EP1849370B1 - Monitoring the position of a band of tipping paper - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a measuring system (20) with a measuring radiation producing source (3) e.g. lamp, provided for subjecting a covering paper strip (1) with measuring radiation (15), and a sensor device for receiving the produced scattering field. The system is arranged such that the measuring radiation in direct proximity of a disseminate device (2) impinges on the strip and the scattering field in the direct proximity of the disseminate device is measured. The source and the sensor device are arranged directly in front of the disseminate device in a conveying direction of the strip. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an application of a measuring system in a device for monitoring the position of a covering paper strip (2) a method for monitoring the position of the covering paper strip (3) a method for operating a filter assembling machine of the tobacco processing industry.

Description

The invention relates to a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the tipping paper strip passes through a gluing device and wherein a measuring system with at least one measuring radiation generating source for acting on the tipping paper strip with measuring radiation and with a sensor device for receiving thereby generated Streufelds is provided, wherein the measuring system is designed and arranged so that the measuring radiation in the immediate vicinity of the gluing meets the tipping paper strip and the resulting stray field is measured in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a measuring system in such a device and to a corresponding method for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip.

Moreover, the invention relates to a machine of the tobacco processing industry with a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip.

For the connection of cigarette filters with tobacco rods usually a tipping paper leaflet is provided, which on the one hand surrounds the filter and on the other hand connects a head end of the tobacco rod with the filter with a protruding edge. The assembly of the filter with the tobacco rod is usually done by gluing the filter paper and the tobacco rod enveloping tipping paper strip.

When changing a bobbin on a filter attachment machine, it may happen for a short time that the tipping paper strip does not run correctly, but unfolds at the edges. At such points, the tipping paper strip is knocked over, so that when the glueing device passes through, the glue application is made there incorrectly. Usually, the Belapapierstreifen aligns correctly after the glue application. Nevertheless, due to the incorrect application of glue on the edge of the tipping paper strip, an undesired, glue-free zone is created, which can later lead to the cigarette filter falling off. This unintentional effect mainly occurs when the tipping paper of a first roll runs out and is replaced by the tipping paper of a following roll.

Out EP-A-1 400 180 an arrangement for conveying a paper strip for wrapping cigarette filters is known, which runs along a predetermined conveying path. In the event that the paper strip does not run properly along the conveyor line, monitoring means are provided which control a suction plate which returns the paper strip to a correct position.

Out EP-B-0 418 342 Furthermore, a device for detecting a sufficient moisture of the gluing of a paper strip is described, wherein the presence of a gluing on the paper strip to be glued is detected by means of a capacitive sensor.

WO 00/17083 A1 relates to a device and a method for the production of cigarettes, especially for filtering filters on filter cigarettes. In this case, a tipping paper strip passes through a gluing device which has sensors which detect a lateral drift of the tipping paper. A rotatable guide table is rotated in response to the signals from the sensors to compensate for the detected drift of the tipping paper.

In EP 1 127 824 A2 a device for adjusting the position of a paper to be printed strip in a printing machine is described. Therein an edge sensor is disclosed, which is arranged directly upstream of a printing unit. The edge sensor consists of a light emitter and a light receiver, whereby the light flux is measured.

US 2004/0226465 A1 relates to a method and a device for monitoring a tipping paper strip for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco-processing industry and of gluing images cyclically applied by a gluing device. In each case a plurality of images are taken of sections of the tipping paper strip, a monitoring image is built up from at least a part of the images taken during a cycle of the gluing device and the monitoring image is displayed. To monitor the tipping paper strip is illuminated with a lamp at a shallow angle along a transverse to the direction of movement of the tipping paper strip line on which a lens of a line scan camera is directed. The line scan camera observes the tipping paper strip at a glancing angle α to be aligned with the region of optimum illumination of the tipping paper strip by the lamp.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a way to reliably monitor a gluing on a wrapping strip of the tobacco-processing industry, especially in the edge regions of the wrapping strip, even in confined spaces available.

The object is achieved by a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the tipping paper strip passes through a gluing device and wherein a measuring system with at least one measuring radiation generating source for loading the tipping paper strip with measuring radiation and with a sensor device for receiving the The measuring system is designed and arranged such that the measuring radiation hits the tipping paper strip in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device and the stray field generated thereby is measured in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device, characterized in that the source and / or the Sensor device comprises waveguides, in particular optical fibers, which provide the measuring radiation from at least one measuring radiation source to the tipping paper strip and at least one for the reception of the measuring radiation NEN forward sensor of the sensor device, wherein a shoe is provided for guiding the tipping paper strip, which comprises the waveguide.

In the immediate vicinity of the gluing device means in this context, the measuring system is arranged relative to the gluing device in such a way that a tipping paper strip folded over at the edge or a staggered tipping paper strip, which is recognized as such by the measuring system, is also folded over or moved through the gluing device. The reverse is true that a flawless running tipping paper strip, which is also recognized by the measuring system on the way to Beleimvorrichtung in between does not overturn or staggered. Specifically, the distance between the measuring system and the gluing device will therefore have to be on the order of a few tens of centimeters (decimetres).

The use of waveguides makes it possible to transmit and receive the measuring radiation in an otherwise possibly difficult to reach place, namely very close to the gluing device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the measuring system is arranged directly in front of the gluing device, that is to say that the source generating at least one measuring radiation and the sensor device are arranged directly in front of the gluing device in the conveying direction of the covering paper strip. In this case, in particular, the devices are arranged directly in front of the gluing device, which bring the measuring radiation into the region of the covering paper strip and discharge it there again, that is, for example, an end of a waveguide and / or a sensor.

Advantageously, the measuring system for generating and receiving electromagnetic waves, in particular in the ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave or ultrasonic waves is formed.

In a likewise preferred embodiment of the device, the sensor device is designed to receive in particular the measuring radiation reflected by the tipping paper strip.

It is comparatively easy to detect the contours of Belapapierstreifens and thus to determine beyond doubt whether the tipping paper strip is running correctly or folded over, i. faulty, running.

Preferably, a device for evaluation is provided for further processing of the measurement signals received by the sensor device.

In the event that the measuring radiation is ultrasonic waves, the source generating at least one measuring radiation is preferably designed as a piezoelectric element, and the sensor device comprises at least one corresponding piezoelectric element.

The object is further achieved by a machine of the tobacco processing industry with a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip in one of the above embodiments.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by the use of a measuring system in a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the tipping paper strip passes through a gluing device and wherein the measuring system at least one measuring radiation generating source for loading the tipping paper strip with measuring radiation and a sensor device for receiving the stray field generated thereby, wherein the measuring radiation in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device strikes the tipping paper strip and the stray field generated thereby is measured in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device, which is further developed in that the source and / or the sensor device comprises waveguides, in particular optical fibers, which transmit the measuring radiation from at least one measuring radiation source to the tipping paper strip and to at least one for the reception of the measuring radiation sensor provided forward the sensor device, wherein a shoe is provided for guiding the tipping paper strip, which comprises the waveguides.

As already stated above, the arrangement in the immediate vicinity means that the measuring system is arranged such that a covering paper strip moving in the conveying direction either overturns the measuring system and the gluing device at the edge and thus passes by incorrectly or the measuring system and the gluing device are correct Way through.

In a preferred form of the use of the measuring system, this, viewed in the conveying direction of the Belapapierstreifens, arranged so that the measurement takes place immediately in front of the Beleimvorrichtung. This has the advantage that a folded tipping paper strip is recognized as such at an early stage, i. before it is glued incorrectly.

For the further advantageous embodiments of the use of a measuring system in a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip, reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition.

The object is also achieved by a method for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, wherein the tipping paper strip passes through a Beleimvorrichtung, wherein the tipping paper strip immediately before, during or immediately after the gluing applied by the Beleimvorrichtung with measuring radiation and the resulting stray field is measured immediately before, during or after the gluing by the Beleimvorrichtung. Subsequently, the measurement signals are forwarded to a device for evaluation. According to the invention, the measuring radiation is transmitted by means of waveguides, in particular light guides, from at least one measuring radiation source to the tipping paper strip and to at least one sensor of the sensor device provided for receiving the measuring radiation, wherein the waveguides are arranged in a shoe for guiding the tipping paper strip.

As measuring radiation are preferably electromagnetic waves, in particular in the ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave or ultrasonic waves in question.

In order to detect the contour of a tipping paper strip, which provides information about whether the tapped paper strip is folded over, shifted or running without errors, it is likewise advantageous if the measuring radiation reflected by the tipping paper strip is received by the sensor device. In particular, it is relevant for the correct conveying path of the tipping paper strip or the detection of the correct conveying path that the contour or the edges of the tipping paper strip lie at a specifiable location and there is no deviation which is greater than a predefinable deviation.

The stray field received by the sensor device is forwarded in the form of measuring signals to a device for evaluating these measuring signals. Returns the evaluation of the measurement signals that the tipping paper strip does not pass through the glueing device correctly, in a preferred embodiment of the method, a device is activated for the subsequent rejection of the faulty tipping paper strip or precursors already produced therefrom. This is advantageous to at least one nozzle subjected to compressed air, which blows out defective precursors from the production line.

If the evaluation of the measurement signals over a predetermined time period, for example a few seconds, indicates that the tipping paper strip does not pass through the glueing device correctly, a device for stopping the glueing of the tipping paper strip is preferably activated.

Both the device for separating and the device for stopping the gluing of the tipping paper strip are correspondingly controlled by the device for evaluating the measuring signals.

Stray field is always to be understood as the radiation which results from the measurement radiation generated by at least one source interacting with the tipping paper strip. The interaction may consist in a reflection, a transmission, a diffraction or any other change in the radiation properties.

Fig. 1

eine Ausführungsform einer herkömmlichen Einrichtung in einer schematischen Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

einen Schuh zur Führung des Belagpapierstreifens mit Details eines erfindungsgemäßen Messsystems in einer schematischen Ansicht in Förderrichtung des Belagpierstreifens;

Fig. 3

den Schuh aus Fig. 2 in einer seitlichen Ansicht senk- recht zur Förderrichtung des Belagpapierstreifens;

Fig. 4

ein Detail einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer erfin- dungsgemäßen Einrichtung in einer schematischen An- sicht.

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:

Fig. 1

an embodiment of a conventional device in a schematic side view;

Fig. 2

a shoe for guiding the tipping paper strip with details of a measuring system according to the invention in a schematic view in the conveying direction of Belagpierstreifens;

Fig. 3

the shoe off Fig. 2 in a lateral view perpendicular to the conveying direction of the tipping paper strip;

Fig. 4

a detail of another embodiment of an inventive device in a schematic view.

In the following figures, identical or similar elements or corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that a corresponding renewed idea is dispensed with.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip 1 for rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry. The tipping paper strip 1 passes through a gluing device 2, ie it passes closely above a glue nozzle 10 for applying glue to the tipping paper strip 1. Instead of the glue nozzle 10, a known from the prior art Walzenbeleimung or other Beleimungsart can be used. The tipping paper strip 1 is thereby withdrawn from a supply roll (bobbin), not shown, with a preset speed. The removal of the tipping paper strip 1 from the supply roll is done by means of a pair of withdrawal rollers 6, 7, wherein one of the two take-off rolls 6 or 7 is driven. Viewed downstream of the take-off rolls 6, 7, the glueing device 2 is provided for applying glue to the tipping paper strip 1. Further downstream, behind the gluing device 2, the tipping paper strip 1 passes via a guide roller 9 to a cutting device, not shown for periodically separating tipping paper sections of the tipping paper 1. The conveying direction of the tipping paper strip 1 is shown by an arrow 8.

The monitoring of the position of the tipping paper strip 1 is as follows:

The tipping paper strip 1 is illuminated along a line extending transversely to its conveying direction with a lamp as a source 3 for the source radiation 16. On this line, a lens of a line scan camera is directed as a sensor device 4. The source 3 and the sensor device 4 are parts of a measuring system 20. The lamp may be, for example, a lamp producing an LED line light. The measurement radiation 15 received by the line scan camera is converted into measurement signals and forwarded to a device 5 for evaluation of the measurement signals. For example, the evaluation device 5 may be a personal computer that includes an image capture card and image processing software. The evaluation device 5 controls a device for discarding and a device for stopping the gluing or the cigarette machine, which are not shown. In the example of Fig. 1 the source 3 and the sensor device 4 are arranged such that the reception of the measuring radiation 15 reflected by the tipping paper strip 1 by the sensor device 4 is recommended.

Likewise, there is the possibility not shown here, the tipping paper strip 1 between the source 3 and the sensor device 4 to lead. This variant lends itself, for example, to the use of ultrasonic waves. In this case, the ultrasound is generated by at least one source 3, for example a piezoelectric element, and received by a sensor device 4, likewise a piezoelectric element. To monitor the conveyed tipping paper strip 1 continuously, the tipping paper strip 1 is applied transversely to the conveying direction with ultrasound, wherein the tipping paper strip 1 between the source 3 and the sensor device 4 is guided. As a result, ultrasound can be oriented with a preferred orientation on the tipping paper strip 1 and sound through the tipping paper strip 1. On the other side of the tipping paper strip 1, the ultrasonic waves are received by the piezoelectric element.

In the Fig. 2 a shoe 11 for guiding the tipping paper strip 1 is shown with details of a measuring system 20 according to the invention in a schematic view in the conveying direction 8 of the tipping paper strip 1. Waveguides 12 are provided which, on the one hand, in each case direct the measuring radiation generated by a measuring radiation source 13 into the immediate vicinity of the tipping paper strip 1 and on the other hand forward the measuring radiation reflected from the tipping paper strip 1 to a sensor 14. The measuring radiation source 13 and the sensor 14 are according to Fig. 2 housed in a housing. In this embodiment, the source 3 comprises the measuring radiation source 13 and the two waveguides 12, and the sensor device 4 comprises the sensor 14 and the two waveguides 12. This embodiment is particularly suitable for monitoring the position of a tipping paper strip 1 in an otherwise difficult to access location, because by the use of waveguides 12, the arrangement of a measuring radiation source 13 and a sensor 14 can be carried out in a place that from the tipping paper strip 1 is located in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device 2. Furthermore, in the Fig. 2 the tipping paper strip 1 shown with the right side folded up edge. Instead of simple waveguides, dual waveguides 12 are used here, each dual waveguide 12 having a waveguide for the supply of the radiation to the object to be measured and a waveguide for the discharge of the reflected radiation from the object to be measured. In the case of simple waveguides, a beam splitter can be used to separate irradiated and reflected radiation from each other. The waveguide 12 off Fig. 2 may also serve exclusively to direct radiation, such as light, to the tipping paper strip 1. There are then two in Fig. 2 not shown sensors are provided above the shoe 11, which detect the transmitted radiation.

In the Fig. 3 the shoe is off Fig. 2 shown in a lateral view perpendicular to the conveying direction 8 of the tipping paper strip 1. The two waveguides 12 are consecutively from the viewpoint of the observer.

In the Fig. 4 is a detail of another embodiment of a device according to the invention in a schematic view dargstellt. The measuring system 20 or a part of the measuring system 20 may in this case be arranged in the shoe 11, which is located in the conveying direction 8 of the tipping paper strip 1 immediately before the gluing device 2.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Covering paper strip

2

gluing device

3

source

4

sensor device

5

Device for evaluating the measuring signals

6, 7

Off rollers

8th

arrow

9

deflecting

10

glue nozzle

11

shoe

12

waveguides

13

Measuring radiation source

14

sensor

15

measuring radiation

16

source radiation

20

measuring system

Claims (18)

1. Device for monitoring the position of a strip of tip paper (1) for rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry, which tip paper strip (1) is fed through a gluing device (2), and a measuring system is provided, comprising at least one source (3) generating measurement radiation for applying measuring radiation to the tip paper strip (1), and with a sensor device (4) for receiving the scattered field created as a result, and the measuring system (20) is designed and disposed so that the measurement radiation hits the tip paper strip (1) in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device (2) and the scattered field created as a result is measured in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device (2), characterised in that the source (3) and/or the sensor device (4) comprises waveguides (12), in particular light guides, which direct the measurement radiation from at least one measurement radiation source (13) to the tip paper strip (1) and onto at least one sensor (14) of the sensor device (4) provided as a means of receiving the measurement radiation, and a shoe (11) enclosing the wave guides (12) is provided as a means of guiding the tip paper strip (1).
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the at least one source (3) generating measurement radiation and the sensor device (4) are disposed immediately before the gluing device (2) as viewed in the direction in which the tip paper strip (1) is conveyed.
3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the measuring system (20) is designed to generate and receive electromagnetic waves, in particular in the ultra-violet, visible, infrared and microwave range, or ultrasound waves.
4. Device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the sensor device (4) is designed to receive the measurement radiation reflected by the tip paper strip (1).
5. Device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a device (5) is provided for evaluating the measurement signals received from the sensor device (4).
6. Device as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one source (3) generating measurement radiation is provided in the form of a piezo-element and the sensor device (4) has at least one corresponding piezo-element.
7. Machine in the tobacco processing industry with a device for monitoring the position of a tip paper strip (1) as claimed in one of more of claims 1 to 6.
8. Use of a measuring system (20) in a device for monitoring the position of a tip paper strip (1) for rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry, which tip paper strip (1) is fed through a gluing device (2), and the measuring system (20) comprises at least one source (3) for generating measurement radiation in order to apply measurement radiation to the tip paper strip (1) and a sensor device (4) for receiving the scattered field created as a result, and the measurement radiation hits the tip paper strip (1) in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device (2) and the scattered field created as a result is measured in the immediate vicinity of the gluing device (2), characterised in that the source (3) and/or sensor device (4) comprises waveguides (12), in particular light guides, which direct the measurement radiation from at least one measurement radiation source (13) to the tip paper strip (1) and onto at least one sensor (14) of the sensor device (4) provided as a means of receiving the measurement radiation, and a shoe (11) enclosing the waveguides (12) is provided for guiding the tip paper strip (1).
9. Use of a measuring system (20) as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the at least one source (3) generating measurement radiation and the sensor device (4) are disposed immediately before the gluing device (2) as viewed in the direction in which the tip paper strip (1) is conveyed.
10. Use of a measuring system (20) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the measuring system (20) generates and receives electromagnetic waves, in particular in the ultra-violet, visible, infrared and microwave range, or ultrasound waves.
11. Use of a measuring system (20) as claimed in one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that the sensor device (4) receives the measurement radiation reflected by the tip paper strip (1).
12. Use of a measuring system (20) as claimed in one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the measurement signals are forwarded to a device (5) for analysing the measurement signals.
13. Method of monitoring the position of a tip paper strip (1) for rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry, which tip paper strip (1) is fed through a gluing device (2), and measurement radiation is applied to the tip paper strip (1) by at least one source (3) of a measuring system immediately before, during or immediately after glue is applied by the gluing device (2), the scattered field created as a result is received by a sensor device (4) of the measuring system (20) and forwarded to a device (5) for analysing the measurement signals, characterised in that the measurement radiation is directed by means of waveguides (12), in particular light guides, from at least one measurement radiation source (13) to the tip paper strip (1) and onto at least one sensor (14) of the sensor device (4) provided as a means of receiving the measurement radiation, and the waveguides (12) are disposed in a shoe (11) for guiding the tip paper strip (1).
14. Method as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that the measuring system (20) generates and receives electromagnetic waves, in particular in the ultra-violet, visible, infrared and microwave range, ultrasound waves or corpuscular radiation.
15. Method as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the measurement radiation reflected by the tip paper strip (1) is received by the sensor device (4).
16. Method of operating a filter joining machine in the tobacco processing industry, comprising the steps of a method as claimed in one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that if the result of the evaluation of the measurement signals is that the tip paper strip (1) has not been fed correctly through the gluing device (2), a device for subsequently identifying the faulty tip paper strip (1) or products already produced from it is activated.
17. Method as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the identifying device comprises at least one nozzle to which compressed air is applied.
18. Method of operating a filter joining machine in the tobacco processing industry, comprising the steps of a method as claimed in one of claims 13 to 17, characterised in that if the result of the evaluation of the measurement signals over a predefined period of time is that the tip paper strip (1) has not been fed correctly through the gluing device (2), a device for stopping the process of applying glue to the tip paper strip (1) is activated.

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