Apparatus and method for the production of a strand for the tobacco processing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (50) and a method (300) for producing a strand for the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco strand. The device (50) comprises a suction belt conveyor (15) comprising a conveyor belt (17) having a lower run (17a), wherein the conveyor belt (17) is designed and arranged to convey material (M) suspended from the lower run (17a) along a material conveying direction (F), a suction device (18) for applying a vacuum to at least a section of the lower run (17a) to draw in the material (M), and a trimming device (19) with at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) for trimming the suspended conveyed material (M).The device (50) has a first sensor (10) which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the suspended conveyed material (M), wherein the first sensor (10) is arranged upstream of the trimming device (19) with respect to the material conveying direction (F).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a sensor designed as a microwave measuring unit in a device for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry.

[0002] For the production of rods from material, particularly tobacco, rod making machines, especially cigarette rod making machines, which have a suction belt conveyor are typically used. A suction belt conveyor on a rod making machine in the tobacco processing industry typically has a conveyor belt, which can also be referred to as a suction belt, which is usually perforated and subjected to negative pressure or suction air from above. In a showering area, isolated material, in particular tobacco material and / or other material, is showered onto the conveyor belt from below in an air stream, so that a layer of loose material collects or builds up on the underside of the conveyor belt and is held suspended on the conveyor belt by the negative pressure applied from above. The conveyor belt typically moves through a guide channel with lateral channel cheeks, which defines a cross-section for the showered material.Such a suction belt conveyor is known, for example, from DE 102011082625 A1. Downstream of the suction belt conveyor, the strand-like material is typically moved into a formatting device, where it is wrapped with a wrapping material, for example, a wrapping paper, in particular a cigarette paper, and / or a foil, in particular an aluminum foil, and formed into a strand with a round or oval cross-section.

[0003] To achieve consistently high material quality, the quality of the rod material is typically analyzed using various measuring devices. In particular, material properties such as quantity, density, and / or moisture content can be determined and monitored. In the case of tobacco rods, it is common practice to locate the measuring devices for determining such material properties where the tobacco rod is wrapped in cigarette paper. This is due, on the one hand, to the fact that the tobacco rod is relatively easy to reach with a measuring device there. On the other hand, the tobacco rod already has its final shape at this position.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known, for example from WO 2016162292 A1 and EP 3593653 A2, to integrate an electromagnetic measuring device into the channel cheeks of a suction conveyor downstream of a trimming device, which can also be referred to as a leveler, and thus to perform a measurement of the material at a position where the material has already been trimmed to the desired height but is not yet wrapped by a wrapping material. In the case of tobacco, for example, the tobacco is not yet wrapped by a wrapping material such as cigarette paper. In this way, properties of the material can be determined without the cigarette paper having an influence on the measurement.

[0005] However, a disadvantage of conventional stranding machines is that the strands produced exhibit production-related fluctuations in one or more properties. In particular, there is typically some fluctuation in the density of the material and its weight.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved solution that addresses the aforementioned problems. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a solution for rod production by means of which the fluctuation of one or more properties, in particular the fluctuation in weight, of the manufactured products, in particular the fluctuation in tobacco rod weight, can be reduced.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. According to this, a device for producing a rod of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, is provided, wherein the device comprises a suction belt conveyor, the suction belt conveyor comprising a conveyor belt which has a lower run, wherein the conveyor belt is designed and arranged to convey material, in particular tobacco, hanging on the lower run of the conveyor belt along a material conveying direction, a suction device for applying a negative pressure to at least a section of the lower run of the conveyor belt for sucking the material conveyed in a hanging manner onto the lower run of the conveyor belt, and a trimming device with at least one trimming element for trimming the material conveyed in a hanging manner on the lower run of the conveyor belt.

[0008] According to the invention, the device comprises a first sensor which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material conveyed suspended on the lower run of the conveyor belt, wherein the first sensor is arranged upstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction.

[0009] It is therefore proposed to arrange a first sensor at a position at which the material conveyed in a suspended manner on the lower run of the conveyor belt has not yet been trimmed by means of the trimming device, i.e. at which the material conveyed in a suspended manner has not yet been brought to a desired height, and to use this sensor at this position to detect at least one property, in particular the density, preferably a density profile, of the material conveyed in a suspended manner.

[0010] The device for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, is preferably designed as a rod-making machine in the tobacco processing industry, in particular as a tobacco rod-making machine for producing a tobacco rod, and preferably for producing cigarettes.

[0011] In this document, the statements refer to one strand or a device for producing one strand. The device can, of course, also be designed to produce multiple strands, in particular two strands. All statements therefore also apply to devices in which multiple strands, in particular two strands, are produced. In particular, corresponding measurements of the material properties can be performed on such multiple strands.

[0012] The conveyor belt can also be referred to as a suction belt. The conveyor belt is preferably perforated and, in particular, permeable to air, so that when the conveyor belt is subjected to negative pressure or suction air on its upper side, material located on the underside of the conveyor belt can be sucked onto the conveyor belt and held there. The conveyor belt is preferably designed as an endlessly rotating conveyor belt.

[0013] The material conveyed suspended by the lower run of the conveyor belt is preferably first suspended in a suspension area onto a suspension section of the lower run and then conveyed suspended along the lower run. The conveyed material is preferably conveyed suspended on the underside of the lower run. In the case of tobacco, the material suspended onto the lower run can be referred to, in particular, as tobacco cake. The lower run of the conveyor belt is preferably understood to mean the lower branch of the conveyor belt.

[0014] The trimming device can also be referred to as a leveler or simply as a trimmer. The trimming device comprises at least one trimming element for trimming the suspended material. The at least one trimming element is preferably designed as a trimmer disc. The trimming device preferably has two trimming elements, wherein the trimming elements are preferably designed as trimmer discs.

[0015] The first sensor is preferably designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit. The first sensor is preferably designed to detect a property characterizing the density, in particular the density and / or a density profile, preferably the density over time and / or the density over distance, and / or the weight per unit length and / or the fiber fill level of the material being conveyed in a suspended manner. The first sensor can be designed as a component integrated into the suction belt conveyor and / or into a component of the suction belt conveyor or connected thereto. Alternatively, however, the first sensor can also be designed as a separate component.

[0016] The invention is based, among other things, on the finding that despite measuring the density of the strand formed in the suction belt conveyor and / or its weight per unit length and / or its fiber fill level downstream of the trimming device, as described, for example, in EP 3593653 A2, a certain undesirable weight fluctuation is present in the produced strand and thus in the final product, for example, in manufactured cigarettes. This is due in particular to the fact that the material, for example, the tobacco cake, has an inhomogeneous density profile. However, the goal is to produce a strand with a constant density or with a constant density profile.Since the measurement of the material properties, particularly the density measurement, is only performed after trimming the material in known devices, only the properties measured downstream of the trimming device, particularly the measured density, are available for controlling the strand's weight to reduce weight fluctuations. The inhomogeneous density profile of the material cannot therefore be balanced or compensated for and remains in the strand even after trimming. The inhomogeneous density profile causes a weight fluctuation in the produced strand.

[0017] One advantage of the described device is that such undesirable weight fluctuations can be significantly reduced because the properties of the material are detected by the first sensor even before the material is trimmed. By detecting the properties of the suspended material before the material is trimmed, i.e. before the material is trimmed, it is possible to immediately adapt the strand production according to the detected properties during strand production, i.e. online during operation. In particular, this makes it possible to control the trimming device and / or the conveyor belt depending on the detected properties in such a way that the material is trimmed in such a way that the weight distribution is more even and the produced strand therefore has significantly lower weight fluctuations.

[0018] A further advantage is that gaps in the material can be detected before the material has reached the trimming device. This allows the trimming device and / or the conveyor belt to be adjusted depending on the detected properties in such a way that the detected gaps in the material are compensated for by adjusting or regulating the trimming height. This can also lead to a beneficial reduction in weight fluctuations.

[0019] A further advantage is that the material properties determined by the first sensor, in combination with the material properties determined by at least one further sensor, can provide information about the material before and after trimming. Based on the information about the material before and after trimming, even more precise control can be achieved during strand production, in particular by controlling the trimming device and / or the conveyor belt depending on the detected properties in such a way that the material is trimmed in such a way that the weight distribution is more uniform and the produced strand thus exhibits significantly lower weight fluctuations.

[0020] A further advantage is that process information can be determined by means of the properties of the material detected by the first sensor and by means of at least one further sensor, such as information about the transition of the strand between the conveyor belt and the format belt, whereby this transition can be adjusted accordingly in an improved manner.

[0021] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the device comprises a control unit which is signal-coupled to the first sensor, wherein the control unit is designed to control at least one adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor, which preferably describe a density profile of the material.

[0022] By means of such a control unit and such an adjusting device, it is possible in a particularly advantageous manner to adjust the distance between the at least one trimming element and the lower run of the conveyor belt in such a way that the weight fluctuations of the strand produced are reduced.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt is adjusted by moving the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt relative to one another using the adjusting device. This distance is adjusted as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor and, if appropriate, additional measurement signals generated, for example, by at least one additional sensor. The at least one adjusting device can also comprise multiple adjusting devices.

[0024] The at least one adjusting device is preferably designed to adjust and / or control the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt. The distance is to be understood in particular as a direct distance between the at least one trimming element and the lower run of the conveyor belt, preferably the distance between the side of the lower run facing the at least one trimming element and the side of the at least one trimming element facing the lower run. The distance is in particular the vertical distance between the at least one trimming element and the underside of the lower run of the conveyor belt. This distance preferably corresponds to the trimming height to which the material conveyed in a suspended manner is trimmed by means of the trimming device.

[0025] It is particularly preferred that the at least one adjusting device is designed to adjust the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt by moving at least a portion of the lower run of the conveyor belt relative to the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and / or by moving the at least one trimming element of the trimming device relative to the lower run of the conveyor belt.

[0026] The distance is therefore preferably adjusted such that the lower run of the conveyor belt and the at least one trimming element are moved toward or away from each other. To achieve this, either the lower run can be moved at least in sections and / or the at least one trimming element can be moved.

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

[0028] Preferably, the control unit is designed to control the adjusting device for adjusting the trimming device, which is arranged directly adjacent to the first sensor and / or arranged downstream of the first sensor.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that the at least one adjusting device is designed to adjust the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt by moving a control shoe which rests on the lower run of the conveyor belt, in particular on the upper side of the lower run of the conveyor belt, preferably in such a way that the lower run of the conveyor belt is moved by means of the movement of the control shoe.

[0030] By moving the control shoe in this way, a local movement of the lower run can be achieved, with the lower run being moved in the area of ​​the control shoe. The control shoe is preferably movable, in particular vertically up and down, by means of an eccentric element arranged on a servo axis.

[0031] It is particularly preferred that the first sensor is arranged between a riser section of the lower run of the conveyor belt and the trimming device and is preferably integrated into channel cheeks of a downwardly open strand guide channel through which the lower run of the conveyor belt runs.

[0032] The first sensor is preferably arranged between the updraft section and the trimming device. It may also be preferred that the first sensor is arranged at least partially in the region of the updraft section.

[0033] The sifter section is preferably designed to receive material that is sifted onto the lower run of the conveyor belt. The sifter section is therefore understood to be the section of the conveyor belt in which material is sifted onto the conveyor belt.

[0034] Preferably, the device is designed to convey material by means of the lower run of the conveyor belt from the shower section along the first sensor and then hanging along the trimming device.

[0035] Preferably, the device has exactly one swirl section for each strand to be formed. Preferably, the device has exactly one trimming device for each strand to be formed. Preferably, the device has exactly one swirl zone for each strand to be formed, in which material can be swirled onto the conveyor belt in a swirl section.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the first sensor is designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit, and preferably with at least one resonator cavity and / or U-shaped.

[0037] An advantage of an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular a microwave measuring unit, is that it enables a particularly precise measurement of material properties, and in particular a precise determination of the density of the material or the weight of the material.

[0038] The electromagnetic measuring unit can be designed, for example, as described in WO 2016 / 162292 A1 or EP 3593653 A2.

[0039] One advantage of a U-shaped sensor is that it can be integrated into the channel walls of the suction belt conveyor. This allows for convenient measurement within the suction belt conveyor.

[0040] A further advantage of a U-shaped sensor is that, particularly when the sensor is arranged so that the opening of the sensor points downwards, i.e. the U is arranged as an inverted U, and the lower run of the conveyor belt runs through the U-shaped sensor, the sensor takes the upper region of the material conveyed hanging on the lower run more into account in the measurement than the lower part, i.e. the part of the hanging material furthest away from the conveyor belt. This allows particularly high-quality and useful measurements of the material properties to be carried out before the material is trimmed, since in this way portions of the material in the lower region, which are subsequently cut off by the at least one trimming element of the trimming device, are not taken into account in the measurement or are only taken into account to a relatively small, preferably negligible, extent.As a result, particularly good measurement results can be achieved, especially when determining density, thanks to an inverted U-shaped design of the sensor.

[0041] It is particularly preferred that the first sensor is designed to detect gaps in the material, wherein the control unit is designed to control the at least one adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt as a function of gaps in the material detected by the first sensor.

[0042] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises a second sensor which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterising the density, of the material conveyed suspended on the lower run of the conveyor belt, wherein the second sensor is arranged downstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction.

[0043] It is particularly preferred that the second sensor is designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit, particularly preferably with at least one resonator cavity and / or U-shaped.

[0044] The second sensor is preferably designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit. The second sensor is preferably designed to detect a property characterizing the density, in particular the density and / or a density profile, preferably the density over time and / or the density over distance, and / or the weight per unit length and / or the fiber fill level of the suspended material. The second sensor can be designed as a component integrated into the suction belt conveyor and / or into a component of the suction belt conveyor or connected thereto. Alternatively, the second sensor can also be designed as a separate component.

[0045] The advantages of an electromagnetic measuring unit, particularly a microwave measuring unit, explained above for the first sensor apply accordingly to the second sensor. The advantages of a U-shaped sensor explained above for the first sensor also apply accordingly to the second sensor.

[0046] It is particularly preferred that the control unit is designed to control the at least one adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor, which preferably describe a first density profile of the material, and measurement signals generated by the second sensor, which preferably describe a second density profile of the material.

[0047] An advantage of using measurement signals from the first sensor and measurement signals from the second sensor is that in this way properties of the material before and after trimming are recorded and thereby the process, in particular the trimming of the material, can be adjusted and / or controlled even more precisely in such a way that the strand produced has the desired properties and in particular relatively small fluctuations in the desired properties, in particular relatively small fluctuations in weight.

[0048] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises a formatting device which is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor with respect to the material conveying direction, wherein the formatting device is designed and arranged to wrap the material with a wrapping material, in particular a cigarette paper, and to form it into a strand with a round or oval cross-section, and that the device comprises a third sensor which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material wrapped with wrapping material, wherein the third sensor is preferably arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor with respect to the material conveying direction.

[0049] The formatting device preferably comprises a formatting belt, wherein the formatting belt is preferably designed to move the strand together with a wrapping material through the formatting device, wherein the wrapping material is folded around the strand in the formatting device.

[0050] The third sensor is preferably designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit. The second sensor is preferably designed to detect a property characterizing the density, in particular the density and / or a density profile, preferably the density over time and / or the density over distance, and / or the weight per unit length and / or the fiber fill level of the produced strand. The third sensor is preferably arranged in the region of the formatting device, in particular in the formatting device.

[0051] It is particularly preferred that the control unit is designed to control the at least one adjusting device for adjusting a distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor, which preferably describe a first density profile of the material, and measurement signals generated by the third sensor, which preferably describe a third density profile of the material, and preferably measurement signals generated by the second sensor, which preferably describe a second density profile of the material.

[0052] Accordingly, the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt can preferably be adjusted as a function of measuring signals from the first sensor and optionally additionally as a function of measuring signals from the second and / or third sensor.

[0053] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises an interface for signal processing, wherein the interface is signal-technically coupled to the first sensor, and preferably to the second sensor, and is designed to receive the measurement signals generated by the first sensor, and preferably to receive the measurement signals generated by the second sensor, wherein the interface is preferably designed to convert the received measurement signals and to send the converted signals to the control unit.

[0054] One advantage of such an interface for signal processing is that the measurement signals from the first sensor can be transferred to the control unit particularly quickly, so that the control unit can control the adjusting device depending on this measurement signal very quickly after a measurement signal has been generated by the first sensor. In this way, the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt can be adjusted for precisely the section of the suspended material for which properties, in particular density properties, were previously recorded by the first sensor. Thus, such an interface offers the advantage of faster processing of measurement signals and thus enables faster control of the adjusting device.The interface for signal processing can be designed in particular as an analog-to-digital converter and / or digital-to-analog converter.

[0055] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises a measuring computer which is designed to receive measuring signals and to send signals for control to the control unit depending on the received measuring signals.

[0056] It is particularly preferred that the distance between the first sensor and the trimming device, in particular the at least one trimming element of the trimming device, is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, particularly preferably at least 200 mm. Preferably, the distance between the first sensor and the trimming device, in particular the at least one trimming element of the trimming device, is at most 1000 mm, particularly preferably at most 900 mm, in particular at most 800 mm.

[0057] It is particularly preferred that the device, in particular the control unit in conjunction with the at least one adjusting device, is designed to adjust the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt within at most 0.05 seconds, preferably at most 0.03 seconds, particularly preferably at most 0.02 seconds, after detecting a measuring signal by means of the first sensor.

[0058] An advantage of such a rapid adjustment of this distance is that an adjustment of the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt can be achieved for exactly the section of the suspended material for which properties, in particular density properties, were previously detected by means of the first sensor.

[0059] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a method according to claim 13. This provides a method for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, the method comprising the following steps: conveying material, in particular tobacco, by means of a conveyor belt which has a lower run, wherein the material is conveyed hanging on the lower run of the conveyor belt along a material conveying direction, sucking in the material conveyed in a hanging manner by means of a suction device, wherein the suction device applies a negative pressure to at least a section of the lower run of the conveyor belt in order to suck in the material conveyed in a hanging manner onto the lower run of the conveyor belt, trimming the material conveyed hanging on the lower run of the conveyor belt by means of a trimming device having at least one trimming element.

[0060] According to the invention, at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material conveyed suspended on the lower run of the conveyor belt 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.

[0061] The method preferably comprises the step of providing a device for producing a rod of the tobacco processing industry, preferably a device as described in this document.

[0062] It is particularly preferred that the method comprises the step of adjusting a distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt by means of at least one adjusting device as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor, which preferably describe a density profile of the material. Preferably, the at least one adjusting device is controlled by a control unit that is signal-coupled to the first sensor.

[0063] It is particularly preferred that the at least one adjusting device is designed to adjust the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt by moving at least a portion of the lower run of the conveyor belt relative to the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and / or by moving the at least one trimming element of the trimming device relative to the lower run of the conveyor belt.

[0064] It is particularly preferred that the at least one adjusting device is designed to adjust the distance between the at least one trimming element of the trimming device and the lower run of the conveyor belt by moving a control shoe which rests on the lower run of the conveyor belt, in particular on the upper side of the lower run of the conveyor belt, in particular in such a way that the lower run of the conveyor belt is moved by means of the movement of the control shoe.

[0065] It is particularly preferred that the method comprises: determining a first difference between a density of the material detected by means of the first sensor and a density of the material detected by means of a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material conveyed hanging on the lower run of the conveyor belt, wherein the second sensor is arranged downstream of the trimming device with respect to the material conveying direction, and preferably adjusting the trimming device as a function of the determined first difference.

[0066] Preferably, this difference can be used to determine whether the trimming device is incorrectly or not optimally adjusted, in particular based on a difference between the density profiles recorded upstream and downstream of the trimming device. Upstream of the trimming device means in particular upstream of the trimming device. Downstream of the trimming device means in particular downstream of the trimming device. If an incorrect or non-optimal adjustment of the trimming device is detected in this way, the trimming device can be adjusted to a non-incorrect or more advantageous setting. In this way, incorrect adjustments to the trimming device can be detected in a particularly advantageous manner by means of density measurements upstream of and downstream of the trimming device and subsequently corrected.Thus, by means of the measurement signals recorded before and after the trimming device, a process diagnosis can be carried out in a particularly advantageous manner and, if necessary, the process can be intervened in depending on the results of the diagnosis.

[0067] It is particularly preferred that the method comprises: determining a second difference between a density of the material detected by means of the second sensor and a density of the material detected by means of a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material wrapped with wrapping material, wherein the third sensor is preferably arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor with respect to the material conveying direction. and preferably adjusting at least one conveyor belt roller and / or at least one format belt roller as a function of the determined second difference.

[0068] Preferably, this difference can be used to determine, in particular based on a difference between the density profiles recorded immediately downstream of the trimming device and in the formatting device, whether the components in the transfer area between the suction belt conveyor and the formatting device that influence the transfer of the strand from the suction belt conveyor to the formatting device are incorrectly or not optimally adjusted. If an incorrect or not optimal setting is detected in this area, the corresponding components, in particular at least one conveyor belt roller and / or at least one formatting belt roller, can be adjusted to a non-incorrect or more advantageous setting. In this way, incorrect settings in this transfer area can be detected in a particularly advantageous manner by means of density measurements downstream of the trimming device and in the area of ​​the formatting device and can then be corrected.This allows a process diagnosis to be carried out in a particularly advantageous manner and, if necessary, the process can be intervened in depending on the results of the diagnosis.

[0069] The at least one conveyor belt roller is understood in particular to mean a roller that is designed and arranged to guide the conveyor belt. The at least one formatting belt roller is understood in particular to mean a roller that is designed and arranged to guide the formatting belt.

[0070] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by using a first sensor designed as a microwave measuring unit in a device for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, preferably in a device as described here, wherein the first sensor is designed to detect a property characterizing the density of material conveyed in a suspended manner on a lower run of a conveyor belt, wherein the first sensor is arranged upstream of a trimming device for trimming the material conveyed in a suspended manner with respect to a material conveying direction along which the material is conveyed in a suspended manner.

[0071] For the advantages, design variants and design details of the various aspects of the solutions described here and their respective possible further developments, reference is also made to the description of the corresponding features, details and advantages of the other aspects and their further developments.

[0072] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of suspended material to explain weight fluctuations; Fig. 2: a first schematic representation of suspended material to explain a reduction of weight fluctuations; Fig. 3: a second schematic representation of suspended material to explain a reduction of weight fluctuations; Fig. 4: a third schematic representation of suspended material to explain a reduction of weight fluctuations; Fig. 5: a first schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor and a control unit; Fig. 6: a second schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor and a control unit; Fig. 7: a third schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor and a control unit; Fig. 8: a schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor; Fig. 9: a schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor and a format device; Fig. 10a: a schematic representation of a resonator body for sensor; Fig. 10b: a sectional view of the Fig. 10a shown resonator body; Fig. 11: a schematic representation of a device for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry; Fig. 12a: a schematic representation of a process for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry; Fig. 12b: a schematic representation of a process for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry.

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of material being conveyed in a suspended manner to explain weight fluctuations. Shown is a section of an apparatus for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, from a material M. The material M1 has been showered onto the lower run 17a of a conveyor belt in the area shown on the right. It has a weight profile G1 related to the direction x, here the horizontal direction. The weight G is not constant along the direction x. The weight fluctuation G1 results, on the one hand, from the density fluctuation D, which causes a weight fluctuation component D1 of the weight fluctuation G1, and, on the other hand, from the volume fluctuation V, which causes a weight fluctuation component V1 of the weight fluctuation G1. The material M1 is conveyed in a suspended manner along the material conveying direction F by means of the lower run 17a, which is part of a conveyor belt.The material M1 then strikes a trimming device 19, which has at least one trimming element 19a. A sliding shoe 80 is provided above the trimming element 19a and is in contact with the lower run 17a. A distance A exists between the lower run 17a and the trimming element 19a of the trimming device. By means of the trimming element 19a, the material M1 is trimmed essentially to the height A and then conveyed at this height along the material conveying direction F as material M2, suspended further along the lower run 17a. After trimming, the material M2 exhibits the weight fluctuation G2 along the direction x, which is essentially due to the density fluctuation D, since a volume fluctuation is no longer present or only to a negligible extent due to the essentially constant height at this point.

[0074] Fig. Figure 2 shows a first schematic representation of suspended material to illustrate a reduction of weight fluctuations. Fig. 2 corresponds to the structure shown in connection with Fig. 1 described structure. In Fig. 2 now shows that the control shoe 80 is moved in the vertical direction h, as can be seen in the diagram h versus x. By means of this movement of the control shoe 80, the lower run 17a below the control shoe 80 is moved along with the control shoe 80. As a result, with the trimming element 19 stationary, the distance A is changed in accordance with the movement of the control shoe 80 in the vertical direction h. If the movement of the control shoe 80 now occurs as a function of the density of the material M1, the weight fluctuation G1 resulting from the density fluctuation can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the trimmed material M2 such that the density fluctuation is compensated and the weight fluctuation is completely balanced out or at least greatly reduced, as can be seen in diagram G2, in which the weight G is plotted against the distance x.

[0075] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second schematic representation of suspended material to illustrate a reduction of weight fluctuations. Fig. 3 corresponds to the structure shown in connection with Fig. 2 described structure. However, in Fig. 3 additionally comprises a first sensor 10, a control unit 60, and an adjusting device 71. The first sensor 10 is designed and arranged to detect a property characterizing the density, in particular a density profile, of the material M conveyed suspended on the lower run 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 the signal line 60a. The control unit 60 is designed to control the adjusting device 71 for adjusting the distance A between the at least one trimming element 19a of the trimming device 19 and the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt, depending on measurement signals generated by the first sensor 10, which preferably describe a density profile of the material M, M1.The adjusting device 71 is designed to adjust the distance A between the at least one trimming element 19a of the trimming device 19 and the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt by moving the control shoe 80, which rests against the upper side of the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt, in such a way that the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt is moved in the vertical direction by the movement of the control shoe 80. The control unit 60 is signal-coupled to the adjusting device 71 via the signal line 60b. Between the control unit 60 and the first sensor 10 and between the control unit 60 and the adjusting device 71, further control components can be present, which, for example, adapt and / or process and / or transmit measurement and / or control signals.

[0076] Fig. Figure 4 shows a third schematic representation of suspended material to explain a reduction of weight fluctuations. Fig. 4 is one of the Fig. 3 shown embodiment alternative embodiment. The embodiment shown in Fig. The structure shown in Figure 4 is similar to that used in connection with Fig. 3. However, in the structure described in Fig. 4, the control shoe 80 is not adjustable. Instead, the trimming element 19a is adjustable. The trimming element 19a can be moved in the vertical direction by means of the adjustment device 72. The control unit 60 is signal-coupled to the adjustment device 72 via the signal line 60c. By means of the movement of the trimming element 19a, the trimming element 19a is moved relative to the lower strand 17a. As a result, when the control shoe 80 is stationary, the distance A is changed in accordance with the movement of the trimming element 19a in the vertical direction.If the movement of the trimming element 19a now occurs depending on the density of the material M1, the weight fluctuation G1 resulting from the density fluctuation can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the trimmed material M2 such that the density fluctuation is compensated and the weight fluctuation is completely balanced or at least greatly reduced, as can be seen in diagram G2, in which the weight G is plotted against the distance x. Between the control unit 60 and the first sensor 10 and between the control unit 60 and the adjustment device 72, further control components can be present, which, for example, adapt and / or process and / or transmit measurement and / or control signals.

[0077] It is also possible to provide both a control and adjustment of the control shoe 80 and a control and adjustment of the trim element 19a, i.e. a combination of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown embodiments.

[0078] Fig. 5 shows a first schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor 15 and a control unit 60. The structure shown here essentially corresponds to the structure of the suction belt conveyor 15 shown in Figures Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Either a control and adjustment of the control shoe 80 or a control and adjustment of the trimming element 19a or a control and adjustment of the control shoe 80 and the trimming element 19a is conceivable. In any case, the distance between the trimming element 19a and the lower run 17a below the control shoe 80 is adjustable. The conveyor belt 17 is guided by means of conveyor belt rollers 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e. The lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 has a shower section 17x in which the material M is showered in the direction S. In the conveyor section 17y, the material M is then conveyed in a suspended manner along the material conveying direction F. Within the conveyor belt 17, at least a portion of the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 is subjected to a negative pressure by means of a suction device 18 in order to suck the suspended material M onto the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17.In addition to the first sensor 10, a second sensor 20 is provided. The control unit 60 is signal-coupled to the second sensor 20 via the signal line 60d and is further signal-coupled to an adjusting device (not shown) for adjusting the distance between the trimming element 19a and the control shoe 80 via the signal lines 60b, 60c. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first sensor and the second sensor are U-shaped with the opening facing downwards and are integrated into the downwardly open strand guide channel 16 through which the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 runs. The first sensor 10 and the second sensor 20 are each designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, namely as a microwave measuring unit, and are designed to detect the density or a density profile of the material M being conveyed in a suspended manner.

[0079] Fig. 6 shows a second schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor 15 and a control unit 60. The structure of the Fig. 6 essentially corresponds to the structure of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 shown embodiment. In Fig. 6 additionally shows details of the structure of a possible embodiment of the control system. The measurement signals acquired by the first sensor 10 and the second sensor 20 are transferred to the module 61 and then to the measurement computer 62. Measured values ​​can be visualized using the display 64. The measurement computer 62 transfers data based on the received measurement signals to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can then, in turn, control an adjusting device for adjusting the distance between the at least one trimming element 19a and the lower strand 17a depending on the determined measured values. The further distance B between the first sensor 10 and the trimming device 19 is at least 100 m, preferably at least 150 mm, particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

[0080] Fig. 7 shows a third schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor 15 and a control unit 60. The structure of the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 7 essentially corresponds to the structure of the Fig. 5 shown embodiment. In Fig. 7 shows additional details on the structure of a possible control system configuration. The measurement signals acquired by the first sensor 10 are transferred to the module 61 and then to the interface 65, which transfers data based on the received measurement values ​​to the control unit 60. The measurement signals acquired by the second sensor 20 are transferred to the module 61 and then to the measurement computer 62. Measurement values ​​can be visualized using the display 64. The measurement computer 62 transfers data based on the received measurement signals to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 can then, in turn, control an adjustment device (not shown) for adjusting the distance between the at least one trimming element 19a and the lower run 17a depending on the determined measurement values.The further distance B between the first sensor 10 and the trimming device 19 is at least 100 m, preferably at least 150 mm, particularly preferably at least 200 mm.

[0081] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor 15. The structure of the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 essentially corresponds to the structure of the Fig. 5 shown embodiment. In connection with Fig. 8, a process analysis method is now additionally described. Since measurement data are available before and after trimming, a first difference 19d can be determined between a density profile 10d of the material M, M1, recorded by the first sensor 10, and a density profile 20d of the material M, M2, recorded by the second sensor 20. Using this difference 19d, in particular based on a difference 19e between the determined density profiles recorded before and after the trimming device 19, it can be determined whether the trimming device 19 is incorrectly set. If an incorrect setting of the trimming device 19 is detected in this way, the trimming device 19 can be adjusted to a non-incorrect setting. As a result, incorrect settings on the trimming device 19 can be detected and subsequently corrected in a particularly advantageous manner using density measurements before and after the trimming device 19.

[0082] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a suction belt conveyor 15 and a formatting device 26. The formatting device 26 has a formatting belt 24 that is guided by formatting belt rollers 24a, 24b. By means of the third sensor 30, which is arranged in the area of ​​the formatting device 26, a second difference 30e can be determined between a density profile 20d of the material M, M2 detected by the second sensor 20 and a density profile 30d of the material M detected by a third sensor 30. By means of this difference 30e, in particular based on a difference 24e between the determined density profiles, it can be determined whether the components in the transfer area between the suction belt conveyor 15 and the formatting device 26 that influence the transfer of the strand from the suction belt conveyor 15 to the formatting device 26 are incorrectly adjusted.If an incorrect setting is detected in this area, the corresponding components, in particular the conveyor belt roller 17b and / or the format belt roller 24b, can be adjusted to a non-incorrect and / or corrected setting.

[0083] Fig. 10a shows a schematic representation of a resonator body of a sensor and Fig. 10b shows a sectional view of the Fig. 10a. The resonator body 100 shown here represents a possible embodiment for the body of the first sensor 10 and / or for the body of the second sensor 20. In Fig. 10a shows a resonator body 100 which can form part of a first sensor and / or part of a second sensor (see above) and serves to accommodate the necessary electronic components which are Fig. 10a are not shown. The resonator body 100 has a first end face 100a, which in the view of Fig. 10a is the front end facing the viewer, and a second end face 100b opposite to the first end face 100a, which in the view of Fig. 10a is directed away from the viewer and is hidden by the resonator body 100. Fig. Figure 10a shows the resonator body 100 in an orientation corresponding to the orientation in the mounted state of the measuring device on or in the strand guide channel, and thus in its installed position. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the two mutually parallel end faces 100a, 100b are arranged vertically and oriented at right angles to the strand conveying direction according to arrow X. Furthermore, the resonator body 100 has a top side 100c on which a grommet-shaped cable feedthrough 102 is formed. In its lower region, the resonator body 100 is provided with an opening 104, which is open toward the underside 100d of the resonator body 100, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10a. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 104 has a rectangular cross-section and is delimited by two spaced-apart side walls 104a, 104b, which are oriented perpendicular to the underside 100d of the resonator body 100 and at the same time vertically, and by an upper wall 104c, which connects the side walls 104a, 104b to one another and is oriented horizontally. On the underside 100d of the resonator body 100, the opening 104 has a downwardly open region 104d, which is formed as an inverted U. The opening 104 extends over the entire length of the resonator body 100 between its end faces 100a, 100b and is thus open on both end faces 100a, 100b of the resonator body 100. In the assembled state of the measuring device, the opening 104 to the cavity of the strand guide channel 16 (see for example Fig. 5) aligned so that the suction belt 17 runs with its lower run 17a along the upper wall 104c of the opening 104 and the tobacco rod carried by the suction belt 17 is transported through the opening 104. Fig. 10b shows the resonator body 100 of Fig. 10a, cut in a plane perpendicular to the strand conveying direction according to arrow X and thus to the longitudinal extent of the opening 104. This allows Fig. 10b, the resonator cavity 118 is formed within the resonator body 100 and extends through its first, second, and third body sections 100e, 100f, and 100g. Further details on the resonator cavity 118 shown here in Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b and described above are described in the document EP 3593653 A2 in connection with the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 in paragraphs

[0066] to

[0071] .

[0084] Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a device 50, in the form of a cigarette rod machine, for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry. From a lock 1, a pre-distributor 2 is supplied in portions with (in Fig. 11 not shown) tobacco fibers. A removal roller 3 in the pre-distributor 2 supplies a storage container 4 with tobacco fibers from the pre-distributor 2. An inclined conveyor 5 removes the tobacco fibers from the storage container 4 and feeds a storage chute 6. From the storage chute 6, a pin roller 7 removes a substantially uniform stream of tobacco fibers, which is knocked out of the pins of the pin roller 7 by a knock-out roller 8 and thrown onto a spreading cloth 9 rotating at a constant speed. On the spreading cloth 9, a tobacco fleece is formed from the tobacco stream. The tobacco fleece is thrown into a sifting device 11, which essentially consists of an air curtain through which larger or heavier tobacco particles pass, while all other tobacco particles are lowered by the air into a funnel 14 formed by a pin roller 12 and a wall 13.The pin roller 12 conveys the tobacco fibers from the hopper 12 to the suction belt conveyor 15, into a strand guide channel 16, and there they are thrown against a lower run of an air-permeable, continuously rotating conveyor belt 17, which forms the floor of the strand guide channel 16. On this conveyor belt, a strand-shaped tobacco fiber cake is showered from the tobacco fibers and is thus held on the lower run of the conveyor belt 17 by means of air sucked into a vacuum chamber 18. The tobacco fiber cake showered or collected therein is conveyed as a hanging strand by the rotating conveyor belt 17 along the strand guide channel 16. The lower run of the conveyor belt 17 extends through the strand guide channel 16 from its beginning, where the strand formation zone is located, in the illustrated embodiment, to a trimming device 19 for removing excess tobacco fibers.The tobacco fiber strand thus formed is then placed on a synchronously guided cigarette paper strip 21. The cigarette paper strip 21 is drawn off a reel 22, guided through a printing unit 23, and placed on a driven format belt 24. The format belt 24 transports the tobacco rod together with the cigarette paper strip 21 through a format device 26, in which the cigarette paper strip 21 is folded around the tobacco rod so that only a narrow edge protrudes, which is glued in a known manner by a gluing device (not shown). The glued seam thus formed is then closed and dried by a tandem seam plate 27. The cigarette rod 28 thus formed passes through a measuring device in the form of a third sensor 30 and is subsequently cut into twice-length cigarettes 32 by a knife device 31.The double-length cigarettes 32 are transferred by a transfer device 34 with controlled arms to a receiving drum 36 of a filter-making machine 37, on whose cutting drum 38 they are cut into individual cigarettes by a circular knife. Conveyor belts 39, 41 convey excess tobacco fibers separated from the trimming unit 19, which has two trimmer discs 19a, 19b, into a container 42 arranged below the storage container 4, from which these excess tobacco fibers are removed as returned tobacco by the steep conveyor 5. The third sensor 30 can, for example, be designed to detect the cross-section, the ovality or roundness and / or the density of the cigarette rod 28 and / or the weight of the cigarettes 32 and / or the weight of the cigarette rod 28 per unit length and / or the fiber fill level in the cigarette rod 28 and / or in the cigarettes 32 and to generate 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, which is arranged upstream of the trimming device 19, and a second sensor 20, which is arranged downstream of the trimming device 19, are provided. The first sensor 10, the second sensor 20, and the third sensor 30, and possible arrangements and embodiments of these sensors are described in particular in connection with FIGS. Fig. 1-10 described in detail.

[0085] Fig. 12a shows a schematic representation of a method 300 for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry. The method 300 comprises the following steps: In a step 310a, conveying material M, in particular tobacco, by means of a conveyor belt 17 having a lower run 17a, wherein the material is conveyed suspended on the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 along a material conveying direction F. In a step 310b, sucking in the suspended material M by means of a suction device 18, wherein the suction device 18 applies a negative pressure to at least a portion of the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 to suck in the suspended material M onto the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17.In a step 320, at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material M conveyed hanging on the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 is detected 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. In a step 330, a distance A between the at least one trimming element 19a, 19b of the trimming device 19 and the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 is adjusted by means of at least one adjusting device 71, 72 as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor 10, which preferably describe a density profile of the material, wherein the at least one adjusting device 71, 72 is preferably controlled by means of a control unit 60, which is signal-coupled to the first sensor 10.In a step 340, trimming of the material M conveyed hanging on the lower run 17a of the conveyor belt 17 by means of a trimming device 19 with at least one trimming element 19a, 19b.

[0086] Fig. Figure 12b shows a schematic representation of a method 300 for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry. This method 300 corresponds to the method described in connection with Fig.12a, but it additionally has the following further steps for process diagnosis: In a step 350a, determining a first difference between a density of the material M, M1 detected by means of the first sensor 10 and a density of the material M, M2 detected by means of a second sensor 20, wherein the second sensor 20 is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material M conveyed hanging on the lower run 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. In a step 360a, adjusting the trimming device 19 as a function of the determined first difference.In a step 350b, determining a second difference between a density of the material M, M1 detected by means of the second sensor 20 and a density of the material M, M2 detected by means of a third sensor 30, wherein the third sensor 30 is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material M wrapped with wrapping material, wherein the third sensor 30 is preferably arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor 15 with respect to the material conveying direction F. In a step 360b, adjusting at least one conveyor belt roller 17b and / or at least one format belt roller 24b depending on the determined second difference. List of reference symbols 1 lock 2 pre-distributors 3 removal roller 4 storage containers 5 steep conveyors 6 storage shaft 7 pin roller 8 Knock-out roller 9 Spreading cloth 10 first sensor 10d density profile 11 Viewing device 12 pin roller 13 Wall 14 funnels 15 suction belt conveyors 16 strand guide channel 17 Conveyor belt 17a Lower run of the conveyor belt 17b, c, d, e conveyor belt rollers 17x Shower section of the lower run 17y Conveyor section of the lower run 18 Suction device 19 Trim device 19a, 19b trim element 19d first difference 19e Difference of the determined density profiles 20d density profile 20 second sensor 21 cigarette paper strips 22 reels 23 printing unit 24 format tape 24a, b Format tape rolls 24e Difference of the determined density profiles 26 Format setup 27 Tandem seam plate 28 cigarette rolls 30 third sensor 30d density profile 30e Difference of the determined density profiles 31 Knife apparatus 32 cigarettes 34 Transfer device 36 Transfer drum 37 Filter attachment machine 38 cutting drum 39, 41 Conveyor belts 42 containers 50 Device for producing a strand of tobacco processing industry 60 control unit 60a, b, c, d signal line 61 Module 62 measuring computers 64 Ad 65 Interface 71, 72 adjustment device 80 sliding shoe 100 resonator bodies 100a-106c Parts of the resonator body 118 Resonator cavity of the resonator body 300 Process for the production of a rod of the tobacco processing industry 310a-360b procedural steps A Distance between trim element of the trim device and lower strand B Distance between trim device and first sensor D Density fluctuation F Material conveying direction G1, G2 weight fluctuation M, M1, M2 material S direction of view V Volume fluctuation QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102011082625 A1

[0002] WO 2016162292 A1 [0004, 0038] EP 3593653 A2 [0004, 0016, 0038, 0083]

Claims

[1] Device for producing a rod of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, wherein the device comprises a suction belt conveyor (15), the suction belt conveyor (15) comprising - a conveyor belt (17) having a lower run (17a), wherein the conveyor belt (17) is designed and arranged to convey material (M), in particular tobacco, suspended from the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) along a material conveying direction (F), - a suction device (18) for applying a negative pressure to at least one section of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) for sucking the suspended material (M) onto the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), and - a trimming device (19) with at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) for trimming the material (M) conveyed suspended on the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), characterized by - a first sensor (10) which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterising the density, of the material (M) conveyed suspended on the lower run (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] Device according to the preceding claim, comprising - a control unit (60) which is signal-coupled to the first sensor (10), wherein the control unit (60) is designed to control at least one adjusting device (71, 72) for adjusting a distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor (10), which preferably describe a density profile of the material (M, M1). [3] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is designed to adjust the distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by moving at least a portion of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) relative to the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device and / or by moving the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device relative to the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17). [4] Device according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is designed to adjust the distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by moving a control shoe (80) which bears against the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), in particular against the upper side of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), preferably in such a way that the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is moved by means of the movement of the control shoe (80). [5] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor (10) is arranged between a riser section (17x) of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) and the trimming device (19) and is preferably integrated in channel cheeks (100e, 100f) of a downwardly open strand guide channel (16) through which the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) runs, and / or wherein the first sensor (10) is designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit, and preferably with at least one resonator cavity and / or U-shaped. [6] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor (10) is designed to detect gaps in the material (M, M1), wherein the control unit (60) is designed to control the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) for adjusting a distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) as a function of gaps in the material (M, M1) detected by the first sensor (10). [7] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising - a second sensor (20) which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material (M, M2) conveyed hanging on the lower run (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 the second sensor (20) is preferably designed as an electromagnetic measuring unit, in particular as a microwave measuring unit, particularly preferably with at least one resonator cavity and / or U-shaped. [8] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (60) is designed to control the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) for adjusting a distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) as a function of measurement signals generated by means of the first sensor (10), which preferably describe a first density profile of the material (M, M1), and measurement signals generated by means of the second sensor (20), which preferably describe a second density profile of the material (M, M2). [9] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising - a formatting device (26) which is arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor (15) with respect to the material conveying direction (F), wherein the formatting device (26) is designed and arranged to wrap the material (M) with a wrapping material, in particular a cigarette paper, and to form it into a strand with a round or oval cross-section, and - a third sensor (30) which is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material (M) wrapped with wrapping material, wherein the third sensor (30) is preferably arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor with respect to the material conveying direction (F). [10] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (60) is designed to control the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) for adjusting a distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor (10), which preferably describe a first density profile of the material (M), and measurement signals generated by the third sensor (30), which preferably describe a third density profile of the material (M), and preferably measurement signals generated by the second sensor (20), which preferably describe a second density profile of the material (M). [11] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising - an interface (65) for signal processing, wherein the interface (65) is signal-technically coupled to the first sensor (10), and preferably to the second sensor (20), and is designed to receive the measurement signals generated by the first sensor (10), and preferably to receive the measurement signals generated by the second sensor (20), wherein the interface (65) is preferably designed to convert the received measurement signals and to send the converted signals to the control unit (60), and / or - a measuring computer (62) which is designed to receive measuring signals and to send signals for control to the control unit (60) in dependence on the received measuring signals. [12] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (B) between the first sensor (10) and the trimming device (19), in particular the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19), is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm, particularly preferably at least 200 mm, and / or wherein the device, in particular the control unit (60) in connection with the at least one adjusting device (71, 72), is designed to adjust the distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) within at most 0.5 seconds, preferably at most 0.3 seconds, particularly preferably at most 0.2 seconds, after detecting a measuring signal by means of the first sensor (10). [13] Method (300) for producing a rod of the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, the method comprising the following steps: - conveying (310a) material (M), in particular tobacco, by means of a conveyor belt (17) having a lower run (17a), wherein the material is conveyed suspended on the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) along a material conveying direction (F), - Suction (310b) of the suspended conveyed material (M) by means of a suction device (18), wherein the suction device (18) applies a negative pressure to at least a portion of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) for sucking the suspended conveyed material (M) onto the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), - trimming (340) the material (M) conveyed suspended on the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by means of a trimming device (19) with at least one trimming element (19a, 19b), characterized by - detecting (320) at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material (M) conveyed hanging on the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) 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). [14] Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the step: - Adjusting (330) a distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by means of at least one adjusting device (71, 72) as a function of measurement signals generated by the first sensor (10), which preferably describe a density profile of the material, wherein the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is preferably controlled by means of a control unit (60) which is signal-coupled to the first sensor (10). [15] Method (300) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is designed to adjust the distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by moving at least a portion of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) relative to the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device and / or by moving the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device relative to the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), and / or wherein the at least one adjusting device (71, 72) is designed to adjust the distance (A) between the at least one trimming element (19a, 19b) of the trimming device (19) and the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) by moving a control shoe (80) which rests on the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17), in particular on the upper side of the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17),to adjust, in particular in such a way that the lower run (17a) of the conveyor belt (17) is moved by means of the movement of the control shoe (80). [16] Method (300) according to at least one of claims 13-15, comprising the step: - determining (350a) a first difference between a density of the material (M, M1) detected by means of the first sensor (10) and a density of the material (M, M2) detected by means of a second sensor (20), wherein the second sensor (20) is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material (M) conveyed suspended on the lower run (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 adjusting (360a) the trimming device (19) as a function of the determined first difference. [17] Method (300) according to at least one of claims 13-16, - determining (350b) a second difference between a density of the material (M, M1) detected by means of the second sensor (20) and a density of the material (M, M2) detected by means of a third sensor (30), wherein the third sensor (30) is designed and arranged to detect at least one property, in particular a property characterizing the density, of the material (M) wrapped with wrapping material, wherein the third sensor (30) is preferably arranged downstream of the suction belt conveyor (15) with respect to the material conveying direction (F), - and preferably adjusting (360b) at least one conveyor belt roller (17b) and / or at least one format belt roller (24b) depending on the determined second difference. [18] Use of a first sensor (10) designed as a microwave measuring unit in a device for producing a rod in the tobacco processing industry, in particular a tobacco rod, preferably in a device according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the first sensor (10) is designed to detect a property characterizing the density of material (M) conveyed in a suspended manner on a lower run (17a) of a conveyor belt (17), wherein the first sensor (10) is arranged upstream of a trimming device (19) for trimming the material conveyed in a suspended manner, with respect to a material conveying direction (F) along which the material (M) is conveyed in a suspended manner.

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