DE102014222465A1 - Method for monitoring a modular measuring system as well as dummy module, modular measuring system and rod making machine of the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a modular measuring system in a rod making machine (10) of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a strand measuring arrangement (20) having a housing (22) with a module carrier (30) and one or more measuring modules (40) in plug-in positions (32) of the module carrier (30) are interchangeably used or inserted, wherein the measuring modules (40) are connected to a control unit (34) of the measuring system and in the housing (22) at least one measuring section (M1, M2) for at least one in the stranding machine (10) along a conveying path funded material strand (18) form, empty spaces of the module carrier (30) by empty modules (50) are filled or filled, an empty module (50) of a measuring system of the tobacco processing industry, a modular measuring system of a stranding machine (10) the tobacco processing industry and a corresponding stranding machine (10). According to the invention, the dummy modules (50) can also be connected or connected to the control unit (34) and checks the control unit (34) whether all the measuring modules (40) and / or empty modules (50) inserted into slots (32) of the module carrier (30) are located authenticate to the control unit (34) and / or whether all slots (32) of the module carrier (30) with measuring modules (40) or dummy modules (50) are occupied, which authenticate against the control unit (34).

Description

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a modular measuring system in a rod making machine of the tobacco processing industry, comprising a strand measuring arrangement with a housing having a module carrier and one or more measuring modules, which are used interchangeably in slots of the module carrier or inserted, wherein the measuring modules with a Control unit of the measuring system are connected and form in the housing at least one measuring section for at least one in the strand machine along a conveyor line funded material strand, empty spaces of the module carrier can be filled or filled by dummy modules, a dummy module of a measuring system of the tobacco industry, a modular measuring system of a stranding machine the tobacco processing industry and a corresponding stranding machine.

Modular measuring systems for measuring properties of material strands of the tobacco-processing industry, in particular tobacco strands or filter strands, are known from the patent applications EP 2 641 489 A2 and EP 2 674 045 A2 the applicant, the disclosure content of which is to be incorporated in full in the present application. With these modular measuring systems, it is possible to interchangeably assemble different measuring devices as desired, since each measuring device is housed in a unit housing which is plugged into a module carrier with slots, which is also penetrated by the material strand or, in a double strand machine, by the two material strands . is going through.

In EP 2 674 045 A2 each measurement module also forms part of the strand flow channel with protective tube sections adapted to the measurement requirements, for example transparent to optical measurements, transparent to microwave radiation in microwave measurement devices, etc. In this case, to form a complete strand flow channel in the housing of the module carrier to occupy all slots along the respective strand course. Such slots that are not occupied by a measuring module, are occupied with so-called dummy modules, which are designed to complete the strand passage channel, without even fill a measurement function on the strand.

The measuring modules and dummy modules in the measuring arrangement according to EP 2 674 045 A2 are sealed against each other and against the environment. The supply of cleaning air to the strand passage channel ensures that no contaminants penetrate into the measuring modules. This ensures the purity of the measuring modules and the precision and functionality of the measurements and measuring modules.

Since the measuring modules and dummy modules are interchangeable, however, it can lead to incorrect operation, which means that the purity of the measuring modules is not guaranteed. Furthermore, it may happen that not all slots of the module carrier are properly occupied. In such a case, the commissioning of the stranding machine and the modular measuring system can not be carried out with the same safety as with a proper occupation.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a safe operation of an extrusion machine of the tobacco processing industry with a modular measuring system for measuring the properties of one or more material strands of the tobacco processing industry.

This object is achieved in a method for monitoring a modular measuring system in a rod making machine of the tobacco processing industry, which has a strand measuring arrangement with a housing with a module carrier and one or more measuring modules, which are used interchangeably in slots of the module carrier or inserted, wherein the measuring modules with a control unit of the measuring system are connected and form in the housing at least one measuring section for at least one in the strand machine conveyed along a conveying path material strand, empty spaces of the module carrier can be filled or filled by dummy modules, achieved in that the dummy modules also connected to the control unit or connected and the control unit checks whether all inserted into slots of the module carrier measurement modules and / or dummy modules authenticate against the control unit and / or if all the slots of the module carrier with measuring modules or empty modules that authenticate themselves to the control unit.

In addition to dummy modules occupying a single slot, dummy modules are also provided which occupy two or more slots.

The invention is based on the idea that the control unit, which according to the invention comprises or is integrated in a control unit for the measuring device or a machine control unit, checks authentication of the measuring modules and dummy modules in the slots of the module carrier. In this case, it can be checked that all slots are actually occupied in such a way that the measuring modules and empty modules used there authenticate themselves to the control unit. In other cases in which, for example, a continuous protective tube is provided and thus not Every seat must be filled, it can also be provided that the measuring modules used authenticate themselves. Also in this case it may be useful to fill the spaces not used by measuring modules with empty modules in order to support the extruded tube.

In the context of the present invention, the authentication comprises an identification as well as the verification of the legitimacy of the identification of the respective module with respect to the control unit. The communication between the modules and the control unit is preferably encrypted to increase the safety of the operation of the stranding machine and the modular measuring system.

The check is advantageously carried out at least when switching on the modular measuring system, so called "power-on", several times or in fixed or changing intervals during operation, especially for example when restarting after a machine downtime without the measurement modules would have been turned off.

In a refinement of an independent inventive rank, it is preferably provided that, in the case of the dummy modules, a check is additionally made for a change in the respective dummy module by measuring at least one characteristic of the dummy module and comparing it with at least one stored reference value of the at least one measured characteristic. This measure makes it possible to check, with respect to the dummy modules, that the dummy modules have not been changed in order to thus fulfill their functional task. For example, disassembly of a void module may affect its tightness, making it unsuitable for further use in the modular measurement system. Measuring the property of the void module would reveal this.

The at least one measured property is preferably a measure of a reflection of an ultrasonic pulse or an ultrasonic pulse train in the interior of the dummy module. In this case, an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver are arranged in the dummy module, wherein the shape and the occupation of the void of the void module leads to a characteristic echo signal or reflection signal for the or the ultrasound pulses, which are as often repeatable and reproducible, as long as the dummy module is intact , The generation, measurement and evaluation of ultrasonic reflection profiles is known per se.

Advantageously, the at least one reference value of the at least one measured property is or is stored in the dummy module and / or in the control unit. In the former case, the dummy module is intelligent enough to store its own reference value and to make the comparison, while the storage and possibly the comparison in the second alternative takes place in the control unit.

In an advantageous development of the at least one reference value is adapted to a current or new measurement or measurements of at least one property, in particular after a release by an operator. This makes it possible, after a change of the dummy module and subsequent determination of the further suitability of the dummy module to reset the reference value, so that the following checks arrive at a positive result, so that it is recognized that even this dummy module can continue to be used. In one embodiment of the method, the adjustment of the reference value or the reference values takes place by remote access, for example by the original manufacturer, the dummy module and / or the modular measuring system. As such, the releasing operator is connected to the system either on site or remotely through an Internet or intranet.

Advantageously, a temperature measurement is carried out in the dummy module and the change in the measured characteristic of the dummy module as a function of the measured temperature is taken into account in the monitoring, in particular a temperature dependence is excluded. For example, a reference measurement can be carried out at different temperatures and then the reference value determined therefrom, depending on the current temperature, can be used for comparison.

Preferably, when a mis-authentication, in particular a lack of authentication or identification of a measuring module or dummy module or a change of a dummy module, a warning message is displayed, set a measurement with the measuring system or set an operation of the strand machine.

The escalation stage, ie the decision as to whether a warning is issued, the operation of the modular measuring system or individual components of the modular measuring system or the stranding machine itself, can be made according to the severity of the error. In a measuring system without a protective tube, the operation of the strand machine can be set, for example, if not all slots are occupied or authenticate against the control unit, while in a system with continuous protective tube, for example, a warning can occur because the operation of the strand machine per se not necessarily is directly at risk. Optionally, the production speed of the stranding machine can be reduced in order to adapt to the increased safety impairment.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by an empty module of a measuring system of the tobacco processing industry for use in a slot of a module carrier a strand measuring arrangement of the measuring system, which is further developed in that the dummy module has an electronic unit with a microprocessor to, in particular encrypted , Communication with a control unit of the measuring system is designed and set up, wherein the electronic unit further comprises authentication data of the dummy module and / or the electronic unit. The dummy module realizes the same features, properties and advantages of the previously described inventive method with corresponding dummy modules.

The electronic unit preferably has an ultrasound transmitter and an ultrasound receiver and is set up to perform a measurement of ultrasound reflection in the idle module independently or on request by the control unit. In this case, the ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver are not necessarily constructed as two separate components, but can also fulfill both functions alternately as so-called ultrasonic transducers.

Preferably, the electronic unit is designed to evaluate the ultrasound reflection and to determine characteristic magnitudes of the ultrasound reflection, in particular a reflection profile and / or maxima or minima of the reflection profile, and to transmit them to the control unit.

The electronic unit preferably has a security IC with a unique identifier. Such a security or security IC provides a very strong assurance that the identity of the module or the electronic unit contained therein is authentic. Together with the monitoring of a property of the dummy module, for example, the ultrasonic reflection, it is added that it is ensured that the dummy module is also unchanged.

The problem underlying the invention is further solved by a modular measuring system of a rod making machine of the tobacco-processing industry, which has a strand measuring arrangement with a housing with a module carrier and one or more measuring modules, which are inserted or used interchangeably in slots of the module carrier, wherein the measuring modules are connected to a control unit of the measuring system and form at least one measuring section for at least one conveyed in the strand machine along a conveyor line material strand, wherein empty spaces of the module carrier are filled or filled by dummy modules, which is further developed in that each empty module of the measuring system with the Control unit is connected or connectable and is designed and set up to authenticate against the control unit, the control unit is designed and set up to check whether all in slots of Modulträg ers used test modules and / or dummy modules authenticate against the control unit and / or if all slots of the module carrier are occupied with measuring modules or dummy modules that authenticate against the control unit.

In this case, the control unit and / or each empty module is or are preferably designed and set up to carry out the method according to the invention described above. This includes the communication of the modules with the control unit, the authentication and the measurement of characteristics of the dummy modules according to the entire description of the method according to the invention described above. Thus, the modular measuring system also realizes the same features, properties and advantages of the method according to the invention.

It is advantageously provided to provide each dummy module in a corresponding modular measuring system with minor changes in the geometry of the cavity, for example by providing one or more adjusting screws projecting into the cavity, which are individually deep-set to a characteristic unique to a particular dummy module Adjust reflection behavior. This ensures that the dummy module and its electronics unit actually belong together.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a rod making machine of the tobacco processing industry with a modular measuring system according to the invention described above in the same way.

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

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

1 a schematic perspective view of a known tobacco rod machine,

2 a perspective schematic view of a known modular strand measuring system,

3a ), b) schematic interior views of an empty module according to the invention,

4a b) the top view and the bottom view of an electronic board of an empty module according to the invention,

5 a schematic representation of the system architecture of the modular measuring system according to the invention,

6a ) to c) is a schematic representation of the evaluation steps of an ultrasonic reflection signal.

7 a schematic representation of a possible analysis method and

8th a schematic representation of another possible analysis method.

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

1 schematically shows a perspective view of a known tobacco rod machine 10 according to EP 2 674 045 A2 the applicant, wherein in a distribution unit 12 loses tobacco material is aufauert on a suction belt, not shown, and in a conveying direction F to a format unit 14 where it is wrapped with wrapping paper and formed into a cylindrical tobacco rod. The wrapped with wrapping paper tobacco rod then passes through a strand measuring arrangement 20 in which material properties of the tobacco rod are measured. A double arrow on the strand measuring arrangement 20 shows that the strand measuring arrangement 20 is laterally removable, for example, the selection or arrangement of measuring modules and / or dummy modules in the strand measuring arrangement 20 to change.

Instead of a tobacco rod machine, the invention can also be used in a filter rod machine.

2 shows a corresponding strand measuring arrangement 20 according to EP 2 674 045 A2 the applicant. The strand measuring arrangement 20 has a housing 22 on, with all the contents a measuring head 24 represents and housing walls 26 as well as two strand flow channels 28 having. The bottom forms a module carrier 30 with slots 32 along two strands of material 18 , For example, tobacco strands or filter strands are arranged. It is in 2 only one part of the available slots occupied. In full operation, all slots would be occupied in this case. The cast in 2 is with measuring modules 40 that perform various measuring tasks. The measuring modules 40 are particularly preferably formed along the measuring sections M ₁ , M ₂ on the strands 18 determine a strand diameter, perform microwave measurements, perform RF measurements, perform optical detections or infrared inspections, or monitor the platen position.

The strands of material 18 come from an inlet region E through the openings of the strand flow channels 28 and exit in the outlet area A again.

The measuring arrangement 20 is about a connection 36 with a control and evaluation unit 34 connected, which receives and evaluates the signals of the measuring devices. This is in turn connected to the machine control or integrated into it.

3a ) shows a schematic representation of a view into an empty module according to the invention 50 into it, a cavity 52 a characteristic, in this case constricted form. Side of the constriction in the middle is a strand passage opening 54 through which a strand of material, such as a tobacco rod or filter strand, is feasible.

At the bottom is an electronics unit 56 arranged on a common board, which communicates with the control and evaluation unit and diagnostic functions.

3b ) shows a further perspective view of the dummy module 50 according to 3a ), where in 3b ) However, the electronics unit 56 not shown to look at two circuit board mounts 58 release.

In 4a ) and 4b ) is a perspective top view of the electronics unit 56 ( 3a ) or on the underside of the electronics unit 56 ( 3b ). In the plan view are placed on the board an ultrasonic transmitter 60 and an ultrasound receiver 62 to recognize, as well as openings 64 for mounting on the PCB holders 58 , There is also an opening 71 visible for a temperature sensor and a program plug 72 ,

At the in 4b ) underside are additionally a microprocessor 66 , a security IC 68 . a temperature sensor 70 and a connector 74 to the module carrier 30 recognizable. The microprocessor 66 fulfills inter alia the function of, in particular encrypted, communication with the control unit. The security IC 68 contains a unique identification number. The temperature sensor 70 can be used to correct temperature dependencies of the properties to be measured, in particular the ultrasound reflection profiles or to take into account in the evaluation.

5 schematically shows a system architecture of the modular measuring system according to the invention, wherein each dummy module 50 a separate CPU 66 and with a so-called sensor base card (SBC) of the module carrier 30 communicates, which forwards the communication to the sensor PC (SPC) of the control and evaluation unit 34 , which in turn is connected via a control bus to the machine control. The monitoring function is advantageously located in the sensor PC, but can also be delegated to the sensor base card or to the machine control.

In 6a ) is a typical measurement signal of the ultrasonic sensor 62 to a series of very short ultrasonic pulses of the ultrasonic transmitter 60 shown at a frequency of 40 kHz. Here are the with the reference number 80 occupied data the measured raw data. In 6b ) are from the raw data 80 the maxima and the minima have been extracted and are used with their absolute value corresponding to the reference numeral 82 displayed. Essentially, the negative minima were "folded down" and positively counted.

6c ) shows the envelope 84 about the episode of Extrema 82 out 6b ). The envelope 84 is very characteristic of a given interior and will change significantly as it changes or introduces additional reflection bodies. In general, there will be a series of multiple reflection maxima whose strength and timing are characteristic.

It is therefore also provided according to the invention to provide each empty module in a corresponding modular measuring system with slight changes in the geometry of the cavity, for example by the provision of one or more protruding into the cavity adjusting screws, which are individually screwed deep, one for a special dummy module to set unique characteristic reflection behavior.

7 schematically shows a first way, the envelope 84 easy to analyze. This is the term 90 shown by the burst of impulses to the first maximum, which can be extended by further maturities 92 from the first to the second maximum, etc., optionally also from the burst to the second maximum, etc. In addition, the relative strengths of the individual maxima could also be fed to each other for evaluation. Thus, a tuple of characteristic values results for a profile, which results in particular from the time position and the amplitude of the maxima of the envelope of the ultrasound reflection signal.

8th shows an alternative analysis method, with reference to the example of an envelope already shown 84 a signal excerpt 94 the measured signal 84 is taken and with the same signal detail 96 a stored reference signal 84 ' is compared, wherein the comparison step with the reference numeral 98 is designated. Thus, the course of the envelope can be compared within predeterminable tolerances with the reference value, whereby not only maxima and possibly minima, but the entire course of the envelope or part of the envelope is the characteristic feature and is used for identification and authentication.

The check is expediently carried out at least when switching on the modular measuring system, ie in the so-called "power-on". It can also be done several times or in fixed or changing intervals during operation, in particular, for example, when restarting after a machine downtime without the measurement modules would have been turned off.

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

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

 rod machine

12

 distribution unit

14

 format unit

18

 strand

20

 Leg metering arrangement

22

 casing

24

 probe

26

 housing wall

28

 Strand continuous channel

30

 module carrier

32

 slot

34

 Control and evaluation unit

36

 connection

40

 measurement module

50

 Dummy module

52

 cavity

54

 Strand channel through opening

56

 electronics unit

58

 PCB holder

60

 ultrasonic transmitter

60 '

 Connections for ultrasonic transmitters

62

 ultrasonic receiver

62 '

 Connections for ultrasonic transmitters

64

 Opening to the bracket

66

 Microprocessor (CPU)

68

 Security IC

70

 temperature sensor

71

 Opening for temperature sensor

72

 Program plug

74

 Connector for module carrier

80

 raw Data

82

 Maxima and inverted minima

84

 envelope

84 '

 Envelope of a stored reference signal

90

 Duration from burst to first maximum

92

 Duration from the first to the second maximum

94

 Signal section of a measured signal

96

 Signal section of a stored reference signal

98

 pattern Matching

A

 discharge area

e

 intake area

F

 Strand conveying direction

K

 axis of symmetry

M ₁ , M ₂

 measuring distance

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• EP 2641489 A2 [0002]
• EP 2674045 A2 [0002, 0003, 0004, 0038, 0040]

Claims (15)

Method for monitoring a modular measuring system in a stranding machine ( 10 ) of the tobacco-processing industry which uses a strand measuring device ( 20 ) with a housing ( 22 ) with a module carrier ( 30 ) and one or more measuring modules ( 40 ) in slots ( 32 ) of the module carrier ( 30 ) are used interchangeably or are used, the measuring modules ( 40 ) with a control unit ( 34 ) of the measuring system and in the housing ( 22 ) at least one measuring section (M ₁ , M ₂ ) for at least one in the stranding machine ( 10 ) along a conveying path promoted material strand ( 18 ), where empty spaces of the module carrier ( 30 ) by dummy modules ( 50 ) are refillable or filled, characterized in that the dummy modules ( 50 ) also with the control unit ( 34 ) are connectable or connected and the control unit ( 34 ) checks if all in slots ( 32 ) of the module carrier ( 30 ) used measuring modules ( 40 ) and / or dummy modules ( 50 ) to the control unit ( 34 ) and / or whether all slots ( 32 ) of the module carrier ( 30 ) with measuring modules ( 40 ) or empty modules ( 50 ) facing the control unit ( 34 ) authenticate. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the check at least when switching on the modular measuring system several times or in fixed or changing intervals during operation, in particular, for example, when restarting after a machine downtime. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the case of the empty modules ( 50 ) in addition a check for a change in the respective dummy module ( 50 ) by measuring at least one property of the dummy module ( 50 ) and comparing ( 98 ) with at least one stored reference value of the at least one measured property. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one measured property is a measure of a reflection of an ultrasonic pulse or an ultrasonic pulse train in the interior of the dummy module ( 50 ). Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the at least one reference value of the at least one measured property in the dummy module ( 50 ) and / or in the control unit ( 34 ) is or will be saved. Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the at least one reference value is adapted to a current or new measurement or measurements of the at least one property, in particular after a release by an operator. A method according to claim 3 to 6, characterized in that advantageously carried out a temperature measurement in the dummy module and the change in the measured property of the dummy module is taken into account as a function of the measured temperature in the monitoring, in particular a temperature dependence is calculated. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that upon occurrence of a mis-authentication, in particular a lack of authentication or identification of a measuring module ( 40 ) or empty module ( 50 ) or a change in a dummy module ( 50 ), a warning message is displayed, a measurement is set with the measuring system or an operation of the stranding machine ( 10 ) is set. Empty module ( 50 ) of a measuring system of the tobacco processing industry for use in a slot ( 32 ) of a module carrier ( 30 ) of a strand measuring arrangement ( 20 ) of the measuring system, characterized in that the dummy module ( 50 ) an electronic unit ( 56 ) with a microprocessor ( 66 ), for the, in particular encrypted, communication with a control unit ( 34 ) of the measuring system is designed and set up, wherein the electronic unit ( 56 ) further authentication data of the dummy module ( 50 ) and / or the electronics unit ( 56 ). Empty module ( 50 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the electronic unit ( 56 ) an ultrasonic transmitter ( 60 ) and an ultrasonic receiver ( 62 ) and is set up, independently or on request by the control unit ( 34 ) a measurement of ultrasonic reflection in the dummy module ( 50 ). Empty module ( 50 ) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the electronic unit ( 56 ) is designed to evaluate the ultrasound reflection and to determine characteristic magnitudes of the ultrasound reflection, in particular a reflection profile and / or maxima or minima of the reflection profile, and to send it to the control unit ( 34 ). Empty module ( 50 ) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the electronic unit ( 56 ) a security IC ( 68 ) having a unique identifier. Modular measuring system of a stranding machine ( 10 ) of the tobacco-processing industry which uses a strand measuring device ( 20 ) with a housing ( 22 ) with a module carrier ( 30 ) and one or several measuring modules ( 40 ) in slots ( 32 ) of the module carrier ( 30 ) are used interchangeably or are used, the measuring modules ( 40 ) with a control unit ( 34 ) of the measuring system and in the housing ( 22 ) at least one measuring section (M ₁ , M ₂ ) for at least one in the stranding machine ( 10 ) along a conveying path promoted material strand ( 18 ), where empty spaces of the module carrier ( 30 ) by dummy modules ( 50 ) are refillable or filled, characterized in that each empty module ( 50 ) of the measuring system with the control unit ( 34 ) is connected or connectable and is designed and set up in relation to the control unit ( 34 ), the control unit ( 34 ) is designed and set up to check that all slots ( 32 ) of the module carrier ( 30 ) used measuring modules ( 40 ) and / or dummy modules ( 50 ) to the control unit ( 34 ) and / or whether all slots ( 32 ) of the module carrier ( 30 ) with measuring modules ( 40 ) or empty modules ( 50 ) facing the control unit ( 34 ) authenticate. Modular measuring system according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit ( 34 ) and / or each dummy module ( 50 ) is designed and / or set up to carry out the method according to one of Claims 1 to 8. Stranding machine ( 10 ) of the tobacco processing industry with a modular measuring system according to claim 13 or 14.

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