JP2006280374A - Machine for processing article, control device, and diagnostic method applied to such machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a machine for processing articles and a diagnostic method designed to eliminate faults of conventional technology, inexpensively and easily applicable. <P>SOLUTION: The invention relates to the machine for processing cigarettes (2), the control device (5), and the diagnostic method applied to such a machine (1). The machine (1) has a number of housings (10) oriented crosswise to a feed path (P1) and each having at least two respective elongated seats (11, 11'), during each operating cycle, each seat (11, 11') picks up a respective article (2) at an input station (4), releases the cigarette at an output station (6), and returns to the input station (4) along a return path (P2). A proximity sensor (14, 14') determines the position of the seats (11), and downloads a recording signal (S) which is processed and compared with reference data (DR) to determine a possible fault. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an article processing apparatus, a control device, and a diagnostic method applied to such an apparatus.

  More particularly, the present invention is an apparatus for processing an article comprising a transfer device that moves the article from a loading station to a discharge station along a supply path. And at least one sheet and at least one operating component for moving the sheet. During each operational cycle, each sheet acquires a respective article at the loading station, releases the article at the discharge station, and returns to the loading station along a return path.

  In known devices of the type described above, when the article is acquired or released by the sheet, the sheet is accurately placed at the loading and ejection stations to prevent the article from being damaged or even lost. Being in position is quite important.

  Currently, defects in the transfer device that are causing inaccurate positioning of the sheet at the loading and / or discharging station are difficult to identify and time consuming. This (in combination with the high operating speed of state-of-the-art equipment for processing articles) generates a relatively large number of defective products downstream of the transfer device and results in increased manufacturing costs.

  The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a diagnostic method for processing articles, which are designed to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks, and in particular are easy and inexpensive to implement.

  According to the present invention there is provided a diagnostic method according to any one of the independent claims relating to the method, preferably according to any one of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on this independent claim.

  According to the invention, an apparatus for processing an article according to any one of the independent claims relating to the apparatus, preferably according to any one of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on this independent claim. Is provided.

  According to the present invention there is provided a control device as claimed in the device claims.

  Numerous non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The numeral 1 in FIG. 1 refers to the entire apparatus for treating cylindrical tobacco articles, particularly cigarettes. The apparatus comprises a supply conveyor 3 for supplying the cigarette 2 to the input station 4, a transfer device 5 for transferring the cigarette 2 from the input station 2 to the discharge station 6 along the supply path P1, and a discharge And a conveyor wheel 7 for receiving the cigarette 2 from the transfer device 5 at the station 6.

  The transfer device 5 comprises a conveyor roller 8 that rotates about a respective horizontal axis of rotation. Moreover, it has a large number of outer peripheral housings 10 each comprising two long and substantially coaxial sheets 11 and 11 ′ spaced apart at equal intervals around the axis 9. The sheets 11 and 11 ′ have a concave surface on the outside with a suction nozzle. The roller 8 comprises an operating unit 12 (only part of which is shown) for moving the sheets 11 and 11 ′ longitudinally and parallel to the axis 9, and it comprises a number of rods 12 ′. Do it. Each rod 12 ′ supports a respective sheet 11 and 11 ′ and slides longitudinally in a direction parallel to the axis 9.

  In the tobacco manufacturing industry, the transfer device 5 is usually used to separate two cigarettes obtained by cutting a double cigarette (not shown) in the transverse direction.

  In actual use, when the housing 10a (comprising two sheets 11 and 11 ') is positioned at the loading station 4, the two sheets 11a and 11'a are at their respective filter ends. Each of the cigarettes 2 that are arranged facing each other. At this point, the roller 8 is centered about the axis 9 and the housing 10a moves along the path P1, so that the sheets 11a and 11′a are axially and parallel to the axis 9 until it reaches the discharge station 6. (Fig. 2), where the cigarette 2 is released and rests on the conveyor wheel 7. When the housing 10a returns to the loading station 4 along the return path P2, the two sheets 11a and 11′a become one again (FIG. 3).

  The apparatus 1 also comprises a control device 13 for ensuring that the sheets 11, 11 ′ are accurately positioned along the supply and return paths P1 and P2. The control device 13 is connected to the two proximity sensors 14, 14 '(respectively generating a recording signal S relating to the position of the respective sheet 11, 11' of each housing 10), to the sensors 14, 14 'and to the operating unit 12 And a computer 15 for comparing the recording signal S with the reference data item DR in order to obtain at least one comparison data item DC for determining the defect.

  As used herein, the term “defect” refers to an operating situation that is already causing manufacturing problems (e.g., a fairly high rate of defective cigarettes), or perhaps a manufacturing problem (if not corrected). It means a situation that will end up.

  As described herein, the reference data item DR may be composed of one or more elements, for example, a single numerical value or a matrix of numerical values. Similarly, the comparison data item DC may be composed of one or more components, for example, a single numerical value or a matrix of numerical values.

  The computer 15 can obtain the recorded data item as a function of the recorded signal S and subtract the recorded data item from the reference data item DR value to obtain a comparison data item DC value. Moreover, if the comparison data item DC value exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control device 13 informs the user of the defect by means of an acoustic and / or visual signal and / or stops the apparatus 1.

  For a certain sheet 11a, in actual operation, the proximity sensor 14 generates a signal Sa every time the sheet 11a passes the sensor 14. The signal Sa has a peak PR that represents the minimum distance between the sheet 11a and the proximity sensor 14, and it has an individual recorded height h and a minimum mechanical angle AM corresponding to the moment when the peak PR was recorded. Have. Preferably, the computer 15 processes the signal Sa from the sensor 14 in order to obtain a response curve C1 (shown in FIG. 4) representing the distance between the sheet 11a and the sensor 14 as a function of the mechanical angle of the transfer device 5. To do.

  More specifically, considering the concave surface on the outside of the sheet 11a, the curve C1 is substantially W-shaped, and has a peak PR and a groove GR, which is the difference between the sheet and the sensor. Represents the maximum distance between, and it has an individual recorded height h ′.

  In this description, the term “mechanical angle” is intended to mean a given point in an operating cycle in which the transfer device 5 exhibits a given mode of operation that is typical for that point. When the transfer device 5 is operated at a constant speed, the same machine angle of a series of operating cycles arrives one after another at certain time intervals with a duration equal to the duration of a certain operating cycle.

  In an embodiment, the peak PR is compared with the reference data item DR to obtain a comparison data item DC. In particular, the recorded height h may be compared with a reference data item DR in order to identify the exact radial position of the sheet 11a relative to the axis 9, and the minimum mechanical angle AM may be compared with the sheet 11a relative to the axis 9a. May be compared with a reference data item DR to identify the exact angular position of

  Alternatively or in addition, the reference data item DR comprises a reference curve C2, and the computer 15 compares the comparison data item DC (which is the angular and radial position of the sheet 11a relative to the axis 9). The response curve C1 is compared with the reference curve C2.

  Alternatively or in addition, the computer 15 identifies the vicinity of the peak PR having a predetermined area A, and the center line of the area A having a certain minimum mechanical angle T1 (ie, the area A is equal to the area A). Identify the straight line that divides the two parts. This is compared with a reference data item DR (for example the mechanical angle of the center line of the curve C2) to obtain a comparison data item DC comprising information on the angular position of the sheet 11a relative to the axis 9.

  Alternatively or in addition, the computer 15 measures the recorded height h ′ of the groove GR, and the recorded height h ′ provides information about the radial position of the sheet 11a relative to the axis 9. In order to obtain a comparison data item DC comprising, it is compared with a reference data item DR.

  In a further embodiment, instead of or in addition to the above, curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, center line M, machine angle T1, recorded height h and / or recorded The height h ′ is calculated by the computer 15 based on the average of a number of signals Sa emitted by the sensor 14 during successive operating cycles.

  In this description, the operations (eg, comparison, average value calculation, and time pattern) that are referred to as being performed by the computer 15 with respect to the recording signal S are described with respect to the recording signal S or processing of the recording signal S. Note that it is intended to be executed directly with respect to (acquired data).

  Alternatively or in addition, during each operating cycle, the computer 15 determines the curve C1, peak PR, groove GR to obtain a number of comparison data items DC (each associated with an individual operating cycle). The machine angle AM, the center line M, the machine angle T1, the recorded height h and / or the recorded height h ′ are compared with the reference data item DR. The computer 15 then identifies and uses the average value of the comparison data item DC to identify possible device defects.

  In a further embodiment, in addition to or instead of the above embodiment, the following data items are thus obtained: curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, center line M, machine angle T1, recorded height One or more test curves are identified in order to estimate a time pattern of at least one of the height h, the recorded height h ′ (ie, the recorded data) and / or the comparison data item DC. The maintenance operation is programmed as a function of the point in time when one or more test curves intersect the individual reference curves of the reference data item DR. More specifically, maintenance may be programmed at the very moment when the test curve intersects each reference curve, or at predetermined time intervals before and after the moment when the test curve intersects each reference curve. .

  As a complete illustration, the test curve is shown in FIG. Here, time is shown along the y-axis, and the x-axis is the following data items: curve C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, center line M, machine angle T1, recorded height h. , At least one of the recorded height h ′ and / or comparison data item DC. K and R in FIG. 5 indicate a test curve and a reference curve, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the test curve K is preferably a straight line, and each of the reference curves R preferably defines an individual constant value.

  By comparing at least one of the recorded data items C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, h and h ′ with a reference data item DR and by identifying a comparison data item DC, a path The improper positioning of the sheet 11a along P1 and P2, and thus at the loading station 4 and the discharging station 6, can be determined quickly and easily.

  The particular combination of the component parts of the control device 13 results in maintenance programming to correct the defects so that the operation of the apparatus lasts for as long as possible before the defects cause production problems in the transfer device 5 It should be noted that.

  In particular, this is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner by specifying the time pattern of the recorded signal S, the comparison data item DC and / or its average value.

  The computer 15 preferably has the following recorded data items: C1, peak PR, groove GR, machine angle AM, center line M, machine angle T1, recorded height h, recorded height h ′. In order to obtain at least one of the signals, the signal from the sensor 14 ′ is processed in the same manner as the recording signal Sa from the sensor 14.

  In a further embodiment, in addition to or instead of the above embodiment, at least one recorded data item C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, h and h ′ relating to the signal emitted from the sensor 14 ′. Forms part of the reference data item DR. In this case, therefore, at least one of the recorded data items C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, h and h ′ relating to the signal emitted from the sensor 14 is part of the reference data item DR. Of the corresponding recorded data items C1, PR, GR, AM, M, T1, h and h ′ relating to the signal emitted from the sensor 14 ′ instead of or instead of the given data item comprising Compared to at least one of

  The term “given data item” means a data item relating to the ideal position of the sheet 11 a relative to the axis 9.

  In this way, a double check is made regarding the exact position of the sheet 11a with respect to its own ideal position and with respect to the position of the sheet 11'a. In this regard, it is emphasized that for the cigarette 2 to be accurately transferred at the loading station 4 and the discharging station 6, the sheets 11a and 11'a must be accurately positioned both with respect to each other and their ideal positions. It is important to keep it.

  FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the device 1 for processing the cigarette 2. In the figure, members similar to those of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

  The apparatus 1 of FIG. 6 differs from the apparatus of FIG. 1 mainly in the following points.

  The sheets 11 and 11 ′ cannot move in the axial direction and parallel to the axis 9. More specifically, the sheet 11 ′ is integrally connected to the conveyor roller 8, and the operation unit 12 moves the sheet 11 in the radial direction with respect to the axis 9, and substantially with the axis 9. The sheet 11 is rotated about each axis 16 that intersects with.

  The transfer device 5 of FIG. 6 is commonly used to change the orientation of some of the cigarettes 2, so that all cigarette 2 filters are located on the same side.

  In actual use, when the housing 10 (comprising two sheets 11 and 11 ′) is positioned at the loading station 4, the two sheets 11 and 11 ′ are substantially coaxial with each other, and Each cigarette 2 is received individually. At this point, since the roller 8 rotates about the axis 9 and the housing 10 moves along the supply path P1, the sheet 11 moves radially with respect to the axis 9 and away from the axis 9. Thereafter, the sheet rotates about the axis 16 to a position parallel to each sheet 11 ′. At the discharge station 6, the cigarette 2 (in the sheets 11 and 11 ′ with its filters arranged in pairs adjacent to each other) is transferred onto the conveyor wheel 7. When the housing 10 returns to the loading station 4 along the return path P2, the sheet 11 repeats the same movement made along the supply path P1 in reverse, so that the housing 10 returns to the loading station 4. By the time reached, it is repositioned coaxially with the sheet 11 '.

  The apparatus 1 of FIG. 6 also comprises a control device 13 ′ that is substantially identical in structure and function to the control device 13.

  The control device 13 ′ differs from the control device 13 in that it has a single proximity sensor 14 arranged along the return path P2 at the loading station 4. By arranging the sensor 14 at the loading station 4, it is possible to determine with a considerably high accuracy whether or not the sheet 11 has returned to a position substantially coaxial with the sheet 11 ′.

  In a particularly preferred embodiment, in actual use, the sensor 14 emits a recording signal S when the sheet 11 passes the sensor 14. Signal S is processed by computer 15 to obtain curve C1. At this point, the value of the mechanical angle of the peak PR and the height h of the peak PR is then obtained and compared with the reference data item DR. More specifically, the difference between the mechanical angle of the peak PR and the reference mechanical angle is identified. And if the difference between the mechanical angle of the peak PR and the reference mechanical angle is above (or below) a given threshold, the control device 13 ′ relates to an inaccurate rotation of the sheet 11 about the axis 16. An error signal indicating a defect is generated. Similarly, the computer 15 subtracts the value of the height PR of the peak PR from the reference height value. If the difference between the value of the height h of the peak PR and the reference height value is above (below) the threshold value, the control device 13 'indicates an error signal indicating a defect related to inaccurate radial movement of the sheet 11. To emit.

  FIG. 8 shows a reference curve C3 for a device that is substantially free of defects. FIG. 9 shows the curve C1 for the various sheets 11. As clearly shown from the comparison of the curves C1 and C3, the height h of the peak PR for the sheet 11 is much larger than that of the corresponding peak of the curve C3. In this case, therefore, the device 13 ′ emits an error signal indicating a defect related to inaccurate radial movement of the sheet 11.

  For a clearer understanding of the operation of the control device 13, FIGS. 10 to 12 show details of the device 1 in various operating positions. More specifically, FIG. 10 shows the relative position of the sheet 11-sensor 14 when the peak PR is recorded, and FIG. 11 shows the position of the sheet 11-sensor 14 when the groove GR is recorded. The relative position is shown, and FIG. 12 shows the relative position of the sheet 11-sensor 14 when a peak PS having a height lower than the peak PR is recorded.

It is a schematic front view of the article processing apparatus by this invention. FIG. 2 shows details of the device of FIG. 1 in a first operating position. FIG. 3 shows details of FIG. 2 in a further operating position. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a reference curve and a recorded signal test curve (x axis indicates machine angle and y axis indicates signal strength). It is a time graph of test data and / or comparison data. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1; FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 6. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a reference signal test curve (the x axis shows the machine angle and the y axis shows the signal intensity). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing recorded signal test curves (x-axis indicates machine angle and y-axis indicates signal strength). FIG. 7 shows details of the device of FIG. 6 in a series of operating positions. FIG. 7 shows details of the device of FIG. 6 in a series of operating positions. FIG. 7 shows details of the device of FIG. 6 in a series of operating positions.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Apparatus 2 Cigarette 3 Supply conveyor 4 Input station 5 Transfer device 6 Discharge station 7 Conveyor wheel 8 Conveyor roller 9, 9a Axis 10 Outer peripheral housing 10a Housing 11, 11 ', 11a, 11'a Sheet 12 Operation unit 12' Rod 13 , 13 'Control device 14, 14' Proximity sensor 15 Computer 16 Axis P1 Supply path P2 Return path

Claims (38)

A diagnostic method for an operating component (12) of an apparatus for processing a substantially cylindrical tobacco article (2) comprising:
The device (1) comprises a transfer device (5), which supplies the article (2) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6) along the supply path (P1). And a plurality of housings (10, 10a) arranged to intersect the supply path and each having at least two individual long sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a). And
During each operating cycle, each sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquires an individual article (2) at the loading station (4) and the article (2) at the discharge station (6). And return to the input station (4) along the return path (P2).
The device (1) is configured so that when the seat (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) moves along the supply path (P1) and / or the return path (P2), the individual housing (10a) Comprising at least one operating component (12) for moving the two sheets (11, 11 ', 11a, 11'a) of each other,
The method
A recording step, during which at least one proximity sensor (14, 14 ') has at least one sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) of said housing (10a) relative to at least one reference position A recording step for generating a recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of
A comparison step of comparing the recorded signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item (DR);
An analysis step for determining at least one defect of the operating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC). The recording step is repeated a plurality of times to identify a number of recording signals (S, Sa) relating to the position of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a);
The comparison step calculates an average value of the recording signal (S, Sa) to obtain the comparison data item (DC), and compares the average value of the recording signal with the reference data item (DR). The method of claim 1, further comprising: The recording step is repeated a plurality of times to identify a plurality of recording signals (S, Sa) relating to the position of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a);
The comparison step is repeated a plurality of times to obtain a plurality of comparison data items (DC);
The average value of the comparison data item (DC) is calculated during the analysis step,
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the defect of the operating component (12) is determined as a function of an average value of the comparison data items (DC). Multiple comparison data items (DC) are obtained over time,
A time pattern of the comparison data item (DC) or an average value of the comparison data item (DC) is specified;
The method comprises programming maintenance for correcting the defect as a function of a time pattern of the comparison data item (DC) or an average value of the comparison data item (DC). 4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Thereby, a test curve (K) is identified in order to estimate the time pattern of the comparison data item (DC) or of the average value of the comparison data item (DC),
Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the method comprises programming maintenance as a function of the instant at which the test curve (K) intersects the first reference curve (R). A plurality of recording signals (S, Sa) are recorded with time,
A time pattern of the recording signal (S, Sa) or an average value of the recording signal (S, Sa) is specified;
The method comprises programming maintenance to correct the defect as a function of a time pattern of the recording signal (S, Sa) or of an average value of the recording signal. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 4. Thereby, a test curve (K) is specified for estimating the time pattern of the recording signal (S, Sa) or the average value of the recording signal (S, Sa),
The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the method comprises programming maintenance as a function of the instant at which the test curve (K) intersects the first reference curve (R).   The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the reference curve (R) is substantially constant. During the comparison step, a response representing the distance between the sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14,14 ′) as a function of the mechanical angle of the transfer device (5) The recording signal (S, Sa) is processed to obtain a curve (C1),
The response curve (C1) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). the method of.   The reference data item (DR) includes a reference curve (C2; C3), and the response curve (C1) includes the reference curve (C2; C3) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). The method of claim 9, wherein the methods are compared. The response curve (C1) has a peak (PR) representing a minimum distance between the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′),
The vicinity of the peak (PR) having each area (A) is identified during the comparison step,
A centerline (M) of the area (A) in the vicinity of the peak (PR) having a recorded mechanical angle (AM) is calculated;
11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the reference data item is compared with the recorded machine angle (AM) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). The response curve has a groove (GR) representing the maximum distance between the sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14,14 ′), which is a recorded groove (GR) has a height (h ′),
The recorded groove (GR) height (h ') is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 12. The method according to any one of 11 above. The sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) has a concave surface on the outside,
The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the response curve (C1) is substantially W-shaped. The recording signal has a peak (PR) representing a minimum distance between the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′),
The peak (PR) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC) during the comparison step. 2. The method according to item 1. The peak is recorded at the minimum machine angle (T1),
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein during the comparison step, the minimum mechanical angle (T1) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). The peak (PR) has a recorded peak height (h);
And the recorded peak (PR) height (h) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 15. The method according to 15. During the comparison step, the recording signal (S, Sa) is a function of the mechanical angle of the transport device (5) as a function of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′) is processed to obtain a response curve (C1) representing the distance between
The response curve (C1) has different heights (h, h ′) for different machine angles,
At least one height (h, h ′) of the response curve (C1) relates to a distance between the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′). Compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain a comparison data item (DC),
At least one mechanical angle of the response curve (C1) is a comparison data item representing the position of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) along the supply and / or return path (P1, P2). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that it is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain (DC).   The transfer device (5) comprises a conveyor roller (8) having a respective axis of rotation (9), and the sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) are arranged on the conveyor roller (8). 18. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circumferential surface is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (9). The height (h, h ′) of the response curve (C1) is a comparison data item (DC) relating to the radial position of the seat (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) with respect to the rotational axis (9). To obtain the reference data item (DR),
In order to obtain the comparison data item (DC) in which the mechanical angle of the response curve (C1) represents the angular position of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) with respect to the rotation axis (9), 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it is compared with a reference data item (DR). The two sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) of the housing (10a) are maintained substantially coaxially with each other along the supply path (P1) and the return path (P2). ,
20. The operating component (12) according to claim 1, wherein the two seats (11, 11 ', 11a, 11'a) of the housing (10a) are moved axially relative to each other. The method according to any one of the above.   Along the supply path (P1) and / or the return path (P2), the operating component (12) rotates and moves the sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) transversely. 20. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized by:   Along the supply path (P1) and / or the return path (P2), the operating component (12) crosses the seat (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) with the rotational axis (9). 19. A rotary shaft (16) rotating about the axis (16) and the seat (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) moving substantially radially with respect to the rotational axis (9). Or the method of claim 19.   23. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximity sensor (14, 14 ') is arranged along the return path (P2).   24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the proximity sensor (14, 14 ') is located at the dosing station (4). Said device (1) comprises at least one further proximity sensor (14, 14 ');
During the recording step, the further proximity sensor (14, 14 ') is connected to a further recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one further sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) of the housing (10a). )
The reference data item comprises a further recording signal (S, Sa),
The recording signal (S, Sa) is compared with the further recording signal (S, Sa) to obtain the comparison data item (DC) during the comparison step. Item 25. The method according to any one of items 24. The reference data item (DR) includes at least one predetermined data item,
During the comparison step, the recording signal (S, Sa) is compared with the further recording signal (S, Sa) and the predetermined data item to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 26. The method of claim 25. A diagnostic method for an operating component (12) of a device (1) for processing an article (2) comprising:
The device (1)
The article (2) is supplied along a supply path (P1) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6), and at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the sheet are supplied. Comprising a transfer device (5) with at least one operating component (12) for moving (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a),
During each operating cycle, the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquires an individual article (2) at the loading station (4), releases it at the discharge station (6) and returns. Return along the route (P2) to the loading station,
The method
At least one proximity sensor (14, 14 ′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa) related to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) with respect to at least one reference position. Recording step;
Comparing the recorded signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC);
Analyzing at least one defect of the operating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC),
During the comparison step, a response representing the distance between the sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14,14 ′) as a function of the mechanical angle of the transfer device (5) The recorded signal (S, Sa) is processed to obtain a curve (C1), and the response curve (C1) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). A diagnostic method characterized by being performed. A diagnostic method for an operating component (12) of a device (1) for processing an article (2) comprising:
The device (1)
The article (2) is supplied along the supply path (P1) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6), and at least one sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the sheet are supplied. Comprising a transfer device (5) with at least one operating component (12) for moving (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a),
During each operating cycle, the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquires an individual article (2) at the loading station (4), releases it at the discharge station (6) and returns. Return along the route (P2) to the loading station,
The method
At least one proximity sensor (14, 14 ′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa) related to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) relative to at least one reference position. Recording step;
Comparing the recorded signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC);
Analyzing at least one defect of the operating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC),
During the comparison step, a response representing the distance between the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′) as a function of the mechanical angle of the transfer device (5) The recording signal (S, Sa) is processed to obtain a curve (C1),
The response curve (C1) has different heights (h, h ′) for different machine angles,
At least one height (h, h ′) of the response curve is the comparison data relating to the distance between the seat (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′). Compared to the reference data item (DR) to obtain the item (DC),
At least one mechanical angle (AM; T1) of the response curve is a comparison indicating the position of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) along the supply and / or return path (P1, P2) Diagnostic method, characterized in that it is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain a data item (DC). A diagnostic method for an operating component (12) of an apparatus (1) for processing a tobacco article (2) comprising:
The device (1)
The tobacco article (2) is supplied along a supply path (P1) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6), and at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the above-mentioned Comprising a transfer device (5) with at least one operating component (12, 12 ') for moving the sheets (11, 11', 11a, 11'a);
During each operating cycle, the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquires an individual article (2) at the loading station (4), releases it at the discharge station (6) and returns. Return along the route (P2) to the loading station (4),
The method
At least one proximity sensor (14, 14 ′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa) related to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) with respect to at least one reference position. Recording step;
Comparing the recorded signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC);
Analyzing at least one defect of the operating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC),
Said device comprises at least one further proximity sensor (14, 14 ');
During said recording step, said further proximity sensor (14, 14 ') emits a further recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one further sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a);
The reference data item (DR) comprises a further recording signal (S, Sa),
During the comparison step, the recording signal (S, Sa) is compared with a further recording signal (S, Sa) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). The reference data item (DR) comprises at least one given data item;
During the comparison step, the recording signal (S, Sa) is compared with the further recording signal (S, Sa) as well as the given data item to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 30. The method of claim 29. An apparatus for processing a substantially cylindrical tobacco article (2) comprising:
This device comprises a transfer device (5), which supplies the article (2) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6) along the supply path (P1). And a plurality of housings (10, 10a) arranged to intersect the supply path (P1) and each having at least two individual long sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a). )
During each operation cycle, each sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquires a respective article (2) at the loading station (4), and the article (2) is transferred to the discharge station (6). And return to the input station (4) along the return path (P2),
The device
When the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) moves along the supply path (P1) and / or the return path (P2), the two sheets (11, 11) of the individual housing (10a) are moved. 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) comprising at least one operating component (12, 12 ′) for moving each other,
The device
At least one proximity sensor (14, 14 ') that emits a recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) of the housing (10a) relative to at least one reference position. A control device (13) with
In order to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC), the recorded signal (S, Sa) is compared with at least one reference data item (DR) and the operating component (as a function of the comparison data item (DC)). And 12) a computer for determining at least one defect.   The apparatus according to claim 31, characterized in that the control device (13) performs the method according to any one of claims 2 to 26. An apparatus for processing an article (2) comprising:
This device comprises a transfer device (5), which supplies the article (2) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6) along the supply path (P1). And at least one sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and at least one operating component (12,12 ′) for moving the sheet,
During each operation cycle, the sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquire their respective articles (2) at the loading station (4) and transfer the articles (2) to the discharge station (6). And return to the input station (4) along the return path (P2),
The device (1)
Proximity sensor (14, 14 ') for emitting a recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) of housing (10a) relative to at least one reference position A control device (13);
In order to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC), the recorded signal (S, Sa) is compared with at least one reference data item (DR) and the operating component (as a function of the comparison data item (DC)). And 12) a computer (15) for determining at least one defect,
Said control device (13) comprises at least one further proximity sensor (14, 14 ');
Said further proximity sensor (14, 14 ') emits a further recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one further sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a);
The reference data item (DR) comprises the further recording signal (S, Sa),
The apparatus, wherein the computer compares the recorded signal (S, Sa) with the further recorded signal (S, Sa) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). The reference data item (DR) comprises at least one given data item;
The computer (15) compares the recorded signal (S, Sa) with the further recorded signal (S, Sa) as well as the given data item to obtain the comparison data item (DC). 34. Apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that An apparatus for processing an article (2) comprising:
The device (1) comprises a transfer device (5), which transfers the article (2) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6) in the supply path (P1). At least one sheet (11, 11 ', 11a, 11'a) as well as at least one operating component (12) for moving this sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) Comprising
During each operation cycle, the sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquire their respective articles (2) at the loading station (4) and transfer the articles (2) to the discharge station (6). And return to the input station (4) along the return path (P2),
The device (1)
Control device (13) comprising a proximity sensor (14, 14 ') that emits a recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) relative to at least one reference position When,
In order to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC), the recorded signal (S, Sa) is compared with at least one reference data item (DR) and the operating component (as a function of the comparison data item (DC)). And 12) a computer (15) for determining at least one defect,
The computer (15) determines the distance between the sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14,14 ′) as a function of the mechanical angle of the transfer device (5). Processing the recorded signal (S, Sa) to obtain a response curve (C1) representing;
The response curve (C1) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC). An apparatus for processing an article,
This device comprises a transfer device (5), which supplies the article (2) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6) along the supply path (P1). And at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and at least one operating component (12) for moving the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a). And
During each operation cycle, the sheets (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquire their respective articles (2) at the loading station (4) and transfer the articles (2) to the discharge station (6). And return to the input station (4) along the return path (P2),
The device (1)
Control device (13) comprising a proximity sensor (14, 14 ') that emits a recording signal (S, Sa) relating to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11', 11a, 11'a) relative to at least one reference position When,
In order to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC), the recorded signal (S, Sa) is compared with at least one reference data item (DR) and the operating component (as a function of the comparison data item (DC)). And 12) a computer (15) for determining at least one defect,
The computer (15) determines the distance between the sheet (11,11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14,14 ′) as a function of the mechanical angle of the transfer device (5). Processing the recorded signal (S, Sa) to obtain a response curve (C1) representing;
The response curve (C1) has different heights (h, h ′) for different machine angles,
The computer (15) is configured to obtain the comparison data item (DC) related to the distance between the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′). Comparing at least one height (h, h ′) of the curve (C1) with the reference data item (DR);
The computer (15) obtains a comparative data item (DC) indicating the position of the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) along the supply and / or return path (P1, P2). And comparing at least one mechanical angle (AM; T1) of the response curve with the reference data item. A diagnostic method for an operating component (12) of a device (1) for processing an article (2) comprising:
The device (1)
The article (2) is supplied along a supply path (P1) from the input station (4) to the discharge station (6), and at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a), and Comprising a transfer device (5) with at least one operating component (12) for moving the sheets (11, 11 ', 11a, 11'a);
During each operating cycle, the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) acquires an individual article (2) at the loading station (4), releases it at the discharge station (6) and returns. Return along the route (P2) to the loading station (4),
The method
At least one proximity sensor (14, 14 ′) emits a recording signal (S, Sa) related to the position of at least one sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) with respect to at least one reference position. Recording step;
Comparing the recorded signal (S, Sa) with at least one reference data item (DR) to obtain at least one comparison data item (DC);
Analyzing at least one defect of the operating component (12) as a function of the comparison data item (DC),
The recording signal (S, Sa) has a peak (PR) indicating a minimum distance between the sheet (11, 11 ′, 11a, 11′a) and the proximity sensor (14, 14 ′),
During the comparison step, the peak (PR) is compared with the reference data item (DR) to obtain the comparison data item (DC).   37. A control device (13) for manufacturing the apparatus according to any one of claims 31 to 36.

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