Packaging rod-shaped products of the tobacco-processing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device by means of which single-layer flows of rod-shaped articles (30), in particular of the tobacco-processing industry, are conveyed and sorted immediately after production, in particular in a filter tipping unit (11), in such a way that they can be packaged in blocks in a packaging machine without intermediate storage.

Description

[0001] Packaging of rod-shaped products of the tobacco processing industry

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for conveying a first single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles are conveyed on a conveying device in a direction which is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles, whereby the first mass flow is formed.

[0004] The invention further relates to a conveying device for conveying a first single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular of the tobacco processing industry, and a second single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles are conveyed in the mass flows transversely axially in a respective path.

[0005] The invention further relates to a conveying device, wherein a sorting device is provided which comprises a base drum, a transfer drum and a sorting drum, wherein the base drum has receiving troughs for receiving at least one web of rod-shaped articles in a single-layer mass flow, wherein the receiving troughs are arranged parallel to a rotational axis of the base drum, wherein the transfer drum is designed to transfer rod-shaped articles from the base drum to the sorting drum and to transfer rod-shaped articles from the sorting drum to the base drum.

[0006] The invention also relates to a conveying device in which a packaging device is provided, which is arranged in particular downstream of the base drum, wherein the packaging device is designed to form blocks from a first set of n consecutive rod-shaped articles and a second set of m consecutive rod-shaped articles, where n and m are integers which are > 5.

[0007] Such methods and devices are used in various industries to convey rod-shaped articles from an input station to an output station, whereby the articles should preferably arrive at the output station in a complete and gapless batch. In the tobacco processing industry, for example, cigarettes are produced in a production machine as the input station and transported in a continuous product or mass flow to the area of ​​the transport device. The mass flow is transferred from the transport device or conveyor device to a packaging machine as the output station. Since each package can and should hold a defined number of articles that are grouped together in a batch or block, gaps on the conveyor device are undesirable because they complicate or delay filling the packages.

[0008] To avoid gaps on the conveyor system directly upstream of the packaging machine, a disordered, multi-layered mass flow can be transported to the packaging machine using a conveyor system, with the items being separated again before packaging. However, such multi-layered mass flows have the disadvantage of reducing the quality of the items. Furthermore, separating items before packaging is highly prone to failure.

[0009] Therefore, other methods and devices are known by which a single-layer, orderly mass flow can be conveyed. However, the mass flow can contain gaps for various reasons. For example, items, in this example cigarettes, can be sampled individually or in groups or, if appropriate quality control is in place, rejected due to a negative test result. Furthermore, a malfunction, particularly in the input station, can lead to defects in the troughs of transport elements or gaps in the single-layer mass flow. Therefore, various methods and devices are known by which the described defects or gaps can be closed or compensated.

[0010] US Pat. No. 5,366,064 A discloses a device comprising multiple receiving and / or transfer drums and a filling drum. In the event of a gap in the mass flow, multiple articles are fed by a transport element consisting of a receiving drum and a filling drum. Articles are ejected from the filling drum into a storage chute. A receiving drum located behind the storage chute guides the ejected articles to a transfer drum. The articles lie in receptacles on the transfer drum, from which they are mechanically ejected for return / transfer to the transport element.

[0011] From DE 10 2005 034 245 A1 a transport device for transporting a single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles from an input station to an output station is known, comprising a transport element with troughs for receiving the articles transversely to the transport direction, wherein the transport element is assigned a device for compensating gaps on the transport element, wherein the device comprises a filling drum and a transfer drum, wherein both the filling drum and the transport element can be brought into operative connection with the transfer drum.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device by means of which rod-shaped articles are conveyed and sorted efficiently and gently, so that packaging of the rod-shaped articles is possible in a resource-saving and safe manner.

[0013] This object is achieved by a method for conveying a first single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles are conveyed on a conveying device in a direction which is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles, as a result of which the first mass flow is formed, wherein the method is further developed in that further rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, are conveyed on the conveying device in a direction which is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles, as a result of which a second single-layer mass flow is formed, wherein on the conveying device the first mass flow is conveyed on a first track and the second mass flow is conveyed on a second track, wherein individually selectable rod-shaped articles are shifted or displaced from one track to the other track.

[0014] The method according to the invention makes it possible to equalize the total number of rod-shaped articles conveyed by the two mass flows. Preferably, the first and second tracks run parallel to each other.

[0015] Preferably, the first mass flow and the second mass flow run on paths parallel to each other.

[0016] Preferably, the individual selectable rod-shaped articles are shifted or relocated from one track to the other while maintaining the orientation of the rod-shaped articles. The shifting or relocating is preferably possible in both directions. The shifting or relocating preferably takes place in a longitudinal-axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped article to be shifted or relocated, in particular in a receiving trough of a conveyor element in which the rod-shaped article is conveyed transversely axially. It is possible to shift or relocate a rod-shaped article from the first track to the second track or vice versa, specifically in the receiving trough.

[0017] A method according to the invention for conveying two single-layer mass flows formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, provides the following process steps:

[0018] Conveying the rod-shaped articles in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles on a conveying device, wherein on the conveying device the mass flows are each conveyed on a track which runs parallel to each other,

[0019] - whereby individual selectable rod-shaped articles are moved from one lane to the other lane.

[0020] The rod-shaped articles are preferably displaced longitudinally axially, particularly preferably in a trough or receiving trough of the conveying device. In particular, the rod-shaped articles are arranged longitudinally axially one behind the other in the troughs, wherein an article of the first mass flow and an article of the second mass flow can be arranged in the same trough. There is also a combination in which an article is provided in one mass flow and an empty space or gap exists in the same trough of the conveying device. It can also be provided that empty spaces are present in the two mass flows at the same location, i.e. in particular in the same trough of the conveying device. The conveying device can be designed as a compensating drum. The balancing of the two mass flows can also take place on a compensating conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt has receiving troughs for the rod-shaped articles of the two mass flows.

[0021] Preferably, the selectable rod-shaped articles are moved into empty spaces. Within the scope of the invention, empty space also refers to a gap.

[0022] Preferably, the shifting balances the total number of rod-shaped articles conveyed by the two mass flows. For this purpose, in particular, the total number of articles in one lane and the total number of articles in the other lane are calculated, and shifting or relocating the articles from one lane to the other lane ensures that the totals are as equal as possible. Preferably, the total number of rod-shaped articles conveyed by the respective mass flows is balanced. Preferably, the total is calculated over a predeterminable period of time and / or a predeterminable number of consecutive pickups for the rod-shaped articles.

[0023] Preferably, at least some of the voids in the mass flows arise from the exclusion of defective rod-shaped articles, which have been preemptively eliminated, in particular by inspecting the properties of the rod-shaped articles and determining that the respective inspected rod-shaped articles do not meet the desired standards. This creates the voids or gaps in the mass flows.

[0024] By balancing the total number of rod-shaped articles conveyed by the first mass flow and the total number of rod-shaped articles conveyed by the second mass flow, it is possible for the sets of rod-shaped articles subsequently assembled into blocks, with one set being formed from the first mass flow and the second set from the second mass flow, to be formed with a higher probability into a complete block for filling into a container, for example, the inner liner of a cigarette pack. Thus, significantly fewer rod-shaped articles are rejected during packaging.

[0025] Preferably, the rod-shaped articles in the two mass flows are monitored and counted, and if a threshold value of a different number of rod-shaped articles in the two mass flows is exceeded, the rod-shaped articles are shifted. For example, a threshold value can be two rod-shaped articles, three rod-shaped articles, or just one rod-shaped article.

[0026] Preferably, image recognition of the mass flows is performed, specifically across multiple rod-shaped articles of each mass flow, to enable more precise balancing. Instead of image recognition, mechanical detection, for example, via a sensor, optical detection, for example, via a light barrier, capacitive measurement, and / or microwave measurement of the rod-shaped articles can be performed to enable reliable balancing.

[0027] The sorting device according to the invention comprises a base drum that receives a first mass flow and a second mass flow of rod-shaped articles. For this purpose, receiving troughs are provided, in each of which an article from the first mass flow and the second mass flow can be arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis. Sorting drums are provided that move rod-shaped products from a mass flow in such a way that a further transverse axial movement is superimposed in order to enable a trough offset of this rod-shaped article on the base drum. For this purpose, one or more sorting drums have a trough-free area that serves to rotate the respective sorting drum at a different speed than the transfer drum at the moment the trough-free area is opposite a transfer drum.This allows a transverse axial offset of the rod-shaped articles held in the troughs of the sorting drum to be achieved in the transverse axial direction.

[0028] Preferably, the sorting device is memory-free. In particular, no storage chute is required, enabling continuous operation of the sorting device, which significantly increases reliability and process speed.

[0029] The object is further achieved by a method for conveying a first single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles are conveyed on a conveying device in a direction which is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles, as a result of which the first mass flow is formed, wherein the rod-shaped articles of the first mass flow are re-sorted by means of a sorting device such that a predeterminable number of successive gaps are provided in the first mass flow and a predeterminable number of successive rod-shaped articles without gaps, wherein for this purpose a rotational movement of a first sorting drum is controlled such that it temporarily has a different peripheral speed than a transfer drum which can be brought into operative connection with the first sorting drum.

[0030] In order to change the peripheral speed of the first sorting drum, a superimposed speed which is not constant, i.e. variable and preferably adapted to the circumstances, is added to a basic speed. This results in a temporarily different peripheral speed of the first sorting drum compared to the transfer drum. The transfer drum is preferably operated at a constant peripheral speed which essentially corresponds to the conveying speed of the first mass flow. Preferably, a rod-shaped article removed from a receiving trough of the transfer drum by the first sorting drum can be or is deposited in another trough of the transfer drum. This results in particular in a trough offset which can be from -10 to +10 troughs, in particular the trough offset is up to -8 to +8 troughs, furthermore preferably up to -6 to +6 troughs, furthermore preferably up to -4 to +4 troughs.The invention in particular eliminates a deterministic assignment of a trough of the transfer drum to a trough of the sorting drum.

[0031] Preferably, when removing and / or delivering rod-shaped products from the transfer drum and / or onto the transfer drum, the peripheral speed of the first sorting drum substantially corresponds to the peripheral speed of the transfer drum.

[0032] Preferably, a trough-free area is provided on the circumference of the first sorting drum, wherein the peripheral speed of the first sorting drum differs from the peripheral speed of the transfer drum when the trough-free area borders the transfer drum. The trough-free area is preferably approximately 180°, i.e., half the circumference of the first sorting drum.

[0033] Preferably, the trough-free area is provided between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the circumference of the first sorting drum.

[0034] According to the invention, a sorting drum has an area with troughs and an area without troughs around the circumference of the sorting drum, the trough-free area extending over between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the circumference of the sorting drum, the radius of the sorting drum being smaller in the trough-free area than in the area with troughs. The trough-free area preferably extends over between 4 / 10 and 6 / 10, in particular over 1 / 2, of the circumference of the sorting drum. The first mass flow is preferably guided over a base drum, the mass flow being conveyed for more than one full revolution on the base drum, the transfer drum in particular having a trough spacing which is as large as the trough spacing on the base drum, and the spacing of the rod-shaped articles conveyed to the base drum in particular being twice as large as the trough spacing on the base drum.This makes it possible for the rod-shaped articles to complete almost two revolutions on the base drum, so that they can be manipulated or removed and / or placed on the base drum at least twice.

[0035] The base drum preferably has an odd number of receiving cavities. The transfer drum preferably has an even or odd number of receiving cavities.

[0036] In particular, the rod-shaped articles of the second mass flow are re-sorted by the sorting device such that a predeterminable number of consecutive gaps are provided in the second mass flow and a predeterminable number of consecutive rod-shaped articles are provided. For this purpose, a second sorting drum is provided, which has the same functionality as the first sorting drum as described above and receives and discharges rod-shaped articles of the second mass flow. Re-sorting by the sorting device makes it possible to form sets of rod-shaped articles without gaps, which can later be pushed into containers so that a complete number of rod-shaped articles are placed in the containers.

[0037] If there are not enough rod-shaped articles in the mass flows, an empty block is created, i.e., the number of consecutive empty spaces or gaps in the first and second mass flows is provided that would allow a container to be completely unfilled. In this case, the used container can simply be discarded, so that no rod-shaped article needs to be discarded, or simply no container is provided, so that no empty container needs to be discarded.

[0038] Preferably, a rod-shaped article removed from one receiving trough of the transfer drum by the second sorting drum can be deposited into another receiving trough of the transfer drum. Here, too, the trough offset can be configured in the same way as when the first sorting drum interacts with the transfer drum. Here, too, the deterministic assignment is eliminated.

[0039] Preferably, when removing and / or delivering rod-shaped articles from the transfer drum and / or onto the transfer drum, the peripheral speed of the second sorting drum substantially corresponds to the peripheral speed of the transfer drum.

[0040] Preferably, a trough-free area is provided on the circumference of the second sorting drum, wherein in particular the circumferential speed of the second sorting drum deviates from the circumferential speed of the transfer drum when the trough-free area borders on the transfer drum.

[0041] Furthermore, the second mass flow is preferably guided over a base drum, wherein the second mass flow is conveyed for more than one complete revolution on the base drum, wherein in particular the transfer drum has a trough spacing which is as large as the trough spacing on the base drum, wherein in particular the spacing of the rod-shaped articles fed to the base drum is twice as large as the trough spacing of the base drum.

[0042] The base drum is thus preferably designed such that the first and second mass flows can be conveyed. For this purpose, the receiving troughs of the base drum preferably have a length that is at least twice as long as the rod-shaped articles. Preferably, a first set of n consecutive rod-shaped articles is formed from the first mass flow, and a second set of m consecutive rod-shaped articles is formed from the second mass flow, where n and m are integers, as a block on a packing drum, wherein in particular the sets are arranged in a transverse axial alignment or in a substantially transverse axial alignment on the packing drum, where m and n can be the same or different and can range between 5 and 14. For example, m can be 10 and n can also be 10. The exemplary embodiments are essentially explained using this example (number m, n = 10).

[0043] Preferably, the sets are arranged and / or conveyed in an increasingly aligned transverse axial direction on their way to the packing drum. As a result, the rod-shaped articles of the sets are increasingly arranged one behind the other in a transverse axial alignment, thus simplifying subsequent transfer into a container that is preferably rectangular in cross-section.

[0044] Preferably, the packing drum rotates at a constant base speed over which a variable speed is superimposed. This allows for the provision of edges between the sets and a faster rotation at the moment the edges are opposite to an adjacent drum.

[0045] Preferably, the sets of a block are arranged on two spaced-apart levels before being inserted into a container. Preferably, the first set is located on a first level and the second set on a second level, with the two levels essentially being spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of a rod-shaped article. The levels are at different distances from the rotational axis of the packing drum.

[0046] Preferably, a block can be completely empty. This also preferably eliminates the need for a container into which the empty block would be inserted. This container, which would not be filled, can be removed from the feeder beforehand and later conveyed to the packing drum. Alternatively, a cycle that conveys containers toward the packing drum can be suspended.

[0047] Preferably, to insert a block into a container, the second set is first pushed longitudinally over the first set and then the block from both sets is pushed into the container.

[0048] Preferably, the container is a package, an inner liner, or a chamber of a chamber belt. If the container is a package, it only needs to be closed, and the package can be conveyed further. If the container is an inner liner, this filled inner liner is then pushed into a package, or a package is folded or formed around the inner liner. If the container is a chamber of a chamber belt, the contents of the chamber belt are then pushed into a package or an inner liner.

[0049] The object is further achieved by a conveying device for conveying a first single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, and a second single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles in the mass flows are conveyed transversely axially in a respective path, which is further developed in that a conveying element with receiving troughs is provided, which is designed to shift or displace selected or selectable rod-shaped articles from one path to the other path.

[0050] Preferably, a control device is provided that sends control signals to the conveyor element so that rod-shaped articles are moved from one lane to the other. Preferably, a sensor system is provided that detects empty spaces and / or areas of the lane or lanes occupied by rod-shaped articles. The sensor system can enable optical detection, microwave measurement, capacitive measurement, and / or mechanical detection.

[0051] Preferably, the conveying member has receiving troughs, wherein a rod-shaped article of the first mass flow and a rod-shaped article of the second mass flow can be received in a receiving trough, wherein a rod-shaped article of the first mass flow and a rod-shaped article of the second mass flow are arranged or can be received one behind the other in a receiving trough in a longitudinal axial direction, wherein there is an empty space in the receiving trough for displacing a rod-shaped article into the path into which the rod-shaped article is to be displaced.

[0052] Preferably, the displacement is achieved by means of a compressed air blast. Alternatively, a ram could also provide the displacement. Preferably, however, a compressed air nozzle is provided, which is stationary and always generates a compressed air blast at the moment a rod-shaped article in the receiving recess moves past the compressed air nozzle and is to be displaced.

[0053] Preferably, a monitoring device is provided which detects or monitors the rod-shaped articles in the tracks, wherein the sum of the rod-shaped articles conveyed by the two mass flows is balanced out by the displacement of the rod-shaped articles between the tracks. The monitoring device can count the number of articles in the tracks or the mass flows when detecting or monitoring. For example, the monitoring device can be equipped with a photocell or a camera. If a camera is provided, image processing is used to determine which receiving troughs are occupied by rod-shaped articles and where there are empty spaces. The monitoring device detects the rod-shaped articles and empty spaces in the two mass flows, in particular upstream of the conveyor element on which the displacement of the rod-shaped articles takes place.

[0054] The conveyor element can also be designed as a compensating drum. Alternatively, the conveyor element can be configured as a conveyor belt with receiving troughs, on which elements are provided for moving rod-shaped articles.

[0055] Preferably, a testing device is arranged upstream of the conveyor element. The testing device checks at least one property of the conveyed rod-shaped articles and removes defective articles from the respective mass flow. In this context, a "defective" means a rod-shaped article that does not conform to a predefined standard or lies outside predefined tolerances. For example, a cigarette, as a rod-shaped article, could have an incorrect degree of ventilation or a head end from which too much tobacco has trickled out during transport or filling.

[0056] The object is further achieved by a conveying device for a first single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, and a second single-layer mass flow formed from rod-shaped articles, in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles are conveyed in the mass flows transversely axially in one path each, wherein a sorting device is provided by means of which rod-shaped articles from one of the mass flows or both mass flows are or can be displaced transversely axially to a predeterminable number of receiving troughs.

[0057] The object is further achieved by a conveying device which is further developed in that a sorting device is provided which comprises a base drum, a transfer drum and a sorting drum, wherein the base drum has receiving troughs for receiving at least one web of rod-shaped articles in a single-layer mass flow, wherein the receiving troughs are arranged parallel to a rotational axis of the base drum, wherein the transfer drum is designed to transfer rod-shaped articles from the base drum to the sorting drum and to transfer rod-shaped articles from the sorting drum to the base drum, which is further developed in that a control device is provided which controls the peripheral speed of the sorting drum in such a way that the peripheral speed of the sorting drum is temporarily changed compared to the peripheral speed of the transfer drum.

[0058] By changing the peripheral speed of the sorting drum compared to the peripheral speed of the transfer drum, it is possible according to the invention to cancel a deterministic assignment of receiving troughs in the sorting drum to the transfer drum.

[0059] This makes it possible to offset rod-shaped articles held in the transfer drum by a predefined number of troughs. This makes it possible to arrange the rod-shaped articles conveyed in the base drum in such a way that a predefined number of rod-shaped articles are transferred consecutively from the base drum to a subsequent conveyor without a gap.

[0060] Preferably, the control is such that the removal of a rod-shaped article from the transfer drum and the release of the rod-shaped article onto the transfer drum occurs with a predeterminable trough offset. The trough offset is preferably between -10 and +10, in particular up to -8 to +8, in particular up to -6 to +6, in particular up to -5 to +5, furthermore in particular up to -4 to +4, and furthermore in particular up to -3 to +3 or up to -2 to +2.

[0061] The control device is further designed or configured such that when removed from the transfer drum and when placed on the transfer drum, the transfer drum and the sorting drum have the same or substantially the same peripheral speed.

[0062] Preferably, the removal or delivery of rod-shaped articles is assisted by a compressed air blast, in particular in such a way that the rod-shaped article is released from the receiving trough in the transfer drum or the sorting drum not only by terminating the suction air supply, but by a compressed air blast from the receiving trough.

[0063] Preferably, the sorting drum has a region around its circumference in which troughs are provided and a region that is trough-free, with the trough-free region having a smaller outer radius than the region in which troughs are provided. This allows for very efficient and trouble-free rotation with different peripheral speeds of the transfer drum and the sorting drum, particularly when the trough-free region borders the transfer drum. The outer radius corresponds to the distance of the outer circumference from the axis of rotation.

[0064] Preferably, the base drum has a trough spacing that corresponds to the trough spacing of the transfer drum.

[0065] Preferably, the trough spacing of the base drum is half the spacing of the troughs of a conveyor unit delivering the mass flow or mass flows to the base drum. Thus, only every second trough of the base drum is filled by the mass flow or mass flows from the conveyor unit delivering the rod-shaped articles to the base drum.

[0066] Preferably, the base drum has an odd number of troughs. The other drums can have an even number of troughs or receiving troughs.

[0067] In particular, at least one sorting drum, in particular two sorting drums, is provided for each mass flow. The sorting drums can be provided with rotation axes offset transversely to one another or can also have the same rotation axis. In particular, the depth of a sorting drum is half or approximately half the depth of the transfer drum. In this case, the transfer drum can accommodate rod-shaped articles from two mass flows, whereas each sorting drum can accommodate rod-shaped articles from one mass flow.

[0068] Preferably, the base drum and the transfer drum have troughs of a length that allows space for two rod-shaped articles arranged one behind the other. In particular, the sorting drum has shorter troughs or receiving troughs.

[0069] In the context of this application, troughs are in particular receiving troughs, wherein rod-shaped articles are preferably held in the troughs by suction air.

[0070] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a conveyor device in which a packaging device is provided, which is arranged in particular downstream of the base drum, wherein the packaging device is designed to form blocks from a first set of n consecutive rod-shaped articles and a second set of m consecutive rod-shaped articles, where n and m are integers that are > 5, wherein the packaging device has a packing drum that is designed as a polygon in cross-section, wherein the polygon has corners and, between the corners, has sides that are straight or curved outwards, and wherein the sides have n or m troughs arranged next to one another for receiving a set of rod-shaped articles. In particular, the conveyor device has the above features of the conveyor device according to the invention and further developed, which is described above.

[0071] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the outwardly bent sides is larger than the radius of the packing drum, in particular at least twice as large.

[0072] Preferably, the packing drum has two different diameters, so that a set of n consecutive rod-shaped articles is arranged on a different plane than a set of m consecutive rod-shaped articles. Preferably, the packing drum has two different diameters, so that a set of n consecutive receiving troughs for rod-shaped articles is arranged on a different plane than a set of m consecutive receiving troughs for rod-shaped articles.

[0073] The packing drum preferably has a front region and a rear region, with the front region being the region adjacent to a device by means of which containers for holding rod-shaped articles can be conveyed out of the packing drum. The device for conveying the containers can also be part of the packing drum. Preferably, the front region of the packing drum has a smaller diameter than the rear region of the packing drum. This allows the different levels for the sets of rod-shaped articles to be created.

[0074] Particularly preferably, the packaging device comprises conveyor drums arranged upstream of the packing drum, whose cross-sections become more polygonal the closer they are arranged to the packing drum. This makes it possible to ensure a reliable transfer of rod-shaped articles during the conveying process from one conveyor drum to the next conveyor drum up to the packing drum. This is particularly well-achieved when the packing drum rotates at a speed that has a constant base speed overlaid by a variable speed.

[0075] Preferably, an insertion device is provided that is designed to push the second set of rod-shaped articles over the first set of rod-shaped articles and to push the two sets as a block into a container. Furthermore, the insertion device preferably has an upper guide so that the rod-shaped articles from the second set, which are preferably arranged on an upper level, do not fall out, since the moment the rod-shaped articles are moved, the suction air from the receiving troughs is preferably switched off.

[0076] The insertion device preferably has pushers configured to displace the rod-shaped articles. The pushers are preferably configured such that one rod-shaped article from the first set and one rod-shaped article from the second set can be displaced simultaneously with one pusher, or even two rod-shaped articles from the first set and two rod-shaped articles from the second set can be displaced simultaneously.

[0077] Furthermore, a guide plate is preferably provided, which can be inserted into a container and ensures a tapered cross-section in the direction of the container's insertion movement. The guide plate is temporarily partially inserted into the respective container and preferably protrudes beyond it. The guide plate preferably protrudes horizontally and / or vertically beyond the opening of the container.

[0078] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may incorporate individual features or a combination of several features.

[0079] The invention is described below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, whereby express reference is made to the drawings for all inventive details not explained in more detail in the text. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a conveying device according to the invention,

[0080] Fig. 2 a schematic representation of two mass flows and a defragmentation module,

[0081] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a sorting device according to the invention,

[0082] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the interaction of a sorting drum according to the invention with a transfer drum,

[0083] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the rotational speeds of the respective drums over time,

[0084] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a drum run to a packing drum and the packing drum with schematic representations of the rotational speeds over time,

[0085] Fig. 7 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a packing process according to the invention,

[0086] Fig. 8 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a section of a packing drum according to the invention,

[0087] Fig. 9 is a further schematic three-dimensional representation of part of a packing drum according to the invention,

[0088] Fig. 10 is a schematic three-dimensional representation of a sorting device according to the invention,

[0089] Fig. 11 shows the embodiment of Fig. 10 in another schematic three-dimensional representation, namely from a different perspective and

[0090] Fig. 12 shows a further schematic three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a sorting device according to the invention.

[0091] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with “in particular” or “preferably” are to be understood as optional features.

[0092] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a repeated presentation is omitted.

[0093] Fig. 1 schematically shows a conveying device 10 according to the invention. Rod-shaped articles are conveyed transversely axially in the conveying direction 15. First, filters, for example, are attached to tobacco rods in a filter applicator 11. Typically, a filter of twice the usable length is placed between two tobacco rods and wrapped with a tipping paper, and then cut in half to form two filter cigarettes. The rod-shaped articles can alternatively also be heat-not-burn products. The conveying device can be a combiner or a multi-segment maker in which the various segments are assembled.

[0094] In the testing device 12, the properties of the filter cigarettes are checked and, if these properties do not correspond to the predeterminable properties, they are rejected. This results in a first mass flow 21 and a second mass flow 22 of rod-shaped articles, in this example filter cigarettes 30, which flow or are conveyed in the cross-axially conveyed mass flow and have gaps 31 (see, for example, Fig. 2). In a defragmentation module 13, which is described in more detail below, the rod-shaped articles 30 arranged in the two mass flows 21, 22 are rearranged such that complete sets of, in this example, ten cigarettes are formed, namely a first set 32 ​​and a second set 33 (see again Fig. 2). The gaps 31 are controlled such that a complete set of gaps in the form of a first empty set 34 and a second empty set 35 is formed.

[0095] The cigarette sets are then transferred into a packing module 14 in blocks, which are placed in containers, such as a cigarette package.

[0096] In order to compensate for differences in production speed between cigarette manufacturing machines and cigarette packaging machines, logistics components have been used to date that store products in mass flows comprising multiple layers, thus compensating for the speed differences. The disadvantage of this is that the products are released, i.e. are no longer held in a defined manner, for example, in receiving troughs, but are transported in loose mass flows, thus creating a risk of cross-flying products and product damage. It is therefore preferable if cigarette packaging can be filled directly in the cigarette production line, as such packets or cigarette packs can be stored much more easily. For this purpose, it is very preferable if the correct number of cigarettes is available to fill a cigarette pack.Incorrect occupancy in receiving troughs in conveyor systems, which may have arisen due to ejections, for example, must therefore no longer exist.

[0097] This problem has so far been solved by over-producing cigarettes, meaning that more cigarettes are produced than are packaged, and at least the surplus cigarettes, if not all of them, are placed in a warehouse of individual products, and the individual articles or products are taken from the warehouse to fill any gaps.

[0098] According to the invention, the aim is not to fully fill all troughs, but rather to skillfully sort the rod-shaped articles to ensure that a package or container can always be completely filled or, if there are gaps, is not filled at all.

[0099] For this purpose, an input sample or sample of rod-shaped articles is received in a first mass flow and / or a second mass flow and divided into sets. A set contains all rod-shaped articles that are present in one layer of a block required to fill a packet. The pattern can, for example, be the sequence of rod-shaped products and gaps arranged one behind the other in a cross-axial manner. For example, a set can have ten rod-shaped products, a block two sets, and thus a packet twenty rod-shaped articles. It is important that the sets and also the blocks are completely filled. The subsequent process can then be designed such that a cycle and thus the filling of a packet can be skipped and otherwise the packets are always fully filled. To better understand this approach, a defragmentation module 13 is shown schematically in Fig. 2.

[0100] If, for example, the recorded sample has 30 rod-shaped articles at the same point in each of the two mass flows, three packs of rod-shaped articles can be formed from two sets of 10 articles each without re-sorting. If a rod-shaped article is missing in a mass flow, this empty space should be filled with an article. This article is then missing at another point, so that after 10 refills in a mass flow, an empty set of 10 gaps or empty spaces can be formed one after the other. If several articles are missing, an empty set can be formed more quickly. Fig. 2 shows a schematic of a defragmentation module 13 into which a first mass flow 21 of rod-shaped articles 30 and a second mass flow 22 of rod-shaped articles 30 are introduced in the conveying direction 15.The first mass flow 21 is conveyed on a first path 26 transversely axially to the rod-shaped articles 30 and the second mass flow 22 is accordingly conveyed in a second path 27 transversely axially to the rod-shaped articles 30.

[0101] Some rod-shaped articles have been discharged by the inspection device 12, resulting in gaps 31 in the two mass flows of rod-shaped articles 30. The rod-shaped articles in this case are filter cigarettes that are coming from the filter applicator 13 or are still being conveyed in the filter applicator 13.

[0102] In this case, the second mass flow 22 must first be turned from its orientation in the receiving troughs. This is done using a turning device 23, which can be designed as a cone turner. In this embodiment, the distance between the rod-shaped articles 30 is 6TT, i.e., a distance of approximately 18.8 mm. After the turning device 23, in the conveying direction 15, there is a compensating drum 24, which has troughs that are slightly longer than twice the length of the rod-shaped articles 30. In the compensating drum 24, rod-shaped articles 30 can be selectively exchanged between the lanes. If there is an empty trough on one lane, it can be filled with a rod-shaped article from the other lane, should a rod-shaped article be located at that location. This type of displacement of the rod-shaped products can be achieved using compressed air or suction air.The primary goal here is to ensure that, on average, there are the same number of rod-shaped articles on both lanes.

[0103] This is followed by a sorting device 25, which is described in more detail below and ensures that complete sets 32 and 33 of rod-shaped articles are arranged in the mass flows and, if necessary, complete empty sets 34 and 35. These sets can then be packaged efficiently and in a resource-saving manner.

[0104] Fig. 3 shows schematically a sorting device 25. The sorting device 25 is connected to the compensating drum 24 in Fig. 2.

[0105] At the entrance of the sorting device 25 are two mass flows 21, 22, which are conveyed in two tracks 26, 27, wherein the mass flows in total contain approximately the same number of rod-shaped products. The sorting device 25 then ensures that the gaps or the missing rod-shaped articles and the rod-shaped articles are sorted or compiled in such a way that coherent sets of rod-shaped articles 30 and coherent sets of gaps are formed. In this exemplary embodiment, there are ten rod-shaped articles as a set or ten gaps as a set.

[0106] The two mass flows 21 and 22 are transferred in the conveying direction 15 to the base drum 40, specifically at a distance of 6TT. The base drum 40 has an odd number of receiving troughs arranged at a distance of 3TT, i.e., half the distance between the conveyed rod-shaped articles.

[0107] At the outlet of the base drum, the rod-shaped products are discharged again at a distance of 6TT into the two mass streams 21 and 22. Due to the smaller trough spacing on the base drum and the odd number of receiving troughs, the rod-shaped articles 30 run through two circuits on the base drum.

[0108] To facilitate re-sorting, a transfer drum 41 and a sorting drum 43 or 44 are provided for each mass flow 21, 22. The sorting device comprises two or more sorting drums 43, 44, 45, 46, which are equipped with troughs only along 180° of their circumference.

[0109] The sorting drums rotate synchronously with the machine speed and / or with the transfer drum 41 and the base drum 40. However, in the area where no troughs are provided or at the moment where the sorting drums 43 to 46 border the transfer drum 41, 42 with the trough-free area, a further movement can be superimposed on the movement of the sorting drum or the sorting drums, so that a trough offset of up to + / - ten troughs can be generated.

[0110] The sorting drums can pick up and release rod-shaped items. By combining the available parameters, the control system, or rather the control system's algorithm, can find a solution to create a desired pattern in mass flows 21 and 22.

[0111] In the specific embodiment of Fig. 3, two sorting drums 43, 45 and 44, 46 are provided for each mass flow 21, 22. Since the rod-shaped articles essentially run two rounds over the base drum 40, each sorting drum can influence the article flow twice. Together with the compensating drum 24 (see Fig. 2), which shifts articles between article runs as needed, it will be possible in most cases to find a solution for offsetting rod-shaped articles so that complete sets of rod-shaped articles 30 and complete sets of empty spaces can be provided in the mass flows 21 and 22 discharged from the base drum 40. If this is not possible or the computing time exceeds twice the circulation time on the base drum, an emergency discharge of individual rod-shaped articles is carried out. This is preferably done by the sorting drums 45 and 46, which are indicated by the arrows in the top left of Fig. 3.

[0112] Three sorting drums can also be provided per mass flow.

[0113] A selective transfer of rod-shaped articles takes place from the base drum to the transfer drum and from the transfer drum to the sorting drum, and in the opposite direction. Fig. 3 schematically shows some rod-shaped articles in some of the receiving troughs of the sorting drums 43 to 46. For clarity, not all receiving troughs in the sorting drums are shown here, and no troughs are shown in the transfer drums 41 and 42, nor in the base drum 40. These, of course, also have troughs.

[0114] It may also be the case that rod-shaped items are not handed over.

[0115] A transfer can be achieved, for example, by deliberately interrupting the vacuum supply to a receiving trough, specifically the trough holding the rod-shaped article to be transferred. The transfer can be supported by a targeted compressed air pulse, which can be triggered, for example, by a quick-acting valve. The compressed air pulse can be directed through a suction air opening where the suction air for holding the rod-shaped article is normally applied.

[0116] To enable trough offset or re-sorting of the rod-shaped articles in the mass flows 21, 22, the sorting drums 43, 44, 45, 46 are accelerated or decelerated during the time in which the troughs are not engaged, and then the synchronous peripheral speed of the transfer drum 41 or 42 is restored. This is illustrated schematically in Figs. 4 and 5.

[0117] Fig. 4 schematically shows the transfer drum 41 with receiving troughs 47 and the sorting drum 43, in which in this embodiment all receiving troughs are occupied with a rod-shaped article 30.

[0118] In Fig. 5, the rotational speed or the peripheral speed is plotted against time, namely the rotational speed or the peripheral speed of the sorting drum 43 in the upper diagram and that of the transfer drum 41 in the lower diagram.

[0119] 52 shows a base speed, which for a transfer drum 41 of the same size as the sorting drum 43 could be, for example, 125 revolutions per minute. In Fig. 4, however, the circumferences of the two drums are different, so that the speed must be adjusted accordingly so that the base speed of the respective drum is selected so that the peripheral speed of the two drums is the same. The upper diagram in Fig. 5 also shows a speed 50 for a positive trough offset, at which the speed is increased over a period of time, and 51 the speed for a negative trough offset, at which the speed is reduced for a certain time.

[0120] Fig. 3 also shows the different radii r1 and r2. r1 is the first radius of the sorting drum 44 relative to an area where no troughs are provided, and r2 is the second radius relative to an area where troughs are provided. r2 is preferably larger than r1.

[0121] The method and also the software of the control device must generate an ordered pattern, as shown in Fig. 3 on the left, from a known but undefined input pattern, as shown in Fig. 2 on the right or in Fig. 3 on the right. The influencing parameters for finding a solution consist of the number of sorting drums, the jump distance of a trough offset of -10 to +10 troughs or other predeterminable maximum trough jump distances. It must be taken into account that the receiving troughs in the transfer drum and in the respective sorting drum can be, for example, 3TT, i.e. half the size of those on the conveyor elements that convey the rod-shaped articles to the base drum. Selected products can be picked up and delivered, combinations of the sorting drums can be made with one another, and products can be picked up and removed in both the first and second cycle of the base drum.In addition, depending on the input pattern, the compensating drum can be controlled to reduce the need for trough offset. Furthermore, it should be ensured that sufficient vacuum is always maintained in the open, occupied troughs to securely hold the products.

[0122] In order to be able to package the mass flows 21 and 22 discharged from Fig. 3, a packaging device is provided which ensures that the respective sets 32 and 33 are combined as a block and can be discharged into a container. To this end, the pitch, i.e., the distance between the rod-shaped products, is first reduced again to enable block formation, which allows for relatively tight packing of the rod-shaped articles. For example, the pitch is reduced from 6TT to 3TT. For this purpose, a braking drum or a staggered drum with pivoting receiving troughs can be used, for example.

[0123] Subsequently, the sets of rod-shaped articles, in this embodiment ten rod-shaped articles each, are each brought to a level in order to subsequently insert them into packages or a container. To bring the sets to a level, a drum conveyor can be provided, as shown, for example, in Fig. 6. In the upper area, three drums 60a, 61a, and 62a are shown, which become increasingly polygonal in the conveying direction 15.

[0124] The respective drums consist of the two drums shown in Fig. 6, each shown one above the other, namely a drum containing the illustrated drums or drum parts 60a and 60b. These two drums 60a and 60b are arranged on the same axis or a parallel, offset axis, although this is shown separately here in Fig. 6. Accordingly, a further drum 61a and 61b is provided, which also rotates on a common axis, and a packing drum 62, which comprises the drums or drum parts 62a and 62b, which also rotate on a common axis.

[0125] In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the drums 60b, 61b, and 62b is larger than the corresponding diameter of the drums 60a, 61a, and 62a. This automatically arranges the first set 32 ​​of rod-shaped articles 30 on a different plane than the second set 33 of rod-shaped articles 30. The first mass flow 21 is conveyed transversely axially via the drum parts 60a, 61a, and 62a, and the second mass flow 22 is conveyed transversely axially via the drum parts 60b, 61b, and 62b. The first drum, consisting of the two drum components 60a and 60b, is still round as usual. The rotational speed shown on the far left in Fig. 6 below, in which the rotational speed is plotted against time, is designated 52 and is a constant base speed or a speed adapted to the speed of the manufacturing machine and / or packaging machine.

[0126] The adjoining second drum, consisting of drum components 61a and 61b, already has corners, thus tending toward a polygonal shape. Trough sets 63a and 63b are shown there, each having seven troughs and an edge 64 between them. The sets formed in the embodiment according to Fig. 6 therefore have seven rod-shaped articles. This drum is already controlled at a varied speed superimposed on the base speed 52, so that at the moment when the corners of drum 61 with components 61a and 61b border on drum 60 with components 60a and 60b, drum 61 is moved somewhat more slowly.

[0127] The last drum, namely packing drum 62, consisting of components 62a and 62b, is already completely polygonal with corners 64 and sets 63a and 63b, each with seven receiving troughs, each arranged in a single plane. Here, the speed at which packing drum 62 is driven is also provided with a base speed 52, onto which a variable speed is superimposed. In this embodiment, the variable speed is higher than in the middle drum 61. Here, too, the variable speed serves to move edges 64 past the adjacent drum 61 more quickly. The variable speed is preferably a sine function.

[0128] Figure 6 shows sets of seven receiving troughs. The invention will be explained below using sets of 10 receiving troughs and 10 rod-shaped articles.

[0129] To enable containers with rod-shaped articles 30 to be filled from two sets of rod-shaped articles in a later process, it is necessary for one set to run on a larger diameter than the other set. This can be achieved by radially raising the set, which is to run above the other set, controlled by a cam. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6, different diameters of the drums or drum sections can be provided for the respective sets.

[0130] For increased process reliability, the filling of containers using a packing drum 62 is provided. For this purpose, it is expedient to provide the rod-shaped articles 30 in two levels of a predetermined number of articles, for example seven or ten. For this purpose, the rod-shaped articles are transferred from a curved outer surface to a surface that is as flat as possible, as shown in Fig. 6. It is also expedient to push the rod-shaped products together as closely as possible. For this purpose, the shape of the drums can be changed piece by piece using three or more drums. The number of drums required depends on the permissible deviation from the ideal transfer and the diameter of the drums. In addition, creating gaps between the individual sets, which is made possible by the intermediate edges 64 shown in Fig. 6, is expedient to enable secure packaging.These gaps can also be gradually enlarged and / or adapted to the geometry.

[0131] Fig. 7 schematically shows a packing drum according to the invention in operation, in a three-dimensional schematic representation. Rod-shaped articles 30 are fed in the conveying direction 15 from a drum (not shown) in two tracks, preferably at different levels. The rod-shaped products 30 are received in a first set 32 ​​and a second set 33 on the packing drum 62.

[0132] On the packing drum 62, a cover in the form of an overhead guide 71 is provided for each block of two sets, which ensures that the rod-shaped articles 30 do not fly away when they are pushed over one another and the suction air in the troughs is stopped.

[0133] The containers 73 are also guided over the drum 62. During the rotation of the drum 62, the rod-shaped articles 30 are filled with the products via pushers 72, which are guided, for example, over curves. This allows the sets 32, 33 to be securely inserted into the containers 73. For this purpose, an upper guide 71 moves together with the pushers 72 toward the containers 73. The movement of the pushers is preferably parallel to the rotation axis of the packing drum 62.

[0134] As a result, the second set 33 is first pushed over the first set 32 ​​and then both sets are pushed into the container 73. The filled containers 73, into which a block 70 from the two sets 32 and 33 has been inserted, are then placed in the further product run.

[0135] The container 73 can, for example, be an inner liner of a cigarette pack. Alternatively, the blocks 70 can also be incorporated into chamber strips.

[0136] Fig. 8 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of part of a packing drum 62 according to the invention. For the sake of simplicity, only a first set 32 ​​and a second set 33 of rod-shaped articles are shown here. The different levels of the receiving troughs 74 are clearly shown. Recesses are provided between the receiving troughs 74 through which the pushers 72 can pass. Each pusher 72 can move a total of four rod-shaped articles, namely two rod-shaped articles from the second set 33 and two rod-shaped articles from the first set 32.

[0137] Fig. 9 schematically shows another partial representation of a packing drum 62 according to the invention. In addition to the previous representations, this representation shows a guide device 75 which can be temporarily inserted into a container 73 and ensures that the rod-shaped articles 30, in particular of the second set 33, can be safely pushed into the container 73. For clarity, part 62a of the packing drum and part 62b of the packing drum are shown here again. It is clearly visible that the diameters of these two parts 62a and 62b of the packing drum 62 are different. This allows for different levels for the sets.

[0138] The upper guide 71 and the plungers 72 move axially during the rotation of the drum and thus push the articles into the containers.

[0139] The guide device 75, which can be designed as a guide plate, ensures that the articles are neatly inserted into the container, for example, an inner liner. The guide device 75 can be pivoted or pushed into the container 73. It would also be conceivable for the guide device 75 to be stationary and rotating with the packing drum 62, and for the containers 73 to move axially by a small amount, for example, a few millimeters, toward the guide device 75.

[0140] Before the filled container 73 leaves the packing drum 62, the guide device 75 should have left the container 73 or the container 73 should have been pivoted away again or moved linearly away from the guide device 75.

[0141] In the event that empty sets are present, it may also be provided that no container 73 is fed in. The upper guide 71 and the rams 72 can then still move as usual; they can be guided on curves.

[0142] Fig. 10 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of another embodiment of a sorting device 25. Two parallel mass flows in the form of a first mass flow 21 and a second mass flow 22 are fed in the conveying direction 15 to a transfer drum 48. The transverse axial product spacing is, for example, 6 pi. An undefined but known input pattern of the mass flows 21 and 22 is preferably provided, with an approximate balance of rod-shaped products in the first mass flow 21 and the second mass flow 22. Thus, there is a front product run or mass flow 22 and a rear product run or mass flow 21 in Fig. 10.

[0143] The transfer drum 48 has receiving troughs that receive the rod-shaped products from the first mass flow 21 and the second mass flow 22. On the transfer drum 48, only every second receiving trough is filled, so the spacing there is also 6 pi. The products are transferred to the base drum 40. The base drum 40 has an odd number of troughs, so the products typically circulate twice around the base drum 40. The products themselves are arranged at a spacing of 3 pi, i.e., half the spacing that previously existed in the first mass flow 21 and the second mass flow 22.

[0144] To enable a trough offset of rod-shaped articles arranged on the base drum 40, rod-shaped articles from the first mass flow 21 and the second mass flow 22 are removed from the transfer drum 41, in particular selectively, selected, or predetermined, and from there transferred to the sorting drum 43 or 44, and then picked up again from there and returned to the base drum 40. The sorting drum 43 is provided for the first mass flow 21, and the sorting drum 44 for the second mass flow 22. The sorting drums 43 and 45 are thus arranged axially offset from one another. The sorting drum 44 is provided for the front product run, and the sorting drum 43 for the rear product run.A similar configuration is provided slightly downstream of the base drum 40 with a transfer drum 42 which removes products from the first mass flow 21 and the second mass flow 22 and delivers them to the sorting drum 46 for products from the first mass flow and to the sorting drum 45 for products from the second mass flow.

[0145] Because the sorting drums 43, 44, 45, and 46 can be rotated at a speed that is either accelerated or decelerated at the moment the trough-free area is opposite the transfer drum, a trough offset of up to + / - 10 troughs can be achieved for the products held in the troughs. The trough spacing here is also 3 pi. The rod-shaped articles, thus predeterminably offset transversely, are transferred back to the transfer drums and from there to the base drum.

[0146] By using the sorting device 25, two irregular mass flows are converted into two regular mass flows with predefined larger product spacing or a larger gap between products. The thus more uniform mass flows of rod-shaped products are discharged via the transfer drum 49 in the conveying direction 15.

[0147] Fig. 11 shows schematically in a different perspective the embodiment according to the invention from Fig. 10. Here the axial offset of the sorting drums 43, 44, 45 and 46 is clearly visible.

[0148] The mass flow 21, 22 downstream of the transfer drum 49 is provided with a spacing of the rod-shaped articles of 6pi, for example. Fig. 12 shows a three-dimensional schematic representation of a further embodiment of a sorting device 25. The sorting drums 43, 44, 45 and 46 are not arranged transversely axially offset from one another as in Fig. 10, but are arranged on a coaxial axis of rotation. Otherwise, the coaxially arranged sorting drums 43 and 44 or 45 and 46 can be rotated separately from one another, but on the same axis. This enables a more compact design. The other functionalities are in principle the same as in the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11.

[0149] The invention enables very efficient and product-friendly packaging of rod-shaped articles, particularly in the tobacco processing industry.

[0150] All mentioned features, including those revealed solely in the drawings as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features.

[0151] List of reference symbols

[0152] 10 Conveyor device

[0153] 11 Filter adapter 12 Test device

[0154] 13 Defragmentation module

[0155] 14 Packing module

[0156] 15 Conveying direction

[0157] 21 first mass flow 22 second mass flow

[0158] 23 Turning device

[0159] 24 compensating drum

[0160] 25 Sorting device

[0161] 26 first lane 27 second lane

[0162] 30 rod-shaped items

[0163] 31 gap

[0164] 32 first set of rod-shaped articles

[0165] 33 second set of rod-shaped articles 34 first empty set

[0166] 35 second empty set

[0167] 40 base drum

[0168] 41 , 42 Transfer drum

[0169] 43 - 46 Sorting drum 47 Receiving trough

[0170] 48 transfer drum

[0171] 49 Transfer drum

[0172] 50 rpm for positive trough offset

[0173] 51 Speed ​​for negative trough offset 52 Base speed

[0174] 60, 60a, 60b conveyor drum

[0175] 61, 61a, 61b conveyor drum

[0176] 62, 62a, 62b packing drum

[0177] 63a, 63b Trough set 64 intermediate edge

[0178] 65 Packaging device

[0179] 70 blocks

[0180] 71 Overhead guide 72 Tappet

[0181] 73 Container

[0182] 74 trough

[0183] 75 Guide device r1 first radius r2 second radius

Claims

Packaging of rod-shaped products of the tobacco processing industry Patent claims 1. A method for conveying a first single-layer mass flow (21) formed from rod-shaped articles (30), in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles (30) are conveyed on a conveying device (10) in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles (30), whereby the first mass flow (21) is formed, characterized in that further rod-shaped articles (30), in particular from the tobacco processing industry, are conveyed on the conveying device (10) in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped articles (30), whereby a second single-layer mass flow (22) is formed, wherein on the conveying device (10) the first mass flow (21) is conveyed on a first track (26) and the second mass flow (22) is conveyed on a second track, wherein individually selectable rod-shaped articles (30) are shifted or displaced from one track to the other track.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the selectable rod-shaped articles (30) are moved into empty spaces (31). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the total of the rod-shaped articles (30) conveyed by the two mass flows (21, 22) is equalized by the displacement. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least some of the empty spaces (31) in the mass flows (21, 22) arise from the removal of defective rod-shaped articles (30). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rod-shaped articles (30) in the two mass flows (21, 22) are monitored and counted, and if a limit value for a different number of rod-shaped articles (30) in the two mass flows (21, 22) is exceeded, the rod-shaped articles (30) are shifted.Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, in particular according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the rod-shaped articles (30) of the first mass flow (21) are re-sorted by means of a sorting device (25) such that a predeterminable number of consecutive gaps (31) are provided in the first mass flow (21) and a predeterminable number of rod-shaped articles (30) following one another without gaps (31), wherein for this purpose a rotational movement of a first sorting drum (43) is controlled such that it temporarily has a different peripheral speed than a transfer drum (41, 42) that can be brought into operative connection with the first sorting drum (43). Method according to claim 6, characterized in that a rod-shaped article (30) removed from a receiving trough (47) of the transfer drum (41, 42) by the first sorting drum (43). can be or is deposited in another receiving trough (47) of the transfer drum (41, 42). Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that during the removal and / or delivery of rod-shaped products (30) from the transfer drum (41, 42) and / or onto the transfer drum (41, 42), the peripheral speed of the first sorting drum (43) substantially corresponds to the peripheral speed of the transfer drum (41, 42). Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a trough-free region is provided on the circumference of the first sorting drum (43), wherein in particular the peripheral speed of the first sorting drum (43) deviates from the peripheral speed of the transfer drum (41, 42) when the trough-free region borders on the transfer drum (41, 42).Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the first mass flow (21) is guided over a base drum (40), wherein the mass flow (21) is conveyed for more than one complete revolution on the base drum (40), wherein in particular the transfer drum (41, 42) has a trough spacing that is as large as the trough spacing on the base drum (40), wherein in particular the spacing of the rod-shaped articles (30) conveyed to the base drum (40) is twice as large as the trough spacing on the base drum (40). Method according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the rod-shaped articles (30) of the second mass flow (22) are re-sorted by means of the sorting device (25) such that a predeterminable number of consecutive gaps (31) in the second mass flow (22) and a predeterminable number of consecutive rod-shaped articles (30) are pre-determined. are seen, wherein for this purpose a second sorting drum (44) is provided which has the same functionality as the first sorting drum (43) according to claims 6 to 10 and receives and discharges rod-shaped articles (30) of the second mass flow (22). Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a first set (32) of n consecutive rod-shaped articles (30) from the first mass flow (21) and a second set (33) of m consecutive rod-shaped articles (30) from the second mass flow (22), where n and m are integers, are formed as a block (70) on a packing drum (62, 62a, 62b), wherein in particular the sets are arranged in a transverse axial alignment or in a substantially transverse axial alignment on the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the sets are arranged and / or conveyed in an increasingly aligned manner in the transverse axial direction on the way to the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b).Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b) rotates at a speed that is a constant base speed (52) over which a variable speed is superimposed. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the sets of a block (70) are arranged on two spaced-apart levels prior to insertion into a container (73). Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that a block (70) can be completely empty. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that for inserting a block (70) into a container (73), the set of the second mass flow (22) is first pushed longitudinally axially over the set of the first mass flow (21), and then the block (70) from both sets is pushed into the container (73). Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the container (73) is a packing, an inner liner, or a chamber band.Conveying device (10) for conveying a first single-layer mass flow (21) formed from rod-shaped articles (30), in particular from the tobacco processing industry, and a second single-layer mass flow (22) formed from rod-shaped articles (30), in particular from the tobacco processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles (30) in the mass flows (21, 22) are each conveyed transversely axially in a track, characterized in that a conveying element (24) with receiving troughs (47) is provided, which is designed to shift or displace selected or selectable rod-shaped articles (30) from one track to the other track.Conveying device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the conveying element (24) has receiving troughs (47), wherein in each receiving trough (47) a rod-shaped article (30) of the first mass flow (21) and a rod-shaped article (30) of the second mass flow (22) can be received, wherein in each case a rod-shaped article (30) of the first mass flow (21) and a rod-shaped article (30) of the second mass flow (22) are arranged or can be received longitudinally axially one behind the other in a receiving trough (47), wherein for displacing a rod-shaped article (30) in the receiving trough (47) into the track into which. the rod-shaped article (30) is to be moved, there is an empty space. Conveyor device (10) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the moving takes place by means of a compressed air blast. Conveyor device (10) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that a monitoring device is provided which detects or monitors the rod-shaped articles (30) in the tracks, wherein the sum of the rod-shaped articles conveyed by the two mass flows (21, 22) is balanced out by the moving of the rod-shaped articles (30) between the tracks. Conveyor device (10) according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that a testing device (12) is arranged upstream of the conveying element (24), which testing device checks at least one property of the conveyed rod-shaped articles and removes defective articles from the respective mass flow (21, 22).Conveying device (10), in particular according to one of claims 19 to 23, characterized in that a sorting device (25) is provided which comprises a base drum (40), a transfer drum (41) and a sorting drum (43 - 46), wherein the base drum (40) has receiving troughs (47) for receiving at least one web of rod-shaped articles (30) in a single-layer mass flow, wherein the receiving troughs (47) are arranged parallel to an axis of rotation of the base drum (40), wherein the transfer drum (41, 42) is for transferring rod-shaped articles (30) from the base drum (40) to the sorting drum (43 - 46) and for transferring rod-shaped articles (30) from the sorting drum. mel (43 - 46) to the base drum (40), characterized in that a control device is provided which controls the peripheral speed of the sorting drum (43 - 46) in such a way that the peripheral speed of the sorting drum (43 - 46) is temporarily changed compared to the peripheral speed of the transfer drum (41, 42). Conveying device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the control takes place in such a way that the removal of a rod-shaped article (30) from the transfer drum (41, 42) and the discharge of the rod-shaped article (30) onto the transfer drum (41, 42) takes place with a predeterminable trough offset.Conveying device (10) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the sorting drum (43 - 46) has a region over the circumference in which troughs are provided and a region that is trough-free, wherein the trough-free region has a smaller outer radius than the region in which troughs are provided. Conveying device (10) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the base drum (40) has a trough spacing that corresponds to the trough spacing of the transfer drum (41). Conveying device (10) according to claim 27, characterized in that the trough spacing of the base drum (40) is half the trough spacing of a conveying unit delivering the mass flow (21, 22) or the mass flows (21, 22) to the base drum (40). Conveying device (10) according to one of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the base drum (40) has an odd number of troughs. Conveying device (10) according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that at least one sorting drum (43-46), in particular two sorting drums (43-46), are provided for each mass flow (21, 22). Conveying device (10) according to one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that the base drum (40) and the transfer drum (41) have troughs that have a length that allows space for two rod-shaped articles (30) arranged one behind the other.Conveying device (10), in particular according to one of claims 19 to 31, characterized in that a packaging device is provided, which is arranged in particular downstream of the base drum (40), wherein the packaging device is designed to form blocks from a first set (32) of n consecutive rod-shaped articles (30) and a second set (33) of m consecutive rod-shaped articles (30), where n and m are integers that are > 5, wherein the packaging device has a packing drum (62, 62a, 62b) that is designed as a polygon in cross-section, where the polygon has corners (64) and has sides between the corners (64) that are straight or curved outwards, and where the sides have n or m recesses arranged next to one another for receiving a set of rod-shaped articles.Conveying device (10) according to claim 32, characterized in that the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b) has two different diameters, so that a set (32) of n consecutive rod-shaped articles (30) is arranged on a different plane than a set (32) of m consecutive rod-shaped articles (30). Conveyor device (10) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the packaging device comprises conveyor drums arranged upstream of the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b) and whose cross-sections become more polygonal the closer they are arranged to the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b). Conveyor device (10) according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the packing drum (62, 62a, 62b) rotates at a constant speed over which a variable speed is superimposed. Conveying device (10) according to one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that an insertion device (71, 72) is provided which is designed to push the second set (33) of rod-shaped articles (30) over the first set (33) of rod-shaped articles (30) and to push the two sets as a block (70) into a container (73).Conveying device (10) according to claim 36, characterized in that the insertion device (71, 72) has an upper guide (71).

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