System for conveying sleeves and corresponding method for supplying underpressure

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (8) for supplying negative pressure to suction devices (6) which are rotatably mounted about the central axis (16) of a frame (25), comprising at least one connection means (50, 50', 50) for connecting a negative pressure source and comprising at least one recess (46, 47, 48) for supplying the suction devices (6) with negative pressure. The device (8) can be mounted in a movable manner in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25) in order to adapt the supply of negative pressure to a transport speed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for transporting hose sections and an associated method for supplying negative pressure, according to claims 1 and 13.

[0002] In the production of paper bags, a rotary feeder is used, among other things, to separate paper tubes from a bundle of tubes. For separation, suction devices, which rotate around a central axis of a frame, are supplied with negative pressure. During this conveying process, the tube at the bottom of the bundle is gripped by the suction devices and then fed into a discharge system in a rotating motion. Due to the complex design of a rotary feeder or similar transport devices in the area of ​​tube transport machines, especially floor layers, correct alignment and coordination between the feeding and discharge processes is always critical. Particularly when the transport speed of a rotary feeder or similar device varies, it is necessary to adjust the orientation accordingly.Coordination between the feeding and discharge processes must be considered. For example, at low transport speeds, it is advantageous to activate the vacuum for suction only shortly before the suction devices reach a section of tubing, thus minimizing the intake of "false air." Similarly, at low transport speeds, the tubing is held in place by the suction devices for a longer period, allowing sufficient time for subsequent venting before transfer to a discharge system.

[0003] At high transport speeds, it is advantageous to activate the vacuum for suction earlier, ensuring that sufficient vacuum is present as soon as the suction devices come into contact with the hose sections. Furthermore, it is beneficial if the vacuum is reduced early enough in the area of ​​transfer to a discharge system, thus guaranteeing a reliable transfer of hose sections.

[0004] Especially when transport speeds change, suction errors often occur, resulting either in lower productivity or, in the worst case, a complete system failure if compressions occur in the belt system.

[0005] Document US 4 482 145 A discloses a system for transporting hose sections according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a corresponding method for supplying negative pressure.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a device or system for transporting hose sections that ensures reliable and fail-safe transport even at different transport speeds.

[0007] The foregoing problem is solved by a system with the features of the independent system claim and by an associated method with the features of the independent method claim. Further features and details of the invention are set forth in the respective dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a device for supplying negative pressure to suction devices is provided, which are rotatably mounted about a central axis of a frame. The device comprises at least one connection means for connecting a negative pressure source and at least one recess for supplying the suction devices with negative pressure. Furthermore, according to the invention, the device is slidably mounted in the circumferential direction about the central axis of the frame in order to adapt the negative pressure supply to a transport speed.

[0009] A key advantage of the invention is that, even with varying transport speeds of transport devices or systems, particularly in the singulation of paper tubes, safe transport, and especially the safe and reliable handling and transfer of tube sections, is ensured. This not only reduces the risk of suction errors but also the risk of compression in the belt system, which can lead to a complete failure of the transport system. Furthermore, the improved suction behavior also enables higher productivity in the singulation of paper tubes. In addition to adapting to a transport speed, the invention also allows for adaptation to other parameters, such as tube size or format.

[0010] The device in question for supplying a vacuum can preferably be used in a transport device for conveying hose sections, in particular in a rotary feeder. Such a rotary feeder can be used especially for conveying paper hoses or paper hose sections. Likewise, a rotary feeder comprising a device in question for supplying a vacuum can also be used for conveying plastic hoses, fabric hoses, rubber hoses, and the like.

[0011] The suction devices supplied with or evacuated by suction air can, in particular, be formed in the form of suction nozzles or the like. The suction devices are preferably arranged in an axial row. Here, the suction devices can preferably be arranged on suction rollers rotating planetarily around a central shaft, which themselves can be mounted on discs arranged in relation to one another. Several suction devices, preferably six, and in particular eight, can be arranged side by side and supplied with vacuum by the device in question.

[0012] With a view to enabling the most flexible possible adjustment of the positioning of the device according to the invention to the current transport speed, the invention provides for a bearing of the device that is displaceable in two opposite directions circumferentially to the central axis of a frame. Displacement in a first direction a preferably occurs within a first displacement range A, and in a second direction b preferably occurs within a second displacement range B. The different ranges A and B can be of equal or different sizes. The device can be displaced by at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, and in particular by more than 15° from the initial position. A maximum displacement of approximately 35°, for example, can be provided.In this process, the individual areas can be moved gradually or continuously in a circumferential direction around the central axis.

[0013] To ensure the most convenient adjustment of the vacuum supply device, a controllable, and in particular an adjustable, sliding bearing of the device according to the invention can preferably be provided. For maximum ease of use and convenience, automatic controllability of the sliding bearing can be provided. This could involve a stepwise or continuous circumferential displacement of the device about a central axis. The sliding bearing according to the invention can be controlled in various ways, for example electrically, pneumatically, magnetically, or via a friction clutch or the like, with the control being particularly automatable.

[0014] In addition to a bearing that is movable circumferentially to the central axis of the frame, the invention also provides for a bearing that is movable axially to the central axis of the frame, which in particular allows for great flexibility with regard to the size and format of hose sections transported by means of the device in question.

[0015] To ensure a vacuum supply in a structurally simple yet flexible manner, the invention advantageously provides that at least two, preferably three, recesses, particularly groove-shaped ones, are arranged within the device for supplying the vacuum. Alternatively, instead of an arrangement of three groove-shaped recesses, only one, two, or even more than three preferably groove-shaped recesses can be provided. The recesses can also have any other possible shape and, for example, be arranged at least partially one above the other or on top of each other. Preferably, intermediate elements shaped like ribs are provided between the recesses, which briefly interrupt the vacuum supply during operation of the transport device and separate the recesses from one another.The bridge-like intermediate elements can also be variable in size and, in particular, adjustable with regard to their positioning.

[0016] To enable the simplest and quickest possible evacuation of the preferably groove-shaped recesses, the device according to the invention can have at least two, preferably three, connection means for supplying a vacuum source, wherein the connection means are preferably formed as connection nozzles. Here, either all three of the preferably three groove-shaped recesses can be supplied with vacuum via the same vacuum source, or each can have its own separate pump for vacuum supply. It is also possible that only one recess is supplied with a separate vacuum source, while two or more other recesses are pumped with a single, in this case preferably more powerful, vacuum source.

[0017] To allow for particularly flexible adjustment of the positioning of the vacuum supply device to the current transport speed, the device can also be designed in multiple parts, comprising at least a first and a second part, both of which are slidably mounted circumferentially around the central axis of the frame, and in particular, independently of each other. Within a multi-part design, a three-, four-, or more than four-part structure is also conceivable. This allows for a particularly precise adjustment of the vacuum supply to the suction devices, enabling the suction point for a supply process to be set independently of the discharge point for a discharge process.

[0018] Within a multi-part device, to maximize flexibility in adapting the device's positioning to a current transport speed, it can be provided that the individual parts of the multi-part device can be simultaneously displaceable in the circumferential direction around the central axis of the frame, particularly in two opposite directions a and b. Displacement in the first direction a preferably occurs within a first displacement range A, and in the second direction b within a second displacement range B. These displacement ranges can be of equal or different sizes. Displacement can be at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, and particularly more than 15° relative to the basic orientation, and can be gradual or continuous.For example, a maximum shift of 35° can be provided.

[0019] The invention also relates to a system for transporting hose sections with the features of the independent system claim. This system comprises the device for supplying negative pressure described above, a frame comprising a central axis, and suction devices rotatably mounted about the central axis of the frame.

[0020] Furthermore, the system in question can also include a control device, preferably a control disc, which is arranged in particular on the central axis of the frame and is mounted to rotate around this axis.

[0021] Preferably, within the scope of the invention, the control disc of the system in question may have suction air bores, which are preferably arranged on the control disc in the form of a concentric circle. In addition to through-drilled recesses, through-holes, punched, milled, sawn, or countersunk recesses may also be provided in the control disc. Besides an arrangement of suction air bores or other types of recesses, the control disc is preferably arranged on the device for supplying negative pressure in such a way that, during rotation of the control disc around the central axis, a connection between an evacuated recess of the device and a suction device can be established at regular intervals. Here, the control disc is preferably arranged directly, i.e., in direct contact with, the device according to the invention, so that the device or the suction device is not obstructed by the vacuum.The preferably groove-shaped recesses are sealed to the outside by the control disc. Due to the suction air bores, preferably arranged in concentric circles within the control disc, a connection is established at regular intervals between a suction device connected to the suction air bores and a recess arranged in the device in question when the control disc rotates.

[0022] In order to ensure the widest possible overlap or the simplest and most flexible overlap of the vacuum supply device with the control disc or with the suction air bores of the control disc, it is proposed here that the vacuum supply device be formed in a semicircular shape, wherein the circumference of the semicircle is at least 0.78 rad, preferably at least 1.04 rad, in particular at least 1.57 rad of the circumference of the control disc.

[0023] With regard to an automatically controllable or automatically adjustable adaptation of the positioning of the device in question to a current machine or transport speed, it can further be provided according to the invention that the device is mounted in such a way that, when the control disc rotates around the central axis, the time can be determined when a suction air bore arranged in the control disc is closed and a subsequent suction air bore has entered a recess of the device for supplying negative pressure.

[0024] To ensure continuous evacuation, the invention further provides for at least one vacuum source. This vacuum source can be, in particular, a pump. Various different types of pumps can be used, which can be selected depending on the material to be transported and its size and format. For example, rotary vane pumps, Roots pumps, turbomolecular pumps, oil diffusion pumps, scroll pumps, or similar devices can be used to supply the vacuum. In this case, each recess can be supplied with a separate vacuum source, or alternatively, individual sections can be supplied with a common pump.

[0025] In addition to a vacuum source, a compressed air supply can also be provided according to the invention. The provision of a compressed air source is particularly advantageous to ensure the trouble-free conveyance of a transported hose section to a discharge unit by briefly pressurizing the suctioned hose section with compressed air and thus transferring it to the discharge unit. In this way, compression in the transport system can be prevented, which in the worst case can lead to a complete system failure. Besides pressurizing with compressed air, in a structurally simple and cost-effective variant, it may also suffice to open an access point to the atmosphere instead of pressurizing with compressed air.

[0026] With regard to the automated adjustment of the positioning of the device according to the invention to a current transport speed, it can further be advantageously provided that the system comprises a detection unit for acquiring data to determine a transport speed, a processing unit for determining a target position of the device based on the determined transport speed, and a control unit for changing the position of the device to supply negative pressure. Preferably, the detection unit may include at least one sensor for acquiring data by means of which a transport speed can be determined. The sensor can, for example, acquire the current currently drawn from the transport means, a current torque, or other specific data from which a current transport speed can be determined.The transport speed to be determined can preferably be the speed of transported hose sections. With regard to a compact, easily replaceable, and integrable design, it can be particularly advantageous if the system components are arranged in the device according to the invention for supplying negative pressure. Alternatively, the aforementioned system components—a detection unit, a processing unit, and a control unit—can also be arranged remotely from the device and preferably integrated into a control unit or the like.

[0027] Furthermore, as part of an exact determination of a current transport speed, it may also be provided that the current transport speed is determined on the basis of several sensors, the recorded data of which are averaged and / or weighted and / or subjected to other statistical evaluation methods before the determination of a current transport speed by means of a processing unit.

[0028] For seamless control and communication between the individual system components, the components in a wired configuration can preferably be connected via a communication and control line. For particularly flexible, straightforward, and efficient communication between the individual system units, the individual system components can preferably communicate wirelessly or contactlessly on a server or cloud basis and / or via the internet. Furthermore, for energy-efficient operation, the system can be designed as a learning unit, adapting parameters based on collected data and experience, thus adjusting its operation.

[0029] To maximize system flexibility, the system may also include at least one feed unit for feeding individual hose sections and / or at least one discharge unit for removing hose sections. For a particularly reliable system, additional control and / or alignment units may be arranged on the feed and / or discharge unit to check and / or align the transported hose sections. The feed unit may be designed, in particular, as a stacking magazine. The discharge unit, on the other hand, may preferably be designed as a dispensing station and / or a double-belt conveyor.

[0030] The invention also relates to a rotary feeder comprising a physical device for supplying negative pressure, or a physical system for transporting hose sections.

[0031] Furthermore, a method for supplying negative pressure with the features of the independent method claim is also protected here. This method for supplying negative pressure comprises the steps of detecting the current transport speed of the system or the rotary feeder, determining a target position of the device for supplying negative pressure based on the detected transport speed by means of a processing unit, and adjusting the target position of the device for supplying negative pressure based on the determined target position by means of a control unit, wherein the adjustment of the target position is effected by a circumferential displacement of the device for supplying negative pressure. Thus, the method according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the device according to the invention.

[0032] The detection of a current transport speed according to the invention can preferably be carried out by means of a detection unit, which in particular may have sensors for detecting data on a current transport speed.

[0033] The circumferential displacement of the vacuum supply device can preferably occur in one direction. Alternatively, in a multi-part vacuum supply device, circumferential displacement in two opposite directions can advantageously be provided, which can also occur simultaneously.

[0034] For the most efficient possible execution of the method in question, it can further be provided according to the invention that the method includes a compressed air supply in addition to a vacuum supply, particularly with regard to the safe transfer of transported hose sections.

[0035] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] The figures show: Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a transport device for transporting hose sections, Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the transport device for transporting hose sections. Fig. 1According to a section along line II-II, Fig. 3, a schematic representation of a sectional view of the transport device for transporting hose sections made of Fig. 2 according to a section along line III-III, comprising a device according to the invention for supplying a vacuum according to a first embodiment and a system according to the invention for supplying a vacuum, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the device according to the invention for supplying a vacuum according to a first embodiment in a first position, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the device according to the invention for supplying a vacuum according to a first embodiment in a second position, Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the device according to the invention for supplying a vacuum according to a second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a transport device 2 in the form of a rotary feeder for transporting hose sections 10. The rotary feeder has a total of eight suction rollers 4, the shafts 18 of which are mounted at the same radial distance from the central axis 16. The entire rotary feeder rotates clockwise during operation, while the individual suction rollers 4 rotate counterclockwise. Each suction roller 4 has several suction devices 6, preferably arranged side by side, by means of which the hose sections 10 stacked on a magazine 9 can be drawn in or picked up and subsequently transferred to a discharge device 14, which in this case is a double belt conveyor.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a sectional view of the transport device 2 for transporting hose sections 10 from Figure 1According to a section along line II-II. The transport device 2 comprises a frame 25 formed from a first side part 24 and a second side part 26, as well as a central axis 16 arranged within the frame 25. Furthermore, the transport device 2 has a first and second control disk 20, 22 arranged on the central axis 16, which rotate about the central axis 16 during operation of the transport device. Between the first and second control disk 20, 22, the eight suction rollers 4 described are arranged in a concentric circle. The suction rollers 4 carry a series of suction devices 6 arranged side by side on the roller shafts 18 of the suction rollers 4. The device according to the invention for supplying a vacuum 8 is arranged directly on the disk 20.The device 8 is formed in the form of a semicircular disc and is pressed firmly against the control disc 20 by means of the bolt 32 located between the device 8 and the side part 24 of the frame 25, so that the device 8 and the control disc 20 are in contact at the contact surface and sealed to the outside. For this purpose, a spring 34 is arranged inside the bolt 32, which applies the necessary contact force via its spring force. Furthermore, the device 8 has a connection port 50 for connecting a vacuum source, which supplies the device 8 with the necessary pumping power and evacuates the recesses 46, 47, 48 located within the device 8.The suction devices 6 are supplied with negative pressure via suction air bores 12 arranged within the control disc 20 and the channel 28 arranged within the roller shafts 18. This is achieved by aligning the suction air bores 12 with the recesses 46, 47, 48 arranged within the device 8 at specific times during rotation of the control disc 20. A negative pressure supply is provided to the suction devices 6 at specific times during rotation of the control disc 20 via this connection formed at specific times between the suction devices 6 and the device 8.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a sectional view of the transport device 2 for transporting hose sections 10 from Fig. 2According to a section along line III-III, comprising a device 8 according to the invention for supplying a vacuum according to a first embodiment, and a system according to the invention for supplying a vacuum. The device 8 according to the invention, which is partially circular in shape, comprises three connection ports 50, 50' and 50" for connecting one or more vacuum sources, as well as three groove-like recesses 46, 47 and 48 arranged side by side. In addition to supplying the three groove-like recesses 46, 47, 48 with suction air via a separate vacuum source, the individual recesses 46, 47, 48 can also be supplied at least partially via the same vacuum source.The control disc 20, arranged behind the device 8 as shown in the present illustration, is guided past the device 8 in a clockwise direction during operation of the transport device 2, making contact and sealing against the outside. The device 8 is designed to be axially displaceable, so that a contact pressure can be built up on the control disc 20, ensuring an outwardly sealing arrangement between the device 8 and the control disc 20. Furthermore, rib-like intermediate elements 49 are provided between the groove-like recesses 46, 47, and 48. These rib-like intermediate elements briefly interrupt the vacuum supply during operation of the transport device 2 and separate the recesses 46, 47, and 48 from one another. The size of the rib-like intermediate elements 49 can be variable, and in particular, their positioning can be adjustable.As an alternative to an arrangement of three groove-like recesses 46, 47, 48, one or two, or even more than three groove-like recesses 46, 47, 48 may be provided. The recesses 46, 47, and 48 may also have other shapes and, for example, be arranged at least partially one above the other.

[0040] During operation of the transport device 2, the control disc 20 rotates clockwise past the device 8. By connecting vacuum sources to the connection ports 50, 50', 50" the groove-like recesses 46, 47, 48 are continuously evacuated. As soon as one of the suction air bores 12, arranged in the form of a concentric circle, is at least partially aligned with one of the groove-like recesses 46, 47, 48 during the rotation of the control disc 20, the suction devices 6, connected to the suction air bores 12 via the channel 28, are evacuated, allowing the transport process to begin by drawing in a hose.Since the control disc 20 rotates at different speeds at different transport speeds, suction errors can occur during the operation of the transport device 2, namely when the required negative pressure for suction of a hose section 10 has not yet been reached before the suction devices 6 are guided over a hose section 10.

[0041] To variably adapt the time required to build up the vacuum necessary for suction to the corresponding transport speed, the invention provides that the device for supplying vacuum is slidably mounted around the central axis 16 in directions a and b. By shifting the device 8 in direction a, at least along parts of the surface A, suction begins earlier within a transport cycle, so that the required vacuum for drawing in a hose section 10 is also reached sooner. A shift of the slidably mounted device 8 in direction a is therefore particularly useful at higher transport speeds.

[0042] Similarly, at slower transport speeds, the movable device 8 can be shifted in direction b, at least along parts of surface B. Due to the slower transport speed, a shorter path is sufficient to achieve the necessary negative pressure for drawing in a hose section 10. Here, it is more important to ensure that the negative pressure does not drop too early, causing a hose to be discharged during transport before reaching a discharge device 14. This would result in compression of a hose 10 within the system, potentially leading to a complete system failure. Therefore, shifting the device 8 in direction b along surface B ensures that the hose sections 10 are held longer, allowing for a safe transfer to a suitable discharge device 14.

[0043] To further simplify the handling of a suctioned hose section 10, a compressed air supply 52 is arranged within the device 8, directly adjacent to the recess 48. The compressed air supply 52 can either be a device for supplying positive pressure or, in the simplest case, an access point to the atmosphere. The pressure difference compared to the part of the suction devices 6 that is still evacuated before reaching the compressed air supply 52 ensures rapid discharge of the negative pressure, thus enabling a safe transfer of the transported hose sections 10.

[0044] In addition to manual alignment of the present system, in which the device 8 for supplying negative pressure is preferably moved in its circumferential position relative to the central axis 16 before the execution of a specific production cycle, the displacement can also be automatically regulated or controlled. For this purpose, the present system includes, in particular, a detection unit 54 comprising a sensor 54' for acquiring data to determine a transport speed, a processing unit 56 for determining a target position of the device 8 based on the determined transport speed, and a control unit 58 for changing the position of the device 8, which are preferably interconnected via a communication and control line 59.Within the framework of an easily integrated and retrofittable unit, the detection unit 54, the processing unit 56, and the control unit 58 can, in particular, be arranged within the device 8. As an alternative to wired power supply and communication, the individual system components can also communicate wirelessly or contactlessly with each other via Bluetooth, WLAN, NFC, Zigbee, or the like, and therefore do not need to be connected to each other via a communication and control line 59.

[0045] Within the framework of such automatic control, a change in the transport speed of the present system can be easily detected, whereupon the target position of the device 8 can be adjusted accordingly to ensure both the safe receipt and the safe transfer of hose sections 10. Alternatively, the aforementioned system components—a detection unit 54, a processing unit 56, and a control unit 58—can also be arranged remotely from the device 8 and preferably integrated into a control unit or the like.

[0046] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the device 8 according to the invention for supplying negative pressure according to a first embodiment in a first positioning in which the device 8 is in contrast to its orientation according to Fig. 3was shifted approximately 35° circumferentially around the central axis 16 counterclockwise in direction a. This position is advantageously intended for high transport speeds, so that (in relation to the orientation according to Fig. 3 ) earlier evacuation, ensuring the negative pressure required for hose handling despite the high transport speed. Optionally – as not explicitly shown here – a detection unit 54, a processing unit 56, and a control unit 58 can also be provided to automate the adjustment of the device 8's position to a transport speed.

[0047] With regard to the evacuation of the groove-like recesses 46, 47 and 48, it may also be provided that at least two or even all three groove-like recesses are evacuated via the same vacuum source. For example, it may also be provided that only the first groove-like recess 46 is evacuated by means of a separate vacuum source, while the groove-like recesses 47 and 48 are pumped via the same vacuum source.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the device 8 according to the invention for supplying negative pressure according to a first embodiment in a second positioning, in which the device 8 is positioned in contrast to the basic positioning according to Fig. 3The device was displaced approximately 35° circumferentially around the central axis 16 in a clockwise direction in the direction b. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for slow transport speeds, as evacuation is not critical due to the low transport speed. However, this arrangement ensures that the relevant hose section 10 can still be safely transferred to the discharge unit 14 even at low transport speeds. Here, too, a detection unit 54 (not shown), a processing unit 56, and a control unit 58 can be provided to enable automated adjustment of the device 8's positioning to the transport speed.

[0049] Fig. 6Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention for supplying negative pressure 8 in a second embodiment. According to the second embodiment, the device 8 is formed in multiple parts and comprises a first part 8a and a second part 8b separated from it by a web-like intermediate element 49. The two parts 8a and 8b can be displaced independently of each other along directions a and b within surfaces A and B in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis 16. In this way, a particularly precise supply of negative pressure to the suction devices 6 can be achieved, so that a suction point for a supply process can be set independently of a discharge point for a discharge process. In a particularly flexible and variable variant, the individual parts 8a and 8b can each be supplied by a separate negative pressure source.In contrast to part 8a, part 8b includes a compressed air supply, also provided in the one-piece form of the device 8 according to the invention, for the reliable transfer of the received hose sections 10 to a discharge unit 14. In an automated embodiment of the present exemplary embodiment, a detection unit 54, a processing unit 56, and a control unit 58 can also be provided here. In the present two-part device, the individual system components 54, 56, and 58 should advantageously be provided in each part 8a and 8b. This two-part form of the device 8, as provided in the second exemplary embodiment, allows for a more flexible and faster response to changes in the transport speed of the transport device 2.

[0050] The device 8 or system according to the invention makes it possible to control the location and thus also the time of evacuation of the suction devices in question variably on the basis of the current transport speed of a transport device 2, thus preventing both incorrect suction and compression in the belt system, thereby providing a more reliable and fail-safe transport system. Reference symbol list

[0051] 2 Device for transporting hose sections 4 Suction rollers 6 Suction devices 8 Device for supplying vacuum 8a First part 8b Second part 9 Feed unit 10 Hose section 12 Suction air bore 14 Discharge unit 16 Central axis 18 Roller shafts 20 First control disc 22 Second control disc 24 First side part 25 Frame 26 Second side part 28 Channel 32 Bolt 34 Spring 46 Vacuum supply 47 Vacuum supply 48 Vacuum supply 49 Intermediate element 50 Connection device 50' Connection device 50" Connection device 52 Compressed air supply 54 Detection unit 54' Sensor 56 Processing unit 58 Control unit 59 Communication and control line A / B Displacement range a / b Displacement direction

Claims

1. System for transporting hose sections (10), comprising - a frame (25) with a central axis (16) and a plurality of suction devices (6) mounted so as to be rotatable about the central axis (16) of the frame (25), - a device (8) for supplying negative pressure to the suction devices (6), comprising at least one connection means (50, 50', 50") for connecting a negative pressure source and at least one recess (46, 47, 48) for supplying negative pressure to the suction devices (6), characterized in that the device (8) is mounted so as to be displaceable in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25) in order to adjust the negative pressure supply to a transport speed.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (8) is also mounted so as to be axially displaceable relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (8) is mounted so as to be displaceable in two opposite directions (a, b) in circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25), wherein a displacement in the first direction (a) can take place within a first displacement range (A) and in the second direction (b) within a second displacement range (B).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (8) is mounted to be displaceable in a controllable, preferably adjustable manner in circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two, preferably three, in particular groove-like recesses (46, 47, 48) are arranged inside the device (8), wherein the recesses are preferably separated from one another by web-like intermediate elements (49).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two, preferably three, connection means (50, 50', 50') are provided for connecting a negative pressure source, wherein the connection means (50, 50', 50') are, in particular, in the form of connecting pieces.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (8) is in the form of multiple parts and has at least one first and one second part (8a, 8b), both of which are mounted so as to be displaceable in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25), in particular are mounted so as to be displaceable independently of one another in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25).

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the two parts (8a, 8b) of the multi-part device (8) are mounted so as to be displaceable simultaneously in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis (16) of the frame (25), in particular in two opposite directions (a, b), wherein a displacement in the first direction (a) can take place within a first displacement range (A) and in the second direction (b) within a second displacement range (B).

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device, in particular a control disc (20), is provided.

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the control disc (20) has suction air bores (12) and is arranged on the device (8) in such a way that, during the rotation of the control disc (20) about the central axis (16), a connection can be established at regular time intervals between an evacuated part of the device (8) and the suction devices (6) and / or in that the device (8) is in the form of a partial circle, wherein the circumference of the partial circle is at least 0.78 rad, preferably at least 1.04 rad, in particular at least 1.57 rad of the circumference of the control disc (20).

11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (46, 47, 48) arranged inside the device (8) is displaceable in such a way that, during a rotation of the control disc (20) about the central axis (16), it is possible to determine the time point at which a suction air bore (12) arranged in the control disc (20) is closed and a subsequent suction air bore (12) has entered the recess (46, 47, 48) and / or in that a negative pressure source and / or a compressed air supply (52) is provided.

12. Rotary feeder comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Method for supplying negative pressure, comprising the steps: - detecting a current transport speed of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or of the rotary feeder according to claim 12, - determining a target position of the device for supplying negative pressure (8) based on the detected transport speed by means of a processing unit (56), - adjusting a target position of the device for supplying negative pressure (8) based on the determined target position by means of a controller (58), wherein - the adjustment of a target position is carried out by means of a displacement of the device for supplying negative pressure (8) in the circumferential direction.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the recess (46, 47, 48) arranged inside the device (8) is displaced in circumferential direction in such a way that the time point can be determined at which a suction air bore (12) arranged in the control disc (20) is closed and at which a subsequent suction air bore (12) enters the recess (46, 47, 48) and / or in that the method comprises a compressed air supply (52) in addition to a negative pressure supply (46, 47, 48), in particular when conveying hose pieces (10) to a conveying unit (14).

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