EP2848132B1 - Apparatus, designed and configured to automatically separate slices from a bale composed of material of the tobacco-processing industry - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device, designed and arranged for separating slices of an existing bale of tobacco processing industry, comprising a feed element for feeding a bale in a transport direction T to the effective range of a cutting knife, the cutting knife itself, a transport direction in the direction behind the feed element arranged cutting table and arranged above the cutting table counter-holding plate, wherein the cutting table is assigned a drive means for moving in the transport direction T from the feed and against the transport direction T to the feed to and the counter-holding plate also against the transport direction T and in the transport direction T movable is trained.

Such devices are used in the tobacco processing industry to separate from a preferably rectangular storage container, so for example a tobacco bale, tobacco cake or the like, which consists of material of the tobacco industry, eg tobacco including ribs, tobacco mixtures or the like, to separate slices, which are used for further processing. The thickness of the slices to be separated (slit thickness) may vary. For this purpose, the device comprises a feed element for the tobacco bales. The feed element is designed to transport the bale in the transport direction T and determines the slit thickness to be cut by the selected feed. The slices are separated from the bale by the separating knife. On the one hand to keep the slice to be cut during the separation process and on the other hand to release the cut slice, both the cutting table and the counter-holding plate are movable. During cutting / cutting, the slice to be cut lies on the cutting table. The counter-holding plate abuts against the front side of the bale or the disc to be cut off and presses the disc against the bale.

From the EP 0 582 139 A1 a device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known. This device has for the mobility of the counter-holding plate active drive means. In other words, both the cutting table and the counter-holding plate with separate, each own drive means are driven. Such known devices have the disadvantage that several drives, namely in particular for the feed, the cutting blade, the cutting table and the counter-holding plate are necessary, which means on the one hand a considerable design effort and on the other a complex control to tune the individual drives to each other pulls. In particular, the coordination of the movements or the travel paths of the cutting table and counter plate and their precise control are complex and problematic.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a structurally simplified device for separating slices of a bale.

This object is achieved by a device having the features mentioned in the fact that the counter-holding plate is designed without drive and weight-loaded passively along horizontally oriented linear guides in and against the transport direction T is movable. By eliminating a drive for the counter-holding plate device according to the invention over conventional devices structurally simpler structure. Accordingly, a separate control for the counter-holding plate or the connection to a control of the device can be dispensed with, which additionally simplifies the construction of the device. With the weight-loaded, passive mobility of the counter-holding plate, an indirect displacement of the counter-holding plate is described by purely mechanical components alone ensure their weight load movement of the counter-holding plate against the transport direction T.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the cutting table along horizontally oriented linear guides parallel to the counter-holding plate active from an open release position into a closed cutting position in which a gap between the feed element and the cutting table for the passage of the separating knife is formed, and vice versa is movable, and the counter-holding plate for moving against the transport direction T a weight-bearing pivot mechanism is assigned, which bears permanently against the counter-holding plate and exerts a pressure force F on the counter-holding plate, which counteracts the transport direction T, and the counter-holding plate for moving in the transport direction T with the driven cutting table by means of a stop and catch means is operatively engageable. With the pivot mechanism, a particularly simple and compact solution is realized to permanently apply the counter-plate alone by the weight of the pivot mechanism against the transport direction T with a compressive force F to move the counter-holding plate in the direction of the bale to be processed and against the bale or to push the disc to be cut by the bale. Due to the fact that the counter-holding plate is always held in the maximum possible front position by the pivot mechanism, there are no waiting times / reaction times in the activation of the counter-holding plate, so that the performance of the device can be increased. For the movement of the counter-holding plate in the transport direction T for retracting the counter-holding plate, the drive of the cutting table can be used by the drive movement of the cutting table by means of the stop and entrainment means is transferable to the counter-holding plate. The design and control engineering effort can thus be reduced.

Advantageously, the cutting table is associated with a combined stop and entrainment means, by means of which the counter-holding plate and the cutting table can be brought into operative connection, such that the cutting table or the stop and entrainment on the one hand limit the movement of the counter-holding plate against the transport direction T and on the other hand, a movement the counter-holding plate in the transport direction T can effect. Due to this close operative relationship between the cutting table and the counter-holding plate, the counter-holding plate is virtually always forcibly controlled via the cutting table in the optimum position / position.

An expedient development of the invention is characterized in that the linear mobility of the counter-holding plate counter to the transport direction T in a position immediately before the cutting knife and in the transport direction T is limited by an independent of the cutting table acting, additional stop element. These mechanical components allow easy release and / or limiting the mobility of the counter-plate free of control problems. In other words, tax and reconciliation activities are between Cutting table and counter plate performed by the stop elements in a particularly simple manner.

Particularly preferably, the pivoting mechanism is pivotally mounted about an axis I on a portal carrier on which the separating knife is also arranged to be movable vertically up and down. Such a cutting portal leads to a compact and modular construction of the device, which in particular facilitates the replacement of components. Furthermore, the stable construction of a cutting portal ensures the precision of the cuts.

Advantageously, the axis I is aligned transversely to the transport direction T and has a distance from the cutting table which is greater than the height of the bale to be cut. By the pivot axis I and its position / location is achieved that the holding forces of the counter-holding plate increase with increasing thickness of the discs. In other words, increasing the deflection of the pivot mechanism triggered by the bale advancing in the transporting direction T increases the horizontal component of the holding force F facing the transporting direction T. Thus, slices of larger thickness and correspondingly of a higher weight are inevitably loaded with a larger force held, which increases the precision of the separation process.

The invention is characterized in a further embodiment, characterized in that the pivoting mechanism comprises a pivot lever and a support arm fixedly connected thereto, which is aligned at approximately a right angle α to the pivot lever. This design of the pivot mechanism ensures that the pivot mechanism always presses against the counter-holding plate with a sufficiently high force.

Voreilhafterweise the pivot lever is rotatably mounted on a transverse strut of the gantry and the support lever is located with its free end loosely against the counter-holding plate. This allows for a compact design. On the other hand, the simple adaptation to different pivot positions is realized.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at the free end of the support lever to compensate for the pivotal movement of the pivot lever rollers for the vertical rolling of the pivot mechanism along the Countertop are arranged. This makes it possible in a particularly simple way to compensate for vertical movements.

A further expedient embodiment is characterized in that, in addition to the pivoting lever and the supporting lever, the pivoting mechanism comprises at least one additional weight, which is preferably fastened releasably to the pivoting mechanism. By the additional weight, a further or higher horizontally acting pressure force can be applied to the counter-holding plate, which improves the quality of separation and - precision. The solubility and thus interchangeability allows adjusting or adjusting the pressure force.

Preferably, the pivot mechanism is arranged on the gantry support relative to this vertically adjustable. As a result, the angle β is changeable. Since the size of the angle β has an immediate influence on the magnitude of the compressive force, an individual adjustment can thus be made.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zum automatischen Trennen von Scheiben von einem aus Tabak bestehenden Ballen in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in Rückansicht,

Fig. 3

die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben und vorne,

Fig. 4

die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben und hinten,

Fig. 5

die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 2 entlang des Schnitts A-A in einer Grundstellung der Vorrichtung,

Fig. 6

die Vorrichtung in der Ansicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer ersten Arbeitsstellung,

Fig. 7

die Vorrichtung in der Ansicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer zweiten Arbeitsstellung,

Fig. 8

die Vorrichtung in der Ansicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer dritten Arbeitsstellung,

Fig. 9

die Vorrichtung in der Ansicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer vierten Arbeitsstellung,

Fig. 10

die Vorrichtung in der Ansicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer fünften Arbeitsstellung, die wiederum der Grundstellung für den folgenden Trennschnitt entspricht, und

Fig. 11

die Vorrichtung in der Ansicht gemäß Figur 5 in einer Sonderstellung.

Further expedient and / or advantageous features and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, combinations thereof and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a device according to the invention for the automatic separation of slices from a tobacco-made bale in side view,

Fig. 2

the device according to FIG. 1 in rear view,

Fig. 3

the device according to FIG. 1 in perspective view obliquely from above and in front,

Fig. 4

the device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above and behind,

Fig. 5

the device according to FIG. 2 along the section AA in a basic position of the device,

Fig. 6

the device in the view according to FIG. 5 in a first job,

Fig. 7

the device in the view according to FIG. 5 in a second job,

Fig. 8

the device in the view according to FIG. 5 in a third job,

Fig. 9

the device in the view according to FIG. 5 in a fourth job,

Fig. 10

the device in the view according to FIG. 5 in a fifth working position, which in turn corresponds to the basic position for the following separation cut, and

Fig. 11

the device in the view according to FIG. 5 in a special position.

The device shown in the drawing is used for separating or cutting of slices of a tobacco bale. However, the invention equally relates to a device for separating slices from a bale made of other materials or blends of materials used in the tobacco processing industry.

In the FIGS. 1 to 11 For example, a device 10 is shown in various views and positions that is configured and arranged to automatically separate slices 11 from a tobacco bale 12. The device 10 comprises a feed element 13 for feeding a tobacco bale 12 in the transport direction T in the direction of the effective range of a separating knife, the severing knife 14, a downstream of the feed element 13 arranged in the transport direction T cutting table 15 and disposed above the cutting table 15 counter holding plate 16. Die Oberflächen des Feeding element 13 and the cutting table 15 lie in the same plane. More precisely, the support surface 17 of the feed element 13 for the tobacco bale 12 lies in the same plane as the support surface 18 of the cutting table 15 for the portion of the tobacco bale 12 forming the slice 11 to be cut or cut. The cutting table 15 is associated with a (not explicitly shown) drive means for the linear process in the transport direction T of the feed 13 away and opposite to the transport direction T to the feed element 13 to. In other words, the cutting table 15 can be moved back and forth in an extension of the feed element 13 in a horizontal plane, so that the distance between the feed element 13 and the cutting table 15 is variable. The counter-holding plate 16 The counter-holding plate 16 is substantially perpendicular to the cutting table 15. More specifically, the plane which is spanned by the abutment surface 19 of the counter-holding plate 16 on the cut or cut slice 11, perpendicular to the plane which is spanned by the bearing surface 18 of the cutting table 15 and transversely to the transport direction T. The separating blade 14 is arranged such that it can dip between the feed element 13 and the cutting table 15.

This device 10 is inventively characterized in that the counter-holding plate 16 is formed without drive and passively along horizontally oriented linear guides 20, 21 in and against the transport direction T is movable. In other words, the counter-holding plate 16 is basically free to slide back and forth along its linear guides 20, 21, - can be pushed or pulled. This means that the counter-holding plate 16 is passively or indirectly movable. The targeted or directed movements of the counter-holding plate 16 in and against the transport direction T depend exclusively on mechanical, drive (-motor) free components and / or drive means of other components, by the drive means of the other components - to reduce the number of drive means of the device 10 in total - at least partially take on a dual function.

The features and developments described below represent individually or in combination with each other preferred embodiments. It is expressly understood that features that are summarized in the claims and / or the description or described in a common embodiment, also functionally independent the can further develop device 10 described above.

The feed element 13 may be a simple table with an arrangement for transporting the tobacco bale 12. Optionally, the feed element 13 may also be a conveyor element, conveyor belt or the like. The structural design is variable. Decisive is the training for controlled and preferably clocked feeding the tobacco bale 12 in the transport direction T. By means of displacement measuring systems, the feed can be determined and controlled by suitable control means, for example, to be able to cut slices 11 of different thickness.

The separating knife 14 is preferably a guillotine-like knife, which is formed vertically from top to bottom and back, and perpendicular to the transport direction T, for example by means of a chain drive or the like, movable on a gantry 22. The gantry carrier 22 may comprise, for example, two vertical supports 23, 24 and a transverse support 25. The gantry carrier 22 together with the cutting knife 14, the cutting table 15 and the counter-holding plate 16 preferably a cutting portal 26. The cutting knife 14 may also be formed as an oscillating band knife or swivel knife. The separating knife 14 may further be formed laterally movable, such that the discs 11 can be separated transversely to the transport direction T of the tobacco bale 12. Instead of the gantry carrier 22, other frameworks, housing walls or the like can be used for receiving or supporting the separating blade 14 and other components.

Preferably, the cutting table 15 is active along horizontally oriented linear guides 27, 28 parallel to the counter-holding plate 16 from an open release position (see eg FIG. 5 ) in a closed cutting position (see eg FIG. 6 ), in which between the feed element 13 and the cutting table 15, a gap 29 is formed for the passage of the separating blade 14, and vice versa movable. The counter-holding plate 16 is associated with a weight-loaded pivot mechanism 30 for moving against the transport direction T, which bears permanently against the counter-holding plate 16 and exerts a compressive force F on the counter-holding plate 16, which counteracts the transport direction T. To move the counter-holding plate 16 in the transport direction T, it can be brought into operative connection with the driven cutting table 15 by means of a stop and entrainment means 31.

This combined stop and entrainment means 31 is preferably associated with the cutting table 15. With this stop and entrainment means 31, the cutting table 15 and the counter-holding plate 16 can be brought into operative connection, such that the cutting table 15 or the stop and entrainment means 31 on the one hand limit the movement of the counter-holding plate 16 against the transport direction T and, on the other hand, a movement of the counter-holding plate 16 in the transport direction T can effect. In other words, the cutting table 15 holds the counter-holding plate 16, which in principle has the urge, by the pivot mechanism 30 acting on the counter-holding plate 16, against the transport direction Z to the maximum front position to be moved, in certain positions on the stop and catch means 31 fixed (see, eg FIG. 5 ). In another position (see eg FIGS. 9 and 10 ) takes the cutting table 15, the counter-holding plate 16 via the stop and entrainment means 31 in the transport direction T.

The linear mobility of the counter-holding plate 16 against the transport direction T can be limited in a position immediately in front of the separating knife 14 and in the transport direction T by an additional stop element 32, 33 acting independently of the cutting table 15. When moving the cutting table 15 in the cutting position (see, eg FIG. 6 ) remains the counter-holding plate 16 by the stop 32, which is formed separately from the cutting table 15 and preferably the counter-plate 16 is assigned itself, stand in front of the cutting blade 14. In the embodiment shown, the stop element 32 is an integral part of the counter-holding plate 16, wherein the stop element 32 can be supported, for example, on the vertical supports 23, 24 of the gantry carrier 22. The stop member 33 serves to limit the linear movement of the counter-holding plate 16 in the transport direction T, to form an abutment for example in FIG. 11 illustrated special case that the separated disc 11 remains on the cutting table 15 and is to be pushed by relative movement between the cutting table 15 and counter-holding plate 16 from the cutting table 15.

The pivot mechanism 30 is arranged on the gantry carrier 22, on which also the separating knife 14 is arranged vertically movable up and down. The pivot mechanism 30 is pivotable about an axis I, preferably between the two vertical supports 23, 24 of the gantry 22. The axis I is oriented transversely to the transport direction T and has a distance from the cutting table 15, which is greater than the height of the cut Tobacco bale 12 is. The pivoting mechanism 30 comprises a pivoting lever 34 and a fixedly connected thereto support lever 35 which is aligned in the illustrated embodiment approximately at a right angle α to the pivot lever 34. However, the angle α between the pivot lever 34 and the support lever 35 may be formed larger or smaller. Pivot lever 34 and support lever 35 preferably form a rigid unit. The pivot lever 34 may be rotatably mounted on or on a transverse strut 36 of the gantry 22. Optionally, the pivot lever 34 may also be fixedly connected to the transverse strut 36, which in turn is rotatably mounted on the portal support 22. The support lever 35 rests with its free end 37 loosely against the counter-holding plate 16.

Characterized in that the pivot mechanism 30 is pivotable about the axis I, the free end 37 of the support lever 35 is exposed at each deflection of a vertical movement component. This is compensated by the support lever 35 is movable relative to the counter-holding plate 16. Particularly preferably, at the free end 37 of the support lever 35 to compensate for the pivotal movement of the pivot lever 34 rollers 38 for vertical rolling of the pivot mechanism 30 along the counter-holding plate 16 is arranged. However, instead of the rollers 38, it is also possible to use sliders or other components which permit or support a relative movement. It is also possible that the counter-holding plate 16 on the side facing away from the tobacco bale 12 linear guides, e.g. in the form of grooves in which sliding shoes or the like can forcibly slide up and down.

The pivot mechanism 30 is a frame that applies the pressure force F to the counter-holding plate 16 by its own weight and by the lever geometry of pivot lever 34 and support lever 35. The pivoting lever 34 may e.g. to be a plate. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot lever 34 comprises two mutually spaced and parallel struts 39, 40, which are connected to one another with a transverse strut 41. The support lever 35 may also be a plate, but preferably also comprises two struts 42, 43, which in the above-described angle α in each case to one of the struts 39, 40 join to apply a higher compressive force F on the counter-holding plate 16 can the pivot mechanism 30 in addition to the pivot lever 34 and support lever 35 or at its own weight at least one additional weight 44 include. The additional weight 44 is preferably fastened to the transverse strut 41. However, the additional weight 44 may be arranged at any position of the pivot mechanism 30. Particularly preferably, the additional weight 44 is releasably secured and thus exchangeable on the pivot mechanism 30. The horizontal distance between the axis I and the additional weight 44 is the relevant distance for the magnitude of the compressive force F.

The pivot mechanism 30 is arranged in a stationary manner on the gantry carrier 22 in the illustrated embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot mechanism 30 on the gantry support 22 but also be arranged vertically adjustable relative to this, for example in linear guides along the vertical supports 23, 24. In further preferred embodiments of the invention can the abutment elements 32, 33 described above may be formed fixed or adjustable. The stop elements may be formed, for example, from a release position in the stop position and movable back. The stop elements 32, 33 can also be adjusted with respect to their stop position, for example by the stop element 33 for limiting the linear movement of the counter-holding plate 16 in the transport direction T on the linear guide 20, 21 is arranged adjustable.

The device 10 may further be assigned a guide element 45, by means of which the slices 11 cut off from the tobacco bale 12 can be deflected for further processing or be guided out of the device 10. The apparatus 10 may further comprise a controller by means of which the tobacco bale transport drives, the cutting knife and the cutting table, as well as existing detection means, such as e.g. Photocells or the like, can be controlled to match.

The sequence of separating a disc 11 from the tobacco bale will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10 described.
In the basic position (see FIG. 5 ), the cutting table 15 is open, ie in a position in which the cutting table 15 is at a great distance from the feed element 13. The cutting table 15 holds on the stop and entrainment means 31, the counter-holding plate 16 also in the open position. When a slice 11 is to be cut from the tobacco bale 12, the cutting table 15 is closed. This means that the cutting table 15 is moved counter to the transport direction T to the feed element 13, and almost to the cutting knife 14. In other words, the cutting table 15 as far advanced to the feed element 13 until between the feed element 13 and the cutting table 15th only the gap 29 is free. The counter-holding plate 16 is also pressed against the transport direction T by the pressing force F, but remains in front of the separating knife 14, since the stop element 32, which abuts against the gantry carrier 22, stops further movement. The cutting table 15 continues under the counter-holding plate 16 to the end or cutting position described above (see FIG. 6 ).

The tobacco bale 12 is then actively transported in the transport direction T and pushes the counter-holding plate 16 back to the final position for cutting. This position determines the slit thickness (see FIG. 7 ). When separating or cutting the disc 11 from the tobacco bale 12, the counter-holding plate 16 to the rear in the transport direction T. Dodge to make room for the separating knife 14 (see FIG. 8 ). After cutting the cutting table 15 moves back in the transport direction T in the open position and at the same time takes over the stop and catch means 31, the counter-holding plate 16 back. The cut-off disc 11 drops down onto the guide element 45 and is guided out of the device 10 (see FIG FIGS. 9 and 10 ). Subsequently, the separation cycle starts from the front by the cutting table 15 moves back to the closed position.

In the FIG. 11 is a special case shown, in which the already separated disc 11 is also in the process in the open position on the cutting table 15. For this special case, the disc 11 can be pushed by the cutting table 15 by the counter-holding plate 16 is prevented by the stop member 33 from moving in the transport direction T, so that the cutting table 15 is pulled away from below virtually the counter-plate 16 until the disc 11 then down to further processing.

In the figures, the cutting of slices 11 of a certain thickness is described. By selecting the size of the feed of the tobacco bale 12 in the transporting direction T, e.g. determined and / or determined by detection means, the thickness of the slices 11 (slit thickness) can be varied. As the slicing thickness increases, the weight of the disks 11 correspondingly increases. The greater the thickness of the disks 11, the more the counter-holding plate 16 is deflected, as a result of which the angle β and thus the horizontally acting force component increase. Due to the increasing angle β thus the counter-holding force, namely the pressure force F, increases.

Claims (11)

1. Apparatus (10), designed and configured to separate slices (11) from a bale (12) composed of material of the tobacco-processing industry, comprising a feed element (13) for feeding a bale (12) in a transport direction T to the active region of a knife (14), the knife (14) itself, a slice table (15) arranged downstream of the feed element (13) in transport direction T as well as a support plate (16) arranged above the slice table (15), wherein the slice table (15) is assigned a drive means for movement in transport direction T away from the feed element (13) and counter to transport direction T towards feed element (13) and the support plate (16) is also designed so as to be movable counter to transport direction T and in transport direction T, characterised in that the support plate (16) is designed to be drive-free and is movable in and counter to transport direction T under the load of weight passively along horizontally directed linear guides (20, 21).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the slice table (15) is moveable along horizontally directed linear guides (27, 28) parallel to the support plate (16) actively out of an opened release position into a closed slicing position, in which, between the feed element (13) and the slice table (15), a gap (29) for passage of the knife (14) is formed, and vice versa, and the support plate (16) is assigned a weight-loaded pivoting mechanism (30) for movement counter to transport direction T, which pivoting mechanism (30) bears permanently against the support plate (16) and exerts a pressure force F on the support plate (16), which acts counter to transport direction T, and the support plate (16) can be brought into operative connection with the driven slice table (15) by means of a stop and carrier means (31) for movement in transport direction T.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , characterised in that the slice table (15) is assigned a combined stop and carrier means (31), by means of which the support plate (16) and the slice table (15) can be brought into operative connection such that the slice table (15) or the stop and carrier means (31) on the one hand can restrict the movement of the support plate (16) counter to transport direction T and on the other hand can bring about a movement of the support plate (16) in transport direction T.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the linear movability of the support plate (16) counter to transport direction T can be restricted in a position directly in front of the knife (14) and in transport direction T in each case by an additional stop element (32, 33) acting independently of the slice table (15).
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the pivoting mechanism (30) is mounted on a gantry carrier (22), on which the knife (14) is also arranged so as to be movable vertically up and down, pivotably about an axis I.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that axis I is aligned transverse to transport direction T and has a distance to the slice table (15) which is larger than the height of the bale (12) to be sliced.
7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the pivoting mechanism (30) comprises a clearance lever (34) and a supporting lever (35) which is connected fixedly thereto and is aligned approximately at a right angle α to the clearance lever (34).
8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the clearance lever (34) is mounted rotatably on a diagonal truss (36) of the gantry carrier (22) and the supporting lever (35) bears with its free end (37) loosely against the support plate (16).
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that rollers (38) for vertical rolling of the pivoting mechanism (30) along the support plate (16) are arranged at the free end (37) of the supporting lever (35) for balancing out the pivoting movement of the clearance lever (34).
10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the pivoting mechanism (30) comprises, in addition to the clearance lever (34) and the supporting lever (35), at least one additional weight (44) which is preferably fastened detachably to the pivoting mechanism (30).
11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that the pivoting mechanism (30) is arranged on the gantry carrier (22) so as to be vertically adjustable relative thereto.

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