EP1397968A1 - Apparatus and method for transforming rodlike filterelements - Google Patents

Abstract

The transport device delivers filter elements (6) that are transported longitudinally to the filter element magazine (8) transversely to their longitudinal axes, whereby a rotatable drum (7) with at least one holder (19) for a filter element is provided. The rotation of the drum is controlled by a detection device (10,11) that detects filter elements. Independent claims are also included for the following: (a) an arrangement for transporting filter elements to a filter element magazine (b) a method of controlling the transportation of rod-shaped filter elements.

Description

The invention relates to a device for conveying rod-shaped Filter elements to a filter element magazine, wherein longitudinal axial feedable Filter elements are fed transaxially to the filter element magazine, and wherein a transverse axial rotatable drum with at least one receptacle is provided for a filter element.

The invention further relates to a method for controlling the promotion from filter elements to a filter element magazine.

A corresponding device for conveying rod-shaped filter elements is known for example from JP 54-13195. This document discloses a filter receiver with an impeller in which longitudinally arriving filter rods are slowed down with suction air. The Impeller is driven intermittently and gives the filter rods to a belt conveyor from.

Another known device for conveying rod-shaped filter elements to a filter element magazine or a corresponding method for conveying filter elements to a filter element magazine is through the so-called filter rod feeding system FILTROMAT 3 FE known to the applicant. Such a filter rod feed system or such a filter rod receiver receives longitudinally filter rods, which are first decelerated, then accelerated longitudinal axial to become. Then the filter magazine filter rods are cross-axial fed. Here, various module variants are known. It exists for example, single receiver, double receiver and triple receiver. It is possible in this case, depending on the needs of the filter rods to regulate the speed of the filter rod receiver.

In the manufacture of multi-segment filters with modules Device, for example, from DE 101 55 292.0 of the applicant is known, the use of the FILTROMAT 3 FE is due to the size problematic.

It is an object of the present invention, a device for conveying from rod-shaped filter elements to a filter element magazine and a corresponding method for controlling the promotion of the filter elements to form a filter element magazine such that on very small space taking place and effective promotion of rod-shaped Filter elements is possible.

This object is achieved by a device for the promotion of rod-shaped Filter elements, in particular filter rods, to a filter element magazine, wherein longitudinally conveyable filter elements Queraxial the Filter element magazine can be fed, wherein a rotatable drum with at least one receptacle is provided for a filter element which thereby is further developed that the rotation of the drum over a the filter elements detecting detection device is controllable. The inventive Device is very compact construction feasible, the Filter elements very effective and also very fast and controlled Filter element magazine can be fed. By providing a detection device the clock of the rotation of the drum can be relatively high be set high.

A particularly easy to implement device is then given if the detection device comprises a light barrier. By means of Photocells can be the beginning and the end by the detection device or on the detection device over conveyed filter elements be detected, whereby the rotatable drum accordingly can be controlled. Preferably, the detection device is for Drum spaced, so that at a time at which the filter elements are not yet completely in the respective recording of Drum was promoted, already started with the rotation of the drum which allows faster funding.

When the drum interacts with a mechanical element, this is a transaxial insertion of the filter elements into the filter element magazine is a very gentle promotion of the filter elements in the filter element magazine possible. As a mechanical element comes For example, a fork or a comb into consideration in the shots The drum intervene and a firm obstacle to the whereabouts of the Filter elements in the respective recordings with further rotation of the Represent drum.

A specially defined promotion, which is trouble-free, is then given if the promotion of the filter elements to the drum over stationary arranged elements takes place. The stationary elements are in this case tubes or pipes through which the filter elements longitudinal axial be encouraged, brake wheels for braking the filter elements, acceleration wheels for accelerating the filter elements in longitudinal axial Direction and, for example, a straight conveyor track downstream of the Brake wheels.

If several shots are provided in the drum, the Recordings in particular hollows are is a very fast promotion of filter elements possible.

Preferably, a braking element for braking the in the recording provided the drum movable filter element, whereby a gentle Promote the filter elements in the recordings of the drum allows is. The braking element may be a mechanical one Element, act as a brake plate, the radial on the rod-shaped filter elements presses or around a casserole part, the front side on the circumference of the filter element. It can also be a pneumatic Act element, for example, the compressed air pneumatically in the clocked for recording the filter elements provided recordings to slow down the filter elements accordingly. The braking of the längsaxial moving filter elements may advantageously frontally pneumatically, for example, a nozzle on the front side of a recording is arranged, with compressed air from the nozzle in the direction of movement Front end of the filter element acts. This braking is particularly suitable for sensitive filter elements.

The switching of the compressed air is preferably done with a quick-change valve For example, the brand FESTO. The valve is in this case over Photoelectric sensor controlled or clocked at the drum entrance.

Preferably, the drum is rotatable before the filter element its End position in the recording of the drum has reached. This is preferred the control realized in the shape that the rotation of the Drum before completely moving the filter element starts. By means of this preferred embodiment of the present invention is a particularly gentle braking of the filter elements possible. Preferably, the drum comprises at least one element for Align the filter elements. By this measure, the filter elements flush fed to the filter magazine.

If an eject mechanism is provided for defective filter elements, The Committee can, for example, on defective filter cigarettes for which the corresponding filter elements are provided are minimized. It is preferably a kind of self-cleaning of the filter element receiving station intended. For this purpose, for example, a rotating with the drum cutting element, For example, a rotating cutting ring provided, the one partially in the drum occurred filter rod on further rotation of the drum to cut a position. The cutting element comprises as mentioned the rotating with the drum cutting ring and a fixed Cutting element. The remaining in the longitudinal transport rear part of Filter rod is then blown back, for example. By means of an air pressure and ejected by opening a corresponding flap provided for this purpose. For this purpose, a rail can be opened in the lower Area of an element used for longitudinal transport is provided, which is arranged in the conveying direction shortly before the drum. The front Part of the filter element is, for example, two positions of the drum on transported and then blown out of the drum.

After self-cleaning, the corresponding drum groove or the corresponding drum holder, for example, controlled by means of a light barrier, to determine if there are still parts of the filter element in the receptacle are included.

A filter element receiving station according to the invention comprises one of Device according to the invention or a preferred embodiment the device according to the invention, which has been described above.

A preferred arrangement for conveying filter elements to a Filter element magazine with at least one of the device according to the invention is such that the device is outside the filter element cartridge is arranged. By this preferred arrangement can be very effectively defective filter elements excluded from further proceedings become. It is also possible in arrangements for the production of multi-segment filters the corresponding modules, by means of the corresponding Segments or groups of segments for the production of Multisegment filters are put together, designed in such a way can be that the corresponding modules can be designed narrow. Preferably, a plurality of devices, in particular three devices arranged according to the invention. In a further preferred embodiment The inventive arrangement are the devices with each other arranged, creating an even narrower construction of the arrangement is possible.

• Fördern von Filterelementen in längsaxialer Richtung zu einer Trommel mit wenigstens einer Aufnahme für ein Filterelement, insbesondere zu einer Vorrichtung nach einem oder mehreren Ansprüchen 1 bis 9,
• Vorbeiführen der Filterelemente an einer Detektionsvorrichtung,
• Erzeugen eines Startsignal, sobald das Ende eines Filterelements die Detektionsvorrichtung passiert hat,
• Beginnen einer Drehung der Trommel in queraxialer Richtung nach Erhalt des Startsignals, und
• Einschieben des Filterelements in das Filterelementmagazin.

The object is further achieved by a method for controlling the conveyance of rod-shaped filter elements to a filter element magazine, which comprises the following method steps:

• Conveying filter elements in the longitudinal axial direction to a drum having at least one receptacle for a filter element, in particular to a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9,
• Passing the filter elements on a detection device,
• Generating a start signal as soon as the end of a filter element has passed the detection device,
• Starting a rotation of the drum in the transverse axial direction after receiving the start signal, and
• Insert the filter element into the filter element magazine.

Through this procedure is a very effective, reliable and fast Promotion of rod-shaped filter elements to a filter element magazine possible.

Preferably, the drum is divided by 360 ° by the number of shots shot on the drum. If at the end of the rotation a deceleration is done, is a gentle promotion of the filter elements or a gentle introduction of the filter elements in the filter element magazine possible. The deceleration may preferably be at least partly with the help of the weight of the filter element magazine arranged filter elements happen.

When the quality of the filter elements is checked, with defective filter elements be removed, the committee shall accordingly minimized filter cigarettes to be produced. A particularly simple review the quality is possible if to check the quality of the filter elements the length of the residence time of the filter elements on the detection device is measured. Preferably, from one of the conveying speed dependent and specifiable length of stay this Discharge time attributed filter element ejected. The discharge thus happens when the residence time of the filter element greater is as a dependent of the conveying speed and predefinable Dwell time. On the other hand, preferably up to one of the conveying speed dependent and specifiable residence time the filter element associated with this residence time in the filter element magazine promoted.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Empfangsstation,

Fig. 2

einen Teil aus Fig. 1 in vergrößerter Darstellung,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung entlang des Schnitts A-A der Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine andere erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung einer Trommel in einer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 5

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung einer Trommel in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung,

Fig.6

eine erfindungsgemäße Anordnung in schematischer Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 7

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Anordnung in einer schematischen Schnittdarstellung, und

Fig. 8

eine schematische dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Ausschnitts einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Empfangsstation.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea with reference to the drawings. With regard to all details of the invention not explained in detail in the text, reference is made to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of a receiving station according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a part of Fig. 1 in an enlarged view,

Fig. 3

3 is a schematic sectional view along section AA of FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

another embodiment of a drum according to the invention in a sectional view,

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of a drum according to the invention in a schematic sectional view,

Figure 6

an inventive arrangement in a schematic sectional view,

Fig. 7

a further inventive arrangement in a schematic sectional view, and

Fig. 8

a schematic three-dimensional representation of a section of another receiving station according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a filter element receiver for the promotion of rod-shaped Filter elements 6 in a filter element magazine 8. The in the filter element magazine 8 inserted filter elements 6 are used after this for example cut into filter elements twice the length of use were combined with a tobacco rod twice the length of use to become filter cigarettes. The in the filter element magazine 8 supplied filter elements 6 can also serve cut into corresponding filter segments and an arrangement supplied by filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters become. The device according to the invention can for this purpose several or all functional units of a device for assembling of groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters the tobacco-processing industry according to DE 101 55 292.0 of the applicant be assigned. DE 101 55 292.0 is intended to be fully incorporated into the The disclosure content of this patent application be added.

The filter elements n times the use length are over a pipeline from a filter manufacturing machine by means of a filter element transmitter Connecting line 1 supplied. The pipeline is not shown in Fig. 1. The filter elements 6 spaced in the feed tube to the lead 1 promoted, then arrive in a sheet guide 2, by means of Brake rollers 3 to be braked in a channel 5. Subsequently the filter elements 6 by means of an accelerator roller 4 via a not shown leadership promoted in a drum 7. The drum 7 and the other elements that are essential to the invention are in Fig. 2 in an enlarged schematic representation of a detail from Fig. 1 shown better. In Fig. 2, the drum 7 is provided with a filter element 6 shown in a receiving trough 19. The filter element 6 has in this process state, a light barrier consisting of a Light emitting diode 10 and a detector 11 already happened. The drum 7 is mounted on the bearings 12 and is rotated about the axis of rotation 13 and can, if it is the filter element to a faulty filter element is, from the blow-out 16, through the housing 18 and the receiving trough 19 is formed, in the discharge direction 15 with compressed air be blown out, so that this defective filter element a collecting container 9 is supplied. To supply compressed air is a compressed air connection 14 provided.

If the filter element is not damaged or defective, the filter element, which is arranged in the receptacle 19, via the rotational movement the drum 7 further and fed to the magazine 8. This will described in more detail below. The light-emitting diode 10 and the detector 11 are held in a holder 27. The light-emitting diode 10 and the detector 11 form a light barrier.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, which in FIG. 3, the filter element 6 is in a filter element feed 21 in a 3 o'clock position in the there located receiving trough introduced longitudinally. After passing the photocell, consisting of the LED 10 and the detector 11, the drum 7 begins in Turning direction 17. Before the rotation, the brake element 20 braked the filter element 6 in the receiving trough 19, in the essentially by force on the frontal peripheral surface of the Filter element 6. The front side is opposite to the viewer of Fig. 3. By measuring the residence time of the filter element in the light barrier it can be determined if the filter is defective (for example burst) is or corresponds to the desired parameters. If the filter is defective be, this can be ejected in the 6 o'clock position, for example, by blowing air become. Alternatively, it is possible to have the defective filter in the 3 o'clock position eject. For this purpose, the drum 7 stops, the filter element 6 is blown back, the guide, not shown, pivots away and the filter element 6 falls out. In the further course of the rotation of Drum can filter element 6 by a conventional alignment element, such as For example, a sheet to be aligned. From the position of 12 o'clock the filter element 6 is gently in a channel 28 through the housing 18 and the ridge 22 is formed, passed. By the appropriate gentle slope of the ridge 22 in conjunction with the flat Flank of the receiving trough 19 in the conveying direction is a gentle transfer of the filter element 6 in the channel 28 possible. The comb 22 partially engages in the receiving troughs of the drum 7. Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view along the section A-A of FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the drum 7 and the inventive Device, wherein in Fig. 4 also a corresponding Section in a schematic representation as shown in Fig. 3. The difference to Fig. 3 is firstly that the filter element supply 21 is arranged in 12 o'clock position and that the Direction of rotation 17 'opposite to the direction of rotation shown in Fig. 3 17 is. The in the receiving trough 19 in the filter element supply 21st introduced filter element is by means of a braking element 20 'in the form Brake plate braked. It should be noted that preferably the light barrier, consisting of the light emitting diode 10 and the Detector 11, longitudinally spaced axially to the conveying direction of the filter elements is arranged so that the rotational movement of the drum 7 already begin can, before the filter element 6 completely into the receiving trough 19th the drum 7 has been moved. A complete braking is thus after Start-up or after the start of the rotation of the drum 7 at the Brake element 20 'is provided.

4, the comb 22 'is configured differently than the comb 22 of FIG. 3. Also in this embodiment is a gentle transfer by the relatively gentle flanks of both the comb 22 'and the receiving wells 22 given.

Fig. 5 shows a development of the device according to the invention Fig. 4 in a schematic sectional view. In this embodiment is the ejection of defective filter elements 6 with a flap 23 provided in the detection of a defective filter element in a Position 23 'unfolds by rotation about the axis of rotation 24 to the filter element 6, which is defective to transfer into a collecting container 9.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic sectional view of an inventive Arrangement of the devices according to the invention, wherein three arrangements according to the invention are provided. The invention Devices are arranged diagonally above one another and adjoin the filter element magazine 8. The filter element magazine 8 is limited by magazine walls 25 and just the invention Devices. It is also schematically the disposal direction 26 of represents defective filter elements.

Fig. 7 shows a further inventive arrangement of the invention Devices in which the devices according to the invention are vertical are arranged one above the other.

By providing a drum with receiving wells for filter elements a positive generation of the insertion force of the filter elements in the filter element magazine possible. Thus, the generation of larger insertion forces given.

To feed filter elements of the drum 7, these are first accelerated longitudinally by means of the acceleration rollers 4. The drum 7 stands for this purpose in a position in which the accelerated filter element 6 in the receiving trough 19 of the drum 7 can pass.

In a preferred embodiment, the radial acceleration begins the drum at the moment in which the filter element the photocell has left. Subsequently, the drum 7 is braked to the provide next receiving well for the next filter element. In front Start of rotation (embodiment of FIG. 3) or after the beginning the rotation (embodiment of Fig. 4) is the filter element in the Bracket reduced. As a brake element can be a on the circumference placed mechanical brake plate 20 as shown in FIG. 4 use find that is particularly adjustable and the radial on the filter element acting and the filter element with increasing rotation angle slows down more.

The braking can also by means of a front side arranged compressed air nozzle happen. This is operated, for example clocked, the controller via a light barrier 10, 11 can happen.

Between two stops, the filter element is moved by longitudinal axial displacement aligned transaxially in the receiving trough 19. The transverse axis Alignment can be done both mechanically and pneumatically. It is also possible in the embodiment of FIG. 4 that the orientation is made by the brake plate 20 '. After a turn of about 350 °, the filter element by the interaction of the Receptacle edge and the fork pushed out of the drum. The receiving wells should be designed so that when accelerating the drum does not take the entire filter load out of the magazine on the drum bar and the filter element to be inserted in the magazine overloaded. For this reason, a relatively long flank is in the receiving trough provided during acceleration of the Drum holds the filter elements in the filter element magazine. When pushing in of the filter element in the magazine is the drum in the braking phase. When braking, the back pressure in the magazine helps located filter elements.

To remove defective filter elements is via a light barrier 10,11 controls how long the filter element 6 before the light barrier located. In case of a fault or a defective filter 6 is the light barrier 10, 11 longer than normal. In this case, the longitudinal transport stops immediately and one in the art, for example, in the FILTROMAT 3 FE used by the applicant filter lock becomes active. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to US Pat. No. 5,651,643. For removal The defective filter will put the drum in a certain position stopped and as described above, the filter from the drum away. This can be done by mechanical elements or by compressed air happen. The disposal of the longitudinal transport of the filter receiver located filter rods can either over the drum or between the accelerator roller and the drum happen. After a appropriate error removal, the device can be fully automatic be approached again.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of another inventive receiving station in a section. A filter element 6 is through the bracket 27 and an annular opening in the movable knife element 29 in the direction of the filter element feed 31st a recording of the drum 7 has been supplied. If it is here is a defective filter element, which, for example, thereby detected can be that the residence time before a light barrier 10, 11 (see Fig. 2) during transport of the filter element in the receptacle of the drum. 7 takes too long a period or one too short, is the drum 6, for example, two positions further rotated and that in the recording lying filter element or a part of this filter element then in the Filterelementausblasung 32 blown out by means of compressed air and through the channel 5 'out, so as to get into a reject container. Of the Committee container is not shown here. This works in particular then, if the defective filter element completely into the receptacle was introduced.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the Drum 7, however, already starts to turn before the filter element was completely introduced in the recording, or in filter elements, which are too long, serves a knife comprising a movable Knife element 29 and a fixed blade member 30 to this Shear off or cut filter element accordingly. The in the Received part of the filter element 6 can then as just described be disposed of. The remaining in the feeding channel 5 ' Part is then opened by opening a flap and applying compressed air in the opposite direction to the feed direction 31 from the channel 5 'blown out.

It is then preferred that after self-cleaning the appropriate Drum grooves or recordings 33 controlled by a light barrier be whether filter elements or parts thereof in the grooves or recordings remain. A corresponding light barrier is in the figures not shown. This photocell may be in a suitable location in be arranged the recording. A corresponding photocell can also be arranged at a suitable location in the channel 5 '.

In Fig. 8 is still a comb 22 "schematically represented by means of which the in Fig. 8 overhead filter element 6 targeted, defined and gently in a filter element supply, not shown, can be transferred.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

connecting cable

2

bowing

3

Drag reel

4

accelerator role

5, 5 '

channel

6

filter element

7

drum

8th

magazine

9, 9 '

receptacle

10

led

11

detector

12

camp

13

axis of rotation

14

Compressed air connection

15

Discharge

16

blow-out

17, 17 '

direction of rotation

18, 18 ', 18 "

casing

19

receiving trough

20, 20 '

braking element

21

Filter element feed

22, 22, 22 "

Comb

23

flap

23 '

Flap in open position

24

axis of rotation

25

magazine wall

26

disposal direction

27

bracket

28

channel

29

movable knife element

30

fixed knife element

31

Filter element feed

32

Filterelementausblasung

33

admission

Claims (19)

Device for conveying rod-shaped filter elements (6), in particular filter rods, to a filter element magazine (8), wherein longitudinally axially conveyable filter elements (6) can be fed transaxially to the filter element magazine (8), wherein a rotatable drum (7) with at least one receptacle (19, 33) is provided for a filter element (6), characterized in that the rotation of the drum (7) via a filter elements (6) detecting detection device (10, 11) is controllable. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device (10, 11) comprises a light barrier (10, 11). Apparatus according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the drum (7) with a mechanical element (22, 22 ') cooperates, which causes a transverse axial insertion of the filter elements (6) in the filter element magazine (8). Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the promotion of the filter elements (6) to the drum (7) via stationary arranged elements (1-5, 5 ', 27) takes place. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of receptacles (19, 33) are provided in the drum (7). Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a braking element (20, 20 ') is provided for braking the filter element (6) which can be moved into the receptacle (19, 33) of the drum (7). Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the drum (7) is rotatable before the filter element (6) has reached its end position in the receptacle (19, 33) of the drum (7). Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the drum (7) comprises an element for aligning the filter elements (6). Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an ejection mechanism (14, 15, 23) is provided for defective filter elements (6). Filter element receiving station with a device according to a or more of claims 1 to 9. Arrangement for conveying filter elements to a filter element magazine (8) with at least one device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device is arranged outside the filter element magazine (8). Arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that a plurality of devices, in particular three devices, are provided. Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the devices are arranged one below the other. Method for controlling the conveyance of rod-shaped filter elements (6) to a filter element magazine (8) with the following method steps: Conveying filter elements (6) in the longitudinal axial direction to a drum (7) with receptacles (19) for filter elements (6), in particular to a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, Passing the filter elements (6) on a detection device (10, 11), Generating a start signal as soon as the end of a filter element (6) has passed the detection device (10, 11), Starting a rotation of the drum (7) in the transverse axial direction after receiving the start signal, and Inserting the filter element (6) into the filter element magazine (8) A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the drum (7) is rotated by 360 ° divided by the number of receptacles (19) on the drum (7). A method according to claim 14 and / or 15, characterized in that the quality of the filter elements (6) is checked, with defective filter elements (6) are discharged. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that for checking the quality of the filter elements (6), the length of the residence time of the filter elements (6) on the detection device (10, 11) is measured. A method according to claim 17, characterized in that the filter element (6) is discharged, when the residence time of the filter element (6) is greater than a dependent of the conveying speed and predetermined residence time. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the filter element (6) associated with this residence time is conveyed into the filter element magazine (8) up to a residence time which is dependent on the conveying speed and can be predetermined.

Images