EP2759216A1 - Chute unloading device and method for automatically unloading chutes filled with rod-like articles into a production machine for the tobacco processing industry and a production assembly with a production machine and at least two chute unloading devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (10) has a feeding device (13) for feeding filled articles and an upwardly open full tray (11A) in transport direction (TAB). A transport unit (16) for transporting empty trays (11B) in transport direction, is arranged above feeding device. A transfer device (17) has a pivot mechanism (18) whose pivot motion is limited to 180[deg] about fixed pivot axis, a pivoting swivel cassette (19) for fixing, panning and releasing full tray independently from the pivot mechanism and an acting lift device (20) for fixing, linear processing and sharing empty trays. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a production arrangement; and (2) a method for automatic emptying of containers with articles-filled trays in multi-segment filter manufacturing machine.

Description

The invention relates to a Schrägenentleereinrichtung for automatically emptying filled with rod-shaped articles Schragen in a production machine of the tobacco industry, comprising a feeding device for feeding filled with articles, open at the top full rack in the transport direction T _ZU , an emptying station with an emptying position for emptying overhead the Vollschragen, arranged above the feeder Abtransporteinrichtung for removing the emptied empty trays in the transport direction T _AB , and a transfer device for transporting the trays within the Schragenentleereinrichtung during a discharge cycle.

The invention further relates to a production arrangement comprising at least one production machine of the tobacco-processing industry, namely a multi-segment filter production machine with a plurality of processing modules comprising conveyor drums, a transfer module and at least one strand-forming module for producing multi-segment filters, and at least two tray discharge devices.

The invention further relates to a method for the automatic emptying of bars filled with rod-shaped articles into a multi-segment filter production machine, comprising the steps of: feeding article-filled, upwardly open solid trays in the transport _direction T _ZU by means of a feed device, transporting the full trays from the feed device into one Emptying position of a Emptying station by means of a transfer device, so that the full trays are head over in the emptying, over head Emptying the full trays, transporting the empty trays by means of the transfer device from the emptying position on a Abtransporteinrichtung, and transporting the empty trays in the transport direction STAB by Abtransporteinrichtung.

Such Schrageentleereinrichtungen are used in the tobacco processing industry to re-introduce rod-shaped articles that are stored for different reasons in containers, the so-called Schragen, in the production process. For this purpose, the tray emptying devices are combined with production machines to form a production arrangement for carrying out corresponding production methods, which include the cigarette production, the filter production and also the packaging thereof. Tobacco sticks, cigarettes, filter rods and in particular filter rod segments should be mentioned by way of example as rod-shaped articles. The latter are used to produce formed from at least two filter rod segments Multisegmentfilterstäben, which are also called multisegment or multiple filters. The individual filter rod segments may be e.g. made of different materials. Two or more such filter bar segments are wrapped in a multi-segment filter manufacturing machine after grouping the filter bar segments in a string process with a wrapping material to form an endless multisegment filter strand. From the endless strand of multi-segment filter rods of single or multiple use length are separated to be further processed for cigarette production. From the above, it is clear from the example of multi-segment filter production that the production machine, in this case the multi-segment filter production machine, must be supplied with the corresponding articles, for example with the respective filter rod segments.

The known Schragenentleereinrichtungen of the type mentioned have transfer devices for handling or handling of the trays, which are designed as a pivoting mechanism. With the known pivot mechanism all Schragen, so the full trays and the Leerschragen, handled during the Entleerzyklus. An emptying cycle involves removing the full trays from the feeder, emptying the full trays overhead Emptying station and the emptying of the empty trays to the removal device. Due to the fact that both the full trays and the empty trays are handled by means of the transfer device, along different axes of movement, the transfer device must first finish a handling operation, for example, with the full trays, before a further handling operation, for example with the empty trays, can be carried out. Due to the waiting times, this leads to an extension of the cycle time. Incidentally, the known transfer devices are structurally complex, since they have several axes of motion for handling the Schragen due to the multiple functionality. To protect the articles from falling out during transport from the feeder to the emptying position, it is still necessary in the prior art to cover the full trays at the open top. It is known to close the full trays before pivoting by manually plugging a lid or by manually inserting a pull sword. In other words, the lid must be put on a full rack or push the pullsword into the closed position, so that the items located in the full rack do not fall out of the tray during handling. Before or for emptying the full trays, the lid must be removed again so that the articles can fall out of the full tray. This solution is therefore very laborious and time-consuming and especially from the handling, in particular the lid cumbersome and disadvantageous.

In combination of the tray emptying devices with a production machine for forming a production arrangement, there is also a large space requirement since the prior art tray emptying devices are arranged in front, behind and / or next to the production machine, so that the so-called "footprint" of the production arrangement increases. In other words, in known production arrangements, the tray emptying devices lie in one plane with the or each production machine, so that the supply of the production machine takes place from the front or from behind and from above. As a result, the articles are first directed downwards, subsequently conveyed laterally, then conveyed upwards and finally passed down into the production machine or into a multi-segment filter production machine, which increases the load on the articles.

The invention has for its object to increase the degree of automation in the production of the tobacco-processing industry cost-effective and space-saving.

This object is achieved by a Schragenentleerstation with the features mentioned above in that the transfer device has a pivot mechanism whose pivotal movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis swivel cassette, which is designed and fixed for fixing, pivoting and releasing the full trays , as well as a independently acting of the pivoting mechanism lifting device, which is designed and arranged for fixing, linear method and releasing the empty trays. By the execution of the invention, a division of the functions is achieved by the pivot mechanism handles the full trays and the lifting device the empty trays. By separating the functions, temporal nesting / superimposition of the activities to be performed can be achieved. In other words, individual handling steps can be carried out at the same time, so that the cycle time for an emptying cycle can be reduced to a minimum. Incidentally, such a solution is structurally simplified because each functional part, so the pivoting device on the one hand and the lift device on the other hand, only a single separate task, namely on the one handling the Vollschragen and on the other hand, the handling of Leerschragen assigned.

Preferably, the pivoting cassette is associated with a closing element which is pivotable about the pivot axis with the pivoting cassette in order to close or close the upwardly open full tray during removal from a pick-up position on the feed device and during pivoting in the emptying position the emptying position relative to the swivel cassette is linearly movable in or counter to the transport direction T _ZU of the feed device for opening the full trays and back. This ensures the falling out of the articles from the full rack during its handling in an effective and cheap way. On the manual insertion and removal of a lid or on the manual pulling the Zugschwertes transverse to the transport direction T _ZU can be dispensed with, since the closing element is inevitably mitgeschwenkt with the swivel cassette and thus automatically made available. Through the linear opening and Closing the closure member in or opposite to the transport direction T _to the feeder means, the operation can be carried out to save space. This ensures that a plurality of tray emptying devices can be arranged side by side at the same height, without interfering with each other with respect to the closing element actuation. In combination with a plurality of tray emptying devices with a production machine for forming a production arrangement, a space-saving and variable assembly of the production arrangement can thus be achieved, as will be described below.

An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the lifting device is designed and set up for the pivot-free transport of the downwardly open empty trays from the lower emptying position vertically upwards into an upper return position on the unloading device. Characterized in that the lift is designed and set up exclusively for vertical transport of the empty trays, the empty trays in their necessary for emptying alignment (Schragen down open) are picked up from the emptying position and discontinued (Schragen down open) at the return position on the Abtransporteinrichtung. This allows a simple and space-saving transport of the empty trays to achieve a compact design of Schragenentleereinrichtung possible.

Advantageously, the removal device is designed to be telescopic in and counter to the transport direction T _{AB of} the removal device to and from the lifting device such that the removal device can at least partially dip into the lifting device. In other words, the removal device or a portion of the same with respect to its or its position is variable, such that the portion telescopically extendable from a waiting position for extending the Abtransporteinrichtung in the direction of the lift assembly in a return position for settling the empty trays from the lifting device to the Abtransporteinrichtung and retractable. This embodiment of the invention allows a simple and secure take over the empty trays of the lift device and a space-saving removal of empty trays. With the immersion of Abtransporteinrichtung in the lift the retraction of the movable section in the lifting device or between two support and / or Guide body of the lifting device described so that the removal device or the section is placed directly below the empty trays.

A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the feed device has the pick-up position and a buffer area, the feed device being assigned detection means and a control device by means of which the occupancy of the pick-up position can be controlled and a supply from the buffer area can be ensured. By separating pick-up position and buffer area on the one hand and pick-up position and emptying position on the other hand, another Vollschragen can already be brought into the pick-up position during an emptying cycle, whereby the cycle time is further reduced, since the waiting time for providing a new Vollschragen deleted in the pickup position. In other words, the feeding device can perform its "work" independently of the emptying station, namely occupy the picking position and fill the buffer area. So that the pick-up position is always occupied by a full rack to avoid idling or waiting times for the pivot mechanism, the embodiment of the invention with detection means and control device is provided, which checked using the detection means occupancy and introduced by the control device, the supply and carried out.

The previously described tray emptying devices are optionally further developed in that the emptying position in the emptying station lies in a lower level than the picking up position on the feeding device in a transporting and repositioning plane. This achieves an even more compact design of the tray emptying device.

The object is also achieved by a production arrangement of the type mentioned above in that the Schragenentleereinrichtungen are formed according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Schragenentleereinrichtungen at least partially above the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine, namely above the processing modules are arranged. The resulting advantages have already been explained in connection with the Schragenentleerstation, which is why reference is made to avoid repetition on the corresponding passages. The The compact design of the tray emptying device makes it possible for these to be arranged completely or partially above the multi-segment filter production machine or the processing modules. As a result, on the one hand, the space requirement of the production arrangement is determined only by the multi-segment filter production machine. In other words, the "footprint" of the production arrangement is reduced. On the other hand, the articles can be conveyed by the inventive design and arrangement of the Schragenentleereinrichtung from top to bottom of the full trays without deflection and directly into the Multisegmentfilterherstellungsmaschine, so that a compact and gentle on the article supply of Multisegmentfilterherstellungsmaschinen is ensured with the rod-shaped articles.

Preferably, a plurality of tray emptying devices are each arranged completely directly and in alignment above the processing modules of the multi-segment filter production machine, and that the lifting device of the tray emptying device each lie substantially in a common vertical plane with the conveyor drums of the associated processing module. In this production arrangement, the effect described above amplified even further. Multiple tray emptying devices may be disposed immediately adjacent to each other above the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the vertical stroke H _{L of} the lift device within the tray discharge means substantially corresponds to the inside width B _{i of} the respective swing cassette. Thus, a reduced overall height of the production arrangement is achieved in order to make this compact and user-friendly.

Appropriately, each tray emptying device is designed as a removable module and has a module width M _B , which corresponds to at least the inside width B _{i of} the respective swivel cassette, and that the module width M _B each Schragenentleereinrichtung is equal to the module width M _{S of} the associated processing module. By this embodiment, a compact construction of the production arrangement is also achieved. In addition, through the modular Construction with the minimum width of the modules ensures a flexible arrangement of Schrageentleereinrichtungen above the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine or more precisely the processing modules. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the exchange modules are of identical construction, so that the position of the exchange modules relative to the multi-segment filter production machine can be easily changed. The module widths M _{S of} adjacent processing modules can also differ from one another. Accordingly, the module widths M _{B of} adjacent tray emptying devices may differ from one another.

The production arrangement is optionally further developed according to the invention by providing on a side facing away from the operating side of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine, namely on the feed side of the Schrageentleereinrichtungen, an operating position increasing pedestal and on the opposite side of the loading side arranged tray car for providing and / or storage of full trays and Leerschragen includes. This embodiment of the invention simplifies the operation of the production arrangement and the supply of the same with full trays and the disposal of empty trays. Furthermore, the carts protect the operators handling the platform and the multi-segment filter production machine.

Preferably, the production arrangement on a side facing away from the operating side of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine, namely on the feed side of the Schragenentleereinrichtung, a second lift means, wherein the length of the vertical stroke H _{2 of} the lifting device substantially equal to twice the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette. By this embodiment, a compact construction of the production arrangement is also achieved.

The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above in that the full trays by means of a pivoting mechanism whose pivotal movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis swivel cassette in a pickup position on the feeder fixed, pivoted about the pivot axis in the emptying position and released in the emptying position, while the empty trays are fixed by means of a lift device regardless of the pivot mechanism in the emptying position, moved to the complete emptying in the vertical direction linearly upwards in a return position and in the return position again be released. As a result, several work steps can be carried out at least partially simultaneously, whereby the changeover time is shortened.

Preferably, the multi-segment filter making machine is simultaneously fed with rod-shaped articles from a plurality of tray emptying devices according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rod-shaped articles flow from the trays from top to bottom into the multi-segment filter making machine or their processing modules, and during the upward transport of the empty trays from the emptying position into the return position already full trays are pivoted from the pick-up position to the emptying position.

Advantageously, the empty trays are transported overhead, namely with the open narrow side down, from the emptying position to the return position and placed in the return position without pivoting on the Abtransporteinrichtung.

The advantages resulting from the individual method steps according to the invention have also been described in connection with the tray emptying device and the production arrangement, so reference is made to avoid repetition to the corresponding passages.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schragenentleereinrichtung mit in Entleerposition befindlicher Abtransporteinrichtung in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

die Schragenentleereinrichtung gemäß Figur 1 mit in Rückgabeposition befindlicher Abtransporteinrichtung,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Schragenentleereinrichtung in Rückansicht,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung eines Schwenkmechanismus mit einer zur Abholung eines Vollschragen freigegebenen Schwenkkassette in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 5

den Schwenkmechanismus gemäß Figur 4 mit einem aufgenommenen und fixierten Schragen,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung der Übergabeeinrichtung mit dem Schwenkmechanismus und dem in der Schwenkkassette fixierten Schragen in der Entleerposition sowie der Lifteinrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung eine Produktionsanordnung mit einer Produktionsmaschine und vier Schragenentleereinrichtungen in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg vorne,

Fig. 8

die Produktionsanordnung gemäß Figur 7 in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg hinten,

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Produktionsanordnung von schräg hinten mit einem Beschickungslift, und

Fig. 10

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Produktionsanordnung von schräg vorne mit einem Podestgang und Schragenwagen.

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

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a Schrageentleereinrichtung with befindlicher in emptying Abtransporteinrichtung in side view,

Fig. 2

the tray emptying device according to FIG. 1 with removal means located in the return position,

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a Schrageentleereinrichtung in rear view,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of a pivoting mechanism with a released for picking up a full tilt swivel cassette in a perspective view,

Fig. 5

according to the pivot mechanism FIG. 4 with a recorded and fixed Schragen,

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of the transfer device with the pivoting mechanism and the fixed in the swivel cassette Schragen in the emptying position and the lifting device in perspective view,

Fig. 7

a schematic representation of a production arrangement with a production machine and four Schragenentleereinrichtungen in a perspective view obliquely from the front,

Fig. 8

the production arrangement according to FIG. 7 in perspective view obliquely from behind,

Fig. 9

a schematic representation of another production arrangement obliquely from behind with a feed lift, and

Fig. 10

a schematic representation of another production arrangement obliquely from the front with a Podestgang and Schragenwagen.

The invention will be described with reference to the drawing for tray emptying devices which supply a multi-segment filter-making machine with rod-shaped articles, namely the filter (rod) segments. Of course, that includes Invention also Schrageentleereinrichtungen that for emptying other rod-shaped articles, such as filter rods, cigarettes or the like, to other production machines, such as filter attachment machines, cigarette manufacturing machines or the like, are designed and set up and form the corresponding production arrangements with the production machines.

The in the FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrated tray emptying device 10 is designed and set up for automatic emptying of rod-shaped articles 11 in a production machine 12 tobacco processing industry and comprises a feeding device 13 for feeding filled with articles, open at the top full rack 11A in the transport _direction T _ZU , a discharge station 14th with an emptying position 15 for emptying the full trays 11A, an above the feeder 13 arranged Abtransporteinrichtung 16 for removing the emptied empty trays 11B in the transport direction T _AB , and a transfer device 17 for transporting the trays 11 within the Schragenentleereinrichtung 10 during a discharge cycle.

As Schragen 11 are simple (one-chamber) Schragen as well as (multi-chamber) Schachtschragen used. By means of the transfer device 17, the full trays 11A of the feeder 13 in the emptying station 14 and the empty trays 11B after emptying from the emptying station 14 to the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 are transportable. Such a picking up, emptying and dispensing operation of the tray 11 is referred to as emptying cycle.

This tray emptying device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the transfer device 17 has a pivoting mechanism 18 whose pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S swivel cassette 19, which is designed and fixed for fixing, pivoting and releasing the full trays 11A , and a lifting device 20 acting independently of the pivoting mechanism 18, which is designed and arranged for fixing, linearly operating and releasing the empty trays 11B. In other words, the transfer device 17 comprises two separate functional units acting independently of each other. Acting independently means in this Connection that the functional units are on the one hand structurally separated and on the other hand perform functionally different task, both functional units are each designed and set up to exercise only a single direction of movement. The pivoting mechanism 18 transports the full trays 11A about the pivot axis S. The lifting device 20 transports the empty trays 11B in a linear direction from bottom to top, wherein the transport of the full trays 11A and the empty trays 11B is matched collision-free.

The features and further developments described below are considered individually or in combination with one another preferred embodiments of the invention. It is expressly understood that features that are summarized in the claims and / or the description or described in a common embodiment, also functional independently can further develop the Schrägenentleerstation described above or the production arrangement described below.

Optionally, the swivel cassette 19 is associated with a closing element 21 which is pivotable about the pivot axis S with the swivel cassette 19 in order to close the upwardly open full tray 11A during picking up from a picking position 31 on the feeding device 13 and during the swiveling into the emptying position 15 to keep it closed and to secure the articles from falling out. The swivel cassette 19 itself may be constituted, for example, by holding and / or guiding means 22, 23 forming / representing a rear wall, a retaining and / or guiding element 24 forming / constituting a rear wall, and retaining and / or guiding elements 25, 26 forming / representing a rear wall. All wall elements may be formed as struts, bearing surfaces forming wall sections or the like. In the embodiment shown, the bottom wall or the bottom wall forming / representing or replacing holding and / or guide elements 25, 26 are formed as pivoting flaps. These pivoting flaps are made of a waiting position capable of receiving a full tray 11A (see, for example, FIGS FIG. 4 ) in a closing or fixing position for the full tray 11A (see, eg FIG. 5 ) movable. As actuating means for the pivoting flaps, for example pneumatic cylinder 27, 28 be used. The closing element 21 forms, in the event that the solid trays 11A are fixed in the swivel cassette 19, virtually the lid for the solid trays 11A.

The closing element 21 is in particular in the emptying position 15 relative to the swivel cassette 19 linear (direction of movement T _S ) in or against the transport direction T _ZU of the feed device 13 for opening the full trays 11A and back. The closing element 21, for example a simple pull tab, is linearly movable by means of suitable actuating means 29, eg pneumatic cylinder or stepper motor. The actuating means 29 is arranged in an embodiment of the swing cassette 19 separately in the emptying station 14 at the emptying position 15, so does not swing with. Alternatively, the actuating means 29, as exemplified in the FIGS. 4 to 6 also be arranged on the pivoting mechanism 18. In the FIG. 6 For example, a solid tray 11A is shown in the head up position at the unloader position 15 with the shutter 21 open.

Preferably, the lifting device 20 is designed for pivotal transport of the downwardly open Leerschragen 11 B from the lower emptying position 15 vertically upwards in an upper return position 30 on the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 and is set up. In the embodiment shown, the lifting device 20 has two vertical supporting bodies 32, 33 arranged at a distance from each other, on which a lift cassette 34 can be moved vertically from the bottom to the top and vice versa by means of suitable drive means. The lift cassette 34 is designed and arranged for fixing and releasing the empty trays 11 B. For vertical, pivot-free transport of the empty trays 11 B from the lower emptying position 15 in the upper return position 30, the empty trays 11 B are detachably connected to the lift cassette 34, for example by clamping, hooking, clamps or the like.

The return position 30 at which the empty trays 11B are delivered to the removal device 16 is preferably in the same plane as the removal device 16. In other words, the return position 30 lies in the transport plane T of the removal device 16. This extends, for example, until shortly before Lifting device 20. In other words, between the lifting device 20 and the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 is formed a distance to collisions when vertical transport of the empty trays 11B to avoid. The empty trays 11B can be actively transported, for example with driven guiding, swiveling or other actuating elements, out of the lift cassette 34 onto the removal device 16.

Preferably, however, the removal device 16 picks up the empty trays 11B. For this purpose, the removal device 16 is telescopically formed in and against the transport direction T _{AB of} the removal device 16 to the lifting device 20 and movable away from it, such that the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 at least partially immersed in the lifting device 20. As mentioned, the lifting device 20 in the illustrated embodiment, the two columnar and spaced apart support body 32, 33 on. In the intermediate space of the support body 32, 33 dives a movable portion 35 of the Abtransporteinrichtung 16, which is extendable in a linear orientation and retractable. In the retracted waiting position of the section 35 (see FIG. 1 ), the vertical transport path for the empty trays 11 B is free. In the extended position (see FIG. 2 ) is the portion 35 between the support bodies 32, 33, so that the portion 35 is below the emptied Leerschragen 11B. The portion 35 thus forms the return position 30 in the latter position. When the empty tray 11B is set down on the portion 35, it is retracted to the waiting position.

Both the feed device 13 and the removal device 16 have driven conveying elements 36, 37, for example belt conveyors or the like, by means of which an active transport in the respective transport _direction T _ZU or T _{AB is} ensured. The feed device 13 preferably has the pick-up position 31 and a buffer area 38. In the pick-up position 31, the provision of a pick-up full tray 11A is provided. In the buffer area 38, a plurality of solid trays 11A are preferably provided. The feed device 13 are associated with detection means and a control device by means of which the occupancy of the pick-up position 31 can be controlled and a supply from the buffer area 38 can be ensured. The supply can be executed in a time-optimized and / or path-optimized manner by means of the control device.

In the illustrated embodiment (eg the FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is the emptying position 15 in the emptying station 14 in a lower plane than the pickup position 31 on the feeder 13 in a transport and Abholebene. In other embodiments, the emptying position 15 and the pick-up position 31 may also lie in the same plane. The emptying position 15 can also be higher than the picking position 31. In all cases, the emptying position 15 and the pick-up position 31 as well as the return position 30 are separated from each other. In other words, three locally different working positions (picking up the full trays 11A at the picking position 31, emptying the full trays 11A in the discharging position 15, returning the empty trays 11B at the return position 30) are formed.

The previously described tray emptying devices 10 can be designed as a stand-alone component in order to feed rod-shaped articles from solid trays 11A back into the production process. However, the tray emptying devices 10 are preferably assigned directly to a production machine 12 in order to feed the rod-shaped articles into the production process. The described tray emptying devices 10 may be assigned to all production machines 12 of the tobacco-processing industry in order to form a production arrangement 39.

Such production arrangements 39 comprise at least one production machine 12, in the example according to the invention, a multi-segment filter production machine 40 for producing multi-segment filters, and at least two tray discharge devices 10 of the previously described type for supplying the multi-segment filter production machine 40 with the required filter (bar) segments. The multi-segment filter production machine 40 comprises a plurality of processing modules 46, each having a plurality of conveyor drums, a transfer module 47 and at least one strand-forming module. According to the invention, the tray emptying devices 10 are located at least partially above the multi-segment filter production machine 40, namely above the processing modules 46. Preferably, a plurality of tray emptying devices 10 are each completely directly aligned with the processing modules 46 of the multi-segment filter production machine 40 (see FIG FIGS. 7 to 10 ). The lift device 20 of the Tray emptying device 10 is in each case substantially in a common vertical plane with the conveyor drums of the associated processing module 46. In other words, the lifting device 20 is located centrally above the conveyor drums.

In the production arrangement 39 according to the FIGS. 7 and 8th For example, three tray emptying devices 10 are arranged in the same plane side by side, each above a processing module 46 of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40. A fourth tray emptying device 10 is arranged in a lower level than the other three tray emptying devices 10 but also above a processing module 46 of the multi-segment filter production machine 40.

All tray emptying devices 10 are preferably designed as a module, wherein each module has a module width M _B which corresponds at least to the inside width B _{i of} the swivel cassette 19. In other words, the modules are at least as wide as the tray 11 to be emptied or the inside dimension B _{i of} the pivoting cassettes 19 for receiving the tray 11, but preferably slightly larger. Particularly preferred is a size ratio of 1.25 to 1.5. This means that the module width M _B is 1.25 times to 1.5 times the dimension B _i . If, for example, the outer width B _{a of} the casings 11 to be emptied is approximately 720 mm, then the inner dimension of the pivoting cassette 19 is also matched to a width B _i = 720 mm. The module width M _B in this example case is then preferably about 900 to 1080 mm. As a result of this design, the individual modules can be positioned simply and precisely next to one another, preferably lying side by side, above the multi-segment filter production machine 40. Optionally, the modules are designed identically with respect to their outer dimensions in order to be able to carry out an exchange or position change within the production arrangement 39. The modules are aligned with their module width M _B parallel to the strand conveying direction of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40.

The inside width B _{i of} the swivel cassette 19 has a dependence on the length of the stroke H _{L of} the lifting device 20. The length of the stroke H _{L of} the lifting device 20 within the tray emptying devices 10 preferably corresponds substantially to the inside width B _{i of} the respective Swivel cassette 19. With this design, a compact and height-optimized dimensioning of Schragenentleereinrichtungen 10 is achieved. In the aforementioned example, a width of the pivoting cassette 19 of B _i = 720mm results in a stroke of length H _L = 720mm. Preferably, the stroke H _L corresponds to 1.1 times B _i . The module width M _{B of} each tray emptying device 10 is preferably also equal to the module width M _{S of} the processing modules 46. This is preferably the case for a tray emptying device 10 with a processing module 46 arranged underneath. Adjacent Schrageentleereinrichtungen 10 may also have different module widths M _B. Accordingly, the module widths M _{S of} adjacent processing modules 46 may differ from one another. However, all module widths M _{B of} the tray emptying devices 10 of a production assembly 39 and, correspondingly, all module widths M _{S of} the associated processing modules 46 are particularly preferably the same.

In the production arrangement 39 according to the Figures 9 and 10 For example, two tray emptying devices 10 are arranged in the same plane next to each other above the associated processing modules 46 of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40. A third tray emptying device 10 is arranged in a lower level than the other two tray emptying devices 10 but also above the associated processing module 46 of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40. In addition, this operating arrangement 39 optionally comprises on one side of the operating side 45 of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40, namely on the loading side 41 of the tray emptying devices 10, an operating position increasing pedestal passage 42. Optionally, the production assembly 39 comprises on the loading side 41 opposite side of the pedestal passage 42 arranged Schragenwagen 43 for providing and / or stocking of full trays 11a and empty trays 11B, which may be movable. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one second lifting device 44 for lifting and lowering the full trays 11A and the empty trays 11B can be arranged on the feed side 41 of the tray emptying devices 10. The length of the vertical stroke H _{2 of} the lifting device 44 substantially corresponds to twice the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette 19.

The method according to the invention for the automatic emptying of sticks 11 filled with rod-shaped articles into a multi-segment filter production machine 40 will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Each tray emptying device 10 is provided with a plurality of full trays 11A. The full trays 11A are manually or automatically placed on the feeder 13. The full trays 11 A filled with articles stand with their side open at the top on the feed device 13 and are transported by the latter in the transport _direction T _ZU . The multi-segment filter production machine 40 are fed parallel or simultaneously at least over two tray emptying devices 10, preferably different filter (bar) segments. The full trays 11 A are successively transported with their broad side ahead to a pickup position 31 and from there by means of a transfer device 17 in an emptying position 15 of the emptying station 14, so that the full trays 11A are above head in the emptying position 15. In this position, the full trays 11 A are emptied by falling preferably by gravity alone from the full tray 11 A in the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40. When the tray 11 is completely emptied, the original full rack 11A is thus an empty rack 11B, the empty rack 11B are transported by means of the transfer device 17 from the emptying position 15 to a removal device 16 and transported away in the transport direction T _AB .

According to the invention, the full trays 11 A are fixed by means of a pivoting mechanism 18, the pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with a pivotable about a fixed pivot axis S pivoting cassette 19 in the pickup position 31 on the feeder 13, pivoted about the pivot axis S in the emptying position 15 and in the emptying position 15 are released again, while the empty trays 11B fixed by means of a lift device 20 regardless of the pivot mechanism 18 in the emptying position 15, moved to the complete emptying in the vertical direction linearly upward in a return position 30 and released in the return position 30 again.

These two handling operations are carried out at least partially at the same time, so that a shortening of the changeover time is achieved by the time-nested handling of the full trays 11 A and the empty trays 11 B. In other words can during the upward transport of the empty trays 11 B in the direction of Abtransporteinrichtung 16 already full trays 11 A are brought into the emptying position 15 and vice versa. All the trays 11, that is to say the full trays 11A and the empty trays 11B, are only exposed to a single direction of movement during their transport. The full trays 11A are pivoted exclusively about the pivot axis S. The empty trays 11B are moved only linearly in the vertical direction from bottom to top. As a result, the empty trays 11B are set down without pivoting in their downwardly open position on the removal device 16. The full trays 11A are kept closed during pivoting by the closure member 21 and can be held by the transfer means 17 and / or the lift means 20 during unloading.

The settling of the empty trays 11B of the lifting device 20 on the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 can be active. However, a section 35 of the removal device 16 preferably moves toward the lifting device 20 counter to the transport direction T _AB , to such an extent that the section 35 is below the empty trays 11 B moved into the upper position of the lifting device 20. In this position, the empty tray 11B can be set down - quasi passively - on the removal device 16 by the lifting device 20 releasing the empty tray 11B. By moving back the section 35 in the transport direction T _AB and the active drive of conveying elements 37 of the removal device 16, the empty trays 11 B are removed.

Preferably, the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 or its processing modules 46 are simultaneously supplied by a plurality of tray emptying devices 10 of the type described above, the filter (bar) segments from the solid trays 11A exclusively from top to bottom in the processing modules 46 multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 flow. Thus, there is a deflection-free supply of the processing modules 46 of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine 40 with the filter (bar) segments. As mentioned, during the transport of the empty trays 11B from the emptying position 15 into the return position 30, a further full tray 11A can be pivoted from the picking position 31 into the emptying position 15. There is also the possibility that during the Pivoting a full rack 11A from the picking position 31 to the emptying position 15, another full tray 11A is transported from a buffer area 38 on the feeder 13 to the picking position 31. Thus, virtually three different handling operations can be performed in parallel, which shorten the change time and thus the discharge cycle.

The solid trays 11A can be provided in carriage cars 43. The full trays 11A can be removed manually or mechanically from the carriage 43 and placed directly on the feeder 13. Optionally, the full trays 11A can also be transported to the feed device 13 via a lifting device 44. The empty trays 11 B can also be removed manually or by machine from the Abtransporteinrichtung 16 and sold in Schragenwagen 43. The empty trays 11 B can also be first transported by means of the lifting device 44 and then passed on to the Schragenwagen 43.

The method proceeds in a corresponding manner for all other rod-shaped articles, for example filter rods, which are fed to a production machine 12, for example a filter attachment machine.

Claims (15)

A tray emptying device (10) for automatically discharging trays (11) filled with rod-shaped articles into a production machine (12) in the tobacco-processing industry, comprising feeding means (13) for feeding articles filled, open-topped full trays (11A) in transport direction T. _ZU , an emptying station (14) with an emptying position (15) for emptying the Vollschragen (11A), an above the feeder (13) arranged Abtransporteinrichtung (16) for transporting emptied empty trays (11B) in the transport direction T _AB , and a Transfer device (17) for transporting the trays (11A, 11B) within the tray emptying device (10) during a discharge cycle, characterized in that the transfer device (17) comprises a pivoting mechanism (18) whose pivoting movement is limited to 180 °, with one around a fixed pivot axis S pivoting swivel cassette (19) for fixing, panning and F the full trays (11A) are designed and arranged, and a lifting device (20) acting independently of the pivoting mechanism (18) and designed and arranged for fixing, linearly operating and releasing the empty trays (11B). A tray emptying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the swivel cassette (19) is associated with a closing element (21) which is pivotable about the pivot axis S with the swivel cassette (19), around the open full tray (11A) when being picked up from a picking position (31) on the feed device (13) and during the pivoting in the emptying position (15) to close or keep closed, and in the emptying position (15) relative to the pivoting cassette (19) linearly in or against the transport direction T _ZU of Feeding device (13) for opening the full trays (11A) and is movable back. Drawer discharge device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lifting device (20) for pivotally transporting the downwardly open empty trays (11B) from the lower emptying position (15) vertically after is formed and set up in an upper return position (30) on the Abtransporteinrichtung (16). Drawer discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the removal device (16) is telescopically in and against the transport direction T _AB of Abtransporteinrichtung (16) on the lifting device (20) to and from this movable away, such that the Abtransporteinrichtung (16) at least partially in the lift device (20) can dive. Drawer discharge device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the feed device (13) has the pick-up position (31) and a buffer area (38), wherein the feed device (13) detection means and a control device are assigned by means of the occupancy of the pick-up position (31) controllable and a supply from the buffer area (38) can be ensured. Tray emptying device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the emptying position (15) in the emptying station (14) lies in a lower level than the pick-up position (31) on the feed device (13) in a transport and Abholebene. Production arrangement (39) comprising at least one production machine (12) of the tobacco processing industry, namely a multi-segment flter manufacturing machine (40) comprising a plurality of processing modules (46) comprising conveyor drums, a transfer module (47) and at least one strand-forming module for producing multi-segment filters, and at least two tray emptying devices (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tray emptying devices (10) are arranged at least partially above the multi-segment filter production machine (40), namely above the processing modules (46). Production arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of tray emptying devices (10) are arranged in each case completely directly and in alignment above the processing modules (46) of the multi-segment filter production machine (40), and in that the lifting device (20) of the tray emptying device (10) essentially in one common vertical plane with the conveyor drums of the associated processing module (46). Production arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the length of the vertical stroke H _{L of} the lifting device (20) within the tray emptying means (10) substantially the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette (19). Production arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that each tray emptying device (10) as module has a module width M _B which corresponds at least to the inside width B _{i of} the swivel cassette (19), and the module width M _{B of} each tray emptying device (10 ) is equal to the module width M _{S of} the associated processing module (46). Production arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it on one of the operating side (45) of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine (40) side facing away, namely on the feed side (41) of the Schragenentleereinrichtungen (10), an operating position increasing pedestal passage (42). and on the feed side (41) opposite side of the pedestal (42) arranged Schragenwagen (43) for providing and / or stocking full solid (11A) and empty trays (11B). Production arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that on one of the operating side (45) of the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine (40) side facing away, namely on the feed side (41) of the Schragenentleereinrichtung (10), a second Liteinrichtung (44), wherein the length of the vertical stroke H _{2 of} the lifting device (44) substantially corresponds to twice the inside width B _{i of} the respective pivoting cassette (19). A method of automatically draining rod-shaped articles (11) into a multi-segment filter making machine (40), comprising the steps of: - feeding filled with articles, upwardly open full trays (11A) in the transport _direction T _ZU by means of a feed device (13), Transporting the full trays (11A) from the feed device (13) to an emptying position (15) of an emptying station (14) by means of a transfer device (17) so that the full trays (11A) are upside down in the emptying position (15), over-head emptying of the full trays (11A), - Transporting the empty trays (11 B) by means of the transfer device (17) from the emptying position (15) to a removal device (16), and Removing the empty trays (11B) in the transport direction T _AB by means of the removal device (16),
characterized in that the solid trays (11A) are fixed by means of a pivoting mechanism (18), the pivoting movement of which is limited to 180 °, with a pivoting cassette (19) pivotable about a stationary pivot axis S in a pick-up position (31) on the feeding device (13), pivoted about the pivot axis S in the emptying position (15) and in the emptying position (15) are released again, while the empty trays (11 B) by means of a lift device (20) regardless of the pivot mechanism (18) fixed in the emptying position (15) complete emptying in a vertical direction linear upward in a return position (30) and in the return position (30) released again. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine (40) at the same time of several tray discharge means (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6 with rod-shaped articles from the trays (11) from top to bottom in the multi-segment filter manufacturing machine (40) and during the upward transport of the empty trays (11B) from the emptying position (15) in the return position (30) already full trays (11A) are pivoted from the picking position (31) to the emptying position (15). A method according to claim 11 or 14, characterized in that the empty trays (11B) transported above the head, namely with the open narrow side down, from the emptying position (15) in the return position (30) and in the return position (30) without pivoting on the Abtransporteinrichtung (16).

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