EP3456211A2 - Device for supporting at least one finger - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for holding a finger arrangement (2) for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco-processing industry, having a support element (12), a finger holder (10) which is arranged on the support element (12) and a fastening device (50) , 52), which is designed for releasably securing a finger assembly (2) on the finger holder (10), wherein two spaced apart and each with a first end via a hinge (18; 22) on the support element (12) and with a second end via a joint (20, 24) on the finger holder (10) articulated pivot arms (14, 16) for pivoting the finger holder (10) between a working position and a parking position are provided, wherein at least one hinge (18) at least one pivot arm (14) position variable on Support element (12) and / or on the finger holder and / or on the pivot arm is arranged so that, depending on the position of the at least one positionally variable joint (18) of the finger holding r (10) is pivotable from the working position into one of at least two different parking positions.

Description

The invention relates to a device for holding a finger assembly for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a support member, a finger holder, which is arranged on the support element, and a fastening device, which is designed for releasably securing a finger assembly on the finger holder.

Such a device is for example in the DE 103 54 924 A1 discloses, with the total filter or filter rods can be produced. In this case, a filter tow strand is removed from a bale, processed by stretching and treatment with plasticizers and delivered in a desired shape and consistency for further processing to produce from the thus prepared filter tow strand by wrapping with a wrapping material strip a filter strand, which finally in filter rods for articles of tobacco processing industry, in particular filter cigarettes. For the mentioned further processing, a so-called format is provided, through which a format belt for transporting the wrapping material is guided together with the filter tow line and for transferring the wrapping material around the filter tow line.

Before the filter tow strand is fed into the format, it is guided and shaped by at least one finger. Such a finger is a cone-shaped element with a guide channel for the filter tow strand with a cross-section narrowing in the transport direction of the filter tow strand and thus in the longitudinal direction. Due to the cross-sectional constriction of the filter tow is continuously gathered and compressed during its transport by the finger in the direction transverse to its longitudinal extent and thus to its transport direction. In practice, a single finger or a plurality of fingers arranged in a suitable manner, in particular cranked, one behind the other, can be provided as a finger arrangement. The last finger in the transport direction gathers the filter tow strand at least until it has approximately the predetermined cross-section for a filter or filter rod. On the front sides, the fingers are open. In addition, a shell-side opening in the form of a slot may be provided, which extends from the, in the transport direction of the strand, downstream opening toward the upstream opening or to this opening. Through the shell-side opening of the finger gets a trough or tub shape. At this shell-side elongated opening, which is formed on the underside of the finger, the filter tow is detected by the format band or by lying on the format tape wrapping material. For this purpose, at least a portion of the finger is disposed directly above the format tape, wherein at least a part of the finger coat side can get into direct contact with the format tape. When several fingers are arranged in succession, at least the downstream last finger is provided with such a shell-side elongated opening.

From a working position which makes it possible to guide and shape the filter tow line in a suitable manner, the finger arrangement can also be pivoted into a parking position, which is preferably above the working position. The parking position is used in particular for setting up and maintaining the generic device and the finger assembly. Due to the pivoting between the working position and the parking position, the device can be adapted to different format requirements and the specifically necessary configurations of the finger assembly. In addition, the finger assembly in the park position is particularly easy to wear and / or contamination; Dirt can occur, for example, by the glue applied to the wrapping material when deflected on the format strip. In order to keep quality losses due to wear or dirt in as small a frame as possible, it is regularly necessary to examine the finger arrangement. If the finger assembly is to be replaced due to signs of wear or defects or a pending format change, the attachment to the finger holder is first to solve and then restore the new finger assembly. Such a change causes a great deal of time and expense.

For different product specifications, various so-called. Flexport modules are preferably used with different requirements on the pivoting kinematics of the finger holder. This has hitherto been realized by module variants of the finger holder, so that each time the product specification of the previously used finger holder changed against a different finger holder and this finger holder must then be set consuming.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a device of the type mentioned a simpler and faster and thus easier way to exchange the at least one finger.

This object is achieved with a device for holding a finger assembly for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco-processing industry, with a support member, a finger holder, which is arranged on the support element, and a fastening device, which is designed for releasably securing a finger assembly on the finger holder , wherein two spaced apart and each provided with a first end via a hinge on the support member and a second end via a hinge on the finger holder pivotal arms are provided for pivoting the finger holder between a working position and a parking position, wherein at least one joint at least one swivel arm position variable on Support member and / or on the finger holder and / or on the pivot arm is arranged so that, depending on the position of the at least one position variable joint of the finger holder of the working position in one of at least two different parking position is pivotable. Accordingly, a pivoting kinematics is used according to the invention, which is based on a so-called. Four-joint. The use of a four-bar linkage is basically already known and, for example, in the DE 103 54 924 A1 and the DE 10 2011 054 057 A1 shown, however, there disclosed arrangement of two spaced-apart pivot arms is designed as a parallelogram, each with stationary on the support member and the finger holder positioned joints. In contrast, can be realized using the invention, a universal finger holder with at least two available pivoting kinematics, which is particularly in terms of space for the use and attachment of different format and flexportspezifischer finger holder of considerable advantage.

In principle, the at least one positionally variable joint according to the invention can, inter alia, also be arranged in such a position in which the two pivoting arms can assume the arrangement of a parallelogram. However, with the aid of the invention, the joints on the two pivoting arms can also be arranged such that the distance between the support element-side joint and the finger-holder-side joint is different for both pivoting arms.

At this point, for the sake of completeness, it should be noted once again that the term "finger arrangement" is to be understood as meaning both an embodiment with only a single finger and an embodiment with a plurality of fingers lying one behind the other. It should also be noted at this point for the sake of completeness, that the previously described finger can be used not only for guiding and forming filter tows, but alternatively also for guiding and forming other types of strands of the tobacco processing industry such as tobacco strands.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims 2 to 12 and below.

The pivoting kinematics required as a function of the respectively used finger arrangement can basically already be achieved by changing an individual Realize hinge point, wherein preferably only the support of the joint of the first pivot arm is arranged positionally variable, which, considered in the transport direction of the line to be guided by the finger assembly, upstream of the second pivot arm.

Preferably, the at least one positionally variable joint can optionally be arranged on at least two discrete hinge points spaced apart from one another. In this embodiment, the hinge point can be changed, for example, by a manually displaceable hinge axis by corresponding holes are provided to form the hinge points in the support element, in which either the manually displaced hinge axis can be inserted.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to provide an adjusting device which has stepless adjustment means for stepless adjustment of the at least one positionally variable joint within an adjustment range and arresting means for locking the positionally variable joint at a desired position within the adjustment range. For example, the stepless adjustment means can form a rotatable about a rotation axis mounted rotary member on which the position variable joint is arranged eccentrically to the rotation axis, or a linear and / or cam guide or a Kreuztischverstellung in two mutually perpendicular axes. In a particularly convenient development, the adjusting device has at least one servo drive for actuating the stepless adjustment means.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the two pivot arms, preferably viewed in the transport direction of the strand to be led by the finger assembly, located downstream behind the first pivot arm second pivot arm arranged so that it during a pivoting movement in the transport direction of leading through the finger assembly Stranges reached in a substantially vertical end position. With this embodiment, which can alternatively form independent of a positionally variable arrangement of at least one joint and an independent inventive idea, can be a four-bar linkage with a particularly effective pivoting movement realize to spend the finger holder from the working position in the most distant parking position.

Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a stop, in particular in the working position of the finger holder, at least one of the joints connecting the pivot arms to the finger holder and / or one side of the finger holder and / or at least one of the two pivot arms, preferably Viewed in the transport direction of the strand to be led through the finger assembly, downstream of the first pivot arm located second pivot arm is engageable to block continued pivotal movement of the pivot arms beyond the working position of the finger holder corresponding end position addition. This design allows the work position to be reached in a defined position in a simple yet accurate manner to provide accurate and defined orientation of the finger assembly in the strand transport path as well as the downstream format.

Appropriately, a locking device may be provided, which is designed to lock the finger holder in the working position and / or in a parking position to prevent inadvertent release of the finger holder from the working position or the respective parking position.

In a further development of this embodiment, the locking device has a double lever pivotably mounted on the finger holder with a first lever arm and a second lever arm, wherein the first lever arm with a first engagement element, which is designed for engagement with a spatially fixed, preferably on the support element, arranged first counter element in order to lock the finger holder in the working position, and the second lever arm is provided with a second engagement element which, depending on the position of the at least one positionally variable joint for engagement with a spatially fixed, preferably on the support element, arranged second counter element or at least one further spatially fixed, is preferably formed on the support element, arranged at a distance from the second counter element further counter element to the finger holder to lock in one of at least two parking positions. This embodiment allows a particularly simple construction for the realization of the locking device, as with the double lever, a component is provided which causes a locking of the finger holder both in the working position and in a parking position and thus assumes a kind of combined locking function.

Preferably, the first lever arm is oriented substantially in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the strand to be guided by the finger arrangement and the second lever arm of the double lever is oriented substantially in the transport direction of the strand to be led through the finger arrangement.

Conveniently, the first engagement element may be formed so that it comes out during engagement of the finger holder in the working position in engagement with the first counter element and at pivoting of the finger holder out of the working position out of engagement of the first counter element, and the second engagement element to be formed that it passes during pivoting of the finger holder in a parking position into engagement with the corresponding second or further counter element and when pivoting of the finger holder in the working position disengaged from the second or further counter element.

Preferably, a spring element is provided which connects the double lever with the finger holder such that it in the working position of the finger holder the first lever arm towards the first counter element and in a parking position of the finger holder the second lever arm of the double lever in the direction of the second or further counter element equally biased.

For a structurally particularly simple and at the same time effective locking the engagement elements are preferred as a latch and the counter elements as a detent pin on which the corresponding latch is latched, wherein the latch of the first engagement element in the direction of the working position of the finger holder and the latch of the second engagement element in opposite Direction oriented is. In a preferred development, the first engagement element designed as a latching pawl has an engagement surface which is designed such that during the pivotal movement of the double lever with its first lever arm in the direction of the first counterelement designed as a latching pin, the engagement surface of the latching pawl of the first engagement element initially comes into contact reaches the said locking pin and is then increasingly pressed against said locking pin until a play-free engagement between the first engagement member and the first counter element is made. Thus, a play-free locking of the finger holder in its working position can be achieved in a structurally simple, but effective manner.

Preferably, an actuating element is provided on the finger holder, which can be brought between a first position in which it locks the double lever with the first engagement element of the first lever arm in engagement with the first counter element, and a second position in which it releases the double lever from the first counter element is. Accordingly, the actuating element prevents unintentional release of the double lever in its first position. In order to prevent inadvertent release of the actuating element from its first position, in turn, the actuating element is preferably resiliently biased in its first position. For an undisturbed pivoting of the finger holder in one of its parking positions, the actuating element may preferably be formed lockable in its second position.

In a further preferred development, the actuating element has a pin which is movably mounted in the longitudinal direction between the first position and the second position and which has a shape that tapers in the direction from the second position to the first position, preferably substantially conical, and is arranged in such a way that that it moves during its movement from the first position to the second position in abutment against a portion of the double lever and thereby acts on the double lever with a pivoting movement, which causes a release of the first engagement element of the first counter-element. Thus, in the first position of the pin, the first engagement member of the first lever arm remains engaged with the first counterpart member to lock the finger holder in its operative position. Even in this operating condition can already Engage pin on double lever. Since the thickness or the cross-section of the pin along its length, preferably continuously increases, acts on movement of the pin from the first position to the second position whose side surface as a cam surface which moves the double lever in a pivotal position in which the first engagement member of the first lever arm is released from the first counter element. Preferably, the first lever element of the double lever is substantially permanently, so both in the first position and in the second position in contact with the pin.

For the releasable attachment of the finger assembly on the finger holder so far in the prior art essentially three different versions have been used. A first known embodiment consists of a screw connection, which requires only simple connecting elements and generates a defined clamping force, which is changeable and adaptable depending on the dimensioning of the screws; However, a disadvantage is a time-consuming change and the requirement of a tool. A second known embodiment uses a magnetic connection, the smooth parting surfaces and also requires only a simple construction and allows a quick change without tools; A disadvantage of this design, however, is that due to the limited space and the magnetic force is limited, the risk of loss of power, in particular by air gap, magnetic short circuit and pollution, the release of the finger holder is different depending on mass and center of gravity, which is when changing a risk of injury and in particular leads to a finger break, and the magnetic force increases rapidly when approaching the support element, so that there is also a risk of injury. A third known embodiment uses sliding blocks with an eccentric clamping connection, whereby a high clamping force is generated and is first held on the finger holder when releasing the finger assembly; However, the disadvantage of generating an individually dependent on the user indefinite and thus irreproducible clamping force that can cause problems when solving by another user, the lack of visual recognition of the clamping state and an indeterminate leverage in handling, which in turn increased risk of injury may result.

It is therefore proposed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a device for holding a finger assembly for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a support member, a finger holder, which is arranged on the support member, and a fastening device for releasably securing a finger assembly is formed on the finger holder and at least a first fastening means and releasably attachable to the first fastening means engageable second fastening means and the first fastening means on a finger when the finger assembly of the finger assembly of the finger assembly facing side of the finger holder and the second fastening means for training on or in a is provided on attachment of the finger assembly on the finger holder to the finger holder and arranged on the finger assembly portion or element, wherein for attachment of the Fingeranordnun g on the finger holder, the one of the first and second attachment means between an engagement position in which it is in fastening engagement with the other of the first and second attachment means, and a released position in which it is detached from the other of the first and second attachment means, movably mounted and resiliently biased in the engaged position by means of a spring element.

With this embodiment according to the invention, a new quick-clamping device can be realized, the advantage of which is to produce a frictional connection by means of a defined and reproducible holding force. For this purpose, at least one spring element is used according to the invention, the resilient bias leads to a defined, non-positive connection. Because the spring element generates with its resilient bias a defined clamping force that is reproducible and can be dimensioned according to requirements by adjusting the spring force. Thus, an accurate statement about the clamping state is possible. In addition, you can make a quick change without tools. Finally, it should be noted at this point that the subject matter of claim 13 alternatively forms an independent inventive idea.

Preferred variants and further developments of the subject matter of claim 13 are given in the dependent claims 14 to 16 and below. Preferably, the other of the first and second attachment means has an outwardly open recess and engages behind the one of the first and second attachment means in its engaged position the recess. In this embodiment, therefore, the fastening means is sunk in the recess so to speak and hooked there. For this purpose, the recess may preferably have an outwardly narrowed, preferably substantially T-shaped, cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess forms an outwardly open groove, which is preferably open at least at one end. Thus, in this embodiment, the fastening means can be introduced in a simple manner in the manner of a sliding movement into the groove through the open end to then wedge there using the resilient bias of the spring element to achieve a frictional connection.

Expediently, the one of the first and second fastening means has at least one sliding block with a head which is wider than the rest of the section, the head being designed to engage behind the recess in the engaged position.

In a further preferred embodiment, a stop is formed on the finger holder, to which the finger assembly can be brought into contact with attachment to the finger holder in contact. Such a stop causes a defined positioning of the finger assembly on the finger holder, whereby the fastening operation is simplified.

Preferably, the one of the first and second attachment means is the first attachment means and the other of the first and second attachment means is the second attachment means.

Furthermore, the other of the first and second attachment means is preferably stationary.

Conveniently, the effective length of the movably mounted fastener is shorter in the engaged position than in the released position.

In a further preferred embodiment, a pivotally mounted on the finger holder around a hinge clamping arrangement is provided which is adapted to spend the one of the first and second fastening means of the engagement position in the released position against the bias of the spring element. Thus, such a clamping arrangement is used to release the non-positive connection by being actuated against the resilient bias. In the released position, an at least small gap between the finger holder and the finger assembly to arise, which allows a safe change while maintaining the required positioning, preferably the finger assembly is arranged hanging on the finger holder. On the other hand, if the clamping arrangement is released, that is no longer actuated, immediately begins again to act on the resilient bias of the spring element to spend with a defined clamping force the movably mounted fasteners back into their engaged position for holding and fixing the finger assembly on the finger holder.

In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, two spaced-apart and each articulated with a first end via a hinge on the support member and a second end via a hinge on the finger holder pivot arms for pivoting the finger holder between a working position and a parking position provided and forms one of the two provided on the finger holder joints, via which the pivot arms are articulated on the support element, at the same time also the joint around which the clamping arrangement is pivotally mounted. This development offers so far a clever construction, as that for the pivotal mounting of the pivot arms provided and thus already existing joint, which may be part of a so-called. Viergelenkes in particular also used for pivotal mounting of the clamping arrangement, which in terms of design and of required space is advantageous.

Expediently, the clamping arrangement may have a lever which is pivotably mounted on its joint and which is designed to exert a force on one of the first and second fastening means in the direction of the released position with a lever arm. In a preferred embodiment, the lever is a double lever formed on the further lever arm via an articulation, an actuating element is pivotally mounted on which at a distance from the joint a gripping means, in particular a handle bar, is fastened with an adjacent end, wherein the actuating element has a curved cam surface with which it is in touching Attachment to a section of the finger holder is located. Preferably, the cam surface has a substantially part-circular shape, preferably a semicircular shape, and the joint and the end of the gripping means attached to the actuating element are arranged eccentrically to the circle center of the pitch circle shape such that the circle center of the pitch circle lies between the joint and the end of the gripping means. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the clamping assembly receives the function of a manually operated by means of a gripping eccentric. The rotational position of the actuating element or the pivot position of the gripping means can be understood in particular in the tensioned state and therefore forms a kind of display, whereby the clamping state can be reliably detected. For an additional force transmission and / or deflection of the force direction, the use of a further lever may be advantageous, for example, also to existing joints, which are used for other purposes and in particular serve for the pivotable mounting of said pivot arms and can be components of a four-bar linkage, be pivoted.

Conveniently, the spring force of the spring element for biasing the movably mounted fastening means is adjustable so as to allow an adjustment of the frictional connection in adaptation to the finger holder used.

Finally, preferably on or in the support member or on or in the finger holder, a recess may be formed, which is arranged so that it receives the end of a rod which is engageable with a remote from this portion in abutment with the arranged on the finger holder finger assembly to the Detach finger assembly from its attachment from the finger holder. In this embodiment, the rod is thus used in the manner of a crowbar or a cow's foot to apply a large amount of leverage to the finger assembly with a correspondingly high force. It turns out that disengagement of the finger assembly from the finger holder can sometimes require a great deal of effort, especially when it is blocked and blocked by gathered and compressed filter tow. Despite these adverse circumstances, this embodiment thus allows a simple and effective release of the finger assembly from its attachment from the finger holder.

So far, the conversion of the finger arrangement required for the strand shape did not occur without a repeated adjustment for a change between product specifications. In other words, each change of the finger assembly required new specific settings that had to be made on the finger holder itself and on the finger assembly forming the interchangeable part. Each setting changes at least two degrees of freedom. Finding the right position and parameters is therefore only possible iteratively. If product-specific attachments, for example for so-called. Flexport variants, are provided on the finger holder, the finger holder must be exchanged with each Flexport and also adjusted.

It is therefore proposed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a module which is intended for use in a device for holding a finger assembly for guiding and shaping a strand of the tobacco processing industry with a support member, a finger holder, which is arranged on the support member, and a Fastening device which is designed for releasable attachment of the finger assembly on the finger holder, wherein the module when mounting the finger assembly on the finger holder between the finger holder and finger assembly is detachably arranged and is preferably plate-shaped, with an adjusting device for an attachment of the finger assembly on the finger holder an adjustment of Finger arrangement relative to the finger holder allows, so that the finger assembly assumes a functional ability ensuring defined relative position relative to the finger holder, and then at least briefly this justie maintains.

With this embodiment according to the invention can be defined adjustability and their storage within a format and flexport-dependent component realize, which is the aforementioned module. According to the invention, all necessary adjustments and adjustments can now be made to the module. Due to the storability, the specific settings and adjustments made are reproducible and can preferably be verified by means of scales and markings. After a one-time implementation of specific settings and adjustments, further adjustment work can advantageously be dispensed with with each further change between product specifications and flexible piles. Thus, this embodiment of the invention provides a straightforward and therefore simple and quick change between different finger arrangements. In this case, the finger is reproducible in its kinematics, format independent, independent of flexport, not adjustable and reproducibly mounted. Finally, it should be noted at this point that the subject matter of claim 17 alternatively forms an independent inventive idea.

Preferred variants and further developments of the subject matter of claim 17 are given in claims 18 to 20 and below.

Preferably, the adjusting device for an adjustment of at least two different degrees of freedom and / or parameters is formed independently.

Preferably, the adjusting device on adjusting means, each of which adjusting means for adjusting a degree of freedom or a parameter is formed and after adjustment according to fixable, preferably by clamping, is. In a preferred embodiment, the adjusting means are each designed as a screw or rotatable eccentric or adjustable stop or interchangeable between module and finger assembly to be arranged, preferably plate-shaped, intermediate element. In particular, the degrees of freedom and / or parameters can be the horizontal strand parallelism and position of the finger arrangement, the vertical inclination of the finger arrangement, the position of the finger arrangement in the transport direction of the strand to be led through the finger and / or the height of the finger arrangement.

Appropriately, the adjusting device can be designed for an adjustment of the finger holder in a state attached to the finger holder of the module. For this purpose, at least one adjustment means should preferably be provided on a section which can be accessed between the finger holder and the finger arrangement.

In a further preferred embodiment, when the module is arranged on the finger holder, the first side facing the finger holder has uniform interfaces of a first type and a second side facing the finger assembly on the module of the finger arrangement with specific interfaces for a specific one to be used depending on the desired application Finger arrangement provided, wherein the interfaces of the first type are connected to the specific interfaces. The interfaces can preferably have air outlets or air ducts. The advantage of this embodiment is in particular in a standardization of the interfaces between the module and the finger holder, so that an individual or specific design of interfaces is only necessary with regard to the different fingers to be used.

Finally, the module according to the invention can preferably be arranged with at least one recess in which at least one finger clip to be provided on the finger holder when mounting the module between the finger assembly and the holder in a simple yet space-saving manner with the help of the module secure attachment of the finger assembly on the finger holder to ensure.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung mit einem Stützelement, einem am Stützelement schwenkbar gehalterten Fingerhalter in einer ersten Parkstellung und einer am Fingerhalter befestigten Fingeranordnung, wobei das stützelementseitige Gelenk eines ersten Schwenkarmes in einer ersten Gelenkposition angeordnet ist;

Fig. 2

die gleiche schematische Seitenansicht wie Fig. 1, allerdings mit dem Fingerhalter in seiner Arbeitsstellung und ohne Abbildung der Fingeranordnung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische, teilweise geschnittene und vergrößerte Einzelansicht auf die Rückseite der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Anordnung;

Fig. 4

die gleiche schematische Ansicht wie Fig. 3, allerdings mit dem in einer ersten Parkstellung befindlichen Fingerhalter;

Fig. 5

die gleiche schematische Ansicht wie Fig. 2, wobei sich nunmehr aber das stützelementseitige Gelenk des ersten Schwenkarmes in einer zweiten Gelenkposition befindet;

Fig. 6

eine schematische, teilweise geschnittene und vergrößerte Einzelansicht auf die Rückseite der in Fig. 5 gezeigten Anordnung;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Anordnung von Fig. 5 in gleicher Ansicht, jedoch mit in eine zweite Parkstellung verschwenktem Fingerhalter;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Seitenansicht auf die Rückseite der in Fig. 7 gezeigten Anordnung;

Fig. 9

die gleiche Darstellung wie Fig. 1 mit einer teilweise geschnittenen Ansicht eines Teilbereiches zur besseren Abbildung einer Befestigungseinrichtung;

Fig. 10

eine schematische, teilweise geschnittene, vergrößerte Einzelansicht des in Fig. 9 gezeigten teilweise geschnittenen Teilbereiches mit einer Spannanordnung in gelöster Stellung;

Fig. 11

die gleiche Ansicht wie Fig. 10, jedoch mit der Spannanordnung in Eingriffsstellung; und

Fig. 12

in einer auseinandergezogenen perspektivischen Darstellung ein Modul gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung und eine an der Unterseite des Moduls anzuordnende Fingeranordnung.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of the device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a support member, a pivotally supported on the support finger holder in a first parking position and a finger assembly attached to the finger assembly, wherein the support member side hinge of a first pivot arm is disposed in a first hinge position;

Fig. 2

the same schematic side view as Fig. 1 but with the finger holder in its working position and without imaging the finger assembly;

Fig. 3

a schematic, partially cut and enlarged single view on the back of in Fig. 2 shown arrangement;

Fig. 4

the same schematic view as Fig. 3 but with the finger holder in a first parking position;

Fig. 5

the same schematic view as Fig. 2 , but now the supporting element-side joint of the first pivot arm is in a second joint position;

Fig. 6

a schematic, partially cut and enlarged single view on the back of in Fig. 5 shown arrangement;

Fig. 7

a schematic side view of the arrangement of Fig. 5 in the same view, but with pivoted in a second parking position finger holder;

Fig. 8

a schematic side view of the back of the in Fig. 7 shown arrangement;

Fig. 9

the same representation as Fig. 1 with a partially sectioned view of a portion for better illustration of a fastening device;

Fig. 10

a schematic, partially sectioned, enlarged single view of the in Fig. 9 shown partially cut portion with a clamping assembly in the released position;

Fig. 11

the same view as Fig. 10 , but with the clamping arrangement in the engaged position; and

Fig. 12

in an exploded perspective view of a module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and to be arranged on the underside of the module finger assembly.

In the figures, the invention-relevant device of a filter rod machine for the production of filters for cigarettes is shown schematically. In part, in full and in part in detail, the figures contain the elements necessary in each case for the understanding of the embodiment according to the invention. The customary for the expert of the tobacco processing industry components of the filter rod machine, such as format and format tape are not shown in the figures in the interests of better clarity. In addition, the same or similar elements or components or corresponding parts are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures, so that apart from a respective renewed discussion.

In Fig. 1 a finger assembly 2 is shown, by a not shown in the figures strand of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a filter tow line, guided and shaped. The finger assembly 2 has a plurality of fingers 4, which are each a cone-shaped element with a guide channel, not shown for the strand with a narrowing in the transport direction according to arrow X of the strand and thus in the longitudinal direction cross-section. Due to the cross-sectional constriction of the strand is in its transport by the fingers 4 continuously gathered in the direction transverse to its longitudinal extent and thus to its transport direction and compressed. In the illustrated embodiment, four cranked successively arranged fingers 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are provided. The last finger 4d in the transport direction according to arrow X gathers the strand at least as far as this until it has approximately the desired cross-section. At the end faces, the fingers 4a to 4d are each open. In addition, a shell-side opening 5 in the form of a long hole in the illustrated embodiment is formed on the underside of the last-located fourth finger 4d, the upstream third finger 4c, and also the downstream portion of the second finger 4b. Through the shell-side elongated opening 5, the second to fourth fingers 4b to 4d each receive an inverted trough or trough shape. At this shell-side elongated opening 5 of the strand is detected by a format tape, not shown, or lying on the format tape also not shown wrapping material. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, the second to fourth fingers 4b to 4c to be arranged substantially directly above the format tape, not shown. Further, the finger assembly 2 in the illustrated embodiment at the upstream end also has an additional component 6, which may be, for example, a so-called. Flexport component. The finger assembly 2 has a holding element 8, on which the fingers 4 and the additional component 6 are arranged.

From a working position, which allows the guiding and shaping of the strand in a suitable manner, the finger assembly 2 can also be pivoted into a parking position, which is located above the working position in the illustrated embodiment. The parking position is used in particular for setting up and maintaining the finger arrangement 2. Due to the pivoting between the working position and the parking position, the device can be adapted to different format requirements and the specifically necessary embodiments of the finger assembly 2. In addition, the finger assembly 2 in the parking position can be particularly easily examined for signs of wear and / or contamination. In order to keep quality losses due to wear or contamination in as small a frame as possible, it is regularly necessary to examine the finger arrangement 2.

In Fig. 1 the finger assembly 2 is shown in a first parking position. The finger assembly 2 can be with its retaining element 8 at the bottom 10 a of a Finger Holder 10 detachably fasten, which will be explained in detail below. In this context, for the sake of good order, it should be noted that only in the FIGS. 1 and 9 the finger assembly 2 is shown in a fixed to the bottom 10 a of the finger holder 10 state, while for reasons of clarity in the FIGS. 2 to 8 the finger assembly 2 is not shown. The finger holder 10 in turn is pivotally mounted on a support member 12, which is arranged stationary and preferably attached to a machine-side frame, not shown. For pivotally mounting the finger holder 10 on the support member 12, two spaced apart pivot arms 14, 16 are provided, of which the first pivot arm 14, viewed in the transport direction according to arrow X, upstream upstream of the second pivot arm 16 is arranged. The first pivot arm 14 is articulated at a first end via a first joint 18 on the support member 12 and at its opposite second end via a second hinge 20 on the finger holder 10. The second pivot arm 16 is hinged to a first end via a third joint 22 on the support member 12 and with its second end via a fourth hinge 24 on the finger holder 10. Due to the use of four joints 18, 20, 22 and 24, such a pivot bearing is also referred to as a so-called four-bar linkage. By means of the pivot bearing described above, the finger holder 10 and thus the finger assembly 2 arranged thereon can be between a working position according to the Figures 2 and 3 and a first parking position according to FIGS. 1 and 4 pivot. Due to the geometry of the four-joint described above and shown in the figures, the finger assembly 2 is in its parking position not only above the working position, but at the same time in a slightly upwardly inclined orientation, such as Fig. 1 lets recognize.

How further Fig. 3 can be seen, a first bore 18 a is provided to form the first joint 18 in the support member 12, through which a pivot pin 18 b is inserted, which is a part of the first joint 18. Further, the pivot pin 18b is rotatably mounted on the first pivot arm 14, which can be realized, for example, by the first pivot arm 14 is provided at its support element side first end with a corresponding bore through which the pivot pin 18b also extends therethrough. As the characters 1 and 2 and also Fig. 3 can be seen, is provided at the front of the pivot pin 18 b with a handle 18 c, which also forms part of the first joint 18. Like the others FIGS. 1 to 9 can be seen, the first bore 18a forms a first joint position and a first pivot point A.

However, in the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pin 18b can be pulled out of the first hole 18a, by hand using the handle 18c by an operator. Because alternatively, the pivot pin 18 b can be stuck in a second bore 19 a, which is spaced from the first bore 18 a formed on the support member 12. This second bore 19a forms a second joint position or a second pivot point B. When the pivot pin 18b is arranged in the second bore 19a, the orientation of the first pivot arm 14 relative to the support element 12 is changed, as a comparison of FIGS. 1 to 4 , which show the first joint 18 at the first hinge point A, with the FIGS. 5 to 8 showing the first hinge 18 in the second hinge point B can be seen. As a result, the finger holder 10 can then be pivoted into a second parking position, which in the illustrated embodiment according to FIGS FIGS. 5 to 8 leads to a more inclined upward orientation than in the first parking position according to the FIGS. 1 to 4 , Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, by repositioning the first pivot pin 18b optionally between the first pivot point A and the second hinge point B realize a universal finger holder 10 with two different pivoting kinematics available, which in particular in space terms the use and attachment of different format and Flexport -specific finger holder is taken into account.

Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the first joint 18 forms a positionally variable joint, which can be arranged at two spaced hinge points A or B by the two holes 18a and 18b are provided to form the hinge points A and B in the support member 12, in the optional Pivot pin 18a can be inserted.

Instead of providing only one of the joints 18, 20, 22 and 24 as a position variable joint, it is also conceivable to form a plurality of joints as positionally variable joints. In this way it is possible to have even more different tilting kinematics to choose from.

Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to provide an adjusting device, not shown in the figures, which has stepless adjustment means for stepless adjustment of the positionally variable joint within an adjustment range and locking means for locking the position-variable joint at a desired location within the adjustment range. For example, such stepless adjustment means can form a rotatable about a rotation axis mounted rotary member on which the position variable joint is arranged eccentrically to the rotation axis, or a linear and / or cam guide or a Kreuztischverstellung in two mutually perpendicular axes. The adjusting device may preferably have a servo drive for actuating the stepless adjustment means.

As the Figures 2 . 3 . 5 and 6 can be seen, the third joint 22 is arranged on the support member 12 so that the second pivot arm 16 occupies a vertical orientation in the working position of the finger holder 10. Further, a stop 26 is provided, to which the fourth joint 24 comes into abutment when the finger holder 10 is in its working position, in particular the Figures 3 and 6 reveal. Additionally or alternatively, however, it is also conceivable to arrange and design the abutment 26 in such a way that the second pivot arm 16 comes into abutment with its lower end and / or the downstream end 10b of the finger holder 10. The stop 26 is preferably attached to the support member 12 or formed as a portion of the support member 12.

In order to lock the finger holder 10 in its working position and to prevent inadvertent release of the finger holder 10 from the working position, a locking device 30 is provided, in particular in the Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th is shown in detail recognizable. The locking device 30 has on the back of the finger holder 10 on a double lever 32 which is pivotally mounted about a hinge 34 on the finger holder 10. The double lever 32 divided itself in a first lever arm 32a, which extends in the transport direction according to arrow X and thus is designed as downstream lever arm, and a second lever arm 32b, which extends against the transport direction according to arrow X and thus is formed as an upstream lever arm. The free end of the first lever arm 32a is designed as a first latch 36, which engages on a first latching pin 38. The first detent pin 38 is stationarily arranged so that the detent pawl 36 comes into latching engagement with the first detent pin when the finger holder 10 is in its operative position.

The free end of the second lever arm 32b is formed as a second detent pawl 40, which in latching engagement with a second detent pin 42a, when the finger holder 10 in its first parking position according to the FIGS. 1 to 4 is located, or comes into locking engagement with a third locking pin 42b when the finger holder 10 in its second parking position according to the FIGS. 5 to 8 located. The locking pins 38, 42 a and 42 b are arranged stationary and preferably attached to a machine frame, not shown, or on the support member 12.

In the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th is the double lever 32 is arranged and formed so that for latching the first latch 36 on the first latching pin 38 for locking the finger holder 10 in the working position of the first lever arm 32a to pivot down and to engage the second pawl 40 on the second latching pin 42a or third latching pin 42b, the second lever arm 32b is to be pivoted upward to lock the finger holder 10 in one of the aforementioned two parking positions. This is in the view of Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th to pivot on the back of the device of the double lever 32 in the clockwise direction or at least act in such a pivoting direction. Both latches 36, 40 oriented in the pivoting direction, so that in the view of Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th the first latch 36 down and the second latch 38 shows upward. This in turn implies that the first detent pin 38 below the first lever arm 32a of the double lever 32 and the second and third detent pins 42a, 42b above the second lever arm 32b of the double lever 32 are arranged.

The first latch 36 has an engagement surface 36 a, which is formed so that during the pivoting movement of the double lever 32 with its first lever arm 32 a in the direction of the first latching pin 38 first comes into abutting contact with the first latching pin 38 and then increasingly against the first detent pin 38 is pressed until a play-free engagement between the first detent pawl 36 and the first detent pin 38 is made, thereby blocking a continued pivotal movement of the double lever 32 and thus stopped. For this purpose, the said engagement surface 36a is preferably not oriented with respect to the joint 34 in the tangential direction and thus in the pivoting direction, but at an angle relative to this direction.

Further, a spring 44 is provided, which is articulated with its one end 44a on the finger holder 10 and with its other end 44b on the second lever arm 32b of the double lever 32. The spring 44, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a spiral spring, is disposed above the second lever arm 32 b of the double lever 32, as the Figures 3 and 6 let recognize, and biases the double lever 32 in a pivoting position (according to the Figures 3 and 6 in the clockwise direction) in which the first detent pawl 36 of the first lever arm 32a engages the first detent pin 38.

In order to release the finger holder 10 for pivoting from the working position into one of the parking positions, the first detent pawl 36 must be released from the first detent pin 38. This is done by the first lever arm 32a is pivoted in a direction away from the first locking pin 38 and thus lifted upwards. This requires in the view of Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th a pivoting movement of the double lever 32 in a counterclockwise direction. For this purpose, however, in the illustrated embodiment, the bias of the spring 44 to overcome accordingly. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, an actuator 46 is provided on the finger holder 10 having a button-like head 46a and a pin 46b whose diameter is smaller than that of the head 46a. How the particular FIGS. 1 . 2 . 5 and 7 let recognize the head 46a of the actuator 46 is disposed on the front of the finger holder 10, while the pin 46b of the actuating element 46 is guided by a correspondingly formed in the finger holder 10 bore and on the Rear side of the finger holder 10 protrudes with a free portion at which due to the bias generated by the spring 44, the first lever arm 32 a rests with its underside, as the Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th can be seen schematically.

While in the mentioned figures, the pin 46b of the actuating element 46 is shown only schematically, it has a tapering towards its free end, preferably substantially conical shape. Furthermore, the actuating element 46 is movably mounted with its pin 46b in the longitudinal direction between a first position and a second position on the finger holder 10. In the first position of the actuator 46, the distance of the button 46a from the finger holder 10 is greater than in the second position, so that, viewed from the side of the button 46a, the first position is an "extended" position and the second position Position to a "depressed" position is. Accordingly, the protruding from the back of the finger holder 10 portion of the pin 46 b of the actuating element 46 is exposed in the second position with a greater length than in the first position. This means that in the first position of the actuating element 46, the first lever arm 32a of the double lever 32 rests against the tapered part of the exposed portion of the pin 46b. For this purpose, the arrangement of the pin 46b and the formation of the tapered portion is designed so that upon contact of the first lever arm 32a of the double lever 32 on the tapered portion of the pin 46b of the actuating element 46, the first latch 36 is engaged on the first latching pin 38, like the Figures 3 and 6 reveal. If the actuator 46 is pressed from the first position to the second position, which is done by a corresponding operation of the button-like head 46a of the actuator 46 by hand by an operator, so widens the voltage applied to the underside of the first lever arm 32a of the double lever 32 part of the exposed Section of the pin 46b due to its conical shape. Thus, as the thickness or cross-section of the spigot 46b of the actuator 46 increases, as the actuator 46 moves from the first position to the second position, the side surface of the exposed portion of the spigot 46b acts like a camming surface which defines the double lever 32 in the view of FIGS Figures 3 . 4 . 6 and 8th subjected to a pivoting movement in a counterclockwise direction, thereby the first latch 36 is released from the first latch member 38, and moved to a pivot position in which then the first latch 36 is completely released from the first latch pin 38. As a result, the finger holder 10 is free to move from the working position according to Figures 2 . 3 . 5 and 6 depending on whether the first joint 18 at the first pivot point A according to FIGS. 1 to 4 or at the second pivot point B according to FIGS. 5 to 8 is in the first parking position according to the FIGS. 1 and 4 or in the second parking position according to the FIGS. 7 and 8th to be pivoted.

To prevent inadvertent release of the double lever 32, the actuator 46 should be resiliently biased by a spring, not shown, in its first position. For an undisturbed pivoting of the finger holder 10 in one of its parking positions, the actuating element 46 may preferably be locked in its second position, including corresponding, but not provided in the figures locking means are provided.

When pivoting of the finger holder 10 in the respective parking position, the second detent pawl 40 engages the second detent pin 42a or the third detent pin 42b, wherein the engagement is favored by the spring 44, since this second double lever 42b, where the second detent pawl 40 is formed is biased resiliently in the direction of the second locking pin 42a and the third locking pin 42b. The second detent pawl 40 is designed so that it can relatively easily be automatically released from the respective detent pin 42a or 42b during a pivotal movement of the finger holder 10 from one of its parking positions into the working position without further auxiliary or actuating means.

In order to releasably secure the finger assembly 2 with the top of its retaining element 8 on the underside 10a of the finger holder 10, a fastening device suitable for this purpose is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, such a fastening device comprises two in the transport direction according to arrow X spaced (already known) Nutensteine 50 with a peg-shaped body 50a and at the free end of the peg-shaped body 50a and against this wider head 50b, in particular the FIGS. 3 to 8 recognize to let. Like these figures together with the FIGS. 9 to 11 Furthermore, the sliding blocks 50 are mounted with their pin-shaped body 50a in the finger holder 10 and protrude from the underside 10a of the finger holder 10 so that its head 50b is at a distance from the bottom 10a of the finger holder 10.

As Fig. 9 can be seen are in the illustrated embodiment in a module 90 which is mounted on top of the support member 8 of the finger assembly 2 and will be described in more detail later in detail later, two spaced apart and upwards in the direction of finger holder 10 recesses incorporated, each forming in the illustrated embodiment, an upwardly open groove 52 having an upwardly narrowed, substantially T-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the two grooves 52 are oriented in the transport direction according to arrow X and thus in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the finger assembly 2 and have at their downstream in the transport direction according to arrow X viewed, a greater width than in its upstream narrowed portion on. Through the downstream wider section, an associated sliding block 50 with its head 50b can be inserted into the respective groove 52. Subsequently, the finger assembly 2 is displaced in the transport direction according to arrow X, whereby the head 50b of the sliding blocks 50 enters the narrowed portion of the grooves 52 and engages behind the narrowed portion, which in Fig. 9 schematically illustrated and designated by the reference numeral "52a".

As the Figures 10 and 11 can be seen in an enlarged single view, the nuts 50 are guided with its pin-shaped body 50a through a formed in the bottom 10a of the finger holder 10 bore 54 and connected to each other via a so-called. Bridge element 56. The bridge element 56 has a substantially plate-shaped body which extends in the longitudinal direction of the finger holder 10 and arranged in an upwardly open, formed in the finger holder 10 recess 58 for the fixed coupling with the sliding blocks 50 in the same direction movable as the sliding blocks 50 is. The thus mounted sliding nuts 50 are biased with their head 50 b by springs 60 in the direction of the bottom 10 a of the finger holder 10. The feathers 60, which are designed in the illustrated embodiment as coil springs, based with their according to the view of FIGS. 9 to 11 upper end at the bottom of a respective portion of the bridge element 56 and with their according to the view of FIGS. 9 to 11 lower end on a bearing element 62 which is arranged in the recess 58 below the bridge element 56 and rests on the bottom 58a of the recess 58. Accordingly, act the springs 60, the bridge member 56 with a movement of the bearing element 62 and thus in a direction away from the bottom 10 a of the finger holder 10, ie in the view of FIGS. 9 to 11 upwards, whereby the sliding blocks 50 are acted upon with their head 50 b with the same movement in the direction of the underside 10 a of the finger holder 10 due to the fixed coupling with the movable bridge element 56. However, this caused by the bias of the springs 60 movement is limited, including screws 64 through the open side of the recess 58 and thus in the view of FIGS. 9 to 11 are introduced from above into the bearing element 62 and the head 64a of these screws 64 serve as a stop for the bridge element 56 by the bridge element 56 comes with its top 56a in abutment against the underside of the edge of the head 64a of these screws 64. By appropriate rotation of the screws 64, the height or the distance of serving as a stop head 64a can be changed and thus adjust the movement length or the movement stroke of the sliding blocks 50 and at the same time also the strength of the bias of the springs 60.

Upon insertion of the sliding blocks 50 with their head 50b into the respective groove 52, the bias produced by the springs 60 causes the sliding blocks 50 to push with their head 50b within the grooves 52 against their inwardly projecting and opening restricted narrowing section 52b or pulled. The bias generated by the springs 60 thus results in a frictional connection with a defined and reproducible holding force to fix the finger assembly 2 on the underside 10 a of the finger holder 10 by means of the sliding blocks 50.

An insertion of the nuts 50 in the grooves 52 as well as a release of the nuts 50 from the grooves 52 is only possible if opposite to the springs 60 generated bias the distance between the heads 50 b of the sliding blocks 50 and the bottom 10 a of the finger holder 10 is increased. For this purpose, a clamping arrangement 70 is provided in the illustrated embodiment, in particular in Fig. 9 and in detail in the Figures 10 and 11 is shown. The clamping arrangement 70 is arranged in the illustrated embodiment above the recess 58 and thus, inter alia, above the bridge element 56 and the sliding blocks 50 coupled thereto. The clamping arrangement 70 has a double lever 72, which in the view of FIGS. 1 to 11 is pivotally mounted on an upper portion of the finger holder 10 via a hinge 74. The double lever 72 is divided into a first lever arm 72 a, which extends in the transport direction according to arrow X and thus is designed as a downstream arm lever, and a second lever arm 72 b, which extends against the transport direction according to arrow X and thus formed as an upstream lever arm is. As the Figures 10 and 11 can be seen, the first lever arm 72a of the double lever 72 rests on the head 76a of a screw 76 which is disposed in the upper portion of the bridge member 56 so that its head 76a is located on the top 56a of the bridge element 56. Thus, since the head 76a of the screw 76 forms a stop for the overlying first lever arm 72a of the double lever 72, the height or the distance of the head 76a can be adjusted by turning the screw 76 accordingly.

On the opposite second lever arm 72 b of the double lever 72, an actuating element 78 is arranged, which is pivotally mounted via a hinge 80. The actuator 78 has on its side facing the finger holder 10 side a curved cam surface 78 a, with the actuator 78 rests on the head 82 a of a screw 82 which is disposed in an upper portion of the finger holder 10, in particular the Figures 10 and 11 reveal. Furthermore, the actuating element 78 at a distance from the joint 80, the lower end 84 a of a handle bar 84 is fixed, which is provided at its opposite free end with a handle 84 b. The cam surface 78 a has a substantially semicircular shape, wherein the joint 80 and the attached to the actuator 78 end 84 a of the handle bar 84 eccentric to a in not shown, the center of the circle of the semicircular shape of the cam surface 78a are arranged so that between the joint 80 and the end 84a of the handle bar 84 of this circle center is located. Thus, the actuator 78 is replaced in the illustrated embodiment, the function of a manually operated by means of the handle bar 84 eccentric. To adjust the eccentric action by the actuator 78, the height or the distance of serving as a stop head 82a of the screw 82 can be adjusted accordingly by turning the screw 82 accordingly.

In Fig. 10 the actuator 78 is shown in a first rotational position in which the clamping assembly 70 has no effect by the handle bar 84 is pivoted in a vertical position upwards or in a respect to the finger holder 10 substantially rectangular position, as well FIGS. 1 to 8 reveal. These mentioned positions are the first position or the rest position. In the Figures 9 and 11 the actuator 78 is shown in a second position, after which the handle bar 84 away from the double lever 72 of the clamping assembly 70 in the direction of the finger holder 10 and thus in the view of Figures 9 and 11 is pivoted to the right in an inclined position. The opposite to the joint 80 eccentric arrangement and formation of the semicircular cam surface 78a, with which the actuator 78 is supported on the head 82a of the screw 82, has the result that the joint 80, a movement of the screw 82 and thus of the finger holder 10 away ( in the view of Figures 10 and 11 upward) is subjected, so that the joint 80 carrying the second lever arm 72b is acted upon by a movement in the same direction. As a result, due to the double-lever arrangement, the first lever arm 72a is subjected to a pivoting movement about the hinge 74 in the same pivoting direction. Since the first lever arm 72a rests on the head 76a of the screw 78, the pivotal movement of the first lever arm 72a causes the bridge member 56 against the bias of the springs 60 towards the bottom 58a of the recess 58 and thus in the direction of screw 76 is moved to the bottom 10 a of the finger holder 10. This in turn has the result that the distance between the heads 50b of the sliding blocks 50 from the bottom 10a of the finger holder 10 and thus the effective length of the exposed Section of the peg-shaped body 50a of the sliding blocks 50 increases. In this way, the frictional connection of the retaining element 8 of the finger assembly 2 is released with the finger holder 10 overlying. It is sufficient that in the released position, only a very small gap between the top of the attached to the support member 8 of the finger assembly 2 module 90 and the bottom 10a of the finger holder 10 is formed to allow a safe change of the finger assembly 2 by by appropriate Move the sliding blocks with their heads 50b are released from the grooves 52; Therefore, caused by the pivotal movement of the first lever arm 72a movement of the bridge element 56 in the direction of the bottom 58a of the recess 58 and thus the nuts 50 is connected to only a very short path or stroke, as a comparison of Fig. 11 With Fig. 10 lets recognize.

If, however, the handle bar 84 in its vertical position or in the relative to the finger holder 10 substantially rectangular position according to the FIGS. 1 to 8 and 10 pivoted back, the first lever arm 72a is pivoted in a direction away from the bridge element 56, whereby the clamping assembly 70 is ineffective again and on the other hand immediately spring back bias of the springs 60 begin to work with a defined clamping force, the movably mounted sliding blocks 50 back into their Spend engaged position.

Like a comparison of Figures 10 and 11 especially with the FIGS. 1 and 9 can be seen in the illustrated embodiment that the double lever 72 of the clamping assembly 70 overlapping hinge 74 is formed by the second joint 20, via which the first pivot arm 14 is articulated on the finger holder 10. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 74 of the double lever 72 is identical to the second hinge 20 of the four-bar linkage.

Furthermore, on the finger holder 10, a stop 86 may be formed, to which, viewed in the transport direction according to arrow X, downstream end of the holding element 8 of the finger assembly 2 bearing module 90 during a sliding movement in the transport direction according to arrow X for attachment to the finger holder 10 comes into contact, which can achieve a defined positioning of the finger assembly 2 on the finger holder 10 and simplify the attachment process.

Finally, preferably on or in the support member 12 or on or in the finger holder 10 may be formed a recess, not shown in the figures, which is arranged so that it receives the end of a rod, which with a remote from this section in contact with the on the finger holder 10 arranged retaining element 8 of the finger assembly 2 can be brought to solve the finger assembly 2 from its attachment from the finger holder 10. Such a rod can be used in the manner of a crowbar or a cow's foot to apply the finger assembly 2 with a correspondingly high force by means of a large leverage effect thus generated. It has been found that a release of the finger assembly 2 from the finger holder 10 may sometimes require a lot of effort, especially when the fingers 4 are clogged and blocked by gathered and compressed strand material.

For a change between product specifications, the different specific finger arrangement required for the strand form requires new specific settings adapted thereto. In order to avoid a repetition of the settings when changing the finger arrangements, so-called. Modules are used in the illustrated embodiment, where the required settings for a specific finger arrangement can be made once and then stored, so depending on the number of different to be used Finger arrangements a corresponding number of modules with different settings is maintained.

In Fig. 12 For example, such a module 90 is shown, which is designed as a plate-shaped body and is to be fastened to the upper side 8a of the retaining element of the finger arrangement 2. When mounting the finger assembly 2 on the finger holder 10, the module 90 is mounted on the underside 10 a of the finger holder 10 and then lies between the bottom 10 a of the finger holder 10 and the top 8 a of the holding member 8 of the finger assembly 2, as the FIGS. 1 and 9 schematically reveal. Thus, the module then rests with its upper side 90a on the lower side 10a of the finger holder 10 and with its lower side 90b on the upper side 8a of the retaining element 8 of the finger arrangement 2.

As Fig. 12 Further, the module 90 is provided with two adjustment cams 92 which are operable from the top 90a of the module 90, by clamping screws 93 accessible on the side 90c of the module 90 and adapted to adjust the horizontal strand parallelism and position of the finger assembly 2 with three further adjustment cams 94, which are operated on the side 90c of the module 90 and adapted to adjust the vertical inclination of the finger assembly 2, and at the downstream end of the module 90 with an adjustable stop, as viewed in the direction of transport according to arrow X. 96 provided, which is fixable and designed to adjust the position of the finger assembly 2 in the transport direction according to arrow X. For a precise adjustment by the adjustment eccentric, a scale may be provided adjacent to them, as in FIG Fig. 12 is shown schematically by the reference numeral "97" adjacent to one of the adjustment cam 94. Furthermore, the adjustment eccentric 92, 94, in particular by clamping, can be fixed, as is possible for example with the already mentioned clamping screws 93, which are provided on one side 90c of the module 90 and thus accessible from the outside even in the assembled state of the module 90 which allows the specific settings and adjustments made to be saved and reproduced. The stop 96 is pivotally or slidably mounted on the body of the module 90, can be adjusted in its relative position relative to the body of the module 90 by means of a screw 96 a and is in the mounted state of the finger assembly 2 formed on the finger holder 10 stop 86, as the FIGS. 1 and 9 reveal. After making unique adjustments and adjustments using the adjustment cams 92, 94 and the stop 96, any further changes between product specifications and flexible piles may be dispensed with.

In addition, so-called tuning plates 98 can still be inserted between the lower side 90b of the module 90 and the upper side 8a of the holding element 8 of the finger arrangement 2, in particular around the individual fingers 4a, 4b, 4c and / or 4d in their individual position to adjust. As Fig. 12 can be seen, the Abstimmbleche 98 are thus provided as a thin, platelet-shaped intermediate elements.

The module is provided on its upper side 90a with uniform interfaces of a first type, which can be coupled with the arrangement of the module 90 on the finger holder provided on the underside 10a of the finger holder 10 (not shown in the figures) uniform interfaces of a second type. Such uniform interfaces include, for example, in Fig. 12 The advantage of using uniform interfaces lies in particular in a standardization of the interfaces between the module 90 and the finger holder 10. Thus, only at the bottom 90b of the module 90 in the figures not shown specific Provide interfaces for a specific finger assembly to be deployed depending on the desired application, which are connected within the module 90 to the unitary interfaces of the first type at the top 90a of the module 90.

Finally lets Fig. 12 recognize that the module 90 is provided with two successive elongate grooves open towards its upper side 90a, which are the aforementioned grooves 52, through which the sliding blocks 50 extend when the module 90 is fastened to the finger holder 10, to engage behind the narrowed portion 52a of the grooves 52.

Claims (20)

Device for holding a finger arrangement (2) for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco-processing industry,
with a support member (12), a finger holder (10) disposed on the support member (12), and a fastener (50, 52) adapted for releasably securing a finger assembly (2) to the finger holder (10), two pivoted arms (14, 16) spaced from each other and each having a first end via a hinge (18; 22) on the support member (12) and a second end via a hinge (20, 24) on the finger holder (10) for pivoting the finger holder (10) are provided between a working position and a parking position,
wherein at least one joint (18) of at least one swivel arm (14) is arranged variable in position on the support element (12) and / or on the finger holder and / or on the swivel arm, so that the finger holder (10) depends on the position of the at least one positionally variable joint (18) the working position in one of at least two different parking positions can be pivoted. Device according to claim 1, in which the second pivoting arm (16), viewed in the transporting direction (X) of the strand to be guided through the finger arrangement (2), is arranged downstream of the first pivoting arm (14),
in which only the joint (18) of the first pivot arm (14) on the support element (12) is arranged positionally variable. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
in which the at least one positionally variable joint (18) can optionally be arranged on at least two discrete hinge points (A, B) spaced apart from one another. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
with an adjusting device which has stepless adjustment means for stepless adjustment of the at least one positionally variable joint within an adjustment range and locking means for locking the positionally variable joint at a desired position within the adjustment range. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
with a preferably provided on the support element, stop (26), to which in the working position of the finger holder (10) at least one of the pivot arms with the finger holder connecting joints (24) and / or a side (10b) of the finger holder (10) and / or at least one of the two pivot arms, preferably viewed in the transport direction of the strand to be led by the finger assembly, downstream of the first pivot arm (14) located second pivot arm (16) is engageable. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims,
with a locking device (30) which is designed to lock the finger holder (10) in the working position and / or in a parking position. Device according to claim 6,
in which the locking device (30) has a double lever (32) mounted pivotably on the finger holder (10) with a first lever arm (32a) and a second lever arm (32b), the first lever arm (32a) being provided with a first engagement element (36), which is designed for engagement with a space-tight, preferably on the support element (12), arranged first counter-element (38) to lock the finger holder (10) in the working position, and the second lever arm (32b) with a second engagement element (40) is provided, depending on the position of the at least one positionally variable joint (18) for engagement with a spatially fixed, preferably on the support element (12), arranged second counter element (42 a) or at least one further spatially fixed, preferably on the support element (12), at a distance from the second counter element (42 a) arranged further counter-element (42 b) is formed to lock the finger holder (10) in one of at least two parking positions,
in which preferably the first lever arm (32a) is substantially in a direction opposite to the transport direction (X) of the strand to be led by the finger assembly (2) and the second lever arm (32b) substantially in the transport direction (X) to be guided by the finger assembly Stranges is oriented. Device according to claim 7,
wherein the first engagement member (36) is adapted to disengage from the first position upon pivoting of the finger holder (10) to the operative position in engagement with the first mating member (38) and upon pivoting of the finger holder (10) out of the operative position Counterelement (38) passes, and the second engagement element (40) is formed so that it upon pivoting of the finger holder (10) in a parking position into engagement with the corresponding second or further counter element (42 a, 42 b) passes and upon pivoting of the finger holder ( 10) in the working position disengaged from the second or further counter element (42a, 42b) passes. Device according to claim 7 or 8,
with a preferably acting on the second lever arm (32b) spring element (44) which connects the double lever (32) with the finger holder (10) such that it in the working position of the finger holder (10) the first lever arm (32a) in the direction the first counter-element (38) and in a parked position of the finger-holder (10) equally biases the second lever arm (32b) in the direction of the second or further counter-element (42a; 42b). Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 9,
with an actuator (46) provided on the finger holder (10) interlocking between a first position locking the double lever (32) to the first engaging member (36) of the first lever arm (32a) in engagement with the first counterpart member (38) , And a second position in which it releases the double lever (32) from the first counter-element (38) can be brought. Device according to claim 10,
in which the actuating element (46) is resiliently biased in its first position. Device according to claim 10 or 11,
in which the actuating element (46) can be locked in its second position. Device for holding a finger arrangement (2) for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco-processing industry, according to at least one of the preceding claims, with a support element (12), a finger holder (10) which is arranged on the support element (12), and fastening means (50, 52) adapted to releasably secure a finger assembly (2) to the finger holder (10) and having at least a first attachment means (50) and a second attachment means (52) removably attachable to the first attachment means (50) ) and the first fastening means (52) on a in fixing the finger assembly (2) on the finger holder (10) of the finger assembly (2) facing side (10 a) of the finger holder (10) and the second fastening means (52) for forming on or in a Absch when the finger assembly (2) on the finger holder (10) the finger holder (10) facing and arranged on the finger assembly (2) nitt or element (90) is provided,
wherein for securing the finger assembly (2) to the finger holder (10), the one of the first and second attachment means (50) is in engagement with the other of the first and second attachment means (52) and disengaged between an engagement position Position in which it from the other of the first and second fastening means (52) is released, movably mounted and in the engaged position by means of a spring element (60) is resiliently biased. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said one of said first and second attachment means is said first attachment means (50) and said other of said first and second attachment means is said second attachment means (52). Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the other of the first and second attachment means (52) is stationary. Apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the effective length of the movably mounted fastener (50) is shorter in the engaged position than in the released position. Module adapted for use in a device for supporting a finger assembly (2) for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco processing industry according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising a support element (12), a finger holder (10) attached to the support element (12), and fastening means (50, 52) adapted to releasably secure the finger assembly (2) to the finger holder (10), the module (90) being secured to the finger holder (10) upon attachment of the finger assembly (2). between the finger holder (10) and finger assembly (2) is detachably arranged and is preferably plate-shaped,
with an adjusting device which allows the finger arrangement (2) to be adjusted relative to the finger holder (10) for attachment of the finger arrangement (2) to the finger holder (10), so that the finger arrangement (2) ensures a defined relative position with respect to the finger holder (10 ), and then at least temporarily retains this adjustment. Module according to Claim 17, in which the adjusting device is designed to be independent of one another for an adjustment of at least two different degrees of freedom and / or parameters. Module according to claim 17 or 18, comprising a first side (90a) facing the finger holder when the module (90) is arranged on the finger holder (10), which is provided with uniform interfaces (100) of a first type and one when the finger arrangement is arranged ( 2) on the module (90) of the finger assembly (2) facing the second side (90 b), which is provided with specific interfaces for a depending on the desired application to be used specific finger assembly (2), wherein the interfaces (100) of the first type with connected to the specific interfaces. A device for holding a finger assembly for guiding and forming a strand of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a support element (12), a finger holder (10) which is arranged on the support element (12), and a fastening device (50, 52) to the detachable attachment of the finger assembly (2) is formed on the finger holder (10), and with a module (90) according to at least one of claims 37 to 45, wherein for fixing the finger assembly (2) on the finger holder (10) the module (90) between finger assembly (2) and finger holder (10) can be arranged.

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