Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
  • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
  • A24C5/35—Adaptations of conveying apparatus for transporting cigarettes from making machine to packaging machine
  • A24C5/352—Adaptations of conveying apparatus for transporting cigarettes from making machine to packaging machine using containers, i.e. boats
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
  • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
  • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
  • A24C5/35—Adaptations of conveying apparatus for transporting cigarettes from making machine to packaging machine
  • A24C5/352—Adaptations of conveying apparatus for transporting cigarettes from making machine to packaging machine using containers, i.e. boats
  • A24C5/358—Boat constructions

Definitions

• the invention relates to a tray for receiving rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a tray body formed by a rear wall, two at least substantially parallel and spaced-apart side walls and a bottom wall, forming a receiving space for the rod-shaped articles that is open to the front and to the top, wherein the receiving space is divided by a partition wall extending from side wall to side wall.
• Such trays are used in the tobacco processing industry.
• Rod-shaped articles such as tobacco sticks, cigarettes, filters, filter rods, and filter rod segments, or the like, are transported and/or stored in containers called trays.
• the trays can be designed as trays with a single receiving space for all articles or as shaft trays, in which the articles are located in several separate shafts aligned perpendicular to the base wall.
• the rod-shaped articles are filled into the trays for storage – preferably as an intermediate product – using a tray filling device.
• the stored articles are discharged to downstream machines, such as packaging machines or production machines, by means of a tray emptying device or are introduced into an existing mass flow.
• Standard trays with external dimensions of approximately 720 mm width x 400 mm height x 125 mm depth (W x H x D) are used.
• the receiving space which is undivided in height, is completely available for filling with rod-shaped articles.
• the load on the articles As the filling height of the trays increases, the load on the articles further down also increases.
• the load due to the weight of the articles is too great for the articles below, which can lead to damage to the articles.
• a partial filling of the receiving space in the Standard trays should be considered.
• emptying partially filled standard trays is problematic, as the items fly around in a disorderly manner during emptying, thus preventing orderly and controlled further processing.
• partial trays are used, which have reduced storage space.
• this storage space which is reduced in height and therefore in volume, the items are filled using suitable devices, so-called tray fillers. Due to the smaller number of items - due to the reduced height - the load on the items at the bottom is reduced. Filling such partial batches, i.e. trays with smaller external dimensions than the standard trays mentioned, is possible with the known tray fillers and with little adaptation effort.
• emptying the partial trays is problematic and involves considerable adaptation effort, as the known emptying devices, the so-called tray unloaders, must be adapted to the changed geometry and the changed external dimensions of the partial trays.
• trays are known as standard trays, which have a storage space divided in height, whereby only the upper area of the storage space is filled with items from the tray.
• a generic (standard) tray with a vertically divided storage space is known.
• the partition which divides the storage space vertically into an upper storage space and a lower empty space, is adjustably attached along the side walls of the tray body, so that the size of the storage space is variable.
• the size/height of the storage space is reduced in order to reduce the load on the items below.
• the storage space can be enlarged. Due to the consistent external geometry and constant external dimensions of the standard trays, both filling and emptying can be carried out using the known devices without any adjustments to the devices.
• the known tray body is constructed from a single piece, the entire tray must always be handled, even with a reduced load.
• the invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and space-optimized tray that is universally applicable and easy to handle.
• a tray with the features mentioned above in that the tray body is designed to be divisible.
• the divisibility of the tray body ensures alternating operation with complete (standard) trays and partial trays. Only those parts of the tray that are absolutely necessary for filling and emptying need to be handled.
• the two parts together form a standard tray, i.e. a tray whose geometry and external dimensions are adapted to the known devices for filling and, in particular, emptying. Only part of the tray can and must be handled for filling.
• the upper part of the divisible tray can be detached from the lower part of the tray for filling. Before emptying, the two parts of the tray can be reassembled in order to have the geometry required by the emptying device and the external dimensions of a standard tray for emptying.
• a preferred embodiment of the tray is characterized in that the tray body is formed from two detachably connected components, namely a base part and a receiving part, wherein both the base part and the receiving part have rear wall sections and side wall sections of the tray body, and wherein the bottom wall of the tray body is formed by a bottom wall of the base part and the partition wall is formed by a bottom wall of the receiving part.
• the base part and the receiving part form a standard tray with conventional geometry and external dimensions, which has a receiving space divided in height.
• the base part with an empty space can remain in the area of a tray emptyer, while the receiving part with a storage space can be filled manually or automatically in a tray filler.
• the receiving part has a reduced height compared to a standard tray, preferably half the filling height of a standard tray, the weight on the bottom layer of articles is reduced, even when the receiving part is completely filled. For filling, only the receiving part is to be handled. Before emptying, the receiving part is plugged onto the base part, so that the entire tray is then handled as a standard tray. With the tray according to the invention, a Automated emptying is guaranteed without any significant adjustments to the tray emptyers set to standard trays.
• a fastening means is provided for detachably connecting the base part and the receiving part.
• the fastening means is preferably designed and configured for connecting the base part and the receiving part without the need for any tools.
• the fastening means enables simple and quick connection and detachment of the base part and the receiving part, e.g., through a combined plug-in and snap-in connection.
• the base part and the receiving part are essentially identical in design, in particular with regard to the geometry and external dimensions of the rear wall sections, side wall sections, and bottom walls.
• both the base part and the receiving part have the geometry and external dimensions of half a standard tray.
• the existing differences, in particular the fastening means on the base part and the corresponding adaptations of the receiving part to the fastening means have no effect on the external dimensions and thus ensure safe handling of the receiving part alone and in an assembled state with the base part by the tray fillers and tray emptyers.
• the base part and the receiving part can also have different external dimensions, for example, in a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio. In other words, for example, the base part is 1/3 the size of the standard tray, while the receiving part is 2/3 the size of the standard tray. Other size ratios are also possible.
• the fastening means comprises two retaining elements arranged on the opposite side wall sections of the base part. Arranged on the inside of the side wall sections of the base part, the retaining elements do not impair the handling of the trays in the assembled state and ensure a stable connection between the base part and the receiving part.
• the number and positioning of the retaining elements can vary.
• each retaining element is designed and configured to establish a positive and/or non-positive connection with the receiving part.
• Different means can be used as fastening means or retaining element.
• a predominantly non-positive connection can be created, for example, using magnets or clamp fasteners.
• a predominantly positive connection can be created, for example, using a type of tongue and groove connection with a positively engaging locking clip.
• a fastening means designed and configured for a combined positive and non-positive connection can also be used, e.g., in the form of a (quick-action) snap fastener using a spring plate engaging in recesses.
• each holding element has at least one projection projecting beyond the side wall sections of the base part.
• the number of projections can vary.
• each holding element has two projections projecting beyond the side wall sections of the base part, which projections are designed and configured to produce a positive connection with the receiving part.
• two pins or the like are provided, which are designed and configured to engage in corresponding recesses in the bottom wall of the receiving part.
• each holding element has at least one magnet, which is positioned on the holding element on the side facing the bottom wall of the receiving part.
• the number of magnets can vary.
• each holding element has two magnets, which are positioned on the holding element on the side facing the bottom wall of the receiving part, wherein the magnets are designed and configured to produce a force-locking connection with the receiving part. Due to the force-locking connection of the base part on the one hand and the receiving part On the other hand, by means of the magnets, especially in combination with the positive connection by means of the pins, a secure and stable connection is achieved, which can, however, be easily detached and reconnected manually and without tools.
• the receiving part has a recess in its bottom wall on the side facing the base part, corresponding to each projection, for receiving the projection of the retaining elements.
• the receiving part has a magnetic element in its bottom wall on the side facing the base part, corresponding to each magnet of the base part. This design ensures quick and secure connection and release between the base part and the receiving part.
• a suitable further development provides for a counter wedge to be arranged on the bottom wall of the receiving part, on the side facing away from the base part.
• a counter wedge is particularly preferred when the trays are used in conjunction with filters as rod-shaped articles and also serves to cover screws or other fastening elements that are arranged, for example, for securing the magnetic elements in the area of the bottom wall of the receiving part.
• the counter wedge is detachably connected to the base wall of the receiving part. This allows the receiving part to be used universally.
• the tray shown is used in the tobacco processing industry to transport and store rod-shaped items, such as filters, cigarettes, multi-segment filter sections, or the like.
• the tray can have a single storage space extending across the entire width of the tray for storing items or, in the example of a shaft tray, several shaft-shaped storage spaces formed by partitions aligned vertically to the base wall.
• This tray 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the tray body 15 is designed to be divisible. While in the Figure 1 The tray 10 is shown in the assembled state of the tray body 15, the Figure 2 the tray 10 with a split tray body 15. The two parts of the tray body 15 can be handled independently of each other.
• the drawing shows a so-called standard tray as a tray 10 with external dimensions, having a storage space 18 as the receiving space 16 for all rod-shaped articles.
• the invention is equally applicable to a shaft tray in which the storage space 18 as the receiving space 16 is divided into individual shafts by partition walls that can be permanently or detachably connected to the tray body 15.
• the tray 10 has the usual external dimensions of approximately 720 mm wide x 400 mm high x 125 mm deep (W x H x D). These dimensions are tailored to the devices for filling and emptying the trays 10.
• the trays 10 can also have other dimensions with regard to their external dimensions, corresponding to and adapted to the respective devices for filling and emptying the trays 10.
• Both the base part 20 and the receiving part 21 have rear wall sections 20.1, 21.1 and side wall sections 20.2, 20.3; 21.2, 21.3 of the tray body 15, and the bottom wall 14 of the tray body 15 is formed by a bottom wall 20.4 of the base part 20, and the partition wall 17 is formed by a bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21.
• the side wall 12 is thus formed from the side wall sections 20.2, 21.2.
• the side wall 13 is formed from the side wall sections 20.3, 21.3.
• the tray is shown in assembled condition, i.e. especially for automatic emptying.
• Figure 2 The tray 10 is shown in a split state, in particular for filling the receiving part 21 independently and detached from the base part 20.
• the connection between the base part 20 and the receiving part 21 is realized with a fastening means 22 for detachably connecting the base part 20 and the receiving part 21.
• the base part 20 and the receiving part 21 are essentially identical in design, in particular with regard to the geometry and the outer dimensions of rear wall sections 20.1, 21.1, side wall sections 20.2, 20.3; 21.2, 21.3 and bottom walls 20.4, 21.4.
• the fastening means 22 is assigned to the base part 20.
• the fastening means 22 in the illustrated embodiment comprises two holding elements 23, 24, which are arranged on the opposite side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 of the base part 20.
• each holding element 23, 24 is designed and configured to establish a positive and non-positive connection with the receiving part 21.
• Each holding element 23, 24, made, for example, from a plastic or preferably from aluminum, is detachably attached to the base part 20.
• four screws 25, 26 are provided, by means of which the holding element 23, 24 is connected to the respective side wall section 20.2, 20.3.
• each holding element 23, 24 has at least one projection 27, 28 projecting beyond the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 of the base part 20.
• each holding element 23, 24 has two projections 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2 projecting beyond the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 of the base part 20, which projections are designed and configured to establish the positive connection with the receiving part 21.
• the retaining elements 23, 24, with the exception of the pins are generally flush with an upper edge 29 of the rear wall section 20.1.
• the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 have a recess 32, 33 on their upwardly facing edge 30, 31, into or onto which the retaining elements 23, 24 are placed.
• each holding element 23, 24 has at least one magnet 34, 35, which is positioned on the holding element 23, 24 on the side facing the bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21.
• each holding element 23, 24 has two magnets 34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2, which are positioned on the holding element 23, 24 on the side facing the bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21.
• the magnets 34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2 are embedded in recesses 36, 37 of the holding elements 23, 24 and are designed and configured to establish a force-locking connection with the receiving part 21.
• the receiving part 21 has a recess 38.1, 38.2; 39.1, 39.2 in its bottom wall 21.4 on the side facing the base part 20, corresponding to each projection 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2, for receiving the projections 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2 of the holding elements 23, 24.
• the receiving part 21 has a magnetic element 40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2 in its bottom wall 21.4 on the side facing the base part 20, corresponding to each magnet 34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2 of the base part 20.
• the magnetic elements 40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2 can be inserted or plugged into recesses in the base wall 21.4.
• the magnetic elements 40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2 can also be screwed in.
• the bottom walls 20.4 and/or 21.4 can be flat.
• the bottom walls 20.4 and/or 21.4 can also be inclined such that the bottom walls 20.4 and/or 21.4 slope downwards towards the respective rear wall section 20.1, 21.1.
• a counter wedge 42 it may be useful or necessary for a counter wedge 42 to be arranged, particularly on the bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21 on the side facing away from the base part 20.
• the inclination of the bottom wall 21.4 can be changed by means of the counter wedge 42. If the bottom wall 21.4 itself is flat, the counter wedge 42 creates an inclined support surface of the bottom wall 21.4 for the articles, which slopes downwards towards the rear wall section 21.1.
• the counter wedge 42 can be used to compensate for this, ensuring that the support surface on which the articles rest is then level.
• the counter wedge 42 can be inserted loosely.
• the counter wedge 42 is detachably connected to the base wall of the receiving part. The orientation in which the counter wedge 42 is inserted varies depending on whether a flat support surface or an inclined support surface is desired.

Landscapes

• Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
• Supports Or Holders For Household Use (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=88510874

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Families Citing this family (1)

Family Cites Families (1)

• 2022
  • 2022-11-01 DE DE102022128888.9A patent/DE102022128888A1/de active Pending
• 2023
  • 2023-10-24 EP EP23205465.0A patent/EP4364584B1/de active Active
  • 2023-10-24 PL PL23205465.0T patent/PL4364584T3/pl unknown
  • 2023-10-31 CN CN202311432896.6A patent/CN117981899A/zh active Pending

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