Apparatus for filling of a downstream apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for filling a downstream apparatus with rod-shaped articles, in particular a packing machine, comprising a filler head having a feed element for transporting a mass flow made up of articles, wherein the feed element runs into a shaft in the region of an opening, and having a store which is constructed to be variable for compensating for the difference between the inflow and outflow of the mass flow inside the filler head, which apparatus is characterized by a store which is arranged at least in part ahead of the opening in the transport direction T of the mass flow.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the priority of German Patent Application No. 10 2004 062 638.3 filed Dec. 21, 2004, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. The disclosure of all U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications mentioned below are also incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for filling a downstream apparatus, in particular a packing machine, with rod-shaped articles, comprising a filler head having a feed element for transporting a mass flow made up of articles, wherein in the region of an opening the feed element runs into a shaft, as well as a store which is of variable construction for compensating the difference between the inflow and outflow of the mass flow inside the filler head. [0003] Such apparatuses are used in particular in the tobacco-processing industry. These apparatuses serve, for example, for supplying a packing machine ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a simple apparatus which ensures relief of the load on the articles located in the shaft.

[0007] This task is solved by an apparatus of the type identified at the outset in that the store is arranged at least in part ahead of the opening in the transport direction T of the mass flow, whereby the store is bounded by a belt, whose length, which is in contact with the mass flow, is variable to alter the volume of the store by means of conveying pressure of the mass flow against a predeterminable tensile force introduced into the belt. Due to this construction according to the invention, on the one hand, it is achieved that at least a major part of the weight of the articles in the store is taken up by the feed element. As a result, both the packing machine or the packer magazine thereof together with the articles located in the shaft have the load on them considerably relieved and hence are handled gently. On the other hand, by means of the embodiment according to the invention an alteration of the volume of the store can be brought about by the mass flow itself, in particular without the use of additional drive means, actuators or the like.

[0010] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one section of the belt located ahead of the opening into the shaft and above the lower conveying means is of deflectable construction. By means of this design it is, on the hand, ensured that in the event of fewer articles being taken off by the packing machine than are supplied the weight of the articles flowing behind is moved upwards. On the other hand, it is advantageous that due to the deflectable belt or the deflectable section of the belt the mass flow flowing thereunder is covered. This means that the mass flow exhibits no open surfaces so that shifting or alignment of the articles relative to one another is prevented. As a general rule the articles are conveyed in the transport direction T transverse to their longitudinal extension. Articles which, due to external influences, lack of guidance or the like, come out of this original transport position so that, for example, their longitudinal extension points in the transport direction, are also referred to as “non-aligned articles”. Such “non-aligned articles” are prevented by the covering provided by the belt.

Problems solved by technology

Such devices have the disadvantage that the weight of the articles located in the store acts completely on the shaft.

On the other hand, a change in volume results in a load on the articles located in the shaft due to the weight of the articles stacked thereover.

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