EP2596708A2 - Handling assembly for transport containers for rod-shaped articles for the tobacco industry, circulation cassette, and method for changing of the fill level of transport containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The assembly has first transport unit (13) for supplying transport containers (11) made of cardboard to a level varying device (12), and second transport unit (14) for transporting transport container from level varying device. Several circulation cassettes (15) are rotatably provided for receiving and transporting the transport containers to remote side of the level changing device through a transfer device (16) during the assembly operation. The transfer device is arranged on the transport path of the circulation cassettes. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) circulation cassette; and (2) method for changing level of empty or article filled container.

Description

description

The invention relates to an arrangement, designed and arranged for handling transport containers for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a device for changing the level of empty or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry transport containers, a first transport means for feeding the transport containers to the Device for changing the level and a second transport device for transporting away the transport container from the device for changing the level, wherein the transport means are arranged one above the other or among each other.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a circulation cassette, in particular for use in an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, designed and adapted for receiving and holding a transport container for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry of cardboard, cardboard or the like during handling, comprising Bottom wall, at least one side wall and a rear wall for forming a front wall free receiving space defining support frame, means for fixing the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like in the receiving space and in the region of the or each side wall outside holding means arranged for handling the circulation cassette.

The invention also relates to a method for successively changing the filling level of empty containers or cardboard or cardboard transport containers filled with rod-shaped articles, in particular with an arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7 and 14, comprising the steps of feeding cardboard containers, Cardboard or the like on a first transport device for feeding the transport container to a device for changing the filling level, changing the filling level by emptying or filling the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, and transporting the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like on a second transport device for Removing the transport container from the device for changing the level.

Such arrangements and methods are used in the tobacco processing industry to handle rod-shaped articles, e.g. To empty cigarettes, filters, filter rods, tobacco sticks and the like, filled transport containers or to fill empty containers with the aforementioned articles. The rod-shaped articles can have different formats, ie different diameters and in particular different lengths, wherein in each transport container only articles of a format (ie a length and a diameter) are located. Accordingly, the geometry and the dimensions of the transport containers are usually adapted to the respective formats of the rod-shaped articles. The storage / storage of the rod-shaped article in the transport containers serves on the one hand to compensate for production fluctuations. On the other hand, storing / storing the rod-shaped articles may also be considered as a kind of process step, for example to dry or cure the rod-shaped articles. As a transport container so-called Schragen or shaft trays, which are usually made of plastic and are dimensionally stable and in particular also cardboard trays made of cardboard, cardboard or the like known. These cardboard trays are less dimensionally stable and require handling, ie in particular when handling in the field of a device for changing the level of the transport container, a supporting or stabilizing aids.

Devices for changing the filling level of the transport containers are well known. From the home of the applicant, for example, an arrangement comes from the trained as Schragenentleerer and known under the name Magomat. Also from the house of the applicant is a trained as a Schragenfüller arrangement, which is known under the name HCF. Both arrangements each comprise two transport devices for transporting empty transport containers and filled transport containers, the two transport devices being arranged one above the other. In the case of Schrageentleerers empty transport containers from the outside to the arrangement, namely the transport device for feeding the empty transport container, placed and transported in the region of the apparatus for filling the transport container, filled by means of the device for filling and then on the transport device for transporting the filled Transport container removed. Finally, the filled transport containers are removed by the transport device for transporting away the filled transport containers and transported away from the arrangement. In the case of the Schragenfüllers the process takes place in the reverse manner.

The handling in particular of transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, so the known carton trays, so far requires, as mentioned, the use of so-called auxiliary trays made of plastic, ie such trays, which are designed and adapted to receive the cardboard trays and cardboard trays during handling, ie Stabilize and support especially during transport and during filling or emptying. These auxiliary trays are handled outside the arrangement with the empty or full and open carton trays, what outside the arrangement storage facilities for loading and unloading the auxiliary trays are needed. On the one hand, this leads to the need for several handling steps for operating the arrangement. On the other hand, the handling of open and in particular filled cardboard trays represents an increased process risk. A further disadvantage is that the operator must handle not only the cardboard trays but the unit formed of cardboard trays and auxiliary trays, which represents an increased weight load and makes handling difficult. Incidentally, the auxiliary trays are designed individually. This means that different auxiliary trays are required for different carton tray sizes (carton tray formats) which have different geometries and dimensions both on the inside and on the outside. In a format change, so a Changing from transport containers with or for receiving rod-shaped articles of a first format to transport containers with or for receiving rod-shaped articles of a second format, which differs from the first format, therefore, a considerable adjustment and adaptation effort to the arrangement is necessary. This complicates the handling and leads in particular in a format change to an undesirable machine downtime.

The invention is thus based on the object to provide an arrangement and a circulation cassette, by means of which the handling of the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like is simplified and designed process reliable. The task is also to propose a corresponding method.

This object is achieved by an arrangement of the type mentioned above in that the arrangement comprises a plurality of machine-bound circulation cassettes for receiving and transporting transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, and that the first and second transport means for feeding and transporting away the transport container made of cardboard, Cardboard or the like on the side facing away from the device for changing the filling level via a transfer device for the circulation cassettes communicate with each other, such that the circulating cassettes during operation of the arrangement in a closed circuit within the arrangement circumferentially for receiving and transporting the transport container Cardboard, cardboard or the like can be conveyed, wherein the conversion device is located directly in or on the transport path of the circulation cassettes. The binding of the circulation cassettes to the arrangement means nothing else than that with the machine-bound circulation cassette according to the invention only the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like must be handled by the respective operator, which significantly reduces the burden. By Umsetzzeinrichtung that closes the transport path of the circulation cassettes between the stacked transport devices, these circulation cassettes can circulate continuously within the arrangement, which handling in particular by an ergonomically improved operating position for loading the circulation cassettes with the transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, so the Cardboard trays, relieved. Because of the circulation cassettes are machine-bound, the cardboard trays is opened by folding the lid only in the circulation cassette, which also increases process reliability. Another advantage is that it can be dispensed with additional storage facilities for loading and unloading auxiliary trays or the like. Since only the cardboard trays must be handled, simpler and numerically fewer handling steps to operate the arrangement are necessary. By placing the transfer device in or on the transport path, the transport paths can be optimized within the arrangement, whereby the handling is simplified.

Advantageously, the conversion device comprises a lifting device. This design, which is preferably used in a device for emptying the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, also optimizes the transport routes and reduces the number of Umsetzvorgänge of circulation cassettes, which in particular the process reliability is increased. In addition, the lifting device allows the creation of ergonomically optimal loading and unloading positions for loading a circulation cassette with a full or empty Kartonschragen or for removing a full or empty Kartonschragens from the circulation cassette.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that in the transfer area between the transfer device and the first and / or the second transport device at least one transfer means for automatically transferring the circulation cassettes from the transfer device to a transport device and vice versa is arranged. The transfer means for the automatic transfer of the circulation cassettes reduce the handling steps for the operation of the arrangement and relieve the operator.

Conveniently, the or each transfer means is part of the first and / or the second transport means. This optimizes the layout, ie the space requirement of such an arrangement.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the or each transfer means as a telescopic conveyor or pivoting conveyor on the first and / or the second transport device is arranged. This embodiment of the invention provides a particularly simple and space-saving design of a transfer agent and ensures a gentle and thus process-safe transfer of the circulation cassettes with the therein transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like.

Advantageously, the conversion device is designed as a lifting / rotating device. This design, which is preferably used in a device for filling of transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, also optimizes the transport routes and reduces the number of Umsetzvorgänge of circulation cassettes, which in particular the process reliability is increased. Incidentally, the lifting / rotating device enables the creation of ergonomically optimal loading and unloading positions for loading a circulation cassette with a full or empty cardboard tray or for removing a full or empty Kartonschragens from the circulation cassette.

A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the device for varying the filling level is a station for emptying transport containers and comprises a transfer device, wherein the transfer device has a cassette which is vertically movable up and down and pivotable and for holding at least one circulation cassette during the entire level change process is designed and set up. In addition to the simple structure of this embodiment, this development is also particularly space-saving and ensures easy and safe handling of the circulation cassette with the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like therein.

The object is also achieved by a circulation cassette of the type mentioned above in that in the receiving space a likewise a bottom wall, at least one side wall and a rear wall exhibiting insert is arranged, wherein the insert on the inside of the geometry and dimensions of each accommodating transport container made of cardboard , Cardboard or the like is adjusted. With this inventive design of the circulation cassette, which can be used as a single part, spare part, retrofit or part of the aforementioned arrangement is, on the one hand reduces the handling effort for the operator, since only the cardboard trays must be moved. On the other hand, the use of its rear wall, which forms the direct contact surface for the cardboard trays, ensures trouble-free loading. Characterized in that the cardboard tray rests with its rear wall directly to the rear wall of the insert, a recurring and defined loading position is created. Overall, the mechanical engineering effort is reduced by the circulation cassette according to the invention, since for automated handling of the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like can be dispensed with additional handling means outside the arrangement.

Preferably, the circulation cassette is independent of the geometry and the dimensions of the arranged within the receiving space insert outside with respect to their geometry and their dimensions constant. This eliminates any adjustment effort or any adjustment effort to the arrangement, even if varied by a format change in the rod-shaped articles, the position of the insert. In other words, the circulation cassette is the same externally for all formats and sizes of transport containers used, so all cardboard tray formats. In a format change e.g. to another article length, which is usually associated with a change in the size of the transport container, a further set of circulation cassettes already prepared outside the assembly can optionally be used, which is adapted to the inside of the changed size of the transport container, but to the outside is unchanged, or the inserts of the circulating cassettes in the assembly can be adjusted so that one and the same circulation cassette can accommodate different carton tray formats.

An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the insert is releasably secured within the receiving space and formed on the inside smooth surface. The smooth surface training simplifies loading and unloading. Due to the solubility of the insert from the receiving space, the receiving space of a circulation cassette can be equipped with another, with respect to the geometry and / or dimensions different use, so that the number of sets circulation cassettes is reduced.

Advantageously, the insert itself forms a solid and rigid body, wherein the body is adjustable within the receiving space relative to the walls forming the support frame. The adjustability is preferably in a horizontal orientation horizontally as well as vertically, thus ensuring both forward and backward as well as up and down. For a fast and reliable adjustment of the position of the insert relative to the receiving space for different formats, ie in particular transport container with different geometries and / or dimensions, possible to realize the necessary for the further processing of rod-shaped article constant article. As article constants are for the device for emptying the transport container in particular the position of the article length center and the height of the top layer of articles relevant. For the device for filling the transport container are as article constants on the one hand, the height of the bottom layer and on the other hand, the position of the article leading edge of importance. The article leading edges are the ends of the articles facing away from the rear wall of the insert, towards the open side, with the transport container loaded in the circulation cassette.

In a preferred embodiment of the circulation cassette according to the invention, the retaining means arranged on the outside on the two side walls of the support frame each have a guide means with a guide center axis. By the guide means a defined and exactly repeatable and format-independent (based on the format of the transport container) positioning of the circulation cassettes within the arrangement is possible, which in particular ensures compliance with or the orientation to the article constants. The middle axis serves as an alignment aid.

Preferably, in the region of the rear wall of the insert on the rear side means for fixing a folded lid of the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like are arranged. As a result, the handling of the transport container and in particular the loading of the circulation cassette are simplified with a transport container. On the one hand, the cover is kept away from the region of the article flow during the emptying process or the filling process of the transport container. On the other hand, the lid is held and fixed outside the insert. That means that the Rear wall of the insert at an open transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like between the outside of the rear wall of the transport container and the folded lid is located so that the spring action of the lid of the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like has no influence on the loading position within the insert.

An arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7 with at least one circulation cassette according to one of claims 8 to 13 combines the advantages mentioned above and also solves the problem underlying the invention. A particular advantage is that transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like can be reliably absorbed with a high weight. This arrangement is also predestined for receiving cardboard, cardboard or the like transport containers for small and smallest rod lengths of e.g. about 80mm. Such a transport container is formed correspondingly flat and therefore has only a small footprint. By using the machine-bound circulation cassettes of the type according to the invention, however, this is not a problem, since the transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like are introduced directly into the arrangement or belonging to the arrangement circulation cassettes and kept safe. In other words, the invention ensures safe transport for all Kartonschragenformate.

The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above, that circulate within the arrangement of several machine-bound circulation cassettes in a closed circuit, while either empty transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like used directly in the machine-bound circulation cassettes and the full transport container made of cardboard , Carton or the like are removed from the circulation cassettes or full transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like used directly in the machine-bound circulation cassettes and the empty transport container made of cardboard, cardboard or the like are removed from the circulation cassettes. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with the arrangement, and reference is therefore made to avoid repetition on the corresponding passages.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Anordnung mit einer Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Transportbehältern aus Pappe, Karton oder dergleichen und mehreren Umlaufkassetten in einem ersten Verfahrenszustand,

Fig. 2

die Anordnung gemäß Figur 1 in einem weiteren Verfahrenszustand,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht einer Anordnung mit einer Vorrichtung zum Entleeren von Transportbehältern aus Pappe, Karton oder dergleichen mit mehreren Umlaufkassetten in einem ersten Verfahrenszustand,

Fig. 4

die Anordnung gemäß Figur 3 in einem zweiten Verfahrenszustand,

Fig. 5

die Anordnung gemäß Figur 3 in einem weiteren Verfahrenszustand,

Fig. 6

eine Rückansicht einer Umlaufkassette ohne Transportbehälter,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 6 von schräg oben und vorne,

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 6 von schräg oben und hinten,

Fig. 9

eine Aufsicht auf die Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 6 von unten,

Fig. 10

eine Vorderansicht der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 6,

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 6,

Fig. 12

eine Draufsicht auf die Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 6 von oben,

Fig. 13

eine Rückansicht einer Umlaufkassette mit Transportbehälter, bei dem der Deckel umgeklappt ist,

Fig. 14

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 13 von schräg oben und vorne,

Fig. 15

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 13 von schräg oben und hinten,

Fig. 16

eine Aufsicht auf die Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 13 von unten,

Fig. 17

eine Vorderansicht der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 13,

Fig. 18

eine Seitenansicht der Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 13, und

Fig. 19

eine Draufsicht auf die Umlaufkassette gemäß Figur 13 von oben.

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

Fig. 1

a side view of an arrangement with a device for filling transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like and a plurality of circulation cassettes in a first method state,

Fig. 2

the arrangement according to FIG. 1 in a further process state,

Fig. 3

a side view of an arrangement with a device for emptying transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like with a plurality of circulation cassettes in a first method state,

Fig. 4

the arrangement according to FIG. 3 in a second process state,

Fig. 5

the arrangement according to FIG. 3 in a further process state,

Fig. 6

a rear view of a circulation cassette without transport container,

Fig. 7

a perspective view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 6 from diagonally above and in front,

Fig. 8

a perspective view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 6 from diagonally above and behind,

Fig. 9

a view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 6 from underneath,

Fig. 10

a front view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 6 .

Fig. 11

a side view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 6 .

Fig. 12

a plan view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 6 from above,

Fig. 13

a rear view of a circulation cassette with transport container in which the lid is folded,

Fig. 14

a perspective view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 13 from diagonally above and in front,

Fig. 15

a perspective view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 13 from diagonally above and behind,

Fig. 16

a view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 13 from underneath,

Fig. 17

a front view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 13 .

Fig. 18

a side view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 13 , and

Fig. 19

a plan view of the circulation cassette according to FIG. 13 from above.

The arrangements and circulation cassettes exemplified in the figures are used for handling, in particular emptying and filling of transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, ie the so-called cardboard trays with a foldable or hinged lid. Of course, the arrangements and circulation cassettes are also suitable for handling lidless transport containers made of cardboard, cardboard or the like and also for handling conventional trays made of plastic.

The FIGS. 1 to 5 each show an assembly 10 which is designed and arranged for handling transport containers 11 for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry. The assembly 10 comprises a device 12 for varying the level of empty or rod-shaped articles of tobacco processing industry filled transport containers 11. In the FIGS. 1 and 2 the device 12 is a so-called Schragenfüller. In the FIGS. 3 to 5 the device 12 is a so-called tray emptier. Furthermore, each arrangement 10 comprises a first transport device 13 for feeding the transport containers 11 to the device 12 for changing the filling level, and a second transport device 14 for transporting the transport containers 11 away from the device 12 for changing the filling level. The transport devices 13, 14 are arranged one above the other or one below the other. When Schrägenfüller according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 the first transport device 13 for feeding empty transport containers 11 is arranged above the second transport device 14 for transporting the filled transport containers 11 away. When Schragee unloader according to the FIGS. 3 to 5 the first transport device 13 for feeding filled transport containers 11 is arranged above the second transport device 14 for transporting the emptied transport containers 11 away.

These arrangements 10 are inventively characterized in that the arrangement 10 comprises a plurality of machine-bound circulation cassettes 15 for receiving and transporting transport containers 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like (hereinafter also referred to as cardboard trays), and that the first and second transport means 13, 14 for feeding and removal of the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like on the side facing away from the device 12 for changing the level side via a transfer device 16 communicate with each other, such that the circulation cassettes 15 during operation of the assembly 10 in a closed circuit within the assembly 10 circumferentially for receiving and transporting the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like are conveyed, wherein the converting device 16 is directly in or on the transport path of the circulation cassettes (15). Each assembly 10 is associated with a set formed of a plurality of circulation cassettes 15 sentence, each set or the associated circulation cassettes 15 is adapted to a particular format. In other words, the circulation cassettes 15 of a set are set to a defined size of a cardboard tray, that is, to a specific carton tray format. This set of circulating cassettes 15, which is assigned directly to the arrangement 10 during operation of the arrangement 10 and does not leave it, can in the case of Format change are exchanged, against a set of circulation cassettes 15, which is set to a different carton tray format. The transport devices 13, 14 are connected to the level-changing device 12 in order to carry out the level-change process. The transfer device 16 is arranged at the free ends of the transport devices 13, 14 and ensures that the circulating in operation of the assembly 10 and each carrying a transport container 11 circulating cassettes 15 between the transport devices 13, 14 preferably from bottom to top or from top to bottom are transportable.

The features and embodiments described below represent each individually or in combination with each other optional developments of the inventive arrangement 10.

The conversion device 16 is - as mentioned - directly in or on the transport path of the circulation cassettes 15. In other words, the conversion device 16 connects directly to the transport devices 13, 14 at. Thus, the circulation path of the circulation cassettes 15 within the assembly 10 is optimized. In other embodiments, not shown, the transfer device 16 may also be arranged at a distance from the arrangement 10 or to the transport devices 13, 14, in which case additional means for transferring the circulation cassettes 15 or for bridging the distance between the transfer device 16 and the transport devices 13, 14th are provided. The conversion device 16 preferably comprises a lifting device 17. This embodiment is particularly preferred in an arrangement 10 comprising a tray emptying device. The lift device 17 is designed and arranged for receiving and holding the circulation cassettes 15. For example, the lifting device 17 has lateral retaining means, which can be brought into engagement with the circulating cassettes 15. In this embodiment, the circulation cassettes 15 are then transported hanging. In another embodiment, the lifting device 17 may also include means for engaging under the circulation cassettes 15, so that the circulation cassettes 15 are on a lifting element. By means of a suitable and not explicitly shown drive means, the height difference between the transport devices 13, 14 can be overcome, wherein the transport of the circulation cassettes 15 can be stopped at any position of the lifting device 17 to either to remove a transport container 11 from the circulation cassette 15 or to use a transport container 11 in the circulation cassettes 15. Preferably, the holding means and thus the circulation cassettes 15 are adjustable, in particular pivotable, designed, so that in particular for filled with rod-shaped articles transport container 11, which are usually formed without a front wall, an inclined position can be achieved. Due to the inclination, the rod-shaped articles lie reliably with their trailing edge against the rear wall of the cardboard tray.

In the transfer area between the transfer device 16 and the first and / or the second transport device 13, 14 is optionally at least one transfer means 18 for automatically transferring the circulation cassettes 15 of the converting device 16 to a transport device 13, 14 and vice versa arranged. Preferably, the or each transfer means 18 is part of the first and / or the second transport means 13, 14. The transfer means 18 serves to transport the circulation cassettes 15, which are moved substantially vertically by means of the lift means 17, onto the substantially horizontally conveying transport means 13, 14 to take over. In other words, the transfer means 18 is designed and arranged to release the circulation cassettes 15 from the lift device 17 and to pull them onto the transport devices 13, 14. Preferably, the or each transfer means 18 is designed as a telescopic conveyor 19 or pivoting conveyor and arranged on the first and / or the second transport means 13, 14. Of course, other particular mechanical and pneumatic solutions can be used, for example by a plunger, by means of which the circulation cassettes 15 are pushed onto the transport devices 13, 14. The telescopic conveyor 19 is in the FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrated with the example of the arrangement 10 with a Schrageentleerer and assigned to the transport device 13 for feeding filled transport container 11. In the FIG. 3 the telescopic conveyor 19 is shown in its retracted waiting position. To take over a circulation cassette 15, the telescopic conveyor 19 is in its transfer position (see FIG. 4 ), so that a transport element 20 of the telescopic conveyor 19 is below the circulating cassette 15 still arranged in the lifting device 17. By the backward movement of the telescopic conveyor 19, the circulation cassette 15 is pulled out of the lifting device 17 onto the transport device 13. By means of the transport device 13, as well as the transport device 14 has its own drive, the further transport of the circulation cassettes 15 takes place in the direction of the device 12 for changing the fill level. A pivoting conveyor as transfer means 18 is arranged, for example, from a waiting position into a transfer position and pivotable back or in and out on a transport device 13, 14. Other suitable transfer means 18, that is, for example, those which act laterally or from above on the circulation cassettes 15, but are also used.

The converting device 16 is formed in a further preferred development as a lifting / rotating device 21. This embodiment is used in particular in an arrangement 10 which comprises a Schragenfüller application. This lifting / rotating device 21, which may also be referred to as a turret, has at least one, but preferably two lifting elements 22 which are arranged on mutually opposite sides of a column 45. These lifting elements 22 are movable up and down and adapted for receiving and holding circulating cassettes 15 and set up. The pillar 45 itself is rotatably formed about a rotation axis D. The conveyance of the circulation cassettes 15 upwards or downwards can be stopped along the pillar 45 at an arbitrary position to take out either a transportation container 11 from the circulation cassette 15 or a transportation container Insert 11 in the circulation cassettes 15. Instead of the lifting / rotating device 21, the transport devices 13, 14, which lead to the Schragenfüller, also be associated with the lift device 17 described above. Accordingly, the lifting / rotating device 21 can also be assigned to the transport devices 13, 14 which lead to the tray emptier.

As mentioned, in one embodiment, the level varying device 12 is a station for emptying shipping containers. This station, ie the tray emptier, comprises a transfer device, the transfer device having a cassette which is vertically movable up and down and pivotable and designed to hold at least one circulation cassette during the entire level change process and set up. With this preferred development it is achieved that the circulation cassettes 15 by the combined feasibility of the vertical movement and the pivoting movement enable transfer-free handling of the circulation cassettes 15 within the assembly 10 during emptying.

As mentioned above, the transport devices 13, 14 run substantially horizontally. This expressly also includes a slight inclination of the transport devices 13, 14 with an angle greater than 0 ° and less than 8 °, preferably between 3 ° and 5 °, with respect to a horizontally stretched plane, for example, through the ground on which the assembly 10 stands with a. For the arrangement 10 according to the FIGS. 3 to 5 the first transporting device 13 for feeding the filled transport containers 11 is arranged slightly sloping in the direction of the tray emptying machine. For the arrangement 10 according to the FIGS. 1 and 2 the second transport device 14 is disposed slightly sloping away from the tray filler for transporting filled transport containers 11 away.

Preferably, the circulation cassettes 15 associated with the assembly 10 are formed as described below. The circulation cassettes 15, which in detail in the FIGS. 6 to 19 are configured and arranged for receiving and holding a transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like and comprise a bottom wall 23, at least one side wall 24, but preferably two side walls 24 and 25, and a rear wall 26 for forming a front wall-free receiving space 27th In this context, the term "front-wall-free" means that the opening on the front side extends substantially over the entire width and height. The support frame 28 formed by the walls 23 to 26 are associated with means 29 for fixing the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like in the receiving space 27. Furthermore, the or each side wall 24, 25 on the outside, ie on the side facing away from the receiving space 27, holding means 30 for handling the circulation cassette 15. In this holding means 30, for example, the aforementioned holding means of the lifting device 17, but also corresponding holding means of the arrangement 10 and the device 12 for changing the filling level.

Such a circulation cassette 15 which can be used as a single part and is suitable in particular for use in an arrangement 10 as described above, is characterized according to the invention in that in the receiving space 27, a likewise a bottom wall 31, at least one side wall 32, but preferably two side walls 32, 33, and a rear wall 34 having insert 35 is arranged. The insert 35 is adapted on the inside to the geometry and dimensions of the respectively accommodating transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like.

Preferably, the circulation cassette 15 is independent of the geometry and the dimensions of the arranged inside the receiving space 27 insert 35 outside with respect to their geometry and their dimensions constant. In other words, the support frame 28 is a format-independent element. The support frame 28 is constant in its dimensions and thus the same for all cardboard tray formats, while the insert 35 is variable in terms of its dimensions and / or its position within the receiving space 27. This means that the support frame 28 only has to be adapted once to the arrangement 10 or adjusted to the arrangement 10 and then be handled with different inserts 35 or different positions of the insert 35 within the receiving space 27. By arranging support means in suspension means, namely insert 35 in support frame 28, an outward with respect to their dimensions constant, adapted to the arrangement 10 and individually to the inside, adapted to the transport container 11 and its geometry and dimensions circular cassette 15 is provided.

The insert 35 in or on the support frame 28 is releasably secured within the receiving space 27. As a result, the insert 35 is replaceable, so that with one and the same support frame 28 circulation cassettes 15 can be created for handling different Kartonschragenformate. The insert 35 is on the inside smooth surface, preferably formed completely smooth surface and forms a solid and rigid body. Fixed and rigid in this context means that the insert 35 offers the cardboard box to be picked up or taken up sufficient stability for handling. The insert 35 itself may optionally be adjustable within the receiving space 27 relative to the support frame 28 or the walls 23 to 26 forming the receiving space 27 or the support frame 28. Due to the adjustability of the insert 35, the replacement of inserts 35 is obsolete, as the Position of the insert 35 relative to the support frame 28 in both the vertical direction up and down and in the horizontal direction forward and backward changeable, preferably adjustable.

The respective walls 31 to 34 of the insert 35 may be continuous, so closed over the entire surface, or interrupted, so be open part of the area. In the preferred embodiment, all the walls 31 to 34 are formed closed over the entire surface for reasons of stability. The walls 23 to 26 of the support frame 28 may also be continuous, so closed over the entire surface, or interrupted, so be open part of the area. Preferably, the side walls 24, 25 formed closed over the entire surface, while the bottom wall 23 and rear wall 26 are formed open part of the surface, resulting in a handling improving weight reduction. In other words, the bottom wall 23 and the rear wall 26 of a plurality, preferably two integrally formed angle sections 36 are formed, wherein the angle sections 36 are arranged spaced from each other. The angle sections 36 are connected to each other via support rods 37, which extend from side wall 24 to side wall 25. Preferably, three support rods 37 are provided.

The circulation cassettes 15 and more precisely the support frames 28 have on the side walls 24, 25 respectively outwardly facing holding means 30. These holding means 30 are each assigned a guide means 38 with a guide center axis M. The guide means 38 are in the illustrated embodiment simple grooves having a funnel-shaped inlet portion 46 which opens into a limited by parallel side walls guide portion 47. The guide center axis M is located centrally to the guide region 47, ie in each case centrally between the two inner edges of the side walls 24, 25 (see, for example FIG. 18 ). With circulating cassettes 15 designed and arranged for use in arrangements 10 with a tray unloader, the position of the insert 35 is selected to the guide center axis M such that the article length center of the rod-shaped articles is independent of the article length within the carton tray independent Carton tray format is offset by a defined amount from the guide center axis M to the open side of the insert 35, preferably by an amount of 15mm. Of course, other reproducible positioning of the insert 35 with respect to the Guiding center axis M possible, for example, an orientation of the insert 35 such that the article length center is above or on the guide center axis M. With circulating cassettes 15 designed and arranged for use in arrangements 10 with a tray filler, the position of the insert 35 is so selected to the guide center axis M that the front edges facing the open side of the carton tray and insert 35 rod-shaped article regardless of the article length within the Kartonschragens regardless of the carton tray format by a defined amount of the guide center axis M to the open side of the insert 35 are offset out. Thus, either the article length center or the leading edge of the rod-shaped article are always independent of the format in an identical position to the circulating cassette 15 handling arrangement 10th

In the region of the rear wall 34 of the insert 35 are on the rear side, which faces the support frame 28, means 39 for fixing a unfolded cover 44 of the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like arranged. Preferably, the means 39 are attached to the rear wall 26 of the support frame 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the means 39 for fixing a lid 44 comprises two resilient folding elements 40, 41. The folding elements 40, 41 are fixed on the one hand via a holding element 42 fixed to a support rod 37 of the rear wall 26 and on the other hand pivotally mounted on the support member 42. The pivot axis S of the folding elements 40, 41 runs perpendicular to the rear wall 26 and also to the rear wall 34 and allows the folding elements 40, 41 a lateral pivoting movement in the direction of the side walls 24, 25 and back. The folding elements 40, 41 are stretched over a spring or the like, such that the folding elements 40, 41 basically in their upright, vertical position (see, for example, the FIGS. 6 . 8th . 13 . 15 ), in which the lid 44 is held, stand. Only during the folding of the lid 44 in the open position, the folding elements 40, 41 are deflected by the cover 44 itself. In order to simplify the avoidance of the folding elements 40, 41, the folding elements 40, 41 at their free ends beveled, preferably in cross-section triangular guide elements 43 on.

The means 29 for fixing the transport container 11 in the receiving space 27 or in the insert 35 may be simple clamping elements, for example in the form of spring plates. There is also the possibility that sliding elements or the like fix or release the transport container. Also other common means, e.g. Pneumatic punches or the like can be used. In further embodiments, not shown, e.g. Also aids for opening and / or closing the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, so be provided for folding / folding back the lid 44 within the circulation cassette 15. These aids are preferably associated with the circulation cassette 15, but may also be attached to the arrangement 10 itself.

The inserts 35 are preferably made of a metal, and more preferably of aluminum. The inserts can also be made of a dimensionally stable plastic. The walls 22 to 26 forming the receiving space 27 or the support frame 28 of the circulation cassette 15, in particular the side walls 24, 25, are also preferably at least partially made of metal and more preferably of aluminum. The bottom wall 23 and the rear wall 26 and the bottom wall 23 and the rear wall 26 forming angle portions 36 are preferably made of plastic.

The method principle according to the invention for successively changing the fill level of empty or filled with rod-shaped articles transport containers 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like comprises the steps of feeding transport containers 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like the first transport device 13 for supplying the transport container 11 to the device 12 for changing the level, changing the level of the transport container by emptying or filling the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like and the removal of the transport container 11 made of cardboard, cardboard or the like the second transport device 14 for transporting the transport container 11 from the device 12 for changing the level. The assembly 10 is irrespective of whether it has a tray filler or a tray emptier 12 as a level change device Carton tray format set. This means that a set of circulating cassettes 15 is set on the inside to or for a specific carton tray format, whereby the circulating cassettes 15 are adapted to the arrangement 10 once on the outside. This set of circulating cassettes 15 now continuously circulates during operation and job for the one carton tray format without leaving the assembly 10. The change of the carton trays takes place in the area of a transfer station by an operating position or automatically with suitable handling devices by inserting the carton trays into the circulating cassettes 15 located on the arrangement 10 or being removed therefrom.

In a format change, so a change to another carton tray format, there are several ways of switching the assembly 10 to the new carton tray format. The first set of circulating cassettes 15 may be exchanged for a second set of circulating cassettes 15 which has already been adapted outside the assembly 10 to the new carton tray format - either by replacement of the inserts 35 or by adjustment of the inserts 35 relative to the support frame 28. After the replacement of the sets of circulation cassettes 15, the operation can be immediately commenced, since the circulation cassettes 15 are unchanged externally and with respect to the positioning within the arrangement 10. The set of circulation cassettes 15 for the first carton tray format can also remain in the arrangement 10, so that the inside adjustment of the circulation cassettes 15 to the new carton tray format within the assembly 10, again without external adaptation of the circulation cassettes 15 to the assembly 10, takes place.

In the arrangement 10 with a Schrägenfüller an empty Kartonschragen is inserted at an ergonomically optimal position in the circulation cassette 15. The column 45 of the lifting / rotating device 21 rotates about the axis D by 180 ° and sets the circulation cassette 15 on the transport device 13 for feeding the transport container 11. After filling of the present in the circulation cassette 15 Kartonschragens with rod-shaped articles, the circulation cassette 15th placed on the transport device 14 for transporting away the transport container 11 and transported in the direction of the lifting / rotating device 21. The lifting element 22 takes over the circulation cassette 15 with the filled transport container 11 by turning the column 45 by 180 ° the circulation cassette 15 is rotated with the filled transport container 11 in the position in which the filled transport container 11 removed and an empty transport container 11 is inserted into the circulation cassette 15 without the circulation cassette 15 is removed from the assembly 10. Then the cycle starts again.

In the case 10 with a tray unloader, a full carton tray is placed in an ergonomic position in a circulation cassette 15. By means of the lifting device 17, the circulation cassette 15 is placed with the filled transport container 11 on the transport device 13 for feeding the transport container 11 and transported in the direction of the Schragenentleerers. After emptying of the cardboard tray located in the circulation cassette 15, the circulation cassette 15 is set down with the empty cardboard tray on the transport direction 14 for transporting away the transport containers 11 and transported in the direction of the lifting device 17. The lifting device 17 takes over the circulation cassette 15 and lifts it into an ergonomically optimal position at which the empty cardboard tray is removed from the circulation cassette 15 and a full cardboard tray is inserted into the circulation cassette 15. Then, the circulation cassette 15 is further transported upward until the circulation cassette 15 is in front of the transporting means 13 for feeding the transport containers 11. By the transfer means 18, the circulation cassette 15 is pulled onto the transport means 13 for feeding the transport containers 11, for example by the telescopic conveyor 19 moves its transport member 20 under the circulation cassette 15 and hooks the circulation cassette 15 by drivers or the like or otherwise fixed. By retracting the telescopic conveyor 19, the circulation cassette 15 is transferred to the transport device 13 for feeding the transport container 11. Then the cycle starts again.

Claims (15)

Arrangement (10) adapted and adapted to handle transport containers (11) for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a device (12) for changing the level of empty containers or transport containers (11) filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry first transport device (13) for feeding the transport containers (11) to the device (12) for changing the filling level, and a second transport device (14) for removing the transport containers (11) from the device (12) for changing the filling level, wherein the transport devices (13, 14) are arranged one above the other or among each other, characterized in that the arrangement (10) comprises a plurality of machine-bound circulation cassettes (15) for receiving and transporting transport containers (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, and that the first and second transport means (13, 14) for feeding and removal n the transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like on the device (12) facing away from the filling level side via a converting means (16) for the circulation cassettes (15) communicate with each other, such that the circulation cassettes (15) during operation of the assembly (10) in a closed circuit within the assembly (10) circumferentially for receiving and transporting the transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like are conveyed, wherein the converting means (16) directly in or on the Transport path of the circulation cassettes (15) is located. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the conversion device (16) comprises a lifting device (17). Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the transfer region between the transfer device (16) and the first and / or the second transport means (13, 14) at least one transfer means (18) for the automatic transfer of the circulation cassettes (15) of the Transfer device (16) to a transport device (13, 14) and vice versa is arranged. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the or each transfer means (18) is part of the first and / or the second transport means (13, 14). Arrangement according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the or each transfer means (18) as a telescopic conveyor (19) or pivoting conveyor on the first and / or the second transport means (13, 14) is arranged. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the conversion device (16) is designed as a lifting / rotating device. Arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the device (12) for varying the level comprises a station for emptying transport containers (11) and a transfer device, wherein the transfer device comprises a cassette which is vertically on and is movable and pivotable and designed to hold at least one circulation cassette (15) during the entire level change process and is set up. A circulation cassette (15), in particular for use in an assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, adapted and arranged for receiving and holding a transport container (11) for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry from cardboard, cardboard or the like during handling comprising a bottom wall (23), at least one side wall (24, 25) and a rear wall (26) for forming a supporting frame (28) defining a front wall free receiving space (27), means (29) for fixing the cardboard transport container (11) , Carton or the like in the receiving space (27) and in the region of the or each side wall (24, 25) arranged outside retaining means (30) for handling the circulation cassette (15), characterized in that in the Receiving space (27) is also a bottom wall (31), at least one side wall (32, 33) and a rear wall (34) having insert (35) is arranged, wherein the insert (35) on the inside to the geometry and dimensions of each to be accommodated Transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like is adjusted. Circulating cassette according to claim 8, characterized in that the circulation cassette (15) is independent of the geometry and the dimensions of the inside of the receiving space (27) arranged insert (35) outside with respect to their geometry and their dimensions constant. Circulating cassette according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the insert (35) releasably secured within the receiving space (27) and formed on the inside smooth surface. Circulating cassette according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the insert (35) itself forms a solid and rigid body, wherein the body within the receiving space (27) relative to the support frame (28) forming walls (23 to 26) is adjustable. Circulating cassette according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the outside of the two side walls (24, 25) of the support frame (28) arranged holding means (30) each have a guide means (38) with a guide center axis M. Circulating cassette according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that in the region of the rear wall (34) of the insert (35) on the rear side means (39) for fixing a unfolded lid (44) of the transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or are arranged. Arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 with at least one circulation cassette (15) according to one of claims 8 to 13. Method for successively changing the filling level of empty containers or transport containers (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like filled with rod-shaped articles, in particular with an arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 and 14, comprising the steps - feeding transport containers (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like on a first transport device (13) for feeding the transport containers (11) to a device (12) for changing the filling level, - Changing the level by emptying or filling the transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like, and Removal of the transport container (11) from cardboard, cardboard or the like on a second transport device (14) for transporting away the transport container (11) from the device (12) for changing the filling level,
characterized by the steps of circulating within the assembly (10) a plurality of machine-bound circulating cassettes (15) in a closed circuit, while either empty transport containers (11) of cardboard, cardboard or the like are inserted directly into the machine-bound circulating cassettes (15) and the full transport containers (11) are removed from cardboard, cardboard or the like from the circulation cassettes (15) or full transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like inserted into the machine-bound circulation cassettes (15) and the empty transport container (11) made of cardboard, cardboard or the like are removed from the circulation cassettes (15), and that the circulation cassettes (15) by means of a transfer device (16) automatically from the second transport device (14) for transporting the transport container (11) to the first transport device (13) for feeding the transport container (11 ) be transported.

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