Device for rotating or rolling a filling material into a wrapping material

Abstract

Device for rotating or rolling a filling material, comprising several rollers (2) rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes, which together form a longitudinally tapered roller body (1) enclosing a longitudinally tapered free space (3), wherein the rollers (2) are arranged circularly around the free space (3) with their first ends (4) and their second ends (5), with at least one rolling body (11) arranged in the free space (3) and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the circumferential surface of which is in contact at least partially with the circumferential surfaces of at least individual rollers (2), and with a rotating device which engages with the first or second ends (4, 5) of the rollers (2), such that the rotating device causes all rollers (2) to rotate about their longitudinal axes and the filling material present in the free space (3) can be rolled into a covering material that can be introduced into the free space (3). is,so that a conically shaped product can be manufactured.

Description

The invention relates to a device for turning or rolling a filling material into a covering material for the production of an elongated, in particular rod-shaped, product. To manufacture such products, it is generally known to introduce a filling material into a web-shaped, sheet-shaped, or other wrapping material and to form it into a substantially elongated body by a rolling or twisting motion. A regular requirement here is to guide the filling material in a controlled manner during the rolling process, to distribute it evenly, and to introduce it into the wrapping material with the desired density, so that a dimensionally stable and usable product is obtained. The filling material can, in particular, include a plant material, a luxury item, a smoking material, spices, herbs, tobacco, or a tobacco-free smoking material. Of particular importance is the reliable shaping of the product to be manufactured. Specifically, the product's cross-section, the position of the coating material relative to the filling material, and the density of the filling material should be controllable in a reproducible manner. Depending on the application, a geometry deviating from a cylindrical shape, especially a longitudinally tapered form, may also be desired. Furthermore, there is a general requirement to provide a device that is simple in design yet enables reproducible product quality with ease of use. Various devices are known from the tobacco industry in which filling material in the form of smoking material is rolled into a wrapping material using rollers, bands, or other shaping elements. For example, EP 0 765 610 A1 describes a device for rolling a cigarette in which two rollers and a band-shaped element work together to transform a smoking product into a conical shape. The shape of the product is essentially influenced by the geometry of the band-shaped element. US 3,911,933 A discloses a manual rolling machine for cigarettes with two rollers and an endless band, wherein the smoking material is received in an area formed by the band and rolled into a smokable stick product by actuating the device. Against this background, there remains a need for a device for rotating or rolling a filling material that is structurally simple and at the same time enables reliable and reproducible shaping of the product to be rolled. In particular, there is a need for a device that can also produce a defined product shape that tapers longitudinally. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for rotating or rolling a filling material, which enables reproducible and defined shaping, in particular of a product that tapers in its longitudinal extension. The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims. The object of the invention is achieved by providing a device for rotating or rolling a filling material. The device comprises several rollers rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes, which together form a roller body that tapers longitudinally and encloses a longitudinally tapered free space. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one rolling element arranged in the free space and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, as well as a rotating mechanism that engages with the first or second ends of the rollers and causes the rollers to rotate. For the purposes of this invention, a filling material is understood to be a material that can be introduced into a wrapping material and formed into an elongated product by twisting or rolling. The product can, in particular, be rod-shaped. Suitable filling materials include, in particular, plant materials, stimulants, spices, herbs, tobacco, and tobacco-free smoking materials. A wrapping material is understood to be, in particular, a sheet-shaped, strip-shaped, or web-shaped material that surrounds the filling material, at least partially. For the purposes of this invention, rollers are understood to be rotatably mounted, elongated rolling elements whose outer surfaces define the free space, at least partially, and which, during rotation, can come into contact with the filling material and / or the wrapping material. The rollers are arranged and / or designed such that they collectively form a roller body that tapers longitudinally. The roller body refers to the shell structure formed by all the rollers, which surrounds the free space, at least in sections. The roller body thus forms an outer boundary of the free space. The free space also tapers longitudinally. This means that its cross-section changes along the longitudinal direction, in particular decreasing, so that one axial end has a larger cross-section than the opposite axial end. Accordingly, the outer dimension of the roller body also decreases axially towards one end. The rollers are advantageously arranged with their first and second ends in a circular pattern around the clearance. This means that the ends of the rollers are positioned along an imaginary circle in an axial view. In this way, a defined circumferential arrangement of the rollers is established at both axial end regions of the roller body. In one embodiment, the first ends of the rollers can be arranged on a first circle and the second ends of the rollers on a second circle. If the two circles have different radii, in particular such that the radius of the first circle is smaller than the radius of the second circle, then the tapering of the roller body and the clearance is also determined by the end geometry of the rollers. The space is designed to accommodate the filling material and the wrapping material during the rolling process. Due to the longitudinally tapered shape of the space, the filling material can be formed into a conical shape. The wrapping material can be in the form of sheets, blanks, or rolls and can be inserted or placed into the space. At least one rolling element is arranged within the free space, the circumferential surface of which is in contact, at least partially, with the circumferential surfaces of at least some of the rollers. This means that the rolling element is positioned within the free space defined by the rollers such that there is direct mechanical contact or a rolling contact between the rolling element and at least some of the rollers. The rolling element interacts with the rollers in such a way that the wrapping material can be gripped, guided, and applied to the filler material present in the free space during rotation or rolling. The rolling element thus does not merely form a filler element in the free space, but rather a functional element for guiding the wrapping material. Through the interaction of the rolling element and the rollers, the wrapping material can be guided around the filler material, while the filler material is held in position and shaped within the free space. The rotating device engages with the first or second ends of the rollers and causes all rollers to rotate about their longitudinal axes. Engagement means that the rotating device mechanically transmits a rotary motion to the rollers, in particular directly or indirectly, for example via coupling elements. The rotation of the rollers moves the filling material arranged in the free space relative to the wrapping material. Simultaneously, the wrapping material is guided by the at least one rolling element. This allows the filling material to be rolled into the wrapping material within the longitudinally tapered free space. The filling material can initially be introduced loosely into the free space, for example as a locally confined portion or as a heap.The rotation of the rollers allows the filling material to spread along the longitudinal extent of the free space and to redistribute itself circumferentially before or while it is rolled into the wrapping material. Compared to devices where shaping is achieved primarily through belts, flexible webs, or only a few forming elements, the creation of the free space by multiple interacting rollers allows for a geometrically defined boundary of the molding area. This enables more reproducible shaping of the product. At the same time, the multi-roller arrangement can contribute to a more uniform circumferential distribution of the filler material. The axial length of the free space and the length of the rollers can be adjusted to the desired length of the product being manufactured. In one embodiment, the first ends of the rollers are arranged on a first circle in a first axial view, and the second ends of the rollers are arranged on a second circle in a second axial view. This means that the centers or axes of rotation of the roller ends are positioned along an imaginary circle in the respective axial view. The roller ends are thus distributed circumferentially around the clearance. In this way, the circumferential geometry of the roller body is defined by a circular geometry at both axial end regions. The arrangement of the first ends on the first circle and the second ends on the second circle thus defines the spatial position of the rollers at the two axial end regions of the roller body. This achieves a geometrically defined boundary of the clearance. In a further embodiment, the radius of the first circle is smaller than the radius of the second circle. This means that the rollers are arranged on a smaller circle at one axial end and on a larger circle at the other. As a result, the tapering of the roller body is determined not only generally by its design, but specifically by the end geometry of the rollers. Due to the different radii, a shell structure is formed along the longitudinal extent of the rollers, the circumference of which decreases from the second circle to the first. Accordingly, the free space enclosed by the roller body has a smaller cross-section at the axial end associated with the first circle than at the axial end associated with the second circle. The difference in radii can be selected depending on the desired taper of the product to be manufactured.In a further embodiment, the rollers are conically shaped along their longitudinal extent. This means that the rollers do not have a uniform generatrix over their entire length, but rather that their outer diameter increases or decreases from one axial end to the other. The roller thus has the shape of a truncated cone. Due to this inherent geometry of the individual rollers, the roller body formed by the rollers tapers in the axial direction. Accordingly, the space enclosed by the rollers is also limited such that it has a larger cross-section at one axial end and a smaller cross-section at the opposite axial end. In this way, the desired taper of the product to be manufactured can be determined by the roller geometry itself.The angle of inclination of the conical surface, or the diameter difference between the axial end regions of the roller, can be selected depending on the desired taper of the product. The rollers can be made of plastic, metal, wood, or a combination of these materials. If gaps exist between the rollers, these can be at least partially closed with elements to prevent the filler material from being ejected or seeping through during rolling. In a further embodiment, the rollers are provided with a profiled surface. A profiled surface is understood to mean that the outer surface of the rollers is not smooth, but rather features structural elements that geometrically differ from a smooth cylindrical or truncated conical surface. The profiling can be formed, in particular, by longitudinal or helical grooves, slots, ribs, protrusions, knurling, or by a roughened surface structure. Such structural elements can extend over the entire length of the roller or only in sections. Recesses are also possible in certain areas. The profiling influences the contact surface between the roller and the covering material, or between the roller and the filling material, with regard to friction and conveying behavior.This allows the wrapping material to be carried more securely as the rollers rotate, guided circumferentially, and stabilized against lateral slippage. Furthermore, the profiling can help to distribute the filling material more evenly during the rolling process and reduce uncontrolled slippage of individual material sections. In a further embodiment, a minimum of three rollers are provided. With at least three rollers, the circumferential clearance can be surrounded by multiple contact or boundary areas. This means the roller body is not only formed linearly or at a few isolated points, but over several circumferential sections. This results in a more defined geometric boundary of the clearance and thus more reproducible guidance of the filling material during the rolling process. Depending on the embodiment, four, five, eight, ten, or more rollers can also be provided. The length of the rollers can be adapted to the axial length of the product to be manufactured, so that the clearance extends over the desired product length. In a further embodiment, the at least one rolling element has a conically shaped outer surface along its longitudinal extent. This means that the rolling element also has different outer diameters along its length and is therefore essentially frustoconical. The outer surface of the rolling element is thus adapted to the geometry of the tapered free space. This allows the rolling element to be positioned in axially different areas of the free space, each with an adjusted distance to the rollers or the wrapping material. The rolling element can thus grip and guide the wrapping material along its length during insertion into the free space and during the rolling process, in a manner adapted to the free space geometry. This facilitates a uniform contact of the wrapping material with the filling material and the formation of a conical product shape. In one embodiment, the rotary device comprises gears arranged at the first or second end of the rollers and engaged with each other. This means that the gears are rotationally fixed, and in particular torque-transmitting, to the rollers, or can be connected to them, so that a rotary motion applied to one gear can be transmitted to the associated rollers. The gears can engage directly by adjacent gears meshing directly with each other. Alternatively, the engagement can be indirect, in particular via at least one other gear or coupling elements. The gears transmit the rotary motion to several rollers in a positively coupled manner, so that the rollers do not rotate independently of each other, but rather with a predetermined direction of rotation and speed ratio.This creates a coordinated relative movement between the rollers and the covering material or filling material arranged in the free space. In a further embodiment, the rotary device includes a central gear arranged between the gears, into which at least one of the gears engages, so that the rollers can be rotated by turning the central gear. The central gear is positioned relative to the gears arranged on the rollers in such a way that a rotary motion of the central gear can be transmitted to the gears of the rollers. The central gear thus forms a transmission element via which the rotary motion can be distributed to several rollers. If several of the gears arranged on the rollers engage with the central gear, the associated rollers are positively coupled via the central gear. This ensures that the rollers do not rotate independently of one another, but rather with directions of rotation and speed ratios determined by the gear geometry.The rotation of the central gear can be generated manually or by means of a drive mechanism. The arrangement of a central gear allows for a compact design of the rotary device, as the rotary motion is transmitted from a central point of engagement to several rollers. In a further embodiment, the rotary device can comprise, instead of or in addition to a central gear, another coupling element that engages at least one of the gears and rotates the rollers. A coupling element is understood to be, in particular, a torque-transmitting element that is directly or indirectly operatively connected to at least one gear and transmits a rotary motion to the respective gear. The coupling element can, for example, be designed as another gear, a pinion, a shaft, a coupling element, a journal, or any other torque-transmitting engagement element. The rotary motion is transmitted via the driven gear to the other gears and thus to the rollers. In an advantageous embodiment, the gears are either attachable to the first or second ends of the rollers or integrally manufactured with them. In the case of attachable gears, the rollers have, in particular, a receiving section at their end regions onto which the respective gear can be placed. The rotationally fixed coupling between the gear and the roller can be achieved, for example, via a positive-locking, friction-locking, or material-locking connection, in particular via a fit, a profile connection, a keyway connection, a polygon section, a toothed section, or an interference fit. This allows the gears to be manufactured, assembled, replaced, or adapted to different transmission or geometric requirements as needed. In the integral design, the respective gear and the associated roller are formed in one piece.This means that there is no separate joint between the gear and the roller, and the rotary motion is transmitted from the gear to the roller without an additional coupling element. Such a one-piece design can reduce assembly effort and minimize tolerances in the torque transmission area. In a further embodiment, the gears and / or the central gear are conically shaped, with their tooth surfaces tapering along the longitudinal extent of the gears or the central gear. This means that the gears and / or the central gear do not have a constant pitch circle or outer geometry along their axial extent, but rather that their effective diameter changes in the axial direction. The gears and / or the central gear are thus adapted to an arrangement in which the rollers or the roller body are also tapered along their longitudinal extent.The conical design of the gears and / or the central gear can be particularly advantageous when the gears arranged on the rollers and the meshing central gear with them do not all lie in a common cylindrical plane, but rather are to be adapted to a variable arrangement in axial and / or radial terms according to the tapered overall geometry of the device. The tapered tooth surfaces allow the gear engagement to be maintained over a defined engagement range even with such a geometry. This ensures that the rotary motion can be reliably transmitted between the gears and the central gear despite the tapered arrangement of the rollers.At the same time, the gear geometry can be adapted to the spatial position of the roller ends and to the position of the central gear, thus enabling a structurally compact and functional integration of the rotary device into the apparatus. In a further embodiment, the rotary device includes a drive element or is connectable to one. The drive element serves to initiate a rotary motion in the rotary device so that this motion is transmitted to the rollers via the gears. The drive element can be, in particular, manual, automatic, electric, or electromechanical. For example, the drive element can be a manually operated torque transmission device, an electric drive, or an electromechanical drive. The drive element can be permanently connected to the rotary device or engaged with it via a detachable coupling, a plug-in section, a pin, a shaft, or another torque-transmitting connecting element. In one embodiment, the drive element engages one of the gears.In a further embodiment, the drive element engages the central gear. From the respective point of engagement, the rotary motion is transmitted to the rollers via the gear assembly. This allows the rotary motion to be introduced into the rotating device at a suitable point and from there distributed to the rollers. This enables a drive arrangement adapted to the specific design of the device, without requiring each roller to be equipped with its own drive. In a further embodiment, the at least one rolling element is connected to the drive element in a torque-transmitting manner. This means that a rotary motion generated by the drive element is transmitted to the rolling element. The torque-transmitting connection can be direct or indirect. In particular, the rolling element can be connected to the drive element or to a component of the rotary device driven by the drive element via a shaft, a hub, a coupling, a gear, a pin, or another torque-transmitting coupling element. Through the torque-transmitting connection, the rolling element is not merely moved passively by contact with the coating material or the rollers, but is actively set into rotation. This allows the circumferential movement of the rolling element to be coordinated with the circumferential movement of the rollers in a defined manner.This is particularly advantageous when the wrapping material needs to be selectively gripped, carried along, or applied to the filler material within the area of ​​the roller. The drive coupling of the roller can be designed so that the roller rotates synchronously with the rollers or at a different speed. This allows the carrying and guiding behavior of the wrapping material to be adapted to the specific geometry of the free space, the filler material used, and the wrapping material itself. In a further embodiment, the rolling element is not connected to the drive element in a torque-transmitting manner. In this case, the rolling element is mounted to rotate freely or is arranged in the free space such that it can be passively set into rotation as a result of contact with the wrapping material, the filler material, and / or the rollers. The rotational movement of the rolling element results from the material movement caused by the rollers and / or from direct contact with at least one of the rollers. In this embodiment as well, the rolling element can guide the wrapping material and apply it to the filler material. The rolling element then acts as a passively rotating guide element within the free space. In a further embodiment, the rolling element itself can form a drive element of the device, driven by the drive means, through which the rotary motion is transmitted to the rollers. In this case, the drive means first engages the rolling element, and the rollers are rotated directly or indirectly by the driven rolling element. The rotary motion can be transmitted from the rolling element to the rollers, in particular, by friction, positive engagement, or via an intermediate coupling element. In such an embodiment, gears arranged at the ends of the rollers can be dispensed with. The rolling element then assumes, in addition to its function of guiding the coating material, a drive function for the rollers. In a further embodiment, the at least one rolling element is tubular or sleeve-shaped and is penetrated by a rod extending into the free space. This means that the rolling element has an interior space or a through-opening through which the rod extends, allowing the rolling element to be rotatably mounted around the rod. A packing element is formed at one free end of the rod, while the end of the rod opposite the packing element projects from the device and is mounted to move axially along the longitudinal axis of the free space. The axial mobility of the rod allows the packing element to be moved into and out of the free space along its longitudinal axis. This allows the filling material arranged in the free space to be acted upon in the axial direction, in particular to displace, compact, or limit its axial position.The tubular or sleeve-shaped rolling element can remain rotatable about its longitudinal axis while the rod with the stuffing element is moved axially. The rolling element can be coupled to the rollers and / or a drive mechanism, or it can be mounted to rotate freely, allowing it to rotate synchronously with the rollers, at a different speed, or passively due to contact with the wrapping material, the filler material, and / or the rollers. This arrangement allows the wrapping material to be guided and applied to the filler material, while simultaneously enabling axial influence on the filler material via the stuffing element. It can also be advantageous if the rolling element is attached to or supported at one end by the stuffing element, particularly by the stuffing element engaging at least partially within a hollow rolling element. This provides a defined relative arrangement between the rolling element and the stuffing element.Similarly, several rolling bodies can be arranged one behind the other along the rod and / or relative to the stuffing body in the free space. In a further embodiment, at least one additional rolling element is arranged axially spaced from the at least one rolling element within the free space and rotatably mounted. This means that several rolling elements are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the free space, with an axial distance between them. The rolling elements can each be rotatable about their own longitudinal axes and interact with the wrapping material and / or the filling material in different axial sections of the free space. By arranging several axially spaced rolling elements, the guidance of the wrapping material and the effect on the filling material can be distributed across several sections of the free space. This allows the wrapping material to be gripped, guided, or applied to the filling material not only in a single axial area, but in several areas distributed along its longitudinal extent.This can be particularly advantageous for longer products or when the shape needs to be specifically influenced along its length. The rolling elements can be identical or different, especially with regard to diameter, taper, surface finish, or bearing arrangement. Furthermore, it can be provided that one of the rolling elements is actively driven and another rolls passively alongside it, or that several rolling elements are connected to the drive mechanism to transmit torque. This allows the effect on the coating material and the filling material to be adapted to the specific application in various axial regions of the free space. In an advantageous embodiment, the rollers are arranged in at least two groups, namely a first group and a second group, wherein the groups together form the roller body and are movable relative to each other between a position moving away from each other and a position moving towards each other. This means that the rollers are not all held in a rigid, unchanging arrangement, but that at least some of the rollers can be displaced relative to other parts of the rollers. In the position moving towards each other, the groups are arranged such that the rollers together form the roller body and the clearance. In the position moving away from each other, the distance between the groups is increased so that the clearance is at least partially open or accessible.The relative mobility of the two groups allows the device to be moved between an operating position for shaping the product and a position for adding or removing filler and / or wrapping material. This facilitates loading the free space. Furthermore, cleaning the device or accessing the rollers and rolling elements can be simplified. The relative movement of the groups can be translational, pivoting, folding, spreading, or a combination of these movements. Crucially, in the relative position, the groups jointly form the roller body, and in the position moving away from each other, they are at least partially separated. Dividing the rollers into groups thus enables a structural separation of the accessibility function and the shaping function. In a further embodiment, the device is part of a machine system. The machine system can, in particular, include a feeding device for the wrapping material and / or a loading device for the automatic feeding of the filling material. The feeding device for the wrapping material can be configured to introduce a sheet-shaped, strip-shaped, or web-shaped wrapping material into the area of ​​the roller body or into the free space. The loading device can be configured to feed the filling material into the free space in metered, pre-portioned, or continuous amounts. This allows the device to be integrated into a semi-automated or fully automated manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the machine system can further include a control unit that, in particular, coordinates the timing and function of the feeding of the wrapping material, the feeding of the filling material, and the actuation of the rotary device. In this way, an automated rolling process with repeatable loading and reproducible product shape can be achieved. Alternatively, the device can be housed in a casing and designed as a manually operated device. In this case, the wrapping material can be manually inserted into the area of ​​the roller body or into the free space, and the filling material can also be manually fed in. The rotary mechanism can be operated, in particular, via a manually operated drive. Such a design is especially suitable for a compact device that can be used independently of any machine peripherals. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 shows a perspective top view of a roller body with several rollers, a rolling element, a central gear, and a drive element; Fig. 2 shows a side view of a roller; Fig. 3 shows a side view of a roller with a recess; Fig. 4 shows a top view of a portion of a roller body with three rollers and a rolling element, as well as gears arranged at the second ends of the rollers and a central gear, wherein a further rolling element is arranged near the first ends of the rollers; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a roller body with five rollers; Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a roller body with eight rollers; and Fig. 7 shows a perspective top view of a rolling element with a tamping element. Fig. 1 shows a perspective top view of a roller body with several rollers, a rolling element, a central gear, and a drive mechanism. The roller body 1 has several rollers 2, which together form the longitudinally tapered roller body 1 and enclose an internal cavity 3. A rolling element (not visible) is arranged in the cavity 3. The rollers 2 have a first end 4 and a second end 5 located axially spaced from it. Means for rotatably mounting the rollers 2 can be provided at the first end 4. A rotary device in the form of gears 6 is provided at the second ends 5 of the rollers 2. These gears are arranged around a circle around a central gear 7. A gear 6 is arranged at each second end 5 of a roller 2. The central gear 7 is connected to a drive mechanism 8, in particular a knob.By actuating the drive mechanism 8, in particular by turning the knob, the central gear 7 can be rotated, so that the gears 6 of the rollers 2 and thus the rollers 2 are set into rotation. The rolling element can also be rotatably mounted. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a roller. The roller 2 is designed as an elongated body and tapers along its length, so that it is essentially frustoconical in shape. At a first end 4, the roller 2 has an end section for bearing. At the opposite second end 5, a gear 6 can be arranged or connected to the roller 2. One surface of the roller 2 can have a profiled surface 9, in particular in the form of longitudinal grooves. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a roller in a further embodiment. In contrast to Fig. 2, roller 2 has a recess 10 near its first end 4. The recess 10 can serve to receive or allow the passage of another functional element or provide an area with a reduced shell geometry. Otherwise, roller 2 corresponds to roller 2 shown in Fig. 2 with regard to its conical basic shape and its usability within the roller body. Fig. 4 shows a top view of a portion of a roller body with three rollers that together define a section of the free space. The remaining rollers are not shown. A first rolling element 11 is arranged in the free space 3 near the second end 5 of the rollers 2. The first rolling element 11 can be conical, so that its outer diameter varies along its longitudinal extent and its surface area is adapted to the longitudinally tapered geometry of the free space 3. Gears 6 are provided near the second ends 5 of the rollers 2 and are part of a rotary device. The gears 6 are in operative engagement with a central gear 7, so that a rotary motion initiated via the rotary device can be transmitted via the central gear 7 to the gears 6 and from there to the rollers 2. The gears 6 can be conical, with their tooth surfaces tapering along the longitudinal extent of the gears 6.The central gear 7 can also be conical, so that its tooth surface is adapted to the spatial arrangement of the gears 6 and to the tapered geometry of the roller body. Enlargement A shows the second end section 5 of the rollers 2 with the gears 6 and the central gear 7. It can be seen that the gears 6 are arranged on the rollers 2 and that the rotary motion can be transmitted to the rollers 2 via the central gear 7. A drive element 8 in the form of a knob can be provided to initiate a rotary motion. Near the first ends 4 of the rollers 2, another rolling element 11 is arranged. Enlargement B shows this first end region 4 with the additional rolling element 11. This additional rolling element 11 can also be conical, so that it is adapted to the geometry of the free space 3 in the region of the first ends 4 of the rollers 2. The axially spaced arrangement of several rolling elements 11 allows the coating material to be guided in different axial regions of the free space 3. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a roller body with five rollers 2. The rollers 2 are arranged circumferentially around the free space 3 and together form a jacket-shaped rolling element 1 enclosing the free space 3. The number and arrangement of the rollers 2 achieve a defined boundary of the free space 3. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a roller body with eight rollers. Compared to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the number of rollers 2 is increased, so that the clearance 3 in the circumferential direction is limited by a larger number of roller sections. This allows the outer surface of the roller body 1 to be more uniform in the circumferential direction. Fig. 7 shows a perspective top view of a rolling element with a packing element. The rolling element 11 is conical and sleeve-shaped. A rod 12 extends through the rolling element 11, and the packing element 13 is carried at one end of the rod. The rod 12 can extend through the central gear 7 and be held, i.e., axially secured, in a holder or retaining device 14. By axially moving the rod 12, the packing element 13 can be moved into and out of the free space to act on a filling material arranged in the free space in the axial direction. The following is an example of a method for rotating or rolling a filling material using the figures described above. In a first step, a covering material can be introduced into the area of ​​the roller body 1. The covering material can be in the form of a sheet, a blank, or a web. In an embodiment where the rollers 2 are arranged in at least two groups, which are movable relative to each other between a position moving away from each other and a position moving towards each other, the covering material can be inserted into the future free space 3 when the groups are in the position moving away from each other. After the covering material has been inserted, the groups are moved towards each other so that the rollers 2 together form the roller body 1 with the free space 3. Alternatively, the covering material can also be introduced into the free space 3 or into an area adjacent to the free space 3 through an opening between the rollers 2, without moving the rollers 2 away from each other.The opening can be designed in particular as an insertion opening, slot, gap or other feed opening through which the covering material can be introduced at least section by section into the free space 3. In a further step, filler material is introduced into the cavity 3. This filler material can be loose, pre-portioned, or already partially compacted. The filler material can be introduced with the roller groups moving away from each other, so that cavity 3 is accessible from the outside. Alternatively, the filler material can be introduced into cavity 3 through an opening, without requiring the cavity 3 to be opened by the relative movement of the rollers 2. The filler material can be introduced into cavity 3 before or after the coating material. It is also possible to introduce the filler material and coating material into cavity 3 section by section or alternately. The rollers 2 are then set into rotation by means of the rotary device. The rotary motion can be generated in particular by a drive means 8 which acts on a gear 6, on a central gear 7, on a rolling element 11 or on another component of the rotary device. The rotation of the rollers 2 moves the filling material arranged in the free space 3 relative to the wrapping material. Simultaneously, the wrapping material is gripped, guided, and applied to the filling material by the at least one rolling element 11, so that the filling material is rolled into the wrapping material. If a packing element 13 is provided, the rod 12 supporting the packing element 13 can, in a further step, be moved along the longitudinal axis of the free space 3 so that the packing element 13 acts on the filling material arranged in the free space 3 in an axial direction. This allows the filling material to be displaced, compacted, or limited in its axial position. In a design with several axially spaced rolling bodies 11, the covering material can be guided in several areas distributed along the longitudinal extent of the free space 3. After completion of the rolling process, the filling material is rolled up inside the wrapping material, resulting in an elongated, in particular rod-shaped and preferably conical product. Reference symbol list 1 Roller body 2 Rollers 3 Clearance 4 First end of roller 5 Second end of roller 6 Gears 7 Central gear 8 Drive means 9 Profiled surface 10 Recess 11 Rolling body 12 Rod 13 Stopper body 14 Holder / Holding means QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature EP 0 765 610 A1

[0004] US 3,911,933 A

[0004]

Claims

Device for rotating or rolling a filling material, comprising several rollers (2) rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes, which together form a longitudinally tapered roller body (1) enclosing a longitudinally tapered free space (3), wherein the rollers (2) are arranged circularly around the free space (3) with their first ends (4) and their second ends (5), with at least one rolling body (11) arranged in the free space (3) and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, the circumferential surface of which is in contact at least partially with the circumferential surfaces of at least individual rollers (2), and with a rotating device which engages with the first or second ends (4, 5) of the rollers (2), such that the rotating device causes all rollers (2) to rotate about their longitudinal axes and the filling material present in the free space (3) can be rolled into a covering material that can be introduced into the free space (3). is,so that a conically shaped product can be manufactured. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first ends (4) of the rollers (2) are arranged on a first circle in a first axial view and the second ends (5) of the rollers (2) are arranged on a second circle in a second axial view. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that a radius of the first circle is smaller than a radius of the second circle. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rollers (2) are conically shaped over their longitudinal extent. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rollers (2) have a profiled surface (9). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a total of at least three rollers (2) are provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one rolling body (11) has a conically shaped outer surface along its longitudinal extent. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary device comprises gears (6) which are arranged at the first or second end (4, 5) of the rollers (2) and are in operative engagement with each other. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the rotary device comprises a central gear (7) arranged between the gears (6), into which at least one of the gears (6) engages, so that the rollers (2) can be rotated by rotating the central gear (7). Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the gears (6) can be attached to the first or second ends (4, 5) of the rollers (2) or are integrally manufactured with them. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the gears (6) and / or the central gear (7) are conically shaped, wherein their toothed surfaces run conically over the longitudinal extent of the gears (6) or the central gear (7). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary device comprises a drive means (8) or is connectable to a drive means (8). Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one rolling element (11) is connected to the drive means (8) in a torque-transmitting manner. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one further rolling body (11) is arranged axially spaced from the at least one rolling body (11) in the free space (3) and is rotatably mounted. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rollers (2) are arranged in at least two groups, namely in a first group and in a second group, wherein the groups together form the roller body (1) and are movable relative to each other between a position moved away from each other and a position moved towards each other.

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