EP2353410A2 - Inspection means for inspecting a product flow within a distributor device - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit (13) has a vertically running viewing track (18) for forming a viewing chamber (17) with an inlet (19) for a product stream to be viewed. A supply device (24) supplies airflow into the chamber. The chamber is divided over its width (B) into two segments transverse to the viewing track, where the airflow has different flow rates in the respective segments within the chamber. The chamber is limited at an input side by a part (27) i.e. perforated plate, and extends over the whole width of the chamber. An independent claim is also included for a method for viewing a product stream within a distributor device for loading a cigarette strand machine.

Description

The invention relates to a viewing means for viewing a product flow within a distributor device for feeding a cigarette rod machine, wherein the viewing means has a viewing space forming a substantially vertical viewing path with at least one access for the product stream to be viewed within the sighting line and a device for feeding a conveying air stream into the cigarette tube Viewing room has.

The invention further relates to a method of sifting a product stream within a dispensing device for feeding a cigarette rod making machine, comprising the steps of: supplying a product stream into a viewing space (17) of a viewing means via an access, viewing the product stream along a line of sight within the sighting space, by the Sighting line by means of a device for supplying a conveying air flow in the viewing space of the conveying air flow over the entire width B of the viewing space is supplied.

Such view means with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and the corresponding methods are used in the tobacco processing industry to order from a tobacco stream unprocessed parts, namely in particular heavier parts, such as the so-called ribs, of the parts to be processed at least partly weed out. For this purpose, the product flow within the distribution device from a reservoir by means of a conveying element, preferably a vertical conveyor, via an access, which is usually located in the upper region of the viewing space, fed to the viewing means. In other words, the product stream is introduced via the access from above into the sight line. In the viewing space or along the line of sight, the components to be processed are separated from unprocessed portions of the product stream by means of an air flow.

Basically, the product flow falls within the viewing area or the viewing distance down. The lighter parts of the tobacco to be processed are supplied by the air flow or the conveying air flow but up out of the sight distance out over a transport path to a downstream stowage. The non-processed, heavier parts, e.g. The ribs of the tobacco fall down in the viewing area and are optionally discharged and / or shredded fed back into the product stream.

From the distribution device, the cigarette rod machine is supplied with a tobacco fleece from the sighted tobacco, so a kind of flat tobacco carpet. This is followed by the stowage point of the distribution device in the transport direction of the tobacco, a so-called fluidized bed. The fluidized bed is used for continuous transport of the present as nonwoven tobacco to a downstream strand conveyor. The strand conveyor has at least one suction belt. The web is pressed or sucked within the fluidized bed by a circulating air flow to the underside of the suction belt. One speaks in this connection also of the shuddering of the tobacco. The circumferentially driven suction belt transports the tobacco fleece, which is built up by the continuous transport layer by layer, so quasi-layered, then hanging for further processing, the hanging tobacco mat is freed of excess tobacco by release agent. When separating the excess tobacco, the last tobacco that has appeared, ie the lower region from the hanging strand, is separated.

Known classifiers have an undivided viewing space in which the product stream introduced via the access in the form of tobacco portions is pulled apart in an uncontrolled manner along the line of sight, which leads to an uneven distribution of the product stream across the width. From the EP 1 488 712 A1 is a visual means known in which the visual space is divided. The viewing area is divided by partitions into chambers that extend from bottom to top in the direction of the sight line. The subdivision of the viewing space realizes a uniform distribution of the product flow across the width. However, the composition of the product stream across the width is basically the same. In other words, the Product stream over the entire width of always unprocessed parts on, which are then uniformly spotted and rejected.

Of course, not all unwanted parts, components, etc., of the product stream can be sorted out when sifting through the product stream. This means that always ribs over the entire width of the viewing means in the stowage and thus reach the suction belt. When forming the strand these unwanted parts lie along the entire length and distributed in all layers or layers of the strand. This means that these parts, which are harder than the actual tobacco, namely ribs, etc., also lie in the outer peripheral layers of the strand. By separating or trimming the strand hanging on the suction belt, these ribs etc. are quasi sharpened. The result of this is that the strand, which is subsequently wrapped in cigarette paper, namely the tobacco rod, has holes, namely the so-called rib holes, which are produced by the rib ends penetrating the cigarette paper. These rib holes are an unacceptable mistake.

In order to get a handle on the problem of these rib holes, u.a. the possibility to reduce the visual flow or to repeat the sighting. However, these measures are very cumbersome and costly.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a simple viewing means, which ensures a targeted distribution of the sighted product flow within the distributor device. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to propose a corresponding method.

This object is achieved by a visual means of the type mentioned above in that the viewing space is divided across its width transversely to the line of sight in at least two segments, wherein the conveying air flow within the viewing space segmentally has different flow velocities. This means that the device is designed and set up to view segments lying side by side or the product partial stream located therein segmentally in parallel or simultaneously with different flow velocities. With this solution according to the invention it is achieved that the sighted product stream or the Distribution of the same is individually controllable. In other words, due to the different flow velocities in the individual segments, the distribution of the parts which are actually not so well suited for processing and which nevertheless are not to be rejected can be precisely controlled. At higher flow rates, fewer ribs etc. are seen. At lower flow rates, more ribs etc. are seen.

An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the viewing space is divided over its width into three segments each having at least one chamber, wherein the conveying air flow within the middle segment has a higher flow velocity than the conveying air flow in the two outer segments. This design allows a particularly favorable distribution of the ribs with respect to the strand structure. In other words, the rib distribution is controlled in the strand to be produced, such that the ribs are brought into the strand center. Thus, the ends of the ribs can no longer pierce the cigarette paper.

The segment lying furthest forward with respect to strand formation in the cigarette rod machine and thus forming the first layer of the cigarette rod preferably has a chamber, while the middle segment and the third segment with respect to the strand formation each have three chambers, all seven chambers each extend from bottom to top in the direction of the line of sight and have the same width. The inventive design and arrangement of the chambers a symmetrical structure of the strand is achieved. The partial product flow guided directly from the first chamber to the suction belt forms the edge region on the cigarette seam. The three chambers of the middle segment form the strand center with the ribs. The three outer chambers again lead three layers / layers of the product partial flow to the underside of the hanging strand, the two lowest layers / layers being cut off the strand during separation / trimming so that a layer remains on the strand which acts like the one directly on the strand Saugband fitting layer from the first chamber is free of ribs. In other words, the three rib-containing layers are sandwiched and centrally sandwiched between the two rib-free layers.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the middle segment or the chambers forming the middle segment have an upwardly tapering cross section. Due to the cross-sectional taper in the direction of the exit of the line of sight, an increase of the flow velocity within the central chambers of the viewing means is achieved in a particularly simple and effective manner, whereby fewer ribs are sighted in this area. In the subsequent strand formation, the product stream which is observed in the middle segment forms the middle layers of the strand, so that there are more ribs in the center of the strand than in the edge regions.

Advantageously, the two outer segments or the chambers forming the segments are assigned means for increasing the flow resistance. As a result of the increase in resistance, a lower flow velocity is achieved in a simple and effective manner, so that more ribs are exposed in the chambers supplying the edge regions or the excess of the strand.

Furthermore, the object is also achieved by a method mentioned at the outset with the following steps: The product flow within the viewing space is viewed segment-wise with different flow velocities, based on its width B. The resulting benefits have already been explained in detail in connection with the visual aid. To avoid repetition, refer to the corresponding passages.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Verteilervorrichtung im Schnitt,

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht eines Bestandteils der Verteilervorrichtung gemäß Figur 1, nämlich ein Sichtmittel mit geschlossenen Trennwänden,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf das Sichtmittel gemäß Figur 2 im Schnitt C-C, allerdings mit teilweise geöffneten Trennwänden, und

Fig. 4

die Luftgeschwindigkeitsverteilung über die Breite B des Sichtmittels (von vorne gesehen).

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

Fig. 1

a side view of a distribution device in section,

Fig. 2

a front view of a component of the distribution device according to FIG. 1 namely, a visual means with closed dividing walls,

Fig. 3

a plan view of the viewing means according to FIG. 2 in the section CC, but with partially opened partitions, and

Fig. 4

the air velocity distribution across the width B of the viewing means (seen from the front).

The visual means shown in the drawing serves to view a product flow within a distributor device for feeding a cigarette rod machine. In other words, the visual means for targeted detuning of the rib gauge is designed and set up. Of course, the visual means is also designed and set up for the purpose of sifting and discarding other parts of a tobacco stream which are unsuitable for processing and / or unwanted.

In the FIG. 1 schematically a distributor device 10 is described with their helpful for understanding the invention and essential components. These include in the transport direction of the product flow from a reservoir 11, a conveyor 12, which is preferably designed as a steep conveyor, a viewing means 13, a subsequent to the visual means 13 transport path 14 and a storage shaft 15 to the stowage 15, the cigarette making machine joins, which is supplied via at least one fluidized bed 16 with the product stream flowing from the distributor device 10.

The sighting means 13 for viewing the product flow within the distributor device has a viewing space 17 which forms a substantially vertically from bottom to top extending sighting line 18. The sighting means 13 further comprises at least one access 19 for inputting the product flow supplied by the conveyor 12. The viewing space 17 itself is formed of a front wall 20, a rear wall 21 and side walls 22, 23. Within the sighting space 17, the sighting distance 18 is defined, along which the product flow is sighted by means of an air flow. The front wall 20 and the rear wall 21 are spaced apart and expediently arranged parallel to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 20 and the rear wall 21 are zigzag-shaped to form a so-called zigzag sifter educated. The zigzag sifter is essentially vertically aligned. The access 19 in the viewing space 17 is preferably arranged in the upper half of the viewing space 17. Of course, the viewing area 17 can also have multiple access points at different positions. Also, the front wall 20 and the rear wall 21 may be straight, so just not zig-zag-shaped, and thus form a deflection space for the product flow viewing space 17.

The sighting means 13 further comprises a device 24 for supplying a conveying air flow into the viewing space 17. The device 24 is preferably arranged in the lower half of the viewing space 17. In the embodiment described, the device 24 is arranged at the lower end of the sighting path 18, that is to say on the input side to the sighting path 18. The device 24 may e.g. be a fan that blows air via nozzles or the like conveying air in the viewing space 17. Other configurations and arrangements of the device 24 are also conceivable.

The viewing space 17 is over its width B (in particular the FIG. 2 can be seen) divided transversely to the line of sight 18 in at least two segments, wherein the conveying air flow within the viewing space 17 segmentally different flow velocities. In other words, the product flow fed into the viewing space 17 is exposed to different flow velocities of the conveying air flow over the width B of the viewing space 17, so that a treatment of the product flow which is different in segments is realized.

Preferably, the viewing space 17 is divided over its width B into three segments I, II, III, wherein each segment I, II, III has at least one chamber 25. The conveying air flow within the middle segment II has a higher flow velocity than the conveying air flow in the two outer segments I and III. In order to achieve the different flow rates, various structural configurations and measures are possible, which are described below. In other embodiments, the viewing space 17 may also be divided into more than two segments, wherein the division into segments I, II, III or chambers 25 need not necessarily be realized by (mechanical) partitions or the like. The classification can eg also by purposeful guidance the conveying air flow etc. can be achieved. Thus, there is the possibility that the viewing space 17 itself forms a single large receiving space, in which the product flow can be individually viewed by sections acting on the conveying air flow of different flow velocities.

In the preferred and shown embodiment, however, the segments I, II and III are separated by partitions 26. The first with respect to the strand formation furthest forward and thus the first directly on a suction belt 29 (see in particular FIG. 4 ) of the cigarette manufacturing machine adjacent layer of the cigarette strand forming segment I has a single chamber 25. The two adjacent segments II and III, namely the middle segment II and the third, with respect to the strand formation rear segment III, each have three chambers 25. All seven chambers 25 extend from bottom to top in the direction or along the sighting line 18 and have the same width. Of course, the number of chambers 25 may vary in total and for each segment I, II, III. Also, the chambers 25 may each have different widths segment by segment and also between the segments.

As already mentioned above, the flow velocity of the conveying air flow can be varied or influenced in different ways. In order to generate a higher flow velocity, a cross section tapering from the entrance to the exit of the sighting section 18 is provided in the chambers 25 of the middle segment II. The cross-sectional change may extend over the entire length of the chambers 25. But there is also the possibility that in the chambers 25 single or more cross-sectional tapered areas are provided. Alternatively or cumulatively, the chambers 25 of the two outer segments I, III may be associated with means 27 for increasing the flow resistance for the conveying air flow. There is also the option of assigning to each segment I, II, III or each chamber 25 a separate means for supplying a conveying air flow, which is then individually controllable. This agent may be, for example, a nozzle or the like.

However, an embodiment in which a central device 24 for supplying the conveying air flow is provided is preferred. This device 24 is on the input side to the sight line 18 in the flow direction of the conveying air flow before the means 27 for increasing the flow resistance, which also serves to equalize the conveying air flow, arranged. The means 27 is e.g. a simple perforated plate that extends over the entire width B of the viewing space 17 and is located at the lower end of the sighting line 18 within the viewing space 17. The perforated plate can be provided over the entire width with equal openings. However, the size of the openings can also be different from chamber 25 to chamber 25 or from segment I, II, III to segment I, II, III. This perforated plate forms a flow resistance for the entering into the viewing space 17 conveying air flow. This flow resistance can be made variable by e.g. the size of the openings is changeable. This can be done by sliding elements, rotary components or in any other known manner. It is also possible to provide a plurality of individual perforated plates or other air-permeable resistance bodies, wherein e.g. then each individual chamber 25 or each individual segment I, II; III is assigned its own perforated plate or the like.

The chambers 25 themselves can also be delimited from one another by partition walls 28 relative to the adjacent chambers 25. The partitions 26, 28 between the segments I, II, III and the chambers 25 can be completely closed (see, eg FIG. 2 ) or partially opened (see eg FIG. 3 ) be formed. In embodiments not shown, the arrangement of the cross-sectionally altered chambers 25 and / or the means 27 may vary. Depending on the desired strand structure higher flow velocities can thus be realized, for example, in the outer segments I, III than in the middle segment II.

• Dem Sichtmittel 13 wird der Produktstrom zugeführt. Der Produktstrom fällt im Bereich des Zugangs 19 über die gesamte Breite B des Sichtraums 17 in diesen. Von unten strömt der durch die Einrichtung 24 erzeugte Förderluftstrom in die Sichtstrecke 18. Über die Breite B des Sichtraums 17 weist der Förderluftstrom unterschiedliche Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten auf. Am Beispiel der dargestellten Verteilervorrichtung 10 weist der Sichtraum 17 drei Segmente I, II, III auf. In den beiden äußeren Segmenten I, III weist der Förderluftstrom eine geringere Strömungsgeschwindigkeit V₁ auf als in dem mittleren Segment II. Durch die Ausbildung des Sichtraums 17 mit sieben Kammern 25 wird der Produktstrom bezogen auf die Breite in seinem ersten siebtel (entspricht dem ersten Segment I) mit einer geringen Strömungsgeschwindigkeit V₁ gesichtet. Im mittleren Segment II wird der Produktstrom bezogen auf die Breite in weiteren drei siebteln mit einer gegenüber dem ersten siebtel höheren Strömungsgeschwindigkeit V₂ gesichtet, während die bezogen auf die Breite letzten drei siebtel des Produktstroms (entsprechen dem Segment III) wieder mit einer geringeren Strömungsgeschwindigkeit V₁ gesichtet werden. Vorzugsweise entsprechen sich die Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten V₁ in den Segmenten I und III.

The following is the principle of seeing to build a strand in particular on the basis of FIG. 4 at a viewing room 17 with seven chambers 25 exemplified in more detail:

• The sight 13, the product stream is supplied. The product stream falls in the region of the access 19 over the entire width B of the viewing space 17 in this. From below, the conveying air flow generated by the device 24 flows into the sighting path 18. Over the width B of the viewing space 17, the conveying air flow to different flow velocities. Using the example of the illustrated distributor device 10, the viewing area 17 has three segments I, II, III. In the two outer segments I, III, the conveying air flow has a lower flow velocity V ₁ than in the middle segment II. By forming the viewing space 17 with seven chambers 25, the product flow is related to the width in its first seventh (corresponding to the first segment I) with a low flow velocity V ₁ sighted. In the middle segment II, the product flow in terms of width is viewed in another three-sevenths with a flow velocity V ₂ higher than the first seventh while the last three-sevenths of the product flow (corresponding to the segment III) again with a lower flow velocity V ₁ sighted. Preferably, the flow velocities V ₁ in the segments I and III correspond.

The first seventh of the product flow from the segment I, which is the furthest forward for strand formation in relation to the conveying direction F of the strand, forms the lowest layer (in FIG FIG. 4 Location a) of the strand. The following three sevenths of the product stream from the segment II form the core (in FIG. 4 Layers b) of the strand. The last three sevenths of the product flow from the segment III in the direction of conveyance of the strand form the last outer layers in FIG. 4 Layers c), wherein the outer layers is trimmed by release agent 30, so that an outer layer remains, which corresponds approximately to the strength of the lowermost, directly on the suction belt 29 adjacent layer. The continuously flowing flow of product into the viewing means 13 and out of the viewing means 13 to the suction belt 29 achieves a uniform and symmetrical strand configuration in which the tobacco with the raised rib portion is located at the center of the strand while leaving the outer regions of the strand free of ribs or have significantly fewer ribs. The distribution of the flow velocities V ₁ and V ₂ across the width B of the viewing means 13 and the rib distribution is the FIG. 4 refer to. The flow velocities and correspondingly the rib distribution can of course also vary.

Claims (14)

Viewing means (13) for viewing a product flow within a distributor device (10) for feeding a cigarette rod machine, wherein the viewing means (13) comprises a viewing space (17) forming a substantially vertical viewing path (18) with at least one access (19) for the inside the sight line (18) to be viewed product flow and a means (24) for supplying a conveying air flow into the viewing space (17), characterized in that the viewing space (17) across its width B transversely to the visual distance (18) divided into at least two segments is, wherein the conveying air flow within the Sichtraums (17) segmentally different flow velocities. Sighting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the viewing space (17) over its width B in three each at least one chamber (25) having segments I, II. III is divided, wherein the conveying air flow within the middle segment II has a higher flow velocity than the conveying air flow in the two outer segments I, III. A viewing means according to claim 2, characterized in that in terms of strand formation in the cigarette rod machine furthest forward and thus the first layer of the cigarette rod forming segment I has a chamber (25), while the middle segment II and the third, with respect to the strand formation Segment III each have three chambers (25), wherein all seven chambers (25) each extend from bottom to top in the direction of the sight line (18) and have the same width. Sighting means according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the middle segment II or the middle segment II forming chambers (25) have an upwardly tapering cross-section. Sighting means according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the two outer segments I, III or the segments I, III forming Chambers (25) are associated with means (27) for increasing the flow resistance. Sighting means according to claim 5, characterized in that the viewing space (17) on the input side by the means (27) is limited, wherein the means (27) over the entire width B of the viewing space (17). Sight means according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the means (27) is a perforated plate or the like, wherein the size of the openings from chamber (25) to chamber (25) or from segment I, II, III to segment I, II , III is different. Sighting means according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the size of the openings is variably adjustable. Sight means according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that each segment I, II; III or each of the segments I, II, III forming chamber (25) is assigned its own means for supplying a conveying air flow. Sighting means according to claim 9, characterized in that the flow velocities of the conveying air flow in the individual segments I, II, III or the segments I, II, III forming chambers (25) are individually controllable. Viewing means according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the viewing means (13) is designed as a substantially vertically oriented zig-zag sifter with a zigzag-shaped viewing section (18). A method of sifting a product stream within a distributor apparatus for loading a cigarette rod making machine, comprising the steps of: Feeding a product stream into a viewing space (17) of a viewing means (13) via an access (19), Viewing of the product stream along a sight line (18) within the sighting space (17) by means of a device (24) for supplying a conveying air flow into the sighting space (17) the conveying air flow over the entire width B of the viewing space (17 ) is supplied, characterized in that the product flow within the viewing space (17) is viewed in terms of its width B segment by segment with different flow velocities. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the product stream is viewed in a relative to the width B of the viewing space (17) middle segment II with a higher flow rate than the product flow in the two outer segments I, III of the viewing space (17). A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the flow velocities of the conveying air flow in the individual segments I, II, III are controlled individually.

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