EP2574246B1 - Device for manufacturing filters for the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for the production of filters of the tobacco processing industry with at least one finger for guiding and forming a Filtertowstrangs and a holder for holding the at least one finger, wherein the holder comprises a pivoting device, by means of which the holder between a working position and a Waiting position is pivotable.

Such a device is for example from the DE 103 54 924 A1 , of the DE 197 51 598 A1 or from the EP 1 917 871 A1 known. With these known devices, filters or filter rods can be produced. In this case, a filter tow strand is removed from a bale, processed by stretching and treatment with plasticizers and delivered in a desired shape and consistency for further processing to a filter rod making a filter strand from the prepared Filtertowstrang by wrapping with a Hüllmaterialstreifen, finally in filter rods for products the tobacco processing industry is cut.

The term "filter tow" is understood to mean a nonwoven made of a multiplicity of crimped synthetic staple fibers, which consists, for example, of cellulose acetate, staple fibers and / or filaments.

The generic device is usually covered by the mentioned filter rod machine. This filter rod machine also usually includes a feeder unit for feeding a wrapping material with a gluing unit for applying glue to the wrapping material, a format for transferring the wrapping material around the filter tow strand, and a format belt for transporting the named wrapping material together with the filter tow strand in the direction of the format. The format tape is usually a special embodiment of a conveyor belt.

Before the filter tow strand is fed to the format, the filter tow strand is guided and shaped by the at least one finger of the generic device.

A finger is a cone-shaped element with a guide channel for the filter tow having a longitudinally decreasing cross-section. Thanks to the cross-sectional constriction, the filter tow strand is continuously gathered as it moves through the finger. In practice, several of these fingers can be arranged in a suitable manner, in particular cranked, one behind the other. The last finger in the transport direction gathers the filter tow strand mostly together until it has approximately the cross-section of a filter or a filter rod of the tobacco-processing industry. On the front sides the finger is open. An additional shell-side opening may have the shape of a slot and extend from the opening of an end face to the opening of the opposite end face. In other words, this is usually a common opening of the finger. Through the shell-side opening of the finger is also spoken of a trough or tub shape.

The filter tow strand is drawn from the format belt, which is guided with the wrapping material strip over a deflection roller through the filter rod machine. In this case, the filter tow strand is grasped at the shell-side opening of the finger by the format strip or by the shell material. For this purpose, at least a part of one of the fingers is arranged directly above the format band. In this case, it can also be provided that at least part of a finger on the shell side has a direct contact with the format strip.

From a working position which makes it possible to guide and shape the filter tow line in a suitable manner, the holder can also be pivoted into a waiting position. The waiting position is used in particular for setting up or maintaining the generic device or the filter rod machine. A corresponding pivoting device is the DE 103 54 924 A1 refer to. Thanks to the pivoting of the holder between the working position and the waiting position, the generic device can be adapted to the different format requirements and the specifically necessary refinements of the fingers. Furthermore, the fingers in the waiting position are particularly easy to examine for signs of wear and / or contamination. Dirt can, for example, by the applied to the shell material glue during the deflection of the Format band arise. In order to keep quality losses due to wear or dirt in as small a frame as possible, it is regularly necessary to examine the fingers. If the fingers are to be replaced due to signs of wear, defects or a pending format change, it is previously necessary that several screw connections are first to dissolve and restore the new fingers. A corresponding change therefore causes a great deal of time and expense.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a simple and compact apparatus for the manufacture of filters of the tobacco processing industry with at least one finger for guiding and forming a filter tow strand, which ensures easy and fast maintenance and / or adaptation to different formats.

The object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned above in that at least one of the fingers is attached to a module associated with the holder, and that the holder has a module holder with a quick-fastening device, wherein the module is releasably secured by means of the quick-fastening device to the module holder , Thanks to the pivoting device, the holder can be pivoted from the working position to the waiting position. This also applies to the module holder. In the waiting position maintenance and / or adaptation work can be made particularly easy and fast with respect to a new format. Thanks to the quick-fastening device, the module is detachable from the module holder so that the module can be maintained particularly easily, in particular cleaned. Thereafter, the module can be fastened by means of the quick-fastening device again to the module holder. Instead of the previous module, a new module can be fastened to the module holder, whereby this module is adapted to a new format, for example. Thus, adaptation measures with regard to a format change can be made particularly easily and quickly. In summary, the inventive device proposed a significant increase in productivity for a filter rod machine at a relatively low structural and mechanical engineering effort and a low space or surface stress against the Use of a corresponding number of filter rod machines with specially adapted fingers for the different filter types. The time and effort savings and the associated increase in productivity are particularly high for a module with multiple fingers. The modules, each with several fingers attached, are usually prepared in advance. This includes in particular the relative alignment of the fingers to each other. These measures are therefore no longer possible during the maintenance of the device according to the invention itself, but also independently during the production of the filter. In the simplest case, therefore, only the module has to be changed by means of the quick-fastening device in order to carry out a maintenance step or a format change.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the fingers attached to the module has air nozzles for the preparation of the filter tow line, and that the device has an air line system with a central air line coupling to supply compressed air to the air nozzles. Fingers with air nozzles for the preparation of the filter tow strand are known from the prior art, in particular from DE 197 51 598 A1 , known. Thanks to the air nozzles, it is possible that compressed air flows into the interior of the finger and thus through the filter tow line moving through the finger. It is furthermore known from the prior art that the nozzles of one or more fingers are subjected to a different high air pressure. These different pressure ratios are necessary to achieve the desired quality of the filter tow strand. If the nozzles are subjected to the wrong pressure, then there is sometimes severe quality losses of the filter tow line. By means of the air duct system with a central air line coupling can be made in a surprising manner that the air nozzles of the fingers are acted upon with the correct air pressure, because interchanging the air lines and the corresponding air nozzles is effectively prevented thanks to the central air line coupling.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the air line coupling comprises at least one coupling mouthpiece of the module receptacle and at least one coupling mouthpiece of the module, wherein by the releasable attachment of the module to the module receiving one or each of the coupling mouthpieces of the module is pressed against the corresponding coupling mouthpiece of the module receptacle. With the attachment of the module to the module holder thus mutually corresponding coupling mouthpieces are coupled together. Therefore, the air duct system extends from the module receptacle via the air line coupling to the module. The air nozzles can thus be supplied with the correct air pressure particularly easily and safely. In addition, this design variant eliminates the need to subsequently connect the air nozzles directly to compressed air lines of a compressed air supply. The module is thus particularly simple and reliable connected to a compressed air supply.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the module receptacle has a central air line connection unit for connecting the air line system to compressed air lines of a compressed air supply. By a particular fixed connection of the compressed air lines to the air line connection unit of the module recording can prevent that the compressed air lines of the compressed air supply during maintenance and / or replacement of the module or the finger attached thereto must be dismantled. Rather, the compressed air lines can remain connected to the air line connection unit. The arrival and / or decoupling takes place by the aforementioned air line coupling, which allows a fast and secure connection. The central configuration of the air line connection unit effectively ensures that the module receptacle, the module and / or the device are particularly compact. By the term "central" is meant that the air line connection unit has connections to connect the air line system to compressed air lines of the compressed air supply in a compact space. The air line connection unit can be arranged at any position of a side surface of the module receptacle, if this does not hinder the attachment of the module to the module receptacle and / or other necessary functions of the device.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the module holder and the module have correspondingly configured guide elements and / or stop elements and / or quick-fastening elements. The guide elements and / or stop elements serve to align the module or of the or each finger attached to the module. The stop members serve to position the module or the or each finger attached to the module.

The targeted alignment and / or positioning of the module or the or each attached to the module fingers against the module recording productivity is further optimized because thanks to the guide elements and the stop elements is a manual alignment or positioning is no longer necessary. The guide elements and / or stop elements can do this task very accurately and save time and effort at the same time. Thanks to the correspondingly designed quick-fastening elements, the module is particularly easy and fast to the module holder attachable. In this case, it is provided that the quick-fastening element of the module receptacle is associated with the quick-fastening device, so that it can be actuated by the latter.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that one of the module receiving facing investment side of the module at least one salient guide pin and the module facing investment side of the module receiving at least one guide groove and / or vice versa, with one or each of the guide pins in the corresponding guide intervenes. The attachment side of the module is to be understood as meaning that side of the module which is set up and / or designed to rest against the corresponding installation side of the module receptacle. The plant side of the module holder is set up or designed in a corresponding manner to allow the concerns of the plant side of the module. The guide pins and the guide grooves serve to guide the module relative to the module holder. They are therefore to be regarded as a special embodiment of the correspondingly designed to each other guide elements. Corresponding advantages, which have been explained above, therefore also apply in this context. Furthermore, the guide grooves and the guide pins can be created and / or taken into account with a particularly low and constructive mechanical engineering effort and with a low space and / or surface stress.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the guide grooves has a stop surface to which the corresponding Guide pin can be pressed to form a defined stop. So if the module and the module recording brought together so first engages one or each of the guide pins in the corresponding guide. Such a guide groove usually has at least one degree of freedom, so that one or each of the guide pins in the corresponding guide groove (guided) is movable. However, in order to achieve a correct positioning of the module or the at least one finger attached to the module relative to the module receptacle, one or each of the guide pins is pressed against the corresponding stop surface, so that in each case a stopper is formed. Thus, a correct alignment and / or positioning of the module or of the at least one finger is achieved in a particularly simple and secure manner.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the module and the module holder are positively connected to each other by means of a dovetail connection. Dovetail joints are basically known from the prior art and therefore require no further explanation here. Through the dovetail connection, the handling of the module during attachment to the module holder is significantly simplified. Dovetail joints usually have one degree of freedom. Thanks to this degree of freedom, it is possible that the module or one or each of the finger attached to the module is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the module receptacle. Furthermore, the dovetail connection allows power transmission between the module and the module receptacle. During the alignment and / or positioning of the module, its own weight is therefore not borne by the person working on it. Rather, the weight can be supported by the dovetail connection of the module recording. Thus, a particularly simple handling of the module during alignment and / or positioning relative to the module holder is possible.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the quick-fastening device has a dovetail leg projecting beyond the contact side of the module receptacle, and that the contact side of the module has a dovetail groove with an opening region for introducing the Dovetail foot and a slot area for catching the dovetail foot has. A dovetail foot usually has a trapezoidal cross-section. In principle, it is also possible that the cross section of the dovetail foot L-shaped, T-shaped, or has a different hook-shaped cross-section. In order to enable insertion of the dovetail foot into the opening area of the dovetail groove, it is preferably provided that the opening area is adapted to the geometrical dimensions of the dovetail foot. It is particularly easy to bring the tail foot into the opening area if the opening area is significantly larger than the dovetail foot. In addition to the introduction of the dovetail foot, the opening area also serves to remove the dovetail foot. In order to prevent the dovetail from falling out of the dovetail groove, the dovetail root can be brought or pushed into the slot area of the dovetail groove. The slot area of the dovetail groove serves to catch the dovetail foot. Conveniently, the slot area and / or the dovetail foot are configured or formed such that the dovetail foot engages behind the dovetail groove in the slot area so that the dovetail foot is caught in this area. Thanks to this configuration, the module can be particularly easily and quickly attached to the module holder, so that the weight of the module is carried by the module holder. An alignment and / or positioning of the module or the finger attached thereto is then particularly simple and secure possible.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the module has a projecting over the contact side of the module dovetail foot, and that the quick-fastening device is assigned to the plant side of the module recording a height-adjustable surface element with a dovetail groove having an opening portion for introducing the dovetail foot and a Slit area for catching the dovetail foot has. This embodiment variant corresponds essentially to the previous embodiment variant, but with the reverse assignment of the dovetail foot and the dovetail groove. The preceding explanations thus apply correspondingly to this embodiment variant, as far as it makes sense. deviant to the previous variant of the quick-fastening device is assigned to the plant side of the module receiving a height-adjustable surface element with the dovetail groove. Thus, to allow attachment of the module to the module holder, the surface element by means of the quick-fastening device and thus also the dovetail groove is height adjustable relative to the remaining surface of the contact side of the module holder. Again, it is advantageous if the dovetail foot engages behind the dovetail groove in the slot area form fit.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the quick-fastening device has a locking gear, wherein the dovetail or dovetail groove by means of the Arretierungsgetriebes between a receiving position in which the dovetail foot in the opening area can be introduced and can be caught by the slot area, and a locking position, in which the plant sides rest non-positively against each other, is movable. Whether the dovetail foot or the dovetail groove is movable by means of the Arretierungsgetriebes depends on which of the two elements of the module holder is assigned. Correspondingly alternative embodiments have been discussed in the preceding paragraphs. The locking gear is submitted depending on the design and / or trained to move the respective element between the receiving position and the locking position. The receiving position serves for the positive connection of the module with the module holder. Conveniently, the module or the finger attached thereto is aligned and / or positioned in the receiving position relative to the module holder. If the dovetail foot or dovetail groove is moved into a locking position by means of the locking gear, then the sides of the dovetail lie against each other in a force-fitting manner. A previously made alignment and / or positioning is fixed thanks to the non-positive connection. In summary, thanks to this configuration, a particularly simple, secure and exact attachment of the module to the module holder is possible.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the locking gear has a locking shaft with an eccentric by hand is rotatable by means of a lever or by a controllable drive device, wherein the eccentric for translational and / or rotational driving of the dovetail foot or the dovetail groove or the surface element is submitted and / or aligned. In order to meet the quality requirements of the filter of the tobacco processing industry, it is desirable to ensure alignment and / or positioning of the module or the finger attached to the module also during the manufacturing operation. Slippage of the module or the finger attached to the module recording should therefore be prevented. For this purpose, the last-mentioned embodiment of the invention provides a remedy by pressing and / or pressing together the module and the module receptacle by means of the eccentric to form a frictional connection. By means of the Excenters high tensile forces can be transmitted to the dovetail foot or to the dovetail groove or the surface element. To achieve this, the locking shaft with the eccentric is manually rotatable by means of a lever. This is a particularly reliable variant. In addition, it can be detected from the outside by means of the lever position, whether the module is securely fixed to the module holder. Alternatively, the locking shaft is rotatable by means of a controllable drive device. This variant is particularly easy to integrate into an optionally existing automation device.

Figur 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung mit der Halterung in Arbeitsposition,

Figur 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung mit der Halterung in Warteposition,

Figur 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung mit der Halterung in Warteposition und dem gelösten Modul,

Figur 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf das Modul,

Figur 5

eine schematische unterseitige Ansicht auf die Modulaufnahme,

Figur 6

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung in Längsrichtung der Vorrichtung und

Figur 7

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung in Querrichtung der Vorrichtung.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the locking gear in the locking position and / or in the receiving position designed self-locking and / or set up. Locking effectively prevents the module from being inadvertently released from the module holder or performing another unwanted movement. Safe operation is thus ensured. Further advantageous features of the invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and / or the accompanying drawings. In this case, embodiments of the invention can fulfill individual or a combination of several features. The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings shows:

FIG. 1

a schematic side view of the device with the holder in working position,

FIG. 2

a schematic side view of the device with the holder in the waiting position,

FIG. 3

a schematic side view of the device with the holder in waiting position and the dissolved module,

FIG. 4

a schematic plan view of the module,

FIG. 5

a schematic underside view of the module receptacle,

FIG. 6

a schematic sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the device and

FIG. 7

a schematic sectional view in the transverse direction of the device.

In the figures, the invention-relevant device 2 a filter rod machine for the production of filters of the tobacco-processing industry is shown. Partly in full or in part in detail, the figures contain the elements necessary in each case for the understanding of the embodiment according to the invention. The usual for the expert of the tobacco processing industry components of the filter rod machine, such as the format or the format tape are not shown in the drawings in the interests of better clarity. In addition, identical or similar elements or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the following figures, so that apart from a respective new idea.

In FIG. 1 is a device 2 for the production of filters of the tobacco processing industry with at least one finger 4 for guiding and forming a filter tow strand and a holder 6 for holding the at least one finger 4, wherein the holder 6 has a pivoting device 8, by means of which the holder. 6 is pivotable between a working position A and a waiting position W, wherein at least one of the fingers 4 is attached to a bracket 6 associated module, and wherein the holder 6 has a module receptacle 12 with a quick-fastening device 14, wherein the module 10 by means of the quick-fastening device 14 is detachably attached to the module holder 12.

In FIG. 1 the holder 6 is shown in its working position A, whereas the holder 6 in the Figures 2 and 3 in its waiting position W is shown. Between these two positions A, W, the holder 6 by means of the pivoting device 8 is pivotable back and forth. Both in the working position A and in the waiting position W, the holder 6 can be locked. Thus, both a safe and exact working position A and reliable standby position W is possible. In the waiting position W, usual maintenance work and / or other necessary modification measures can be carried out on the device 2 according to the invention. In the waiting position W, the fingers 4 are spaced from a format or from a format tape, so that the necessary accessibility for carrying out the aforementioned work is given. From the prior art, it is known, the pivoting device 8 in the manner of a parallelogram, as shown in the DE 103 54 924 is disclosed, to design. Such a parallelogram 16 is also in the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown. In order to pivot the holder 6 back and forth between the working position A and the waiting position W, it is preferably provided that the parallelogram frame 16 is adapted and / or designed to move the holder 6 parallel to a flow direction S of the filter tow line. Conveniently, the pivoting device 6 comprises two mutually parallel pivot arms 18, 20 which are rotatably suspended on a support member 22, which in turn can be mounted on a machine frame of the filter rod machine. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the module holder 12 of the holder 6 is mounted rotatably mounted on the ends of the pivot arms 18, 20 remote from the support element 22. In other words, it is provided that the module holder 12 is pivotally suspended by means of the pivot arms 18, 20 on the support member 22.

In addition, the device 2 according to the invention also has the module 10 to which one or more of the fingers 4 are attached. Usually, the fingers 4 are firmly bolted to the module 10. Screw connections are in the sense of the invention, however, no quick-fix connections. To screw screws in the appropriate thread, a special tool is necessary. Several turns with the tool are necessary until the screw necessary seat and then reached the appropriate strength for non-positive connection of the elements to be connected.

Quick-fastening devices 14 in the sense of the invention are devices which preferably manage without additional tools. They can be manual and / or motor driven. Usually have quick-fastening devices 14 Einhak-, snap and / or locking elements by means of a Einhakverbindung, snap connection and / or locking connection to the module 10 can be produced. In addition, it is usually provided that a quick-fastening device 14 is arranged and / or adapted to switch back and forth between a locked state and an unlocked state.

Thanks to the module holder 12 with the quick-fastening device 14, the module 10 is particularly easy and quick to attach to the module holder 12 and / or detachable from this again. An attachment and / or removal of the module 10 can thus be done very quickly and with little effort. This makes it possible to optimize production and increase production.

In order to facilitate the processing and / or shaping of the filter tow strand, it is usually provided that at least one of the fingers 10 fastened to the module 10 has air nozzles. The air nozzles are used for targeted introduction of compressed air in the channel formed by the respective finger 4. So that the air introduced into the channel can also escape again, the respective finger 4 usually has air outlets 24. In order to supply compressed air to the air nozzles, the device 2 expediently has an air line system with a central air line coupling. In principle, it is possible for the air line coupling to be arranged laterally on the module 10 or on the module receptacle 12. However, it is preferred that one part of the air duct system of the module receiver 12 and the other part of the air duct system are assigned to the module 10, and that the air line coupling is arranged in the connection region of the module 10 and the module receiver 12. Basically, it is not necessary that all fingers 4 attached to the module 10 Have air nozzles and / or connected in a corresponding manner with the air line system. This is especially true for the finger 4, which is the most rejuvenated.

In order to create a compact device 2 or air line coupling, as in the FIGS. 4 and 5 is shown, it is provided that the air line coupling comprises at least one coupling mouthpiece 26 of the module receptacle 12 and at least one coupling mouthpiece 28 of the module 10. As a result of the detachable fastening of the module 10 to the module receptacle 12, one or each of the coupling mouthpieces 28 of the module 10 is pressed against the corresponding coupling mouthpiece 26 of the module receptacle 12. Preferably, the coupling mouthpieces 26, 28 designed to correspond to each other and / or have correspondingly configured to each other sealing surfaces and / or sealing elements. In order to further enable the coupling mouthpieces 26, 28 to be pushed over one another, it is preferably provided that the at least one coupling mouthpiece 26 of the module holder 12 is free of projections on the contact side 30 of the module receiver 12 and at least one coupling mouthpiece 28 of the module 10 is prevented on the contact side 32 of the module 10 Module 10 are arranged. The contact side 30 of the module holder 12 is the side of the module holder 12, which is intended to face the module 10.

The contact side 32 of the module 10 is the side of the module 10, which is intended to the module holder 12 faces. If the module 10 is fastened to the module receptacle 12, the contact sides 30, 32 lie against one another. Thanks to the central air line coupling, the air nozzles of the fingers 4 are correctly supplied with the correct air pressure. An accidentally incorrect assignment is largely excluded thanks to the predetermined arrangement of the coupling mouthpieces 26, 28. The reliability can therefore be surprisingly easily improved by such a development.

To prevent further sources of error in the compressed air supply, it is preferably provided that the module holder 12 a, such as in the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown, has central air line connection unit 34 for connection of the air line system to compressed air lines 36 a compressed air supply. In particular from FIG. 3 It can be seen that the compressed air lines 36 remain connected to the air line connection unit 34 even with a released module 10. An arrival and / or Dismantling of the module 10 thus has no influence on the targeted compressed air supply. By this configuration, the reliability can be further improved.

Thanks to the module holder 12 and its quick-fastening device 14, the device according to the invention is particularly flexible in terms of possible format change by the interchangeability of the module 10 and particularly effective in terms of possible maintenance. However, a particularly high production efficiency is also dependent on the correct alignment and / or positioning of the module 10 or of the at least one finger 4 fastened to the module 10 relative to the module receptacle 12. Usually, the device 2 of the invention is attached to a frame of a filter rod machine and / or part of the filter rod machine. Thanks to the aforementioned alignment and / or positioning, this also applies to the format tape and / or the format. An exact alignment and / or positioning therefore also serves the efficiency of the filter production by means of the filter rod machine. It should be noted that the module 10 is releasably secured to the module holder 12. With each attachment, the module 10 is therefore again as accurately as possible to align or position. In order to enable this alignment or positioning repeatable exactly, it is provided that the module holder 12 and the module 10 corresponding to each other designed guide elements 38, 40 and / or stop elements 42, 44 have, as for example in the FIGS. 3 to 6 are shown. The guide elements 38, 40 serve for repeatable exact alignment and the stop elements 42, 44 for repeatable exact positioning. For a preferred embodiment of the guide elements 38, 40, it is provided that one of the module holder 12 facing contact side 32 of the module 10 at least one salient guide pin 40 and the module 10 facing investment side 30 of the module holder 12 has at least one guide groove 38. In principle, the contact side 32 of the module 10 and the contact side 30 of the module holder 12 can also be designed in the reverse manner. It is also possible that the guide pins 40 and the guide grooves 38 are alternately assigned to the module holder 12 and the module 10. Decisive here is the corresponding design. When attaching the module 10 to the module holder 12 engages or each of the guide pins 40 in the corresponding guide groove 38 a. For this purpose, the respective guide groove 38 may have a cone-shaped lead-in area.

From the FIG. 5 It can also be seen that the guide groove 38 is preferably an elongated recess of the contact side 30. Corresponding thereto, the FIG. 3 can be taken that the at least one guide pin 40 protrudes from the plant side 32. In order to enable a longitudinal axial movement of the module 10, the diameter or the width of the guide pin 40 is adapted to the width of the guide groove 38, wherein the length of the guide groove 38 is larger, or significantly larger than the width thereof.

In order to allow repeatably accurate positioning in addition to the repeatably precise alignment of the module 10, it is advantageous if at least one of the guide grooves 38 has a stop surface 42 to which the corresponding guide pin 40 can be pressed to form a defined stop. For this purpose, the respective guide pin 40 preferably has a stop surface or a stop element 44 connected thereto. Such a stop element 44 is, for example, a stop disc, which can be fastened to the module 10 by means of the guide pin 40. The stop surface 42 is preferably a longitudinal end and / or end surface of the respective guide groove 38. The guide elements 38, 40 and the stop elements 42,44 can thus be respectively combined with each other in a corresponding manner. For example, the stop surface 42 is an integral part of the guide groove 38. In a corresponding manner, it is advantageous if the stop surface 44 is an integral part of the guide pin 40. In addition to the guide elements 38, 40 and / or the stop elements 42, 44 or alternatively, it is preferably provided that the module receptacle 12 and the module 10 have correspondingly configured quick-fastening elements 46, 48. These are for example a hook and a correspondingly configured hook receptacle. As in the FIGS. 4 . 5 and 7 As has been shown, it has proven to be advantageous in practice if the quick-fastening elements 46, 48 are a dovetail foot 46 and a correspondingly designed dovetail groove 48. In principle, a plurality of dovetail feet 46 or dovetail grooves 48 may also be provided for each. Thus, it is possible that the module 10 and the Module receptacle 12 are positively connected to each other by means of a dovetail connection. Such a dovetail connection has the advantage that the module 10 is further displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the module receptacle 12. The form fit remains. The module 10 or the at least one finger 4 fastened to the module 10 can thus be precisely aligned and / or positioned in a particularly simple and repeatable manner.

But in order to ensure the flexibility of the solubility of the module 10, it is advantageous if the quick-fastening device 14 has the projecting beyond the contact side 30 of the module holder 12 dovetail foot 46, as for example from the Figures 3 . 6 . 7 and that the abutment side 32 of the module 10 has the dovetail groove 48 with an opening portion 50 for insertion of the dovetail foot 46 and a slot portion 52 for catching the dovetail foot 46. The dovetail foot 46 and the dovetail groove 48 are therefore filed and / or designed in such a way that the dovetail foot 46 engages behind the dovetail groove 48 in the slot area 52 in a form-fitting manner. In principle, a plurality of similar dovetail feet 46 or dovetail grooves 48 may also be provided for this purpose. This makes it possible that the module 10 is attached to the module holder 12. For this purpose, the dovetail foot 46 is first introduced into the opening region 50 of the dovetail groove 48 and then the module 10 and the module holder 12 moved relative to each other in such a way that the dovetail 46 engages behind the slot portion 52 of the dovetail groove 48 and is caught by this. For this purpose, it is provided that the slot area 52 is narrower than the opening area 50 or as a foot width of the dovetail foot 46. The embodiment is particularly advantageous in the FIGS. 4 and 7 shown. Once the dovetail 46 is caught by the dovetail groove 48, the weight of the module 10 depends on the module holder 12. Thus, a particularly simple alignment and / or positioning of the module 10 and the fingers 4 is possible.

A reverse arrangement of the dovetail foot 46 and the dovetail groove 48 to that explained above, is also conceivable. Such a development provides that the module 10 via the plant side 32 of the module 10 projecting dovetail foot, and that the quick-fastening device 14 is assigned to the contact side 30 of the module holder 12, a height-adjustable surface element with a dovetail groove 48 having an opening portion 50 for introducing the dovetail foot 46 and a slot portion 52 for catching the dovetail foot 46. Corresponding advantages and / or effects, as have been explained with reference to the preceding embodiment, also apply in connection with this embodiment.

In order to enable the fastest possible attachment of the module 10 to the module holder 12, it is expedient if the quick-fastening device 14 can be switched back and forth between a locking state and an unlocking state or is switchable. Advantageously, the quick-fastening device for this purpose comprises a locking gear, as for example in the FIG. 6 is shown. By means of the detent gear 54, the dovetail 46 and the dovetail groove 48 are interposed between a receiving position (corresponding to the unlocking state) in which the dovetail 46 is insertable into the opening portion 50 and can be caught by the slot portion 52, and a locking position (corresponding to the locking state). in which the plant sides 30, 32 bear frictionally against each other, movable. The receiving position or the unlocking state serves to attach the module 10 to the module receptacle 12, so that the dovetail foot 46 engages positively behind the slot region 52 of the dovetail groove 48. To establish a frictional connection between the module 10 and the module receptacle 12, the quick-fastening device 14 is switched to the locked state and / or the dovetail 46 and the dovetail groove 48 are brought into the locking position. In the locking position, the contact sides 30, 32 are preferably pressed against one another without spacing and / or non-positively.

In order to achieve the various positions or states, it has proven to be advantageous if the locking gear 54 has a locking shaft 56 with an eccentric 58, as for example in FIG FIG. 6 is shown, wherein the drive shaft 56 and the eccentric 58 by hand by means of a lever 60, as this example in the FIGS. 1 . 2 and 3 is shown, or by a controllable drive device (not shown) is rotatable, wherein the eccentric 58 is arranged and / or designed for translational and / or rotational driving of the dovetail foot 46 or the dovetail groove 48 and the corresponding surface element. In the FIG. 3 the lever 60 is folded to the left, so that the quick-fastening device 14 is in the unlocked state and the dovetail feet 46 are in their receiving position. Thus, it is possible to introduce the dovetail feet 46 into the respective opening areas of the dovetail groove 48 of the module 10 and to move the module 10 in the longitudinal direction, so that the dovetail feet 46 in the slot area 52 engage behind the respective dovetail grooves 48 in a form-fitting manner. In this case, the module 10 is guided by the guide elements 38, 40 and positioned at the mutual stop of the stop elements 42, 44. By turning the lever 60 on the right side, as it is from the FIGS. 1 and 2 it can be seen, the quick release means 14 is switched to the locked state and / or the dovetail grooves 48 are moved to their respective locking position. By turning the lever 60, the locking shaft 56 or the eccentric 58 is rotated, so that there is a translational and / or rotational retraction of the dovetail feet 46. In this case, the module 10 is used to the module holder 12. As a result, the plant pages 30, 32 come frictionally to concern.

In order not to endanger the exact alignment and / or positioning during operation, it is expediently provided that the locking gear 54 in the locking position and / or in the receiving position is self-locking and / or designed. In a corresponding manner, it is advantageous if the quick-fastening device 14 is set up and / or designed to be self-locking in the locking state and / or in the unlocking state. This is particularly simple and effectively prevents interference, such as vibrations, the non-positive and / or positive connection between the module 10 and module holder 12 unintentionally dissolve.

Claims (14)

1. Apparatus (2) for manufacturing filters for the tobacco processing industry, with at least one finger (4) for guiding and shaping a filter tow rod and a holding means (6) for holding the at least one finger (4), wherein the holding means (6) comprises a pivoting apparatus (8), by means of which the holding means (6) can be pivoted between a working position (A) and a standby position (W), characterised in that at least one of the fingers (4) is secured to a module (10) allocated to the holding means (6), and that the holding means (6) comprises a module carrier (12) with a quick-action fastening device (14), wherein the module (10) is secured by means of the quick-action fastening device (14) to the module carrier (12) in a releasable manner.
2. Apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that at least one of the fingers (4) secured to the module (10) comprises air nozzles for the preparation of the filter tow rod, and that the apparatus (2) comprises an air conduit system with a central air pipe coupling in order to deliver compressed air to the air nozzles.
3. Apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the air pipe coupling comprises at least one coupling mouthpiece (26) of the module carrier (12) and at least one coupling mouthpiece (28) of the module (10), wherein, due to the releasable securing of the module (10) to the module carrier (12), one or each of the coupling mouthpieces (28) of the module (10) is pressed to the corresponding coupling mouthpiece (26) of the module carrier (12).
4. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the module carrier (12) comprises a central air pipe connection unit (34) for connecting the air pipe system to compressed air pipes (36) of a compressed air supply.
5. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the module carrier (12) and the module (10) comprise guiding elements (38, 40) configured such as to correspond to one another, and/or stop elements (42, 44) and/or quick-action fastening elements (46, 48).
6. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an abutment side (32) of the module (10), facing towards the module carrier (12), comprises at least one projecting guiding pin (40), and an abutment side (30) of the module carrier (12) facing towards the module (10) comprises at least one guiding groove (38) and/or vice-versa, wherein one or each of the guiding pins (40) engages into the corresponding guiding groove (38).
7. Apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that at least one of the guiding grooves (38) comprises a stop surface (42), against which the corresponding guiding pin (40) can be pressed in order to form a defined stop.
8. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the module (10) and the module carrier (12) are connected to each other in positive locking engagement by means of a dovetail connection.
9. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the quick-action fastening device (14) comprises a dovetail foot (46) projecting over the abutment side (30) of the module carrier (12), and that the abutment side (32) of the module (10) comprises a dovetail groove (48) with an opening region (50) for the introduction of the dovetail foot (46) and a slit region (52) for catching the dovetail foot (46).
10. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the module (10) comprises a dovetail foot (46) projecting over the abutment side (32) of the module (10), and that a height-adjustable surface element with a dovetail groove (48) is allocated to the quick-action fastening device (14) on the abutment side (30) of the module carrier (12), which comprises an opening region (50) for the introduction of the dovetail foot (46) and a slit region (52) for catching the dovetail foot (46).
11. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 9-10, characterised in that the dovetail foot (46) engages behind the dovetail groove (48) in positive locking engagement in the slit region (52).
12. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 8-11, characterised in that the quick-action fastening device (14) comprises a locking gear (54), wherein the dovetail foot (46) or the dovetail groove (48) respectively can be moved by means of the locking gear (54) between a take-up position, in which the dovetail foot (46) can be introduced into the opening region (50) and can be caught by the slit region (52), and a locking position, in which the abutment sides (30, 32) are in contact with one another by non-positive locking engagement.
13. Apparatus (2) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the locking gear (54) comprises a locking shaft (56) with an eccentric (58), which can be rotated manually by means of a lever (60) or by a controllable drive device, wherein the eccentric (58) is adapted and/or configured for the translatory and/or rotational driving of the dovetail foot (46) or the dovetail groove (48) or of the surface element respectively.
14. Apparatus (2) according to any one of the preceding claims 12-13, characterised in that the locking gear (54) is developed and adapted to be self-blocking in the locking position and/or in the take-up position.

Images