DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING NON-TOBACCO RELATED MATERIALS FROM A MASS FLOW OF SMALL PARTS AND USE OF THE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (a) to German Application No. 10 2024 118 769.7 filed Jul. 2, 2024, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The invention relates to a device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow of small parts. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such a device. In addition, the invention relates to a method for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow with a device for separating non-tobacco related materials.

2. Discussion of Background Information

[0003]Devices for separating non-tobacco related materials from a tobacco flow as an exemplary mass flow are known. Such a device emerges, by way of example, from EP 2 684 471 A1. In said device, a mass flow of tobacco fibers is fed by a feed device in a transport plane to the device for separating non-tobacco related materials. The non-tobacco related materials are detected in the tobacco flow with a camera arrangement and are blown out downstream with the aid of a nozzle strip oriented transversely to the conveying direction of the tobacco flow. During said rejection process, the detected non-tobacco related material is specifically hit by a jet of air exiting from the nozzle strips. The non-tobacco related material obtains a pulse which deflects it from the transport direction and feeds it to a collecting device for non-tobacco related materials in a rejection direction. The non-tobacco related materials recognized with the camera arrangement are extracted precisely by means of a jet of compressed air. However, due to the high rejection speed, they find their way into the collecting device, which is usually arranged below the mass flow, at high speed. It has been observed on various occasions that rejected non-tobacco related materials cannot remain at the bottom of the collecting device and be conveyed away from there, but rather bounce off the bottom of the collecting device and rebound into the purified mass flow. Thus, rejected non-tobacco related materials end up again, undesirably, in the good product. This reduces the sorting efficiency and lowers the achievable quality of the good product flow.

SUMMARY

[0004]Embodiments are directed to a device and method for separating non-tobacco related materials and, furthermore, the use of such a device, in which the sorting efficiency of the separation of non-tobacco related materials is to be improved.

[0005]In embodiments, a device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow of small parts includes a feed device which is designed to guide the mass flow in a transport area and to convey it in a transport direction, a detection device which is designed to detect a non-tobacco related material in the mass flow and to generate and to transmit a non-tobacco related material detection signal, a rejection device which is designed to receive the non-tobacco related material detection signal and to remove the non-tobacco related material pneumatically from the mass flow by applying a pulse directed transversely to the transport direction of the mass flow in a rejection direction to the non-tobacco related material and deflecting the latter as a result, a discharge device which is designed to receive and to provide the mass flow purified of the non-tobacco related material, and a non-tobacco related material receiving device which is designed and arranged to receive the deflected non-tobacco related material. The non-tobacco related material receiving device has a retaining device in the form of a chute, having at least one deflecting member, wherein chute walls of the retaining device delimit a retaining volume and the deflecting member, inclined by an angle lying in a rejection plane in which the transport direction and the rejection direction lie, extends with its free end into the retaining volume, starting from a fastening position on one of the chute walls, so that the free end is arranged downstream of the fastening position in the rejection direction.

[0006]The deflecting member advantageously improves the sorting efficiency of the separation of non-tobacco related materials. The deflecting member provided in the retaining device in the form of a chute has two effects on the non-tobacco related materials rejected from the mass flow. A first effect consists of a collision of the non-tobacco related material moving in the rejection direction. A second effect consists of a collision of a rebounding non-tobacco related material which is substantially moving in the opposite direction to the rejection direction, and could leave the retaining device again as it continues moving. The possibility cannot be excluded that such a non-tobacco related material will find its way back into the good product flow.

[0007]According to the first effect, the deflecting member ensures that the non-tobacco related material deflected in the rejection direction is deflected at a shallow angle to the rejection direction by a collision with the upper side of the deflecting member in the direction of a lower region of the retaining device located downstream in the rejection direction. Since the deflecting member is inclined with respect to the rejection direction, the possibility of a direct rebound of the non-tobacco related material, which deflects the latter in a direction which is substantially directed in the opposite direction to the rejection direction, is excluded. This very significantly reduces the probability that the non-tobacco related material will find its way back into the good product flow. If, as a result of one or more impact processes, the non-tobacco related material should actually by chance obtain a direction of movement which is opposite the rejection direction, such a rebounding non-tobacco related material will quite probably collide with an underside of the deflecting member. Since, as already mentioned, the deflecting member is inclined with respect to the chute wall of the retaining device, the non-tobacco related material is directed against the chute wall following said collision process. From there, the non-tobacco related material either finds its way back against the underside of the deflecting member or directly into lower regions of the retaining device, which lie downstream of the point of collision in the rejection direction. The deflecting member ensures that it is less probable that the non-tobacco related material will leave the retaining device in the direction of the good product flow. Both of the aforementioned effects improve the sorting efficiency of the devices for separating non-tobacco related material.

[0008]The retaining device is preferably arranged geodetically below the mass flow, that is to say, lower in the direction of gravity. During the sorting process, the mass flow flies over an upper opening of the retaining device in a propulsion path. A separating edge provided at the upper opening of the retaining device separates the rejected non-tobacco related materials from the good product flow. In such an arrangement, the non-tobacco related material is separated under the additional gravitational effect. However, such an arrangement is by no means mandatory. However, the gravity acting on the non-tobacco related material advantageously ensures that the deflected non-tobacco related material finds it way deeper into the retaining device as a consequence of the gravitational effect. This reduces the probability of the non-tobacco related material finding its way back into the good product flow against gravity.

[0009]According to an embodiment, a conveyor belt is provided on the bottom of the retaining device located downstream in the rejection direction, i.e., at the lower end of the retaining device. Said conveyor belt extends with its transport surface in particular vertically to the chute walls. The conveyor belt is designed to transport the discarded non-tobacco related materials away and, in this way, to remove them from the retaining device.

[0010]The conveyor belt replaces the triangular-shaped bottom plates, for example, utilized in many conventional retaining devices. In the case of conventional retaining devices, the triangular-shaped bottom plates in the deflection plane ensure a reduced probability of rejected non-tobacco related materials finding their way back directly into the good product flow due to a collision process with the bottom of the retaining device. The non-tobacco related material colliding with an upper side of such a triangular plate will quite probably be deflected in the direction of a chute wall, that is to say, it does not find its way directly back into the good product flow in the opposite direction to the rejection direction. According to aspects of the invention, triangular bottom plates can be dispensed with in the case of the retaining device due to the deflecting members provided. Dispensing with triangular bottom plates makes it possible to integrate a conveying device, in particular a flat conveyor belt, the upper side of which is substantially oriented vertically to the chute walls, at the bottom of the retaining device.

[0011]Due to the at least one deflecting member, the retaining device acts as a kind of non-tobacco related material snare. That is to say that the inclined deflecting member, the free end of which protrudes into the retaining volume, in other words extends diagonally downward away from the chute wall into the retaining volume, acts in a similar manner to a trap. It prevents the non-tobacco related materials from moving backward.

[0012]The rejection direction extends in particular transversely, furthermore, in particular, vertically, to a transport area in which the feed device guides the mass flow. The transport area is in particular a plane. In practice, the rejection direction will vary depending on the mass of the non-tobacco related material to be discarded and also depending on the quality of the direct hit attained by means of the rejection device, that is to say the question of whether the non-tobacco related material is hit directly or, if applicable, only grazed. A mean rejection direction can be determined. To this end, a mean value can be determined over a plurality of rejection events, which is assumed to be the rejection direction.

[0013]The rejection device is in particular a nozzle strip which extends transversely to the transport direction, in particular at least substantially vertically to the transport direction.

[0014]According to an embodiment, the device is further developed in that the retaining device is cuboid, the deflecting member is plate-shaped and the fastening position is linear.

[0015]The large flat sides of the cuboid retaining device are oriented in particular transversely to the deflection plane and furthermore, in particular, at least substantially vertically to the deflection plane. Furthermore, in particular, the large sides of the cuboid retaining device are oriented transversely, and furthermore, in particular, at least substantially vertically to the transport area. In particular, the chute walls of the retaining device have a rigid configuration. The chute walls are, for example, plate-shaped, furthermore manufactured from metal, for example. The deflecting member is formed, for example, as a lamella extending transversely to the deflecting plane and inclined diagonally downward into the retaining volume. It extends furthermore, in particular, along a linear fastening position. The lamellar formed deflecting member is fastened with its long side edges to the linear fastening position on the chute wall of the retaining device. Starting from the chute wall, the deflecting member extends in the direction of its short side edge in the direction of the retaining volume. A deflecting member having a lamellar or plate-shaped configuration has proven to be very efficient in practice.

[0016]According to an embodiment, it is provided that the angle by which the deflecting member is inclined is greater than or equal to 45°, in particular between 45° and 60°. The angle is measured between a direction, which extends in the deflection plane, starting from the fastening position to the free end of the deflecting member, and the rejection direction.

[0017]The indicated angular ranges efficiently prevent the discarded non-tobacco related materials from rebounding. On the one hand, an angle in the indicated range ensures that a non-tobacco related material, which is discarded from the mass flow in the rejection direction, colliding with the upper side of the deflecting member finds its way into the interior of the retaining device at a shallow angle (first effect). Thanks to this impact process, the non-tobacco related material finds its way deeper into the retaining device. The non-tobacco related material is prevented from rebounding directly into the mass flow and, consequently, the good product flow as a consequence of an individual impact process in a direction opposite to the rejection direction. In addition, a correspondingly inclined deflecting member ensures that any non-tobacco related material which may bounce off the bottom of the retaining device will quite probably collide with an underside of the deflecting member. From there, the non-tobacco related material is deflected in the direction of the chute wall to which the deflecting member is fastened (second effect). A rebounding of the non-tobacco related material into the good product flow is, in turn, efficiently avoided. The angles mentioned are particularly well suited to the intended function of the deflecting members.

[0018]According to a further embodiment, the device is further developed in that the retaining device has multiple deflecting members. In particular, the deflecting members are inclined by different angles. Furthermore, in particular, the angle by which the deflecting members are inclined in each case decreases as the distance from the rejection device increases.

[0019]In other words, the lower the deflecting members are arranged within the retaining device, the shallower the angle they are arranged at. Thus, the deflecting members provided in the upper region of the retaining device can substantially create a collision with their upper side in the sense that the colliding non-tobacco related materials are deflected deeper into the retaining device (first effect). The lower deflecting members, which are arranged at a shallower angle, substantially make available the second effect, in which the non-tobacco related materials which may rebound from the bottom of the retaining device collide with said deflecting members from the underside. A shallow angle therefor causes that the retaining device efficiently provides the second effect, a rebounding of the non-tobacco related materials is avoided. The collision from the upper side (first effect), which in principle turns out less favorably at a shallower angle, only plays a subordinate role in the case of said deflecting members arranged deep in the retaining device. On the one hand, the kinetic energy of the rejected non-tobacco related materials in the lower region of the retaining device is already reduced. On the other hand, the rejected non-tobacco related materials will very probably already be deflected from their original direction by the deflecting members higher up.

[0020]In particular, the angle is measured between a direction, which extends in the deflection plane, starting from the fastening position to the free end of the deflecting member, and the deflection direction.

[0021]According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the angle(s) of the deflecting member or of the deflecting members is/are variable and/or adjustable.

[0022]The possibility of adjusting the angle or angles of one or more deflecting members makes it possible to adapt the retaining device individually to the respective sorting task. Thus, the device for separating non-tobacco related materials can, for example, be adapted to the material of the mass flow and to the type of the non-tobacco related materials to be expected. For example, it is possible to adapt said device to a grain size or fiber length of the particles present in the mass flow. Equally, it is possible to adapt said device to a size and/or mass of the expected non-tobacco related materials. The device for separating non-tobacco related materials can be optimally adapted to the intended or expected rejection process and the rejected non-tobacco related materials.

[0023]According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device is, furthermore, further developed in that the chute walls are air-permeable in sections, in particular have air-permeable regions, wherein the air-permeable regions are furthermore, in particular, arranged in a portion of the chute wall, the dimensions of which are defined by a projection of the deflecting member into an area, in particular a plane, of the chute wall, wherein grids and/or sieves are furthermore, in particular, integrated into the chute walls in an air-permeable manner as air-permeable regions.

[0024]During the rejection process, the non-tobacco related materials are shot out of the mass flow with the aid of a blast of air. In the case of a large number of rejection processes, the blasts of air utilized for the removal of the individual non-tobacco related materials can add up to a considerable volumetric flow. In other words, a high number and frequency of performed rejection processes can result in an air flow directed into the retaining volume, which leads to an excess pressure within the retaining device. Said excess pressure could be exclusively dissipated via the inlet opening of the retaining device, that is to say in the direction of the mass flow from which the non-tobacco related materials are removed. An air flow which is directed in the opposite direction to the rejection direction would occur. Said effect can lead to rejected non-tobacco related materials floating up in the described air flow in the opposite direction to the rejection direction and being transported in the direction of the good product flow, or at least being transported away at a reduced speed in the rejection direction. In order to avoid said effect, or at least to reduce it quantitatively, the air-permeable regions are provided in the chute walls. Any excess pressure which may arise in the retaining volume can be quickly dissipated via said air-permeable regions. The extraction of the non-tobacco related materials is further improved.

[0025]According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device is further developed in that the retaining device is cuboid and the large flat sides of the cuboid opposite one another form a first and a second chute wall, wherein the first and second chute walls each extend in a plane transversely, in particular vertically, to the rejection plane, and the rejection direction runs at least approximately parallel to the planes, wherein at least one deflecting member is provided in each case on the first and the second chute wall.

[0026]The effect of the retaining effect can be improved by arranging deflecting members on the chute walls opposite one another, that is to say, on both chute walls of the retaining device. Such a device can, furthermore, be further developed in that the deflecting members provided on different chute walls are arranged at different distances from the rejection device. In other words, the deflecting members can be arranged opposite one another, that is to say at the same height in each case, viewed in a cross-section parallel to the rejection plane, or arranged offset from one another on the chute walls opposite one another.

[0027]According to a further embodiment, it is furthermore provided that multiple deflecting members are provided in each case on the first and the second chute wall. Viewed in the rejection direction, the deflecting members arranged on the first chute wall are positioned between the deflecting members arranged on the second chute wall. In other words, the deflecting members are arranged alternately offset from one another on alternating chute walls.

[0028]The fastening positions of the deflecting members provided on the first chute wall specify a plurality of different first distances from the rejection device. The fastening positions of the deflecting members provided on the second chute wall specify a plurality of different second distances from the rejection device. The fastening position on the first chute wall is arranged between the fastening positions on the second chute wall, and vice versa. That is to say that the deflecting members on the first chute wall are arranged offset from the deflecting members on the second chute wall, and vice versa. For example, the first fastening positions on the first chute wall are, in each case, located centrally between the second fastening positions on the second chute wall, viewed in the deflection plane. The same applies, of course, to the fastening positions on the second chute wall, which are, in each case, arranged in particular centrally between the fastening positions of the deflecting members on the first chute wall.

[0029]The offset arrangement of the deflecting members has proven to be an efficient measure for improving the sorting efficiency in practice.

[0030]Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, the device is further developed in that the free ends of the deflecting members provided on the first and the second chute wall, viewed in a plane vertical to the rejection direction, maintain a distance from one another, so that a channel extending in the rejection direction is provided between the free ends of the deflecting members arranged on different chute walls, wherein the channel in particular has a width, viewed in the plane vertical to the rejection direction and in a direction vertical to the chute walls, which is between 25% and 35% of a clear width between the chute walls.

[0031]The probability of rejected non-tobacco related materials finding their way deep into the retaining device directly with the first movement, i.e., before a collision event takes place, is improved by providing a channel between the free ends of the deflecting members. The probability that such non-tobacco related materials will find their way back into the good product flow is low. Such a construction of the retaining device is therefore advantageous.

[0032]According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is furthermore provided that the at least one deflecting member is articulated so as to be pivotable at least in sections at the fastening position in such a way that the angle of the deflecting member can be changed at least in sections, wherein a return member is in particular provided on the deflecting member, which is designed to exert a restoring force directed in the direction of a rest position on the deflecting member.

[0033]In particular, the restoring force of the deflecting members is dimensioned so that said restoring force returns the deflecting members to the rest position or starting position against the gravitational effect, which is caused by the deflecting member's own weight or the portion's own weight. The restoring force can be chosen so that it is merely slightly greater than is necessary to overcome the corresponding gravitational effect. In other words, the deflecting members can be pivoted against the restoring force by forces which are already small. A colliding non-tobacco related material is consequently able to pivot the deflecting member out of its rest position against the restoring force. If the deflecting member pivots back into the starting position, i.e., the rest position initially taken up, within a short reset time, said deflecting member can very probably be an obstacle to the non-tobacco related material colliding with the underside of the deflecting member according to the second effect. A non-tobacco related material which moves in the opposite direction to the rejection direction in the direction of the good product flow can in all probability be prevented from said movement. In the opposite direction, that is to say in the rejection direction, the deflecting member only counters the non-tobacco related material with a small force, that is to say deflects the non-tobacco related material only slightly from the rejection direction. The non-tobacco related material transported in the rejection direction is merely deflected slightly and finds it way deep into the retaining device.

[0034]According to an advantageous further development, it is furthermore provided that the deflecting member is plate-shaped and is articulated so as to be pivotable in sections in an extension direction transversely to the rejection direction, so that individual plate portions of the deflecting member can be pivoted freely independently of one another, wherein the plate portions are each provided with a return member.

[0035]The configuration of the deflecting member in sections as a pivoting deflecting member improves the aforementioned effect even further. Thus, the deflecting member is merely deflected from its rest position in the region in which said deflecting member is hit by a non-tobacco related material at its upper side. As before, the remaining region of the deflecting member provides a large cross-section for non-tobacco related materials moving in the opposite direction to the deflecting direction, which bounce off a bottom of the retaining device, for example (second effect). Consequently, an optimal retaining effect according to the first effect and the second effect can be selectively provided by the segmentally movable deflecting members.

[0036]According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device is further developed in that the deflecting member is configured to be elastically deformable at least in sections or completely, wherein the deflecting member in particular has an elastically deformable portion, wherein the elastically deformable portion furthermore, in particular, comprises the free end of the deflecting member.

[0037]In particular, it is provided that the elastically deformable region of the deflecting members is continued in such a way that no clear width or only a very small clear width is provided between the free ends of the deflecting members.

[0038]The deflecting members which can be elastically deformed in sections or completely are, for example, a brush bar or a flexible lip, for example a rubber lip. The completely elastically deformable deflecting member can be formed completely by the individual bristles of a brush bar or by the rubber lip. The elastically deformable region of the deflecting member can in turn be localized. That is to say that the deflecting member, for example individual bristles of a brush bar or a portion of a rubber lip, can be deflected locally in the rejection direction. If the deflecting member can be easily elastically deformed, that is to say only a small force is required to cause the deformation, the colliding non-tobacco related material is accordingly merely deflected slightly. The flexible region moves back into its starting position within a short time, so that the non-tobacco related material rebounding, if applicable, from the bottom of the retaining device, which moves in the opposite direction to the rejection direction, collides with the underside of the deflecting member, in particular with the underside of the elastically deformable region of the deflecting member, and does not find its way back into the good product flow.

[0039]In particular, a nozzle strip is utilized as a rejection device. In particular, a camera arrangement, for example a camera arrangement comprising multiple cameras, is utilized as the detection device. Said camera arrangement can be designed to view the mass flow from one side, for example from the upper side. Equally, the camera arrangement can be designed to view the mass flow both from an upper side and from its underside and to detect non-tobacco related materials. In particular, the retaining device has a dimension of less than 2 m when viewed in the rejection direction, in particular a dimension in the range between 1 m and 1.5 m. Said dimension is the depth of the retaining device, measured for example from an upper separating edge up to a bottom of the retaining device. The width of the retaining device is adapted to a transport width of the mass flow, as well as the width of the rejection device or, respectively of the nozzle strip.

[0040]Furthermore, the embodiments include a method or use of any of the above-described embodiments of the device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow, in particular from a mass flow of the tobacco processing industry. The mass flow of the tobacco processing industry is, for example, a mass flow of tobacco material, for example a mass flow of small tobacco parts.

[0041]The same or similar advantages as well as further development possibilities apply to the use of the device as have already been mentioned with respect to the device itself, so that repetitions will be omitted.

[0049]Embodiments are directed to a device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow of small parts. The device includes a feed device, arranged to guide a mass flow in a transport area, configured to convey the mass flow in a transport direction; a detection device configured to detect a non-tobacco related material in the mass flow and to generate and transmit a non-tobacco related material detection signal; a rejection device configured to receive the non-tobacco related material detection signal and to remove the non-tobacco related material from the mass flow by deflecting the non-tobacco related material in a rejection direction; a discharge device configured to receive the mass flow from which the non-tobacco related material has been removed; and a non-tobacco related material receiving device which is configured and arranged to receive the removed non-tobacco related material. The non-tobacco related material receiving device includes a retaining device in a form of a chute with chute walls delimiting a retaining volume, and at least one deflecting member, where the at least one deflecting member is configured to be inclined by an angle lying in a rejection plane, in which the transport direction and the rejection direction lie, and to extend from a fastening position on one of the chute walls with a free end that extends into the retaining volume and is arranged downstream of the fastening position in the rejection direction.

[0050]In accordance with embodiments, the rejection device can be further configured to pneumatically remove the non-tobacco related material from the mass flow by applying a pulse directed transversely to the transport direction of the mass flow in the rejection direction to the non-tobacco related material, whereby the non-tobacco related material is deflect from the transport direction to the rejection direction. Moreover, the non-tobacco related material receiving device is arranged to receive the deflected non-tobacco related material.

[0051]In embodiments, the retaining device can be cuboid, the at least one deflecting member can be plate-shaped and the fastening position can be linear.

[0052]In other embodiments, the angle, which is measured between a direction along a deflection plane of the deflecting member from the fastening position to the free end, and the rejection direction, may be greater than or equal to 45°. Further, the angle can be between 45° and 60°.

[0053]According to embodiments, at least one deflecting member can include multiple deflecting members, which are oriented at different angles. Further, angles at which the deflecting members may be oriented decrease as a distance from the rejection device increases.

[0054]Other embodiments include the angle at which the at least one deflection member is oriented may be variable and/or adjustable.

[0055]In accordance with other embodiments, the chute walls may include air-permeable regions arranged in portions of the chute walls, dimensions of the air-permeable regions may be defined by a projection of the at least one deflecting member into an area of the chute wall, and the air-permeable regions can include grids and/or sieves integrated into the chute walls in an air-permeable manner.

[0056]According to embodiments, the retaining device may be cuboid with large flat sides of the cuboid opposite one another to form first and second chute walls, the first and second chute walls can extend in planes oriented transversely to the rejection plane and the rejection direction may run at least approximately parallel to the planes. At least one deflecting member may include at least one first deflecting member coupled to the first chute wall and at least one second deflecting member coupled to the second chute wall. The first and second deflecting members can be arranged at different distances from the rejection device. Further, the at least one first deflection member coupled to the first chute wall can include multiple first deflecting members and the at least one second deflection member coupled to the second chute wall can include multiple second deflecting members. The multiple first deflecting members and the multiple second deflection members can be alternatingly offset from one another in the rejection direction between the first and second chute walls. Still further, the free ends of the multiple first deflecting members on the first wall chute and the multiple second deflection members on the second chute wall, viewed in a plane transverse to the rejection direction, may be arranged to maintain a distance from one another, so that a channel extending in the rejection direction can be defined between the free ends. The channel can include a width, viewed in a plane transverse to the rejection direction and in a direction transverse to the chute walls, which is between 25% and 35% of a clear width between the chute walls.

[0057]In embodiments, the at least one deflecting member may be articulated to be pivotable at least in sections at the fastening position, whereby the angle of the deflecting member can be changeable at least in sections. The at least one deflecting member can also include a return member, which may be configured to exert a restoring force directed in the direction of a rest position on the at least one deflecting member. The articulated at least one deflecting member can be plate-shaped and may include articulated sections that are pivotable in an extension direction transversely to the rejection direction. The articulated sections can include individual plate portions freely pivotable independently of one another, wherein the individual plate portions are each provided with a return member.

[0058]According to other embodiments, the at least one deflecting member may be configured to be elastically deformable at least in sections or completely, the at least one deflecting member can have an elastically deformable portion, and the elastically deformable portion may further include the free end of the at least one deflecting member.

[0059]Embodiments are directed to a method of separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow according to any of the above-described embodiments of the device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow. The method includes conveying, via the feed device, the mass flow through the transport area in a transport direction; detecting, with the detection device, a non-tobacco related material in the mass flow and generating and transmitting a non-tobacco related material detection signal; when the non-tobacco related material detection signal is received by the rejection device, removing the non-tobacco related material from the mass flow by deflecting the non-tobacco related material in a rejection direction; receiving in the discharge device the mass flow with the non-tobacco related material removed; and receiving in the non-tobacco related material receiving device the removed non-tobacco related material.

[0060]In embodiments, the mass flow may include at least one of a mass flow of the tobacco processing industry, a mass flow of tobacco material or a mass flow of small tobacco parts.

[0061]Embodiments are directed to method for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow with a device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow. The method includes conveying the mass flow through a transport area in a transport direction; detecting the non-tobacco related material in the mass flow and generating and transmitting a non-tobacco related material detection signal; upon receipt of the non-tobacco related material detection signal, removing the non-tobacco related material from the mass flow by deflecting the non-tobacco related material in a rejection direction; receiving the mass flow with the non-tobacco related material removed moving in the transport direction; and separately receiving the removed non-tobacco related material in the rejection direction.

[0062]In accordance with still yet other embodiments, the removing of the non-tobacco related material may include pneumatically removing the non-tobacco related material from the mass flow by applying a pulse directed to the non-tobacco related material in the rejection direction, which is transverse to the transport direction of the mass flow, thereby deflecting the non-tobacco related material from the transport direction to the rejection direction.

[0063]The same or similar advantages as well as further development possibilities also apply to the method for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow as have already been mentioned directly with respect to the device for separating non-tobacco related materials, so that repetitions will be omitted.

[0064]Further features of the invention will become obvious from the description of embodiments according to the invention, together with the claims and the appended drawings. Embodiments according to the invention can fulfil individual features or a combination of multiple features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065]The invention is described below without limiting the general inventive idea on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein reference is expressly made to the drawings regarding all of the details according to the invention, which are not explained in more detail in the text, wherein:

[0066]FIG. 1 shows a simplified perspective representation of a device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow with a feed device and a discharge device;

[0067]FIG. 2 shows the device known from FIG. 1, wherein the discharge device is not depicted and the feed device and a non-tobacco related material receiving device are depicted partially cut away;

[0068]FIG. 3 shows the device known from the representation in FIG. 2 from another viewing direction;

[0069]FIG. 4 shows a further representation of the device for separating non-tobacco related materials in a cross-sectional representation in a rejection plane;

[0070]FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a further device for separating non-tobacco related materials in a cross-sectional representation;

[0071]FIG. 6 shows a further detailed view of a device for separating non-tobacco related materials in a cross-sectional representation;

[0072]FIG. 7 shows a further device for separating non-tobacco related materials in a perspective, partially cut away detail view; and

[0073]FIG. 8 shows a further detailed view of a further device for separating non-tobacco related materials in a cross-sectional representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074]The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

[0075]Within the context of the invention, features which are identified by “in particular” or “preferably” are to be understood to be optional features.

[0076]In the drawings, the same or similar elements and/or parts are, in each case, provided with the same reference numerals so that they are not introduced again in each case.

[0077]FIG. 1 shows a device 2 for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow of small parts, which is not depicted in the figure. The small parts are, for example, small parts of the tobacco processing industry, for example small tobacco parts, small parts made of reconstituted tobacco material or tobacco fibers. The mass flow can equally consist of small parts which cannot be attributed to the tobacco processing industry, for example, a mass flow of foods consisting of small parts or other objects consisting of small parts.

[0078]The device 2 comprises a feed device 4 which is designed to guide the mass flow in a transport area 6. The feed device 4 is, for example, a conveyor belt which is guided by guide rollers which are not provided with reference numerals. The transport area 6 is, for example, a plane or is virtually planar. The feed device 4 is designed to convey the mass flow in a transport direction T. A detection device 8, for example a camera arrangement, is situated at the end of the feed device 4. The detection device 8 is designed to illustrate and analyze the mass flow guided on the feed device 4. Deviating from the representation in FIG. 1, the detection device 8 can also be configured in such a way that the mass flow is not only detected from the upper side, as indicated by limiting beams in the figure, but alternatively or even simultaneously from the underside.

[0079]Starting from the feed device 4 in the transport direction T, the mass flow finds its way along a flight parabola to a discharge device 10. In flight, the small parts of the mass flow pass through a rejection device 12 and a non-tobacco related material receiving device 14.

[0080]The discharge device 10 is designed to receive the purified mass flow, which is also to be referred to as the good product flow, from the feed device 4, and to provide it for further processing. The discharge device 10 is, in turn, for example, a conveyor belt which is guided around deflection pulleys which are not provided with reference numerals.

[0081]During the flight phase of the mass flow from the feed device 4 to the discharge device 10, said mass flow passes through the rejection device 12 which is, for example, a pneumatically operated nozzle strip. The detection device 8 is designed to detect a non-tobacco related material present in the mass flow and to generate a non-tobacco related material detection signal S and to transmit said signal to the rejection device 12.

[0082]The rejection device 12 is designed to receive the non-tobacco related material detection signal S and to reject the non-tobacco related material present in the mass flow during the free flight phase thereof from the mass flow. The non-tobacco related material is removed pneumatically from the mass flow by deflecting it with a blast of compressed air emitted by the rejection device 12 which is configured, for example, as a nozzle strip from the transport direction T in the direction of a rejection direction R. The rejection direction R is that direction in which the blast of air provided to blow out the non-tobacco related material is emitted by the rejection device 12. The resulting trajectory of the non-tobacco related material is produced by corresponding vector addition. It substantially corresponds to the rejection direction R, provided that the blast of compressed air is strong enough. As a result of the rejection process, the non-tobacco related material finds its way into the non-tobacco related material receiving device 14 which is designed and arranged to receive the deflected non-tobacco related material.

[0083]The non-tobacco related material receiving device 14 has a separating member 16 which is a plate-shaped, lamellar member, the longitudinal extension direction of which is oriented transversely to the transport direction T. The separating member 16 has an upper separating edge 18 facing the mass flow, which separates the non-tobacco related materials from the good product flow. That is to say that, if the non-tobacco related materials are not extracted from the mass flow more or less directly in the rejection direction R, for example because the air flow utilized for the rejection does not hit the non-tobacco related material centrally, but only grazes it, the non-tobacco related materials collide with the underside of the separating member 16 facing away in FIG. 1. From there, they find their way into the non-tobacco related material receiving device 14.

[0084]In addition to the separating member 16 and the retaining device 20, the non-tobacco related material receiving device 14 comprises a collecting container 22 in which the rejected non-tobacco related materials are collected and transported away. For example, a conveyor belt which is not depicted is provided in the lower region of the collecting container 22 for transporting away the non-tobacco related materials.

[0085]FIG. 2 shows the device 2 for separating non-tobacco related materials, which is known from FIG. 1, wherein the discharge device 10 is not depicted. In addition, the feed device 4 and the non-tobacco related material receiving device 14 are depicted partially cut away. The retaining device 20 in the form of a chute has chute walls 24a, 24b opposite one another, which delimit a cuboid retaining volume V on the large lateral surfaces. Deflecting members 26, which each extend with their free ends 30 into the retaining volume V, starting from a fastening position 28 situated on the chute wall 24a, 24b, are situated within the retaining volume V of the retaining device 20. By way of example, multiple deflecting members 26 are arranged on each of the two chute walls 24a, 24b, merely one of which is provided with reference numerals for reasons of clarity. The same applies to the fastening positions 28 and the respective free ends 30.

[0086]FIG. 3 shows the device 2 known from FIG. 2 from another viewing direction. In this representation, it can be seen that deflecting members 26 are not only provided on the second chute wall 24b, but rather that the first chute wall 24a is also provided with deflecting members 26.

[0087]The transport direction T and the rejection direction R (cf. FIG. 1) define a rejection plane E. FIG. 4 shows a further representation of the device 2 for separating non-tobacco related materials in a cross-sectional representation in the rejection plane E or a plane lying parallel to the rejection plane E. In the representation of FIG. 4, the rejection plane E is situated in the drawing plane.

[0088]In addition to the already known components of the device 2, FIG. 4 also shows the mass flow M, in which non-tobacco related materials F are provided, which are depicted in an isolated and schematic manner. Starting from the feed device 4, the non-tobacco related materials F find their way, together with the mass flow M, along a propulsion path in the transport direction T, into the region of effect of the rejection device 12, after they have previously been detected with the detection device 8 in the mass flow M. A pulse, which is directed in the rejection direction R, is applied by a specific pneumatic blast to the non-tobacco related materials F. In this way, the non-tobacco related materials F are deflected in the direction of the retaining volume V and find their way into the retaining device 20. The deflecting members 26, merely one of which is, in turn, provided with reference numerals, are inclined by an angle α with respect to the chute wall 24a, 24b in the rejection plane E. Thus, the free end 30 of the deflecting members 26 lies in each case downstream of the fastening position 28 in the rejection direction R.

[0089]The retaining device 20 is, by way of example, cuboid. The deflecting member(s) 26 is/are, by way of example, plate-shaped. The retaining device 20 and the deflecting members 26 are, for example, manufactured from metal. The fastening position 28 is, for example, linear. The deflecting member 26 with its large side edge is attached to the respective chute wall 24a, 24b along said linear fastening position 28. The angle α by which the deflecting members 26 are inclined according to the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 is greater than or equal to 45°. By way of example, the angle α lies at an interval between 45° and 60°, wherein both an open interval, which excludes the limiting values, and a closed interval, which includes the limiting values, can be provided. The angle α is measured between a direction 32, which extends in the deflection plane E, starting from the fastening position 28 to the free end 30 of the deflecting member 26, and the rejection direction R. In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 4, the angle α between said direction 32 and the second chute wall 24b is labeled. Since the chute wall 24b lies parallel to the rejection direction R, the depicted angle α corresponds to the previously mentioned definition.

[0090]The retaining device 20 of the device 2 shown in the previously explained exemplary embodiments has in each case multiple deflecting members 26. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, all of the deflecting members 26 are inclined by an identical angle α.

[0091]FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a further device 2, the retaining device 20 of which has deflecting members 26 which are inclined by angles of different sizes α1, α2, α3. By way of example, α1 is greater than α2 which is greater than α3. That is to say that, in other words, the angle α by which the deflecting members 26 are inclined decreases as the distance from the rejection device 12, which is depicted in sections, increases. Similarly, the length of the deflecting members 26, measured between a fastening position 28 and a free end 30, designated in FIG. 5 as a, b, c, can be reduced as the distance from the rejection device 12 increases. In other words, a is greater than b which is greater than c.

[0092]The deflecting members 26 arranged in the retaining device 20 substantially have a first and a second effect on the non-tobacco related materials F deflected by the rejection device 12. The deflecting members 26 produce the first effect when a non-tobacco related material F collides with an upper side 32 of the deflecting member 26 in the rejection direction R. Said impact event leads to a deflection of the non-tobacco related material F in a first deflection direction which is depicted by a dashed arrow. The position of the non-tobacco related material F shortly after the impact event is likewise depicted in dashes. It is important that the non-tobacco related material F is deflected in a direction which differs significantly from the rejection direction R. This significantly reduces the probability that the non-tobacco related material F will find its way back into the good product flow G (cf. FIG. 4), which has been freed of the non-tobacco related materials F. The second effect of the deflecting member 26 is to be explained on the basis of a non-tobacco related material F′. For example, it is assumed that the non-tobacco related material F′ has bounced off the bottom of the collecting container 22 and is now moving in a backward direction B opposite the rejection direction R. Such a non-tobacco related material quite probably collides with an underside 34 of the deflecting member 26 and is deflected there in a direction indicated by a dashed arrow. The non-tobacco related material F′ will next collide with an inner side of the second chute wall 24b and further impact events between the underside 34 and the second chute wall 24b will very probably take place. During said impact events, the non-tobacco related material F′ dissipates kinetic energy and finally finds its way, driven by gravity, into the collecting container 22. Rebounding of the non-tobacco related material F′ into the good product flow G can be effectively avoided.

[0093]FIG. 6 shows a further detailed view of a device 2 for separating non-tobacco related materials. The retaining device 20 is equipped with deflecting members 26, the angle of inclination a of which is variable or adjustable. A variability of the angle of inclination a can be provided for some or all of the deflecting members 26 which are arranged in the retaining device 20. The different angles α by which the inclination of the deflecting members 26 is adjustable are depicted by the different indicated positions of the deflecting members 26. The adjustability of the deflecting members 26 can be realized by an adjustment device which can be actuated manually. For example, a motor-driven adjustment device, with which the angle α of one or more of the deflecting members 26 can be changed, can furthermore also be provided.

[0094]If a plurality of rejection processes take place with the rejection device 12, a not inconsiderable air flow, which is directed into the retaining volume V, can be produced as the sum of the individual pneumatic blasts. This can lead to an excess pressure occurring within the retaining volume V, which could merely be dissipated via the inlet opening 36 of the retaining device 20 (cf. FIG. 4). A backflow in the direction of the inlet opening 36, which is directed in the opposite direction to the rejection direction R, would occur. In order to avoid said effect, the chute walls 24a, 24b are configured to be air-permeable in sections. That is to say that the chute walls 24a, 24b comprise air-permeable regions 38 which are configured as a grid or mesh, for example. Any excess pressure which may occur in the retaining volume V can be dissipated via the air-permeable regions 38. In other words, the backflow described previously can be prevented from forming in the first place with the aid of the air-permeable regions 38.

[0095]The air-permeable regions 38 are integrated, by way of example, in a region, into the chute walls 24 which lie below the deflecting members 26. Thus, surplus air from the retaining volume V can stream out from the retaining volume V in such a region in which the non-tobacco related materials F are safely prevented from flowing back into the good product flow G. If the non-tobacco related materials F are carried along by the air flow steaming out through the air-permeable regions 38, it is very probable that impact processes such as those described in connection with the second effect in the context of FIG. 5 will occur.

[0096]As already mentioned previously, the retaining device 20 is, by way of example, cuboid. The large flat sides opposite one another of said cuboid are formed by the first and second chute walls 24a, 24b. The first and second chute walls 24a, 24b each extend transversely in a plane, in particular vertically to the rejection plane E (cf. FIG. 4). The rejection direction R runs at least approximately parallel to said planes in which the large flat sides of the cuboid extend. At least one deflecting member 26 is provided in each case on the first and the second chute wall 24a, 24b, in particular multiple deflecting members 26 are provided for each chute wall 24a, 24b.

[0097]Furthermore, it is provided, for example, that the deflecting members 26 provided on the different chute walls 24a, 24b are arranged at different distances from the rejection device 12 (cf. FIG. 5). By way of example, as can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, multiple deflecting members 26 are in each case provided on each of the first and the second chute walls 24a, 24b, which multiple deflecting members are arranged alternately offset from one another in the rejection direction R between the first and second chute walls 24a, 24b.

[0098]Furthermore, it is provided that a channel 40 is formed between the free ends 30 of the deflecting members 26 provided on opposite chute walls 24a, 24b. In the lower region of the retaining device 20, as shown in FIG. 4, the channel 40 is indicated with a dotted line. The free ends 30 of the deflecting members 26 provided on the first and the second chute walls 24a, 24b, viewed in a plane vertically to the rejection direction R, in particular in the rejection plane E, maintain a distance A from one another. Thus, a channel 40 extending in the rejection direction R can form between the free ends 30 of the deflecting members 26 arranged on the different chute walls 24a, 24b. The channel 40 has a width which is defined by the distance A. Viewed in the plane vertical to the rejection direction R and in a direction vertical to the chute walls 24a, 24b, said width is between 25% and 35% of a clear width between the chute walls 24a, 24b. The clear width between the chute walls 24a, 24b is measured as the distance between the inner sides of the chute walls 24a, 24b, measured in a direction vertical to the surface thereof.

[0099]The deflecting members 26 can be articulated so as to be pivotable at least in sections at the fastening position 28. That is to say that the angle α of the deflecting member 26 can be changed at least in sections. For example, the angle α of the deflecting member 26 can change, as indicated in FIG. 6 by the different representations of the deflecting member 26. Furthermore, a return member, for example, a return spring, is provided, for example, on the deflecting member 26. The return member is designed to exert a restoring force on the deflecting member 26 in the direction of a starting position at which the angle α, by which the deflecting member 26 is inclined, is maximal for example. In other words, the deflecting member 26 is constantly brought back into its rest or starting position by the return member. The pivotability of the deflecting member 26 can be realized in sections. A corresponding deflecting member 26 is, for example, constructed from individual separate plate portions 42.

[0100]FIG. 7 shows a further device 2 for separating non-tobacco related materials, which has a retaining device 20, the deflecting members 26 of which are segmented and are constructed from individual plate portions 42, merely some of which are provided with reference numerals. Such a deflecting member 26 is articulated so as to be pivotable in sections in an extension direction D transversely to the rejection direction R, so that the individual plate portions 42 of the deflecting member 26 can be freely pivoted independently of one another. Each of the plate portions 42 is provided with a return member, so that the plate portions 42 can be pivoted individually. Furthermore, it is provided, for example, that merely the uppermost deflecting member 26, that is to say the one which is arranged closest to the inlet opening 36, is constructed from individual plate portions 42. The remaining deflecting members 26 lying downstream in the rejection direction R can be constructed in one piece.

[0101]FIG. 8 shows a further detailed view of a device 2 for separating non-tobacco related materials, the retaining device 20 of which has deflecting members 26, the fastening positions 28 of which lie at the same height. In other words, said deflecting members 26 are not arranged offset from one another. The deflecting members 26 are configured to be elastically deformable, at least in sections, by way of example. For this purpose, the deflecting members 26 comprise an elastically deformable portion 44 which comprises the free end 30 of the deflecting member 26. The different possible positions of the deformable portion 44 are indicated in FIG. 8 by different positions. For example, the elastically deformable portion 44 is a rubber lip or a brush bar.

[0102]It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0103]All of the indicated features, including those which are to be inferred from the drawings alone, and individual features which are disclosed in combination with other features, are deemed to be features of the invention both alone and in combination. Moreover, embodiments according to the invention can be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of multiple features.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS