Tray for receiving rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a trestle (10) for receiving rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a trestle body (15) formed by a rear wall (11), two at least substantially parallel and spaced-apart side walls (12, 13) and a bottom wall (14) forming a receiving space (16) open to the front and top for the rod-shaped articles, wherein the receiving space (16) is divided by a partition wall (17) extending from side wall (12) to side wall (13), which is characterized in that the trestle body (15) is divisible.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tray for receiving rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a tray body formed by a rear wall, two at least substantially parallel and spaced-apart side walls and a bottom wall, forming a receiving space for the rod-shaped articles that is open to the front and to the top, wherein the receiving space is divided by a partition wall extending from side wall to side wall.

[0002] Such trays are used in the tobacco processing industry. The rod-shaped articles, for example tobacco sticks, cigarettes, filters, filter rods and filter rod segments or the like, are transported and / or stored in containers, the so-called trays. The trays can be designed as trays with a single receiving space for all articles or as shaft trays in which the articles are located in several separate shafts aligned perpendicular to the base wall. The rod-shaped articles are filled into the tray for storage - preferably as an intermediate product - using a tray filling device. For further processing, the stored articles are transferred to downstream machines, such as packaging machines or production machines, by means of a tray emptying device or are introduced into an existing mass flow.

[0003] Generally, standard trays with external dimensions of approximately 720 mm wide x 400 mm high x 125 mm deep (W x H x D) are used. The receiving space, which is undivided in height, is completely available for filling with rod-shaped articles. As the tray fill height increases, the load on the articles further down also increases. With sensitive products or intermediate products, the load caused by the weight of the articles is too great for the articles at the bottom, which can cause damage to the articles. To solve this problem, partially filling the receiving space in the standard tray could theoretically be considered. However, emptying partially filled standard trays is problematic because the articles fly around in a disorganized manner when emptied, thus preventing orderly and controlled further processing.For this reason, partial trays are used that have a reduced storage space. The items are filled into this storage space, which is reduced in height and thus in volume, using suitable devices known as tray fillers. Due to the smaller number of items – due to the reduced height – the load on the items at the bottom is reduced. Filling such partial batches, i.e. trays with smaller external dimensions than the standard trays mentioned, is possible with the standard tray fillers and requires little adaptation effort. However, emptying the partial trays is problematic and involves considerable adaptation effort, as the standard emptying devices, known as tray unloaders, must be adapted to the changed geometry and the changed external dimensions of the partial trays.To avoid this effort, trays are known as standard trays, which have a storage space divided in height, whereby only the upper area of ​​the storage space is filled with items from the tray.

[0004] WO 2014 / 209842 A1 discloses a generic (standard) tray with a vertically divided receiving space. The partition wall, which divides the receiving space vertically into an upper storage space and a lower empty space, is adjustably mounted along the side walls of the tray body, allowing the size of the storage space to be varied. For sensitive items, the size / height of the storage space is reduced to reduce the load on the items below. For less sensitive items, the storage space can be enlarged. Due to the consistent external geometry and constant external dimensions of the standard trays, both filling and emptying can be carried out using the known devices without any adjustments to the devices. However, because the known tray body is constructed as a single piece, the entire tray must always be handled, even with a reduced filling level.Especially when filling the tray with a partial amount to fill the storage space, the empty space must always be handled, which leads to increased effort. Furthermore, removing and attaching the divider to the side walls requires additional assembly work, making adapting the trays to different items more complex.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and space-optimized tray that is universally applicable and easy to handle.

[0006] This task is solved by a tray with the features mentioned above in that the tray body is designed to be divisible. The divisibility of the tray body ensures alternating operation with complete (standard) trays and partial trays. Only those parts of the tray that are absolutely necessary for filling and emptying need to be handled. The two parts together form a standard tray, i.e. a tray whose geometry and external dimensions are adapted to the known devices for filling and, in particular, emptying. For filling, only part of the tray can and must be handled. The upper part of the divisible tray can be detached from the lower part of the tray for filling.Before emptying, the two parts of the tray can be reassembled to have the geometry required by the emptying device and the external dimensions of a standard tray.

[0007] A preferred embodiment of the tray is characterized in that the tray body is formed from two detachably connected components, namely a base part and a receiving part, wherein both the base part and the receiving part have rear wall sections and side wall sections of the tray body, and wherein the bottom wall of the tray body is formed by a bottom wall of the base part and the partition wall is formed by a bottom wall of the receiving part. In the assembled state, the base part and the receiving part form a standard tray with conventional geometry and external dimensions, which has a receiving space divided in height. The base part with an empty space can remain in the area of ​​a tray emptying device, while the receiving part with a storage space can be filled manually or automatically in a tray filler.Because the receiving section is lower than a standard tray, preferably half the height of a standard tray, the weight of the items on the bottom layer is reduced, even when the receiving section is completely full. Only the receiving section is handled for filling. Before emptying, the receiving section is plugged onto the base section, so that the entire tray is then handled as a standard tray. The tray according to the invention ensures automated emptying without significant adjustments to the tray emptying systems set up for standard trays.

[0008] Preferably, a fastening means is provided for detachably connecting the base part and the receiving part. The fastening means is preferably designed and configured for connecting the base part and the receiving part without the need for any tools. To simplify handling, the fastening means enables simple and quick connection and detachment of the base part and the receiving part, e.g., through a combined plug-in and snap-in connection.

[0009] In a particularly preferred development, the base part and the receiving part are essentially identical in design, in particular with regard to the geometry and external dimensions of the rear wall sections, side wall sections, and base walls. Preferably, both the base part and the receiving part have the geometry and external dimensions of half a standard tray. This creates a universally applicable tray. The existing differences, in particular the fastening means on the base part and the corresponding adaptations of the receiving part to the fastening means, have no effect on the external dimensions and thus ensure safe handling of the receiving part on its own and in an assembled state with the base part by the tray fillers and tray emptyers. Optionally, the base part and the receiving part can also have different external dimensions, for example in a 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 ratio.In other words, the base part is 1 / 3 the size of the standard tray, while the receiving part is 2 / 3 the size of the standard tray. Other size ratios are also possible.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fastening means comprises two retaining elements arranged on the opposite side wall sections of the base part. Arranged on the inside of the side wall sections of the base part, the retaining elements do not impair the handling of the trays in the assembled state and ensure a stable connection between the base part and the receiving part. The number and positioning of the retaining elements can vary.

[0011] Advantageously, each holding element is designed and configured to establish a positive and / or non-positive connection with the receiving part. Different means can be used as fastening means or holding element. A predominantly non-positive connection can be formed, for example, by means of magnets or by means of tension locks. A predominantly positive connection can be created, for example, by a type of tongue and groove connection with a positively engaging locking bracket. Optionally, a fastening means can also be used that is designed and configured for a combined positive and non-positive connection, e.g. in the form of a (quick-action) snap lock using a spring plate engaging in recesses.

[0012] The holding elements are conveniently detachably attached to the base. This allows the base to be used as a receiving element or partial tray when the holding elements are removed, thus improving universal use and handling.

[0013] In a particularly preferred development, each holding element has at least one projection projecting beyond the side wall sections of the base part. The number of projections can vary. Particularly preferably, each holding element has two projections projecting beyond the side wall sections of the base part, which projections are designed and configured to produce a positive connection with the receiving part. For example, on the side directed upwards towards the receiving part to be combined, two pins or the like are provided, which are designed and configured to engage in corresponding recesses in the bottom wall of the receiving part. By means of the pins, a positive connection is achieved between the two parts, by means of which the two parts can be positioned and aligned with respect to one another.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that each holding element has at least one magnet, which is positioned on the holding element on the side facing the bottom wall of the receiving part. The number of magnets can vary. Particularly preferably, each holding element has two magnets, which are positioned on the holding element on the side facing the bottom wall of the receiving part, wherein the magnets are designed and configured to produce a force-fitting connection with the receiving part. The force-fitting connection of the base part on the one hand and the receiving part on the other hand by means of the magnets, in particular in combination with the form-fitting connection by means of the pins, achieves a secure and stable connection, which can, however, be easily detached and reconnected manually and without tools.

[0015] Advantageously, the receiving part has a recess in its bottom wall on the side facing the base part, corresponding to each projection, for receiving the projection of the retaining elements. Further advantageously, the receiving part has a magnetic element in its bottom wall on the side facing the base part, corresponding to each magnet of the base part. This design ensures quick and secure connection and release between the base part and the receiving part.

[0016] A useful further development provides for a counter wedge to be arranged on the bottom wall of the receiving part, on the side facing away from the base part. Such a counter wedge is particularly preferred when the trays are used in conjunction with filters as rod-shaped articles and also serves to cover screws or other fastening elements that are arranged, for example, for securing the magnetic elements in the area of ​​the bottom wall of the receiving part.

[0017] Advantageously, the counter wedge is detachably connected to the base wall of the receiving part. This allows the receiving part to be used universally.

[0018] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the tray are evident from the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a split tray in perspective view, Fig. 2 the tray according to figure in exploded view, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a base part of the tray according to Figures 1 and 2 with holding elements in exploded view, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a receiving part of the tray according to Figures 1 and 2 , Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a counter wedge of the receiving part, and Fig. 6 a schematic representation of the receiving part from below.

[0019] One in the Figures 1 to 6The tray shown is used in the tobacco processing industry to transport and store rod-shaped items, such as filters, cigarettes, multi-segment filter sections, or the like. For this purpose, the tray can have a single storage space extending across the entire width of the tray for storing items or, in the example of a shaft tray, several shaft-shaped storage spaces formed by partitions aligned vertically to the base wall.

[0020] In Figure 1a tray 10 is shown which is designed and configured to hold rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry. The tray 10 comprises a tray body 15 formed by a rear wall 11, two at least substantially parallel and spaced-apart side walls 12, 13 and a bottom wall 14, forming a receiving space 16 for the rod-shaped articles which is open at the front and at the top, wherein the receiving space 16 is divided by a partition wall 17 extending from side wall 12 to side wall 13. By dividing the receiving space 16, a storage space 18 for the articles is created on the one hand, and an empty space 19 on the other. In an embodiment not shown, the storage space 18 is divided into several shafts by partition walls aligned vertically to the partition wall 17.

[0021] This tray 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the tray body 15 is designed to be divisible. While in the Figure 1 The tray 10 is shown in the assembled state of the tray body 15, the Figure 2 the tray 10 with a split tray body 15. The two parts of the tray body 15 can be handled independently of each other.

[0022] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the tray 10 described above.

[0023] The drawing shows a so-called standard tray as a tray 10 with external dimensions, having a storage space 18 as the receiving space 16 for all rod-shaped articles. The invention, with all its embodiments, is equally applicable to a shaft tray in which the storage space 18 as the receiving space 16 is divided into individual shafts by partition walls that can be permanently or detachably connected to the tray body 15. The tray 10 has the usual external dimensions of approximately 720 mm wide x 400 mm high x 125 mm deep (W x H x D). These dimensions are tailored to the devices for filling and emptying the trays 10. The trays 10 can also have other dimensions with regard to their external dimensions, corresponding to and adapted to the respective devices for filling and emptying the trays 10.

[0024] The tray 10 or the tray body 15, which is preferably made at least partially from an electrically conductive plastic, is formed from two detachably connected components, namely a base part 20 and a receiving part 21. Both the base part 20 and the receiving part 21 have rear wall sections 20.1, 21.1 and side wall sections 20.2, 20.3; 21.2, 21.3 of the tray body 15, and the bottom wall 14 of the tray body 15 is formed by a bottom wall 20.4 of the base part 20, and the partition wall 17 is formed by a bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21. The side wall 12 is thus formed from the side wall sections 20.2, 21.2. The side wall 13 is formed from the side wall sections 20.3, 21.3.

[0025] In the Figure 1 The tray is shown in assembled condition, i.e. especially for automatic emptying. Figure 2The tray 10 is shown in a split state, in particular for filling the receiving part 21 independently and detached from the base part 20. The connection between the base part 20 and the receiving part 21 is realized with a fastening means 22 for detachably connecting the base part 20 and the receiving part 21. The base part 20 and the receiving part 21 are essentially identical in design, in particular with regard to the geometry and external dimensions of the rear wall sections 20.1, 21.1, the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3; 21.2, 21.3 and the bottom walls 20.4, 21.4. The fastening means 22 is assigned to the base part 20. The fastening means 22 in the illustrated embodiment comprises two holding elements 23, 24, which are arranged on the opposite side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 of the base part 20.In the illustrated embodiment, each retaining element 23, 24 is designed and configured to establish a positive and non-positive connection with the receiving part 21. Each retaining element 23, 24, made, for example, of a plastic or preferably of aluminum, is releasably attached to the base part 20. For fastening, four screws 25, 26, for example, are provided, by means of which the retaining element 23, 24 is connected to the respective side wall section 20.2, 20.3.

[0026] To form a positive connection with the receiving part 21, each holding element 23, 24 has at least one projection 27, 28 projecting beyond the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 of the base part 20. In the preferred embodiment, each holding element 23, 24 has two projections 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2 projecting beyond the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 of the base part 20, which projections are designed and configured to establish the positive connection with the receiving part 21. These projections 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2, for example simple pins, engage in recesses of the receiving part 21 described below. To ensure that the distance between the base part 20 and the receiving part 21 is zero, the holding elements 23, 24, with the exception of the pins, are generally flush with an upper edge 29 of the rear wall section 20.1. For this purpose, the side wall sections 20.2, 20.3 has a recess 32, 33 on its upwardly directed edge 30, 31, into or onto which the holding elements 23, 24 are placed.

[0027] To form a force-locking connection with the receiving part 21, each holding element 23, 24 has at least one magnet 34, 35, which is positioned on the holding element 23, 24 on the side facing the bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21. Preferably and in the Figure 3 As shown, each holding element 23, 24 has two magnets 34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2, which are positioned on the holding element 23, 24 on the side facing the bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21. The magnets 34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2 are embedded in recesses 36, 37 of the holding elements 23, 24 and are designed and configured to establish a force-locking connection with the receiving part 21.

[0028] The receiving part 21 has a recess 38.1, 38.2; 39.1, 39.2 in its bottom wall 21.4 on the side facing the base part 20, corresponding to each projection 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2, for receiving the projections 27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2 of the holding elements 23, 24. In addition, the receiving part 21 has a magnetic element 40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2 in its bottom wall 21.4 on the side facing the base part 20, corresponding to each magnet 34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2 of the base part 20. The magnetic elements 40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2 can be inserted or plugged into recesses in the base wall 21.4. Optionally, the magnetic elements 40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2 can also be screwed in.

[0029] The bottom walls 20.4 and / or 21.4 can be flat. Optionally, the bottom walls 20.4 and / or 21.4 can also be inclined such that the bottom walls 20.4 and / or 21.4 slope downwards towards the respective rear wall section 20.1, 21.1. For certain applications of the tray 10, it may be useful or necessary for a counter wedge 42 to be arranged, particularly on the bottom wall 21.4 of the receiving part 21 on the side facing away from the base part 20. The inclination of the bottom wall 21.4 can be changed by means of the counter wedge 42. If the bottom wall 21.4 itself is flat, the counter wedge 42 creates an inclined support surface of the bottom wall 21.4 for the articles, which slopes downwards towards the rear wall section 21.1. If the floor wall 21.4 itself is inclined to the rear wall section 21.1, compensation can be created by means of the counter wedge 42, so that the support surface on which the articles rest is then flat. The counter wedge 42 can be inserted loosely. Preferably, the counter wedge 42 is detachably connected to the bottom wall of the receiving part. The orientation in which the counter wedge 42 is inserted varies depending on whether a flat support surface or an inclined support surface is to be achieved.

Claims

1. Tray (10) for receiving rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a tray body (15) formed by a rear wall (11), two at least substantially parallel side walls (12, 13) arranged at a distance from one another and a bottom wall (14), forming a receiving space (16) for the rod-shaped articles which is open at the front and at the top, the receiving space (16) being divided by a partition wall (17) extending from side wall (12) to side wall (13), characterised in that the tray body (15) is configured so as to be divisible.

2. Tray (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the tray body (15) is formed from two components detachably connected to one another, namely a base part (20) and a receiving part (21), wherein both the base part (20) and the receiving part (21) have rear wall sections (20.1, 21.1) and side wall sections (20.2, 20.3; 21.2, 21.3) of the tray body (15), and wherein the bottom wall (14) of the tray body (15) is formed by a bottom wall (20.4) of the base part (20) and the partition wall (17) is formed by a bottom wall (21.4) of the receiving part (21).

3. Tray (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that a fastening means (22) is provided for detachably connecting the base part (20) and the receiving part (21).

4. Tray (20) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the base part (20) and the receiving part (21) are of substantially identical construction, in particular with regard to the geometry and the outer dimensions of rear wall sections (20.1, 21.1), side wall sections (20.2, 20.3; 21.2, 21.3) and bottom walls (20.4, 21.4).

5. Tray (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the fastening means (22) comprises two retaining elements (23, 24) which are arranged on the opposite side wall sections (20.2, 20.3) of the base part (20).

6. Tray (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that each retaining element (23, 24) is configured and adapted to establish a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the receiving part (21).

7. Tray (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the retaining elements (23, 24) are detachably attached to the base part (20).

8. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that each retaining element (23, 24) has at least one projection (27, 28) projecting beyond the side wall sections (20.2, 20.3) of the base part (20).

9. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that each retaining element (23, 24) has two projections (27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2) projecting beyond the side wall sections (20.2, 20.3) of the base part (20) which are configured and adapted to establish a form-fitting connection with the receiving part (21).

10. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that each retaining element (23, 24) has at least one magnet (34, 35) which is positioned on the retaining element (23, 24) on the side facing the bottom wall (21.4) of the receiving part (21).

11. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that each retaining element (23, 24) has two magnets (34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2) which are positioned on the retaining element (23, 24) on the side facing the bottom wall (21.4) of the receiving part (21), the magnets (34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2) being configured and adapted to establish a force-fitting connection with the receiving part (21).

12. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the receiving part (21) has a recess (38.1, 38.2; 39.1, 39.2) in its bottom wall (21.4) on the side facing the base part (20) corresponding to each projection (27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2) for receiving the projection (27.1, 27.2; 28.1, 28.2) of the retaining elements (23, 24).

13. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the receiving part (21) has a magnetic element (40.1, 40.2; 41.1, 41.2) in its bottom wall (21.4) on the side facing the base part (20), corresponding to each magnet (34.1, 34.2; 35.1, 35.2) of the base part (20).

14. Tray (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 13, characterised in that a counter-wedge (42) is arranged on the bottom wall (21.4) of the receiving part (21) on the side facing away from the base part (20).

15. Tray (10) according to claim 14, characterised in that the counter-wedge (42) is detachably connected to the bottom wall (21.4) of the receiving part (21).

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