Transfer device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer device (10) configured and arranged for delivering rod-shaped articles (11) of the tobacco processing industry from a bundle-forming device (12) for forming the rod-shaped articles (11) to a tube device (13) arranged in a straight-line installation behind the bundle-forming device (12), wherein the rod-shaped articles (11) are transferred in their longitudinal extension in a transfer plane E in the bundle-forming device, and wherein the rod-shaped articles (11) are transferred transversely to their longitudinal extension in the tube device, comprising a fixed frame frame (14); and a transfer tube (15) rotatably driven relative to the frame frame (14) about a rotation axis D oriented perpendicular to the transfer plane E, having a receiving position for receiving the rod-shaped articles (11) by the bundle-forming device (12) in the transfer plane E. (16) and a positioning (17) for transferring the rod-shaped article (11) from the transfer plane E to the cylindrical device (13); an actuator (18) for the transfer cylinder (15); and at least one swinging recess device (19) arranged on the end side of the transfer cylinder (15), wherein said or each swinging recess device (19) is swingably constructed and positioned relative to the transfer cylinder (15) about an axis S oriented parallel to the rotation axis D and has at least one receptacle (20) for at least one rod-shaped article (11) that can be loaded with negative pressure, characterized in that each swinging recess device (19) includes a curved lever (21) which is effectively connected to a curved track (22) fixed to the frame frame (14) for applying a swinging motion about the axis S. Furthermore, the invention includes a corresponding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transfer device, constructed and set up for delivering rod-shaped articles from the tobacco processing industry from a bundle-forming device for forming the rod-shaped articles to a tube device (sometimes also called a roll device) arranged in a linear mounting (Geradeausaufstellung) behind the bundle-forming device, in which the rod-shaped articles are transferred in their longitudinal extension in a transfer plane E, and in which the rod-shaped articles are transferred transversely to their longitudinal extension in the tube device, comprising a fixed frame frame rotatable relative to the frame frame about a rotation axis D oriented perpendicular to the transfer plane E. A rotary-driven transport trommel having a receiving position for receiving rod-shaped articles in a transfer plane E by a bundle-forming device and a giving position for giving the rod-shaped articles from the transfer plane E to a trommel device; a driver for the transport trommel; and at least one swinging recess device arranged on an end side of the transport trommel, wherein the swinging recess device is oscillatingly constructed and positioned relative to the transport trommel about an axis S oriented parallel to the rotation axis D and has at least one receiving portion for at least one rod-shaped article that can be loaded with negative pressure.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for delivering rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry from a bundle-forming device for forming rod-shaped articles to a tube device arranged in a straight-line installation behind the bundle-forming device, wherein the rod-shaped articles are transferred in a transfer plane E in their longitudinal extension in the bundle-forming device, and the rod-shaped articles are transferred transversely to their longitudinal extension in the tube device, comprising the steps of: supplying the rod-shaped articles longitudinally to a receiving position region of the transfer device; receiving at least one rod-shaped article in the transfer plane E into a swing recess device arranged on an end side of the transfer tube of the transfer device; transferring each rod-shaped article to a given position region by rotational drive of the transfer tube of the transfer device about a rotation axis D oriented perpendicular to the transfer plane E, wherein each rod-shaped article is held in the receiving portion of the swing recess device by means of negative pressure during the transfer from the receiving position to the given position, and each swing recess device is oscillated about an axis S oriented parallel to the rotation axis D during the rotation of the transfer tube about the rotation axis D relative to the transfer tube, so as to bring the rod-shaped article from its desired receiving position in the receiving position to its desired given position in the given position. Background Technology

[0003] Such transfer devices and methods are used in the tobacco processing industry. Exemplarily, filter rods are formed as a circulating bundle in a bundle-forming device, cut by the bundle, and transferred along the direction of the transfer device in their longitudinal extension. This transfer typically takes place in a substantially horizontal transfer plane E. The rod-shaped articles are received by the transfer device in or parallel to this transfer plane E. The rod-shaped articles, supplied by the transfer device via a single or double track, are transferred to the area of ​​the receiving position of the transfer cylinder of the transfer device. The transfer cylinder is arranged on a frame frame, such as a wall-mounted control console, or supported thereon via a drive shaft. By rotating the transfer cylinder, a rolling circle L is defined by the circumference of the transfer cylinder, along which the rod-shaped articles are located, from the receiving position of the bundle-forming device, i.e., a bundle-forming machine (sometimes also called a press), to a given position at a cylinder device, such as a filter-setting machine. The rod-shaped articles in the upper stage of the bundle-forming machine and the filter-mounting machine on the other hand are aligned in the same or parallel direction by straight installation, wherein the rod-shaped articles are transferred along the transfer direction T in their longitudinal extension in the bundle-forming device and transversely to their longitudinal extension along the transfer direction T in the cylinder device.

[0004] Not only is the containment of the rod-shaped article contained, but the delivery of the rod-shaped article is also achieved at high speed. The same applies to the transfer from the containment position to the delivery position along the rolling circle. In order to hold the rod-shaped article in the containment during the transfer, each containment is loaded with negative pressure at least during the transfer phase of the rod-shaped article, once the article is in the containment of the swinging recess device, it is inserted or abutted, and once delivery to the cylinder device is achieved, it is interrupted. The swinging recess device is arranged on the upward or downward pointing end side of the transfer cylinder about the rotation axis D oriented perpendicular to the transfer plane E of the rod-shaped article, and the axis A extends around which each swinging recess device can swing relative to the transfer cylinder, also perpendicular to the plane opened by the end face of the transfer cylinder, which corresponds to the transfer plane E of the rod-shaped article and is parallel to its extension.

[0005] The rod-shaped item can be a single or multiple items of usable length, such as, for example, a single filter, a segmented filter, a cigarette, etc. For accurate and rapid delivery of the item, it is necessary to position it within the receiving portion of the swing recess device during transfer from the receiving position to the giving position, and to accurately provide or display its position at the giving position for reliable delivery to the cylinder device. Known transfer devices and methods to date have not achieved satisfactory results in terms of carrying speed and carrying accuracy. On the one hand, known solutions have very complex structures, with the swinging motion of the swing recess device implemented or transmitted to the swing recess device via a planetary transmission mechanism. On the other hand, such transfer devices are expensive and prone to interference. Another disadvantage is that the swing mechanism, by means of a transmission mechanism, can cause gaps and transmission delays in the swinging motion, which creates a precision load when delivering the rod-shaped item to the cylinder device. Furthermore, known swing recess devices have a recess serving as a receiving portion, in which the rod-shaped item is surrounded at least approximately 180°, thereby at least preventing rapid delivery of the rod-shaped item to the cylinder device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, this invention aims to create a transfer device that ensures the structural simplicity, speed, and accuracy of delivering rod-shaped articles. Furthermore, this invention proposes a corresponding method based on the objective of [missing information - likely related to the invention's purpose].

[0007] This task is solved by the type of transfer device mentioned at the beginning, wherein each swing recess device includes a curved lever, which is effectively connected to a curved track fixed to the frame frame to apply a swinging motion about axis S. This ensures direct and precise swinging motion of each swing recess device to provide or present a rod-shaped article in a given position for rapid and accurate delivery to the cylindrical device. The swing lever may be guided directly or by sliding and / or guide bodies on or within the curved lever.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, at least one rolling element is arranged at the free end of the curved lever, guiding it within a groove in the curved track. Each rolling element, acting as a sliding and / or guiding element, is preferably supported on an opposing sidewall of the groove. In a particularly advantageous configuration, two rolling elements are arranged overlapping each other to stabilize and precisely guide the oscillating recess within the curved track.

[0009] A preferred improvement is that the curved track is constructed and configured for each swinging recess device to swing about axis S and back by 90°. In other words, each swinging recess device (determined by the orientation of the curved track) swings back and forth at 90° between its two endpoints, resulting in a shorter swing path that enables improved accuracy of the swinging motion.

[0010] Advantageously, multiple oscillating recesses are provided, evenly distributed radially spaced from the rotation axis D of the transfer cylinder on its end sides. In other words, the oscillating recesses are located at the outer edge of the transfer cylinder. The multiple oscillating recesses improve the delivery cycle time at a given position.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the receiving position and the giving position are constructed to be offset from each other by 180° along a rolling circle described by the rotation of the transfer cylinder. This construction and setting scheme allows for a compact and stable transfer device with linear mounting of the bundle-forming apparatus and the cylinder assembly. For example, the receiving of the rod-shaped article at the 6:00 position is achieved by supplying the rod-shaped article to the transfer device or to the swinging recess device in a substantially tangentially oriented manner about the transfer cylinder in the peripheral edge region of the transfer cylinder, while the giving is achieved at the 12:00 position, in which the rod-shaped article (during the transfer, swinging at 90° from the receiving position to the giving position) is guided substantially radially about the transfer cylinder in the peripheral region of the transfer cylinder.

[0012] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the transfer tube is associated with a guide element, particularly a V-shaped guide rail (Prismenschiene), configured and positioned to deliver the rod-shaped article from the bundle-forming device or to introduce the bundle-shaped article into said or each receiving portion of each swing recess device, such that the guide element is at least partially parallel to the receiving portion orientation of the swing recess device in each receiving position. This guide element may be part of the bundle-forming device. Alternatively, the guide element may be part of the transfer device. The guide element is configured and positioned as an introduction aid, such that the position of the rod-shaped article to be received is maintained until the rod-shaped article is finally positioned in the receiving portion of the swing recess device with applied negative pressure.

[0013] Particularly advantageously, the guide element includes a guide channel section with a curved abutment surface that is at least a quarter circle in cross-section, such that the guide channel section of the guide element, together with the receiving portion of each swing recess device, forms a guide channel that is at least semi-circular in cross-section in the receiving position of the transfer cylinder. Particularly preferably, the abutment surface is constructed to be at least semi-circular in cross-section, so that in the receiving position, the rod-shaped article has an abutment surface supported at 270° with respect to its cross-section. Therefore, optimized and precise receiving of the rod-shaped article in the receiving position is ensured.

[0014] Suitably, each receiving portion of each oscillating recess device is effectively connected to a vacuum device for providing negative pressure within the receiving portion, wherein the vacuum device is fixed to the frame. Preferably, each oscillating recess device has a central suction channel assembly thereto, which acts on one hand on said or each receiving portion and on the other hand can establish an effective connection with the positioned vacuum device. This effective connection is preferably limited to the region between the receiving position and the output position. The suction channel assembly is particularly preferably extended within the oscillating lever, extending at least partially sectionally downward (or upward in other embodiments) perpendicular to the transfer plane E from the receiving portion.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous improvement, each receiving portion of each swing recess device has a contact surface that is at least a quarter-circle in cross-section for each of the rod-shaped articles. In embodiments where, for example, only receiving portions for rod-shaped articles are provided, as a transfer device for a single-bundle machine, the contact surface is substantially a quarter-circle in cross-section. This can be achieved, particularly at high speeds or so-called overspeed transfer to the cylinder device, in a particularly simple and reliable manner, since the rod-shaped articles can be approximately guided by the transfer cylinder in the transfer plane. The removal of the rod-shaped articles from the recess can be omitted. In embodiments where, for example, two parallel receiving portions for two rod-shaped articles are provided, as a transfer device for a double-bundle machine, the contact surface is substantially semi-circular for at least one of the receiving portions, but preferably for both receiving portions.

[0016] Particularly preferably, each swing recess device includes a disc-shaped receiving plate having two partial faces extending parallel to the transfer plane E, wherein the first partial face is downwardly offset relative to the second partial face and the two partial faces are connected to each other by a quarter-circle abutment surface in cross-section. This configuration of the receiving plate allows for simple and precise receiving and dispensing of rod-shaped articles at high or maximum speeds. The swing recess device may optionally also include, for example, a receiving recess with an abutment surface, in which the rod-shaped article is reliably held and from which it can be easily removed.

[0017] Suitably, each receiving portion of each swing recess device has a semi-circular contact surface in cross-section for each rod-shaped article. The semi-circular recess in cross-section provides a larger supporting surface area, which is particularly advantageous when delivering two or more rod-shaped articles in the swing recess device. In the case where the receiving portion is a semi-circular recess in cross-section, the guide element is correspondingly matched based on its contact surface.

[0018] This task is also solved by a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, namely, the oscillation of each oscillating recess device is achieved only by the combined action of the bending lever associated with each oscillating recess device and the bending track fixed at the frame of the transfer device during the rotation of the transfer cylinder about the axis of rotation D.

[0019] Preferably, the oscillation of each oscillating recess device about axis S relative to the transfer cylinder is achieved during the rotation of the transfer cylinder about the rotation axis D by the receiving position along the rolling circle L described by the rotation of the transfer cylinder, from 180° to a given position of 90°. In other words, each oscillating recess device oscillates 90° relative to the transfer cylinder about axis S, while the transfer cylinder rotates 180° about the rotation axis D.

[0020] Advantageously, the supply of the rod-shaped article in the region of the receiving position with respect to the end side of the transfer cylinder of the transfer device is achieved as a substantially tangential peripheral edge region supply, while the delivery of the rod-shaped article in the region of the giving position with respect to the end side of the transfer cylinder of the transfer device is achieved as a substantially radial peripheral region guide.

[0021] A particularly preferred improvement is characterized in that the method is implemented using the transfer device according to the invention.

[0022] The advantages derived from the method according to the invention have been described in detail in conjunction with the transfer device, so reference to the relevant sections will be avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Further suitable and / or advantageous features and modifications of the transfer apparatus and method are derived from the specification. Particularly preferred embodiments of the transfer apparatus and method are illustrated in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 A perspective view shows a schematic diagram of a component (part) for delivering a rod-shaped article using the transfer device according to the invention. Figure 2 A top view shows the results according to Figure 1 The transfer device, Figure 3 Section III-III shows the results according to Figure 2 The transfer device, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a swing recess device guided in a curved track is shown. Figure 5 The previous view shows an enlarged view of the disc-shaped receiving plate of the swing recess device. Figure 6 The cross section VV shows the results according to Figure 5 The view, and Figure 7A schematic diagram is shown of a guide element that incorporates a swing recess device as a supply auxiliary component. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The transfer device shown in the drawings is used to deliver filter rods of basic usable length from the bundle forming machine to the tube assembly of the filter placement machine. However, the invention can also be used in a corresponding manner to deliver another article in the tobacco processing industry from the bundle forming device to the tube assembly, more precisely, combining single-piece articles, articles composed of multiple segments, filter articles, and tobacco-containing articles manufactured in single-bundle or multi-bundle machines.

[0025] The transfer device 10 shown in the drawings is constructed and set up to deliver rod-shaped articles 11 from a forming bundle device 12 for forming the rod-shaped articles 11 to a cylindrical device 13 arranged in a straight line behind the forming bundle device 12, in which the rod-shaped articles 11 are spread out in their longitudinal extension in the transfer plane E (via the X and Z coordinates, see, for example) Figure 1 The transfer of rod-shaped articles 11 in a cylindrical device 13 extends transversely to its longitudinal direction and includes a fixed frame frame 14, a transfer cylinder 15 rotatably driven relative to the frame frame 14 about a rotation axis D perpendicular to the transfer plane E, having a receiving position 16 for receiving the rod-shaped articles 11 in the transfer plane E by a bundle-forming device 12 and a giving position 17 for giving the rod-shaped articles 14 from the transfer plane E to the cylindrical device 13, a driver 18 for the transfer cylinder 15, and at least one swinging recess device 19 arranged on an end side of the transfer cylinder 15, wherein said or each swinging recess device 19 is swingably constructed and positioned relative to the transfer cylinder 15 about an axis S parallel to the rotation axis D and has at least one receiving portion 20 for at least one rod-shaped article 11 that can be loaded with negative pressure. The transfer in the transfer plane E, or the receiving in the transfer plane, and the giving from the transfer plane E are explicitly also included in the transfer and receiving in a plane oriented or extending parallel to the transfer plane E. The concept of "plane" should not be understood strictly in a mathematical sense.

[0026] The transfer device 10 according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that each swing recess device 19 includes a curved lever 21, which is effectively connected to a curved track 22 fixed at the frame frame 14 for applying swing motion about axis S. Finally, the curved track 22 is fixedly positioned at the frame frame 14. The curved lever 21 can be expressed as follows: more than one curved lever 21 can also be provided. The curved lever 21 is finally a preferably rigid connecting member, which is fixedly connected to each of the receptacles 20 for transmitting the swing motion and works in conjunction with the curved track 22.

[0027] The transfer device 10 can be considered a separate unit. Preferably, the transfer device 10 is part of a component 50 for delivering the rod-shaped articles 11, wherein the component 50, in addition to the transfer device 10, includes a bundle-forming device 12 for supplying the rod-shaped articles 11 and a tube device 13 for guiding the rod-shaped articles. Preferably, the component 50 is associated with at least one control and / or adjustment device, not explicitly shown.

[0028] The features and improvements described below, when observed individually and combined with each other, represent preferred embodiments. It should be clearly noted that features summarized in the specification and / or drawings, or described in common embodiments, can also independently improve the transfer device 10 described above.

[0029] The transfer cylinder 15 includes a drive shaft 51 rotatably driven by a driver 18, which is connected to a disc-shaped transfer plate 52. The end sides of the transfer plate 52 open out to the following plane, which is in or parallel to the transfer plane E. The drive shaft 51 is supported relative to the frame frame 14 by means of bearing elements 53, such as ball bearings.

[0030] To load each of the receptacles 20 under vacuum, at least one suction opening 23 is constructed in the region of each receptacle 20 to which a vacuum device 24, described more below, is coupled or may be coupled. A vacuum or negative pressure is present at each receptacle 20 at least in the region from the receiving position 16 of the rod-shaped article 11 to the given position 17, so that the rod-shaped article 11 can be reliably held during transfer. The transfer plane E is preferably horizontally oriented. However, the transfer plane E may also be oriented obliquely. In the presented embodiment, the oscillating recess device 19 points upward, so that the cylinder device 13 is gripped from above onto the end side of the transfer cylinder 15. Finally, the transfer device 10 may also be arranged in the riser assembly, so that the oscillating recess device 19 points downward and the cylinder device 13 is below the transfer plane E and gripped from below onto the end side of the transfer cylinder 15.

[0031] As mentioned, the oscillation of the oscillating recess device 19 is achieved via a curved lever 21 guided in or on a curved track 22. Preferably, at least one rolling element 26 is arranged at the free end 25 of the curved lever 21, which is guided in a groove 27 of the curved track 22. Particularly advantageously, two overlapping rolling elements 26 are arranged as guiding elements. The curved track 22 with groove 27 is fixedly positioned at the frame frame 14. Instead of the rolling elements 26, other sliding and / or guiding elements may also be used, which follow the curved track 22. The curved lever 21 itself has a rod 28 that is at least partially linear. The free end 25 of each curved lever 21 may also be constructed linearly. In the presented embodiment, the curved lever 21 is constructed to bend in the region of the free end 25. The rod 28 itself may be constructed at its free end to form a sliding and / or guiding element. Preferably, the sliding and / or guiding element, however, may be loosely arranged at the rod 28 of the curved lever 21.

[0032] The curved track 22 preferably extends over the entire circumference of the transfer cylinder 15. In other words, the rolling element 26 travels 360° around the groove 27, wherein the curved track 22 is constructed and positioned for each oscillating recess device 19 to oscillate about axis S and back by 90°. The construction and orientation of the curved track 22 may vary. Preferably, the curved track 22 or groove 27 is constructed and shaped within the curved track 22 such that the oscillating recess device 19 oscillates overlappingly with a 180° rotational movement relative to the transfer cylinder 15 and a 90° rotational movement relative to the transfer cylinder 15 along the rolling circle L during the movement of the transfer cylinder 15. Depending on the positions of the receiving position 16 and the removing position 17 along the rolling circle L, the curved shape and / or curved orientation may be matched, thereby allowing the receiving position 16 and the removing position 17 to vary.

[0033] In an embodiment not shown, the transfer cylinder 15 may carry the swing recess devices 19. Preferably, a plurality of swing recess devices 19 are provided, which are evenly distributed radially spaced apart from the rotation axis D of the transfer cylinder 15 on its end side. In the presented transfer device 16, sixteen swing recess devices 19 are evenly distributed at the outer edge of the end side of the transfer cylinder 15. The number of swing recess devices 19 and their distribution on the end side of the transfer cylinder 15 may vary.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the receiving position 16 and the giving position 17 are constructed offset from each other by 180° along the rolling circle L described by the rotation of the transfer cylinder. Similarly, an alternative arrangement of the aforementioned positions is possible, with the receiving position 16 and the giving position 17 offset from each other by, for example, 90° along the rolling circle L. In this case, the curved track 22 is constructed in a matching manner, such that the overlapping oscillating motion of each oscillating recess device 19 during the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15 about axis D by 90° is also achieved by oscillating motion about axis A by 90°. A corresponding matching of the curved track 22 with the receiving position 16 and the giving position 17 offset by, for example, 270° is also possible.

[0035] In the selected embodiment, the rod-shaped articles 11 can be directly supplied from the bundle-forming device 12 to the receiving portion 20 of the transfer device 10. Preferably, the transfer cylinder 15 is associated with the guide element 29, particularly a V-shaped guide rail. The guide element 29 is configured and positioned for delivering the rod-shaped articles 11 from the bundle-forming device 12 or for introducing the bundle-shaped articles 11 into said or each receiving portion 20 of each swing recess device 19, such that the guide element 29 is at least partially parallel to the receiving portion 20 of the swing recess device 19 in each receiving position 16. The guide element 29 can be active or passive and is constructed, for example, as a gripper or stop. Particularly preferably, the guide element 29 includes a guide channel segment 30 with a curved abutment surface 31 that is at least a quarter circle in cross-section, such that the guide channel segment 30 of the guide element 29, together with the receiving portion 20 of each swing recess device 19 in the receiving position 16 of the transfer cylinder 15, forms a guide channel 32 that is at least semi-circular in cross-section. In the embodiment shown, the abutment surface 31 is constructed to be semi-circular in cross-section, so that each rod-shaped article 11 is surrounded by 270° in the receiving position 16.

[0036] As previously described, each receiving portion 20 of each swing recess device 19 is effectively connected to a vacuum device 24 for providing negative pressure in the receiving portion 20, wherein the vacuum device 24 is fixed to the frame frame 14. For this purpose, the transfer device 10 includes a common vacuum device 24, for example in the form of a suction pressure pump, which is connected to the receiving portion 20 via a suction line. The vacuum device 24 further includes a position-fixed control flange 33 and an opening 34, wherein the opening 34 is coupled to either the vacuum device 24 or the suction pressure pump. The control flange 33 extends at least from the receiving position 16 to the given position 17. The opening 34 can coordinate with a notch 36 in the rod 28 to establish a compressed air connection with the receiving portion 20 of the swing recess device 19.

[0037] The rod 28 is constructed to form at least partially hollow suction channels or suction air lines, opening 23 into the receiving portion 20. The suction channel or suction air line extends from the opening 23 in the region of the receiving portion 20 to the region of the recess 36 in the rod 28. This recess 36 corresponds to the control flange 33, thus ensuring a compressed air connection between the control flange 33 and the rod 28 at least in the region from the receiving position 16 to the given position 17, which ensures the maintenance of suction pressure at the opening 23. Each receiving portion 20 may also have more than one opening 23. The openings 23 may be circular, slit-like, or otherwise shaped. The number, shape, and arrangement of the openings 23 can vary.

[0038] Preferably, each receiving portion 20 is constructed as a quarter-circular recess. This means that each receiving portion 20 of each swinging recess device 19 has a contact surface 37 that is at least a quarter-circular in cross-section for each of the or rod-shaped articles 11. This embodiment is particularly designed for the reception of individual articles 11. Articles 11 cannot be held in the receiving portion 20 without suction pressure, therefore a guide element 29 is provided in the area of ​​the receiving position 16 to support or hold the article 11 together with the receiving portion 20 until suction pressure is present. In cases where each swinging recess device 19 is constructed to accommodate two articles 11, each receiving portion 20 of each swinging recess device 19 preferably has a contact surface that is semi-circular in cross-section for each of the or rod-shaped articles 11, so that the articles 11 remain in the receiving portion 20 even without suction pressure.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the drawings, each swing recess device 19 has a disc-shaped receiving plate 38 with two partial surfaces 39, 40 extending parallel to the transfer plane E, wherein the first partial surface 39 is downwardly offset relative to the second partial surface 40 and the two partial surfaces 39, 40 are connected to each other by a quarter-circle abutment surface 37 in cross-section. The abutment surface 37 can directly connect the two partial surfaces 39, 40 to each other. Preferably, the abutment surface 37 connects the two partial surfaces 39, 40 to each other indirectly via a platform (Absatz) 41, which is oriented in or parallel to the transfer plane E. This creates space for the bottom plate 42 of the guide element 29, so that the abutment surface 37 of the receiving portion 20 and the abutment surface 31 of the guide channel section 31 of the guide element 29 can be flush and form-fitted against the article 11.

[0040] Below, the method is explained in more detail based on the drawings.

[0041] This method is used to deliver rod-shaped articles 11 from a forming bundle device 12 for forming the rod-shaped articles 11 to a cylindrical device 13 arranged in a straight installation behind the forming bundle device 12. In the forming bundle device 12, the rod-shaped articles 11 are transferred in a transfer plane E along their longitudinal extension, and in the cylindrical device 13, the rod-shaped articles 11 are transferred transversely to their longitudinal extension. For delivery of the rod-shaped articles 11, they are supplied longitudinally to the region of the receiving position 16 of the transfer device 10. Single-track or double-track supply is possible, more precisely, by single or multiple articles 11 of varying lengths. Each rod-shaped article 11 is received in or parallel to the transfer plane E into a swing recess device 19 arranged on the end side of the transfer cylinder 15 of the transfer device 10. Next, each rod-shaped article 11 is transferred to the region of the delivery position 17 by rotational drive of the transfer cylinder 15 of the transfer device 10 about a rotation axis D perpendicular to the transfer plane E, wherein each rod-shaped article 11 is held in the receiving portion 20 of the swing recess device 19 by means of negative pressure during the transfer from the receiving position 16 to the delivery position 17. The receiving position 16 and the delivery position 17 may change their positions along a rolling circle L described by the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15, given their own positions and their positions relative to each other. During the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15 about the rotation axis D, each swing recess device 19 swings relative to the transfer cylinder 15 about an axis S parallel to the rotation axis D, so as to bring the rod-shaped article 11 from its desired receiving position in the receiving position 16 to its desired delivery position in the delivery position 17.

[0042] The method according to the invention is outstanding in that the oscillation of each oscillating recess device 19 during the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15 about the rotation axis D is achieved solely by the combined action of the curved lever 21 associated with each oscillating recess device 19 and the curved track 22 fixed at the frame frame 14 of the transfer device 10.

[0043] Optionally, the oscillation of each swing recess device 19 relative to the transfer cylinder 15 about axis S is achieved during the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15 about axis of rotation D, from the receiving position 16 along the rolling circle L described by the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15 at 180° to the given position 17 at 90°. The oscillation of the swing recess device 19 at 90° can also be achieved along the rolling circle L along a shorter or longer transfer path of the transfer cylinder 15, i.e., for example, during the rotation of the transfer cylinder 15 at 90° or 270°. The oscillation of the swing recess device 19 is initially achieved at 90° in one direction. On the path from the given position 17 back to the receiving position 16, the swing recess device 19 returns to its oscillation at 90°.

[0044] The supply of the rod-shaped article 11 to the end side of the transfer cylinder 15 of the transfer device 10 in the region of receiving position 16 is achieved as a substantially tangential peripheral edge region supply, while the delivery of the rod-shaped article 11 to the end side of the transfer cylinder 15 of the transfer device 10 in the region of giving position 17 is achieved as a substantially radial peripheral region guide.

[0045] Of particular advantage, the method is implemented using the transfer device 10 according to the invention.

Claims

1. A transfer device (10) configured and set up for delivering rod-shaped articles (11) of the tobacco processing industry from a bundle-forming device (12) for forming said rod-shaped articles (11) to a tube device (13) arranged in a straight installation behind the bundle-forming device (12), wherein said rod-shaped articles (11) are transferred in their longitudinal extension in a horizontal transfer plane (E) in said bundle-forming device, and said rod-shaped articles (11) are transferred transversely to their longitudinal extension in said tube device, comprising a fixed frame frame (14); and a transfer tube (15) rotatably driven relative to said frame frame (14) about a rotation axis (D) oriented perpendicular to the horizontal transfer plane (E), having for the horizontal The transfer plane (E) includes a receiving position (16) for receiving the rod-shaped article (11) by the bundle-forming device (12) and a giving position (17) for giving the rod-shaped article (11) from the horizontal transfer plane (E) to the cylindrical device (13); a driver (18) for the transfer cylinder (15); and at least one swinging recess device (19) arranged on the end side of the transfer cylinder (15), wherein the swinging recess device (19) is swingably constructed and positioned relative to the transfer cylinder (15) about an axis (S) oriented parallel to the rotation axis (D) and has at least one receiving portion (20) for at least one rod-shaped article (11) that can be loaded with negative pressure, characterized in that, Each swing recess device (19) includes a curved lever (21) connected to a curved track (22) fixed to the frame frame (14) for applying a swinging motion about the axis (S), wherein the swinging of each swing recess device (19) during the rotation of the transfer cylinder (15) about the axis of rotation (D) is achieved solely through the combined action of the curved lever (21) associated with each swing recess device (19) and the curved track (22) fixed to the frame frame (14) of the transfer device (10).

2. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one rolling element (26) is arranged at the free end (25) of the curved lever (21), which is guided in the groove (27) of the curved track (22).

3. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The curved track (22) is constructed and set up for each swing recess device (19) to swing around the axis (S) and back by 90°.

4. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple swing recesses (19) are provided, which are evenly distributed radially spaced from the rotation axis (D) of the transfer cylinder (15) on its end side.

5. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The receiving position (16) and the giving position (17) are constructed offset from each other by 180° along a rolling circle (L) defined by the rotation of the transfer cylinder (15).

6. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transfer tube (15) is associated with the guide element (29), which is constructed and positioned to deliver the rod-shaped article (11) by the bundle-forming device (12) or to introduce the rod-shaped article (11) into the receiving portion (20) of each swing recess device (19), such that the guide element (29) is at least partially parallel to the receiving portion (20) of the swing recess device (19) in the receiving position (16) of each swing recess device (19).

7. The transfer device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide element (29) includes a guide channel section (30) with a curved abutment surface (31) that is at least a quarter circle in cross-section, such that the guide channel section (30) of the guide element (29) together with the receiving portion (20) of each swing recess device (19) forms a guide channel (32) that is at least semi-circular in cross-section in the receiving position (16) of the transfer cylinder (15).

8. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each receiving portion (20) of each swing recess device (19) is connected to a vacuum device (24) for providing negative pressure in the receiving portion (20), wherein the vacuum device (24) is fixed to the frame frame (14).

9. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each receiving portion (20) of each swing recess device (19) has a contact surface (37) that is at least a quarter circle in cross-section for the rod-shaped article (11).

10. The transfer device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each swing recess device (19) includes a disc-shaped receiving plate (38) having two partial surfaces (39, 40) extending parallel to the horizontal transfer plane (E), wherein the first partial surface (39) is offset downward relative to the second partial surface (40) and the two partial surfaces (39, 40) are connected to each other by a quarter-circle abutment surface (37) in cross-section.

11. The transfer device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each receiving portion (20) of each swing recess device (19) has a semi-circular contact surface in cross-section for the rod-shaped article (11).

12. The transfer device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide element (29) is a V-shaped guide rail.

13. A method for delivering a rod-shaped article (11) of the tobacco processing industry from a bundle-forming device (12) for forming the rod-shaped article (11) to a tube device (13) arranged in a straight installation behind the bundle-forming device (12), wherein the rod-shaped article (11) is transferred in a horizontal transfer plane (E) in its longitudinal extension in the bundle-forming device, and wherein the rod-shaped article (11) is transferred transversely to its longitudinal extension in the tube device, comprising the steps of: - The rod-shaped article (11) is supplied longitudinally into the area of ​​the receiving position (16) of the transfer device (10). - At least one rod-shaped article (11) is received in the horizontal transfer plane (E) into a swing recess device (19) arranged on the end side of the transfer cylinder (15) of the transfer device (10). - Each rod-shaped article (11) is transferred to the area of ​​the given position (17) by the rotational drive of the transfer cylinder (15) of the transfer device (10) about a rotation axis (D) oriented perpendicular to the horizontal transfer plane (E). - Each rod-shaped article (11) is held in the receiving portion (20) of the swing recess device (19) by means of negative pressure during the transfer from the receiving position (16) to the given position (17), and - During the rotation of the transfer cylinder (15) relative to the rotation axis (D), each oscillating recess device (19) oscillates about an axis (S) oriented parallel to the rotation axis (D) to move the rod-shaped article (11) from the receiving position (16) to the given position (17) to the given desired position. Its features are, During the rotation of the transfer cylinder (15) around the rotation axis (D), the oscillation of each oscillating recess device (19) is achieved solely through the combined action of a curved lever (21) associated with each oscillating recess device (19) and a curved track (22) fixed at the frame frame (14) of the transfer device (10).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, During the rotation of the transfer cylinder (15) about the axis of rotation (D) by the receiving position (16) along the rolling circle (L) defined by the rotation of the transfer cylinder (15) at 180° until the given position (17) at 90°, each oscillating recess device (19) oscillates about the axis (S) relative to the transfer cylinder (15).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The supply of the rod-shaped article (11) in the region of the receiving position (16) with respect to the end side of the transfer tube (15) of the transfer device (10) is achieved as a substantially tangential peripheral edge region supply, while the delivery of the rod-shaped article (11) in the region of the giving position (17) with respect to the end side of the transfer tube (15) of the transfer device (10) is achieved as a substantially radial peripheral region guide.

16. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, It is implemented using the transfer device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images