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

Abstract

A device and method for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow. The device includes a feed device to convey the mass flow in a transport direction; a detection device detecting a non-tobacco related material in the mass flow and generating and transmitting a non-tobacco related material detection signal; a rejection device receiving the non-tobacco related material detection signal and removing the non-tobacco related material from the mass flow by deflecting the non-tobacco related material in a rejection direction; a discharge device receiving the mass flow from which the non-tobacco related material has been removed; and a non-tobacco related material receiving device to receive the removed non-tobacco related material. The non-tobacco related material receiving device can include a retaining device in a form of a chute with chute walls delimiting a retaining volume, and at least one deflecting member oriented at a downward angle from the chute walls.

Claims

1. A device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow of small parts, comprising: 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 comprising a retaining device in a form of a chute with chute walls delimiting a retaining volume, and at least one deflecting member, wherein 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.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rejection device is 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, and wherein the non-tobacco related material receiving device is arranged to receive the deflected non-tobacco related material.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining device is cuboid, the at least one deflecting member is plate-shaped and the fastening position is linear.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein 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, is greater than or equal to 45.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the angle is between 45 and 60.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one deflecting member comprises multiple deflecting members, which are oriented at different angles, and wherein angles at which the deflecting members are oriented decrease as a distance from the rejection device increases.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the angle at which the at least one deflection member is oriented is variable and/or adjustable.

8. The device according to claims 1, wherein the chute walls comprise air-permeable regions arranged in portions of the chute walls, wherein dimensions of the air-permeable regions are defined by a projection of the at least one deflecting member into an area of the chute wall, and wherein the air-permeable regions comprise grids and/or sieves integrated into the chute walls in an air-permeable manner.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining device is cuboid with large flat sides of the cuboid opposite one another to form first and second chute walls, wherein the first and second chute walls extend in planes oriented transversely to the rejection plane and the rejection direction runs at least approximately parallel to the planes, and wherein at least one deflecting member comprises 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.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second deflecting members are arranged at different distances from the rejection device.

11. The device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one first deflection member coupled to the first chute wall comprises multiple first deflecting members and the at least one second deflection member coupled to the second chute wall comprises multiple second deflecting members, and wherein the multiple first deflecting members and the multiple second deflection members are alternatingly offset from one another in the rejection direction between the first and second chute walls.

12. The device according to claim 9, wherein 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 vertical to the rejection direction, are arranged to maintain a distance from one another, so that a channel extending in the rejection direction is defined between the free ends, and wherein the channel has 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.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one deflecting member is articulated to be pivotable at least in sections at the fastening position, whereby the angle of the deflecting member is changeable at least in sections, and further comprises a return member, which is configured to exert a restoring force directed in the direction of a rest position on the at least one deflecting member.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the articulated at least one deflecting member is plate-shaped and comprises articulated sections that are pivotable in an extension direction transversely to the rejection direction, the articulated sections comprise individual plate portions freely pivotable independently of one another, and wherein the individual plate portions are each provided with a return member.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one deflecting member is configured to be elastically deformable at least in sections or completely, wherein the at least one deflecting member has an elastically deformable portion, and wherein the elastically deformable portion further comprises the free end of the at least one deflecting member.

16. A method of separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow the device according to claim 1, the method comprising: 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.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the mass flow comprises 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.

18. A method for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow with a device for separating non-tobacco related materials from a mass flow, comprising: 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.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the removing of the non-tobacco related material comprises 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.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the mass flow comprises 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.

Description

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 .

[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 1, 2, 3. By way of example, 1 is greater than 2 which is greater than 3. That is to say that, in other words, the angle 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 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 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 of the deflecting member 26 can be changed at least in sections. For example, the angle 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 , 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

[0104] 2 Device for separating non-tobacco related materials [0105] 4 Feed device [0106] 6 Transport area [0107] 8 Detection device [0108] 10 Discharge device [0109] 12 Ejection device [0110] 14 Non-tobacco related material receiving device [0111] 16 Separating member [0112] 18 Separating edge [0113] 20 Retaining device [0114] 22 Collecting container [0115] 24a First chute wall [0116] 24b Second chute wall [0117] 26 Deflecting members [0118] 28 Fastening position [0119] 30 Free end [0120] 32 Direction [0121] 33 Upper side [0122] 34 Underside [0123] 36 Inlet opening [0124] 38 Air-permeable region [0125] 40 Channel [0126] 42 Plate portion [0127] 44 Deformable portion [0128] T Transport direction [0129] S Non-tobacco related material detection signal [0130] R Rejection direction [0131] V Retaining volume [0132] E Rejection plane [0133] M Mass flow [0134] F Non-tobacco related material [0135] G Good product flow [0136] B Backward direction [0137] A Distance [0138] D Extension direction [0139] Angle of inclination