DE2033920A1 - Rescue method and device for electropneumatic testing of Ziga - Google Patents

Description

Patent attorneys Dipl.-Ing. R Weickmann,

Dipl.-Ing. H.Weickmann, Dipl-Phys. Dr.K-FiNCKE Dipl.-Ing. F. AWeickmann, Dipl.-Chem. B. Huber

J (JA 8 MUNICH 86, DEN

POST BOX 860 820 MÖHLSTRASSE 22, CALL NUMBER 48 3921/22

AHP IHCORPOHATED

261 Madison Avenue

New York, N.Y. 10016, V.St.A.

Method and device for the electro-pneumatic ^ !! Check . m

Tone cigarettes

The invention relates to a method and a device for electro-pneumatic testing sound cigarettes, in particular to determine whether the cigarette is hoisted or in the paper Are holes which degrade the tensile properties of the cigarettes. With the method according to the invention and the Filter cigarettes can preferably be tested in accordance with the relevant device. It can also be checked whether the Straps that connect the filter to the cigarette are tightly and flawlessly attached. In the case of the invention Procedure will be the one end of the cigarette to be tested, For example, the end of the filter is under pressure Gas supplied, with the help of a suitable electrical Pressure transducer corresponding to the developing pressure electrical signals are generated. These signals are then fed to a logic circuit, which the signals for each cigarette to be tested with a signal constant voltage compares whose size a predetermined constant. Druok corresponds. The logic circuit

009883/1630 BADORiGiNAL

generates output signals which are used to generate the throw out defective cigarettes. Such cigarettes are thrown out at Babylon, in which the person who has been trained is brackish does not reach the predetermined constant comparison pressure.

According to a practical embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cigarettes to be tested are sequentially moved forward, side by side and with the same spacing between them, with the aid of transport means, continuously transversely to the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes. During the forward movement, each cigarette is temporarily shifted axially in such a way that the end of the cigarette to be tested is inserted into a mouthpiece which has a test tube. communicates containing the pressure sensitive transducer element. As a result of the forward movement of the cigarettes, the mouthpiece space, which is connected to the test room, is alternately and periodically brought into contact with the test room, to which a pressurized gas is supplied, and with the outside atmosphere. In this way, a bridge is built up in the test room by the action of the brackish gas, to which the transducer responds with the generation of an electrical signal. Biese® electrical signal occurs simultaneously with einem- clock signal on and vas generation is used a AusstoBsignales, Bas AusetoBsignml serves to actuate a device which dieJenigem auastufit from the series of pre-tested cigarettes, in which the building up in Testraua Maxiealtaick a certain constant Bruokwert does not look at bat, the constant Bruok value being the MindeetforclemiigeB. corresponds to that one puts on the faintness of the wall from the cigarette.

An embodiment of the invention wis> <t nft @ fef®lgemd described with reference to the drawings.

BATH ORIGINAL

009883/1630

Ea show:

Flg. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electropneumatic cellular phone system constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a group of curve diagrams which show the mode of operation of the device according to the invention according to FIG demonstrate;

3 shows a general embodiment of a device,

in which the Oberwaohungsverfahren according to the invention is applied;

Fig. 4 is a partial section of a continuously operating Filter cigarette selection unit which can operate according to the method according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the device according to FIG. 4 along the line T-V in Figure 4i

Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged section along the

Line VI-VI in Fig. 4 showing parts that form a pneumatic ejection device which works together with a selection unit according to FIG and controlled by output signals, the Ejection signals according to the method according to the invention created and moved;

Figs. 7 and 8 show two details on a different scale, which

show two operating positions of the test camers of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 4, the two details as radial axis along the line V or VIII in Flg. 4 are to be viewed;

Flg. 9 is a partial front view showing in particular

009883/1630

'BAD ORIGINAL

shows a detail related to the pneumatic testing » Order belongs, which through the Läogsseitt in Fig.5 is reproduced;

Pig. 10 is a front view of the fixed participant device ₉ coupled to the analysis unit shown in FIG. 5;

11 shows a section through the one shown in Pig »10 Ring along the line

FIG. 12 shows a partial section through FIG. 10 along the line Radius line XII;

13 shows a partial section through FIG. 10 along the laditas line XIII.

In Fig. 1 an au testing cigarette S is shown, wel surface is seen with a filter end F yersehen. The end of the filter is in a mouthpiece 1 of a chamber 2, which over a Line 3 »it is an air source 4 Yertraden. the Air source 4 has a slightly higher pressure than the one surrounding the cigarette. The pressure is over eia control valve 5 adjustable. The Leittrag 3 also contains a pressure-sensitive transducer 6 "which is connected to a line 7 emits an electrical signal that represents the pressure difference corresponds between the chamber 2 and the environment of the cigarette .

In Fig. 2 is a graphic representation is shown in the. the abscissa is Zeitkoordlnate and in which the ordinates repreaentieren the pressures in the chamber 2 ", Sauiidnack _e Wemn is introduced into the · chamber 2 via line 3 compressed air based on 'the performing the Hullpegel, then the pressure in the larger Eauu not if there is no cigarette S in the customer or if the chamber 2

009 883/163 0 ORIGlMAL BATHROOM

Connected to the atmosphere via an outlet line is. The corresponding pressure curve is in this case through represents a rectilinear section 8 which runs practically parallel to the time axis, since the corresponding one Pressure drop between the chamber and the environment is essentially negligible. If on the other hand a cigarette is inserted into the mouthpiece and there is no other connection between the chamber 2 and the external environment, and if, moreover, the other end of the cigarette is closed by a small pressure piston or plate 39, so the following two alternative cases occur. If it reads that the cigarette is good, i. i.e., if the paper and the cork are undamaged, the cork and the paper stick together well and the filter attachment 7 is present, so forms in the cigarette, in the chamber 2 and in the Line 3 exerts a pressure, the pressure build-up corresponding to a rising part of the curve 10. This rising part of the curve 10 is analogous to that which is caused by a discharge an electrical capacitor in series with a resistor can be obtained. The cigarette has in the sat also has a certain air capacity, and it is one certain time is required before the pressure in the cigarette can build up to its maximum value.

How to be the Pig. 2a, the pressure is approaching in the cigarette depending on its Diohtungskapazltät approximately exponentially a maximum value * the maximum value is reached a short moment before the time in which the chamber 2 is connected to the outside space via the line 9. When this connection is made, it falls Pressure in chamber 2 immediately decreases (straight curve piece 11 in Fig. 2a).

A constant pressure level 12 is assumed as the test level. The cigarettes will be approved if the sioh is in

0 0 9883/1630 bad original

The maximum pressure that builds them up is not lower than the above-mentioned pressure level 1st. © a Dageg remains the recoverable with defective cigarettes! Pressure below & @ m-mentioned Bruokpegal (eg. As the curves 102, 103 in Fig. 2a).

The transducer 6 generates analog signals * which approximately the pressure curves entsprechen® Ale'Wandler β is preferably "uses a transistor which is known as" Pitran. ¹¹ The converter generates curves which are shown in FIG. 2 (e.g. curves 20, 203, 2Q4 "80). Bern ^M Pitran "is a converter ddhalb preference g g®b @ m ₉ because he also is responsive to a pressure range between 0 and about _0? 4 kg / cm. In this' interval the maximum. Pressure values auftretenfiJnnen in Kanner 2 are «

The lektrieohe signal generated by the transducer 6 in accordance with the pressure existing in the line 3 is _{fed to an electronic circuit 13 P} 14, in which a signal 112 is generated with a constant level. This signal corresponds to the signal ₉ which the converter 6 was emitting at the pressure level 12. The constant signal 112 therefore represents a comparison signal which the signal actually generated by the transducer 6 is constantly compared. For this purpose, a comparator circuit is provided which generates square wave pulses (see FIG. 2c) 31 »131, 231, 331. These Bechteckin pulses are always generated when the pressure in the Kanner 2 is not below the selected pressure level 12. Between two cigarette tests, the pressure in the kanner 2 of each shark drops, which means that a connection is temporarily established between the kanner 2 and the outer room 9 via the line 9 (see Fig. 3). so the signal level of the converter 6 immediately falls to 0. This is for example in Flg. 2b represented by the curve part 120. represents.

BATH ORIGINAL 009883/1630

The signals 31 »131 etc. which are generated by the comparator, however, cannot be used directly to remove defective cigarettes. That has its The reason is that the width of these pulses is variable and that a decision must be made about whether a cigarette is defective or whether the maximum pressure value just does not occur at the intended time.

It is therefore necessary to complete the system. This is done by adding a system to the monitoring drum for generating synchronous pulses "at a" fixed distance. This system consists, according to a preferred embodiment, of a disc 15 which is arranged coaxially with the drum and bit is provided with a ring of holes. The holes are offset from one another at an equal angle. A light beam is passed through the holes which, when the disk 15 is rotated, periodically illuminates a dead cell. The light source is accommodated in a block 16 which is located in the area of rotation of the disk 15. The pulses generated by the photocell are first calibrated in a pulse generator circuit 17 with regard to their voltage amplitude and duration. The output pulses of the pulse shaping circuit 17 are short square-wave pulses 18 (see Fig. 2b). These pulses are with the Ausgangeimpulsen of circuit 14 (signal 31 _t 131, 231 in FIG. 2E) in a NOR circuit 19 compared which lechteckiopulse 21, 121, 221 generated (β. Fig. 2e), which only occur when there is no output signal at circuit 14 (signals 18 are always present).

The signals 21 generated by the HOR circuit 19 and referred to as ejection signals, are stored in a suitable memory circuit 22 which, according to a preferred embodiment, consists of a sliding

009883/1530 ORIGINAL BATHROOM

register exists. In the shift register, the information shift is brought about by the synchromesh generator 17, which determines the control phase dee in the fixed maximum pressure reached. When the "η ^118" stages of the movable holding device that carries the ea test ™ the cigarettes have been passed, the signals 21, 121, 221 ..... corresponding to the "n" cigarettes to be tested are generated on the axis of the memory circuit when the corresponding cigarettes are being secreted. These signals are used directly or indirectly in order, for example via a ker 23, to actuate a suitable ejection device 24, which ejects the defective cigarettes.

The test system described can in this respect in connection used with any suitable cigarette testing device will. In particular, the test system according to the invention can to be used in conjunction with a facility, such as they in Figures 4 to 13 and the corresponding. Description is described. In these figures is with the number 25 denotes a horizontal hollow shaft, welel @> @ eich extends between two holding devices 26. To the Hollow shaft, a drum 28 is arranged, which runs freely on bearings 27 and with two annular, extending in the Uefangsrichtung extending flanges 29, 30 is provided which are spaced apart from one another. They flanges 29, 30 are provided with recesses or pockets 129, 130. There are radial holes at the bottom of these recesses 229,230 which extend through the flanges 29,30. This locker lead to a channel 31, which has a Line 33 is connected to an axial bore 34 in the fixed shaft 25. The shaft 25 has an open end that, airtight, is connected to a line 126 which is led to a vacuum source. The vacuum < is enough to put a cigarette S in the recess 129,

BATH ORIGINAL 00 9883/163 0

by. To hold on suction. The channel 31 extends in the Drum 28 over a certain arc length to the Saugbereioh to a certain arc with respect to the rotation of the drum 28 au.

The drum 28 receives the cigarettes from another transfer drum 35 in which grooves 135 for cigarettes S are provided. The cigarettes are held in the grooves 135 by suction (I ¹ Ig. 4). The holding of the cigarettes S by suction takes place up to the point at which the cigarettes S are transferred to the drum 28. The Irommel 35 in turn picks up cigarettes from a drum 36, namely those cigarettes on the grooves of which no suction is exerted.

A disk 37 on the one hand and a disk 38 on the other hand are rotated with the drum 28. The disc 37 has one Ring with small pistons 39, the number of pistons being equal to the number of cigarettes that are removed from the housing of the Drum 28 can be included. The pistons 39 extend are parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum 28 and have an equidistant angular distance from one another. The pistons can be moved freely in the bushing 40 of the disk 37 and are provided at one end with a holding part 4-1 which is directed towards one end of the corresponding cigarette S. In the holding part 41 sits a piece 42 made of soft rubber or other soft material, with which the end of the cigarette can be sealed airtight. The other end of the piston 39 is in contact with a squat 45 · The piston 39 is operated by means of a compression coil spring 44 surrounding the piston and between one end of the sleeve 40 and a flange 45 on the piston 39 is seated, pressed against the crouch 43. With a periodi-β Without displacement of the cam 43, the rubber piece 42 becomes pressed against the end of the cigarette so that

009883/1630

the cigarettes are axially displaced is tem AnsiaefeBiaiagea 129., 130. On the other side, the drum 28 is the disk 38, which is imea Siag @mb Bamästltakera. 46 carries, the number of which is equal to the number of ropes 39 "Each mouthpiece 46 simultaneously forms the frontal lalteeleraent for a with a bore Terse3b, © m © ü önaiiiettick 146. The piece 146 can, as an anus © inea other suitable sealing material exist. The rubber device 146 is accommodated in a complete recess in the disk 33.

The mouthpieces 46 are in circumferential direction elongated bath wa an equal angle Ters @ tsten- Eamnern 246 ia Terlnindnagj, which are arranged riagfSnaig in the disk 38 »The sight 38 rotates together with the drum 28. A fixed divider ring 47 rests on the side of the disk 38 in such a way that an airtight sliding connection is formed. The ¥ © rt @ il © rriü, g 4? is bit radial holes 147 vtnu. axial BotoTsngem 247 provided ₉ which are connected to each other «,

A pressure transducer 6 is located at the bottom of the bore 247. When the disk 38 is rotated, the bore 247 with the perforated rubber piece 146 and thus with the end associated with a cigarette S »The cigarette S is due to the axial displacement of the piston 39 b @ idxkt © has been brought into sealing contact with dog piece 46. The displacement of the piston 139 comes about because the end 139 of the piston 39 is on the stationary cam 43 slides along · The piston 39 is advanced most when its end is the most protruding Position of the fixed Hockena 43 reached.

At a point on the stationary ring 47, which is, for example, 15 ^P from the axis of the bore 147 (see Plg. 8 and

009883/1630

12) Let removed, the ring has a radial bore 347 and an axial bore 447, which with each other and are in connection with the outside atmosphere. With These holes make it possible to reduce the pressure in the cigarette tea dream reset to O after checking the cigarette. At another point of the fixed ring 47, which is opposite the axis of the bore 147 is angularly offset by a larger angle than the bores 347 and 447, for example by 65 °, the stationary ring 47 also has a radial bore 547 and an axial bore 647 which oils one another and are in communication with a source of compressed air. The pressure this source is sufficient to expel the ZLgaretten S to be tested from the mouthpieces 46.

The tested cigarettes will then tone the grooves of the drum 28 transferred into the grooves of the drum 48 and in these held by suction. The suction of the cigarettes in the grooves of the drum 48 takes place via line 148, which are in communication with suction channels 248 which extend over a certain part of the circumference of the drum 48 extend. The defective cigarettes are ejected from this drum. The ejection takes place with a compressed air jet, which emerges from a nozzle 49, which is arranged in the vicinity of one of the heads of the drum 48 and radially is aligned. The nozzle 49 is preferably arranged on the side of the drum 48, which consists of the filter-F a cigarette seated in a groove of the drum extends outward. Whether a jet of air to expel Cigarette emerging from the nozzle depends on the opening an electromagnetically operated valve 24, which is controlled by the output signal 23 of the shift register memory 22 (Hg. 1). So on these catfish those cigarettes which cause an ejection signal are pneumatically ejected.

009883/1630

BATH ORIGINAL

To prevent them from falling into the grooves of the drum 48 lying cigarettes are ejected, which are not defective per se, but only next to a defective cigarette lie, the drum is provided with axial ribs 50 which are offset from one another by an equal angle and each in the middle between two grooves 348 lie.

As a result, the compressed air jet only detects the corresponding defective cigarette between two ribs, which is from the Drum 48 must be repelled.

The flawless cigarettes are transferred from the grooves 348 of the drum 48 to grooves of a drum 51 the cigarettes, for example, to a cigarette box filling device to be continued.

ORIGINAL BATHROOM

009883/1630

Claims (10)

P at en t copies '' A method for electropneumatic testing τοη Zlgaret _v / ten, in particular of filter cigarettes, in which those cigarettes are displayed and sorted out from a row of cigarettes which have defects such as paper tears, incorrect attachment of the filter connecting tape or other defects that reduce the tensile properties of a cigarette, characterized in that at least one end of each cigarette (S) to be tested, for example the filter end (F), is supplied with a pressurized gas, that the pressure of the gas is measured, that the calorific value of the druoke is electronically converted into a signal which varies according to the pressure value, so that the signal is continuously compared during the time interval a in which the gas under test is supplied to the cigarette under pressure, with a comparison signal (112), which has a certain constant value which is sent to the cigarettes (p ) corresponds to the minimum requirement for the wall density, that from the comparison in the sequence of a clock frequency for each cigarette. (S) of the moving cigarette row, a test signal (21,121,221) is obtained, which is used directly or indirectly to control a cigarette ejection element (24) that ejects each cigarette (S) at which the pressure of the gas listed in the relevant interval is not reaches or exceeds the predetermined constant reference value. 2. Device for performing the method according to claim 1, characterized in that transport means for continuous Move forward a series of items to be tested 009883/16 30 ORIGINAL BATHROOM Cigarettes (S) provided bind that means of transport cooperate with pressure supply means, which sequentially at least one end of each. Cigarette (S) the row while moving forward continuously the series supply a gas under bridge that an electronic converter (6) is provided, the on the gas pressure responds when an electrical signal is generated, which is based on the instantaneous values of the gas pressure supplied to the respective cigarette (S) changes so that an electrical circuit (13, 14) is provided which is the variable output signal of the electronic transducer (6) with a reference asigoal (112) of constant amplitude compares which corresponds to the minimum wall density requirement for the cigarettes (S), that the electrical circuit (13-14) every time then one Evaluation signal (31,131,231) generated when that of the relevant Cigarette fed ^ Bruelcwert the constant Does not fall below the value of the comparison signal (112), and that a logic circuit (19) is provided, indicating the presence or absence of evaluation signal en (31,131,231} in the clock sequence of a clock signal (18), whose repetition frequency corresponds to the cigarette test frequency synchronous 1st, anzej $ and which an ejection signal (21,121,221) emits every time an evaluation signal ntcht at the same time with dea concerned ! Clock signal (18) is present. 3 · Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the electronic converter responding to the bridge (6) is a transistor known under the name "Pitran" is. 009883/1630 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the logic circuit (19), which generates the ejection signals (21,121,221) Two input HOR gate is each quay then an eject signal (21,121,221) is generated when on a clock signal (18) is present at one input and no evaluation signal (31.131 »231.331) is present at the other input. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one acting as a memory Shift register (22) is provided, which receives the eject signals generated by the logic circuit (19) (21,121,221), the shift register (22) every hal if for one cigarette (S) an evaluation signal (31,131 »2311331) is not present at the same time as the clock signal (18); Time delay supplies a cigarette ejector (24), and wherein the shift clock of the shift register (19) is synchronous with the cigarette test frequency of the clock signals (18) is controlled. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clock signals (18) are generated by an Inpulsfomer (17), which are supplied from a photocell circuit (15, 16) corresponding input signals, the Potocell circuit (15 , 16) zusannenwlrkt nit the transport means for the series of z \ j tested cigarettes (S). 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport means to move the cigarettes to be tested (S) and the BATH ORIGINAL 009883/1630 pressure feed means cooperating with the transport means provided Lt grooves (129,130) Have drum (28), which on a fixed Hollow shaft (25) is rotatably arranged, with a negative pressure on the cigarettes (S) via the hollow shaft Holding the cigarettes (S) in the grooves (129,130) the drum (28) is exerted that the drum (28) is formed in one piece with two disks (37f38) provided at their ends, the first of which as Bracket for pistons 39 distributed in a ring over the periphery of the disc (37), the pistons with align the grooves (129, 130) in the drum (28) and interact with a fixed axial cam (43), in such a way that the pistons (39) are displaced axially when the drum (28) and the disc (37) rotate, whereby each piston moves the cigarette (S) assigned to it axially into a dog piece (46) so that each cigarette (S) a mouthpiece is assigned, wherein the dog piece (46) are distributed on the periphery of the other disc (38) and are aligned with the grooves (129,130) of the drum (28), that the dog pieces (46) with corresponding in the circumferential direction of the disc (38) elongated chambers (246) are connected, which are spaced apart from one another and are annular over the circumference of the Disc (38) are distributed so that the disc (38) on one end face in sliding contact with a fixed Distributor ring (47) is in which a pressure test space (147,247) is provided, in which the Pressure transducer (6) is located, and that the pressure test chamber (147,247) via a supply line (4) and an adjusting valve (5) Compressed air is supplied. 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that in de «Y Teilerring (47) a line duct (3? 7.447) ' is provided, which is opposite to that of a line 00 988 3/1630 'BAD ORIGINAL 203392D channel (147 »247) formed pressure test space is angularly offset such that each chamber (246) temporarily and periodically with the line channel (347 »447) and thus is connected to the outside atmosphere, whereby the overpressure escape from the relevant chamber (246) and the output value of the pressure transducer (6) can go back to 0 after each cigarette test cycle. 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the distributor ring (47) a conduit (547,647) is provided, which is opposite to the conduit forming the pressure test space is offset at a greater angle than the duct connected to the outside atmosphere (347 »447)» wherein the mentioned line channel (547 »647) with a Pressure wave that creates a pressure is connected with which the end of the cigarette under test can be separated from the corresponding dog piece (46) if that Mouthpiece (46) communicates with the aforementioned conduit (547 * 647). 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the photocell circuit of a disk (15) driven together with the drum (28) with annularly arranged holes is driven, which correspond to the grooves (129,130) of the drum (28), wherein a light source and the photocell of the circuit are housed in a fixed head (16) which is arranged above the disk (15) so that each quay then when lioht from the light source through one Hole in the disc (15) falls on the photocell, a control signal for the pulse shaping system (17) is generated which thereby evaluates the cigarette test frequency and controls the shift register (22) accordingly. 0 0 9 8 8 3/1630 BAD ORJQiMAL Blank page