Conveyor for transporting rod-shaped filter elements, receiver station for filter elements, system designed for transporting filter elements into filter element store and method of control of transport of rod-shaped filter elements

Description of the invention

The subject of the invention is a method for controlling the transport of the rod-shaped filter elements to the filter element store and a device for transporting the rod-shaped filter elements to the filter element store, where the longitudinally fed filter elements can be fed to the filter element store in the direction of the filter element. transverse to axial, incorporating the drum rotatable in the transverse axial direction, having at least one retainer for the filter element.

The invention also relates to a collecting station for filter elements and a system for transporting filter elements to the filter element store.

A suitable device for transporting rod-shaped filter elements is known, for example, from JP 54-13195. This document discloses a filter receiving device having a wing rotor in which the axially incoming filter rods are inhibited by reduced pressure air. In this case, the impeller is periodically driven and supplies the filter rods to the conveyor belt.

Another known device for transporting the rod-shaped filter elements to the filter element store or a suitable method for transporting the filter elements to the filter element store is known from the so-called FILTROMAT 3 FE filter rod delivery system produced by the applicant company. A filter rod supply system of this type or a filter rod receiving device of this type receives filter rods in the axial direction, which are first decelerated and then accelerated in the axial direction. The filter rods are then fed to the filter store in the transverse to axial direction. Various variants of the modules are known. For example, there are single, double and triple receiving devices. It is possible to adjust the speed of the receiving device for the filter rods depending on the demand for the filter rods.

In the production of multi-segment filters by means of a modular device known from DE 101 55 292.0 produced by the applicant company, the use of FILTROMAT 3 FE is problematic due to its dimensions.

The object of the invention is to improve a method for controlling the transport of filter elements to the filter element store so that the rod-shaped filter elements can be transported efficiently and in a very small space, and to improve a suitable device for transporting the rod-shaped filter elements to the filter element store.

The method of controlling the transport of the rod-shaped filter elements to the filter element store according to the invention is characterized in that the filter elements are transported in the axial direction to the drum with the retainers for the filter elements, in particular to the device for transporting the rod-shaped filter elements. filter elements at the detection device, a start signal is generated, as soon as the end of the filter element passes the detection device, the drum starts to rotate in the transverse direction after receiving the start signal, and finally the filter element is inserted into the filter element store.

Preferably, the drum rotates 360 ° divided by the number of locators on the drum.

Preferably, the quality of the filter elements is monitored with defective filter elements being discarded.

Preferably, for quality control of the filter elements, the residence time of the filter elements at the detection device is measured.

Preferably, the filter element is discarded if the residence time of the filter element is greater than the transport velocity dependent residence time assumed.

Preferably, the filter element associated with this residence time is transported to the filter element store up to a certain transport speed dependent residence time.

Apparatus for transporting rod-shaped filter elements, in particular filter rods, to a filter element store, the filter elements transported in the axial direction being fed to the filter element store in a transaxial direction, comprising a rotating drum with at least one device holder for the filter element. filtering according to the invention is characterized by comprising a detection device for recognizing the filter elements, the detection device being arranged to control the rotation of the drum.

Preferably, the detection device comprises a light barrier.

Preferably, the drum cooperates with a mechanical element which causes the filter elements to be inserted transversely into the filter element store.

Preferably, the transport of the filter elements to the drum takes place by means of fixed elements.

Preferably, a plurality of retainers are provided in the drum.

Preferably, the device includes a braking member for braking the filter element from moving in the retainer of the drum.

Preferably, the drum rotates before the filter element has reached its end position in the drum retainer.

Preferably, the drum comprises a means for aligning the filter elements.

Preferably, the device has an ejection mechanism for defective filter elements.

The receiving station for filter elements according to the invention comprises a device for transporting rod-shaped filter elements with the features defined above.

A system for transporting the filter elements to the filter element store with at least one device for transporting the rod-shaped filter elements with the features defined above, according to the invention, is characterized in that the device is arranged outside the filter element store.

Preferably, the system comprises several devices, in particular three devices.

Preferably, the devices are arranged one below the other.

The method according to the invention enables a very efficient, reliable and quick transport of the rod-shaped filter elements to the filter element store.

When the drum rotates 360 ° divided by the number of retainers on the drum and braking occurs at the end of the rotation, it is possible to gently transport the filter elements or gently insert the filter elements into the filter element storage. The braking can advantageously at least partially take place by using the gravity of the filter elements in the filter element store.

When the quality of the filter elements is controlled, and the defective filter elements are discarded, the number of rejects in the manufactured filter cigarettes is accordingly minimized. A particularly simple quality check is possible if the residence time of the filter elements over the detection device is measured for the quality control of the filter elements. For a certain time-dependent transport speed-dependent residence time, the filter element associated with this residence time is discarded. Ejection thus takes place when the residence time of the filter element is longer than the velocity-dependent residence time assumed. On the other hand, the filter element associated with this residence time is preferably transported to the filter element store up to a certain residence time dependent on the transport speed and installed.

The device according to the invention has a very compact structure, whereby the filter elements are fed into the filter element store very efficiently and also quickly and controlled. Due to the fact that a detection device is provided, a relatively very high drum rotation cycle can be set.

A device that is particularly simple to implement is provided if the detection device comprises a light barrier. By means of the light barrier, the beginning and the end of the filter elements transported by the detection device or at the detection device can be detected, whereby the rotating drum can be appropriately controlled. It is preferable to arrange the detection device at a distance from the drum, so that at a time when the filter elements have not been completely transported to the respective retainer, rotation of the drum can be started, as a result of which rapid transport is possible.

When the drum cooperates with a mechanical element which causes the filter elements to be inserted into the filter element store in a transverse direction, it is possible to transport the filter elements very gently into the filter element store. For example, a fork or a comb can be used as a mechanical element, which slides into the holders of the drum and forms an effective obstacle to the filter elements remaining in the respective holders during further rotation of the drum.

PL 208 555 B1

A particularly defined, trouble-free transport is ensured when the filter elements are transported to the drum by means of fixed elements. Fixed elements in this case are pipes or pipelines through which the filter elements are transported along the axis, brake wheels for braking the filter elements, acceleration wheels for accelerating the filter elements in the longitudinal direction and, for example, a rectilinear belt conveyor located behind the braking wheels in the longitudinal direction. the direction of transport.

If a plurality of holding elements are provided in the drum, the holding elements in particular being cavities, the filter elements can be transported very quickly.

By using a brake element to brake the filter element carried in the drum retainer, thereby allowing the filter elements to be transported gently in the drum retainer. In the case of a braking element, this can be a mechanical element, for example in the form of a brake plate, which presses radially against the rod-shaped filter elements, or a pin-on part which presses frontally against the circumference of the filter element. It may also be a pneumatic element which, in a pneumatically clocked manner, admits compressed air to the retainers intended to fix the filter elements in order to brake the filter elements accordingly. The braking of the axially moving filter elements may advantageously be carried out pneumatically from the end face, whereby a nozzle is provided on the end face of the retainer, for example, and the compressed air from the nozzle acts on the front end of the filter element in the sliding direction. Such braking is particularly suitable for delicate filter elements.

The compressed air is preferably switched on by means of a quick-acting diverter valve, for example from FESTO. This valve is controlled or clocked by a light barrier at the entrance to the drum.

The drum is preferably rotated before the filter element reaches its end position in the drum retainer. For this purpose, the control is preferably performed such that rotation of the drum begins already before the filter element enters completely. With this preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to brake the filter elements gently. The drum preferably has at least one element for aligning the filter elements. Thanks to this solution, the filter elements can be brought compactly to the filter store.

When a mechanism for ejecting defective filter elements is provided, the number of defective filter elements, for example defective filter cigarettes for which corresponding filter elements are provided, can be minimized. There, preferably some kind of self-cleaning is provided at the receiving station for the filter elements. For example, a cutting element rotating with the drum is used, for example a rotating cutting ring, which, when the drum is further rotated by one position, intersects the filter rod which has partially entered the drum. The cutting element, as mentioned, comprises a cutting ring rotating with the drum and a stationary cutting element. The rear part of the longitudinal transport of the filter rod is then blown back with compressed air and ejected by opening the corresponding flap provided for this purpose. For this, there can also be an open rail, which is provided in the lower region of the longitudinal transport element, which is placed just in front of the drum in the transport direction. The front part of the filter element is transported e.g. two drum positions further and then blown from the drum.

After self-cleaning, the corresponding groove in the drum or the corresponding retainer in the drum is inspected, for example by a light barrier, to determine whether filter element parts are still present in the retainer.

The receiving station for filter elements according to the invention comprises the device according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention which has been described above.

The arrangement for transporting the filter elements to the filter element store with at least one of the devices according to the invention is designed such that the device is placed outside the filter element store, whereby defective filter elements can be very effectively eliminated from the further implementation of the method. Moreover, in multi-segment filter manufacturing systems, it is possible to make corresponding modules with which the respective segments or groups of segments for producing multi-segment filters are assembled in such a way that the respective modules can form a narrow structure. Several devices according to the invention can be accommodated, in particular three devices. In another preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the devices are arranged one below the other, so that an even narrower structure of the system is possible.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawing without limiting the general inventive idea. Reference is made to the figures for all details according to the invention that are not explained in the text.

The subject of the invention is illustrated in the drawings in which fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of the receiving station according to the invention, fig. 2 - a fragment of fig. 1 enlarged, fig. 3 - a schematic cross-section along the line AA in fig. 2, fig. 4, another embodiment of the drum according to the invention, in section, fig. 5 - a further embodiment of the drum according to the invention in a schematic section, fig. 6 - a system according to the invention in a schematic section, fig. 7 - a further system according to the invention in a schematic section, and fig. 8 a part of a further receiving station according to the invention in a three-dimensional schematic representation.

1 shows a filter element receiving device for transporting the rod-shaped filter elements 6 to the filter element store 8. The filter elements 6 introduced into the filter element store 8, after cutting them into, for example, filter elements with a length equal to twice the useful length, and after being supplied with a tobacco rod of a length equal to twice the useful length, serve to manufacture filter cigarettes. The filter elements 6 supplied to the filter element store 8 can also be cut into respective filter segments and be fed into an array of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters. The device according to the invention can be associated with several or all of the functional units of a device for assembling groups of filter segments for the production of multi-segment filters in the tobacco processing industry according to the German application DE 101 55 292.0 by the applicant company. DE 101 55 292.0 is to be included in its entirety within the scope of the disclosure of this patent application.

The filter elements with a length of n times the usable length are supplied via a pipe from the filter making machine by means of a transmission device for the filter elements to the connection line 1. The pipe is not shown in Fig. 1. Filter elements 6 which are transported at intervals. in the supply line, the connection line 1 then enters the arc guide 2 in order to be braked in the channel 5 by the brake rollers 3. The filter elements 6 are then transported via an accelerating roller 4 into the drum 7 through a guide, which is not shown. The drum 7 and, moreover, other elements essential for the invention are shown in more detail in FIG. 2 in the enlarged, diagrammatic section of FIG. 1. 2, the drum 7 is shown with the filter element 6 arranged in the retainer 19 of the drum in the form of a retaining recess. The filter element 6 has, in this phase of the method, already passed the light barrier consisting of the light-emitting diode 10 and the detector 11. The drum 7 is mounted on bearings 12 and rotates around the axis of rotation 13. When a defective filter element occurs, it can be blown by compressed air in the blow-off direction from the blow-out channel 16 which is formed by the body 18 and the retainer 19 in the form of a retaining cavity, such that the defective filter element is brought into the container A compressed air connection 14 is provided for the supply of compressed air.

If the filter element housed in the retaining element 19 in the form of a retaining cavity is not damaged or defective, it is transported further by the rotational movement of the drum 7 and is brought to a warehouse 8 which is described in more detail below. The light emitting diode 10 and the detector 11 are fixed in the holder 27.

The light emitting diode 10 and detector 11 form the light barrier.

In an embodiment of the device according to the invention, which is shown in FIG. 3, the filter element 6 is inserted axially in the device 21 at a position corresponding to three o'clock into the receiving cavity therein. After passing the light barrier consisting of the LED 10 and the detector 11, the drum 7 starts to rotate in the direction of rotation 17. Prior to rotation, the braking element 20 brakes the filter element 6 in the recess-shaped retainer 19, essentially by a force applied to the peripheral surface of the end-face filter element 6. In Fig. 3, the end face faces the observer. By measuring the residence time of the filter element at the light barrier, it can be determined whether the filter is defective (for example, if it is cracked) or if it corresponds to the desired pair.

PL 208 555 B1 meters. If the filter is defective, it can be ejected with the blown air at the 6 o'clock position. Alternatively, it is possible to discard the defective filter at the 3 o'clock position. The drum 7 stops, the filter element 6 is blown out, a guide, not shown, is deflected and the filter element 6 falls out. During further rotation of the drum, the filter element 6 can be positioned by means of an ordinary positioning element, for example in the form of a sheet. From the twelve o'clock position, the filter element 6 is gently moved into the channel 28 which is formed by the body 18 and the comb 22. Due to a suitable gentle inclination of comb 22 in combination with the flat side of the retainer 19 in the form of a locating recess in the transport direction, it is possible to gently transfer the filter element 6 into the channel 28. The comb 22 extends partially into the locating recesses of the drum 7. Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 2.

4 shows another embodiment of the drum 7 or device according to the invention, while FIG. 4 also shows a corresponding schematic section as in FIG. 3. The difference with FIG. 3 is that the device 21 the delivery filter elements are positioned at the twelve o'clock position and in that the direction of rotation 17 'is opposite to the direction of rotation 17 shown in Figure 3. The filter element inserted into the retaining element 19 in the form of a retaining recess at the filter element supply device 21 is braked by a brake element 20 'in the form of a brake plate. It should be borne in mind that the light barrier consisting of the light-emitting diode 10 and the detector 11 is preferably arranged in the axial direction at a distance from the transport direction of the filter elements, so that the rotation of the drum 7 may already begin before the filter element 6 is moved. completely moved to retainer 19 in the form of a retaining recess in drum 7. A complete brake on the brake 20 'is thus provided after actuation or after the drum 7 has started to rotate.

In Fig. 4, the comb 22 'is shaped differently from that of the comb 22 in Fig. 3. Also in this embodiment, gentle transfer is ensured thanks to the relatively smooth sides of both the comb 22] and the retaining elements 19 in the form of retaining recesses.

5 shows a schematic section of an improved embodiment of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 4. In this embodiment, ejection of defective filter elements 6 takes place by means of a flap 23 which, when a defective filter element 6 is detected, is swung to position 23 'in by rotating on the rotation axis 24 to transfer the filter element 6, which is defective, to the catchment container 9.

6 shows a schematic section of an arrangement according to the invention of the devices according to the invention, three arrangements according to the invention being provided. The devices according to the invention are arranged obliquely above each other and adjoin the storage 8 of filter elements. The store 8 of filter elements is limited by its walls 25 and precisely by the devices according to the invention. Moreover, the direction 26 for removing defective filter elements is schematically shown.

Fig. 7 shows an arrangement according to the invention of devices according to the invention, in which the devices according to the invention are arranged vertically one above the other.

Due to the fact that a drum with retaining cavities for the filter elements is provided, it is possible by means of the shapes to create a force for pushing the filter elements into the filter element store. Thus, the generation of higher insertion forces is ensured.

To bring the filter elements into drum 7, they are first accelerated in the longitudinal direction by acceleration rollers 4. Drum 7 stands in a position in which accelerated filter element 6 can reach a retaining element 19 in the form of a retaining cavity in drum 7.

In a preferred embodiment, the radial acceleration of the drum starts as soon as the filter element has left the light barrier. The drum 7 is then decelerated to provide the next retaining cavity for the next filter element. Before turning starts (the embodiment in Fig. 3) or after starting rotation (the embodiment in Fig. 4), the filter element is decelerated in the retaining cavity. As the braking element 20, a peripherally arranged mechanical stop plate such as in FIG. 4 can be used, which in particular is adjustable and which acts radially on the filter element and brakes the filter element more strongly with increasing rotation angle.

PL 208 555 B1

Braking can also take place by means of a compressed air nozzle located at the frontal side. It is powered, for example, in a constant cycle, and the control can be by means of a light barrier consisting of an LED 10 and a detector 11.

Between the two stops, the filter element is positioned in the transverse direction by means of a longitudinal displacement in the retainer 19 in the form of a retaining recess. The transverse to axial alignment can take place either mechanically or pneumatically. In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, it is also possible for the setting to be carried out by means of a brake element 20 'in the form of a brake plate. After being rotated through an angle of about 350, the filter element is pushed out of the drum by the interaction of the side of the retaining cavity and the fork. The locating recesses should be shaped in such a way that, when the drum is accelerated, the entire weight of the filters from the store does not burden the threshold of the drum and the filter element to be introduced into the store. For this reason, a relatively long side is provided in the receiving cavity, which holds the filter elements in the filter element store when the drum is accelerated. When the filter elements are pushed into the magazine, the drum is in the braking phase. The pressure of the filter elements in the magazine helps with braking.

In order to remove defective filter elements, the light barrier formed by the light-emitting diode 10 and the detector 11 is checked for how long the filter element 6 is in front of the light barrier. In the event of a disturbance or defective filter element 6, the light barrier in the form of the light-emitting diode 10 and the detector 11 is occupied longer than normal. In this case, the longitudinal transport is immediately stopped and the filter barrier used in the prior art is activated, for example in the FILTROMAT 3 FE device of the applicant company. Further reference is made to US-A-5,651,643. In order to remove defective filters, the drum is stopped in a predetermined position and, as described above, the filter is removed from the drum. This can be done using mechanical components or using compressed air. The removal of the waste filter rods in the longitudinal transport of the filter collecting device can take place either by means of a drum or between the acceleration roller and the drum. After the faults have been rectified, the device can be restarted fully automatically.

Figure 8 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of a part of a further receiving station according to the invention. The filter element 6 is led through the holder 27 and a circular opening in the movable knife element 29 in the feeding direction 31 to the locating cavity of the drum 7. When a defective filter element occurs, this can be detected by the fact that, for example, the residence time at the light barrier in the form of LED 10 and detector 11 (see Fig. 2) when the filter element is transported to the receiving cavity of the drum 7 is too long or too short, the drum 6 is further rotated, e.g. two positions, and the filter element located in the receiving cavity or part of this filter element is then blown by compressed air into of the filter blowing device 32 and is guided through the channel 5 and thus enters the scrap container. The scrap box is not shown here. It works in particular when the defective filter element has been fully inserted into the receiving cavity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the drum 7 indeed begins to rotate before the filter element has been fully inserted into the receiving recess, or in the case of filter elements that are too long, a knife comprising a movable knife element 29 and a stationary knife element 30 serve for the corresponding purpose. cutting off or shortening this filter element. The part of the filter element 6 which has got into the holding cavity as just described can then be removed. The portion remaining in the supply channel 51 due to the opening of the flap and the supply of compressed air in the opposite direction to the supply direction 31 is then blown out of the channel 51.

Moreover, it is advantageous that, after self-cleaning of the respective grooves of the drum or the retaining members 33 with the aid of the light barrier, it is checked whether the filter elements or parts thereof still remain in the grooves or the retaining members. The corresponding light barrier is not shown in the figures. This light barrier can be positioned at a suitable location in the retainer. A suitable light barrier may also be placed at a suitable location in the channel 51.

Fig. 8 also shows a schematic view of a comb 22 by means of which the filter element 6 at the top in Fig. 8 can be selectively, defined and gently transferred to a supply of filter elements not shown.