EP2517583A2 - Method and device for inserting objects into a material rod for the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves removing the objects from an object storage, where the removed objects are accelerated in a receiving unit (10) in the direction of a conveying unit (4a) in a receiving path (14) in a straight section of an insertion band (4) with receivers (5) for the objects, in order to reduce a speed difference between the receivers of the insertion band and the objects. The objects are received in the receivers along the receiving path. The objects are held by suction air in the receivers of the insertion band and are conveyed on a material strand (1) to the loading position (20). An independent claim is included for a device for loading the objects in a material strand, particularly filter rod, of a tobacco processing industry.

Description

The invention relates to a method for inserting objects into at least one strand of material of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter strand. The invention further relates to a use and a device for inserting objects into at least one strand of material of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter strand and an insert belt.

The invention thus relates to the production of a strand of material, in particular a tobacco rod or filter rod, for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular for filter cigarettes. The tobacco rod or filter rod is cut to length after its production into individual tobacco rods or filter rods. The filter strand or the cut filter rods or tobacco rods contain as an essential part of one or more objects that influence the smoke or filter properties.

In the case of filter rods or a filter strand, the objects are in particular capsules with a solid shell, which are filled with a liquid. The liquid usually contains flavors or fragrances, for example menthol, in such cases. To use a smoker breaks the capsule before smoking by pressure on the filter and then ignites the cigarette. The pressure on the capsule in the filter releases the liquid so that the aroma of the liquid unfolds. This procedure offers a particularly intense or fresh taste experience. Corresponding capsules usually have a diameter of about 3.5 mm, but may also be smaller.

Alternatively, hard objects may also be used as objects in the context of the invention, as may smaller or larger particles, for example spheres or cylindrical objects made of activated carbon, extrudates or other filter materials or additives.

A generic technique comprises according to WO 2005/032286 A2 a capsule loading device into a filter tow strip with a rotating insert wheel. The insert wheel has at its periphery receptacles for capsules, in which the capsules are held after insertion with suction air. Upon further rotation of the inserter wheel, the circumference of the inserter wheel penetrates continuously into the filter tow band. As soon as in this case a capsule enters the filter tow, the suction air is switched off. So the capsule is stored in the filter tow and transported with this. At the location of the insert wheel, the filter tow strip essentially takes the form of a "U", with the insert wheel penetrating into the central recess or into the channel of the "U". Subsequently, the forming of the filter strand, in which the filter tow is closed, compacted and wrapped with a wrapping strip.

The promotion of a filter tow strip and a filter strand formed therefrom in a filter rod machine is carried out continuously. The production speed and the conveying speed of the filter tow strip and of the filter strand formed therefrom are limited by the maximum speed of the introduction device for objects to be introduced into the filter strand. This maximum speed is currently about 100 m / min. Thus, the production speed is significantly lower than in conventional filter strands, in which no capsules are inserted.

This is because the speed difference between the loading wheel and the capsules just before being picked up by the loading wheel is too large. Either not every capsule finds a receiving chamber in the loading wheel or a capsule is destroyed because it has not quite disappeared in the receiving chamber and is crushed on the storage wall.

Furthermore, during startup in the known systems, the filter rods equipped with capsules must be ejected until the filter strand and insert wheel are synchronized.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to allow the insertion of objects in a strand of material of the tobacco processing industry at a greater speed than was previously possible, and also the objects should be treated more gently than before and in particular fewer objects than previously have to be treated as scrap.

• Objekte werden aus einem Objektvorrat entnommen,
• die entnommenen Objekte werden in wenigstens einer Aufnahmeeinheit in Richtung einer Förderrichtung in einer Aufnahmestrecke in einem, insbesondere geraden oder konkav gekrümmten, Abschnitt eines über wenigstens zwei Umlenkrollen geführten Einlegebands mit in wenigstens einer Reihe hintereinander angeordneten Aufnahmen für die Objekte beschleunigt, um eine Geschwindigkeitsdifferenz zwischen den Aufnahmen des Einlegebandes und den Objekten zu verringern,
• die Objekte werden entlang der Aufnahmestrecke in die Aufnahmen aufgenommen,
• die Objekte werden mittels Saugluft in den Aufnahmen des Einlegebandes gehalten und zu einer Einlegeposition am Materialstrang gefördert,
• die Objekte werden an der Einlegeposition aus den Aufnahmen in den Materialstrang eingelegt.

This object is achieved by a method for inserting objects into at least one material strand of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter strand, with the following steps:

• Objects are taken from an object supply,
• the removed objects are accelerated in at least one receiving unit in the direction of a conveying direction in a receiving path in a, in particular straight or concavely curved, section of at least two guide rollers led insert tape with in at least one row successively arranged shots for the objects to a speed difference between the To reduce recordings of the inlay tape and the objects,
• the objects are taken along the recording path into the recordings,
• the objects are held by means of suction air in the recordings of the insert belt and conveyed to a loading position on the material strand,
• The objects are inserted at the insertion position from the recordings in the material strand.

The inventive method is based on the basic idea that the objects, such as capsules, removed from a reservoir and accelerated by suitable measures to a higher speed, in particular an approximate Train speed. Thus, the speed difference between the recordings of the insert tape and the objects is reduced, so that it is much more likely than before that an object is recorded in a receptacle of the insert tape. In addition, the approach and the recording in the recordings of the insert belt in a straight, convex or concave curved portion of the insert belt, the recording path. This lengthens the time in which the accelerated objects and the inlay belt move in parallel and in contact with each other. However, the realization of a straight recording path is technically less complicated than a concave or convex curved recording path.

The parallel guidance is ensured, in particular, by the fact that the acceleration of the objects takes place in the direction of a straight, convexly or concavely curved receiving path of the loading tape. This means that the objects move substantially parallel to the insertion band when entering the receiving path and thus do not experience a strong impact. In the case of a concavely curved receiving path, the objects in the concave curve remain in contact with the loading belt and are pressed against the surface of the loading belt by the centrifugal force.

The fact that the objects and the loading belt are guided in parallel in the recording path and the speed difference is reduced by the previous acceleration of the objects, the probability that objects get into the recordings of the insert belt, substantially increased. The recording in the recordings of the insert tape is done in a much gentler for the objects way than before, because they do not run the risk due to the significantly reduced speed difference, at the edges of the recordings of the inlay tape with great force to be crushed, as was the case with known from the prior art insert wheels. As a result, the maintenance and cleaning intervals for the device can be extended.

In order to further increase the probability that each pick-up of the insert belt will be loaded with an object, it is preferably provided that more objects are accelerated in the direction of the pick-up path than can be picked up by the pick-up of the insert tape. Thus, an excess of objects is guided along the recording path, so that several possible objects are available for recording for each recording.

Also advantageously, it is provided that objects that have not been included in a recording of the insert tape in the recording path, or have been removed from a recording of the insert tape or dropped out are fed back after the recording path in the item supply or returned and again in Direction to the recording route to be accelerated. This results in efficient use of the low-reject objects.

A further increase in the probability of picking up results if the objects in the receiving path preferably roll on the inlay tape. This can be done, for example, that the straight recording path is arranged at an angle to the vertical, so that the objects not only fall down next to the insert belt, but roll in contact with the insert belt. This can advantageously be further intensified by a concave curvature of the receiving path.

In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it is provided that at the end of the recording path, individual or all objects are removed from their receptacles by means of an ejection device. The ejection of all objects from their recordings at the end of the recording path is advantageously carried out during a start-up phase or a synchronization phase in which no usable filter rods are produced, so that no objects are inserted into the filter rods that can not yet be used. The ejection of individual objects from their recordings in the insert tape can be used to record further objects in a subsequent recording unit, which can also be different, in a controlled and ordered manner.

In this connection, at least one second receiving unit with a second receiving path is advantageously arranged downstream of the receiving path of the receiving unit in the conveying direction of the insert belt, to which further objects, in particular one of the type of objects used in the first receiving unit different object type, are accelerated, the other Objects are recorded in recordings of the inlay tape, which are free of objects after leaving the first recording unit. For example, filter rods can be equipped with two different objects or filter rods can be alternately populated with different objects. Also, those recordings which have remained empty in the first recording unit can be filled in the second recording unit, even with objects of the same object type.

Preferably, during a start-up phase and / or a synchronization phase, no objects are accelerated and / or all objects are removed from their recordings in the insert tape. Under a synchronization phase is in the context of the present invention understood that the insertion of the objects in the strand of material is synchronized with the cutting to length of material rods, so tobacco rods or filter rods, so that the objects are arranged in reproducible and always the same positions in the finished filter rods or tobacco rods. If the desired synchronization has not yet been achieved, such objects in the trimmed rods would not be in their proper positions. Such rods, so filter rods or tobacco rods, are excluded or auszuschießen below.

The inventive method is further advantageously supported by the fact that a furrow is created in the material strand before inserting the objects, in which the objects are inserted, and which is then closed again. This can be done for example by means of a plow.

The insertion of the objects at an insertion position in the filter strand can take place on a curved section or on a straight section of the insertion band.

The method according to the invention can also be used advantageously in the production of two or more strands of material, wherein in particular two or more insertion bands or an insertion band with two or more rows of receptacles for objects are used. In this case, each insertion band or each row of recordings is preferably associated with one or more own recording units.

The object underlying the invention is also by a use of an insert tape with in at least one row successively arranged recordings for objects for conveying the objects from an object supply to a strand of material Tobacco processing industry solved, in particular in a previously described inventive method.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a device for inserting objects into at least one strand of the tobacco processing industry, in particular filter strand, comprising a conveyor with in at least one row successively arranged recordings for the objects and an inserting means for inserting objects from the recordings of the conveying device in the material strand, which is characterized in that the conveying device is formed as an internally loaded with suction air and / or compressed air or acted upon inserting belt, which is guided over at least two deflection rollers, wherein the receptacles for the objects as bores are formed, which completely penetrate the insert tape and the diameter of which is larger at one or the outside of the insert band than at one or the inside of the insert band, wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one receiving unit having a B Acceleration device which is designed and arranged to accelerate the objects in the direction of a conveying direction in a receiving path in a, in particular straight or concave curved portion of the insert belt, so that a speed difference between the recordings of the insert belt and the objects is reduced.

Even with the device according to the invention the above mentioned and described method of the invention is achieved, objects gently and with high probability in recordings of the insert belt and thus to achieve an increase in the process speed in the production of tobacco rods or filter rods equipped with objects. The device protects the objects when transferring them to the insert belt as well as the inventive method.

The insert belt preferably has in the region of the at least one row of the receptacles on its outside a raised profile and / or on its inside a concave continuous indentation. The raised profile forms a bridge, which serves in particular to intervene at the insertion position into the furrow or the "U" profile in the material strand and thus to deposit the objects already in the furrow, instead of letting them go above the furrow into the material strand. By inserting into the furrow by means of the web, which engages in the furrow, it is effectively prevented that the objects still slip in the longitudinal direction of the material strand after insertion, so that a secure positioning of the objects in the material strand is ensured. The arrangement of a continuous indentation on the inside of the insert belt is used in particular to apply a vacuum to the recordings of the insert band in order to keep the objects secure during the conveyance in the recordings of the insert band.

Preferably, the insert belt is formed on its inner side as a flat belt or has in at least one lateral region on a toothed belt profile. By means of the toothed belt profile slipping of the pulleys under the insert belt is effectively avoided with appropriate design of the pulleys. In addition, in this case, the synchronization can be measured directly via the rotation of the pulleys.

In this case, as well as particularly advantageous in the case of the formation of the insert belt as a flat belt on its inside, the insert belt has on its inside or on its outside markings, wherein also an optical recording and evaluation unit is provided which receives the markings and processed and thus detects the positioning of the insert band per unit time. This data will be used for synchronization below. The corresponding markings can be arranged, for example, at each recording on the insert belt. It may also suffice to provide only a single mark, which passes once at the receiving and evaluating unit with each complete circulation of the insert tape.

Advantageously, the device is designed for inserting objects into two or more strands of material, wherein the device has an insertion band with two or more rows of receptacles for objects or two or more insertion bands, each with a row of receptacles for objects. This can achieve a further increase in production speed. The training with two or more inserts has the further advantage that in the case of a production stop at one strand, the production can continue at the one or more strands. The training with a common insert tape with several rows of recordings facilitates synchronization. In this case, for each row of recordings, regardless of whether these rows are arranged on one or more inlaid tapes, advantageously each separate recording units are provided.

In the device according to the invention, an acceleration means is advantageously designed as a fall path, as a pneumatic or mechanical acceleration means, in particular as one or more annular nozzles, side channel blower, vacuum pumps, compressed air sources, centrifuges and / or accelerator wheels. It is also possible to use several of these accelerators cumulatively, in parallel or in series. The pneumatic accelerators also favor a cycle of Objects, in particular, when more objects are accelerated than can be recorded on the insert belt, so that an air circulation at the same time could favor the return of the objects and their renewed acceleration or their storage in a supply of objects.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the accelerated objects in the region of the receiving path can be guided or guided in a single layer along the insertion belt. In particular, by dimensioning the side walls of a guide channel, this can be realized. For a particularly efficient process management is realized constructively. In the width above the surface of the insert belt, the objects can be guided in an object thickness or object diameter or in a multiple of an object diameter through the recording path. A wide solution reduces the risk of stowing the objects.

Advantageously, the receiving path is arranged at an angle to the vertical so that the accelerated objects roll on the loading belt. Due to the intensive contact when unrolling with the insert belt, the objects are in the immediate vicinity of the recordings of the insert belt and are also sucked into the recordings due to the low differential speed to the infeed belt. This can be enhanced by a slightly concave curvature in the receiving path.

Preferably, at least one object supply is provided, which is connected to the at least one acceleration device, which is designed in particular as a sloping bottom storage with a jolting motor which is mechanically decoupled in particular from the at least one acceleration device. The preferred Training as a slanted floor storage with a jogging motor prevents the objects from hindering and damming each other in the object supply, so that the flow of objects from the object supply is interrupted. This is broken up by a shaking and prevented. The mechanical decoupling of the accelerating device, which should not also be shaken, for example, by means of a concertina coupling with flexible inner fabric, so that no objects can fall into the folds of the accordion structure. Even a narrow air gap, which is narrower than an object diameter, fulfills this purpose.

The receiving unit preferably comprises at least one ejection device arranged between the deflection rollers, by means of which the receptacles of the insertion belt can be acted upon from inside with a pneumatic or mechanical ejection pulse for ejecting objects from the receptacles, in particular by means of a compressed air pulse or compressed air flow, a star wheel or a plunger. The ejection device is used to empty the recordings of the inlay during the start-up phase or during a synchronization phase or to empty individual recordings that are to be filled in a subsequent recording unit with other objects.

Also advantageously, a return means for returning objects, which have not been included in a receptacle of the insert tape, provided in the object supply or in the accelerating device, in particular an air circuit.

In particular, to bring several different types of objects in the strand, it is preferably provided that on Einlegeband in the conveying direction downstream of the receiving unit at least one further, in particular similar, receiving unit is arranged on at least one receiving section in a straight portion of the insert belt to which further objects, in particular of the type of objects used in the first recording unit different object type, are accelerated wherein the other objects are recorded in recordings of the inlay tape, which are free of objects after leaving the first recording unit. In addition to the use of the loading tape with objects of different types, the arrangement of a second recording unit is also useful to fill gaps left in the second recording unit due to possibly inefficient recording of objects in recordings of the insert tape.

An insert for inserting objects from the recordings of the insert strip in the material strand is preferably formed mechanically or pneumatically, in particular by means of a compressed air pulse or compressed air flow, a star wheel or a plunger, wherein in particular the insertion means downstream in the conveying direction of the material strand, a scraper to support the removal of Objects from their recordings in the insertion tape is subordinate. The scraper, in addition to the final separation of the objects from the insert belt, also ensures that the objects are securely embedded in the material strand, as the underside of such a scraper pushes into the material strand as the material strand is being conveyed.

Further preferably, it is provided that a deflection roller has an annular groove against which a vacuum is applied or can be applied. This means that the insert belt does not have to be position-determined relative to the deflection roller.

Also preferably, a plow is provided, which is arranged in the conveying direction of the material strand upstream of the insertion position of the insert belt in the material strand and generates a furrow in the material strand, in which the objects are inserted.

The device preferably comprises a control device which is designed to carry out with the device a method according to the invention described above. This means in particular the control of the movable components, in particular the control of the pulleys, with which the insert belt is operated, the vacuum or the compressed air sources with which objects are held in the recordings of the insert belt or pushed out of this again, the control of Acceleration means or the accelerating device and the strand conveying and the inserting means for inserting the objects in the material strand.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by an insert tape of a device according to the invention described above, wherein the receptacles for the objects are formed as holes which completely penetrate the insert tape and the diameter of which is larger on an outer side of the insert tape than on an inner side of the insert tape , In the region of the at least one row of the receptacles, the insert band preferably has an elevated profile on its outer side and / or a concave continuous indentation on its inner side. Further preferably, the insert belt is formed on its inner side as a flat belt or has a toothed belt profile in at least one lateral region.

The training of the recordings as holes, the insert band completely penetrate and the diameter of which is larger on an outer side of the insert tape than on an inner side of the insert tape, serves to suck the objects into the receptacles, but not to suck completely through the holes therethrough. The holes, which taper towards the inside of the insert band, thus serve as a seat for the objects. The seat can be designed differently, as long as the diameter on the inside is smaller than the object diameter and the diameter on the outside is equal to or larger than the object diameter. For example, the bore may have a step as an object seat, so that the object is held completely within the bore or receptacle, but with its outside seated just below the outer surface of the insert tape. Alternatively, the bore may also have a tapered shape. The shape is suitable for the selection of objects to choose.

The features, advantages and properties mentioned with regard to the subject matter of the invention, that is to say the method according to the invention, the use according to the invention, the device according to the invention and the insert tape according to the invention also apply without restriction to the respective other subjects of the invention.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig.2

eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung durch ein erfindungsgemäßes Einlegeband,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitendarstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Beschleunigungsvorrichtung,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Beschleunigungsvorrichtung und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Detailansicht des Einlegebereichs einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a device according to the invention,

Fig.2

a schematic cross-sectional view through an inventive insert tape,

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of another device according to the invention,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of an acceleration device according to the invention,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of another acceleration device according to the invention and

Fig. 6

a schematic detail view of the insertion area of a device according to the invention.

In the following figures, identical or similar elements or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that a corresponding renewed idea is dispensed with.

In Fig. 1 a device 3 according to the invention is shown schematically in a side view. The device 3 is used to load objects in a material strand 1, which is conveyed in a conveying direction 1a. The material strand 1 without objects is on the right in Fig. 1 shown. After passing through a loading position 20 in which objects have been inserted into the material strand 1, the material strand is marked with objects with the reference numeral 2.

The device 3 comprises, as a central element, an insertion band 4, which in a conveying direction 4a, as in Fig. 1 in a clockwise direction around pulleys 6 and 7 revolves and is driven by these. The Inserting tape 4 has at regular intervals receptacles 5 for objects that are formed as through holes. These through holes have on the outside of the insert 4 a larger diameter than on the inside and are designed as receptacles 5 for objects.

The insert belt 4 is arranged at an angle to the vertical, so that the downwardly running part of the insertion belt 4A moves obliquely falling. Between the pulleys 6 and 7 is a vacuum source 8, which serves to act on the receptacles 5 with a negative pressure or with suction to hold therein objects in their recordings 5.

Lateral sheets that hold the vacuum within the insert belt 4, are not shown for clarity. On the side of the insert tape 4, at which the insert belt 4 moves downwards in the direction of the insertion position 20, a receiving unit 10 is arranged, which has a housing with channels, baffles and several other elements. The part of the receiving unit 10, which runs parallel to the insertion belt 4, forms a receiving path 14, in which objects which have been previously accelerated can run parallel to the conveying direction 4a of the insertion belt 4.

The receiving unit 10 comprises an object storage container, not shown, with an outlet opening 13 in the interior of the housing, from which objects can be introduced into the housing of the receiving unit 10. There they are accelerated by gravity through a feed space 16 and via a first guide bleach or a first guide curve 17 and a second guide curve 18 to the lower input of a tube 12 to which three series-connected annular nozzles 11, 11 ', 11 "are arranged and for one Continuous air flow in the upward direction through the tube 12 care.

Sucked in by this air flow, objects reach the tube 12 at the lower end, pass through the annular nozzles 11, 11 ', 11 "and are entrained and accelerated in the wake of the air flow Receiving unit 10 twice deflected and directed into the receiving path 14, which begins at a beginning 14a, oriented along the receiving path 14 parallel to the inlay tape 4 and ends at one end 14b Along the receiving path 14, the objects are single-layered and optionally einreihig out what Structures in the interior of the housing of the receiving unit 10 and by lateral guide rails 15 is effected.

An excess of objects is moved through the receiving path 14, so that the probability that all recordings 5 of the inlay tape 4 are occupied is high. The excess and not recorded in shots 5 objects pass through the second guide curve 18 in turn to the entrance of the tube 12 and are returned to the receiving path 14 in the air flow in the cycle of acceleration and feedback. It forms in the receiving unit 10, an air circuit and a cycle of objects.

Optical sensors may be arranged in a part of the air circuit and / or in the feed space 16, which measure, for example, a filling level of objects in the feed space 16 or the quantity of objects moving in the air circulation. If this quantity falls below a value that depends, for example, on the current production speed, further objects will be output added to the object supply in the receiving unit 3.

Of the air and object cycle largely untouched is the feed space 16 below the outlet opening 13 of the object storage container. The width of the cavity, the supply space 16, tube 12, receiving path 14 and the lower space bounded by the guide curves 17 and 18 is preferably an object diameter.

In the conveying direction 4a of the insert belt 4 downstream of the receiving path 14, an ejection device 19, which is based on compressed air, arranged. This acts on the recordings 5 of the insert tape 4 then with compressed air pulses or compressed air, if it is controlled accordingly. The compressed air causes the objects in the receptacles 5 of the insert belt 4 to be ejected again at this point and reach the second guide curve 18 and thus back again into the air and object circuit in the receiving unit 10. This is the case, for example, when the strand making machine is just starting or when synchronization with a measuring apparatus is not established.

After the end 14b of the receiving path 14, the objects in the receptacles 5 of the inlay tape 4 reach the lower deflection roller 7 and the insertion position 20 by vacuum from the vacuum source 8 Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment serves as insertion means a compressed air source 21, which leads via a compressed air line 22 compressed air to a Druckluftauslassbereich 23 in the loading position 20. The area where compressed air is continuously applied is slightly wider than the distance between two consecutive shots 5 for objects. The compressed air from the compressed air source 21 pushes the objects out of the receptacles 5 and into the material strand 1 or 2. The material strand 1 has previously been caught by means of a plow 25. The objects are inserted in this furrow.

In Fig. 2 an inventive insert tape 4 is shown in cross section. The insert tape 4 has a "T" profile with flat side parts 41 on both sides of a raised web 42. The raised web serves to engage in a furrow of a strand of material 1 and there safely deposit the object 9.

The inside of the insert tape 4 is identified by the reference numeral 43, the outside by the reference numeral 44. Central is a bore formed as a receptacle 45 having a stepped seat 48 for the object 9. As a result, the diameter 46 of the bore on the inner side 43 of the insertion band 4 is smaller than the diameter 47 on the outer side 44.

The insert belt 4 slides with its outer side 44 on a sliding surface 50. Also shown are side surfaces 51. A flush with the receptacle 45 structure applies a vacuum 52 on the receptacle 45 at.

In the manufacture of two or more strands of material, either two or more inserts 4 may be used, or an insert band 4 may be used, such that a plurality of adjacently arranged webs 42 with corresponding in Fig. 2 having structures shown.

In Fig. 3 is a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 3 'shown. In contrast to the device 3 from Fig. 1 has the device 3 'from Fig. 3 two successive recording units 10, 10 ', which are of similar construction. The two receiving units 10, 10 'each have one own circuit with annular nozzles 11 - 11 "and 11 '" - 11'"" and tubes 12, 12 ', which lead to receiving sections 14, 14'. The housings each have outlet openings 13, 13 'of object storage containers and feed spaces 16, 16' and first and second guide curves 17, 17 ', 18, 18'. In addition, each of the two receiving units 10, 10 'has its own ejection device 19, 19'.

By suitable control of the ejection devices 19, 19 ', it is possible, for example, to insert different types of objects into the insertion band 4 or to fill gaps remaining in the receptacles 5 of the insertion band 4 after the first receiving unit 10. The other components are opposite Fig. 1 not changed.

In Fig. 4 is shown schematically an alternative embodiment of an inventive acceleration device of a device according to the invention. The components of the device involved with the insert belt 4 have been omitted since they are similar to those of FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 are. The receiving units 60, 60 'in Fig. 4 are supplied by a common blower 61 with an air flow, which is divided by an air pipe 62 into two air pipe branches 63, 63 '.

Each of the two air duct branches 63, 63 'drives past an object memory 64, 64', which can discharge objects controlled downwards into the air flow, so that the objects subsequently enter the accelerator units 65, 65 '. In the accelerator units 65, 65 'tubes are arranged in a racetrack arrangement, so that there is a circulating air flow in which the objects are entrained. The objects are thus accelerated in the air flow. Each accelerator unit 65, 65 'has a receiving path 66, 66 ', which leads in each case parallel to a straight portion of the insert belt, and a return 67, 67'.

In Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an alternative means of acceleration, namely a centrifuge 70, which rotates in a direction of rotation 70a. Inside, the centrifuge 70 has centrally via an object outlet 71, from which objects are introduced into the interior of the centrifuge 70. The centrifuge 70 has inwardly pointing driving mandrels 72, which ensure that the objects inside the centrifuge 70 take over the rotational speed in a gentle manner. In the lower region, the centrifuge 70 has an output, not shown, in a guide channel 73, which opens into the straight receiving path 74 after a slight curve. This receiving path 74 in turn runs parallel to an insert belt, not shown.

Further possible acceleration means are, for example, a fall distance, which in Fig. 5 partially realized by the curved part, an accelerator or an air flow caused by suction air.

In Fig. 6 a detail of a device according to the invention at the location of the insertion position 20 is shown schematically. As insert means serves in this case alternatively to the in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 used compressed air a star wheel 80 in the lower region of the guide roller 7, the insertion finger 81 has at its periphery. The starwheel 80 moves in a rotational direction 80a, which coincides with the conveying direction 4a of the inlay tape 4 and with a corresponding circumferential speed. As a result, the insertion fingers 81 penetrate in the starting example according to FIG Fig. 6 slightly widened and equipped with a Muldenform, in the recordings 5 of the inlay tape 4 from the inside while pressing the held therein Objects 9 down out. As a result, the objects 9 are inserted into the material strand 1, which is conveyed in the direction 1a.

In Fig. 6 also a plow 25 and a scraper 26 are shown. The plow is arranged in the conveying direction 1a of the material strand 1 upstream of the loading position 20, the scraper 26 downstream. The plow 25 divides the strand of material 1 to about its center, thereby creating a furrow, in which the objects 9 are inserted. The scraper 26 begins with its edge immediately downstream of the loading position 20. This is an object 9, which has just been inserted into the strand 1, held in position and can not be pressed by the force of the strand material back up. The underside of the scraper 26 thus runs initially parallel to the conveying direction 1a of the material strand. 1

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

material strand

1 a

Conveying direction of the material strand

2

Material strand with objects

3, 3 '

contraption

4

inlaid band

4a

Conveying direction of the insert band

5

Recording for objects

6, 7

idler pulley

8th

Vacuum source

9

object

10, 10 '

recording unit

11 - 11 '""

ring nozzle

12, 12 '

pipe

13, 13 '

Outlet opening of the object storage container

14, 14 '

Reception range

14a

Beginning of the recording

14b

End of the recording

15

lateral guide rail

16, 16 '

delivery room

17, 17 '

first guide curve

18, 18 '

second guide curve

19, 19 '

ejector

20

loading position

21

Compressed air source

22

Compressed air line

23

Druckluftauslassbereich

25

plow

26

scraper

41

flat side part

42

web

43

inside

44

outside

45

admission

46

Diameter on the inside

47

Diameter on the outside

48

Seat

50

sliding surface

51

Side wall

52

vacuum

60, 60 '

recording unit

61

common blower

62

air pipe

63, 63 '

Air pipe branch

64, 64 '

ObjectStore

65, 65 '

accelerator unit

66, 66 '

Reception range

67, 67 '

return

70

centrifuge

70a

direction of rotation

71

Objektauslass

72

drive peg

73

guide channel

74

Reception range

80

star wheel

80a

Direction of rotation of the star wheel

81

insert fingers

Claims (15)

Method for inserting objects (9) into at least one material strand (1) of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular a filter strand, with the following steps: - objects (9) are taken from an object supply, - The removed objects (9) are in at least one receiving unit (10, 10 ', 60, 60') in the direction of a conveying direction (4a) in a receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66') in one, in particular straight, Section of at least two guide rollers (6, 7) guided insert belt (4) in at least one row successively arranged recordings (5) for the objects (9) accelerated to a speed difference between the receptacles (5) of the insert belt (4) and the objects (9) to reduce the objects (9) are taken along the receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66') into the receptacles (5), - The objects (9) are held by suction in the receptacles (5) of the insert belt (4) and conveyed to a loading position (20) on the material strand (1), - The objects (9) are inserted at the insertion position (20) from the receptacles (5) in the material strand (1). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that more objects (9) are accelerated in the direction of the receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66') than can be picked up by the receptacles (5) of the insert belt (4) and / or objects (9) which have not been accommodated in the receptacle (14, 14 ', 66, 66') in a receptacle (5) of the inlay tape (4) or which are again removed from a receptacle (5) of the inlay tape (4) have been removed or dropped out after the take-up section (14, 14 ', 66, 66') are fed back into the supply of objects or returned and accelerated again in the direction of the receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66'). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the end (14b) of the receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66') individual or all objects (9) are removed from their receptacles by means of an ejection device (19, 19 ') in which in particular in the conveying direction (4a) of the insert belt (4) downstream of the receiving path (14, 66) of the receiving unit (10, 60) at least one second receiving unit (10 ', 60') with a second receiving path (14 ', 66') is arranged, to which further objects (9), in particular one of the type in the first receiving unit (10, 60) used objects (9) of different object type, are accelerated, wherein the other objects (9) in recordings (5) of the inlay tape (4) are taken, which after leaving the first receiving unit (10, 60) are free of objects (9). Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during a start-up phase and / or a synchronization phase no objects (9) are accelerated and / or all objects (9) from their recordings (5) in the insert belt (4) are removed again , Use of an insert tape (4) with receptacles (5) arranged in succession for objects (9) for conveying the objects (9) from an object supply to a material strand (1) of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular in a method according to one of Claims 1 to 4. Device for loading objects (9) into at least one material strand (1) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a filter strand, comprising a conveying device with receptacles (5) for the objects (9) arranged one behind the other in at least one row and an inserting means (20-23 , 26, 80) for inserting objects (9) from the receptacles (5) of the conveying device into the material strand (1), characterized in that the conveying device acts as a loading belt (4) acted upon or acted upon from the inside by suction air and / or compressed air. is formed that over at least two deflection rollers (6, 7) is guided, wherein the receptacles (5) for the objects (9) are formed as holes which completely penetrate the insert belt (4) and the diameter of an outer side (44) of the insert belt (4) larger is as on an inner side (43) of the insert belt (4), wherein the device further comprises at least one receiving unit comprising an accelerating device, which is formed and arranged, the objects (9) in the direction of a conveying direction (4a) in a receiving path ( 14, 14 ', 66, 66') in a, in particular straight, section of the insert belt (4) to accelerate, so that a speed difference between the receptacles (5) of the insert belt (4) and the objects (9) is reduced. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the insert belt (4) in the region of at least one row of receptacles (5) on its outer side (44) has a raised profile (42) and / or on its inner side (43) has a concave continuous recess and / or on its inside (43) is formed as a flat belt or in at least one lateral region has a toothed belt profile. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the device for inserting objects (9) in two or more strands of material (1) is formed, wherein the device comprises an insert belt (4) with two or more rows of receptacles (5). for objects (9) or two or more insertion bands (4) each having a row of receptacles (5) for objects (9). Device according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that an acceleration means of the accelerating device is designed as a fall path, as a pneumatic or mechanical acceleration means, in particular as one or more annular nozzles (11 - 11 '""), side channel compressor, vacuum pumps, compressed air sources (61), centrifuges (70) and / or accelerator wheels. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the accelerated objects (9) in the region of the receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66') are guided or guided in one layer along the insert belt (4) and / or that the Receiving path (14, 14 ', 66, 66') is arranged at an angle to the vertical so that the accelerated objects (9) roll on the insert belt (4). Device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the receiving unit (10, 10 ', 60, 60') comprises at least one between the deflection rollers (6, 7) arranged ejection device (10, 10 '), by means of recordings ( 5) of the insert belt (4) from the inside with a pneumatic or mechanical ejection pulse for ejecting objects (9) from the receptacles (5) can be acted upon, in particular by means of a compressed air pulse or compressed air flow, a star wheel or a plunger and / or that an insert for the insertion of objects (9) from the receptacles (5) of the insert belt (4) in the material strand (1) is mechanically or pneumatically formed, in particular by means of a compressed air pulse or compressed air flow, a star wheel (80) or a plunger, in particular the insertion means downstream in the conveying direction (1 a) of the material strand (1) a scraper (26) to support the removal of the objects (9) from their receptacles (5) in the Einleg subordinate (4). Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that a return means for returning objects (9), which have not been included in a receptacle (5) of the insert belt (4), provided in the object supply or in the accelerating device, in particular an air circuit. Device according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that on the insert belt (4) in the conveying direction (4a) downstream of the receiving unit (10, 60) at least one further, in particular similar, receiving unit (10 ', 60') on at least one receiving path (14 ', 66') is arranged in a straight section of the insert belt, to which further objects (9), in particular of the type of objects (9) of different object type used in the first receiving unit (10, 60), are accelerated , wherein the further objects (9) in receptacles (5) of the insert belt (4) are received, which after leaving the first receiving unit (10, 60) are free of objects (9). Device according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that a deflection roller (6, 7) has an annular groove on which a vacuum is applied or can be applied. Insertion band (4) of a device according to one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that the receptacles for the objects (9) are formed as bores, which completely penetrate the insertion band (4) and whose diameter is on an outer side (44) of the insertion band (4) is greater than on an inner side (43) of the insert belt (4), wherein in particular the insert belt (4) in the region of at least one Row of receptacles (5) on its outer side (44) has a raised profile (42) and / or on its inner side (43) has a concave continuous recess, wherein in particular the insert belt (4) on its inner side (43) is formed as a flat belt or has a toothed belt profile in at least one lateral area.

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