Device and method for producing rod for tobacco processing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (50) and a method (300) for producing a rod for the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod. The device (50) comprises a suction belt conveyor (15) comprising: a conveyor belt (17) having a lower run (17a), the conveyor belt (17) being configured and arranged for suspended conveying of the material (M) on the lower run (17a) in a material conveying direction (F); a suction device (18) for applying a negative pressure to at least one section of the lower return section (17a) in order to suck the material (M); and a trimming device (19) having at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) for trimming the suspended material (M). The device (50) has a first sensor (10) which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property of the material (M) conveyed in a suspended manner, in particular a property characterizing the density, the first sensor (10) being arranged upstream of the trimming device (19) with respect to the material conveying direction (F).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing tobacco sticks, particularly tobacco sticks, for the tobacco processing industry. Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use of a sensor configured as a microwave measurement unit in an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco sticks for the tobacco processing industry. Background Technology

[0002] For the manufacture of materials, especially tobacco, carton forming machines, particularly cigarette carton forming machines, are typically used. A typical suction belt conveyor in a tobacco processing carton forming machine has a conveyor belt (also called a suction belt), which is usually perforated and subjected to negative pressure or suction air from above. Within the spraying area, dispersed material, particularly tobacco material and / or other materials, is sprayed onto the conveyor belt from below in an airflow, causing a layer of loose material to accumulate or form on the underside of the conveyor belt and be suspended on the conveyor belt by the negative pressure applied from above. The conveyor belt typically moves through guide channels with lateral channel walls, thereby defining a cross-section for the sprayed material. Such a suction belt conveyor is known, for example, from DE 102011082625 A1. Downstream of the suction belt conveyor, strips of material are typically conveyed to forming equipment, where they are wrapped with wrapping materials, such as wrapping paper, especially cigarette paper, and / or foil, especially aluminum foil, and formed into strips with a circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0003] To achieve uniform, high-quality materials, the quality of the tobacco stick is typically analyzed using various measuring devices. In particular, material properties such as weight, density, and / or moisture content can be determined and monitored. It is known that, in the case of tobacco sticks, the measuring devices used to determine these material properties are positioned where the tobacco stick is wrapped in cigarette paper. This is because, on the one hand, the measuring devices can reach the tobacco stick relatively well there. On the other hand, the tobacco stick already has its final shape at that position.

[0004] Furthermore, as known, for example, from WO 2016162292 A1 and EP 3593653 A2, an electromagnetic measuring device is integrated into the channel wall of a suction conveyor, downstream of the trimming device (also known as a homogenizer), thereby allowing measurement of the material at a location where it has been trimmed to the desired height but has not yet been wrapped by a wrapping material (i.e., in the case of tobacco, where the tobacco is not yet wrapped by a wrapping material such as cigarette paper). In this way, the properties of the material can be determined without the influence of cigarette paper on the measurement.

[0005] However, a known drawback of sliver forming machines is that the slivers produced by them exhibit fluctuations in one or more properties due to production processes. In particular, there are typically some fluctuations in material density and material weight. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved solution that addresses the aforementioned problems. In particular, the objective of this invention is to provide a solution for tobacco bar manufacturing that can reduce fluctuations in one or more characteristics, particularly fluctuations in the weight of the produced product, especially fluctuations in the weight of tobacco bars.

[0007] According to the first aspect, this task is solved by an apparatus according to claim 1. Accordingly, an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, particularly tobacco strips, for the tobacco processing industry is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a suction belt conveyor comprising: a conveyor belt having a lower return section, wherein the conveyor belt is configured and arranged for suspending material, particularly tobacco, along the material conveying direction on the lower return section of the conveyor belt; a suction device for applying negative pressure to at least one section of the lower return section of the conveyor belt to draw the suspended material onto the lower return section of the conveyor belt; and a trimming device having at least one trimming element for trimming the material suspended on the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0008] According to the invention, the device includes a first sensor configured and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of a material being conveyed suspended on the lower return section of a conveyor belt, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein the first sensor is arranged upstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction.

[0009] Therefore, it is recommended to place a first sensor at a location where the material being conveyed suspended on the lower return section of the conveyor belt has not yet been trimmed by a trimming device, i.e., at a location where the material being conveyed suspended has not yet been brought to the desired height, and to use the sensor at that location to detect at least one characteristic of the material being conveyed suspended, especially density, preferably density distribution.

[0010] The apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, especially tobacco strips, for the tobacco processing industry is preferably configured as a tobacco strip forming machine for the tobacco processing industry, especially a tobacco strip forming machine for manufacturing tobacco strips, and is preferably used for manufacturing cigarettes.

[0011] In this document, all embodiments relate to strips or apparatus for manufacturing strips. It goes without saying that the apparatus can also be configured to manufacture multiple strips, particularly two strips. Therefore, all embodiments are also correspondingly applicable to apparatus for manufacturing multiple strips, particularly two strips. Here, in particular, it is possible to perform corresponding measurements of material properties on each of such multiple strips.

[0012] The conveyor belt can also be referred to as a suction belt. The conveyor belt is preferably perforated and, in particular, breathable, so that when a negative pressure is applied to the upper side of the conveyor belt or air is suctioned, material located on the lower side of the conveyor belt can be drawn onto and retained on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is preferably constructed as a circular rotating conveyor belt.

[0013] Material conveyed by means of the lower return section of the conveyor belt is preferably first sprayed into the spraying area of ​​the lower return section within the spraying zone, and then conveyed by suspension along the lower return section. The conveyed material is preferably conveyed by suspension on the underside of the lower return section. In the case of tobacco, the material sprayed onto the lower return section may be referred to as tobacco cake. The lower return section of the conveyor belt should preferably be understood as the lower branch of the conveyor belt.

[0014] The trimming device may also be referred to as a homogenizer or simply a trimmer. The trimming device includes at least one trimming element for trimming material conveyed from a suspended platform. This at least one trimming element is preferably configured as a trimming disc. Preferably, the trimming device has two trimming elements, wherein the trimming elements are preferably configured as trimming discs.

[0015] The first sensor is preferably configured as an electromagnetic measurement unit, particularly a microwave measurement unit. The first sensor is preferably configured to detect characteristics of the density of the material being conveyed under suspension, particularly density and / or density distribution, preferably density varying with time and / or density varying with distance, and / or weight per unit length and / or fiber filling density. The first sensor can be configured as an integrated component of or connected to a suction belt conveyor. Alternatively, the first sensor can also be configured as a separate component.

[0016] The understanding of this invention particularly includes the fact that, although, as described in EP 3593653 A2, the density and / or weight per unit length and / or fiber filling density of the strip formed in the suction belt conveyor are measured downstream of the trimming equipment, a certain amount of undesirable weight fluctuation still exists in the manufactured strip and therefore in the final product (e.g., manufactured cigarettes). This is especially true because the material (e.g., tobacco cake) has a non-uniform density distribution. However, the goal is to manufacture strips with a constant density or a constant density distribution. Since in known devices, the measurement of material properties (especially density measurement) is only performed after the material is trimmed, only the properties (especially the measured density) measured after the trimming equipment are available for controlling the weight of the strip to reduce weight fluctuations. Therefore, the non-uniform density distribution of the material cannot be balanced or compensated for and remains in the strip after trimming. The non-uniform density distribution causes weight fluctuations in the manufactured strip.

[0017] One advantage of the described apparatus is that such undesirable weight fluctuations can be significantly reduced because the material properties are detected by a first sensor before trimming. By detecting the characteristics of the suspended conveyor material before trimming, i.e., before the material is trimmed in time, it is possible to directly adjust strip manufacturing based on the detected characteristics during strip manufacturing (i.e., online during operation). This, in particular, allows for the control of the trimming equipment and / or conveyor belt based on the detected characteristics in such a way that the material is trimmed to achieve a more uniform weight distribution, and the resulting strips thus exhibit significantly less weight fluctuation.

[0018] Another advantage is that voids in the material can be identified before it reaches the trimming equipment. Therefore, the trimming equipment and / or conveyor belt can be adjusted based on the detected characteristics to compensate for the detected voids by adjusting or controlling the trimming height. This also allows for a beneficial reduction in weight fluctuations.

[0019] Another advantage is that combining the material properties obtained by the first sensor with those obtained by at least one additional sensor can provide information about the material before and after trimming. This information allows for more precise control during strip manufacturing, particularly by controlling the trimming equipment and / or conveyor belt based on the detected properties in a way that the material is trimmed to achieve a more uniform weight distribution, resulting in strips with significantly less weight fluctuation.

[0020] Another advantage is that process information can be obtained by means of the material properties detected by the first sensor and by means of at least one other sensor. For example, information about the transition of the strip between the conveyor belt and the forming belt can be obtained, thereby allowing the transition to be set up accordingly.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the device includes a control unit coupled to a first sensor signal technology, wherein the control unit is configured to control at least one adjustment device, based on a measurement signal generated by means of the first sensor, preferably describing the material density distribution, for adjusting the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0022] With the aid of such a control unit and such an adjustment device, the distance between at least one trimming element and the lower return section of the conveyor belt can be adjusted in a particularly advantageous manner, thereby reducing weight fluctuations in the manufactured strip. Preferably, this adjustment of the distance between the at least one trimming element and the lower return section of the conveyor belt is performed in the range of a few tenths of a millimeter, particularly in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt is adjusted by means of an adjusting device to move at least one trimming element of the trimming device relative to each other. This distance adjustment is based on a measurement signal generated by a first sensor and, if necessary, other measurement signals (e.g., generated by at least one additional sensor). The at least one adjusting device may also include multiple adjusting devices.

[0024] At least one adjusting device is preferably configured to adjust and / or control the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt. This distance should be understood in particular as the direct distance between at least one trimming element and the lower return section of the conveyor belt, preferably the distance between the side of the lower return section facing at least one trimming element and the side of the at least one trimming element facing the lower return section. This distance is especially the vertical distance between at least one trimming element and the lower side of the lower return section of the conveyor belt. This distance preferably corresponds to the trimming height achieved by trimming the suspended conveyor material using the trimming device.

[0025] Particularly preferred is that at least one adjusting device is configured to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt by means of movement of at least one section of the lower return section of the conveyor belt relative to at least one trimming element of the trimming device and / or by means of movement of at least one trimming element of the trimming device relative to the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0026] Therefore, this distance is preferably adjusted such that the lower return section of the conveyor belt and at least one trimming element move toward or away from each other. To achieve this, either the lower return section can be moved at least segmentally, and / or at least one trimming element can be moved.

[0027] Preferably, the first sensor is arranged adjacent to the trimming device. Preferably, the first sensor and the trimming device are arranged below the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0028] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the adjustment device to adjust the trimming device arranged adjacent to and / or downstream of the first sensor.

[0029] Particularly preferred is that at least one adjusting device is configured to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt by means of the movement of an adjusting shoe that abuts against the lower return section of the conveyor belt (especially against the upper side of the lower return section of the conveyor belt), preferably in such a way that the lower return section of the conveyor belt is moved by means of the movement of the adjusting shoe.

[0030] This movement of the control shoe allows for, in particular, localized movement of the lower return segment, within the control shoe's area. Preferably, the control shoe can be moved by means of an eccentric element (especially vertically up and down) arranged on the servo axis. Preferably, an eccentric element is provided, by means of which the control shoe can be moved vertically up and down. Alternatively, a piezoelectric element can be used as an actuator for (especially vertically) adjusting the control shoe.

[0031] Preferably, adjustment is made within a few tenths of a millimeter, particularly within 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters, by means of the movement of the adjustment shoe. This pre-adjustment is performed.

[0032] The adjusting boot is preferably adjustable, especially in the vertical direction, by at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, and / or up to 10 mm, preferably up to 8 mm. Particularly preferably, the adjusting boot is adjustable, especially in the vertical direction, by up to 6 mm.

[0033] The regulating shoe (also known as a slipper) should be understood in particular as a component along which the conveyor belt is guided. Therefore, the regulating shoe is specifically used as a guide for locally guiding the conveyor belt and / or as a deflector for locally deflecting the conveyor belt.

[0034] Particularly preferred is that the control shoe comprises or is composed of ceramic. This allows for an exceptionally long service life for the control shoe, while also ensuring its high wear resistance and durability, so that its shape remains largely unchanged or changes only slightly even after prolonged use. This guarantees accurate conveyor belt adjustment over extended periods while maintaining a long service life. Alternatively, the control shoe may also comprise or be composed of plastic. The advantage of a plastic control shoe is that it can be designed to be exceptionally lightweight, which may be advantageous for applications requiring very rapid movement due to low mass inertia. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the control shoe may include both ceramic and plastic components.

[0035] Particularly preferred is that the first sensor is arranged between the spraying section of the lower return section of the conveyor belt and the trimming device, and is preferably integrated into the channel wall of a downward-opening guide channel through which the lower return section of the conveyor belt extends.

[0036] The first sensor is preferably positioned between the spraying section and the pruning device. Preferably, the first sensor may also be positioned at least partially within the area of ​​the spraying section.

[0037] The spraying section is preferably constructed to accommodate the material sprayed onto the lower return section of the conveyor belt. Therefore, the spraying section should be understood in particular as the section of the conveyor belt in which material is sprayed onto the conveyor belt.

[0038] Preferably, the device is configured to suspend and transport material from the spraying section, along the first sensor and subsequently along the trimming equipment, by means of the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0039] Preferably, the device has exactly one spraying section for each strip to be formed. Preferably, the device has exactly one trimming device for each strip to be formed. Preferably, the device has exactly one spraying zone for each strip to be formed, within which material can be sprayed onto the conveyor belt in the spraying section.

[0040] Particularly preferred is that the first sensor is constructed as an electromagnetic measurement unit, especially a microwave measurement unit, and preferably has at least one resonator cavity and / or is U-shaped.

[0041] In this respect, an advantage of electromagnetic measuring units, especially microwave measuring units, is that they can achieve particularly precise measurements of material properties, and in particular, can accurately determine the density or weight of materials. Electromagnetic measuring units can be constructed, for example, as described in WO 2016 / 162292 A1 or EP 3593653 A2.

[0042] One advantage of the U-shaped sensor design is that it can be integrated into the channel wall of a suction belt conveyor. In this way, measurements can be advantageously performed within the suction belt conveyor.

[0043] Another advantage of the U-shaped sensor design is that, particularly when the sensor is arranged with its opening pointing downwards (i.e., the U-shape is an inverted U-shape), and the lower return section of the conveyor belt extends through the U-shaped sensor, the upper region of the material suspended on the lower return section of the conveyor belt is given stronger consideration in the measurement compared to the lower portion (i.e., the part of the suspended material furthest from the conveyor belt). Thus, the material properties can be measured with exceptionally high quality and usability before material trimming, because in this way, the portion of material in the lower region that will subsequently be cut off by at least one trimming element of the trimming device is either not considered in the measurement or is only considered at a relatively small, preferably negligible, scale. Therefore, particularly good measurement results can be obtained, especially when determining density, thanks to the inverted U-shaped design of the sensor.

[0044] Particularly preferred is that the first sensor is configured to detect voids in the material, wherein the control unit is configured to control at least one adjusting device, based on the voids in the material detected by means of the first sensor, to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0045] Particularly preferred is that the device includes a second sensor configured and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material being conveyed suspended on the lower return section of the conveyor belt, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein the second sensor is arranged downstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction.

[0046] Particularly preferred is that the second sensor is constructed as an electromagnetic measurement unit, especially a microwave measurement unit, and particularly preferably has at least one resonator cavity and / or is U-shaped.

[0047] The second sensor is preferably configured as an electromagnetic measurement unit, particularly a microwave measurement unit. The second sensor is preferably configured to detect characteristics of the density of the material being conveyed under suspension, particularly density and / or density distribution, preferably density varying with time and / or density varying with distance, and / or weight per unit length and / or fiber filling density. The second sensor can be configured as an integrated component of or connected to a suction belt conveyor. Alternatively, the second sensor can also be configured as a separate component.

[0048] The advantages of the electromagnetic measurement unit, especially the microwave measurement unit, described above for the first sensor are also applicable to the second sensor. Similarly, the advantages of the U-shaped sensor design described above for the first sensor are also applicable to the second sensor.

[0049] Particularly preferred is that the control unit is configured to control at least one adjusting device to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt, based on a measurement signal generated by a first sensor that preferably describes a first density distribution of the material and a measurement signal generated by a second sensor that preferably describes a second density distribution of the material.

[0050] One advantage of using the measurement signals from the first sensor and the second sensor is that the properties of the material before and after trimming can be detected in this way, thereby allowing for more precise setting and / or control of the process (especially the trimming of the material) so that the manufactured strip has the desired properties, and in particular, relatively small fluctuations in the desired properties, especially relatively small weight fluctuations.

[0051] Particularly preferred is that the device includes a forming device arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor in the material conveying direction, wherein the forming device is configured and arranged to wrap the material, particularly cigarette paper, and to form it into a strip having a circular or elliptical cross-section, and the device includes a third sensor configured and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material wrapped by the wrapping material, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein preferably the third sensor is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor in the material conveying direction.

[0052] The forming equipment preferably includes a forming belt, wherein the forming belt is preferably configured to move the strip together with the wrapping material through the forming equipment, wherein the wrapping material is folded around the strip in the forming equipment.

[0053] The third sensor is preferably configured as an electromagnetic measurement unit, especially a microwave measurement unit. The second sensor is preferably configured to detect characteristics of the manufactured strip that characterize its density, especially its density and / or density distribution, preferably density varying with time and / or density varying with distance, and / or weight per unit length and / or fiber filling density. The third sensor is preferably arranged within the area of ​​the forming equipment, especially inside the forming equipment.

[0054] Particularly preferred is that the control unit is configured to control at least one adjusting device to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt, based on a measurement signal generated by a first sensor that preferably describes a first density distribution of the material, a measurement signal generated by a third sensor that preferably describes a third density distribution of the material, and a measurement signal generated by a second sensor that preferably describes a second density distribution of the material.

[0055] Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt based on the measurement signal of the first sensor and optionally, the measurement signal of the second and / or third sensor.

[0056] Particularly preferred is that the device includes an interface for signal processing, wherein the interface is coupled to a first sensor and preferably to a second sensor signal technology, and is configured to receive a measurement signal generated by the first sensor and preferably to receive a measurement signal generated by the second sensor, wherein the interface is preferably configured to convert the received measurement signal and send the converted signal to the control unit.

[0057] One advantage of this interface for signal processing is that the measurement signal from the first sensor can be transmitted to the control unit particularly quickly, allowing the control unit to control the regulating device based on the measurement signal within a very short time after the first sensor generates the signal. In this way, the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt can be adjusted for the specific section of the suspended conveyor material whose characteristics (especially density characteristics) were previously detected by the first sensor. Therefore, such an interface offers the advantage of faster processing of measurement signals, thereby enabling faster control of the regulating device. The interface for signal processing can in particular be configured as an analog-to-digital converter and / or a digital-to-analog converter.

[0058] Particularly preferred is that the device includes a measurement computer configured to receive measurement signals and send control signals to the control unit based on the received measurement signals.

[0059] Particularly preferred is that the distance between the first sensor and the pruning device (especially at least one pruning element of the pruning device) is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, and particularly preferably at least 200 mm. Preferably, the distance between the first sensor and the pruning device (especially at least one pruning element of the pruning device) is at most 1000 mm, particularly preferably at most 900 mm, and especially at most 800 mm.

[0060] Particularly preferred is that the device (especially the control unit combined with at least one adjusting device) is configured to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt within at most 0.05 seconds, preferably at most 0.03 seconds, and particularly preferably at most 0.02 seconds after the measurement signal is detected by means of the first sensor.

[0061] One advantage of this rapid distance adjustment is that it allows for adjustment of the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt, specifically for the section of the suspended material that has had its characteristics (especially density characteristics) previously detected by the first sensor.

[0062] According to another aspect, the task described at the beginning is solved by the method according to claim 15. Accordingly, a method for manufacturing tobacco strips, particularly tobacco strips, for the tobacco processing industry is provided, the method comprising the steps of: conveying material, particularly tobacco, by means of a conveyor belt having a lower return section, wherein the material is suspended and conveyed along the material conveying direction on the lower return section of the conveyor belt; sucking up the suspended material by means of a suction device, wherein the suction device applies a negative pressure to at least one section of the lower return section of the conveyor belt to suck the suspended material onto the lower return section of the conveyor belt; and trimming the suspended material on the lower return section of the conveyor belt by means of a trimming device having at least one trimming element.

[0063] According to the present invention, at least one characteristic of a material suspended on the lower return section of a conveyor belt, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, is detected by means of a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is arranged upstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction.

[0064] The method preferably includes the step of: providing an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, preferably the apparatus described herein.

[0065] Particularly preferred is that the method includes the step of: adjusting the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt using at least one adjusting device, based on a measurement signal generated by means of a first sensor, preferably describing the material density distribution. Preferably, at least one adjusting device is controlled by a control unit coupled to the signal technology of the first sensor.

[0066] Particularly preferred is that at least one adjusting device is configured to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt by means of movement of at least one section of the lower return section of the conveyor belt relative to at least one trimming element of the trimming device and / or by means of movement of at least one trimming element of the trimming device relative to the lower return section of the conveyor belt.

[0067] Particularly preferred is that at least one adjusting device is configured to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower return section of the conveyor belt by means of the movement of an adjusting shoe that abuts against the lower return section of the conveyor belt (especially against the upper side of the lower return section of the conveyor belt), particularly in such a way that the lower return section of the conveyor belt is moved by means of the movement of the adjusting shoe.

[0068] Particularly preferred is that the method includes: obtaining a first difference between the material density detected by a first sensor and the material density detected by a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material being conveyed suspended on the lower return section of the conveyor belt, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein the second sensor is arranged downstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction, and preferably the trimming device is adjusted according to the obtained first difference.

[0069] Preferably, this difference, particularly based on the difference in density distribution detected before and after the trimming equipment, can be used to determine whether the trimming equipment is incorrectly set or not optimized. Here, "before" specifically means upstream of the trimming equipment, and "after" specifically means downstream. If an incorrect or unoptimized trimming equipment setting is identified in this way, the trimming equipment can be adjusted to a non-incorrect or more advantageous setting. Thus, by means of density measurements before and after the trimming equipment, incorrect settings of the trimming equipment can be identified and subsequently eliminated in a particularly advantageous manner. Therefore, by means of measurement signals detected before and after the trimming equipment, process diagnosis can be performed particularly advantageously, and the process can be intervened in if necessary based on the diagnostic results.

[0070] Particularly preferred is that the method includes: obtaining a second difference between the material density detected by a second sensor and the material density detected by a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material being wrapped by the wrapping material, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein preferably the third sensor is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor with respect to the material conveying direction, and preferably at least one conveyor belt roller and / or at least one forming belt roller is adjusted according to the obtained second difference.

[0071] Preferably, this difference, particularly based on the known density distribution difference detected immediately after the trimming device and within the forming device, can be used to determine whether components affecting the transition of the strip from the suction belt conveyor to the forming device in the transition area between the suction belt conveyor and the forming device are incorrectly or improperly configured. If incorrect or improper configuration is identified in this area, the corresponding components, especially at least one conveyor belt roller and / or at least one forming belt roller, can be adjusted to a correct or more advantageous configuration. Thus, by means of density measurements after the trimming device and within the forming device area, incorrect configurations in this transition area can be identified and subsequently eliminated with particular advantage. This allows for particularly advantageous process diagnostics, and, if necessary, process intervention based on the diagnostic results.

[0072] At least one conveyor belt roller should be understood, in particular, as a roller constructed and arranged for guiding the conveyor belt. At least one forming belt roller should be understood, in particular, as a roller constructed and arranged for guiding the forming belt.

[0073] According to another aspect, the task described at the beginning is solved by the application of a first sensor configured as a microwave measurement unit in an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, especially tobacco strips (preferably in an apparatus as described herein), wherein the first sensor is configured to detect a characteristic density of material suspended on a conveyor belt under a return section, wherein the first sensor is arranged upstream of a trimming device for trimming the suspended material with respect to the material conveying direction (along which the material is suspended).

[0074] The advantages, implementation variations, and implementation details of the various aspects of the solutions described herein, as well as their respective possible improvements, are also referenced to the descriptions of the corresponding features, details, and advantages of the various other aspects and their improvements. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Preferred embodiments are illustrated by way of example with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, elements that are the same or substantially the same or similar in function are represented by the same reference numerals. Figure 1A schematic diagram illustrating a suspended conveyor system for conveying materials to illustrate weight fluctuations is shown. Figure 2 A first schematic diagram illustrating a suspended conveyor system for reducing weight fluctuations is shown. Figure 3 A second schematic diagram illustrating the suspended conveyor system for reducing weight fluctuations is shown. Figure 4 A third schematic diagram illustrating the suspended conveyor material for reducing weight fluctuation is shown. Figure 5 A first schematic diagram of a suction belt conveyor and a control unit is shown. Figure 6 A second schematic diagram showing the suction belt conveyor and control unit is shown. Figure 7 A third schematic diagram showing the suction belt conveyor and control unit is presented. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a suction belt conveyor is shown. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a suction belt conveyor and forming equipment is shown. Figure 10a A schematic diagram of the resonator body used for the sensor is shown. Figure 10b It shows Figure 10a A cross-sectional view of the resonator body shown; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips is shown. Figure 12a A schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing tobacco strips for the tobacco processing industry is shown. Figure 12b This diagram illustrates a method for manufacturing strips for the tobacco processing industry. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Figure 1A schematic diagram illustrating the suspended conveying of material for weight fluctuation is shown. A section of an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, particularly tobacco strips, from material M is shown. Material M1 has been sprayed onto the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt in the area shown on the right. The material has a weight distribution G1 about direction x (here, the horizontal direction). The weight G is not constant along direction x. Weight fluctuation G1 is caused on the one hand by density fluctuation D (which is the weight fluctuation component D1 that forms weight fluctuation G1), and on the other hand by volume fluctuation V (which is the weight fluctuation component V1 that causes weight fluctuation G1). Material M1 is suspended and conveyed along the material conveying direction F by means of the lower return section 17a (which is part of the conveyor belt). Material M1 then encounters a trimming device 19, which has at least one trimming element 19a. An adjusting shoe 80 is provided above the trimming element 19a and contacts the lower return section 17a. There is a distance A between the lower return section 17a and the trimming element 19a of the trimming device. By means of the trimming element 19a, material M1 is essentially trimmed to height A. Then, at this height, material M2 continues to be suspended and conveyed along the next segment 17a along the material conveying direction F. After trimming, material M2 has a weight fluctuation G2 along direction x, which is essentially due to the density fluctuation D, since at this position, due to the essentially constant height, the volume fluctuation no longer exists or exists only to a negligible degree.

[0077] Figure 2 A first schematic diagram is shown to illustrate a suspended conveyor system for reducing weight fluctuations. Figure 2 The structure shown corresponds to the combination Figure 1 The described structure. In Figure 2 The diagram now shows that the control shoe 80 moves in the vertical direction h, as can be seen in the graph of h versus x. With the movement of the control shoe 80, the lower return segment 17a below the control shoe 80 moves along with it. Thus, with the trimming element 19 stationary, the distance A varies according to the movement of the control shoe 80 in the vertical direction h. If the movement of the control shoe 80 is now based on the density of material M1, the weight fluctuation G1 due to density fluctuations can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the trimmed material M2, thereby compensating for the density fluctuations and completely offsetting or at least greatly reducing the weight fluctuations, as can be seen in graph G2 (where weight G is plotted against distance x).

[0078] Figure 3 A second schematic diagram is shown to illustrate the suspended conveyor material with reduced weight fluctuations. Figure 3 The structure shown corresponds to the combination Figure 2 The described structure. However, in Figure 3Additionally, a first sensor 10, a control unit 60, and an adjustment device 71 are present. The first sensor 10 is constructed and arranged to detect the density characteristics, particularly the density distribution, of a material M suspended on the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt. The first sensor 10 is arranged upstream of the trimming device 19 with respect to the material conveying direction F. The control unit 60 is signal-coupled to the first sensor 10 via a signal line 60a. The control unit 60 is configured to control the adjustment device 71, based on a measurement signal generated by the first sensor 10, preferably describing the density distribution of materials M, M1, to adjust the distance A between at least one trimming element 19a of the trimming device 19 and the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt. The adjustment device 71 is configured to adjust the distance A between at least one trimming element 19a of the trimming device 19 and the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt by means of the movement of an adjustment shoe 80 abutting against the upper side of the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt, and in such a way that the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt is moved in the vertical direction by means of the movement of the adjustment shoe 80. Preferably, this adjustment of the distance A between at least one trimming element and the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt is performed within a range of a few tenths of a millimeter, particularly within the range of 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters. Particularly preferred is that the adjusting shoe 80 comprises or is composed of ceramic. This allows for an exceptionally long service life of the adjusting shoe 80, while also ensuring that the adjusting shoe 80 is highly wear-resistant and durable, so that its shape does not change or changes only minimally even after prolonged use. This ensures precise adjustment of the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt over extended periods, while also achieving a long service life. The control unit 60 is coupled to the adjusting device 71 via signal line 60b. Other control technology components may also be present between the control unit 60 and the first sensor 10, and between the control unit 60 and the adjusting device 71, which, for example, adjust and / or process and / or transmit measurement and / or control signals.

[0079] Figure 4 A third schematic diagram is shown to illustrate the suspended conveyor material with reduced weight fluctuations. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Alternative embodiments of the illustrated embodiments. Figure 4 The structure shown is similar to a combination Figure 3 The described structure. Of course, in Figure 4In the structure shown, the control shoe 80 is non-adjustable. Conversely, the trimming element 19a is adjustable. The trimming element 19a can be moved vertically by means of the adjustment device 72. The control unit 60 is signal-technically coupled to the adjustment device 72 via signal line 60c. With the movement of the trimming element 19a, the trimming element 19a moves relative to the next return segment 17a. Thus, with the control shoe 80 stationary, the distance A varies according to the vertical movement of the trimming element 19a. If the movement of the trimming element 19a is now based on the density of material M1, the weight fluctuation G1 due to density fluctuations can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the trimmed material M2, thereby compensating for the density fluctuations and completely offsetting or at least significantly reducing the weight fluctuations, as can be seen in graph G2 (where weight G is plotted against distance x). Other control technology components may also exist between the control unit 60 and the first sensor 10, and between the control unit 60 and the adjustment device 72, which, for example, adjust and / or process and / or transmit measurement and / or control signals.

[0080] Alternatively, one could consider setting both the regulation (Regelung) and adjustment (Verstellung) of the regulation shoe 80, and also setting the regulation and adjustment of the trimming element 19a, i.e. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Combinations of the embodiments shown.

[0081] Figure 5 A first schematic diagram of the suction belt conveyor 15 and the control unit 60 is shown. The structure shown here essentially corresponds to... Figure 3 and Figure 4The structure of the illustrated embodiment. It is conceivable that either the control shoe 80, the trimming element 19a, or both the control shoe 80 and the trimming element 19a are controlled and adjusted. In any case, the distance between the trimming element 19a and the lower return section 17a below the control shoe 80 is adjustable. The conveyor belt 17 is guided by conveyor rollers 17b, 17c, 17d, and 17e. The lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17 has a spraying section 17x in which material M is sprayed along the direction S. In the conveying section 17y, the material M is then suspended and conveyed along the material conveying direction F. Inside the conveyor belt 17, a negative pressure is applied to at least one section of the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17 by means of a suction device 18 to draw the suspended material M onto the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17. In addition to the first sensor 10, a second sensor 20 is also provided. The control unit 60 is technically coupled to the second sensor 20 via signal line 60d, and also technically coupled to an adjustment device (not shown) for adjusting the distance between the trimming element 19a and the control shoe 80 via signal lines 60b and 60c. In the embodiment shown here, the first and second sensors are U-shaped with downward openings and integrated into a downward-opening strip guide channel 16 (through which the lower return segment 17a of the conveyor belt 17 extends). The first sensor 10 and the second sensor 20 are each configured as electromagnetic measurement units, i.e., microwave measurement units, and are configured to detect the density or density distribution of the suspended conveyor material M.

[0082] Figure 6 A second schematic diagram of the suction belt conveyor 15 and the control unit 60 is shown. Figure 6 The structure of the illustrated embodiment basically corresponds to Figure 5 The structure of the illustrated embodiment. Figure 6 Details for constructing a possible control configuration are further illustrated below. Measurement signals detected by the first sensor 10 and the second sensor 20 are transmitted to module 61, and then to measurement computer 62. The measured values ​​can be visualized using display 64. Measurement computer 62 transmits data to control unit 60 based on the received measurement signals. Control unit 60 then controls the adjustment device based on the known measurement values ​​to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element 19a and the next row segment 17a. Another distance B between the first sensor 10 and the trimming device 19 is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, and particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

[0083] Figure 7 A third schematic diagram of the suction belt conveyor 15 and the control unit 60 is shown. Figure 7 The structure of the illustrated embodiment basically corresponds to Figure 5 The structure of the illustrated embodiment. Figure 7 Details for constructing a possible control configuration are further illustrated below. The measurement signal detected by the first sensor 10 is transmitted to module 61, and then to interface 65, which transmits the data to control unit 60 based on the received measurement value. The measurement signal detected by the second sensor 20 is transmitted to module 61, and then to measurement computer 62. The measurement value can be visualized using display 64. Measurement computer 62 transmits the data to control unit 60 based on the received measurement signal. Control unit 60 then controls an adjustment device (not shown) to adjust the distance between at least one trimming element 19a and the next row segment 17a based on the known measurement value. Another distance B between the first sensor 10 and the trimming device 19 is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, and particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

[0084] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the suction belt conveyor 15 is shown. Figure 8 The structure of the illustrated embodiment basically corresponds to Figure 5 The structure of the illustrated embodiment. Combined with... Figure 8 A process analysis method will now be described. Due to the existence of measurement data before and after trimming, a first difference 19d can be determined between the density distribution 10d of materials M, M1 detected by the first sensor 10 and the density distribution 20d of materials M, M2 detected by the second sensor 20. Using this difference 19d, particularly based on the difference 19e of the density distributions detected before and after trimming equipment 19, it can be determined whether trimming equipment 19 is incorrectly set. If an incorrect setting of trimming equipment 19 is identified in this way, trimming equipment 19 can be adjusted to an error-free setting. Therefore, by using density measurements before and after trimming equipment 19, it is particularly advantageous to identify and subsequently eliminate incorrect settings of trimming equipment 19.

[0085] Figure 9A schematic diagram of the suction belt conveyor 15 and the forming device 26 is shown. The forming device 26 has a forming belt 24, which is guided by forming belt rollers 24a and 24b. A second difference 30e between the density distribution 20d of materials M and M2 detected by the second sensor 20 and the density distribution 30d of material M detected by the third sensor 30 can be obtained using a third sensor 30 arranged within the area of ​​the forming device 26. Using this difference 30e, particularly based on the known difference 24e in density distribution, it can be determined whether components affecting the transfer of strips from the suction belt conveyor 15 to the forming device 26 are incorrectly configured in the transition area between the suction belt conveyor 15 and the forming device 26. If an incorrect configuration is identified in this area, the corresponding components, particularly the conveyor belt roller 17b and / or the forming belt roller 24b, can be adjusted to an error-free and / or corrected configuration.

[0086] Figure 10a A schematic diagram of the resonator body of the sensor is shown. Figure 10b It shows Figure 10a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the resonator body 100. The resonator body 100 shown here represents one possible implementation of the body of the first sensor 10 and / or the body of the second sensor 20. Figure 10a The diagram shows a resonator body 100, which can form part of a first sensor and / or a second sensor (see above), and is used to house the required electronic components, but... Figure 10a These components are not shown in the diagram. The resonator body 100 has a first end face 100a (in... Figure 10a In the view, there is the front face facing the observer and the second end face 100b opposite to the first end face 100a. Figure 10a In the view, it is away from the observer and is obscured by the resonator body 100. Figure 10a The resonator body 100 is shown in its orientation corresponding to the assembly state of the measuring device on or within the guide channel, and thus in its mounting position. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, two end faces 100a, 100b extending parallel to each other are arranged perpendicularly and are shielded by the resonator body 100. Figure 10a The resonator body 100 is shown in its orientation corresponding to the assembly state of the measuring device on or within the guide channel, and thus in its mounting position. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, two end faces 100a, 100b extending parallel to each other are arranged perpendicularly and oriented at right angles to the bar conveying direction according to arrow X. Furthermore, the resonator body 100 has an upper side 100c on which a sleeve-shaped cable guide 102 is formed. In its lower region, the resonator body 100 is provided with a through-hole 104, which is open toward the lower side 100d of the resonator body 100, as... Figure 10aAs can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole 104 has a rectangular cross-section and is bounded by two spaced-apart sidewalls 104a and 104b (which are perpendicular to the lower side 100d of the resonator body 100 and are both vertically oriented) and a top wall 104c (which connects the sidewalls 104a and 104b to each other and is horizontally oriented), and has a downwardly open region 104d at the lower side 100d of the resonator body 100, which is constructed in an inverted U-shape. The through-hole 104 extends across its entire length between the end faces 100a and 100b of the resonator body 100, and is therefore open at both end faces 100a and 100b of the resonator body 100. In the assembled state of the measuring device, the through-hole 104 is connected to the guide channel 16 (see, for example...). Figure 5 The cavity is aligned so that the suction belt 17 runs along the top wall 104c of the through-hole 104 with its lower return segment 17a, and the tobacco strip carried by the suction belt 17 is conveyed through the through-hole 104. Figure 10b It shows Figure 10a The resonator body 100 is cut in a plane perpendicular to the strip delivery direction according to arrow X and therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the through-hole 104. Figure 10b The resonator cavity 118 is visible, formed within the resonator body 100 and extending through its first, second, and third body sections 100e, 100f, and 100g. (Regarding this...) Figure 10a and 10b More details of the resonator body shown and described above can be found in document EP 3593653 A2, which incorporates the details illustrated therein. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is described in paragraphs

[0066] to

[0071] .

[0087] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of an apparatus 50 for manufacturing tobacco cartons is shown, which is in the form of a cigarette carton forming machine. The cigarettes are loaded in batches from the airlock (Schleuse) 1 to the pre-dispenser 2. Figure 11(Not shown) Tobacco shreds. The feeding roller 3 in the pre-distributor 2 supplies tobacco shreds from the pre-distributor 2 to the storage container 4. The steep-angle conveyor 5 removes tobacco shreds from the storage container 4 and fills the storage trough 6. The needle roller 7 removes a substantially uniform stream of tobacco shreds from the storage trough 6, which is knocked off the needles of the needle roller 7 by the de-discharging roller 8 and scattered onto the spreading cloth 9 rotating at a constant speed. On the spreading cloth 9, the tobacco stream forms tobacco velvet. The tobacco velvet is thrown into the air classifier 11, which is essentially an air curtain, through which larger or heavier tobacco shreds pass, while all other tobacco particles are settled by air into the hopper 14 formed by the needle roller 12 and the wall 13. The tobacco shreds are conveyed by needle roller 12 from hopper 12 to suction belt conveyor 15, i.e., into strip guide channel 16, where they are thrown onto the ventilated lower return section of an annular rotary conveyor belt 17 (which forms the bottom of strip guide channel 16) under negative pressure applied from its back side. On this conveyor belt, the tobacco shreds are sprayed to form strip-shaped tobacco cakes, which are thus held on the lower return section of conveyor belt 17 by means of air drawn into negative pressure chamber 18. The sprayed or accumulated tobacco cakes are suspended and conveyed as strips along the strip guide channel 16 via the rotating conveyor belt 17. The lower return section of conveyor belt 17 extends through the strip guide channel 16 from its starting end (where the strip forming area is located), in the illustrated embodiment up to trimming device 19 for removing excess tobacco shreds. The resulting tobacco strips are then placed onto synchronously guided cigarette paper strips 21. Cigarette strips 21 are pulled from reel 22, guided through printing equipment 23, and placed onto a driven forming belt 24. The forming belt 24 conveys the tobacco strips together with the cigarette strips 21 through forming equipment 26, where the cigarette strips 21 are folded around the tobacco strips such that only one narrow edge protrudes, which is glued in a known manner by an applicator (not shown). The resulting glue seam is then closed and dried by a double-seam plate 27. The resulting cigarette strips 28 pass through a measuring instrument in the form of a third sensor 30 and are subsequently cut into cigarettes 32 of double length by a cutting device 31. The double-length cigarettes 32 are transferred by a transfer device 34 with a controlled arm to the receiving roller 36 of a filter feeder 37, where they are divided into individual cigarettes by a disc cutter on its cutting roller 38. Conveyors 39 and 41 transport excess tobacco separated by the trimming unit 19, which has two trimming discs 19a and 19b, to a container 42 located below the storage container 4. This excess tobacco is then removed from the container again as return tobacco by a steep-angle conveyor 5. A third sensor 30 may be configured, for example, to detect the cross-section, ellipticity or roundness, and / or density of the cigarette strip 28, and / or the weight of the cigarette 32, and / or the weight per unit length of the cigarette strip 28, and / or the fiber filling density in the cigarette strip 28 and / or the cigarette 32, and output a corresponding output signal. This output signal is transmitted to a control unit (not shown here).In addition to the third sensor 30, a first sensor 10 (located upstream of the trimming device 19) and a second sensor 20 (located downstream of the trimming device 19) are also provided. The first sensor 10, the second sensor 20, and the third sensor 30, as well as the possible arrangements and implementations of these sensors, are discussed, particularly in combination. Figure 1-1 0 was described in detail.

[0088] Figure 12a A schematic diagram of a method 300 for manufacturing tobacco strips is shown. Method 300 includes the following steps: In step 310a, material M, particularly tobacco, is conveyed via a conveyor belt 17 having a lower return section 17a, wherein the material is suspended and conveyed along the material conveying direction F on the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17. In step 310b, the suspended material M is aspirated by a suction device 18, wherein the suction device 18 applies a negative pressure to at least one section of the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17 to draw the suspended material M onto the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17. In step 320, at least one characteristic of the material M suspended and conveyed on the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, is detected by a first sensor 10, wherein the first sensor 10 is arranged upstream of a trimming device 19 with respect to the material conveying direction F. In step 330, based on a measurement signal generated by the first sensor 10 that preferably describes the material density distribution, the distance A between at least one trimming element 19a, 19b of the trimming device 19 and the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17 is adjusted by at least one adjusting device 71, 72, wherein preferably, at least one adjusting device 71, 72 is controlled by a control unit 60 coupled to the signal technology of the first sensor 10. In step 340, the material M suspended and conveyed on the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17 is trimmed by the trimming device 19 having at least one trimming element 19a, 19b.

[0089] Figure 12b A schematic diagram of a method 300 for manufacturing tobacco strips is shown. Method 300 corresponds to combining... Figure 12aThe described method, however, additionally includes the following steps for process diagnostics: In step 350a, a first difference is obtained between the densities of materials M, M1 detected by a first sensor 10 and the densities of materials M, M2 detected by a second sensor 20, wherein the second sensor 20 is configured and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material M suspended on the lower return section 17a of the conveyor belt 17, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein the second sensor 20 is arranged downstream of the trimming device 19 with respect to the material conveying direction F. In step 360a, the trimming device 19 is adjusted according to the obtained first difference. In step 350b, a second difference is obtained between the densities of materials M, M1 detected by the second sensor 20 and the densities of materials M, M2 detected by a third sensor 30, wherein the third sensor 30 is configured and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material M wrapped by the wrapping material, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein preferably the third sensor 30 is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor 15 with respect to the material conveying direction F. In step 360b, at least one conveyor belt roller 17b and / or at least one forming belt roller 24b are adjusted according to the known second difference.

[0090] List of reference numerals 1. Airlock 2. Pre-allocator 3 take-up roller 4. Storage containers 5. Steep Angle Conveyor 6. Storage tank 7 needle rollers 8. Demolishing rollers 9. Spreading cloth 10 First Sensor 10-day density distribution 11. Air separation equipment 12 needle rollers 13 walls 14 Hoppers 15. Suction belt conveyor 16 guidance channels 17 Conveyor Belt 17a Lower return section of the conveyor belt 17b, c, d, e Conveyor belt rollers 17x Spraying section of the next row 17y Next Return Segment Transport Section 18. Suction equipment 19. Pruning equipment Trimming elements 19a, 19b 19d First Difference Differences in density distribution known in 19e 20-day density distribution 20 Second Sensor 21 Cigarette paper strips 22 reels 23 Printing equipment 24 Forming Belt 24a, b Forming rollers The difference in density distribution known from 24e 26 Molding Equipment 27 Double-jointed board 28 cigarette packs 30 Third Sensor 30-day density distribution Differences in density distribution known from 30e 31 Cutting equipment 32 cigarettes 34 Transfer device 36 Receiving rollers 37 Filter tip assembly machine 38 Cutting Rollers 39, 41 Conveyor belts 42 containers 50. Apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips in the tobacco processing industry 60 Control Unit 60a, b, c, d signal lines Module 61 62 Measurement Computer 64 monitors 65 interface 71, 72 Adjustment devices 80 Control Boots 100 resonator body Part of the 100a-106c resonator body 118 Resonator cavity of resonator body 300 Methods for manufacturing strips for the tobacco processing industry 310a-360b Method Steps Distance between the trimming element of the trimming device and the next row segment B. Distance between the pruning device and the first sensor D density fluctuation F Material conveying direction Weight fluctuations of G1 and G2 Materials M, M1, and M2 S Spray direction V. Volume fluctuation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, especially tobacco strips, for the tobacco processing industry, wherein, The device includes a suction belt conveyor (15), which comprises: A conveyor belt (17) having a lower return section (17a), wherein the conveyor belt (17) is constructed and arranged for suspending and conveying material (M), particularly tobacco, along the material conveying direction (F) on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17). A suction device (18) is used to apply negative pressure to at least one section of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) to draw the suspended material (M) onto the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), and A trimming device (19) having at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) for trimming material (M) that is suspended and conveyed on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17). Its features are, A first sensor (10) is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, of a material (M) suspended on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), wherein the first sensor (10) is arranged upstream of the trimming device (19) with respect to the material conveying direction (F).

2. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, comprising: A control unit (60) is coupled to the signal technology of the first sensor (10), wherein the control unit (60) is configured to control at least one adjusting device (71, 72) to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) based on a measurement signal generated by the first sensor (10) that preferably describes the density distribution of the material (M, M1).

3. The apparatus according to the preceding claims, in, The at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is configured to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by means of movement of at least one section of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) relative to at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device and / or by means of movement of at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device relative to the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17).

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding two claims, in, The at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is configured to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by means of the movement of an adjusting shoe (80) abutting against the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), particularly against the upper side of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), preferably in such a way that the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is moved by means of the movement of the adjusting shoe (80). Preferably, the adjustable shoe can be adjusted by at least 2 mm, preferably at least 3 mm, and / or up to 10 mm, preferably up to 8 mm, and particularly preferably up to 6 mm.

5. The apparatus according to the preceding claims, in, The control boot comprises or is composed of ceramic and / or plastic, and / or wherein, The eccentric component used to move the control shoe comprises or is composed of ceramic and / or plastic.

6. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The first sensor (10) is arranged between the spraying section (17x) of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) and the trimming device (19), and is preferably integrated in the channel wall (100e, 100f) of the downward-opening strip guide channel (16), wherein the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) extends through the strip guide channel, and / or The first sensor (10) is constructed as an electromagnetic measurement unit, especially a microwave measurement unit, and preferably has at least one resonator cavity and / or is U-shaped.

7. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The first sensor (10) is configured to detect voids in the material (M, M1), wherein the control unit (60) is configured to control the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) based on the voids in the material (M, M1) detected by the first sensor (10) to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return segment (17a) of the conveyor belt (17).

8. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising: A second sensor (20) is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic, particularly a density characteristic, of a material (M, M2) suspended on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), wherein the second sensor (20) is arranged downstream of the trimming device (19) with respect to the material conveying direction (F), wherein preferably the second sensor (20) is constructed as an electromagnetic measurement unit, particularly a microwave measurement unit, and particularly preferably has at least one resonator cavity and / or is U-shaped.

9. The apparatus according to the preceding claims, in, The control unit (60) is configured to control the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) based on a measurement signal generated by the first sensor (10) that preferably describes a first density distribution of the material (M, M1) and a measurement signal generated by the second sensor (20) that preferably describes a second density distribution of the material (M, M2).

10. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising: A forming device (26), arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor (15) with respect to the material conveying direction (F), wherein the forming device (26) is constructed and arranged for wrapping the material (M) with a wrapping material, especially cigarette paper, and shaping it into a strip with a circular or elliptical cross-section, and A third sensor (30) is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material (M) wrapped by the wrapping material, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein, preferably, the third sensor (30) is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor with respect to the material conveying direction (F).

11. The apparatus according to the preceding claims, in, The control unit (60) is configured to control the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) based on a measurement signal generated by the first sensor (10) that preferably describes a first density distribution of the material (M), a measurement signal generated by the third sensor (30) that preferably describes a third density distribution of the material (M), and a measurement signal generated by the second sensor (20) that preferably describes a second density distribution of the material (M).

12. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising: An interface (65) for signal processing, wherein the interface (65) is coupled to the signal technology of the first sensor (10) and preferably to the second sensor (20), and is configured to receive measurement signals generated by the first sensor (10) and preferably by the second sensor (20), wherein the interface (65) is preferably configured to convert the received measurement signals and send the converted signals to the control unit (60), and / or A measurement computer (62) is configured to receive the measurement signals and send control signals to the control unit (60) based on the received measurement signals.

13. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The distance (B) between the first sensor (10) and the trimming device (19), especially at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19), is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, and particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

14. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, in, The device, in particular the control unit (60), in conjunction with the at least one adjusting device (71, 72), is configured to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) within at most 0.5 seconds, preferably at most 0.3 seconds, and particularly preferably at most 0.2 seconds after the measurement signal is detected by means of the first sensor (10).

15. A method (300) for manufacturing tobacco strips, particularly tobacco strips, for the tobacco processing industry, said method comprising the following steps: Material (M), especially tobacco, is conveyed (310a) by means of a conveyor belt (17) having a lower return section (17a), wherein the material is suspended and conveyed along the material conveying direction (F) on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17). The suspended material (M) is sucked (310b) by a suction device (18), wherein the suction device (18) applies negative pressure to at least one section of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) to suck the suspended material (M) onto the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17). The material (M) suspended on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is trimmed (340) by means of a trimming device (19) having at least one trimming element (19a, 19b). Its features are, At least one characteristic, particularly a density characteristic, of the material (M) being suspended and conveyed on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is detected (320) by means of a first sensor (10), wherein the first sensor (10) is arranged upstream of the trimming device (19) with respect to the material conveying direction (F).

16. The method according to the preceding claim, comprising the steps of: Based on a measurement signal generated by the first sensor (10) that preferably describes the material density distribution, the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is adjusted (330) by means of at least one adjusting device (71, 72). in, The at least one regulating device (71, 72) is preferably controlled by means of a control unit (60) coupled to the signal technology of the first sensor (10).

17. The method (300) according to the preceding claim. in, The at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is configured to adjust the distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by means of movement of at least one section of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) relative to at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device and / or by means of movement of at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device relative to the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), and / or The at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is configured to adjust the distance (A) between at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by means of the movement of an adjusting shoe (80) abutting against the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), particularly against the upper side of the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), in particular in such a way that the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is moved by means of the movement of the adjusting shoe (80).

18. The method (300) according to at least one of claims 15-17, comprising the steps of: The first difference between the density of the material (M, M1) detected by the first sensor (10) and the density of the material (M, M2) detected by the second sensor (20) is obtained (350a), wherein, The second sensor (20) is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic, particularly a density characteristic, of the material (M) being conveyed suspended on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), wherein the second sensor (20) is arranged downstream of the trimming device (19) with respect to the material conveying direction (F). And preferably, the trimming device (19) is adjusted (360a) according to the first known difference.

19. The method (300) according to at least one of claims 15-18. The second difference between the density of the material (M, M1) detected by the second sensor (20) and the density of the material (M, M2) detected by the third sensor (30) is obtained (350b), wherein, The third sensor (30) is constructed and arranged to detect at least one characteristic of the material (M) wrapped by the wrapping material, particularly a characteristic characterizing density, wherein, preferably, the third sensor (30) is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor (15) with respect to the material conveying direction (F). And preferably, at least one conveyor belt roller (17b) and / or at least one forming belt roller (24b) are adjusted (360b) according to the known second difference.

20. The application of a first sensor (10) configured as a microwave measurement unit in an apparatus for manufacturing tobacco strips, particularly tobacco strips, for the tobacco processing industry, preferably in an apparatus according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The first sensor (10) is configured to detect the characteristic density of a material (M) suspended on the lower return section (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), wherein the first sensor (10) is arranged upstream of a trimming device (19) for trimming the suspended material with respect to the material conveying direction (F), wherein the material (M) is suspended along the material conveying direction.

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