EP3375302B1 - Assembly and method for the formation of at least two fibre strands in a rod processing machine in the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Description

From the EP 1 364 588 A1 an assembly for the construction of at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod machine with the following features: supply means (local reference numerals 37, 38, 39, 40, 40 ', 41, 41', 42, 42 ') for conveying, in particular dosed and / or sighted tobacco on at least two flow surfaces leading to at least one respective suction conveyor (local reference numerals 50, 50 ') (local reference numerals 44, 44', 441, 441 ', 442, 442'), wherein the supply means (reference numerals 37- 42 ') comprise at least two storage slots (local reference numerals 40, 40'), which are arranged transversely to the conveying direction (local reference numeral 91) of the at least one Saugstrangförderers (local reference numerals 50, 50 ', 51) one behind the other.

In the EP 1 364 588 A1 Among other things, the concept of supplying and filling two storage bays with a common supply is already disclosed, in that the supply for obtaining strand-like homogeneous tobacco strands can be selectively and intermittently associated with each of the two storage bays. For this purpose, between the output side end of the feed and the input ends of the two adjacent storage chutes back and forth movable flaps connected. The EP 1 364 588 A1 Thus, a person skilled in the art already has the concept of influencing filling and the current filling level of each of the two storage ducts in two respects, in contrast to a "flap-free" arrangement.

In a "flap-free" arrangement, in which the output of the feed opens over or into the input area of the storage shaft, it is customary to monitor the filling and filling level by a light barrier arrangement mounted on the storage shaft and to increase the quantity of tobacco supplied depending on the currently determined filling level to reduce or maintain.

On the one hand can be with the reciprocating flaps of the EP 1 364 588 A1 Now adjust the respective dwell time over the respective docks and regulate them, thus influencing the filling and filling level. On the other hand, it is possible to set and regulate the delivery rate or delivery rate of the steep conveyor conveying the feed, as usual. The photocell arrangements which can be used for this purpose are general expert knowledge, usual and known ( Tobacco Encyclopedia, Ernst Vogues, 1984, page 421 , right column, penultimate paragraph "level sensor").

On a light barrier monitoring of the storage bays is in the document EP 1 364 588 A1 also by the explicit, multiple references to the DE 101 54 807.9 in paragraphs 0003, 0004, 0032, 0038, 0043, 0046 and 0051. The DE 101 54 807.9 shows in the local Fig. 3 with the local reference numerals 59, 61, 62 and 7 associated components, their arrangement and function set forth in the description thereunder a Stassenachtfüllhöhenregelung as they EP 1 364 588 A1 also provided accordingly for the respective stowage.

The EP 1 364 588 A1 in its paragraph 0010 also states that Fig. 4 of the DE 32 09 195 C2 which in turn discloses the usual level monitoring means and the usual Stassenachtfüllhöhenregelung. In its paragraph 0025, the EP 1 364 588 A1 on the EP 1 174 046 A2 , which in turn, in its paragraph 0040 it as usual measure disclosed to monitor the level in a stowage by means of light barriers and to keep the level constant by a corresponding driving an upward conveyor of tobacco fibers or at a desired level.

In the EP 1 364 588 A1 It is proposed to feed two storage spaces with tobacco from a supply line. It is also proposed to load the two storage spaces alternately and to provide feed means in the form of two flaps, which are each rotatably mounted about a rotary member and to be moved parallel to each other, as an embodiment (local paragraph 0052, Fig. 4 ) shows.

The EP 1 364 588 A1 also shows a further embodiment (local paragraph 0059, Fig. 10). The EP 1 364 588 provides to feed the two storage bays with a predeterminable loading frequency, after which the flaps so get a fixed on a unit of time or a number produced cigarettes number of switching operations fixed, or a fixed predetermined dwell time over the respective Stächacht.

Any differences in the respective, current discharge chute filling height from a minimum and / or maximum value or an average, which may be established and which can be ascertained via the usual level monitoring means, are then processed in the usual way - as in the EP 1 364 588 A1 disclosed and given to the skilled person - balanced, either with one of the two control measures or their combination. In this case, the corresponding feed conveyor is raised or lowered to the supply line in its conveying capacity in a conventional manner, as is currently required, without any influence on the loading frequency or a regulation of the flaps, which determines their rhythm - as determined by the predetermined loading frequency - maintained. In addition, however, a targeted change in the residence time of the flaps to compensate for inadequate or excessive levels in the storage bays in the form of the adjustable feed frequency or a rule of the respective residence time of the flaps on the respective Stächacht the expert with the EP 1 364 588 A1 given to the hand.

From the EP 1 454 542 B1 an arrangement for the construction of two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod machine with two storage slots and a supply line is known. In the EP 1 454 542 B1 is provided by a fastener coupled together pair of flaps in the form of a tandem parallelogram flap and proposed to change the position or the residence time of the pair of flaps depending on detected in the respective stowage over the usual level monitoring level, as already from the EP 1 364 588 A1 (see above). For the pair of flaps on a flap flap end centrically attacking rotary drive is provided. Furthermore, with the in the EP 1 454 542 B1 proposed regulation, design of the pair of flaps and the entrance area of the storage shafts and the formation of their intermediate wall of the supplied tobacco stream at any time and always only completely in either one or completely passed into the other of the two storage shafts and any violation of tobacco fibers in a respective other stowage be avoided during each pivoting operation.

The in the EP 1 454 542 B1 Proposed procedure and design of the flap pair allows only a relatively slow change in the supply of tobacco fibers between the two storage bays. It is susceptible to wear and already after a certain period of operation - among other things by the pairwise coupling with the coupling link - inaccurate, so that extensive maintenance must be carried out.

Out EP 2 739 168 are independently controllable flaps for filling angled transport channels known. Through the channels no loose tobacco material is promoted, but rod-shaped article.

In EP 2 334 727 a pneumatic feeding device for loose tobacco material is described. Loose independently mounted flaps are used, which are not externally operable, but deflect themselves.

Object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 9, with which or with which a rapid change in the supply of fibers between the two storage bays is guaranteed.

This object is achieved by an arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 9.

Characterized in that the flaps are arranged so movable and each externally operable, that the flaps can be brought both into a position for forming a parallel channel and in an at least temporary position for forming an at least partially converging and / or diverging channel, can ensures reliable filling of each storage can and both flaps can be adjusted independently.

The fact that the flaps are moved and each externally operated, that the flaps are brought both in a position for forming a parallel channel and in an at least temporary position for forming an at least partially converging and / or diverging channel, can be a reliable Filling each storage can be guaranteed and both flaps can be adjusted independently.

In this way, the desired changes can be made reliably and quickly. They can be initiated early with reduced moments of inertia and thus accelerated and / or prepared. This allows a very wide variety of movement patterns as well as adjustments of the flaps as a pair, but also individually in each case in a simple manner, and provides extensive possibilities of adaptation to different operating states and fiber types. Even after a prolonged operation possibly resulting inaccuracies in positioning the flaps can be by the relative positioning of the flaps to each other, whether in the respective rest position and / or be it during their respective pivoting movement. A permanent trouble-free operation is thus possible.

The flaps are preferably arranged in such a way the storage shafts that they each - or at least one flap - with their free, the respective pivot axis opposite end in the transport direction of the fibers are oriented. As a result, a run-up of fibers on the free end of a flap is avoided and achieved a steady self-cleaning effect. On the other hand, if one or both flaps are oriented with their free end directed counter to the transport direction of the fibers, cleaning should be provided from time to time or in the event of a fault, for example by moving the flaps apart and / or shaking them.

If the angle enclosed between the flaps is variable during an adjustment of the flaps from a filling position for a first stowage to a filling position for a second stowage, in particular reducible and / or enlargeable, in particular by a time-delayed movement of the flaps, the flaps can always be collision-free be reliably brought into their respective position to each other, for example, to fill the storage bays or on their way to a filling position.

If the two flaps have different speeds transversely to the transport direction of the at least one suction strand conveyor during their pivoting from a first stowage point to a second stowage shaft, in particular relative to their respective, in particular free, end opposite to their respective rotation axis, trailing vortices can be generated at the respective flap which stationary components and / or the flaps themselves, on which possibly fibers have deposited, in a simple manner, in particular cyclically, clean contact and thus wear-free. The adjustment and its timing of the pair of flaps is thus highly variable and adjustable. On the one hand, a flap can already "run ahead" at the beginning of an adjustment process, while the other flap remains in its current position for a brief moment and only then is adjusted.

Does any or at least one flap in the initial region of the pivoting path after the beginning and / or in the end of the pivoting section before the end of their pivoting along the pivoting path has a lower speed than in the range of about one quarter to about three quarters, preferably from about one third to about two thirds, more preferably about half of the pivoting distance, the starting and / or stopping the swipe movement gentle material and passing the separation area between the two storage chutes performed accelerated become. Quasi "soft" landings occur when reaching the new positions and an optimal short "driving through" the transition area between the two storage bays along the respective pivoting distance. Klappumschaltfrequenzen can be made dependent on the speed of a suction belt and / or a format band, in particular regulated, in particular strandwise. In an interruption of the operation, the flaps can be brought into a closed position. In this way, the fiber material remains ready to start again in the distributor.

If the flaps are unevenly accelerated and / or unevenly decoupled, extensive path-time sequences of motion for each or at least one flap can be predetermined, and an optimization to the respective operating conditions and / or the respective fiber material can be undertaken.

If the flaps are provided with a fixed predefinable or variably controllable dwell time over the respective stowage shaft, a simple control can be realized, in the form of the usual stowage charge control (see introduction to the description) or in the form of a control with a largely constant or variably controllable delivery quota a feed conveyor, such as a steep conveyor, a largely horizontally oriented belt conveyor and / or feed rollers and an appropriate premature or delayed adjustment of the two flaps. Any "dead times" by a downstream of a feeder and the storage chutes upstream organ, such as a classifier, zig-zag classifier can be taken into account in the scheme, according to which a delayed behavior can be compensated. The residence time over the respective stowage time is advantageously 0.1-5 seconds, preferably 0.3-4 seconds, particularly preferably 0.5-3 seconds. A cycle for supplying or filling two storage slots is twice the duration, eg 2 seconds, after which the flaps return to their original position.

If the flaps are each provided with a desired speed, acceleration, deceleration, and / or a desired path-time curve, then there is a multiplicity of possibilities of influencing the alternate loading of the respective storage hoist, with which lighter but also even coarser production - Are at least one of the flaps with its free end opposite end of a rotatably mounted pivot shaft eccentrically to the axis of rotation, in particular by means of a linkage connected to an adjusting motor, which is in particular designed as a servomotor, can be extremely achieve short adjustment times and still realize a compact design.

Further embodiments of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims and the embodiments described below.

From a simultaneous filling of both storage compartments (eg divergent flap position with opening over both storage compartments), via a reduced filling of a stowage nest (eg converging folding position with smaller opening than stowage cross-sectional area) up to interrupting the filling (eg ., folded folding delivery and / or fiber accumulation) are a variety of operating a machine optimally varying settings feasible, which in particular allow a partial load operation, stopping and restarting in a simple manner.

Figur 1

zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Figur 2

zeigt ausschnittsweise eine schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Figur 3

zeigt ausschnittsweise eine schematische Darstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels.

Figur 4

zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels.

The present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrated embodiments of an arrangement explained in more detail.

FIG. 1

shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2

shows a detail of a schematic representation of a second embodiment.

FIG. 3

shows a detail of a schematic representation of a third embodiment.

FIG. 4

shows a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an arrangement for the construction of two tobacco strands in a cigarette rod machine, wherein the schematic representation of the arrangement for the invention comprises essential elements of a tobacco distributor.

From a pneumatic tobacco feed lock 11 tobacco is fed to a pre-distributor 10, which is provided with the raking rollers 12 and 13. The pre-distributor 10 opens into a tobacco reservoir 16, the discharge side is associated with a steep conveyor 17, which cooperates with a tobacco combing paddle roller 18 and with a tobacco in a downwardly leading feed chute 19 separating singling roller 21. The feed chute 19 is bounded by a boundary plate 20. The feed chute 19 opens laterally into a section of a viewing means in the form of a vertically arranged zig-zag separator 22.

The zig-zag sifter 22 is part of a circulating air blower 23 operated air circulation system 24. Based on the flow direction of the air circulation system 24 downstream of the cross-flow fan 23, a Umluftkrümmer is provided in the region of its outer radius in a bypass branching off from the air circulation system 24 and in the area its inner radius merges into an excess flow channel, in which a tobacco excess transport means in the form of a screw conveyor and a cellular wheel opens. These details are in Fig. 1 not shown but, for example, in Fig. 1 or Fig. 4 of the DE 101 54 807.9 , Reference is made in this regard in full to the publication cited.

In the recirculation system 24 of the classifier circuit also designed as a Coanda separator tobacco / air separator 26 is connected on both sides of a Abscheidekante 36 on the one hand to the suction side of the crossflow fan 23, and on the other hand in a above two storage bays 40, 40 'arranged rotary valve 37th opens.

The substantially vertically arranged storage spaces 40, 40 'terminate with their Manhole outlets, which may be formed as vibrating shaft outlets with corresponding vibration elements, at the lower end in each case via a respective removal roller 42, 42 'cooperating with a rollover roller 41, 41'. Between the storage spaces 40, 40 'and the rotary valve 37, an impeller 38 is still provided for dispensing the tobacco and a feed element 39, by means of which alternately the two storage spaces 40, 40' can be filled with tobacco.

The rotary valve 37 is used to separate transport air from the air circulation system 24 from
Tobacco, which is promoted by the Tabakabscheideraum 81 above the rotary valve 37 to this.

At the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, below the removal rollers 42, 42 'is arranged in each case a guide channel which is delimited by a guide surface, which merges into a respective one-web flow surface 44, 44' of a flow channel. The flow channels are initially superimposed. By means of blown air feeds 43, 43 ', a tight-fitting, tobacco-conveying air flow is generated at the flow surfaces 44, 44'. The upwardly leading flow surfaces 44, 44 'open below a strand assembly unit of a double-strand machine, wherein in Fig. 1 schematically two Saugstrangförderer 50, 50 'are shown. The Saugstrangförderer are according to the DE 36 19 579 C2 built up. The upwardly aspirating tobacco infill flows pass accordingly Fig. 1 to two suction belt conveyors 50, 50 'arranged parallel to one another, each of which consists of an air-permeable conveyor belt running along a bottom of a perforated plate, the rear side of which is under the suction effect of a vacuum chamber. The excess transport air is sucked by means of Luftabsaugelementen 30, 30 '. The transport air itself is brought by means of a schematically indicated air flow 43 or 43 'in the direction of the flow surfaces 44 and 44'.

The tobacco / air separator 26 is arranged around a tubular body 48.

The zig-zag sifter 22 is equipped with a screw 47, with which the separated Sichtgut, such as tobacco ribs, is removed. There may be other elements, such as a Nachsichter provided in the DE 101 54 807.9 are described.

The mode of operation of the structure of a fleece-like tobacco stream prepared in a strand forming path, integrated into the distributor of a cigarette rod machine - or in a modification of the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment separate - classifier system is as follows.

Tobacco passes through the feed lock 11 and the predistributor 10 into the tobacco reservoir 16 to the steep conveyor 17, from which the classifier system is charged with a continuous stream of tobacco by combing tobacco from the tobacco reservoir 16 with the steep conveyor 17 equipped with steep conveyor combs. In order to achieve a uniform occupancy of the steep conveyor 17, excess tobacco is scraped off by the paddle roller 18. By monitoring the rotational speed of the vertical conveyor 17, a machine stop may be initiated at a reduced speed, e.g. To prevent damage by foreign bodies.

The tobacco lying on the steep conveyor 17 enters the area of action of the separating roller 21, which accelerates the tobacco into the zig-zag classifier 22 by rough pre-singling and whose speed is set with regard to optimum minimum tobacco fiber degradation and maximum singulation, preferably in FIG a range between 800 and 900 revolutions per minute.

Due to the characteristic shape of the zigzag sifter 22, on the one hand light tobacco fibers of the tobacco stream are transported upwards and on the other hand the tobacco stream is displaced in a direction transverse to the main flow. Since the flow profile is inhomogeneous, resulting in areas of high and low air velocity, which the tobacco fibers in a circular motion, so-called Swirl rolls, move. In this way, the ribs contained in the tobacco stream are extracted and moved by gravity down. Light tobacco fibers are repeatedly transported step by step in the zigzag sifter 22 upwards. This process takes place in each trained as a gob sight stage.

The precipitated from the zig-zag sifter 22 ribbed material can be blown by a Nachsichter using branched off from the air circulation sifting air, which are still transported back to the ribs lighter tobacco particles are transported back into the main air flow. The tobacco ribs are then discharged by means of a lock in a known manner, with this particular on the DE 101 54 807.9 is referenced.

The sighted tobacco stream passes into the tobacco / air separator 26, in which the separation of tobacco and air by the centrifugal force and the Coanda effect, the tobacco fibers moved by the centrifugal force on the outer geometry in the form of a curved outer side of the separator 26 along are due to the Coanda effect on the inner radius of the geometry in the form of a cylindrical surface of a tubular body 48 applies. At the separation edge 36, the final separation of air and tobacco takes place, the air separated from the tobacco is fed back to the crossflow fan 23, which has a uniform flow profile or over the width (perpendicular to the plane) of the distributor a homogeneous velocity distribution.

The tobacco separated in the tobacco / air separator 26 is discharged from the vision system by the rotary valve 37 and arrives via an impeller 38 for discharging the quantities of tobacco to two storage spaces 40, 40 ', wherein in the in Fig. 1 illustrated position of the feed element 39, the tobacco fibers in the in Fig. 1 right lying stowage 40 'is promoted. In the position of the feed element 39 shown in dashed lines, tobacco enters the stowage chamber 40 shown on the left. In the arrangement itself, the stowage compartments 40 and 40 'are arranged one behind the other and extend over the entire width of the arrangement, which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

In a modification of this embodiment, the storage ducts overlap only in a partial area (seen transversely to the conveying direction 91) and not over the entire (distributor) width, which has the advantage of a shorter overall length with still good delivery of tobacco fibers to the Saugstrangförderer.

From the storage spaces 40, 40 'of the tobacco by means of the removal rollers 42, 42' and the racket rollers 41, 41 'in a finely divided form via a guide surface on two formed as nozzle troughs flow surfaces 44, 44' transferred. Respective Blasluftzuführungen are represented by the characters 43 and 43 ', with additional Blasluftzuführungen, such as. In the DE 101 54 807.9 or the EP 1 174 046 A2 can be used very well to achieve excellent separation of tobacco fibers.

It is in compliance with an ideal pressure in the form of a slight negative pressure in the vicinity of 0 mbar in a known manner a close-fitting tobacco fluidized bed flow to the Saugstrangförderern 50, 50 'generated, also here over the entire width of the arrangement a tobacco fluidized bed flow is achieved , Preferably, control units are also provided for setting and maintaining optimum flow conditions and pressure conditions, in particular in Fig. 1 Luftabsaugelemente 30, 30 'just before the Saugstrangförderern 50, 50' are arranged to be able to suck off excess air can.

The Saustrangförderer promote tobacco, which itself is not shown, in the conveying direction 91, ie in the plane of the Fig. 1 to 4 into it.

Through the construction of tobacco strands over the entire width of the arrangement, a very homogeneous and very rapid tobacco rod formation can be done.
For this purpose, preferably two storage spaces are used, which extend over the entire width of the arrangement, so that a uniform and rapid strand formation is possible.

At the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, the feed means 39 as flaps 71 and 71 'are formed. The flaps 71, 71 'are pivotally mounted in the chute 70 and extend into the plane of the drawing across the width of the chutes 40, 40'. The flaps 71, 71 'are connected between the impeller 38 and the input areas of the storage bays 40, 40'. Their free ends are each clearance clearance of the partition of the two storage spaces 40, 40 'spaced. In Fig. 1 The chute 70 engages over the two flaps 71, 71 ', which is not absolutely necessary for their operation and function.

It is also useful, in a modification of the embodiment shown here, to provide the chute 70 approximately in alignment with the linkages and / or axes of rotation of the flaps 71, 71 'or narrower than the distance between the associated linkages and / or axes of rotation, which can save space.
The flaps 71, 71 'are received with their respective end opposite the free end of a respective rotatably mounted pivot shaft 34.1, 34.1'. The respective pivot shaft 34.1, 34.1 'is a in Fig. 3 shown closer linkage 34.2, 34.2 'connected to a respective servomotor 34.3, 34.3' trained adjusting motor.

The pivot shafts 34.1, 34.1 'are preferably tubular and thus have sufficient rigidity and buckling strength despite their relatively large length and relatively small diameter. As a result, the rapid changes between the respective filling positions of the flaps 71, 71 'and the associated dynamic loads permanently withstand and any critical vibration behavior can be avoided.

The respective storage chutes 40, 40 'are each assigned to fill level control means extending vertically and horizontally across the width and at least a partial height of the storage chutes 40, 40'. The level control means are light barriers 32, 33, 32 ', 33'. The light barriers 32, 33, 32 ', 33' are signal output side connected via lines with a control unit, not shown. The control unit is the output side with the drive
the steep conveyor 17 connected to the conveying speed and flow rate of tobacco fibers to change and regulate (as in the rest of Fig. 4 is shown with the line leading from the reference numeral 31 (logic unit) to a control unit (box)). The groups of light barriers 32, 33, 32 ', 33' can be designed as analog light strips.

The residence time of the flaps 71, 71 'above or in front of the respective stowage bay 40, 40' is fixedly adjustable. It can be the same or different for the two storage chutes 40, 40 ', thus allowing a good adaptation to any operating state for a stranded product to be manufactured. For example, it is possible to leave the flaps 71, 71 'about 10% longer over one stowage 40, 40' than over the other stowage 40, 40 '. It is also possible, both storage spaces 40, 40 'at z. B. divergent flap position to fill at the same time, in particular - depending on flap position - with a different amount of fibers.

The delivery rates of the respective unit from removal roller 42, 42 'and Ausschlagwalze 41, 41' and the ratio of the delivery rates to each other can be specified. If, for example, the ratio of the delivery rates of the two removal units is set to 45 to 55, then the residence time ratio of the flaps 71, 71 'above the respective delivery shaft 40, 40' is also predetermined and maintained.

The higher-level machine control detects which stowage 40, 40 'is being filled. If the front stowage bay is being filled, then the light barriers 32, 33 of the front stowage bay are interrogated and a deviation from a predefinable level is interrogated. Depending on whether this level is then exceeded or fallen below, the steep conveyor 17 is then driven to deliver less or more tobacco fibers by this then changes its conveying speed. If just or after the other storage shaft 40, 40 'filled and queried by means of the photoelectric sensors 32', 33 '(with appropriate flap position), the scheme runs accordingly.

In a modification of the embodiment according to Fig.1 For example, the impeller 38 and / or the rotary valve 37 can be dispensed with and a direct supply of fibers to the chute 70 and / or the flaps 71, 71 'can be provided, as is the case in particular in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 4 is provided.

At the in Fig. 2 Sectionally schematically illustrated, the second embodiment, the input range of the two storage bays 40, 40 'given a divergent course. The design of the adjustment of the respective flaps 71, 71 'is not shown in detail, however, as predictable, as it is explained in addition to the claims to the other embodiments and / or elsewhere in the present application.

The flaps 71, 71 'opposite end of the partition wall between the two storage compartments 40, 40' is provided with a tapered in section tipping element 72 which is arranged rotatably about a tilt axis 73. The tilting element 72 is formed approximately wedge-shaped in section and formed on its broad side with a rounding. The partition wall between the two storage spaces 40, 40 'is provided with a corresponding cup-shaped recess, in which the rounding of the tilting element 72 is received to guide it in a tilting movement.

In the event that fibers attach to the flap 71, 71 'facing the end of the partition wall between the two storage bays, they can be easily removed by a corresponding tilting, possibly by means of a drive, and one of the two storage bays 40th 40 '.

At the in Fig. 3 Sectionally schematically illustrated, third embodiment, the flap 71 'with its end opposite the free end of a rotatably mounted pivot shaft 34.1' is added eccentrically to the axis of rotation. In Fig. 3 Both adjustment mechanisms for the flaps 71, 71 'are shown. Each flap 71, 71 'is provided with a corresponding mechanism, which are arranged in particular mirror-symmetrical to each other.

The pivot shafts 34.1, 34.1 'are in each case connected by means of a joint linkage 34.2, 34.2' with a servomotor 34.3, 34.3 'designed as adjusting and pivotable through this. With an appropriate design (eg length of the lever arms) of the linkage 34.2, 34.2 ', an extremely rapid and accurate positioning of each associated flap 71, 71' can take place.

The servomotors 34.3, 34.3 'are connected to the machine control via lines and activated by means of appropriate control signals to pivot the flaps 71, 71' in the respectively desired position.

In a modification of this embodiment, a crank drive, in particular cyclically rotating or a toothed belt and / or rack / pinion drive can be provided.

The flaps 71, 71 'are so movable and each externally operable via the respective joint rods 34.2, 34.2' and the respective servomotors 34.3, 34.3 'arranged that the flaps 71, 71' both in a position to form a parallel channel as can also be brought into an at least temporary position for forming an at least converging and / or diverging channel.

The angle enclosed between the flaps 71, 71 'during an adjustment of the flaps 71, 71' from a filling position for a first stowage 40, 40 'to a filling position for a second stowage 40, 40' is changeable, in particular reducible and / or enlargeable.

The flaps 71, 71 'are moved to each other with a time delay. During a change of stowage, first one (for example, inner) flap 71, 71 'is moved, shortly thereafter the other (outer) flap 71, 71' receives its adjusting movement, whereby even faster changes are possible in a quasi-continuous manner, but always still a reliable and uniform filling is guaranteed. This leaves avoid a portionwise, jerky filling with time-delayed successive fiber portions.

The two flaps 71, 71 ', during their pivoting from a first stowage bay 40, 40' to a second stowage bay 40, 40 ', preferably each have different speeds transverse to the direction of conveyance 91 of the at least one auger conveyor 50, 50', in particular with respect to it respective opposite their particular axis of rotation, in particular free end. Thus, for example, a kind of temporary locking function during the change can be realized. If the two flaps 71, 71 'are facing each other temporarily - possibly interlocked and / or positioned over one another - and form a converging channel, then tobacco fibers which accumulate in a short time and continue to arrive from the chute 70 can temporarily accumulate the partition wall between the two Stops passages 40, 40 '"quasi-closed" cross and leave the accumulated fibers in the "new" storage bay 40, 40', without it can lead to deposits on the partition or a collision of the flaps 71, 71 '. Closing and opening movements, in particular continuous, can be brought about in the manner of a "gripper".

Each or at least one flap 71, 71 'has a lower velocity in the initial region of the pivoting path after the beginning and / or in the end region of the pivoting path before the end of its pivoting along the pivoting path, as in the range of about a quarter to about three quarters, preferably from about one-third to about two-thirds, more preferably about half, the pivoting distance. Thus, the respective beginning of the pivoting and the respective end of the pivoting can be gentle and gentle on the material, while quasi "on the move" adjustment takes place at maximum speed in order to reach the new position as quickly as possible. The ranges mentioned are preferred.

The flaps 71, 71 'are by means of the servo motors 34.3, 34.3' the joint rods 34.2, 34.2 'and the pivot shafts 34.1, 34.1' unevenly accelerated and / or unevenly delayed in bearings added.

The flaps 71, 71 'are provided with a fixed predetermined or variably adjustable dwell time over the respective storage shaft 40, 40' persisting. A control and / or regulation via the machine control.

The flaps 71, 71 'are each provided with a desired speed, acceleration, deceleration and / or a desired path-time curve back and forth pivotally. As a result, a wide variety of operating options is given, which, for example, also cleaning operations or troubleshooting, such as by a brief spreading of the flaps 71, 71 ', allow. As well as such a rapid movement that the flaps 71, 71 'trailing vortices are generated, which allow a constant cleaning to the flaps 71, 71' of spaced components, such as on the partition wall of the two storage bays 40, 40 'deposited fibers, although these are outside a mechanical contact possibility.

The flaps 71, 71 'are each taken with their end opposite the free end of the respective rotatably mounted pivot shaft 34.1, 34.1' eccentrically to the respective axis of rotation.

In a modification of this embodiment, a central receptacle can also be provided.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention. This arrangement is a modification of the stowage arrangement according to the document EP 1 454 542 A1 , B1 or the publication IT BO20030125 , which is reproduced there in the single figure. In the present modification, the connecting means 26 of the two flaps 24z disclosed in the two aforementioned publications is removed and omitted, so that the flaps 24z are movable independently of each other. The previously only - without the present modification - passively via the connecting element 26 mitbewegte flap 24z is in the present modification with a separate pivot drive 30z, in particular analogous to the local Verschwenkan-drive 30, provided, which can swing the flap 24z about its pivot axis 27z in a desired position with the desired speed, acceleration, deceleration and / or the desired path-time curve back and forth. The arrangement otherwise has the same configuration as in the document EP 1 454 542 A1 , B1 (paragraphs 0009 to 0014) or in the publication IT BO20030125 described and is removable. The reference numerals, the components indicated by the reference numerals and their function and operation in Fig. 4 were otherwise left as described and used in the aforementioned publications.

In the present claims, the corresponding reference numerals have been added in the form of a supplement to "z".

For the purpose of enabling a concise but nevertheless understandable description of this embodiment, is here expressly to all other details with respect to the present embodiment in the form of a modification to the two documents EP 1 454 542 A1 , B1, in particular paragraphs 0009 to 0014, and / or the publication IT BO20030125 directed. Variations and / or modifications of the above-described embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art, for example, to achieve a more compact design, a less expensive construction, a precise filling of the respective storage bays, a reliable discharge from the respective storage bays, a precise flap positioning or other effects make. Slight deviations from the above-mentioned or in the claims mentioned parallel alignment of the flaps 71, 71 'are possible, especially since an exact parallelism rather only exists theoretically and can realize the advantages of the invention even with minor deviations.

Claims (15)

1. Arrangement in a machine of the tobacco-manufacturing industry producing a strand, for constructing at least two fibre strands having the following features: Feed means (37, 38, 39, 40, 40', 41, 41', 42, 42', 21z) for conveying fibres, which are in particular metered and/or sifted, particularly tobacco on at least two flow surfaces (44, 44', 18z) leading to at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z), wherein the feed means (37-42', 21z) comprise at least two bulking chutes (40, 40', 9z), which are arranged one behind the other transverse to the conveying direction (91) of the at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z), are respectively provided with level monitoring means (32, 33, 32', 33', 32z, 33z) and at least partly overlap in the projection direction transverse to the conveying direction (91) of the at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z), and a loading means (39, 71, 71', 21z, 22z, 24z, 30z) arranged upstream of the at least two bulking chutes (40, 40', 9z), which loading means are optionally switchable to each bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) and which have two flaps (71, 71', 24z) which can move freely relative to one another and can be pivoted respectively around a pivot axis, characterised in that, the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are arranged to be movable and respectively operable remotely (34.2, 34.3, 34.2', 34.3', 30z) in such a way that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) form a channel and take up both a position which runs substantially parallel to the other position as well as a position which is at least temporarily continuous and converges or diverges in sections at least in the transport direction of the material to be conveyed.
2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterised in that the angle included between the flaps (71, 71', 24z) is provided so that it can be changed, during adjustment of the flaps (71, 71', 24z), from a filling position for a first bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) to a filling position for a second bulking chute (40, 40', 9z), in particular reduced and/or increased, in particular by a time-offset movement of the flaps (71, 71', 24z) .
3. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the two flaps (71, 71', 24z) have respectively different speeds transverse to the conveying direction (91) of the at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z) when they pivot from a first bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) to a second bulking chute (40, 40', 9z), in particular in relation to their respective free end which is opposite their respective axis of rotation.
4. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that each or at least one flap (71, 71', 24z) has a lower speed in the initial area of the pivoting range after the beginning and/or in the end area of the pivoting range before the end of their pivoting along the pivoting range than in the area of around a quarter to around three quarters, preferably of around a third to around two thirds, particularly preferably of around half, of the pivoting range.
5. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are mounted so as to be accelerated non-uniformly and/or decelerated non-uniformly.
6. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are provided to remain over the respective bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) with a dwell time which can be predetermined or variably adjusted.
7. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are respectively provided to be pivoted to and fro with a desired speed, acceleration, deceleration and/or a desired distance-time curve.
8. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one of the flaps (71, 71', 24z) is picked up, with its end that is opposite the free end, by a rotatably mounted pivot shaft (34.1, 34.1') eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, and is connected to an adjusting motor (34.3, 34.3'), in particular formed as a servomotor, in particular by means of a reduction or transmission gear, in particular by means of a rod assembly (34.2, 34.2'), in particular a two-armed rod assembly, in particular by means of a toothed belt drive or crank drive, or is picked up by a pivot drive (30z) engaging centrally on one end.
9. Method for constructing at least two fibre strands in a strand machine of the tobacco-manufacturing industry, having the follow features: Conveying fibres using feed means (37, 38, 39, 40, 40', 41, 41', 42, 42', 21z) to convey fibres, which are in particular metered and/or sifted, particularly tobacco, on at least two flow surfaces (44, 44', 18z) leading to at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z), wherein the feed means (37-42', 21z) comprise at least two bulking chutes (40, 40', 9z), which are arranged one behind the other transverse to the conveying direction (91) of the at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z), monitoring (31, 32, 33, 32', 33', 32z, 33z) the level of each bulking chute (40, 40', 9z), which are respectively provided with level monitoring means (32, 33, 32', 33', 32z, 33z), and at least partly overlap in the projection direction transverse to the conveying direction (91) of the at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z), and loading the bulking chutes (40, 40', 9z) by a loading means (39, 71, 71', 21z, 22z, 24z, 30z) arranged upstream of the at least two bulking chutes (40, 40', 9z), alternative switching of the loading means (39, 71, 71', 21z, 22z, 24z, 30z), which are optionally switchable to each bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) and which have two flaps (71, 71, 4z) which can move freely relative to one another and can be pivoted respectively around a pivot axis, characterised in that, the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are moved and respectively operated remotely (34.2, 34.3, 34.2', 34.3', 30z) in such a way that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) form a channel and take up both a position which runs substantially parallel to the other position as well as a position which is at least temporarily continuous and converges or diverges in sections in the transport direction of the material to be conveyed.
10. Method according to Claim 9, characterised in that the angle included between the flaps (71, 71', 24z) is changed, during adjustment of the flaps (71, 71', 24z), from a filling position for a first bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) to a filling position for a second bulking chute (40, 40', 9z), in particular reduced and/or increased, in particular by a time-offset movement of the flaps (71, 71', 24z).
11. Method according to one of Claims 9 or 10, characterised in that the two flaps (71, 71', 24z) have respectively different speeds transverse to the conveying direction (91) of the at least one suction rod conveyor (50, 50', 4z) when they pivot from a first bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) to a second bulking chute (40, 40', 9z), in particular in relation to their respective free end which is opposite their respective axis of rotation, in particular along their respective pivoting range.
12. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterised in that each or at least one flap (71, 71', 24z) has a lower speed in the initial area of the pivoting range after the beginning and/or in the end area of the pivoting range before the end of their pivoting along the pivoting range, than in the area of around a quarter to around three quarters, preferably of around a third to around two thirds, particularly preferably of around half, of the pivoting range.
13. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are accelerated non-uniformly and/or decelerated non-uniformly, in particular relative to one another and/or respectively along their respective pivoting range.
14. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterised in that each or both flaps (71, 71', 24z) remain over the respective bulking chute (40, 40', 9z) with a dwell time which can be predetermined or variably adjusted, in particular between 0.1-5 seconds, preferably 0.3-4 seconds, particularly preferably between 0.5-3 seconds.
15. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 14, characterised in that the flaps (71, 71', 24z) are respectively pivoted to and fro with a desired speed, acceleration, deceleration and/or a desired distance-time curve.

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