claims 1 to 9 and/or comprising at least one staggering device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.
14. Use of a plurality of transfer element groups arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of a transfer device for transferring rod-shaped articles (10, 11) of the tobacco-processing industry, wherein the transfer element groups each comprise at least two mutually axially offset and pivotal transfer elements (17a, 17b), wherein the transfer elements (17a, 17b) are pivotal about a common axis (48).
15. Use according to claim 14, characterised in that the transfer elements (17a, 17b) of a group are pivotal independently of each another.
16. Method for transferring rod-shaped articles (10, 11) of the tobacco-processing industry from receptacles (16) of a first conveying device (13) to receptacles (16) of a second conveying device (15) by using transfer elements (17a, 17b) comprising a receptacle (16) at one end, with the following method steps:

    conveying the articles (10, 11) in the receptacles (16) of the first conveying device (13) into the region of a first transfer station (52),

    transferring the articles (10, 11) into the receptacles (16) of the transfer elements (17a, 17b) which are located in the region of the first transfer station (52),

    conveying the articles (10, 11) into the region of a second transfer station (53),

    transferring the articles (10, 11) into the receptacles (16) of the second conveying device (15),

    characterised in that when transferring the articles (10, 11) in the first transfer station (52) at least two axially aligned articles (10) in each case are transferred in at least two axially offset transfer elements (17a, 17b), and in that to transfer the articles (10) to the second conveying device (15) the receptacles (16) of the axially aligned transfer elements (17a, 17b) are moved away from each other, the transfer elements (17a, 17b) being pivoted about a common axis (48).
17. Method according to claim 16, characterised in that the receptacles (10) moved away from each other are moved away to be at a distance from each other that substantially corresponds to the division spacing (25) of the second drum (15).
18. Method according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterised in that, as they are fed to the first transfer station (52), the receptacles (16), which have been moved away from each other, of the transfer elements (17a, 17b) are moved toward each other until they are aligned with each other.
19. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterised in that the articles (10, 10a, 10b) are transferred into receptacles (16) which are adjacent in the circumferential direction of the second conveying device (15).
20. Method according to any one or more of claims 16 to 19, characterised in that the articles (10, 10a, 10b) transferred into the second conveying device (15) are subsequently laterally aligned.

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