EP1464237A1 - Device for withdrawing, preferably sampling, smoking articles - Google Patents

Abstract

An assembly removes a random sample cigarette (Z) from a production line, along which the cigarettes advance at a first predetermined speed. The assembly has a cigarette pick-up wheel (28) and a variable-speed transfer unit. During the pick-up process, the pick-up wheel is synchronised to move at the same speed as the line. During the sample release phase, the pick-up wheel brakes to a slower speed. Prior to the next sample pick-up, the wheel accelerates to the speed of the line.

Description

The invention relates to a device for, preferably random, Removal of smoking articles, in particular rod-shaped smoking articles such as Cigarettes, from a process line, along which the smoking articles with a first conveyor speed can be moved.

Modern cigarette manufacturing machines come with on-line test facilities equipped, the quality data for each cigarette such. B. Measure weight, diameter and degree of ventilation.

There is often a need for these on-line test facilities through off-line monitor operated test facilities. Such off-line test facilities generally work more reliably because they are pro Measurement have more time available. You can also use off-line testing equipment be calibrated more frequently and easily because of calibration production does not have to be interrupted.

The device mentioned at the outset is generally used to Cigarettes from the production process to off-line testing facilities too convict.

DE 39 08 827 A1 describes a sample unit for cigarettes to be tested described on a filter assembly machine, this unit for Interact with a feed conveyor that passes the cigarette through the filter assembly machine transported, determined and trained. The Sampling unit includes a sample conveyor that is tangential to the Feed conveyor is arranged and an even number of peripheral seats for the cigarettes. These seats are along the sample conveyor arranged and each provided with a suction device. A The selection device is used to selectively close the suction device activate and thereby predetermined cigarettes from the feed conveyor subtract so that they can be tested.

DE 39 25 073 A1 discloses a transport device for selective withdrawn cigarettes, the cigarettes of a number of off-line testing facilities supplies. The transport device consists of two Dump drums that are selectively removed from the manufacturing process Cigarettes on a trough conveyor belt for transfer to the off-line test facilities to hand over.

DE 1 928 948 U1 describes a device with programmable Control means for the automatic removal and forwarding of sample cigarettes to an off-line test facility. The samples are with a Dump drum removed from a trough conveyor and one after the other fed to the off-line test facility.

DE 23 34 617 A1 discloses automatic removal of Sample cigarettes from the production process using a conveyor tube having pneumatically operating transport device to a Test laboratory, where the sample cigarettes automatically move out of the Conveyor tube can be removed.

It is now an object of the present invention, the removal process to make it safer.

This object is achieved in that the device type mentioned at least one recording device for recording of smoke items removed from the process line and at least one with variable speed movable transfer device for taking over smoking articles taken from the process line and delivery of the Process line removed smoke items to the receiving device are provided, the movable transfer means for taking over the Smoking articles can be accelerated to a first speed and for that Transfer of the smoking article to the receiving device can be braked.

Accordingly, with the help of the invention, smoking articles, in particular Trial smoking article, at a higher speed from the process line taken and at a slower speed or even at Transfer the standstill to a receiving device. Accordingly according to the invention the transport speed when removing smoke articles reduced for the transfer to the receiving device, what for the transfer means which is movable at variable speed is provided. Because usually it is not necessary to transport from the Process line especially smoke samples taken randomly a remote processing facility such. B. an off-line test facility at the same speed as in the process line perform. Rather, the transport speed of the removed Smoking articles significantly lower than the conveying speed in the Process line, which is especially for reasons of higher Reliability and less design effort is desired. The present invention takes this into account.

The receiving device can preferably be an off-line test device have or be designed so that they the removed sample smoke articles transported to a remote off-line testing facility.

After all, the invention makes the removal process safer and to make it more reliable, in such a way that the process line withdrawn smoking articles precisely and keeping their Sequence and assignment to the process clock are performed accordingly can.

The transfer means for receiving the smoking articles is preferably especially from a standstill, to a first speed can be accelerated according to the first conveying speed, so that the Speed of the transfer means at the speed of the in the Process line transported smoke items is essentially synchronized and then selectively take over smoking articles. This version has the Advantage that the transfer agent smokes directly from the process line withdraws and thus an interposition of further funding can be dispensed with, which results in a simple construction.

The transfer means is expediently rotatable about an axis of rotation stored transfer drum which can be driven with variable peripheral speed, the extent of the smoking articles, at least in sections, preferably parallel to the axis of rotation, releasably mountable side by side are. Because in this version the transfer means as a transfer drum is provided, it is the speed of the Transfer means around the peripheral speed of the transfer drum, their rotation accordingly to take over the smoking articles on a first speed can be accelerated and for the delivery of the smoking articles can be braked to the receiving device. With a further education of this Version in which the transfer means for taking over the smoking articles should be accelerable from standstill to the first speed less than one turn are required for this, which makes one particularly fast synchronization is feasible.

The transfer drum can move between a first position Takeover of the smoking articles and a second position for handover to the Receiving device, preferably essentially transverse to your Axis of rotation, be arranged movable. For this, the transfer drum preferably sit on at least one pivoted arm. This Execution is particularly advantageous if in the first position Takeover of the smoking articles in the transfer drum with a conveyor drum the process line or an intermediate conveyor drum operationally must be coupled during the operational coupling for the handover of the picked up smoke items from the transfer drum to the Recording device must then be released again. The latter happens in this version in that the transfer drum from the first Position in the second position for transfer to the receiving device is proceeded.

This can be used to transfer the smoking articles to the receiving device Transfer means are braked to a second speed, the is less than the first speed. This version is special then expedient if already during the transfer to the receiving device the smoking articles of another conveyor movement for removal be subjected, preferably at the second speed he follows.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to transfer the transfer means to the Braking the pick-up device to a standstill. This version is particularly conceivable in those cases in which the to the receiving device handed over smoking articles only after the completion of the Handover in particular be removed in cycles.

The receiving device expediently has at least one Funding on that to take over the smoking articles from the transfer means provided and movable for removal of the smoking article. Such one Funding can move at a second conveying speed, the corresponds approximately to the second speed of the transfer means.

The funding can include, for example, at least one tray with preferably trough-shaped or groove-shaped, receiving sections for Have a record of the smoking articles taken over by the transfer device. Such a tray is preferably essentially in the direction of it Longitudinally arranged movably. There are usually several interchangeable trays are provided, with each at least one tray at the location of the takeover of the smoking article from Transfer means located while at least one other tray en route to a remote processing facility such as B. is an off-line test facility or there unloads the smoking article.

For a continuous removal of the taken over smoking articles can the conveyor has at least one conveyor belt that is in the direction its longitudinal extension moves.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the funding at least one rotatably mounted drum with on its circumference provided side by side, preferably trough or groove-shaped, receiving sections for detachable mounting of the smoking article having. In a currently particularly preferred further development of a such design, the drum can be in a stationary cylindrical Housing can be rotatably mounted at one point on the smoking article be taken over by the transfer means, has an opening. The drum is preferably detachably fastened in the receiving device. In this version, several such are usually from the housing enclosed drums, each used for the takeover of the Smoking article at the appropriate position in the receiving device attached and then for transportation to a distant one Processing device such. B. an off-line test facility after having a maximum possible number of smoking articles have recorded. In the remote processing facility then the drum is emptied accordingly. During the transport of the Receiving device to the remote processing facility provides the housing to ensure that the smoking articles do not accidentally move away from the Loosen the drum and at the same time prevent unwanted external especially mechanical influences are protected. Losing weight and attaching the drum and its transport can preferably be done manually respectively.

Figur 1

schematisch im Längsschnitt eine Filteransetzmaschine;

Figur 2

eine erste Ausführung einer Probenzigarettenentnahmevorrichtung in verschiedenen Betriebszuständen (a bis j) sowie ein zugehöriges Drehzahl-Zeit-Diagramm (k);

Figur 3

eine gegenüber der ersten Ausführung von Figur 2 modifizierte zweite Ausführung einer Probenzigarettenentnahmevorrichtung in schematischer Gesamtdarstellung (a) und eine Einzeldarstellung der hier verwendeten Aufnahmetrommel (b);

Figur 4

Ansichten einer Aufnahmetrommel in einer ersten modifizierten Ausführung;

Figur 5

eine ausschnittsweise Einzelteildarstellung einer Aufnahmetrommel in einer gegenüber der Ausführung von Figur 4 modifizierten zweiten Ausführung;

Figur 6

eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Aufnahmetrommel in einer dritten modifizierten Ausführung;

Figur 7

eine dritte Ausführung einer Probezigarettenentnahmevorrichtung in zwei unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen (a und b); und

Figur 8

eine vierte Ausführung einer Probezigarettenentnahmevorrichtung.

Preferred exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

Figure 1

schematically in longitudinal section a filter attachment machine;

Figure 2

a first embodiment of a sample cigarette removal device in different operating states (a to j) and an associated speed-time diagram (k);

Figure 3

a second embodiment of a sample cigarette removal device modified in comparison with the first embodiment of FIG. 2 in a schematic overall illustration (a) and an individual illustration of the receiving drum (b) used here;

Figure 4

Views of a recording drum in a first modified embodiment;

Figure 5

a detail of a part of a recording drum in a modified from the embodiment of Figure 4 second embodiment;

Figure 6

a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording drum in a third modified embodiment;

Figure 7

a third embodiment of a sample cigarette removal device in two different operating states (a and b); and

Figure 8

a fourth embodiment of a sample cigarette removal device.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a filter attachment machine 2 that is part of a Cigarette production line, not shown, which, among other things, on-line measuring systems for measuring various cigarette parameters such as B. Includes diameter, tobacco stick weight and degree of ventilation.

At the exit of the filter attachment machine, which is on the left edge of Figure 1 is located, a removal drum 10 is arranged through which at Sample cigarettes taken from a conveyor drum 12 as required become. The removal drum 10 is part of a not shown in Figure 1, however sample cigarette removal device described in more detail below, which serves to take the samples taken Cigarettes to a remote processing station, not shown forward, including an off-line measuring system for off-line testing of the sample cigarettes removed. The removal drum 10 is therefore in particular at the outlet of the filter attachment machine 2 arranged so that the cigarettes sampled by her have already gone through all on-line measuring systems which were used before Output of the filter attachment machine 2 are provided.

The conveyor drum 12 is preceded by a further drum 13 and followed by an output drum 14. The drums 12, 13 and 14 are Part of the filter attachment machine 2 and, like the others in FIG. 1, do not serve specified drums for transporting the cigarettes through the Filter attachment machine 2.

At this point, for the sake of good order, it should be noted that the Removal drum 10 also at other locations than that shown in Figure 1 Position or in other drum machines that are part of a Cigarette production line are can be arranged. Since the sampling of cigarettes by sampling drum 10 usually for the purpose of taking the sample cigarettes so taken remote off-line measuring station should definitely care should be taken that the removal drum 10 at one point behind all on-line measuring systems is arranged.

Figures 2a to j schematically show a section of a Drum machine such as that shown in Figure 1 Filter attachment machine 2 with drums 12, 13 and 14 and a first Execution of a sample cigarette removal device.

The drums 12, 13 and 14 are so-called bowl drums. Accordingly, the conveyor drum 12 - like the other two drums 13 and 14 shown - is provided with groove-shaped troughs 16 which are arranged at equal distances from one another over the circumference and run parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. The groove-shaped troughs 16 serve to hold cigarettes Z by suction, for which purpose at least one channel 18 opens into each trough 16 and is connected to a suction device (not shown). In FIGS. 2a to j only the channel 18 is shown schematically, which opens into the trough 16 which is in the lowest position P ₁ according to FIGS. 2a to j. Unlike in all other circumferential positions, however, the channel 18 of the trough, which is in the lowest position P _1, is connected to a changeover valve 20 which, if necessary, switches from the aforementioned suction device, not shown, to a compressed air source, also not shown, for the purpose of this Trough 16 to eject the held cigarette Z onto the adjacent removal drum 10.

The distance between the removal drum 10 and the conveyor drum 12 is thus the smallest at the position P ₁ mentioned. Position P ₁ is therefore the transfer point for transferring cigarettes to be sampled from the cigarette production line, of which the delivery drum 12 is a part, to the removal drum 10.

The removal drum 10 arranged according to FIGS. 2a to j below the conveyor drum 12 is formed only on a partial segment 10a with a plurality of troughs 22, which are arranged in the same way as the troughs 16 of the conveyor drum 12 with regard to orientation and distance. Alternatively, however, only one trough can also be used be arranged on the partial segment 10a of the removal drum 10. In a manner similar to the previously mentioned drums, the cigarettes Z are held in the troughs 22 by means of suction, so that at least one channel 24 opens into each trough 22 and is connected to a suction device, also not shown. Furthermore, in a manner similar to that of the conveying drum 12, the channel 26 of the trough 22 which is in the lowest position P ₂ according to FIGS. 2g and h is connected to a changeover valve 26 which connects to a compressed air source (not shown) in order to to eject the cigarette lying in this depression from the removal drum 10 in the direction of a receiving device arranged below the removal drum 10 according to FIGS. 2a to j.

In the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to j the receiving device on a tray 28, the so-called trough bar is formed, on the surface facing the removal drum 10 a plurality of parallel troughs 30 are formed, the have the same orientation as the troughs 22 on the removal drum 10. The tray 28 is in the first embodiment shown with a rack 32 provided which is in engagement with a gear 34 which of a drive, not shown, is set in rotation. In this way the tray 28 is transverse to the direction of its longitudinal extent the troughs 30 are translated.

The removal drum 10 is also by a not shown separate drive set in rotation, this drive being designed that the removal drum 10 optionally on the one hand in both directions accelerates a certain speed and on the other hand up to Standstill can be braked.

The operation of there is shown in FIGS. 2a to j illustrated first embodiment of a sample cigarette removal device briefly explained, while reference is made to the speed-time diagram of Figure 2k, in which the speed behavior of the Removal drum 10 is shown and thereby the in Figures 2a to j shown operating states by corresponding identical Letters "a" to "j" are marked.

First of all, it should be noted that the Cigarettes Z continuously on the drums 13, 12 and 14 shown Drum machine run unless a cigarette in the following described manner by the removal drum 10 from the conveyor drum 12 is removed.

In Figure 2a, the removal drum 10 is shown in its rest position, in the she stands still. The subsegment 10a thereof has those formed thereon Troughs 22 neither to the conveyor drum 12 arranged above nor to the tray 28 underneath, but is in one position in between, according to Figure 2a in a so-called "10:30 am" position. The The speed-time diagram of FIG. 2a shows for this phase, there with "a" marked, the speed 0, d. H. Standstill, on.

For the removal of a cigarette, the removal drum 10 is removed from it Rest position according to Figure 2a in the illustrated embodiment in one Accelerated counterclockwise direction, as shown in Figure 2b leaves (see also section "b" in Figure 2k).

The removal drum 10 is accelerated until its peripheral speed corresponds to the peripheral speed of the conveyor drum 12 in terms of direction and height. This synchronization is completed before the subsegment 10a reaches the transfer point P ₁ . Thus, less than one revolution of the removal drum 10 from a standing position is required for the synchronization. At this transfer point P ₁ , the removal drum 10 runs precisely to the conveying drum 12 in terms of timing and speed, a depression 16 of the conveying drum 12 and a corresponding depression 22 on the sub-segment 10a of the removal drum 10 lying exactly opposite one another. This state is shown in Figure 2c (see also section "c" in Figure 2k). In this case, the cigarette Z is blown out of the depression 16 by compressed air due to the switching of the valve 26 into the corresponding opposite depression 22 of the removal drum 10 and is thus picked up by the removal drum 10 at the transfer point P ₁ .

Immediately after delivery of the sample cigarette from the conveyor drum 12 the removal drum 10 does not switch the valve 20 back to the shown suction device, which prevents that from the subsequent troughs of cigarettes are accidentally blown out, but it is ensured that the cigarettes Z in the subsequent Troughs 16 remain for transport to the output drum 14. simultaneously is the removal drum 10 in its further rotation in the direction braked counterclockwise. This state is in Figure 2d shown (see also section "d" in Figure 2k).

The braking process takes about three quarters of a turn until the Removal drum 10 is braked to a standstill and in the illustrated Embodiment the sub-segment 10a a so-called "1:30 clock" position has reached. This state is shown in Figure 2e (see also this Point "e" in Figure 2k).

Then we take the removal drum clockwise turned back. This operating state is shown in Figure 2f (see here also section "f" in Figure 2k).

The removal drum 10 is rotated back until its subsegment 10a has reached the position P ₂ in which the trough 22 receiving the sample cigarette Z is aligned with a trough 30 of the tray 28. Then the removal drum 10 stops. At the same time, the valve 26 switches to the compressed air source (not shown), whereby the sample cigarette Z is blown out of the corresponding depression 22 and falls into the corresponding depression 30 of the tray 28. This state is shown in Figure 2g (see also section "g" in Figure 2k). Position P ₂ is therefore the transfer point for transferring the sample cigarette from the removal drum 10 to the tray 28.

The tray 28 is then moved in translation, in accordance with Figure 2h to the right.

Furthermore, the removal drum 10 now rotates further in the direction of the Clockwise (see FIG. 2i) until it returns to its rest position according to FIG. 2j reached (see also sections "i" and "j" in Figure 2k).

It is also conceivable during the removal process described above to remove several sample cigarettes at the same time and thereby the depressions 22 on the subsegment 10a of the removal drum 10 and then the Fill troughs 30 on the tray 28 accordingly. Is every trough 30 of the Tray 28 filled with a sample cigarette, the tray 28 from the Machine removed and to a remote processing station are transported, in particular containing off-line measuring systems are. Since the order of the cigarettes removed is known, too an assignment to certain quality or error criteria (e.g. first cigarette: stain; second cigarette: bad head; third cigarette: Diameter). This means that 28 sample cigarettes can be placed on the tray different withdrawal criteria at the same time with precise assignment to be collected.

It is also conceivable to replace the one shown in FIGS. 2a to j Trays 28 to use a rotatably mounted receiving drum, as in Figure 3 is shown. The receiving drum 40 shown in FIG. 3 is acting it is of course also a trough drum with troughs 42, in the same arrangement as the troughs 22 of the removal drum 10 are provided. As with the other drums, here too Cigarettes held in the troughs 42 by suction.

Usually, the take-up drum 40 is detachably supported to follow it Fill with the sample cigarettes to the remote processing station to be able to transport. When the drum 40 is removed however, inevitably also the supply of the grooves 42 with negative pressure interrupted. To prevent the cigarettes from falling off, one must first cylindrical housing 44 are pushed over the receiving drum 40. The cylindrical housing 44 pushed over the receiving drum 40 is shown in Figure 3b. The inner diameter of the cylindrical housing 44 is dimensioned such that those picked up by the take-up drum 40 Cigarettes in the troughs 42 have little play and from these cannot fall out, as can be seen schematically in FIG. 3b. Accordingly, the cylindrical housing 44 is a Pot-shaped holding device.

As can also be seen in FIG. 3b, there is one in the cylindrical housing 44 Recess 46 formed. This recess 46 serves a easy sliding of the cylindrical housing 44 over the Recording drum 40 without conflicts with the removal drum 10 enable. This means that the take-up drum 40 after takeover the sample cigarette can be turned a further angle α so that all sample cigarettes within the cylindrical housing 44 and come to rest outside the recess 46. The recess 46 is also useful for removing the sample cigarettes after transport to the remote processing station.

In order to ensure an exact assignment of the sample cigarettes, one is Indexing between the receiving drum 40 and the likewise not removal device shown in the likewise not shown, remote processing station required. For this you can for example index holes 47 in the end wall of the cylindrical Housing 44 may be provided (see FIG. 3b). These index holes 47 correspond to index pins 48 on the end face of the removal drum 40 (see FIG. 3a) and corresponding pins in the not shown Removal device of the processing station.

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the take-up drum of FIG. 3 Execution shown. For this take-up drum 50, which like that 3 has corresponding troughs 52 also a cylindrical housing 54 is provided, which differs from cylindrical housing 44 of Figure 3 differs in that a Recess is missing and thus a continuous jacket is present, but instead a passage opening 56 on at least one end face is trained. This passage opening 56 is so on the end face of the cylindrical housing 54 arranged that always have a trough 52 the passage opening 56 is aligned. As a result, fixed Housing 54 and gradually rotating drum 50 which in the Troughs 52 of cigarettes picked up successively through opening 56 are issued to these sample cigarettes using an off-line measuring system, not shown feed when the drum 50 together the enclosing housing 54 in a remote (not shown) processing station is located.

To relieve the cigarettes on the drum 50 from the weight of the cylindrical housing 54 and to avoid unwanted Rotation of the receiving drum 50 relative to the housing 54 are Index pins 58 are provided. To prevent an unwanted falling out Cigarette through the passage opening 56 during transport prevent a trough 52 must remain empty, which during the Transportes to the passage opening 56 is aligned. Here too is one Indexing in the manner described above is required.

In the take-up drum 50 shown in FIG. 4, the groove-shaped ones are Troughs 52 arranged over the entire circumference, thereby creating a high recording capacity of the drum 50 is achieved. There, however a recess like the recess 46 of FIG. 3 is missing, one must be Device are provided, which means the distance between the Recording drum 50 and the adjacent removal drum 10 enlarged is to a collision with the when the cylindrical housing 54 To avoid removal drum 10. Such a device for The distance is enlarged further below using figures 8 described in more detail.

The end face of a modified housing 54a is shown in sections in FIG shown where, instead of a passage opening 56 of Figure 4, a radially open Recess 56a is provided to selectively move the cigarettes across Remove the longitudinal extent in the radial direction from the housing 54a to be able to.

A similar configuration of the take-up drum is shown in FIG. 6. The recording drum 60 shown there is in the same way by one cylindrical housing 64 enclosed. At one point is the coat of the cylindrical housing 64 provided with a longitudinal slot 66, the clear Width slightly larger than the diameter of that of the take-up drum 60 recorded cigarettes Z is. This is done with this version Take out the cigarettes transversely to their longitudinal axis in the radial direction. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the already during the filling To leave recording drum 60 in the cylindrical housing 64, then the slot 66 to the transfer point and thus to the removal drum must be aligned.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a sampling device. The removal drum 70 shown in FIG. 7 has two different zones 70a and 70b along its circumference. A first zone 70a forms a first pitch circle between a first shoulder E ₁ and a second shoulder E ₂ and is provided with troughs for holding cigarettes, which are no longer shown in FIG. A second zone 70b forms a second pitch circle between the paragraphs E ₁ and E ₂ , the second pitch circle having a significantly smaller radius than the first pitch circle. Accordingly, the second zone 70b forms a clearly recessed surface of the removal drum 70 compared to the surface of the first zone 70a. Furthermore, in contrast to the first zone 70a, the second zone 70b has no troughs.

The removal drum 70 and the take-up drum 80 are connected to one another via toothed wheels, not shown, so that they rotate synchronously with one another. For this purpose, a drive motor 72 is provided, which drives the removal drum 70 and also the take-up drum 80 via the mentioned gearwheels (not shown in the figures). A control device 74 is provided for controlling the drive motor 72. Furthermore, a switch valve 76 is connected to the control device 74, which ensures that when actuated by the control device 74, a cigarette in the direction from that trough of the conveyor drum 10 which is located in the point P ₁ closest to the removal drum 70 is ejected onto the removal drum 70. With regard to the mode of operation of this valve 76, reference is made to the description of the embodiment according to FIG. 2.

FIG. 7a shows the removal drum 70 and the take-up drum 80 in their rest position. To take a sample, the control device 74 controls the drive motor 72 accordingly, as a result of which the removal drum 70 and the receiving drum 80 are set in rotation. At the latest when the paragraph E _{1 has reached} the circumference of the conveying drum 12, the removal drum 70 runs synchronously with the conveying drum 12. At this point in time, the control device 74 controls the valve 76 in order to move cigarettes from the conveying drum 12 to the recessed one to pass the first zone 70a of the removal drum 70. The sample cigarettes thus picked up by the removal drum 70 are then delivered to the recording drum 80 at point P ₂ , which lies behind point P ₁ in the direction of rotation of the removal drum 70. A valve is also provided for the transfer of the cigarettes from the removal drum 70 to the take-up drum 80, which valve is not shown in FIG. 7; in this regard, reference is also made to the description of the embodiment according to FIG. 2. FIG. 7b shows a point in time at which cigarettes (not shown) are transferred from the conveying drum 12 to the removal drum 70 and at the same time cigarettes which have already been removed are released from the removal drum 70 to the receiving drum 80.

After transfer of the desired number of sample cigarettes from the conveyor drum 12 to the removal drum 70, but at the latest when the paragraph E _{2 of} the removal drum 70 has reached the circumference of the conveyor drum 12, the valve 76 is reset by the control device 74, so that further cigarettes from the conveyor drum 12 are not released. At the earliest when the paragraph E _{2 of} the removal drum 70 begins to move away from the conveyor drum 12, the control device 74 switches the drive motor 72 into a braking operation, as a result of which the removal drum 70 and thus also the take-up drum 80 are braked. After the braking process has ended, the removal drum 70 and the receiving drum 80 have again reached the rest position shown in FIG. 7a.

In this rest position, the take-up drum 80 can then be operated with it recorded sample cigarettes. The recording drum 80 is preferably designed as in FIGS. 4 to 6 has been described.

FIG. 8 shows a further preferred embodiment of a Sample cigarette removal device shown, which differs from the execution according to FIG. 7 essentially differs in that the Removal drum 90 between two radially spaced apart Positions movably mounted between the conveyor drum 12 and the Removal drum 90 an intermediate drum 82 and arranged as Recording device 100 instead of a trough drum a rotating Trough belt 106 is provided.

The removal drum 90, which is also in this embodiment as a bowl drum 90 is formed, is rotatably mounted at the end of a swivel arm 92. The Swivel arm 92 is on its opposite the removal drum 90 End pivotally supported about a pivot axis 93. The is pivoted Swing arm 92 by a motor 94, on its output shaft 94a Gear 95 is seated, which is in engagement with a ring gear 96, the Swivel arm 92 is formed and extends concentrically to the swivel axis 93. In Figure 8, the gear 95 and the ring gear 96 are only dashed indicated.

The removal drum 90 is driven by another Drive motor 98, in the embodiment shown in Figure 8 is arranged outside the swivel arm 92, its Output shaft 98a is coaxial to the pivot axis 93 and one is not drives roller shown, which is also rotatable coaxially to the pivot axis 93 is stored. A role that is also not shown runs over this role Endless belt, which is guided along the swivel arm 92 and the Removal drum 90, for example, rotatably with it coupled, also not shown further role drives.

In this exemplary embodiment, the receiving device 100 shows how previously mentioned, a trough belt 102 that is similar to the tray 30 in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 with a large number in FIG. 8 not shown troughs is provided, which are transverse to the longitudinal and Extend direction of movement of the trough belt 102 and in the longitudinal or Direction of movement of the trough belt 102 lie side by side. The Trough belt 102 runs around a first roller 104 which is adjacent to the Removal drum 90 and is rotated by a drive motor 106 is displaced, whereby the trough belt 102 in the direction of it Longitudinal movement moves. The trough belt 102 does not lead to one shown remote processing station, for example also contains an off-line measuring system, and is not there by one in FIG. 8 redirected further role shown.

Motors 94, 98 and 106 are controlled by the one already from FIG. 7 known control device 74, to which the valve 76 is connected, the operation of which is also based on FIG 7 has been described.

The control device 74 controls the valve 76 for the sampling accordingly. In this way one or more selectively selected Cigarettes from the conveyor drum 10 to the intermediate drum 82. For the Transfer of these sample cigarettes from the intermediate drum 82 to the The removal drum 90 must be removed from the removal drum 90 according to FIG lower position I be pivoted, in which the removal drum 90 and Swivel arm 92 is shown in solid lines.

When the desired number of sample cigarettes from the intermediate drum 82 has been transferred to the removal drum 90, the center distance between the intermediate drum 82 and the removal drum 90 through corresponding pivoting of the pivot arm 92 using the motor 94 enlarged. The control device 74 previously has the valve 76 reversed accordingly, so that a transfer of further cigarettes from the conveyor drum 10 no longer takes place on the intermediate drum 82.

In position I, the removal drum 90 runs synchronously with the Intermediate drum 82. By pivoting the pivot arm 92, the Removal drum 90 operatively separated from the intermediate drum 82 and arrives in an intermediate position, not shown, in which the Rotation speed of the removal drum 90 then with the Conveying speed of the trough belt 102 is synchronized. Since the Conveying speed of the trough belt 102 is less than that Peripheral speed of the intermediate drum 82, the removal drum 90 braked accordingly. After syncing the Circumferential speed of the removal drum 90 with the The conveying speed of the trough belt 102 becomes the removal drum 90 pivoted into position II, in which it with the around the first roller 104th circumferential trough belt 102 is operatively coupled to the Hand over sample cigarettes to the trough belt 102. 8 upper position II are the removal drum 90 and the swivel arm 92 shown in dashed lines.

After the sample cigarettes have been handed over to the trough belt 102 the motor 94 pivots the swivel arm 92 and thus the removal drum 90 back to position I. The drive motor 98 synchronizes the Circumferential speed of the removal drum 90 again with the Circumferential speed of the intermediate drum 82.

The sample cigarettes are then removed on the trough belt 102 located processing station (not shown in the figures) transported.

Instead of a trough belt 102 circulating endlessly over rollers, however, can for example, a take-up drum can also be provided, as shown in Various versions have been described with reference to Figures 4 to 6 is.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the Omit intermediate drum 82 and the removal drum 90 directly movable between the conveyor drum 10 and the receiving device 100 to arrange.

Claims (17)

Device for the, preferably random, sampling of smoking articles (Z), in particular rod-shaped smoking articles such as cigarettes, from a process line (2, 12, 13 14) along which the smoking articles (Z) are moved at a first conveying speed,
marked by
at least one receiving device (28; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100) for receiving smoking articles (Z) removed from the process line (2, 12, 13, 14) and at least one transfer means (10; 70; 90) which can be moved at variable speed ) for taking over smoke articles (Z) removed from the process line (2, 12, 13, 14) and transferring the smoke articles (Z) removed from the process line (2, 12, 13, 14) to the receiving device (28; 40; 50 ; 60; 80; 100), the movable transfer means (10; 70; 90) being able to be accelerated to a first speed for taking over the smoking articles (Z) and for transferring the smoking articles (Z) to the receiving device (28; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100) can be braked. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer means (10; 70; 90) for receiving the smoking articles (Z) can be accelerated to a first speed corresponding to the first conveying speed. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the transfer means (10; 70; 90) for taking over the smoking articles (Z) can be accelerated from standstill to the first speed. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer means is a transfer drum (10; 70; 90) which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and can be driven at a variable peripheral speed, on the circumference of which at least in sections the smoking articles (Z), preferably parallel to the axis of rotation , can be detachably held side by side. Device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the transfer means (10) requires less than one revolution to accelerate to the first speed. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the transfer drum (90), preferably essentially between a first position (I) for receiving the smoking articles (Z) and a second position (II) for transfer to the receiving device (100) transverse to its axis of rotation, is movable. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the transfer drum (90) is seated on at least one pivotably mounted arm (92). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer means (10; 70; 90) for transferring the smoking articles (Z) to the receiving device (28; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100) can be braked to a second speed that is less than the first speed. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transfer means (10; 70; 90) for transfer to the receiving device (28; 40; 50; 60; 80; 100) can be braked to a standstill. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving device has at least one conveying means (28; 40; 50; 60; 80; 102) which is used to take over the smoking articles (Z) from the transfer means (10; 90) and for removal the smoking article (Z) is provided. Device according to claims 8 and 10, characterized in that during the transfer of the smoking articles (Z) from the transfer means (90), the conveying means (102) moves at a second conveying speed which corresponds approximately to the second speed of the transfer means (90). Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the conveying means has at least one tray (28) with, preferably trough-shaped or groove-shaped, receiving sections (30) for receiving the smoking articles (Z) taken over by the transfer means (28). Device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the tray (28) can be moved essentially in the direction of its longitudinal extent. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the conveying means has at least one conveyor belt (102). Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the conveying means at least one rotatably mounted drum (40; 50; 60; 80) with adjacent, preferably trough-shaped or groove-shaped, receiving sections (42; 52) on its circumference for detachably holding the smoking articles (Z). Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the drum (50; 60) can be stored in a stationary cylindrical housing (54; 64) which has an opening (56a; at a point at which smoking articles (Z) are taken over by the transfer means). 66). Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the drum (50; 60) is detachably fastened in the receiving device.

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