EP3504987A1 - Conveyor for conveying articles from the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor device for conveying articles of the tobacco processing industry is described, having a stationary body (4), which has an outside section (4a) and at least one inside section (4c), the outside section (4a) of the stationary body (4) being designed in this way is that a conveyor element (6) provided for receiving the articles can be arranged next to the outside section (4a) of the stationary body (4) so as to be movable along in a conveying direction (X), at least one on the outside section (4a) of the stationary body (4) first inlet (14a), which extends in the conveying direction (X) at least over a section of the outer side section (4a), and at least one second inlet (14b) spaced from the first inlet (14a), which extends in the conveying direction (X) at least over one Section of the outside section (4a) extends, are formed, on the at least one inside section (4c) de s stationary body (4), a first outlet (16a) and a second outlet (16a) are formed, wherein in the stationary body (4) at least one first connecting channel, which connects the first inlet (14a) to the first outlet (16a), and a second connecting channel, which connects the second inlet (14b) to the second outlet (16b), and a suction air guiding device that has an outlet for connection to a suction air generating device and an inlet. The special feature of the device is that an adapter element (20) is interchangeably arranged on the at least one inner side section (4c) of the stationary body (4) in a defined relative position relative to the inner side section (4c), which has an outlet which is in fluid communication with the The suction air guide device can be brought in, and has at least one inlet (22a, 22b, 22c) which is in fluid communication with its outlet and which, depending on its arrangement, has at least one of the at least first and second outlets (16a, 16b) on the at least one inner side section (4c) of the stationary body (4) can be brought into fluid connection.

Description

The invention relates to a conveying device for conveying articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a stationary body having an outer side portion and at least one inner side portion, wherein the outer side portion of the stationary body is formed such that a provided for receiving the article conveyor element adjacent to the outer side portion of at least one first inlet which extends in the conveying direction over at least a portion of the outer side portion, and at least one second inlet spaced from the first inlet, at least one in the conveying direction along the at least one Section of Au βenseitenabschnittes, are formed, wherein at the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body, a first outlet and a second outlet are formed wherein, in the stationary body, at least a first communication passage connecting the first inlet with the first outlet and a second communication passage connecting the second inlet with the second outlet are formed, and with a suction air guiding device comprising a Having outlet for connection to a suction air generating means and an inlet.

Articles of the tobacco processing industry may be, for example, rod-shaped articles such as tobacco rods and sticks of limited length, filter rods or cigarettes with and without filters or cigarillos or even components or segments of alternative smoking products.

In the conveying device of the type mentioned, the transport of the articles of the tobacco-processing industry takes place with the aid of a conveying element which, with its outside receiving the article, moves in the direction of movement and thus in the transport or conveying direction. For this purpose, the articles are usually received in the conveying direction behind one another and extending transversely to the conveying direction receiving portions on the outside of the conveying element. During transport, the receiving portions are connected via passages formed in the conveying element with a suction air generating device or vacuum source, so that the articles to be conveyed are sucked by a negative pressure generated in the receiving portions in the direction of the outside of the conveying element and taken by it during its movement, wherein the receiving portions are in particular groove-shaped or trough-shaped.

Preferably, as the conveying device of the aforementioned type, a rotary conveying device is used, in which the conveying element is designed as a rotatably mounted, driven conveyor drum, in order to convey the articles of the tobacco processing industry transversely to their longitudinal extent in the direction of rotation, thus defining the conveying direction. Such rotary conveyors are used in drum machines of the tobacco processing industry, particularly in filter attachment machines and multifilament manufacturing machines. In this case, the conveyor drum is used in particular as a collection or compilation drum with at least two axially spaced rows of suction openings in order to hold a corresponding number of on the receiving portions axially behind one another, preferably different, segments. For this purpose, on the outside of the conveyor drum, a first segment by suction, the at least one first suction port from the series first suction openings in the conveyor drum is generated, and a second segment by suction air, which is generated by at least one second suction opening from the row of second suction openings in the conveyor drum fixed.

The conveyor drum is rotatably mounted on the stationary body, often referred to as a "control flange". The outer side portion of the stationary body is provided with a plurality of inlets formed as elongated grooves or recesses and extending in the conveying direction at least over a portion of the outer side portion. These inlets are at least temporarily brought into fluid communication with the passages in the conveyor drum during movement of the conveyor drum around the outside portion of the stationary body. The stationary body includes a cavity bounded by an inner side portion on which outlets are formed. Each outlet on the inner side portion is connected via a connection channel to an inlet on the outer side portion of the stationary body. Furthermore, a suction air guiding device is provided, which has an outlet for connection to a suction air generating device and an inlet, which can be brought into fluid communication with the outlets on the inner side section of the stationary body. Preferably, the mentioned cavity in the stationary body forms a part of the Saugluftführungseinrichtung. Thus, the suction air generating means sucks in air on its way through the suction holes in the receiving portions, the passages in the conveying drum, the inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary body, the outlets on the inner side portion of the stationary body and the suction air guiding means, whereby the mentioned negative pressure at the receiving portions on the Outside of the conveyor drum is created.

For the production of articles of the tobacco processing industry with different formats, in particular different lengths, the corresponding formatrelevant components of a conveyor device of the type mentioned are adapted to a modified format. In addition, when using the conveyor drum as collecting drum due to particular structural conditions of the machine used in each case meet the first and second filter segments at different locations on the conveyor drum, which requires further adjustments depending on the machine used in each case.

It is an object of the present invention to propose measures which, in the case of a format change, allow the associated adjustments of the conveying device in a simple and reliable manner and furthermore enable a universal use of the conveying device in different machines.

This object is achieved with a conveying device for conveying articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a stationary body having an outer side portion and at least one inner side portion, wherein the outer side portion of the stationary body is formed such that a provided for receiving the article conveying element adjacent to At the outer side portion of the stationary body, at least a first inlet extending in the conveying direction at least over a portion of the outer side portion, and at least one second inlet spaced from the first inlet, at least in the conveying direction along the outer side portion of the stationary body extending over a portion of the outer side portion are formed, wherein on the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body, a first outlet and a second outlet ausgebil det, wherein in the stationary body, at least a first communication passage connecting the first inlet to the first outlet and a second communication passage connecting the second inlet to the second outlet are formed, and a suction air guiding means having an outlet to the port to an intake air generating device and an inlet, characterized by an adapter element that can be interchangeably arranged on the at least one inner side section of the stationary body in a defined relative position relative to the inner side section, which has an outlet that can be brought into fluid communication with the inlet of the Saugluftführungseinrichtung, and at least one with his Outlet in fluidly communicating inlet, which in fluid communication with at least one of the at least first and second outlets on the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body depending on its arrangement r is.

Thereafter, according to the invention, the control of the suction air by means of an adapter element which is to be arranged interchangeable on the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body in a defined relative position relative to the inner side portion. The adapter element according to the invention has an outlet which is brought into fluid communication with the inlet of the suction air guiding device and thus the suction air generating device to be connected thereto. Furthermore, the adapter element has on its outer side at least one inlet in fluid communication with its outlet, and this at least one inlet is brought into fluid communication with at least one of the at least first and second outlets on the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body depending on its location on the adapter element , Thus, the Saugluftverbindung between the Saugluftführungseinrichtung on the one hand and at least one depending on the arrangement of the at least one inlet on the adapter element selected or associated outlet of the at least first and second outlets on the inner side portion of the stationary body on the other hand produced by the adapter element. The adapter element thus serves as a coupling or connecting element, whereby the negative pressure or the vacuum is selectively applied to the conveyor element. In particular, if, depending on the desired application, an inlet on the adapter element is to be brought into fluid communication with at least two outlets on the inside section of the stationary body, the adapter element finally also assumes the function of a switch. The adapter element is designed according to the invention interchangeable, and it can be used depending on the particular application case different adapter elements that differ with respect to the arrangement and / or possibly alignment of at least one inlet, so that accordingly different outlets of the at least first and second outlets on the inner side portion of the stationary body are brought into fluid communication with the suction air generating means and therefore are supplied with suction air. For this purpose, of course, the arrangement of the adapter element according to the invention in a defined relative position relative to the inner side portion of the stationary body is required. Thus, the adapter element can also be alternatively referred to as a control, which is only to be replaced for a format change.

The suction openings on the outside of the conveying element expediently form a standardized or regular hole profile, which in turn correspondingly corresponds to the arrangement and orientation of the inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary body.

With the aid of the invention, a format change, in particular with regard to changes in length of the articles and preferably filter segments on a conveyor device, in particular a collecting drum in a multifilament production machine, can be carried out particularly simply by exchanging only the adapter element for another adapter element at least one inlet with regard to its arrangement and / or possibly also alignment with another format, in particular a different length, which is then adapted accordingly to the article to be received on the conveyor element. Furthermore, with the aid of the adapter element according to the invention, the negative pressure or the vacuum can be produced selectively in different areas, which is advantageous in particular when using the conveying element as a collecting drum, where the articles hit the conveying element at different locations because of particular structural conditions , whereby no further adjustments are necessary depending on the particular machine used.

An advantage of the invention is not only in the ease of use, but also in that need to be replaced for adaptation to another format no other parts. Furthermore, the invention enables a standardized and thus simplified design and production of both the stationary body and the movably mounted thereon conveying element, which can be achieved in particular also a high degree of prefabrication of both the stationary body and the conveying element. For both a stationary body as well as a conveying element can be used in each case a largely format-independent component, while depending on the particular format of the article to be transported only one appropriately adapted thereto adapter element needs to be used to a correspondingly required Saugluftmuster on the outer side portion of the stationary Body and thus to produce on the conveyor element. Another advantage of the invention thus consists in a largely universal use of the conveyor in different machines.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Conveniently, the second inlet on the outer side portion of the stationary body is spaced from the first inlet transversely to the conveying direction, which is advantageous for receiving axially adjacent articles.

Alternatively or additionally, it is expedient to form the second inlet spaced from the first inlet in the conveying direction at the outer side portion of the stationary body, which is particularly advantageous when using the conveying element as collecting drum, where there due to particular structural conditions of the machine used in each case the articles at different locations hit the conveyor element.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that at the outer side portion of the stationary body at least one group of first inlets extending in the conveying direction at least over a portion of the outer side portion, and at least one group of second inlets spaced from the group of the first inlets are formed in the conveying direction at least over a portion of the outer side portion, are formed on the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body at least one group of first outlets and a group of second outlets are formed in the stationary body at least one group of first connecting channels, each one Connecting inlet from the group of the first inlets to an outlet from the group of the first outlets, and a group of second connecting channels, each having an inlet from the group of the second inlets with an outlet from the Group of the second outlets connect, are formed and the at least one inlet of the adapter element in fluid communication depending on its arrangement with at least one of the outlets from the group of the first and second outlets on the inside of the stationary body can be brought. Through the education of a plurality of inlets grouped together in groups on the outer side portion of the stationary body can be achieved not only a particularly good fixation of the article on the conveyor element, but can also be realized if required, a variety of different vacuum or vacuum patterns.

In a preferred development of this embodiment, the first inlets in the group of first inlets at least partially spaced transversely to the conveying direction and / or the second inlets from the group of second inlets at least partially spaced transversely to the conveying direction, which is not only advantageous for a particularly good fixation of the article on the conveyor element, but also for the inclusion of axially adjacent articles.

In a further preferred development of this embodiment, at least one group of the second inlets is at least partially spaced from the at least one group of first inlets in the conveying direction, which is particularly advantageous when using the conveying element as collecting drum, where there due to particular structural conditions of the machine used in each case Make articles at different points on the conveyor element.

In a further preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the at least one group of second inlets is at least partially spaced from the at least one group of first inlets transversely to the conveying direction, which is not only advantageous for a particularly good fixation of the article on the conveyor element, but also for the recording axially adjacent articles.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary body on a different length in the conveying direction, which can be realized particularly advantageous the generation of negative pressure or vacuum over different areas, which in particular when using the conveying element as collecting drum the circumstance Bear in mind that there meet due to special structural conditions of each machine used different articles at different locations on the conveyor element.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second outlets on the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body may extend in the conveying direction over at least a portion of the inner side portion, so that in this respect an image or counterpart corresponding to the arrangement and formation of at least one of the inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary Body results. This can lead to a simpler arrangement and design of the at least one associated inlet on the adapter element.

Furthermore, at least one inlet of the adapter element may preferably extend in the conveying direction over at least a portion of the adapter element, which may likewise lead to a simpler arrangement and design of this inlet.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the adapter element has a plurality of inlets fluidly connected to its outlet, each inlet of which can be fluidly connected to at least one of the at least first and second outlets on the inside of the stationary body, depending on its arrangement. By means of such an arrangement, it is possible, if required, to produce particularly different underpressure or vacuum patterns.

In a preferred development of this embodiment, the inlets may extend at least over a portion of the adapter element in the conveying direction and / or at least one inlet is formed at a distance from another inlet transversely to the conveying direction on the adapter element and / or at least one inlet from another inlet at the adapter element formed spaced apart in the conveying direction. Also, at least one inlet may have a different length than at least one other inlet on the adapter element.

Another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one inner side portion of the stationary body defines a cavity formed in the stationary body, in which the Removable removable adapter element can be arranged. Such a design allows a particularly simple and at the same time effective arrangement of the adapter element according to the invention.

In a preferred development of this embodiment, the adapter element may have an elongated body and be inserted with its narrow side into the cavity, wherein preferably the adapter element has a first end, which contains the outlet for establishing a fluid connection with the inlet of the Saugluftführungseinrichtung, a closed second end and between its first end and its second end at least one side wall, in which the at least one inlet is formed, and having the first end inserted into the cavity. In this way, the adapter element can be used at the same time for closing and sealing the cavity, whereby an undesirable leakage in the suction air path and a consequent increased air consumption is avoided.

In a further preferred embodiment of the aforementioned embodiment, the adapter element may have a cross section which corresponds to the cross section of the cavity or is at least similar. Preferably, the cavity and the adapter element may each have substantially the shape of a cylinder and the adapter element in its defined relative position against the cavity against rotation in the cavity are arranged, so that in this development, the cavity is formed in the manner of a bore.

In a further preferred embodiment of the aforementioned embodiment, the stationary body may have an angled, preferably approximately right-angled, oriented to its outer side portion end face on which the cavity is open, so that the adapter element can be inserted into the stationary body at the end face. This results in a particularly simple handling of the adapter element according to the invention.

Conveniently, at least the outer side portion of the stationary body has the shape of a cylinder in the circumferential direction of the conveying direction is defined.

Further, there should be provided a conveying member movably arranged along the outer side portion of the stationary body in the conveying direction, having an inner side adjacent to the outer side portion of the stationary body and an outer side having a plurality of receiving portions consecutively arranged in the conveying direction for temporarily receiving the articles, and including passages which engage the receiving portions the outer side connect with outlets on the inside of the conveying element, each outlet of which can be brought at least temporarily in fluid communication with at least one of the first and second inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary body upon movement of the conveying element along the outer side portion of the stationary body. For this purpose, the conveying element can expediently be designed as a drum rotatably mounted around the outer side portion of the stationary body. Also suitably should be greater than the length of the outlets on the inside of the conveying element in the conveying direction, the length of the inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary body. When the outlets on the inside of the conveyor element are substantially provided as holes or openings while the inlets on the outside portion of the stationary body are configured as elongated recesses or grooves, the width or diameter of the outlets on the inside of the conveyor element is only a fraction the length of the inlets on the outer side portion of the stationary body.

Finally, the suction air guiding device preferably has at least one channel or cavity formed inside the stationary body and leading to its outlet for connection to a suction air generating device.

Fig. 1

schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht eine Rotationsfördervorrichtung zum Fördern von Artikeln der Tabak verarbeitenden Industrie;

Fig. 2

schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht eine einen Bestandteil der Rotationsfördervorrichtung von Fig. 1 bildende Fördertrommel mit darauf angeordneten Muldenelementen;

Fig. 3

schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht einen einen Bestandteil der Rotationsfördervorrichtung von Fig. 1 bildenden Steuerflansch gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

schematisch in perspektivischer Ansicht den Steuerflansch von Fig. 3 mit einem zusätzlich separat dargestellten Adapterelement gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

schematisch in einer gegenüber Fig. 4 veränderten perspektivischen Ansicht einen Steuerflansch von Fig. 3 mit einem zusätzlich separat dargestellten Adapterelement gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Erfindung; und

Fig. 6

schematisch in gleicher perspektivischer Ansicht wie Fig. 4 den Steuerflansch von Fig. 3 mit nunmehr in den Steuerflansch eingesetztem Adapterelement.

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

Fig. 1

schematically in perspective view of a rotary conveyor device for conveying articles of the tobacco processing industry;

Fig. 2

schematically in perspective view a part of the rotary conveyor of Fig. 1 forming conveyor drum with trough elements arranged thereon;

Fig. 3

schematically a perspective view of a part of the rotary conveyor of Fig. 1 forming control flange according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

schematically in perspective view of the control of Fig. 3 with an additionally separately shown adapter element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

schematically in a opposite Fig. 4 modified perspective view of a control flange of Fig. 3 with an additionally separately shown adapter element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 6

schematically in the same perspective view as Fig. 4 the control flange of Fig. 3 with now inserted into the control flange adapter element.

In Fig. 1 schematically a conveyor 2 for conveying articles of the tobacco-processing industry is shown, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a rotary conveyor. The conveyor device 2 shown has a stationary arranged control flange 4 and a conveyor drum 6, which is rotatably mounted on the control flange 4 about a rotation axis, not shown. The conveyor device 2 is used in particular in a filter production machine or filter attachment machine and its conveyor drum preferably as a collection or compilation drum in Multifilterherstellmaschinen used. The conveyor drum 6 is set in rotation in the direction of the arrow X by a drive device not shown in the figures. The arrow X thus defines the conveying direction. Since the conveying direction is identical in the illustrated embodiment with the direction of rotation of the conveyor drum 6 and thus the direction of movement of the shell or periphery 6a of the conveyor drum 6, the arrow X defines not only the conveying direction, but at the same time the circumferential direction.

As the FIGS. 1 and 2 can be seen, on the outside of the conveyor drum 6 forming the circumference 6a elongated well elements 8 are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the conveyor drum 6 and thus in the conveying direction according to arrow X and aligned in the axial direction. The trough elements 8 are provided with a trough-shaped outer side for receiving articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular filter rods or tobacco rods. In the trough-shaped outer side of the well elements 8 inlets 10 are provided, where a negative pressure is formed by suction of air, so as to hold the articles with the help of the suction effect generated by the trough elements 8. The inlets 10 in the trough-shaped outer side of the trough elements 8 are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the trough elements 8 and thus in the axial direction in a row next to each other. According to the number and arrangement of the inlets 10 on the well elements 8 6 outlets 12 are formed on the inside 6 b of the conveyor drum, such as Fig. 2 lets recognize. In this case, each inlet 10 is associated with the well elements 8 an outlet 12 on the inside of the conveyor drum 6, which contains not shown in the figures passages, each of which passage an inlet 10 to the well elements 8 with the associated outlet 12 on the inside 6b the conveyor drum 6 connects.

As the FIGS. 3 to 6 can be seen, the control flange 4 is provided with a cylindrical outer side portion 4a. When rotating bearing on the control flange 4, the conveyor drum 6 surrounds the cylindrical outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4. Accordingly, therefore, the conveyor drum 6 is arranged in the illustrated embodiment on the control flange 4 in the region of its cylindrical outer side portion 4a, so that the inner side 6b of the conveyor drum 6 (Fig. Fig. 2 ) is located adjacent to the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 and the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 is opposite, wherein the distance between the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 and the inner side 6b of the conveyor drum 6 is relatively low. Accordingly, during rotation, the conveying drum 6 moves with its inner side 6b along the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4.

As the FIGS. 3 to 6 can also be seen, 4 inlets 14a, 14b are provided on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange, which as elongated grooves or Recesses are formed and extend in the circumferential direction over a region of the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 and thus in the conveying direction according to arrow X. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated inlets are combined to form a first group O1 of first inlets 14a and a second group O2 of second inlets 14b. In both groups O1, O2, the elongated inlets 14a and 14b lie in the axial direction and thus transversely to their longitudinal extent or the conveying direction according to arrow X next to each other. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlets 14a and 14b in each of the two groups O1, O2 have the same length. Each of the two groups O1, O2 contains in the illustrated embodiment, 13 inlets 14a and 14b. Corresponding to this, on the inner side 6b of the conveyor drum 6, the outlets 12 are arranged in rows adjacent to one another in the axial direction, which also applies in the same way to the inlets 10 on the hollow elements 8 on the circumference 6a of the conveyor drum 6, since in the illustrated embodiment each inlet 10 is connected to the well elements 8 with a substantially radially oriented passage with the below formed on the inner side 6b of the conveyor drum 6 outlet 12. Thus, the inlets 14a and 14b of each group O1 and O2 on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 correspond in width and pitch to each other with the outlets 12 on the inner side 6b of the conveyor drum 6. Located on one of the inlets 14a or 14b on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 to a negative pressure, so the corresponding outlet 12 is acted upon on the inside 6b of the conveyor drum 6 with a corresponding suction, as long as this outlet 12 on the inside 6b of the conveyor drum 6 during the continued movement due to the rotation of the conveyor drum 6 along the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 moves, is located above the said inlet and is aligned with it or aligned with it. Then removes this outlet 12 on the inside 6b of the conveyor drum 6 of the associated inlet on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 due to continued rotation of the conveyor drum 6, the application of this outlet 12 ends with negative pressure.

As previously mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlets on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 in a first group O1 of the first Inlets 14a and a second group O2 of second inlets 14b summarized. As the FIGS. 3 to 6 Furthermore, the first group O1 of the first inlets 14a extends over approximately half of the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 and thus over an angle of approximately 180 °, while the second group O2 of the second inlets 14b extends over approximately one quarter of the Outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 and thus extends over an angle of about 90 °. Thus, the two groups O1 and O2 of the inlets 14a, 14b in the circumferential or conveying direction according to arrow X are arranged one behind the other and at their adjacent edges only by an axially oriented and formed in the manner of a web narrow portion 4aa of the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 limited from each other. Accordingly, the elongated, groove-shaped inlets 14a, 14b are subdivided in the illustrated embodiment due to the formation of groups in two in the circumferential or conveying direction according to arrow X consecutive sectors.

Each inlet 14a, 14b on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 is connected via a connecting channel formed in the body of the control flange 4 below its outer side portion 4a, but not visible in the figures, with an associated outlet 16a and 16b, respectively, which adjoin one another an inside forming side wall 4c of a disposed within the control flange 4 cavity 18 is formed. The cavity 18 has the shape of a cylinder, extends in the axial direction and is open at the end face 4 b of the control flange 4. Thus, the cavity 18 is introduced in the manner of a bore in the control flange 4.

How the particular Figures 3 and 5 As can be seen, the outlets 16a, 16b are formed as elongated grooves or recesses extending transaxially across a portion of the cylindrical side wall 4c. In particular Fig. 3 shows that in the illustrated embodiment, the outlets 16a, 16b similar to the inlets 14a, 14b on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 to a first group I1 of first outlets 16a and a second group I1 of second outlets 16b are summarized, the two groups I1, I2 in the transverse axial direction or in the circumferential direction of the side wall 4c of the cavity 18 lie one behind the other and in each group I1 or I2 the outlets 16a and 16b are arranged side by side in the axial direction.

Basically, the arrangement of the outlets 16a, 16b on the side wall 4c of the cavity 18 with the arrangement of the inlets 14a, 14b on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 correspond, in the manner of a correspondingly reduced image.

While the cavity 18 is open at one end to the end face 4b of the control flange 4, as the FIGS. 3 to 5 show the unrecognizable in the figures opposite inner end of the cavity 18 with a formed in the interior of the control flange 4, not recognizable in the figures Saufluftkanal whose outlet is provided for connection to a also not shown in the figures, suction air generating device or vacuum source.

In the open to the front side 4b of the control flange 4 cylindrical cavity 18 can be a cylindrical body used, which is a so-called. Adapter element 20. The cylindrical shape of the adapter element 20 corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the cavity 18. Accordingly, the adapter element 20 is provided with a cylindrical shell or a cylindrical outer side 20a and with a first end 20b and a second end 20c. The first end 20b of the adapter element 20 has an outlet not visible in the figures. The adapter element 20 is inserted with its first end 20b into the cavity 18 until the second end 20c is substantially flush with the end face 4b of the control flange 4, as in FIG Fig. 6 is schematically visible. When the adapter element 20 is arranged in the cavity 18, the outlet at the first end 20b is in fluid communication with the suction air channel connected to the inner end of the cavity 18. In contrast to the first end 20b, the second end 20c is closed. Thus, when placed in the cavity 18, the adapter member 20 acts as a plug closing the cavity 18, thereby preventing the ingress of unwanted secondary air.

As the FIGS. 4 and 5 can be seen, in the outer side 20a of the adapter element 20 inlets 22a, 22b, 22c formed, similar to the inlets 14a, 14b on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4 and the outlets 16a, 16b in the side wall 4c of the cavity 18 as elongated grooves or Recesses are designed and extending circumferentially over a section the outer side 20 a of the adapter element 20 extend. These inlets 22a, 22b and 22c are in common fluid communication with the outlet at the first end 20b of the adapter element 20 and thus ultimately via the mentioned suction air duct with the suction air generating device or vacuum source. For this purpose, the adapter element 20 contains a cavity or internal connecting channel, which is not recognizable in the figures, which communicates with the mentioned outlet at the first end 20b of the adapter element 20 and into which the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c open.

The inlets 22a, 22b, 22c on the outer side 20a of the adapter element 20 are arranged side by side in the axial direction, wherein the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c with respect to pitch between two adjacent inlets, arrangement and width with the outlets 16a, 16b on the Side wall 4c of the cavity 18 correspond. Thus, when the adapter element 20 is arranged in the cavity 18, the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c are each in fluid communication with one of the outlets 16a, 16b on the side wall 4c of the cavity 18, whereby the Saufluftpfade from the inlets 10 on the well elements 8 on the periphery 6a of the conveyor drum 6, via the outlets 12 on the inner side 6b of the conveyor drum 6, the inlets 14a, 14b on the outer side portion 4a of the control flange 4, the outlets 16a, 16b on the side wall 4c of the cavity 18, the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c on Adapter element 20, the outlet is closed at the first end 20b and the suction air passage within the control flange 4 to the suction air generating device or vacuum source. By a specific arrangement and design of the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c on the adapter element 20, a specific negative pressure pattern on the outer side section 4a of the control flange 4 and thus at the inlets 10 in the hollow elements 8 on the circumference 6a of the conveyor drum 6 can be generated selectively.

In particular Fig. 4 can recognize, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlets on the outer side 20a of the adapter element 20 to a first group S1 of first inlets 22a, a second group S2 of second inlets 22b and a third group S3 of third inlets 22c summarized. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the inlets of each group S1, S2 and S3 have the same length, however, the groups S1, S2 and S3 with respect to the length of the associated inlets 22a, 22b and 22c, to produce the desired specific negative pressure pattern. Accordingly, different arrangements and lengths of the inlets 22a, 22b, 22c on the adapter element 20 are to be provided for different vacuum patterns. Thus, the adapter element 20 takes over the task of a coupling or connecting element, whereby the negative pressure or the vacuum is applied to the conveyor drum 6 in a specific pattern targeted. The adapter element 20 is designed to be interchangeable, and it can be used depending on the particular application case different adapter elements that differ with respect to the arrangement and orientation of the inlets on its outer side, so that accordingly different outlets 16a, 16b on the side wall 4c of Cavity 18 brought into fluid communication with the suction air generating device and therefore can be occupied with suction. Thus, the adapter element 20 may alternatively also be referred to as a control element which is only to be exchanged for a format change.

The arrangement of the adapter element 20 in the cavity 18 has to be made in a defined relative position relative to the side wall 4c of the cavity 18 so that a particular pattern of the inlets 22a to 22c on the adapter element 20 individually and unmistakably for the generation of vacuum or vacuum on the conveyor drum. 6 in a certain pattern. For this purpose, adjacent to the cavity 18 on the end face 4b of the control flange 4 designed as a sinking conical recess 24 is formed, which opens into a blind hole 26 which is formed in the body of the control flange 4 as a threaded hole and provided for receiving a countersunk screw, not shown in the figures , Of the recess 24, a portion is cut away through the cavity 18, which, however, as a corresponding recess 28 on the adapter member 20 adjacent to its second end 20c finds again, as the FIGS. 4 and 5 reveal. If the adapter element 20 is inserted into the cavity 18, the arrangement is to be made such that the recess 24 on the end face 4b of the control flange 4 is completed by the recess 28 on the adapter element 20, such as Fig. 6 lets recognize. For non-rotatably locking the adapter element 20 in this position, in which it is the defined relative position, the already mentioned, but not shown in the figures, countersunk screw is screwed into the blind hole 26 until the countersunk head of this screw on the recess 24 and recess 28th is present and thus 'fills' them together. Thereby it is ensured that the adapter element 20 is fixed in the mentioned defined relative position.

Finally, it should be noted that the adapter element 20 may also have a deviating from the cylindrical shape, such as a cuboid shape. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to form the adapter element 20 as a flat part such as in particular a small plate. Of course, in these cases, the cavity 18 would have to be adjusted accordingly, at least insofar as the adapter element 20 continues to fit into the cavity 18.

Claims (15)

Conveying device for conveying articles of the tobacco processing industry,
a stationary body (4) having an outer side portion (4a) and at least an inner side portion (4c),
wherein the outer side portion (4a) of the stationary body (4) is formed such that a conveying member (6) provided for receiving the articles is movably arranged adjacent to the outer side portion (4a) of the stationary body (4) in a conveying direction (X),
wherein at the outer side portion (4a) of the stationary body (4) at least a first inlet (14a) extending in the conveying direction (X) at least over a portion of the outer side portion (4a), and at least one second inlet from the first inlet (14a) (14b), which extends in the conveying direction (X) at least over a portion of the outer side portion (4a) are formed,
wherein a first outlet (16a) and a second outlet (16b) are formed on the at least one inner side section (4c) of the stationary body (4),
wherein in the stationary body (4), at least one first communication passage connecting the first inlet (14a) to the first outlet (16a) and a second communication passage connecting the second inlet (14b) to the second outlet (16b) are formed are, as well
with a suction air guiding device, which has an outlet (16a) for connection to a suction air generating device and an inlet, characterized by
an adapter element (20) replaceably arranged on the at least one inner side section (4c) of the stationary body (4) in a defined relative position relative to the inner side section (4c) and having an outlet engageable in fluid communication with the inlet of the suction air guiding means and at least one with its outlet in fluid communication inlet (22a, 22b, 22c) which, depending on its arrangement with at least one of the first and second outlets (16a, 16b) on the at least one inner side portion (4c) of the stationary body (4) in Fluid connection can be brought. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that on the outer side portion (4a) of the stationary body (4) at least one group (O1) of first inlets (14a) extending in the conveying direction (X) at least over a portion of the outer side portion (4a) and at least one group (O2) of second inlets (14b) spaced from the group (O1) of the first inlets (14a) and extending in the conveying direction (X) over at least a portion of the outer side portion (4a) are formed,
on the at least one inner side section (4c) of the stationary body (4) at least one group (I1) of first outlets (16a) and one group (I2) of second outlets (16b) are formed,
in the stationary body (4) at least one group of first connecting channels, each having an inlet (14a) from the group (O1) of the first inlets (14a) with an outlet (16a) from the group (I1) of the first outlets (16a) and a group of second communication channels, each connecting an inlet (14b) of the group (O2) of the second inlets (14b) to an outlet (16a) of the group (12) of the second outlets (16b) and
the at least one inlet (22a, 22b, 22c) of the adapter element (20) depending on its arrangement with at least one of the outlets from the group of the first and second outlets (16a, 16b) on the side wall (4c) of the stationary body (4 ) can be brought into fluid communication. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first inlets (14a) in the group (O1) of the first inlets (14a) at least partially transversely to the conveying direction (X) are spaced from each other and / or the second inlets (14b) from the group (O2) of the second inlet (14b) are at least partially spaced transversely to the conveying direction (X) from each other. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one group (O2) of the second inlets (14b) is at least partially spaced from the at least one group (O1) of the first inlet (14a) in the conveying direction (X). Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter element (20) has a plurality of inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) in fluid communication with its outlet, each inlet being connected to at least one of the at least first and second depending on its arrangement second outlets (16a, 16b) on the side wall (4c) of the stationary body (4) can be brought into fluid communication. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the inlets (22a, 22b, 22c) extend in the conveying direction (X) at least over a portion of the adapter element (20). Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that on the adapter element (20) at least one inlet (22a) from another inlet (22b) is formed transversely to the conveying direction (X) spaced. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the adapter element (20) at least one inlet from another inlet in the conveying direction (X) is formed spaced. Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that on the adapter element (20) at least one inlet (22a) has a relation to at least one other inlet (22b) of different length. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one inner side section (4c) of the stationary body (4) defines a hollow body (18) formed in the stationary body (4), in which the adapter element (20) can be removably arranged. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the adapter element (20) has an elongated body and with its narrow side in the cavity (18) can be inserted. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the adapter element (20) has a first end (20b) containing the outlet for establishing fluid communication with the inlet of the suction air guiding means, a closed second end (20c) and between its first end (20b). and its second end (20c) has at least one side wall (20a) in which the at least one inlet (22a, 22b, 22c) is formed and is insertable into the cavity (18) with the first end (20b). Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the adapter element (20) has a cross section which corresponds to the cross section of the cavity (18) or at least similar. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the cavity (18) and the adapter element (20) each have substantially the shape of a cylinder and the adapter element (20) in its defined relative position relative to the cavity (18) against rotation in the cavity (18). can be arranged. Device according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the stationary body (4) has an angled, preferably approximately at right angles, to its outer side portion (4a) oriented end face (4b), on which the cavity (18) is open.

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