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EP0157087B1 - Device for checking batches of cigarettes - Google Patents

Device for checking batches of cigarettes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0157087B1
EP0157087B1 EP85100560A EP85100560A EP0157087B1 EP 0157087 B1 EP0157087 B1 EP 0157087B1 EP 85100560 A EP85100560 A EP 85100560A EP 85100560 A EP85100560 A EP 85100560A EP 0157087 B1 EP0157087 B1 EP 0157087B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cigarettes
relative
transmitters
receivers
cantilever
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP85100560A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0157087A1 (en
Inventor
Heinz Focke
Hugo Mutschall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Focke and Co GmbH and Co KG
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0157087A1 publication Critical patent/EP0157087A1/en
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Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B19/00—Packaging rod-shaped or tubular articles susceptible to damage by abrasion or pressure, e.g. cigarettes, cigars, macaroni, spaghetti, drinking straws or welding electrodes
    • B65B19/28—Control devices for cigarette or cigar packaging machines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S131/00—Tobacco
    • Y10S131/905—Radiation source for sensing condition or characteristic

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for checking groups of longitudinally oriented cigarettes or other similar objects, in which the groups consist of at least two layers arranged one above the other and the test is carried out during transport of the groups on a conveyor relative to control elements, only the top layer the group is scanned and, if the group is incomplete, a control signal is sent to the conveyor.
  • Such an arrangement is known from GB-A-513 764.
  • touch organs are known which scan the tops of the cigarettes of the top layer. If the cigarette is missing or defective, a signal is triggered by the changed relative position of one (or more) sensing element.
  • the invention is primarily concerned with the top layer control of cigarette groups.
  • the aim is to create a device for carrying out such checks, which works trouble-free even with high-speed packaging machines and, moreover, does not impair the cigarettes.
  • the scanning with optical control elements in the form of transmitter and receiver takes place without contact, the transmitter and receiver being arranged in pairs in a carrier arranged above the conveyor and with their longitudinal axes as well as the respective beams at an obtuse angle, V-shaped and an acute angle are positioned to form the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes so that the light emitted to the transmitter and reflected from the top layer to the receiver is scanned and the plane running through the longitudinal axes of the transmitters and receivers is inclined to the plane in which a complete layer of cigarettes is located located.
  • a signal is triggered in response, in particular in the sense of separating the relevant cigarette group from the further packaging process. If a plurality of faulty cigarette groups are identified in succession in this way, the packaging machine can also be switched off in order to eliminate the source of the fault.
  • the control element consists of a carrier designed as a cantilever arm with a number of transmitters, in particular light-emitting diodes, corresponding to the number of cigarettes in the top layer, and a corresponding number of receivers, in particular phototransistors.
  • the transmitter and receiver are arranged relative to one another and with respect to the cigarettes in such a way that a control beam from each transmitter is directed onto the outer surface of an associated cigarette and is reflected by the latter to the receiver.
  • a light spot is formed on the outer surface of the cigarette, which is formed laterally offset due to a corresponding inclination of the transmitter and receiver in the circumferential direction of the cigarette.
  • the transmitter and receiver are preferably set to infrared light.
  • the light or the control beam is expediently transmitted in a clocked manner, in particular with a frequency of approximately 5 kHz. This eliminates sources of error caused by extraneous light.
  • the transmitter and / or receiver are only activated during time-limited phases, such that approximately 95% of the length of the cigarettes is scanned. On the one hand, this makes it possible to check the cigarettes for any missing filter mouthpieces. On the other hand, the control beam is not effective outside of the cigarettes.
  • the embodiment shown in the drawings relates to the control of cigarette groups 10 in connection with a packaging machine, not shown in detail.
  • the cigarette group 10 has been formed in the area of an upstream cigarette revolver (not shown) and is fed to the actual packaging process by a straight-line cigarette conveyor 11.
  • the cigarette conveyor 11 here consists of a lower plate 12 as a support for the cigarette groups 10 with side walls 13 and 14.
  • the lower plate 12 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 15 through which a driver 16 of a chain conveyor passes.
  • the take away mer 16 detects the cigarette group 10 on its rear side and conveys it in the longitudinal direction of the lower plate 12.
  • the cigarette groups to be tested in the present case consist of three cigarette layers arranged one above the other, namely the top layer 17, the middle layer 18 and the base 19.
  • the aforementioned layers can be provided with different numbers of cigarettes depending on the formation of the cigarette group 10.
  • the top layer 17 and the base 19 are each equipped with 7 and the middle layer 18 with 6 cigarettes.
  • the top and middle layers each have 7 and the base 6 cigarettes.
  • the cigarette group 10 is conveyed by the cigarette conveyor 11 past a stationary control element 20.
  • this consists of a fixed cantilever arm 21, which extends with an end region above the cigarette conveyor 11.
  • Optical sensing or control means are accommodated on or in the plate-shaped cantilever arm 21. namely transmitter 22 on the one hand and receiver 23 on the other hand.
  • the transmitters here are light emitting diodes that emit infrared light and the receivers are photo transistors.
  • Transmitter 22 and receiver 23 are each arranged in recesses or bores 24, 25 of the cantilever arm 21 in such a way that a control beam 26 is directed onto the outer surface of the cigarette and is guided by this as a reflection beam 27 to the receiver 23.
  • the transmitters 22 and receivers 23 are arranged in corresponding bores 24, 25 in such a way that the control beam 26 and reflection beam 27 are directed at an angle of approximately 120 ° to one another.
  • the longitudinal axes of the bores 24, 25 are directed perpendicular to the correspondingly obliquely arranged side surfaces 28 and 29 of the cantilever arm 21. This gives it a trapezoidal cross-section.
  • the distance of the cantilever arm 21 from the top layer 17 of the cigarettes and the relative position of the transmitter 22 and receiver 23 are selected so that a light spot 30 is formed on the jacket of the associated cigarette in the case of an existing cigarette and runs along this in accordance with the conveying movement.
  • the longitudinal axes of transmitter 22 and receiver 23 or of control beam 26 and reflection beam 27 are not only directed at an angle to one another in one plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6), but also beyond in the transverse direction (Fig. 1 and 2).
  • the longitudinal axes of the transmitter 22 and receiver 23 are therefore not directed vertically from above onto the cigarettes, but are also inclined in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes, namely at an angle of approximately 30 ° (FIGS. 1 and 2). It is thereby achieved that the light spot 30 is formed laterally offset with respect to the top of the cigarettes. This has the advantage of increased sensitivity.
  • the control beam 26 brings about a clearer display.
  • Fig. 4 shows the scanning of a perfectly positioned cigarette according to the arrangement in the section plane AB of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 shows a case according to section plane CD of Fig. 1, that is, a cigarette group with a missing cigarette in the top layer 17. A Reflection of the control beam 26 does not take place.
  • a cigarette is also missing in the top layer 17. This has the consequence that the cigarettes of the top layer 17 and middle layer 18, which were originally directly one above the other, partially slide into a cross-saddle position. The resulting offset of the cigarettes also leads to the absence of the reflection beam 27.
  • the cantilever arm 21 as the carrier of transmitters 22 and receivers 23 is mounted laterally next to the cigarette conveyor 11 on the common lower plate 12, specifically on an upright support pin 31. This enters a corresponding bearing bore 32 in the cantilever arm 21.
  • a key 33 forms a rotation lock.
  • the free end region of the cantilever arm 21 is formed with a slot 34 which, in conjunction with a clamping screw 35, enables the cantilever arm 21 to be fixed and released on the support pin 31.
  • An adjusting screw 36 is used to set a precise position. It passes through the cantilever arm 21 and is supported with the lower end on a fixed stop 37 on the support pin 31.
  • a translucent cover is attached to the underside of the cantilever arm 21, namely a glass pane 38.
  • the cantilever arm 21 projects into a gap 39 in an upper wall 40 of the cigarette conveyor 11 Bores 24, 25 or from transmitter 22 and receiver 23 avoided.
  • the transmitter 22 is preferably exposed to infrared light, namely in cycles with a frequency of approximately 5 kHz.
  • the number and relative position of transmitter 22 and receiver 23 correspond to the number or grouping of the cigarettes to be scanned (top layer 17).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Kontrolle von Gruppen von in Längsrichtung orientierten Zigaretten oder anderen ähnlichen Gegenständen, bei der die Gruppen aus mindestens zwei übereinander angeordneten Lagen bestehen und die Prüfung während des Transports der Gruppen auf einem Förderer relativ zu Kontrollorganen erfolgt, wobei nur die Oberlage der Gruppe abgetastet wird und im Falle der Unvollständigkeit der Gruppe ein Steuersignal an den Förderer abgegeben wird.The invention relates to a device for checking groups of longitudinally oriented cigarettes or other similar objects, in which the groups consist of at least two layers arranged one above the other and the test is carried out during transport of the groups on a conveyor relative to control elements, only the top layer the group is scanned and, if the group is incomplete, a control signal is sent to the conveyor.

Eine derartige Anordnung ist aus der GB-A-513 764 bekannt. Hierbei sind Tastorgane bekannt, welche die Oberseiten der Zigaretten der Oberlage abtasten. Bei fehlender oder fehlerhafter Zigarette wird durch die veränderte Relativstellung eines (oder mehrerer) Tastorgans ein Signal ausgelöst.Such an arrangement is known from GB-A-513 764. Here, touch organs are known which scan the tops of the cigarettes of the top layer. If the cigarette is missing or defective, a signal is triggered by the changed relative position of one (or more) sensing element.

Die vorstehende mechanische Oberlagenkontrolle ist nachteilig. Zum einen werden die Zigaretten notwendigerweise mechanisch beaufschlagt. Dies führt zu Verschmutzungen, häufig auch zur Zerstörung einzelner Zigaretten. Des weiteren ist diese Ausführung der Zigaretten-Kontrolle für hochleistungsfähige Verpackungsmaschinen ungeeignet, da die Tastorgane den notwendigen schnellen Relativbewegungen nicht °zu folgen vermögen und unkontrollierte Springbewegungen ausführen.The above mechanical top layer control is disadvantageous. First, the cigarettes are necessarily mechanically loaded. This leads to contamination, often to the destruction of individual cigarettes. Furthermore, this version of the cigarette control is unsuitable for high-performance packaging machines, since the sensing elements are unable to follow the necessary rapid relative movements and execute uncontrolled jumping movements.

Die Erfindung befaßt sich in erster Linie mit der Oberlagenkontrolle von Zigaretten-Gruppen. Es geht darum, eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung derartiger Kontrollen zu schaffen, die auch bei schnellaufenden Verpackungsmaschinen störungsfrei arbeitet und außerdem keine Beeinträchtigung der Zigaretten zur Folge hat.The invention is primarily concerned with the top layer control of cigarette groups. The aim is to create a device for carrying out such checks, which works trouble-free even with high-speed packaging machines and, moreover, does not impair the cigarettes.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe erfolgt die Abtastung mit optischen Kontrollorganen in Form von Sender und Empfänger berührungsfrei, wobei Sender und Empfänger paarweise in einem über dem Förderer angeordneten Träger angeordnet und mit ihren Längsachsen ebenso wie die jeweiligen Strahlen zueinander stumpfwinklig, V-förmig und einen spitzen Winkel zur Längserstreckung der Zigaretten bildend so zueinander positioniert sind, daß das zum Sender ausgestrahlte und von der Oberlage zum Empfänger reflektierte Licht abgetastet wird und wobei die durch die Längsachsen von Sendern und Empfängern verlaufende Ebene schräg zur Ebene liegt, in der sich eine vollständige Lage von Zigaretten befindet.To solve this task, the scanning with optical control elements in the form of transmitter and receiver takes place without contact, the transmitter and receiver being arranged in pairs in a carrier arranged above the conveyor and with their longitudinal axes as well as the respective beams at an obtuse angle, V-shaped and an acute angle are positioned to form the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes so that the light emitted to the transmitter and reflected from the top layer to the receiver is scanned and the plane running through the longitudinal axes of the transmitters and receivers is inclined to the plane in which a complete layer of cigarettes is located located.

Wird von einem einzelnen Empfänger ein Steuerstrahl nicht empfangen, liegt eine fehlerhafte Zigarette vor bzw. es fehlt eine in der Oberlage. Als Reaktion wird ein Signal ausgelöst, insbesondere im Sinne einer Aussonderung der betreffenden Zigarettengruppe aus dem weiteren Verpackungsprozeß. Wenn auf diese Weise eine Mehrzahl von fehlerhaften Zigaretten-Gruppen aufeinanderfolgend identifiziert wird, kann auch ein Abschalten der Verpackungsmaschine ausgelöst werden, um die Fehlerquelle zu beseitigen.If a control beam is not received by a single receiver, there is a faulty cigarette or one in the top layer is missing. A signal is triggered in response, in particular in the sense of separating the relevant cigarette group from the further packaging process. If a plurality of faulty cigarette groups are identified in succession in this way, the packaging machine can also be switched off in order to eliminate the source of the fault.

Das Kontrollorgan besteht aus einem als Kragarm ausgebildeten Träger mit einer der Anzahl der Zigaretten der Oberlage entsprechenden Anzahl von Sendern, insbesondere Leuchtdioden, und einer entsprechenden Anzahl von Empfängern, insbesondere Fototransistoren. Sender und Empfänger sind zueinander sowie in bezug auf die Zigaretten derart in Relativstellung angeordnet, daß ein Kontrollstrahl von jedem Sender auf die Mantelfläche einer zugeordneten Zigarette gerichtet und von dieser zum Empfänger reflektiert wird. Auf der Mantelfläche der Zigarette entsteht ein Leuchtfleck, der aufgrund einer entsprechenden Schrägstellung der Sender und Empfänger in Umfangsrichtung der Zigarette seitlich versetzt gebildet wird.The control element consists of a carrier designed as a cantilever arm with a number of transmitters, in particular light-emitting diodes, corresponding to the number of cigarettes in the top layer, and a corresponding number of receivers, in particular phototransistors. The transmitter and receiver are arranged relative to one another and with respect to the cigarettes in such a way that a control beam from each transmitter is directed onto the outer surface of an associated cigarette and is reflected by the latter to the receiver. A light spot is formed on the outer surface of the cigarette, which is formed laterally offset due to a corresponding inclination of the transmitter and receiver in the circumferential direction of the cigarette.

Sender und Empfänger sind vorzugsweise auf Infrarot-Licht eingestellt. Das Licht bzw. der Kontrollstrahl wird zweckmäßigerweise getaktet gesendet, insbesondere mit einer Frequenz von etwa 5 KHz. Dadurch werden Fehlerquellen durch Fremdlicht ausgeschaltet. Sender und/oder Empfänger werden nur während zeitlich begrenzter Phasen aktiviert, derart, daß etwa 95 % der Länge der Zigaretten abgetastet werden. Dadurch ist es einerseits möglich, die Zigaretten auf etwa fehlende Filtermundstücke zu kontrollieren. Andererseits wird der Kontrollstrahl nicht außerhalb der Zigaretten wirksam.The transmitter and receiver are preferably set to infrared light. The light or the control beam is expediently transmitted in a clocked manner, in particular with a frequency of approximately 5 kHz. This eliminates sources of error caused by extraneous light. The transmitter and / or receiver are only activated during time-limited phases, such that approximately 95% of the length of the cigarettes is scanned. On the one hand, this makes it possible to check the cigarettes for any missing filter mouthpieces. On the other hand, the control beam is not effective outside of the cigarettes.

Weitere Merkmale der Erfindung beziehen sich auf den konstruktiven Aufbau des Kontrollorgans sowie die Anordnung der Sender und Empfänger innerhalb desselben.Further features of the invention relate to the structural design of the control element and the arrangement of the transmitter and receiver within the same.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen :

  • Fig. 1 ein Kontrollorgan als Einzelheit in Verbindung mit einem Zigaretten-Förderer in Seitenansicht des Kontrollorgans,
  • Fig. 2 eine Darstellung entsprechend Fig. 1 bei einer veränderten Fehlerbildung innerhalb der Zigarettengruppe,
  • Fig. 3 die Vorrichtung der Fig. 1 bzw. Fig. 2 im Grundriß,
  • Fig. 4 einen Schnitt A-B der Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 5 einen Schnitt C-D der Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 6 einen Schnitt E-F der Fig. 2.
An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it :
  • 1 is a control element as a detail in connection with a cigarette conveyor in a side view of the control element,
  • 2 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 in the case of a changed error formation within the cigarette group,
  • 3 shows the device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in plan view,
  • 4 shows a section AB of FIG. 1,
  • 5 shows a section CD of FIG. 1,
  • 6 shows a section EF of FIG. 2nd

Das in den Zeichnungen dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel bezieht sich auf die Kontrolle von Zigaretten-Gruppen 10 in Verbindung mit einer im einzelnen nicht gezeigten Verpackungsmaschine. Die Zigaretten-Gruppe 10 ist im Bereich eines vorgeordneten Zigaretten-Revolvers (nicht dargestellt) gebildet worden und wird durch einen geradlinigen Zigaretten-Förderer 11 dem eigentlichen Verpackungsprozeß zugeführt. Der Zigaretten-Förderer 11 besteht hier aus einer Unterplatte 12 als Auflage für die Zigaretten-Gruppen 10 mit Seitenwänden 13 und 14. Die Unterplatte 12 ist mit einem sich in Längsrichtung erstreckenden Schlitz 15 versehen, durch die ein Mitnehmer 16 eines Kettenförderers hindurchtritt. Der Mitnehmer 16 erfaßt die Zigaretten-Gruppe 10 an ihrer Rückseite und fördert sie in Längsrichtung der Unterplatte 12.The embodiment shown in the drawings relates to the control of cigarette groups 10 in connection with a packaging machine, not shown in detail. The cigarette group 10 has been formed in the area of an upstream cigarette revolver (not shown) and is fed to the actual packaging process by a straight-line cigarette conveyor 11. The cigarette conveyor 11 here consists of a lower plate 12 as a support for the cigarette groups 10 with side walls 13 and 14. The lower plate 12 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 15 through which a driver 16 of a chain conveyor passes. The take away mer 16 detects the cigarette group 10 on its rear side and conveys it in the longitudinal direction of the lower plate 12.

Die im vorliegenden Fall zu prüfenden Zigaretten-Gruppen bestehen aus drei übereinander angeordneten Zigarettenlagen, nämlich der Oberlage 17, der Mittellage 18 und der Unterlage 19. Die vorgenannten Lagen können je nach Formation der Zigaretten-Gruppe 10 mit unterschiedlicher Anzahl von Zigaretten versehen sein. Bei dem Beispiel der Fig. 1 sind die Oberlage 17 und die Unterlage 19 mit je 7 und die Mittellage 18 mit 6 Zigaretten ausgestattet. Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 2 haben Oberlage und Mittellage je 7 und die Unterlage 6 Zigaretten.The cigarette groups to be tested in the present case consist of three cigarette layers arranged one above the other, namely the top layer 17, the middle layer 18 and the base 19. The aforementioned layers can be provided with different numbers of cigarettes depending on the formation of the cigarette group 10. In the example of FIG. 1, the top layer 17 and the base 19 are each equipped with 7 and the middle layer 18 with 6 cigarettes. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the top and middle layers each have 7 and the base 6 cigarettes.

Die Zigaretten-Gruppe 10 wird durch den Zigarettenförderer 11 an einem ortsfesten Kontrollorgan 20 vorbeigefördert. Dieses besteht im vorliegenden Falle aus einem feststehenden Kragarm 21, der mit einem Endbereich sich oberhalb des Zigarettenförderers 11 erstreckt.The cigarette group 10 is conveyed by the cigarette conveyor 11 past a stationary control element 20. In the present case, this consists of a fixed cantilever arm 21, which extends with an end region above the cigarette conveyor 11.

An bzw. in dem plattenförmigen Kragarm 21 sind optische Tast- bzw. Kontrollmittel untergebracht. nämlich Sender 22 einerseits und Empfänger 23 andererseits. Die Sender sind hier Leuchtdioden, die Infrarot-Licht aussenden und die Empfänger sind Fototransistoren. Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 sind jeweils in Ausnehmungen bzw. Bohrungen 24, 25 des Kragarms 21 angeordnet, derart, daß ein Kontrollstrahl 26 auf die Mantelfläche der Zigaretten gerichtet und von dieser als Reflexionsstrahl 27 zum Empfänger 23 geleitet wird.Optical sensing or control means are accommodated on or in the plate-shaped cantilever arm 21. namely transmitter 22 on the one hand and receiver 23 on the other hand. The transmitters here are light emitting diodes that emit infrared light and the receivers are photo transistors. Transmitter 22 and receiver 23 are each arranged in recesses or bores 24, 25 of the cantilever arm 21 in such a way that a control beam 26 is directed onto the outer surface of the cigarette and is guided by this as a reflection beam 27 to the receiver 23.

Bei dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 in entsprechenden Bohrungen 24, 25 so angeordnet, daß Kontrollstrahl 26 und Reflexionsstrahl 27 unter einem Winkel von etwa 120° zueinander gerichtet sind. Die Längsachsen der Bohrungen 24, 25 sind dabei senkrecht zu entsprechend schräg angeordneten Seitenflächen 28 und 29 des Kragarms 21 gerichtet. Dieser erhält dadurch einen trapezförmigen Querschnitt. Der Abstand des Kragarms 21 von der Oberlage 17 der Zigaretten sowie die Relativstellung von Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 sind so gewählt, daß bei einer vorhandenen Zigarette ein Lichtfleck 30 auf dem Mantel der zugeordneten Zigarette gebildet und auf diesem entsprechend der Förderbewegung entlangläuft.In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmitters 22 and receivers 23 are arranged in corresponding bores 24, 25 in such a way that the control beam 26 and reflection beam 27 are directed at an angle of approximately 120 ° to one another. The longitudinal axes of the bores 24, 25 are directed perpendicular to the correspondingly obliquely arranged side surfaces 28 and 29 of the cantilever arm 21. This gives it a trapezoidal cross-section. The distance of the cantilever arm 21 from the top layer 17 of the cigarettes and the relative position of the transmitter 22 and receiver 23 are selected so that a light spot 30 is formed on the jacket of the associated cigarette in the case of an existing cigarette and runs along this in accordance with the conveying movement.

Bei dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel sind die Längsachsen von Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 bzw. von Kontrollstrahl 26 und Reflexionsstrahl 27 nicht nur in einer Ebene parallel zur Längsrichtung der Zigaretten unter einem Winkel zueinander gerichtet (Fig. 4, 5 und 6), sondern darüber hinaus auch in der hierzu quergerichteten Ebene (Fig. 1 und 2). Die Längsachsen von Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 sind demnach nicht senkrecht von oben her auf die Zigaretten gerichtet, sondern auch in einer Ebene quer zur Längsrichtung der Zigaretten schräggestellt, nämlich unter einem Winkel von etwa 30° (Fig. 1 und 2). Dadurch wird erreicht, daß der Lichtfleck 30 gegenüber der Oberseite der Zigaretten seitlich versetzt gebildet wird. Dies hat den Vorteil einer erhöhten Ansprechempfindlichkeit. Der Kontrollstrahl 26 bewirkt eine deutlichere Anzeige.In the present exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal axes of transmitter 22 and receiver 23 or of control beam 26 and reflection beam 27 are not only directed at an angle to one another in one plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6), but also beyond in the transverse direction (Fig. 1 and 2). The longitudinal axes of the transmitter 22 and receiver 23 are therefore not directed vertically from above onto the cigarettes, but are also inclined in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes, namely at an angle of approximately 30 ° (FIGS. 1 and 2). It is thereby achieved that the light spot 30 is formed laterally offset with respect to the top of the cigarettes. This has the advantage of increased sensitivity. The control beam 26 brings about a clearer display.

Mit dem Kontrollorgan sind Fehler der Zigarettengruppen 10 in verschiedener Weise identifizierbar. Fig. 4 zeigt die Abtastung einer einwandfrei positionierten Zigarette entsprechend der Anordnung in der Schnittebene A-B der Fig. 1. Fig. 5 zeigt einen Fall entsprechend Schnittebene C-D der Fig. 1, also einer Zigaretten-Gruppe mit fehlender Zigarette in der Oberlage 17. Eine Reflexion des Kontrollstrahls 26 findet nicht statt.Errors of cigarette groups 10 can be identified in various ways with the control organ. Fig. 4 shows the scanning of a perfectly positioned cigarette according to the arrangement in the section plane AB of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows a case according to section plane CD of Fig. 1, that is, a cigarette group with a missing cigarette in the top layer 17. A Reflection of the control beam 26 does not take place.

Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 2 in Verbindung mit Fig. 6 fehlt ebenfalls eine Zigarette in der Oberlage 17. Dies hat zur Folge, daß die ursprünglich unmittelbar übereinanderliegenden Zigaretten der Oberlage 17 und Mittellage 18 teilweise in eine querversetzte « Sattellage gleiten. Der dadurch gegebene Versatz der Zigaretten führt ebenfalls zu einem Ausbleiben des Reflexionsstrahls 27.In the embodiment of FIG. 2 in connection with FIG. 6, a cigarette is also missing in the top layer 17. This has the consequence that the cigarettes of the top layer 17 and middle layer 18, which were originally directly one above the other, partially slide into a cross-saddle position. The resulting offset of the cigarettes also leads to the absence of the reflection beam 27.

Der Kragarm 21 als Träger von Sendern 22 und Empfängern 23 ist bei dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel seitlich neben dem Zigarettenförderer 11 auf der gemeinsamen Unterplatte 12 gelagert, und zwar auf einem aufrechten Tragzapfen 31. Dieser tritt in eine entsprechende Lagerbohrung 32 des Kragarms 21 ein. Eine Paßfeder 33 bildet eine Drehsicherung. Der freie Endbereich des Kragarms 21 ist mit einem Schlitz 34 ausgebildet, der in Verbindung mit einer Klemmschraube 35 ein Festsetzen und Lösen des Kragarms 21 auf dem Tragzapfen 31 ermöglicht. Bei gelöster Klemmschraube 35 kann der Kragarm hinsichtlich der Höhenstellung justiert werden. Zur Einstellung einer präzisen Position dient eine Justierschraube 36, die durch den Kragarm 21 hindurchtritt und mit dem unteren Ende auf einem festen Anschlag 37 am Tragzapfen 31 abgestützt ist.In the present exemplary embodiment, the cantilever arm 21 as the carrier of transmitters 22 and receivers 23 is mounted laterally next to the cigarette conveyor 11 on the common lower plate 12, specifically on an upright support pin 31. This enters a corresponding bearing bore 32 in the cantilever arm 21. A key 33 forms a rotation lock. The free end region of the cantilever arm 21 is formed with a slot 34 which, in conjunction with a clamping screw 35, enables the cantilever arm 21 to be fixed and released on the support pin 31. When the clamping screw 35 is loosened, the cantilever arm can be adjusted with regard to the height position. An adjusting screw 36 is used to set a precise position. It passes through the cantilever arm 21 and is supported with the lower end on a fixed stop 37 on the support pin 31.

Im Bereich der nach unten offenen Bohrungen 24 und 25 ist eine lichtdurchlässige Abdeckung an der Unterseite des Kragarms 21 angebracht, nämlich eine Glasscheibe 38. Der Kragarm 21 ragt in eine Lücke 39 in einer Oberwandung 40 des Zigaretten-Förderers 11. Dadurch wird eine Verschmutzung der Bohrungen 24, 25 bzw. von Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 vermieden.In the area of the bores 24 and 25, which are open at the bottom, a translucent cover is attached to the underside of the cantilever arm 21, namely a glass pane 38. The cantilever arm 21 projects into a gap 39 in an upper wall 40 of the cigarette conveyor 11 Bores 24, 25 or from transmitter 22 and receiver 23 avoided.

Der Sender 22 wird vorzugsweise mit Infrarot- licht beaufschlagt, und zwar taktweise mit einer Frequenz von etwa 5 KHz. Anzahl und Relativstellung von Sender 22 und Empfänger 23 entsprechen der Anzahl bzw. der Gruppierung der abzutastenden Zigaretten (Oberlage 17).The transmitter 22 is preferably exposed to infrared light, namely in cycles with a frequency of approximately 5 kHz. The number and relative position of transmitter 22 and receiver 23 correspond to the number or grouping of the cigarettes to be scanned (top layer 17).

Claims (9)

1. Device for monitoring groups (10) of cigarettes oriented in the longitudinal direction or of other elongate articles, in which the groups (10) consist of at least two layers (17,18,19) arranged one above the other and the test is conducted during the transport of the groups (10) on a conveyor (11) relative to checking means (22, 23), for checking purposes the top layer (17) only of the group (10) being sensed and, in the event that . the group is incomplete, a control signal is transmitted to the conveyor (11), characterized in that sensing is contactless, using transmitters (22) and receivers (23), in that the transmitters (22) and receivers (23) are arranged in pairs in a support (21) located above the conveyor (11) and are so positioned with their longitudinal axes, in the same way as the respective means (26, 27), relative to one another at an obtuse angle, in a V-shaped manner and forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes, that the light emitted from the transmitter (22) and reflected from the top layer (17) to the receiver (23) is sensed, and in that the plane extending through the longitudinal axes of the transmitters (22) and receivers (23) lies obliquely relative to the plane in which the top layer (17) is located.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that, with the cigarette groups (10) being in a horizontal conveying plane, the transmitters (22) and receivers (23) are both arranged at an angle of 60° relative to the vertical.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a number of transmitters (22) corresponding to the number of cigarettes in the top layer (17) and an equal number of receivers (23), each assigned to a transmitter, are arranged on the support preferably designed as a cantilever (21), the transmitter (22) being designed as luminous diodes and the receiver (23) as phototransistors and with their longitudinal axes, in the same way as the respective beams (26, 27), being relative to one another at an obtuse angle in a V-shaped manner and forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal extension of the cigarettes, especially, with the cigarette groups (10) being in a horizontal conveying plane, the two being arranged at an angle of 60° relative to the vertical.
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transmitters (22) and/or receivers (23) are arranged respectively in inclined bores (24, 25) in the cantilever (21), preferably . starting from correspondingly inclined side faces (28, 29) of the cantilever (21), in such a way that the longitudinal axes of the bores (24, 25) are directed perpendicularly to these side faces (28, 29) and the cantilever (21) has a trapezoidal cross-section.
5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the underside of the support (21) is provided, at least in the region of the mouth of the continuous bores (24, 25), with a transparent cover (38), in particular with a glass pane (38).
6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cantilever 21 for the checking means (22, 23) is adjustable in terms of its relative position in relation to the cigarette groups (10), particularly in terms of its height distance, preferably because the cantilever (21) is arranged on a vertical supporting journal (31) and is supported on a fixed stop (37) via an adjusting screw (36).
7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cigarettes can be sensed by the optical checking means (22, 23) only over a part region of their longitudinal extension, in particular over a length of approximately 90 % to 95%.
8. Device according to one of Claims 1-7, characterized in that the checking means (22, 23) work with infra-red light.
9. Device according to one of Claims 1-8, characterized in that the checking means (22, 23) work intermittently, for example at a frequency of 5 kHz, in order to eliminate extraneous influences.
EP85100560A 1984-02-28 1985-01-19 Device for checking batches of cigarettes Expired EP0157087B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3407168 1984-02-28
DE19843407168 DE3407168A1 (en) 1984-02-28 1984-02-28 DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING CIGARETTE GROUPS

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0157087A1 EP0157087A1 (en) 1985-10-09
EP0157087B1 true EP0157087B1 (en) 1989-04-05

Family

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EP85100560A Expired EP0157087B1 (en) 1984-02-28 1985-01-19 Device for checking batches of cigarettes

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US (1) US4678901A (en)
EP (1) EP0157087B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0659886B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8500767A (en)
CA (1) CA1258307A (en)
DE (2) DE3407168A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS60184379A (en) 1985-09-19
EP0157087A1 (en) 1985-10-09
US4678901A (en) 1987-07-07
DE3407168A1 (en) 1985-08-29
JPH0659886B2 (en) 1994-08-10
DE3569223D1 (en) 1989-05-11
BR8500767A (en) 1985-10-08
CA1258307A (en) 1989-08-08
DE3407168C2 (en) 1992-07-02

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