Device for handling rod-shaped articles and method for initial filling of such devices

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) designed and configured for handling, in particular for transporting and / or storing, rod-shaped articles (11) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a receiving chamber (12) as a receiving storage unit for receiving rod-shaped articles (11), at least one module as a feeding device (13) for feeding the articles (11) into the receiving chamber (12), a channel-like shaft (14) adjoining the receiving chamber (12) with a rear wall (15), a front wall and two side walls (16, 17) for storing and / or transporting the articles (11) from the receiving chamber (12) to a device located downstream of the shaft (14) in the transport direction T of the articles (11), which is characterized in that the channel-like shaft (14) has an at least substantially vertical orientation and at least one opening and closing closing element (18) is arranged in the area of ​​the shaft (14),by means of which the shaft (14) can be divided into at least two separate shaft sections (14.1, 14.2). The invention further relates to a method for the initial filling of such a device (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for handling, in particular for transporting and / or storing, rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a receiving space as a receiving storage for receiving rod-shaped articles, at least one module as a feeding device for feeding the articles into the receiving space, a channel-like shaft adjoining the receiving space with a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls for storing and / or transporting the articles from the receiving space to a device arranged downstream of the shaft in the transport direction T of the articles.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for the automatic initial filling of shafts of a device for handling, in particular for transporting and / or storing, rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising the steps of: feeding articles by means of a feeding device into a receiving space of the device for handling the articles, transporting the article flow flowing into the receiving space through a shaft of the device from the receiving space to a device downstream of the shaft, wherein the article flow is initially held back in the transition area from the receiving space into the shaft, and this article flow is then lowered downwards in a controlled manner to the downstream device.

[0003] Such devices and methods are used for various purposes in the tobacco processing industry when rod-shaped articles, as intermediate or final products, are transported, for example, from a first production, processing, or handling station to a downstream production, processing, or handling station, and possibly also stored en route. Examples of such devices can be so-called drop chutes or corresponding chutes in a horizontal storage system. Using drop chutes as an example, lines for feeding individual rod-shaped articles, for example filters, filter rods in single or multiple usable lengths, or the like, into the area of ​​a receiving module serve as a feeding device.The receiving modules guide the items, especially after a format change, for which the drop chute must be completely emptied, into the receiving area for initial filling. From there, they flow via the vertically directed chute toward and up to the device located downstream of the chute. A vertical distance of up to 150 cm or more must be overcome.

[0004] Taking the example of horizontal storage units, which combine a so-called maker for producing cigarettes with a so-called packer for packaging the cigarettes, the horizontal storage unit moves its side walls towards each other when empty, resulting in a substantially vertically aligned shaft. During initial filling, a belt conveyor, for example, serves as a feed device to convey a mass flow consisting of multi-layered articles essentially horizontally into the area of ​​the receiving space, from which the articles flow via the vertically aligned shaft towards and up to the device downstream of the shaft. Here, too, a distance of up to 150 cm or more must be overcome in the vertical direction.

[0005] The known devices have the common disadvantage that, for example, during or after a format change, a so-called brand change process, for which the device must be completely empty or emptied, initial filling can only be carried out semi-automatically. During the initial filling of the empty device or the empty shaft, the articles have to flow through a shaft that is at least partially essentially vertical, which would lead to unwanted cross-flying items or the like in the event of a free fall over the entire distance. In order to prevent these cross-flying items and to create a uniform and continuous flow of articles during the initial filling, the prior art uses manual aids such as a pig. These run ahead of the article flow and are gradually guided in the transport direction from the receiving space to the end of the shaft.At the beginning of the initial filling process, the pig or a similar element moving within the shaft is located in the transition area from the receiving chamber to the shaft. Due to the flow of articles and / or an active drive, the pig acts as a brake block in front of the flow of articles entering the shaft, moving toward the end of the shaft in the area of ​​the downstream device. Once the initial filling process is complete, i.e., a complete and continuous flow of articles has been established between the receiving chamber and the downstream device, the pig must be removed from the shaft. This solution is therefore only semi-automatic and costs time and personnel.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and reliable device by means of which a fully automatic initial filling of the shaft can be realized. The invention is further based on the object of proposing a corresponding method.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the channel-like shaft has an at least substantially vertical orientation and at least one opening and closing closing element is arranged in the region of the shaft, by means of which the shaft can be divided into at least two separate shaft sections. Due to the vertical orientation, essentially because shafts with a slight inclination are also included, the articles fall into the drop shaft in the transport direction T by gravity alone. The flow of articles is initially stopped by the or each closing element in the closed position, so that free fall is stopped over a greater distance. The articles fall at most from the receiving space into the first shaft section divided off by the closing element.After the closing element opens, the article flow falls into the shaft section below. Dividing the shaft into at least two sections ensures that the article flow only has to travel short distances in a continuous flow. The device according to the invention thus ensures fully automatic initial filling without the occurrence of cross-flying items.

[0008] Advantageously, the shaft can be divided into more than two, preferably three to nine, shaft sections arranged one below the other by means of movable closing elements, wherein in particular two or three or more than three shaft sections have essentially the same storage volume for articles. The shaft has a predetermined overall height of, for example, 100 cm to 180 cm. The number of shaft sections necessary to achieve a fall height at which cross-flying items can be avoided depends on the overall height. The height of the shaft sections, i.e. the extent of each shaft section in the transport direction T, which essentially determines the fall height of the articles from the storage space or the shaft section above it, is, for example, 40 mm or 30 mm or 20 mm or 10 mm. The number of shaft sections and thus the number of closing elements results from the overall height of the shaft and the selected height of the shaft sections.The shaft sections can have different dimensions in height in the transport direction T, but preferably all shaft sections are of the same height and have the same storage volume for items. The shaft height, the height of the shaft sections, and their design can, of course, also vary.

[0009] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that each closing element is designed and configured as a linearly movable blade. These pull blades are, on the one hand, sufficiently stable to at least temporarily stop the article flow. On the other hand, these (pull) blades can also be moved quickly and precisely back and forth in a linear manner. Blades can be moved quickly and jerkily without having a negative impact on the article flow resting on them. This safely and reliably ensures the portion-wise or step-by-step opening of the shaft and thus the controlled release of the shaft and thus the article flow during initial filling. Instead of the (pull) blades, the closing elements can also be designed alternatively, for example as a folding blade, namely as a one-piece folding blade or multi-piece, in particular two-piece folding blade. The or each folding blade or folding blade element can be pivotable, e.g.be mounted on the side walls of the shaft. Instead of the blade as a pull blade or folding blade, other single- or multi-part locking plates, flaps, or the like can also be used.

[0010] Advantageously, slots are formed in the area of ​​the rear wall of the shaft, and in the area of ​​the slots, the closing elements are arranged for dividing the shaft into individual shaft sections through the slot in the rear wall from a waiting or release position to a closed position and for releasing the shaft or shaft section from the closed position to the waiting or release position. The blades as closing elements are guided through the slots in the rear wall. The direction of movement of the blades is preferably horizontal. Optionally, slots or other breakthroughs and / or openings can also be formed, for example, in the front wall and / or one or both side walls.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the shaft comprises a vertical partition wall, by means of which the shaft space is divided into two adjacent shaft sections. The partition wall can extend over part of the height of the shaft or over the entire height of the shaft. Optionally, multiple partition walls can also be provided. Each partition wall can, for example, be a flat, continuous wall. Guide elements for the article flow can also be arranged in the area of ​​the partition wall and / or on the side walls of the shaft.

[0012] Preferably, each closing element has a slot whose dimensions transverse to the transport direction T essentially correspond to the thickness of the partition wall dividing the shaft vertically. The width of the slot in the blade as the closing element is slightly larger than the thickness of the partition wall to ideally ensure contact-free and friction-free movement of the closing elements relative to the partition wall. The closing element can be completely closed for a shaft without a partition wall. For a vertically divided shaft, in addition to the slotted closing element, two separate closing elements / blades can be provided, which are guided on either side of the partition wall.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, each closing element is assigned at least one drive, in particular a pneumatic drive, which is designed and configured to move the closing element from a waiting or release position for the shaft into a closed position for forming the shaft sections and back. This embodiment ensures the rapid release and closing of the respective shaft sections safely and precisely. The pneumatic drive comprises, among other things, a base body surrounding or forming a compressed air cylinder, as well as a pneumatically driven guide rod and means for generating the compressed air, valves and lines. Instead of the pneumatic drive, other drive means can also be used, such as stepper motors or the like.

[0014] Preferably, each closing element is connected to a guide body that is linearly guided on the drive, in particular the pneumatic drive. More precisely, the guide body is guided on the base body, with the guide body being operatively connected to the guide rod. Moving the guide rod moves the guide body, which in turn moves the closing element. The closing element and the guide body can be made of multiple parts and connected to one another. However, they are preferably formed as a single piece.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the device, the receiving space can be divided into at least two superimposed sections by means of a dividing element. The receiving space is preferably divided into two sections. Optionally, the receiving space can also be divided into more than two superimposed sections. The dividing elements, similar to blades, can be moved through slots from a closed position to a released position and back again, and can also be driven by pneumatic drives or alternative drive concepts. Pivoting flaps or the like can also be used as dividers of the receiving space.

[0016] An advantageous development of the device is characterized in that the section of the receiving space closest to the shaft in the transport direction T is separated from the shaft by a closing element. This allows a predetermined quantity of articles to be accumulated in the receiving space before the shaft is gradually filled, before a continuous flow of articles is guided vertically downwards into the shaft in sections.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment, all separating and closing elements can be automatically moved into a closed position for initial filling of the device and sequentially moved from top to bottom in the transport direction T into a waiting or release position for filling the shaft. After a format change and the device has been completely emptied, i.e. for any type of initial filling, all separating and closing elements are initially in their closed position. The closing elements initially prevent articles from flowing into the vertically directed shaft, allowing articles to build up in the receiving space. Only when a certain amount of articles has accumulated in the receiving space are the closing elements gradually opened from top to bottom in order to transport the flow of articles towards the device downstream of the shaft.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least two, preferably three, receiving modules are arranged in the region of the receiving space as a feed device, wherein the separating element is designed and configured to separate the section of the receiving space assigned to the first receiving module from the or each section assigned to the second and each further receiving module. The receiving modules can be supplied with articles via lines or the like. The articles reach the receiving space via the receiving modules. It is freely selectable whether the first, lowest receiving module is the first to feed articles into the receiving space and / or whether another, higher-lying receiving module or several or all receiving modules feed articles into the receiving space simultaneously.If the receiving space is undivided, filling the receiving space from bottom to top is preferred, with the articles remaining on the closing element in the transition area from the receiving space to the shaft in the closed position. Securing devices, such as a short chain mail, prevent articles flowing into the receiving space from flying sideways. If the receiving space is divided, articles can also be transported and collected in an upper section of the receiving space in such a way that the articles initially remain on the dividing element. Other filling options for the receiving space and / or the shaft are also possible. In other embodiments of the device, a conveying element, e.g.a conveyor belt for transporting a multi-layer mass flow of articles, as a feeding element for horizontally feeding the articles to and into the receiving space.

[0019] Advantageously, at least one detection element for detecting the fill level is arranged in the region of the receiving space, such that the first closing element in the transport direction T and all further closing elements are only opened when an additional article volume formed from articles, detected by the detection means, has formed in the receiving space, which additional article volume, in order to form a closed article flow, essentially corresponds to the receiving volume of the next shaft section to be filled, and the articles fall onto the closing element following in the transport direction T after the first or subsequent closing element has opened. The or each detection element can, for example, comprise mechanical and / or electronic components, such as a fill level sensor, a deflectable fill level flap with a contact element or the like.Optionally, several detection means can be arranged at different positions within the recording space, preferably at different heights, preferably in each section of the space, spaced one above the other.

[0020] A preferred development of the device is characterized in that it further comprises a control device designed and configured to control the separating and / or closing elements based on the fill level of the receiving space. For this purpose, the control device is connected at least to the detection elements and drives, in particular pneumatic drives, for the separating and closing elements. The drives, in particular pneumatic drives, of the separating or closing elements are controlled depending on the fill level of the receiving space or individual sections of the receiving space.

[0021] Particularly advantageously, the separating element is arranged at a distance of 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably approximately 120 mm, from the first closing element in the transport direction T in the transition area between the receiving space and the shaft. With this drop height, the article flow can be transported reliably and free of cross-flying items in the transport direction, first from one room section to another and then from one shaft section to another, which preferably have comparable drop heights.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that each separating element and each closing element is designed and configured to be stationary with respect to the transport direction T of the articles on a housing of the receiving space and / or on the shaft and is designed and configured to be movable only transversely to the transport direction T. If only closing elements are present, they are then always arranged in the same position along the shaft, merely optionally in the closed, waiting or release position, i.e. always at the same height. However, being stationary does not explicitly exclude the possibility that the closing elements - the same applies to the separating elements - for opening and closing the shaft and parts of the receiving space are either movable transversely to the transport direction T or pivotable about a fixed pivot point.

[0023] The object is further achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above in that at least one closing element is initially closed in the area of ​​the shaft to stop the flow of articles and collect them in the receiving space, and that the or each closing element is opened when a defined fill level of the receiving space is reached to lower the flow of articles in a controlled manner. As already described in connection with the device, the method according to the invention enables fully automatic initial filling of vertically oriented shafts, ultimately independent of the type and application of the device.

[0024] Preferably, several blades arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T are initially held as closing elements in a closed position blocking the shaft. To release each shaft section, they are pulled backwards from top to bottom in a defined sequence through a rear wall of the shaft into a release position releasing a shaft section. This allows a continuous flow of articles to be transported reliably and free of cross-flying items over a long distance during the initial filling of the shaft from the receiving space, into which the articles are fed via any feed device, to the device downstream of the shaft.

[0025] Particularly advantageous is the rapid and jerky movement of each blade, which extends backwards from the closed position into the release position, so that the article flow is guided section by section and step by step from top to bottom in defined steps and intervals into the shaft, or falls deeper into the shaft, until a continuous article flow is formed from the receiving space to the downstream device. This rapid and jerky movement describes the principle of a tablecloth being pulled out from under the items resting on it without the items being pulled out with it. This expresses the fact that a rapid and jerky movement of the blades means that the items do not fall / trickle individually into the next shaft section, but rather the article flow is transported in a block-like manner.

[0026] Advantageously, the closing elements are controlled to release the shaft sections via a fill level sensor in the receiving space. Particularly preferably, the first closing element in the transport direction T and all subsequent closing elements are only opened when an additional article volume formed by articles, as detected by a detection means, has formed in the receiving space. This additional article volume, to form a closed article flow, essentially corresponds to the receiving volume of the next shaft section to be filled, and the articles fall onto the closing element following the transport direction T after the opening of the first or subsequent closing element.Conveniently, the fill level in the receiving space, which decreases due to the opening of the first closing element, is increased again by further feeding articles into the receiving space until the detection means again triggers the opening of a subsequent closing element. This process is repeated until all closing elements are open. The advantages resulting from the aforementioned steps have already been described in connection with the device according to the invention; therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant passages.

[0027] In an advantageous further development, the articles drop in portions of approximately 100 to 150 mm, preferably 120 mm, from the sequential opening of the closing elements from top to bottom, forming a continuous article flow in the shaft from shaft section to shaft section until the last shaft section upstream of the subsequent device is filled. The low drop height of the articles or article flow, which is also achieved in the receiving space when the articles fall onto the first closing element in the transition area from the receiving space to the shaft, or when the articles fall from one space section to the next, ensures particularly reliable and trouble-free automatic initial filling.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous to at least partially cover the stock of articles that forms in the receiving area from the items being fed in. A short chainmail or similar device prevents the articles being fed into the receiving area from flying over.

[0029] A particularly preferred development of the method is characterized in that it is carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 16.

[0030] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and method for initial filling are set out in the subclaims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments and the method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a device according to the invention with a vertical drop shaft at the beginning of an initial filling, Fig. 2 is an enlarged representation of the shaft with several closing elements in the closed position, Fig. 3 is a further enlarged representation of two shaft sections, Fig. 4 is an individual representation of a blade as a closing element with a pneumatic drive, wherein the pneumatic drive is shown in the retracted state, i.e. the closed position of the closing element, Fig. 5 is a rear view of the device with several closing elements in the closed position, Fig. 6 is an individual representation of a blade as a closing element with a pneumatic drive, wherein the pneumatic drive is shown in the extended state, i.e. the release position of the closing element, Fig. 7 is a rear view of the device with several closing elements in the release position, Fig. 8 is the device according to Figure 1with a partially filled receiving space, Fig. 9 the device according to Figure 8 with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a separating element in an upper space section, Fig. 10 the device according to Figure 9 with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element in the transition to the shaft, Fig. 11 the device according to Figure 10 with a further filled receiving space, whereby the articles fill the receiving space and exceed a defined filling level, Fig. 12 the device according to Figure 11 with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element within the shaft, Fig. 13 the device according to Figure 12 with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element located further down in the transport direction T, Fig. 14 the device according to Figure 13with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element which is the lowest in the transport direction T, such that a closed article flow extends from the receiving space to a device arranged downstream of the shaft, Fig. 15 a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention with a vertical drop shaft at the beginning of an initial filling, Fig. 16 the device according to Figure 15 with a horizontal conveyor for feeding the articles into the receiving space, Fig. 17 the device according to Figure 16 with a filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element in the transition area to the shaft, Fig. 18 the device according to Figure 17 with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element within the shaft, Fig. 19 the device according to Figure 18with a further filled receiving space, wherein the articles lie on a closing element which is the lowest in the transport direction T, such that a closed article flow extends from the receiving space to a device arranged downstream of the shaft, and Fig. 20 the device according to Figure 19 in normal operation, in which a closed article flow extends from the receiving space to a device arranged downstream of the shaft, wherein at least one side wall of the shaft is designed to be movable in order to increase the receiving volume of the shaft.

[0031] The device shown in the drawing is used for transporting and / or storing rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, firstly between a filter manufacturing machine and a filter attachment machine, and secondly between a so-called maker for producing cigarettes and a so-called packer for packaging the cigarettes. The device according to the invention can also be used for transporting and / or storing other articles within any device with a vertically oriented shaft.

[0032] The device 10 shown in the drawing is designed for transporting and / or storing rod-shaped articles 11 of the tobacco processing industry and comprises a receiving space 12 as a receiving storage for receiving rod-shaped articles 11, at least one module as a feeding device 13 for feeding the articles 11 into the receiving space 12, a channel-like shaft 14 adjoining the receiving space 12 with a rear wall 15, a front wall (not explicitly shown for the sake of clarity) and two side walls 16, 17 for storing and / or transporting the articles 11 from the receiving space 12 to a device (not shown) arranged downstream of the shaft 14 in the transport direction T of the articles 11.

[0033] This device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the channel-like shaft 14 has an at least substantially vertical orientation and in the region of the shaft 14 at least one closing element 18 which can be opened and closed is arranged, by means of which the shaft 14 can be divided into at least two separate shaft sections 14.1, 14.2.

[0034] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments of the device 10, 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 drawing or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the device 10 described above.

[0035] The vertically directed shaft 14 can be divided by means of movable closing elements 18 into more than two, preferably three to nine, shaft sections 14.1 to 14.n arranged one below the other. In the specific embodiment according to Figure 1Seven shaft sections 14.1 to 14.7 are provided, which are arranged one above the other and separated from one another by closing elements 18. In the transition area between the receiving space 12 and the shaft 14, a further closing element 18 is arranged. Each closing element 18 is designed and configured as a linearly movable blade 19. Each blade 19 is a simple, rigid plate. The support surface of each plate can be continuous, as for example in the transition area between the receiving space 12 and the shaft 14, in which the plate essentially blocks the shaft from above. The support surface of each plate can also be interrupted, as explained further below. Slots 20 are formed in the area of ​​the rear wall 15 of the shaft 14. In the area of ​​the slots 20, the closing elements 18 for dividing the shaft 14 into individual shaft sections 14.1 to 14.7 are protruding through the slot 20 in the rear wall 15 from a waiting orRelease position (see e.g. . Figure 7 ) into a closed position (see e.g. Figure 5 ) and are arranged to release the shaft 14 or shaft section 14.1 to 14.7 from the closed position to the waiting or release position. The locking elements 18 can be controlled sequentially.

[0036] The shaft 14 comprises a vertical partition 21, by means of which the shaft space 22 is divided into two adjacent shaft space sections 22.1, 22.2. The size of the two shaft space sections 22.1, 22.2 is approximately the same, since the partition 21 runs approximately centrally. Guide elements 23 projecting into the shaft space sections 22.1, 22.2 are arranged on both sides of the partition 21. In addition, guide elements 24 are also arranged or formed on the side walls 16, 17 on the inner sides facing the shaft space sections 22.2, 22.2. Due to the partition 21, it is necessary in the illustrated embodiment that each closing element 18 has a slot 25, the dimensions of which, transverse to the transport direction T, essentially correspond to the thickness of the partition 21 dividing the shaft 14 in the vertical direction.The plate forming the sword 19 is slotted in the center, the width of the slot 25 being wider than the thickness of the partition 21, so that the sword 19 can be moved from the closed position to the release position and back without contact with the partition 21.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of the device 10, each closing element 18 is assigned at least one pneumatic drive 26, which is designed and configured to move the closing element 18 from the waiting or release position for the shaft 14 into the closed position to form the shaft sections 14.1 to 14.7 and back. The pneumatic drive 26 comprises, among other things, a base body 27. The base body 27 can surround a compressed air cylinder or form one. The pressure cylinder is operatively connected to a guide rod 28. The closing element 18 is movably arranged on or on the base body 27. Each closing element 18 is connected to a guide body 28, which is guided linearly on the pneumatic drive 26 or the base body 27. The guide body 28 is operatively connected to a guide rod 29, which is guided in the base body 27 and is operatively connected to the compressed air cylinder.By moving the pneumatic cylinder and thus the guide rod 29, the guide body 28 is moved, which in turn moves the closing element 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing element 18 and the guide body 28 are formed as a single piece. Figure 4 The pneumatic cylinder is shown in the retracted position, in which the locking element 18 is in the closed position. Figure 5 shows all closing elements 18 in the closed position at the beginning of the initial filling, since no closing element 18 is moved backwards through the rear wall 15. In the Figure 6 The pneumatic cylinder is shown in the extended position, in which the locking element 18 is in the release position. Figure 7 shows all locking elements 18 in the release position at the end of the initial filling, since all locking elements 18 have been moved backwards through the rear wall 15.

[0038] Not only the shaft 14 is divided into several shaft sections 14.1 to 14.7. In the illustrated embodiment of the device 10, the receiving space 12 is also divided by a separating element 30 into at least two space sections 12.1 and 12.2 arranged one above the other. The separating element 30 is designed in a similar way to the closing element 18 and can also be moved from a closed position to a release position and back again by means of a pneumatic drive 26. The space section 12.1 of the receiving space 12 that is closest to the shaft 14 in the transport direction T is separated from the shaft 14 by a further closing element 18. For an initial filling of the device 10, all separating and closing elements 18, 30 can be automatically moved into a closed position and can be moved sequentially from top to bottom in the transport direction T to fill the shaft 14. In the Figure 8The starting position of the device 10 is shown. All locking elements 18 are in the closed position. The shaft 14 is empty. The separating element 30 in the receiving space 12 can be in the starting position either in the closed position (as shown) or in the release position.

[0039] The sequence of figures 1 to 14 shows a device 10 in which at least two, preferably three, receiving modules 31.1 to 31.3 are arranged as a supply device 13 in the region of the receiving space 12. The separating element 30 is designed and configured to separate the spatial section 12.1 of the receiving space 12, which is assigned to the first receiving module 31.1, from the or each spatial section 12.2 assigned to the second and each further receiving module 31.2, 31.3. Each receiving module 31.1 to 31.3 can be supplied with articles 11 via lines 32. The articles 11 can be guided into the receiving space 12, optionally into the space section 12.1 and / or into the space section 12.2, by means of a receiving module 31.1 or via several receiving modules 31.1 and / or 31.2 and / or 31.3, where they change the fill level of the receiving space 12.The articles 12 flowing into the receiving space 12 and changing the fill level are at least temporarily covered by a flexible chain mail 33 or the like.

[0040] In the sequence of figures 15 to 20, a device 10 is shown in which the feed device 13 is a horizontally directed conveyor belt 34, by means of which the articles 11 are fed as a multi-layer mass flow 35 towards and into the receiving space 12. In the Figure 16 The starting position of the device 10 is shown. All locking elements 18 are in the closed position. The shaft 14 is empty.

[0041] In both embodiments, in particular the closing elements 18 associated with the shaft 14 are sequentially moved from the closed position (see in particular Figures 8 and 16 ) into the release position (see in particular the Figures 9 to 14or 17 to 20). Each separating element 30 and in particular each closing element 18 is designed and configured to be stationary on a housing of the receiving space 12 and / or on the shaft 14 with respect to the transport direction T of the articles 11 and is designed and configured to be movable only transversely to the transport direction T. The distances between the separating elements 30 and to the closing element 18 as well as the distances between the closing elements 18 are preferably equal and amount to approximately 100 mm to 150 mm, and preferably approximately 120 mm.

[0042] In both embodiments, at least one detection element 36 for detecting the fill level is arranged in the area of ​​the receiving space 12. In the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 14 the detection means 36 comprises an optical level sensor 37. In the embodiment according to the Figures 15 to 20A mechanical flap element 38 is provided as a detection means 36, which is operatively connected to a contact switch. The device 10 further comprises a control device (not explicitly shown) that is designed and configured to control the separating and / or closing elements 18, 30 based on the fill level of the receiving space 12. For this purpose, both the detection means 36 and all pneumatic drives 26 of the closing and separating elements 18, 30 are connected to the control device.

[0043] The invention further relates to a method for the automatic initial filling of shafts of a device for handling, in particular for transporting and / or storing, rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.

[0044] When the device 10 is put into operation for the first time or when the device 10 has been completely emptied for a format change, i.e. when there are no longer any articles 11 in the receiving space 12 and the shaft 14, the initial filling process begins. For this purpose, articles 11 are first fed into a receiving space 12 of the device 10 for handling the articles 11 by means of a feeding device 13, either as individual articles 11 or as a single-layer or multi-layer mass flow formed from articles 11. The article flow formed by the articles 11 is then transported through a shaft 14 of the device 10 from the receiving space 12 to a device downstream of the shaft 14, wherein the article flow is initially held in the transition area from the receiving space 12 to the shaft 14, and this article flow is then lowered downwards in a controlled manner to the device downstream of the shaft.

[0045] This method is characterized according to the invention in that in the area of ​​the shaft 14 at least one closing element 18 is first closed in order to

[0046] to stop the flow of articles and to collect them in the receiving space 12, and that the or each closing element 18 is opened when a defined fill level of the receiving space 12 is reached in order to lower the flow of articles in a controlled manner.

[0047] With this method, an automatic initial filling of the device 10 takes place, since the filling of the receiving space 12 and the shaft 14 takes place fully automatically and in a controlled manner without any intervention by an operator. In the event that greater distances have to be overcome in the shaft 14, i.e. the shaft 14 is so high that a free fall of the article flow from the receiving space 12 to the device downstream of the shaft is difficult or even impossible without cross-flying, several blades 19 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T are initially held as closing elements 18 in a closed position blocking the shaft 14 (see as the starting point of the initial filling Figures 8 and 16 ). First, the receiving space 12 is filled with articles 11. The receiving space 12 can initially be filled up to a maximum of a predetermined fill level (see e.g. Figure 17) or only partially, by filling a section 12.2 with articles 11 (see e.g. Figure 9 ), and only after moving a separating element 30 dividing the receiving space 12 from a closed position into a release position, the receiving space 12 is completely filled by filling the space sections 12.1 and 12.2 with articles 11 (see e.g. Figure 10 ). When the articles 11 in the receiving space 12 have reached a defined filling height, each closing element 18 is pulled out from top to bottom in a defined sequence to the rear through a rear wall 15 of the shaft 14 into a release position that releases a shaft section 14.1 to 14.n. Initially, only the closing element 18 closest to the receiving space 12 in the transport direction T of the article flow is opened, so that the article flow falls into the shaft section 14.1 (see e.g. Figure 12). The receiving space 12 is then further filled until a defined filling level is reached again. The closing element 18 closest in the transport direction T is then opened, so that the article flow falls into the shaft section 14.2. This procedure is repeated until all shaft sections 14.1 to 14.n, in the example up to 14.7, are filled, such that a continuous article flow is formed from the receiving space 12 to the device downstream of the shaft (see e.g. Figures 14 and 19 ).

[0048] To open a shaft section 14.1 to 14.7, each blade 19 is quickly and abruptly pulled backward from the closed position into the release position, so that the article flow is guided section by section and step by step from top to bottom into the shaft 14 until a continuous article flow is formed from the receiving space 12 to the downstream device. The actuation of the closing elements 18, as well as the separating element 30, to release the space sections 12.1 and 12.2 of the receiving space 12 and the shaft sections 14.1 to 14.7 is carried out via a fill level sensor in the receiving space 12. Accordingly, the first closing element 18 in the transport direction T is only opened when the receiving space 12 is filled up to a lowest level detection means 36. As a result of the opening, the articles 11 fall onto the closing element 18 following in the transport direction T.The fill level in the receiving space 12, which is reduced by the opening of the first closing element 18, is increased again by further feeding of articles 11 into the receiving space 12 until the detection means 36 again triggers the opening of a subsequent closing element 18, this process being repeated until all closing elements 18 are opened.

[0049] By sequentially opening the closing elements 18 from top to bottom, the articles 11 fall in portions or as an article stream by approximately 100 to 150 mm, preferably by 120 mm, to form a continuous article stream in the shaft 14 from shaft section 14.1 to shaft section 14.2 to 14.7, until the last shaft section 14.7 located before the downstream device is filled. This sequence of steps ensures that the article stream is transported evenly and free of cross-flying articles from the receiving space 12 to the downstream device. To also prevent the occurrence of cross-flying articles in the receiving space 12, the article supply formed by the fed articles 11 in the receiving space 12 is at least partially covered from above by a chain mail 33 or the like.

[0050] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 16.

Claims

1. Device (10) designed and configured for handling, in particular for transporting and / or storing, rod-shaped articles (11) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a receiving space (12) as a receiving storage for receiving rod-shaped articles (11), at least one module as a feeding device (13) for feeding the articles (11) into the receiving space (12), a channel-like shaft (14) adjoining the receiving space (12) with a rear wall (15), a front wall and two side walls (16, 17) for storing and / or transporting the articles (11) from the receiving space (12) to a device arranged downstream of the shaft (14) in the transport direction T of the articles (11), characterized in thatthe channel-like shaft (14) has an at least substantially vertical orientation and at least one opening and closing closing element (18) is arranged in the region of the shaft (14), by means of which the shaft (14) can be divided into at least two separate shaft sections (14.1, 14.2).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaft (14) can be divided by means of movable closing elements (18) into more than two, preferably three to nine, shaft sections (14.1 to 14.n) arranged one below the other, wherein in particular two or three or more than three shaft sections (14.1 to 14.n) have substantially the same receiving volume for articles (11).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each closing element (18) is designed and arranged as a linearly movable sword (19).

4. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in thatin the region of the rear wall (15) of the shaft (14) slots (20) are formed, and in the region of the slots (20) the closing elements (18) for dividing the shaft (14) into individual shaft sections (14.1 to 14.n) through the slot (20) in the rear wall (15) from a waiting or release position into a closed position and for releasing the shaft (14) or shaft section (14.1, 14.2) from the closed position into the waiting or release position are arranged.

5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shaft (20) comprises a dividing wall (21) in the vertical direction, by means of which the shaft space (22) is divided into two shaft space sections (22.1, 22.2) arranged next to one another.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in thateach closing element (18) has a slot (25) which, with respect to the dimensions transverse to the transport direction T, essentially corresponds to the thickness of the partition wall (21) dividing the shaft (14) in the vertical direction.

7. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each closing element (18) is assigned at least one drive, in particular a pneumatic drive (26), which is designed and configured to move the closing element (18) from a waiting or release position for the shaft (14) into a closed position for forming the shaft sections (14.1 to 14.n) and back.

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that each closing element (18) is connected to a guide body (28) which is guided linearly on the drive, in particular the pneumatic drive (26).

9. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in thatthe receiving space (12) can be divided into at least two space sections (12.1, 12.2) arranged one above the other by means of a separating element (30).

10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the space section (12.1) of the receiving space (12) closest to the shaft (12) in the transport direction T is separated from the shaft (14) by a closing element (18).

11. Device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that for an initial filling of the device (10), all separating and closing elements (18, 30) can be automatically moved into a closed position and can be sequentially moved from top to bottom in the transport direction T into a waiting or release position for filling the shaft (14).

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in thatin the region of the receiving space (12) at least two, preferably three, receiving modules (31.1 to 31.3) are arranged as a feed device (13), wherein the separating element (30) is designed and configured to separate the spatial section (12.1) of the receiving space (12) assigned to the first receiving module (31.1) from the or each spatial section (12.2) assigned to the second and each further receiving module (31.2, 31.3).

13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in thatat least one detection element (36) for detecting the fill level is arranged in the region of the receiving space (12), such that in particular the first closing element (18) in the transport direction T and all further closing elements (18) are only opened when an additional article volume formed from articles (11) has formed in the receiving space (12) and is detected by the detection means (36), which additional article volume essentially corresponds to the receiving volume of the next shaft section (14.1 to 14.n) to be filled in order to form a closed article flow, and the articles (11) fall onto the closing element (18) following the transport direction T after the first or subsequent closing element (18) has been opened.

14. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 8 to 13, characterized in thatit further comprises a control device which is designed and arranged to control the separating and / or closing elements (18, 30) on the basis of the fill level of the receiving space (12).

15. Device according to one or more of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the separating element (30) is arranged at a distance of 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably approximately 120 mm, from the first closing element in the transport direction T in the transition region between the receiving space (12) and the shaft (14).

16. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that each separating element (30) and each closing element (18) is designed and arranged to be stationary on the shaft (14) with respect to the transport direction T of the articles and is designed and arranged to be movable only transversely to the transport direction T.

17. A method for the automatic initial filling of shafts (14) of a device (10) for handling, in particular for transporting and / or storing, rod-shaped articles (11) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising the steps of: - feeding articles by means of a feed device (13) into a receiving space (12) of the device (10) for handling the articles (11), - transporting the article stream flowing into the receiving space (12) through a shaft (14) of the device (10) from the receiving space (12) to a device downstream of the shaft (14), - wherein the article stream is initially held in the transition area from the receiving space (12) into the shaft (14), and this article stream is then lowered downwards in a controlled manner to the downstream device, characterized in thatin the region of the shaft (14) at least one closing element (18) is initially closed in order to stop the flow of articles and to collect them in the receiving space (12), and that the or each closing element (18) is opened when a defined fill level of the receiving space (12) is reached in order to lower the flow of articles in a controlled manner.

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that a plurality of blades (19) arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T as closing elements (18) are initially all held in a closed position blocking the shaft (14) and, in order to release a shaft section (14.1 to 14.n) in each case, are pulled out from top to bottom in a defined sequence to the rear through a rear wall (15) of the shaft (14) into a release position releasing a shaft section (14.1 to 14.n).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in thateach blade (19) is quickly and jerkily pulled backwards from the closed position into the release position, so that the article flow is guided section by section and step by step from top to bottom into the shaft (14) until a continuous article flow is formed from the receiving space (12) to the downstream device.

20. Method according to one or more of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the actuation of the closing elements (18) to release the shaft sections (14.1 to 14.n) is carried out via a fill level query in the receiving space (12).

21. Method according to one or more of claims 17 to 20, characterized in thatthe first closing element (18) in the transport direction T and all further closing elements (18) are each only opened when an additional article volume formed from articles (11), which is detected by a detection means (36), has formed in the receiving space (12), which additional article volume essentially corresponds to the receiving volume of the next shaft section (14.1 to 14.n) to be filled in order to form a closed article flow, and the articles (11) fall onto the closing element (18) following the transport direction T after the first or subsequent closing element (18) has been opened.

22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in thatthe fill level in the receiving space (12) which is reduced by the opening of the first closing element (18) is increased again by further feeding of articles (11) into the receiving space (12) until the detection means (36) again triggers the opening of a subsequent closing element (18), this process being repeated until all closing elements (18) are opened.

23. Method according to one or more of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that by the sequential opening of the closing elements (18) from top to bottom, the articles (11) fall in portions of approximately 100 to 150 mm, preferably 120 mm, from shaft section (14.1 to 14.n) to shaft section (14.1 to 14.n) to form a continuous article flow in the shaft (14) until the last shaft section (14.n) located in front of the subsequent device is filled.

24. Method according to one or more of claims 17 to 23, characterized in thatthe article stock formed by the articles (11) fed into the receiving space (12) is at least partially covered from above.

25. Method according to one or more of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16.

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