DE102013208407A1 - Apparatus and method for changing the level of transport containers that can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10, 100) for the tobacco processing industry and a method for changing the level of transport containers (14) for the tobacco processing industry that can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles for the tobacco processing industry, especially trays, with a receiving station for Receipt of the transport containers (14) and with a transfer device, preferably immediately following the receiving station, for transferring the transport containers (14) to a filling level change position of the transport containers (14) along a transfer path, the transport containers (14) along the transfer path, preferably individually, conveyable or conveyed, In one embodiment of the device it is provided that the transport containers (14) and / or the articles contained in the transport containers (14) with an ionization current of the ionization device (30, 30.a, 30.b, 30.c , 130) acted upon or beau can be hit, the transport containers (14) executing at least one lifting movement and / or at least one lowering movement during the transfer of the transport containers (14) along a transfer path from the receiving station to the emptying position (20).

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method of the tobacco-processing industry for changing the level of filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry filling or filled transport containers of the tobacco industry, especially Schragen, with a receiving station for receiving the transport container and with a, preferably immediately the receiving station subsequent, transfer means for transferring the transport container to a filling level changing position of the transport container along a transfer path, wherein the transport container along the transfer path, preferably individually, be conveyed or conveyed. Furthermore, the invention relates to an installation of the tobacco processing industry for changing the level of filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry filled or filled transport containers of the tobacco processing industry.

In addition, the invention relates to a use of at least one ionization device and a method for changing the level of transportable containers filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry in a device of the tobacco processing industry for changing the level of the transport containers, in particular trays.

In EP-A-2 130 445 An apparatus for sequentially emptying containers filled with rod-shaped products of the tobacco processing industry into an emptying hopper or the like is described, comprising a hopper for feeding products filled with products, a transfer means for transporting the containers filled with products from a pick-up position into the area the emptying magazine and back to a dispensing position are transportable, and arranged below the feeder Abtransporteinrichtung for transporting the emptied container comprises.

Here, for successive emptying of transport containers filled with rod-shaped products of the tobacco industry, the following steps are carried out in an emptying magazine: feeding a container full of rod-shaped articles onto a feeder in the region of a pick-up position of a transfer device, transporting the filled transport container out of the pick-up position the area of the emptying magazine, emptying the transport container in the emptying magazine, transporting the emptied container into a dispensing position, and transporting the emptied container on a Abtransporteinrichtung.

Such level change devices and methods are used in the tobacco processing industry, in particular in the processing of rod-shaped products, e.g. Cigarettes, filter rods or the like, are used. The rod-shaped products, e.g. Filter rods are placed in transport containers, e.g. Schragen, bottled and stored in these for storage and / or further processing. If necessary, the rod-shaped products are fed downstream devices or the so-called emptying magazines.

As containers or transport containers for rod-shaped articles are all suitable storage or storage media, such as. Schragen, shaft trays, boxes and the like viewed. For the automated emptying of the products from the containers they are automatically transported on a feeder in a pick-up position. A transfer device ensures that the full containers are automatically brought automatically from the pick-up position in an emptying position on the emptying magazine or the like and the empty containers back to a dispensing position. From the delivery position, the emptied containers are removed in various ways.

Out EP-A-1 086 628 Further, a device for successive emptying of containers is known, in which a transfer device for transferring a full container to a discharge station and back is designed as a pivoting device. The pivoting device comprises a pivoting arm, on whose free end a cassette for receiving a full container is arranged. In the area of a loading station, a full container is transferred to the cassette. By pivoting the swivel arm on the emptying station, the full container can be emptied and then pivoted back into the feeding station with the reverse pivoting movement.

Furthermore, under the name MAGOMAT trained as Schrageentleerer level change device of HAUNI Maschinenbau AG, Hamburg, known. This tray emptying machine comprises a full tray station, an empty tray station and a tray transport device, by means of which the full trays in the area of a magazine and the emptied drawer can be transported away from the magazine. The tray transport device has a lifting device for vertical movement of the trays in the area of the magazine. In the area of the magazine a turret is arranged.

At the turret two cassettes are arranged for receiving the Schragen. To emptying the Schragen so from the lift device to the Handed over turret. After turning over to empty the tray in the magazine, the turret rotates 180 ° further to its original position and passes the emptied tray from the cassette of the turret to the lifting device, which transports the emptied tray in the area of the Abtransporteinrichtung.

Moreover, in EP-A-1 955 604 a device for filling Schragen or Schachtschragen with rod-shaped products of the tobacco processing industry described, wherein the device comprises a feed element for feeding empty containers in the region of a filling magazine and a discharge element for discharging the filled containers. Each container has well walls for forming multiple wells within the container. The filling magazine is designed with a receiving area for a mass flow formed from the products and a storage area formed from front wall, rear wall, side walls and a bottom wall for products.

The term HCF is used to describe a filling device from HAUNI Maschinenbau AG, Hamburg, on the tray with rod-shaped articles, such as e.g. Filter rods to be filled.

Based on this prior art, the object of the invention is to improve the handling of transport containers for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular during emptying and / or when filling upper in the intended transport use, in a simple manner.

• a.) für die Entleerung der mit stabförmigen Artikeln befüllten Transportbehälter an einer als Entleerungsvorrichtung ausgebildeten Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung die Transportbehälter nach Erreichen einer Entleerungsposition als Füllstandsänderungsposition derart angeordnet sind, dass die der Empfangsstation zugeführten Transportbehälter in der Entleerungsposition kopfüber angeordnet sind, wobei an der Überführungsbahn der Entleerungsvorrichtung für die Transportbehälter und/oder in der Entleerungsposition der Transportbehälter eine Ionisierungseinrichtung zur Verminderung, insbesondere Beseitigung, von elektrostatischen Ladungen auf den Oberflächen der Transportbehälter und/oder der in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikel vorgesehen ist, derart, dass die Transportbehälter und/oder die in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikel mit einem Ionisierungsstrom der Ionisierungseinrichtung beaufschlagt oder beaufschlagbar sind, wobei bei der Überführung der Transportbehälter entlang der Überführungsbahn von der Empfangsstation zur Entleerungsposition die Transportbehälter wenigstens eine Hubbewegung und/oder wenigstens eine Senkbewegung ausführen,
• oder b.) für die Befüllung der mit stabförmigen Artikeln zu befüllenden, vorzugsweise leeren, Transportbehälter an einer als Befüllungsvorrichtung ausgebildeten Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung eine Ionisierungseinrichtung zur Verminderung, insbesondere Beseitigung, von elektrostatischen Ladungen auf den Oberflächen der Transportbehälter und/oder der in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikel vorgesehen ist, derart, dass die Transportbehälter und/oder die in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikel mit einem Ionisierungsstrom der Ionisierungseinrichtung beaufschlagt oder beaufschlagbar sind.

This object is achieved by a device of the tobacco processing industry for changing the level of filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry or filled transport containers of the tobacco industry, especially Schragen, with a receiving station for receiving the transport container and with a, preferably directly to the Receiving station subsequent, transfer means for transferring the transport container to a filling level change position of the transport container along a transfer track, wherein the transport container along the transfer path, preferably individually, be conveyed or conveyed, which is further developed in that

• a.) for emptying the filled with rod-shaped articles transport container on a designed as emptying device level change device, the transport container after reaching a discharge position as level change position are arranged such that the receiving station supplied transport containers are arranged upside down in the emptying position, wherein at the transfer path of the emptying device for the transport container and / or in the emptying position of the transport container an ionization device for reducing, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport container and / or the articles contained in the transport containers is provided, such that the transport container and / or in the transport containers containing an ionizing current of the ionization device acted upon or acted upon, wherein in the transfer of the Transport container along the transfer path from the receiving station to the emptying position, the transport container perform at least one lifting movement and / or at least one lowering movement,
• or b.) for filling the, preferably empty, transport containers to be filled with rod-shaped articles with an ionization device on a filling level device designed as filling device for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers and / or the articles contained in the transport containers is, such that the transport container and / or the articles contained in the transport containers with an ionization of the ionization device are acted upon or acted upon.

The invention is based on the idea that, using an ionizer, the electrostatic charge on plastic transport containers, e.g. Plastic tray, is neutralized, thereby ensuring that when emptying the transport container stick no rod-shaped article on the inside of the transport container. As a result, electrical charges are eliminated on the surfaces of the walls of the transport container, in particular on the inside of the walls of the transport container, whereby it is achieved that a transport container, in particular a tray for bar-shaped products is completely emptied.

Here, the ionization current, which is also referred to as ion current, formed as an air stream, which is enriched with positive and negative ions, whereby disturbing surface charges of the containers and / or charges of located in the containers rod-shaped article can be eliminated. In particular, using a fan or the like, an airflow-assisted ionizing current is directed onto the surfaces of the transport container (s) and / or onto the rod-shaped articles.

It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that using a Ionization the articles contained in the transport containers or be filled with an ionizing current of the ionization respectively acted upon. Possible charges of the rod-shaped articles can be eliminated or at least reduced before and / or during and / or after the emptying of the transport containers on the emptying device and before and / or during and / or after the filling of the transport containers at the filling device by means of one or the ionization device become.

The removal of the surface charges of the transport containers can be carried out both in an emptying device and in a filling device, both of which are used as filling level changing devices for filling or emptying transport containers, such as, for example, trays. In the case of a filling device, the transport containers are conveyed to a filling station without discharge, so that no surface charges form on the inner walls of the transport containers during filling. Subsequently, the filled transport containers are transferred to the emptying station or the emptying device, wherein the delivered transport containers are emptied one after the other at the emptying device.

For the emptying process while the transport container are turned upside down after reaching the receiving station of the emptying device, so that the top of the transport container, which faces upwards at the receiving station is turned by a turn on its head, so that the open end of the transport container down has. Using appropriate lowerable swords or the like, the rod-shaped article from the transport container are placed on a conveyor belt in the emptying position, so that subsequently removed from the transport containers rod-shaped articles are provided for further processing. After complete emptying, the transport containers are conveyed back to a dispensing position, wherein, in particular for this purpose, a removal device for transporting the emptied transport containers is provided below a feed device on the emptying device.

In the case of the emptying device, it is provided that before the emptying or during the emptying of the transport containers they are subjected to an ionizing current. In particular, the transport container is guided past an ionization device during the supply of the transport containers from the receiving station to the emptying position, in particular during the transfer and rotation of the filled transport containers.

In an alternative, it is also possible that after the separation of a transport container before delivery to the emptying position, this is temporarily stopped during the transfer to the emptying position, so that the ionization device is moved relative to the stationary transport container.

In the transfer to the emptying position is further provided that the transfer path is designed so that the transport container perform a lifting movement or a lowering movement, whereby a lateral transverse movement of the transport container in the direction of the narrow sides of the container is omitted or avoided. As a result, a space-saving arrangement of the emptying device is made possible.

In addition, it is provided within the scope of the invention that an ionization device for removing electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the, preferably empty, transport container is also provided on a filling device designed as a filling device, so that prior to filling the empty transport container to the filling device no surface charges the inner walls of the transport container are present. For this purpose, before the delivery of the transport container to a filling station of the filling device, an ionization device can be provided, for example, above the transport container.

In addition, a further development of the device is characterized in that for the emptying and / or filling along the transfer path for the transport container, preferably with a lifting movement and / or with a lowering movement for the transport container, in such an area a pivoting device for the transport container It is provided that by means of the pivoting means, preferably singulated, transport containers are pivoted about a pivot axis or are pivotable, wherein in the region of the pivoting means the ionization device is provided to pressurize the transport containers during their pivoting movement with an ionic current.

In addition, it can be provided in a preferred development that the ionization device is arranged on the transfer path for the transport container such that the transferred or to be transferred transport container from the front or from the back with the ionization with a, preferably supported by a fan, ion current be charged or are. As a result, an effective elimination of the surface charges on the empty or filled transport containers is also achieved.

Moreover, it is provided in one embodiment that when emptying the transport container to the emptying device at the end of the transfer path or the transport container in the emptying position or in the emptying position the ionization device is arranged, the ionization towards or to be emptied or emptied transport containers in the emptying position, in particular vertically and / or horizontally, is movable or is moved.

In this case, the ionization device is moved relative to the stationary in the emptying position held transport container, the ionizing device can dive into the container by a corresponding motion guide, whereby the distance between the ionization device and the inner wall of the transport container is reduced.

In addition, it is also provided in a development that the ionization device is moved vertically along the rear wall or the side walls in order to act upon these walls in accordance with an ion current. Subsequently, the transport containers are brought from the emptying position to a discharge device on the emptying device, so that the unloaded empty transport containers are subsequently delivered to a filling device.

Furthermore, the device is characterized in one embodiment in that the transfer device has a, preferably vertically oriented, lifting device for the transport container and a pivoting device for the transport container with a, preferably horizontal, pivot axis, wherein the one or more transport containers between the lifting device and the pivoting device are transferable.

For this purpose, it is further provided that the transfer device comprises a movable cassette for holding a transport container, wherein the cassette is detachably formed by the lifting device and connected to the pivoting device or the cassette is formed by the pivoting device detachable and connectable to the lifting device. This ensures that the transport containers are safely guided in the level change devices.

In particular, the ionization device for generating an ion current is arranged such that the ion air flow flows in a plane parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting device. As a result, an effective elimination of static charges is achieved.

Moreover, it is advantageous that the ionization device has at least one ionization bar, wherein preferably the longitudinal axis of the ionization bar is formed parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting device. If a plurality of ionization bars are provided for the ionization device, in this case the longitudinal axes of the ionization bars are arranged parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting device.

In addition, the object is achieved by a plant of the tobacco processing industry to change the level of filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry filling or filled transport containers of the tobacco processing industry, wherein at least one filling device for the rod-shaped articles to be filled with transport container and at least one emptying device are provided for the filled with rod-shaped articles transport container, wherein a.) the filling device and / or the emptying device as a device of the tobacco industry for changing the level of filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry filling or filled transport containers of the tobacco processing industry, as above described, are formed and / or wherein b.) between the filling device and the emptying device, a conveyor, in particular conveyor belt , are provided for the Transsportbehälter, wherein on the conveyor an ionization device for reducing, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the moving or moving transport container is provided by the conveyor, such that the transport container with an ionization of the ionization on their conveyor between the filling device and the emptying device or between the emptying device and the filling device are acted upon or acted upon.

In this case, it is provided in the invention that surface charges on the walls of the transport container both in the management of the transport container in the level change devices, such as filling or emptying devices, as well as during transport between a filling device and an emptying device or between an emptying device and a filling device can be done. For this purpose, an ionization device on the conveyor between the emptying device and the filling device for the transport container is provided according to the system in order to apply a corresponding ionizing current to the transport container.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by using at least one ionization device for reducing, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry fillable or filled transport containers of the tobacco processing industry in a device of the tobacco processing industry to change the level of transportable containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, as described above, or in a system as also described above. To avoid repetition, reference is expressly made to the above statements.

• – Bereitstellen von Transportbehältern an einer Empfangsstation einer Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung, insbesondere Zuführen von Transportbehältern zu der Empfangsstation einer Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung,
• – Überführen, vorzugsweise vereinzeltes Überführen, der Transportbehälter entlang einer Überführungsbahn zu einer Füllstandsänderungsposition,
• – Ändern des Füllstands des oder der Transportbehälter für die stabförmigen Artikel a.) durch Entleeren des oder der mit stabförmigen Artikeln der Tabak verarbeitenden Industrie befüllten Transportbehälter oder b.) durch Befüllen des oder der zu befüllenden Transportbehälter mit stabförmigen Artikeln der Tabak verarbeitenden Industrie,

das dadurch weitergebildet wird, dass

• a.) für die Entleerung der mit stabförmigen Artikeln befüllten Transportbehälter an einer als Entleerungsvorrichtung ausgebildeten Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung die Transportbehälter nach Erreichen einer Entleerungsposition als Füllstandsänderungsposition kopfüber angeordnet werden oder sind, die Transportbehälter an der Überführungsbahn der Entleerungsvorrichtung für die Transportbehälter und/oder in der Entleerungsposition unter Verwendung einer Ionisierungseinrichtung zur Verminderung, insbesondere Beseitigung, von elektrostatischen Ladungen auf den Oberflächen der Transportbehälter und/oder der in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikel mit einem Ionisierungsstrom der Ionisierungseinrichtung jeweils beaufschlagt werden, wobei bei der Überführung der Transportbehälter entlang der Überführungsbahn von der Empfangsstation zur Entleerungsposition die Transportbehälter wenigstens eine Hubbewegung und/oder wenigstens eine Senkbewegung ausführen,
• und/oder b.) für die Befüllung die mit stabförmigen Artikeln zu befüllenden, vorzugsweise leeren, Transportbehälter an einer als Befüllungsvorrichtung ausgebildeten Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung unter Verwendung einer Ionisierungseinrichtung zur Verminderung, insbesondere Beseitigung, von elektrostatischen Ladungen auf den Oberflächen der Transportbehälter und/oder der in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikeln mit einem Ionisierungsstrom der Ionisierungseinrichtung beaufschlagt werden
• und/oder c.) die Transportbehälter zwischen einer als Befüllungsvorrichtung ausgebildeten Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung und einer als Entleerungsvorrichtung ausgebildeten Füllstandsänderungsvorrichtung mittels einer Fördereinrichtung, insbesondere Förderband, für die Transsportbehälter gefördert werden, wobei die Transportbehälter unter Verwendung einer Ionisierungseinrichtung zur Verminderung, insbesondere Beseitigung, von elektrostatischen Ladungen auf den Oberflächen der mittels der Fördereinrichtung bewegten oder bewegbaren Transportbehälter und/oder der in den Transportbehältern enthaltenden Artikel mit einem Ionisierungsstrom der Ionisierungseinrichtung auf ihrem Förderweg zwischen der Befüllungsvorrichtung und der Entleerungsvorrichtung oder zwischen der Entleerungsvorrichtung und der Befüllungsvorrichtung beaufschlagt werden.

Moreover, the object is achieved by a method for changing the filling level of transportable containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry in a device of the tobacco processing industry for changing the filling level of the transport containers, in particular slants, wherein preferably the method is described above Device is executed or executable, with the following steps:

• Provision of transport containers at a receiving station of a level-change device, in particular feeding of transport containers to the receiving station of a level-changing device,
• Transfer, preferably occasional transfer, of the transport container along a transfer path to a filling level change position,
• Changing the filling level of the transporting container or containers for the rod-shaped articles a.) By emptying the transport container or containers filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry or b.) By filling the transport container or containers to be filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry,

which is further developed by that

• a.) for emptying the filled with rod-shaped articles transport container on a trained as emptying device level adjustment device, the transport container after reaching a discharge position as a level change position are arranged upside down or are the transport container at the transfer track of the emptying device for the transport container and / or in the emptying position using an ionization device for reducing, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers and / or the articles contained in the transport containers are subjected to an ionization current of the ionization respectively, wherein during the transfer of the transport container along the transfer path from the receiving station to the emptying position the transport container perform at least one lifting movement and / or at least one lowering movement,
• and / or b.) for filling the, preferably empty, transport container to be filled with rod-shaped articles on a filling device designed as filling device using an ionizing device for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers and / or in the Articles containing transport containers are subjected to an ionization current of the ionization device
• and / or c.) the transport containers are conveyed between a filling level changing device designed as a filling device and a filling level changing device by means of a conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt, for the transport containers, the transport containers using ionizing means for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges the surfaces of the transport containers moved or movable by means of the conveyor and / or of the articles contained in the transport containers are subjected to an ionization current of the ionization device on their conveying path between the filling device and the emptying device or between the emptying device and the filling device.

For this purpose, it is provided in a development of the method that the transport containers are pivoted by means of a pivoting about a, preferably horizontal, pivot axis for emptying and / or for filling, wherein the pivoting device along, preferably with a lifting movement and / or lowering movement for Transport container formed, transfer path is provided, wherein the transport container during and / or after the pivoting movement with a, preferably supported by a fan, ion current are applied.

Moreover, in the method it is furthermore preferred for the transport containers to be subjected to an ion current through the ionization device during their transfer in a filling level change device on the front side and / or on the rear side.

A favorable embodiment of the method is further characterized in that in the filling level changing device, in particular the filling device and / or the Emptying device, the ionization device is moved relative to the transport container or the transport containers, wherein the ion current of the ionization device is directed to the surface of the transport container.

In addition, it is favorable in one embodiment of the method that in the emptying device filled with rod-shaped articles transport container by means of a lifting device, preferably vertically, then transferred to the pivoting device and brought by means of the pivoting device in the emptying position for emptying, and that after the Emptying the transport containers are pivoted back and handed over to the lift and then be promoted to a discharge station.

For this purpose, it is further provided that the transport containers are subjected to an ion current during emptying in the emptying position and / or after emptying.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

1 schematically a side view of a device for emptying filled with rod-shaped articles transport containers;

2 a side view of a device for emptying transport containers of the tobacco processing industry according to a second embodiment;

3 schematically a side view of an apparatus for emptying transport containers of the tobacco processing industry according to another embodiment and

4 schematically a device for filling of transport containers with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

In the 1 to 3 are each the procedures in a side view of devices 10 for emptying of transport containers filled with rod-shaped articles 14 shown schematically. The devices 10 for emptying the transport containers are devices for changing the level of the transport container.

The in the 1 to 3 shown device 10 for emptying the transport container comprises a feeder 11 , for the transport containers filled with rod-shaped articles 14 , a removal facility 12 for transporting emptied containers and a transfer device 13 , By means of the feeder 11 become filled with rod-shaped articles transport container 14 the transfer facility 13 fed.

The feeder 11 is above the horizontally oriented Abtransporteinrichtung 12 arranged and runs substantially horizontally. Substantially horizontal also expressly means a slope with an angle> 0 ° and <5 ° with respect to the horizontal plane, so that at an inclination> 0 °, the feeder 11 towards the transfer facility 13 slightly drops, leaving the transport container 14 with respect to a vertical orientation inclined by a corresponding angle on the feeder.

Preferably, an inclination of 3 ° for the feeder 11 selected from the vertical. As a result, the rod-shaped article are within the filled transport container 14 safe on the back wall 15 the transport container 14 at. The removal facility 12 is here for transporting the emptied transport container 14 intended.

By means of the transfer device 13 become the transport containers filled with rod-shaped articles 14 from a pick-up position 17 in the area of an emptying magazine 18 with an emptying position 20 and back to a delivery position 19 promoted. The emptying magazine 18 can be part of the device 10 for emptying or as a separate part below the emptying position 20 be arranged.

In addition, it is provided in the context of the invention that the transfer device 13 comprises a cassette which is vertically movable and pivotable. Furthermore, it is provided in the context of the invention that the (not shown here) cassette for holding the transport container 14 is formed and arranged throughout the emptying process, whereby the cassette corresponding means for holding and / or gripping the transport container 14 whereby the containers are fixed in a predetermined position within the cassette.

Furthermore, it is provided in the context of the invention that the device 10 a lift device as part of the transfer device 13 has, whereby the transport container 14 from the pick-up position 17 in a transfer position 22 in the range of a pivoting device and back to the dispensing position 13 to be moved. In this case, preferably, the (not shown here) lifting device vertically extending guide rails or the like, in which a lift fork or the like is guided and a corresponding drive means for this purpose. Furthermore, the lifting fork (not shown here) of the lifting device has means for receiving and locking the cassette.

After the transport container 14 from the pick-up position 17 be lifted by means of the lifting device is in the transfer position 22 a (not shown here) pivoting device of the transfer device 13 provided, wherein the pivoting device between the transfer position 22 and the emptying position 20 is arranged, whereby an over-head pivoting movement of the filled with rod-shaped articles transport container 14 along with the transport container 14 holding cassette is performed, so that after execution of the over-head pivoting movement, the filled transport container 14 above the emptying magazine 18 are arranged.

For carrying out the pivoting movement of the transport container 14 the pivoting device is arranged at the upper end of the guide rails and forms a pivoting head. To get out of the pickup position 17 provided transport container 14 above the emptying magazine 18 to arrange, is the cassette for the transport container 14 detachable from the lifting device and connected to the pivoting device or when returning the emptied transport container 14 the cassette is detachable from the pivoting device and connectable to the lifting device.

For further details of the device 10 for emptying transport containers is on the document EP 2 130 445 A1 See, in which a corresponding device for emptying filled with rod-shaped articles transport containers is described in detail. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the statements in this document, wherein the disclosure of this European patent application is also fully incorporated in the disclosure of the present patent application.

The for the transport container 14 provided pivoting device for the over-head pivoting movement of the transport container 14 has a rotatable and stationary shaft 29 on.

In addition, in the context of the invention, a lifting device for transporting the emptied transport container from the dispensing position 19 on the removal facility 12 intended.

Furthermore, in the device 10 provided that for the transport containers 14 provided cassettes have a closing element to the falling out of the rod-shaped article from the filled transport containers 14 especially during the overhead swing motion. The closing element is, for example, a one-piece or two-piece pull-sword, which is actuated by means of a drive (not shown here).

After a filled with rod-shaped articles transport container 14 via the feeder 11 the device 10 is fed, in each case a filled transport container 14 from the pick-up position 17 in the emptying position 20 in the area of the emptying magazine 18 transported. The transport takes place by means of a vertical movement of the lifting device upwards. In the area of the transfer position 20 the cassette is released from the lifting device and connected to the pivoting device. Following this is by a rotation of the shaft 29 a pivoting movement of the pivoting device together with the cassette and arranged in the cassette transport container 14 executed, so that the transport container 14 above the head above the emptying magazine 18 is arranged.

Thereafter, the closing element, in particular sword, the container 14 open, allowing the rod-shaped products down in the emptying position from the transport container 14 in the emptying magazine 18 fall. After complete emptying of the container 14 pivots the cassette with the emptied transport container 14 back, so that after execution of the pivoting movement of the emptied transport container 14 detached from the pivoting device and connected to the lifting device. Subsequently, the lifting device transports the emptied transport container 14 down to the delivery position 19 , During the entire emptying process from the pick-up position to the area of the emptying magazine 18 and back to the delivery position 19 the transport container is held in the up and down movable and pivoting cassette.

In the embodiment in 1 has the device 10 for emptying the transport container in the region of the pivoting device or in the region of the transfer position 20 an ionization device 30 on, by means of the transport containers 14 be subjected during and / or after the pivoting movement with an ionizing current, whereby the electrostatic charges of the walls of the transport container 14 , in particular the Bottom wall and the rear wall of the transport container 14 , and / or in the transport containers 14 contained rod-shaped article eliminated or at least reduced. This ensures that during the emptying no rod-shaped products on the walls of the transport container 14 adhere by electrostatic forces. Thus, a complete emptying of the transport container 14 in the emptying position 20 reached.

Preferably, the ionization device 30 one or more ionization bars parallel to the shaft 29 or pivot axis of the (not shown here) pivoting device for the container 14 are aligned. In addition, the ionization device has 30 additionally in one embodiment, a fan, whereby an ionized air flow to avoid or eliminate electrical charges of the walls of the transport container 14 , in particular of charges of the bottom wall and the rear wall of the transport container 14 , and / or in the transport containers 14 formed rod-shaped article is formed.

At the in 1 illustrated device 10 lead the transport containers 14 no sideward movement to the narrow sides of the transport container 14 from, in particular after lifting by means of the lifting device and during the pivoting movement by means of the pivoting device.

In the context of the invention is further provided that already during the pivoting movement of the transport container by means of the (not shown here) pivoting means the walls of the transport container 14 at the ionization device 30 be passed, whereby the electrical charges on the walls or the surface charges on the walls, in particular on the bottom wall and the rear wall of the transport container 14 , and / or the charges in the transport containers 14 contained rod-shaped article eliminated or at least reduced.

According to the embodiment in 2 become the transport containers 14 during the vertical movement by means of the lifting device subjected to an ion current. It is provided within the scope of the invention that an ionization device 30.a is provided to the front of the filled transport container 14 and thus in the transport containers 14 To be charged contained rod-shaped article with an ionic current. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that an ionization device 30.b is arranged such that the back or the rear wall 15 the transport container 14 with an ion current to avoid surface charges is applied, the rear wall 15 usually provided with openings, which also, if necessary, in the transport container 14 contained rod-shaped article are at least partially acted upon by an ion current.

In the embodiment in 3 is an ionization device 30.c in the area of the emptying position 20 provided, wherein the ionization device 30.c is formed horizontally and vertically movable. Here, in the context of the invention, a corresponding drive for the ionization device 30.c provided so that the ionization device 30.c along the transport container to be emptied 14 is moved. It can also be provided within the scope of the invention that the ionization device 30.c on the front in the open transport container 14 is introduced and along the wall or along the free rear wall 15 of the transport container 14 is moved vertically up and down. In this case, it can furthermore be provided that the ionization device 30.c synchronously with a cover on the front of the transport container is moved. In addition, it can be provided that the ionization device 30.c is designed to be movable horizontally, so that the ionization device in the partially emptied Schragen or transport container 14 can dive.

In 4 is a schematic side view of a device 100 for filling transport containers of the tobacco processing industry shown schematically.

The device 100 for filling the transport container 14 has a feeder 111 for the empty and to be filled transport container 14 on. The feeder 111 is above a removal facility 112 arranged. The feeder 111 and the discharge device 112 are preferably designed as conveyor belts or the like.

Input side of the device 100 is above the over the feeder 111 supplied transport container 14 at the input side of the device 100 an ionization device 130 arranged so that when transporting the empty transport container horizontally 14 this with an ion current of the ionization device 130 be charged. As a result, cargo-free transport containers 14 a filling station or a filling device at a filling position 120 conveyed.

After filling the transport container 14 , also referred to as Schragen, are filled with rod-shaped articles transport containers 14 on the removal facility 112 provided or this conveyed, so that the filled transport container 14 then via a corresponding conveyor of a device for emptying the transport container 14 (see. 1 to 3 ) be delivered. As a result, a system for changing the levels of the transport container 14 with a device 10 for emptying the transport container 14 (see. 1 to 3 ) and with a device 100 for filling the transport container 14 educated.

In the context of the invention is further provided that during transport between the two devices mentioned the transport container 14 by means of a on the conveyor track of the transport container 14 arranged ionization device are subjected to an ion current, whereby the surface charges are largely eliminated or avoided on the walls of the transport container made of plastic.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are identified by "particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 contraption

11

 feeding

12

 transporting device

13

 Transfer device

14

 transport container

15

 rear wall

17

 collection position

18

 discharge hopper

19

 delivery position

20

 emptying

22

 Transfer position

29

 Pivot axis / shaft

30

 ionization

30.a, 30.b, 30.c

 ionization

100

 contraption

111

 feeding

112

 transporting device

120

 filling

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 2130445A [0003]
• EP 1086628 A [0007]
• EP 1955604A [0010]
• EP 2130445 A1 [0057]

Claims (16)

Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) of the tobacco processing industry for changing the filling level of transport containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry ( 14 ) of the tobacco processing industry, in particular Schragen, with a receiving station for receiving the transport containers ( 14 ) and with a, preferably immediately subsequent to the receiving station, transfer device for transferring the transport container ( 14 ) to a filling level changing position of the transport containers ( 14 ) along a transfer track, the transport containers ( 14 ) along the transfer path , preferably individually, conveyed or conveyed, characterized in that a.) For the emptying of the filled with rod-shaped articles transport container ( 14 ) on an emptying device ( 10 ) formed level change device ( 10 ) the transport containers ( 14 ) after reaching a discharge position ( 20 ) are arranged as fill level change position such that the receiving station supplied to the transport container ( 14 ) in the emptying position ( 20 ) are arranged upside down, wherein at the transfer track of the emptying device ( 10 ) for the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the emptying position ( 20 ) the transport container ( 14 ) an ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) is provided such that the transport container ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) with an ionization current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) are acted upon or acted upon, wherein during the transfer of the transport container ( 14 ) along the transfer path from the receiving station to the emptying position ( 20 ) the transport containers ( 14 ) carry out at least one lifting movement and / or at least one lowering movement, or b.) for the filling of, preferably empty, transport containers to be filled with rod-shaped articles ( 14 ) on a filling device ( 100 ) formed level change device ( 100 ) an ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) is provided such that the transport container ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) with an ionization current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) are acted upon or acted upon. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that for the emptying and / or for filling along the transfer path for the transport container ( 14 ), preferably with a lifting movement and / or with a lowering movement for the transport containers ( 14 ), in one area a pivoting device for the transport container ( 14 ) is provided such that by means of the pivoting device, preferably singulated, transport containers ( 14 ) are pivoted about a pivot axis or are pivotable, wherein in the region of the pivoting device, the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) is provided to the transport container ( 14 ) to apply during its pivoting movement with an ion current. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) at the transfer track for the transport containers ( 14 ) is arranged such that the transferred or to be transferred transport container ( 14 ) from the front or the back with the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) are acted upon with a, preferably by a fan assisted, ion current or are. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when emptying the transport container ( 14 ) at the emptying device ( 10 ) at the end of the transfer path for the transport container (s) ( 14 ) in the area of the emptying position ( 20 ) or in the emptying position ( 20 ) the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ), the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) relative to the transport container (s) to be emptied or emptied ( 14 ) in the emptying position ( 20 ), in particular vertically and / or horizontally, is movable or is moved. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transfer device comprises a, preferably vertically oriented, lifting device for the transport container ( 14 ) and a pivoting device for the transport container ( 14 ) having a, preferably horizontal, pivot axis, wherein the one or more transport containers ( 14 ) can be transferred between the lifting device and the pivoting device. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the transfer device comprises a movable cassette for holding a transport container ( 14 ), wherein the cassette is detachably formed by the lifting device and connectable to the pivoting device or the cassette is detachably formed by the pivoting device and connectable to the lifting device. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) is arranged for generating an ion current such that the ion air flow flows in a plane parallel to the pivot axis of the pivoting device. Contraption ( 10 . 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) has at least one Ionisationsstab, wherein preferably the longitudinal axis of the Ionisationsstabs parallel to the pivot axis ( 29 ) of the pivoting device is formed. Plant of the tobacco processing industry for changing the filling level of transport containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry ( 14 ) of the tobacco processing industry, wherein at least one filling device ( 100 ) for the transport containers to be filled with rod-shaped articles ( 14 ) and at least one emptying device ( 10 ) for the transport containers filled with rod-shaped articles ( 14 ), wherein a.) the filling device ( 100 ) and / or the emptying device ( 10 ) as a device ( 10 . 100 ) of the tobacco processing industry for changing the filling level of transport containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry ( 14 ) of the tobacco processing industry are designed according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or wherein b.) between the filling device ( 100 ) and the emptying device ( 10 ) a conveying device, in particular a conveyor belt, for the transport containers ( 14 ) are provided, wherein at the conveyor an ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for the reduction, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers moved or moved by means of the conveyor ( 14 ) is provided, such that the transport container ( 14 ) with an ionization current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) on its conveying path between the filling device ( 100 ) and the emptying device ( 10 ) or between the emptying device ( 10 ) and the filling device ( 100 ) are acted upon or acted upon. Use of at least one ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for the reduction, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of transport containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco industry ( 14 ) of the tobacco processing industry in a device ( 10 . 100 ) of the tobacco processing industry for changing the filling level of transport containers which can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry ( 14 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or in a plant according to claim 9. Method for changing the filling level of transport containers that can be filled or filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry ( 14 ) in a device ( 10 . 100 ) of the tobacco processing industry for changing the level of the transport containers ( 14 ), in particular Schragen, wherein preferably the method in a device ( 10 . 100 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or executable, comprising the following method steps: - providing transport containers ( 14 ) at a receiving station of a filling level changing device, in particular feeding of transport containers ( 14 ) to the receiving station of a level-change device, - Transfer, preferably a single transfer, the transport container ( 14 ) along a transfer track to a level change position, - changing the level of the transport container (s) ( 14 ) for the rod-shaped articles a.) by emptying the transport container or containers filled with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry ( 14 ) or b.) by filling the transport container (s) to be filled ( 14 ) with rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry, characterized in that a.) For emptying the filled with rod-shaped articles transport container ( 14 ) on an emptying device ( 10 ) formed level change device the transport container ( 14 ) after reaching a discharge position ( 20 ) are arranged as a level change position upside down or are, the transport container ( 14 ) at the transfer track of the emptying device ( 10 ) for the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the emptying position ( 20 ) using an ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) Article with an ionization current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) are applied, wherein during the transfer of the transport container ( 14 ) along the transfer path from the receiving station to the emptying position ( 20 ) the transport containers ( 14 ) carry out at least one lifting movement and / or at least one lowering movement, and / or b.) for filling the, preferably empty, transport containers to be filled with rod-shaped articles ( 14 ) on a filling device ( 100 ) formed level change device using an ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for reducing, in particular eliminating, electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) with an ionization current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) and / or c.) the transport containers ( 14 ) between a filling device ( 100 ) formed level change device and a discharge device ( 10 ) formed level change device by means of a conveyor, in particular conveyor belt, are promoted for the Transsportbehälter, wherein the transport container ( 14 ) using an ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) for the reduction, in particular elimination, of electrostatic charges on the surfaces of the transport containers moved or moved by means of the conveyor ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) with an ionization current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) on its conveying path between the filling device ( 100 ) and the emptying device ( 10 ) or between the emptying device ( 10 ) and the filling device ( 100 ). Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the transport containers ( 14 ) are pivoted by means of a pivoting device about a, preferably horizontal, pivot axis for the emptying and / or for the filling, wherein the pivoting device along, preferably with a lifting movement and / or lowering movement for the transport container ( 14 ), transfer lane is provided, the transport containers ( 14 ) are acted upon during and / or after the pivoting movement with a, preferably supported by a fan, ion current. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the transport containers ( 14 ) and / or in the transport containers ( 14 ) during their transfer in a level change device on the front side and / or on the back with an ion current through the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ). Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that in the filling level changing device, in particular the filling device ( 100 ) and / or the emptying device ( 10 ), the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) opposite the transport container ( 14 ) or the transport containers ( 14 ), wherein the ion current of the ionization device ( 30 . 30.a . 30.b . 30.c . 130 ) on the surface of the transport containers ( 14 ). Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that in the emptying device ( 10 ) the transport containers filled with rod-shaped articles ( 14 ) by means of a lifting device, preferably vertically raised, then passed to the pivoting device and by means of the pivoting device in the emptying position ( 20 ) are emptied, and that after emptying the transport container ( 14 ) are swung back and handed over to the lift facility and then conveyed to a discharge station. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the transport containers ( 14 ) during emptying in the emptying position ( 20 ) and / or after emptying with an ionic current.

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