Test apparatus and test method for testing at least one property of objects to be tested
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KORBER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure EP2024073724_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Test device and test method for testing at least one property of objects to be tested
[0002] The present invention relates to a testing device for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the testing device is integrated into a production or processing plant for the objects to be tested, with sensor devices for detecting the at least one property of the objects to be tested, a conveyor device for conveying the objects to be tested, wherein the conveyor device comprises at least two conveyor segments, wherein the conveyor segments are movable by a movement of the conveyor device relative to a stationary part of the testing device, wherein each conveyor segment is designed and configured to receive an object to be tested, and a method for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the testing method is integrated into a production or processing method of the objects to be tested.
[0003] It is common practice for production and processing processes to include facilities to check the quality of the produced or processed items. This is done to identify items that do not meet certain desired criteria and to remove them from the process, particularly for rework, repurposing, or destruction.
[0004] Such verification ideally occurs during the process, meaning the items are checked as they move through the production or processing facility to avoid delays. Verification is performed regularly using stationary testing equipment located at one or more points along the process. Depending on the speed at which the items are moved through the production or processing facility, the time available for verification can be only a few fractions of a second. Verifying manufactured or processed items is particularly important if the items are subject to an authentication process during their subsequent use.Such authentication procedures are used, for example, for spare parts when manufacturers want to ensure that their products are used only with original spare parts or original refill products and link the product's functionality to a successful authentication. One example of this is tobacco heating devices (also known as "heat-not-burn" products). It is particularly important here that the items subject to this authentication procedure are actually recognized as genuine in use.
[0005] For such purposes, various testing devices are known and described, for example, in EP 4087415 A1, EP 2715320 B1 or DE 102012211648 A1. In the testing device described in EP 4087415 A1, a sensor located outside a transport device emits a spectrum and measures the reflected signal, which has a modified spectrum due to a substance applied to the object to be tested. In the testing device of EP 2715320 B1, a high-speed detector is provided, which comprises an IR laser diode, which also excites a substance applied to the object to be tested, namely at its absorption frequency, and a sensor which is set to receive light of the emission frequency of the applied substance. In the
[0006] Finally, DE 102012211648 A1, a transmitter is integrated into the troughs of a conveyor drum, which sends signals through the object to be tested, which are received by a receiver outside the drum.
[0007] What all conventional testing devices have in common is that at least part of the sensor device is arranged outside the conveyor system and fixed in place, while the conveyor system moves the objects to be tested past this fixed sensor device or this fixed part of the sensor device. In conventional testing methods, the object to be tested moves relative to the sensor, so that, for example, the distance and radiation angle change over time. If the temporal progression of a signal is measured, this is a disadvantage because the changes have to be taken into account and calculated out. Furthermore, positioning the sensor device or at least part of the sensor device outside the conveyor system generally results in relatively large distances to the object to be tested. This is disadvantageous because the signal strength often drops significantly with the distance to the object to be tested.Finally, due to the relative movement of the object to be tested and the sensor (part) to each other, the maximum measurement time is limited and depends on the speed of the conveyor system.
[0008] Due to the disadvantages described above, the measurement often does not correspond to the testing procedure later used for the authentication process. In particular, the short measurement duration and the change in measurement conditions caused by the object being tested moving past the measuring device.
[0009] The objective of the present invention was therefore to make the test conditions in the production test procedure as close as possible to those in intended use. Furthermore, it was a goal to extend the measurement duration of the test procedure. A further goal was to ensure that conditions were as constant as possible during the measurement.
[0010] This object is achieved with a testing device of the type mentioned at the outset in that each conveyor segment is assigned, in particular has, its own sensor device, which has a transmitter and a receiver, for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the object to be tested located in the conveyor segment.
[0011] This makes it possible to significantly extend the time available for the testing process. The time available for measurement is decoupled from the conveyor speed and thus from the speed at which the object to be tested passes the sensor device. The object to be tested and the sensor device move together in the conveying direction and at the same conveyor speed.
[0012] Unlike conventional testing devices, in which at least part of the sensor device is arranged outside the conveyor and fixed in place, while the conveyor moves the objects to be tested past this fixed part of the sensor device, in the testing device of the present invention, the sensor device, specifically both its transmitter and its receiver, and the object to be tested move together at the same speed in the conveying direction. While in conventional testing methods, for example, the distance and radiation angle from the sensor device to the object to be tested change over time, they can be kept constant in the testing device according to the invention.
[0013] With the testing device according to the invention, very small distances between the sensor device and the object to be tested can also be realized, so that a high signal strength is possible.
[0014] With the test device according to the invention, it is possible to use measuring electronics that correspond to those of the test process during intended use.
[0015] Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to test properties of an object to be tested, which previously could only be determined outside the manufacturing process and thus were usually not carried out for each object to be tested, but were carried out by taking samples only on a few exemplary objects, for each object in the manufacturing process.
[0016] Preferably, the detection takes place in the form of a static detection, ie the object to be tested is also static relative to the sensor device, ie during the measuring process all distances and angles from the object to be tested to the sensor device remain constant.
[0017] “Static detection” means that the object to be tested and the sensor device are static relative to each other during the measurement period, i.e. they do not move relative to each other.
[0018] Alternatively, it is possible for the sensor device and the object to be tested to move together in the conveying direction and at the same conveying speed, while the object to be tested performs a further movement. This can in particular involve a rotational movement of the object to be tested around its own axis in order to be able to rotate the object to be tested in the conveyor segment and inspect it from all sides or completely. It is also possible for the object to be tested to be moved in the conveyor segment perpendicular to the conveying direction. This makes it possible, for example, to inspect the object to be tested across its entirety, even if the sensor device cannot capture the object to be tested in its entirety in one step. For this purpose, the object to be tested can be moved past the sensor device perpendicular to the conveying direction.As explained above, there is no relative movement between the sensor device and the object to be tested in the conveying direction; the object to be tested and the sensor device move together at the same conveying speed.
[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the transmitter and receiver move within the conveyor segment, e.g., back and forth, while the object to be inspected is fixed. This variant allows, for example, a movement across the object to be inspected, as may be necessary during scanning. Even in this case, the transmitter and receiver remain assigned to the conveyor segment.
[0020] The at least one property of the objects to be tested can be properties that are intrinsic to the object, such as its size, its weight, a specific property of the material from which the object is made, such as its light or radiation absorption or reflection behavior, its density or surface condition. Furthermore, the property can be one or more compounds that make up the object to be tested, such as one or more ingredients of the object to be tested. This also includes determining the moisture content of the object to be tested. The property can also be a check for the presence or absence of unwanted foreign bodies or foreign substances in the object.The property can also be a substance or other marker additionally applied to the object to be tested, such as a label, a barcode, an RFID label or a chemical or physical marker to distinguish genuine products from counterfeit ones, such as fluorescent or phosphorescent substances.
[0021] Particularly preferably, the sensor devices are designed and configured to determine the temporal progression of a measured variable. An example of this is the decay behavior of a chemical marker.
[0022] Furthermore, within the meaning of the present invention, it is possible to test one property for the object to be tested. However, it is equally possible to test several properties for each object to be tested and to derive a result from the sum of the tests. The conveyor device of the present invention comprises at least two conveyor segments. Preferably, the conveyor device comprises more than three, more than four, more than five, particularly preferably more than ten, and most preferably more than twenty conveyor segments. An even as well as an odd number of conveyor segments is possible. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the number of conveyor segments is not a multiple of three and / or 5, in particular if it is a prime number. Particularly preferably, the conveyor device further comprises at least eight, very particularly preferably more than 16, and in particular more than 24 conveyor segments.The wording that "each conveyor segment is assigned its own sensor device..." implies that empty segments may be provided that do not have a sensor device, without this departing from the scope of the present invention. Empty segments may be provided, for example, because some objects are intentionally intended to remain uninspected or because certain segments are not loaded with objects during the process.
[0023] Particularly preferably, the sensor devices assigned to each conveyor segment are mounted in or on the conveyor segment. This ensures that the respective sensor device moves at the same speed as the object to be tested; the sensor device and conveyor segment are fixed to one another. Static detection of at least one property of the object to be tested located in the conveyor segment is thus ensured. It is also possible to arrange the sensor device at the bottom of the conveyor segment, which can be designed, for example, as a trough. It is also possible to shield the sensor device from external influences by means of a cover. In such an embodiment, the object to be tested is pushed laterally into the conveyor segment.
[0024] It is possible for one part of the sensor device, in particular the receiver, to be arranged in or on the conveyor segment, and the other part, in particular the transmitter, to be attached in or on the conveyor segment on the conveyor. In either case, the principle of the present invention is implemented, namely that the object to be tested and the sensor device move at the same speed in the conveying direction. In the embodiment in which the transmitter is attached to the conveyor segment on the conveyor, it is also possible for one transmitter to serve several, in particular adjacent, conveyor segments. This case also falls under the definition of the main claim that each conveyor segment is assigned its own sensor device. However, the embodiment in which each conveyor segment is assigned its own transmitter and its own receiver is particularly preferred.
[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor device is an endless conveyor. Examples of such devices include revolving endless conveyor belts with cassettes for receiving the objects to be tested. Particularly preferably, the conveyor device is a rotatably mounted conveyor drum. Such a conveyor drum has individual receiving areas, which are designed, for example, as a trough. In the case of a trough design, the sensor device can advantageously be arranged at the bottom of the trough and, for example, embedded in it.
[0026] In another particularly advantageous embodiment, the testing device further comprises a supplementary conveyor device with at least two conveyor segments assigned to the conveyor device, wherein each conveyor segment of the supplementary conveyor device is designed and configured to receive the object to be tested. Multiple supplementary conveyor devices are also possible.
[0027] Particularly preferably, the supplementary conveyor device is an endless conveyor, in particular a rotatably mounted conveyor drum, which has individual receiving areas, which are preferably designed as a trough.
[0028] Furthermore, each conveyor segment of the supplementary conveyor device is preferably assigned its own sensor device, each having a transmitter and a receiver, for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the object to be tested located in the conveyor segment of the supplementary conveyor device.
[0029] By using a supplementary conveyor, it is possible to have more time available for testing the objects to be tested without having to reduce the overall conveyor speed and thus the throughput of the testing device.
[0030] The sensor devices of the conveyor system and the sensor devices of the supplementary conveyor system can be the same type of sensor device. However, different types of sensor devices can also be used, so that different properties of the objects to be tested can be tested and / or determined in the testing device.
[0031] All statements regarding the sensor devices in this application apply to both the sensor devices of the conveyor device and those of the supplementary conveyor device.
[0032] The testing device according to the invention can be integrated into the production or processing plant for the objects to be tested in various ways. The conveyor device of the testing device has a pick-up point and a delivery point for the object to be tested. At the pick-up point, the conveyor device receives the object to be tested from the conveyor device arranged upstream in the transport stream, and at the delivery point, it delivers the object to be tested to the conveyor device arranged downstream in the transport stream. The pick-up and delivery points can be formed at different positions on the conveyor device. In the case of a conveyor drum, the pick-up and delivery points can, for example, be arranged at opposite positions on the drum. In this case, the conveyor drum is only half occupied, i.e. only the conveyor segments on one half of the drum contain objects to be tested, while the conveyor segments on the other half of the drum are empty.
[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conveyor device has a delivery point for delivering and a reception point for receiving the objects to be tested, wherein the delivery and reception points are identical. This means that the conveyor segments over the entire circumference of the drum are occupied with objects to be tested. In this way, the full rotation of the drum can be used for testing and the time available for testing or measuring is therefore particularly long. The time an object to be tested can stay on the conveyor device further extended by occupying not every, but only every second or third, etc. conveyor segment of the conveyor device of the testing device with an object to be tested.By adjusting the number of conveyor elements on the conveyor system accordingly, each object to be tested remains on the conveyor system not just for one revolution, but for two, three or a corresponding number of revolutions, thereby extending the residence time and thus the time available for testing and / or measurement accordingly.
[0034] When loading objects into the conveyor segments, it can be intended that the objects remain in the same position throughout their entire stay in the conveyor segment. However, it is also possible for the objects to be changed in their position and / or orientation. In this way, it is possible to position different sections of the object to be inspected toward the sensor device and thus measure different sections of the object to be inspected. A round or cylindrical object, for example, can be rotated. This can be done by any angle and in any number of sections.
[0035] Particularly advantageous is the detection of at least one property of the objects to be tested by the sensor devices without contact. This means that the object does not rest against the sensor, but rather does not have to touch it. This prevents, for example, contamination of the sensor. Detection is particularly advantageous without contact. The distance between the sensor device and the product to be tested can be very small. This is advantageous compared to conventional testing arrangements in which the sensor is located (at least partially) outside the conveyor system.
[0036] Preferred sensor devices include electromagnetic sensors, particularly optical sensors, microwave sensors, infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, inductive sensors, or magnetic sensors. These can detect a wide variety of properties of the object under test.
[0037] In sensors where the transmitter and receiver are spatially separated from each other, as is the case with optical sensors, for example, the transmitter and receiver can be arranged in different ways relative to the object to be tested, in particular transversely or longitudinally to the object to be tested.
[0038] In a particularly suitable embodiment, the objects to be tested are made entirely or partially of metal or contain a metal component. For example, rod-shaped articles from the tobacco processing industry, such as cigarettes or heat-not-burn (HNB) products, contain metal strips that serve, among other things, to inductively heat the cigarettes or HNB products. The quality and orientation of the metal strip are important for the quality of the overall product, so characterization and / or testing of this metal strip is desired and usually carried out as part of the manufacturing process. To date, characterization of the metal strip within a machine has not been common.The metal strip is usually inspected outside the machine because with conventional inspection devices the increasing distance between the sensor and the product has made the measurement very difficult and the movement of the product relative to the sensor is also problematic.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is a Hall sensor or an FMR spectrometer. Such a sensor or spectrometer makes it possible, in particular, to check the properties or quality of a metal strip present in the object to be tested or of a metallic object to be tested.
[0040] Since metallic components exhibit very low magnetic stray fields, the short distance enabled by the test device of the present invention is very advantageous for the use of magnetic sensors due to the sharp drop in the measured value. The extended measurement time enabled by the present invention allows even the smallest effects to be measured.
[0041] In addition to the sensors, electromagnets can also be added, either to support the measurement with the sensor or to enable the alignment of a metal strip within the product or the metal strip together with the product. The electromagnets themselves can also be part of a sensor measurement.
[0042] The object to be tested can be located in a conveyor segment of the conveyor system above the sensor device integrated into the conveyor system. This consists, for example, of a magnetic field-sensitive sensor (e.g. GMR) and optionally a coil that supports the measurement. This can be used, for example, to define the magnetic configuration within the metallic component prior to the measurement. The metallic component itself can also be brought into a defined position by the coil prior to the measurement. Measurements are also possible in which the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) of the metal strip can be determined. This provides information about the properties of the metallic strip. To measure the FMR, it is common practice to apply an alternating magnetic field and observe the power absorption, which depends on the internal magnetic state of the metal strip or its position.The internal state of the product is changed by applying a (quasi-)static magnetic field. The difference in power absorption depending on the strength / direction of the static magnetic field is investigated in FMR spectroscopy. For this purpose, controllable electromagnets or permanent magnets are preferably introduced into the conveyor segment to generate the static field, and additional electromagnets are used to measure the power absorption. Many geometric arrangements are conceivable. Combinations of different arrangements are also possible. It is also possible to create a transmit / receive geometry consisting of two coils, so that a signal is induce in the metal strip by one coil, which is measured by a second coil. As with FMR spectroscopy, a supporting (quasi-)static field can be used.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device interacts with a susceptor. This can expand the range of measurement methods for the object under test.
[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor device is designed as a strain gauge. Such a design, in particular, enables an absolute weight measurement of the object to be tested by utilizing its centrifugal force.
[0045] To date, random measurements of individual products have been taken offline in production. Measuring the weight of entire batches or weighing the incoming materials is possible using simple weight sensors. However, there is no reference to the individual product, meaning there is no way to measure the weight of individual products inline at maximum production speed.
[0046] When the sensor device is designed as a strain gauge, the objects to be tested are preferably held in the conveyor segments of a drum-shaped conveyor device, e.g., by means of negative pressure. Where the conveyor segment is connected to the rest of the conveyor device, there is a material taper. The strain gauges are mounted at this point. The material taper can particularly preferably be made of a flexible material (e.g., rubber). This increases the sensitivity of the strain gauges. Alternatively, the strain gauges can also be arranged at a different location, e.g., on an end face of the conveyor segment. Cylindrical strain gauges are particularly preferred, as they can be inserted into a borehole in the conveyor segment, which simplifies the manufacture of the conveyor segments.
[0047] Due to the material taper, the material stretches slightly due to the action of various forces. The strain gauges are designed to measure the force acting in a radial direction. Several forces act radially on the object being tested and the conveyor segment above the material taper, namely:
[0048] Centrifugal force acting on the product and the trough: This depends on the angular velocity of the drum, the drum radius, and the weight of the conveyor segment and the object being tested. The angular velocity is determined by the motor control, and the drum radius is also known. The weight of the conveyor segment is determined for each conveyor segment using a calibration procedure. The weight of the object being tested is thus determined directly from the centrifugal force.
[0049] The Earth's gravitational force acts in different directions depending on the position of the drum (or conveyor segment). Since the current position of the conveyor segment is known (using a position sensor), the influence of gravity can be eliminated.
[0050] Suction of the object to be tested onto the conveyor segment using negative pressure: This force is necessary to hold the object to be tested in the conveyor segment. It counteracts the centrifugal force and is usually greater than the centrifugal force. To minimize noise in the measured values (e.g., due to EMC and machine vibrations), each object to be tested is preferably measured multiple times at different angular positions on the drum. This also eliminates the influence of gravity.
[0051] The measurement is preferably carried out as described below:
[0052] First, the system is calibrated in several steps:
[0053] A measuring standard with a known weight is placed in each conveyor segment in turn, while the segment is in the uppermost position. This allows the relationship between the measured value and the weight to be determined.
[0054] Using this factor k, the change in weight can then be determined from a voltage change AU of the measuring bridge.
[0055] The measured values of each conveyor segment are recorded when it is in its lowest position (with the drum stationary). This measured value corresponds to the weight of the conveyor segment itself (without product).
[0056] This calibration allows a relationship to be established between the measured values and the actual total weight of the object to be tested.
[0057] The weight of the object to be tested is calculated as follows:
[0058] The angular velocity w is known from the machine control system; the drum radius r is also known. The mass msegmenr of each conveyor segment is known through the calibration described above. The centrifugal force F centrifugal force can be determined in the simplest case by recording measurements at the 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position. In this position, gravity has virtually no effect on the strain gauges. However, algorithmic methods for accounting for gravity are also possible. Depending on the measurement position, gravity has a certain effect and can be accounted for using the angle functions.
[0059] Alternatively, the weight of the objects to be tested can be determined using gravity. To do this, the force on the strain gauge is measured at various positions. With constant centrifugal force (due to constant angular velocity) and constant suction, the weight can be determined using gravity.
[0060] In yet another preferred embodiment, the sensor device is designed as a contact image sensor (CIS), with the transmitter being arranged in the conveyor segment or assigned to the conveyor segment on the conveyor device outside the conveyor segment. This enables, in particular, a measurement of the length of the objects to be inspected.
[0061] CIS technology is known, for example, from flatbed scanners and is characterized by good market availability, simple design, and compact size. For the purposes of the present invention, a CIS sensor is understood as an image sensor array, possibly with microlenses, which has an illumination array parallel to the image sensor array. By integrating the CIS on the conveyor system, measurements of the objects to be inspected are possible at a very short distance compared to the prior art and using significantly simplified optics. Under certain conditions, this has a positive impact on both the measurement accuracy and the cost-effectiveness of the sensor.
[0062] State-of-the-art length measurement is carried out using a camera system consisting of a camera and associated lighting, which records the object to be inspected lying on the conveyor from the outside during the conveying process. Alternatively, laser triangulation sensors are used, which are also directed at the object to be inspected from outside the conveyor, while the object to be inspected rotates past the sensor. The disadvantage of this is that the camera system or a triangulation sensor cannot be moved as close as desired to the object to be inspected, as the movement of the conveyor must not be obstructed. This minimum distance between the object to be inspected and the camera chip requires the use of focusing optics (lens). This results in a distance-dependent image, which must be compensated for if necessary.Furthermore, very small distances between two objects to be inspected that are directly adjacent to one another are difficult to detect due to the imaging process. This is where the CIS sensor of the present embodiment of the invention represents an advantage. Due to the close proximity to the product and the simple optics, both imaging errors are minimized and very small distances between two objects to be inspected are better resolved. Furthermore, in the prior art measurement method, the object to be inspected moves relative to the sensor device. The rapid movement must be frozen in the image by using shorter flash times. Therefore, very strong illumination must be used, or a certain degree of motion blur must be accepted.The present invention offers the advantage that the object to be tested does not move relative to the sensor device and thus the required amount of light can be distributed over a much longer period of time.
[0063] When the sensor device is designed as a contact image sensor, the object to be inspected lies in a conveyor segment, preferably designed as a trough, of the conveyor device, which is preferably designed as a drum. The CIS module (consisting of sensor and illumination) is integrated below the trough in the drum. This enables measurement of the object to be inspected. Alternatively, one or more sensors can be mounted laterally in the conveyor segment as one or more illumination units, if this is advantageous, for example, for mechanical reasons.
[0064] Since the sensor device and the object to be inspected do not move relative to each other, the measurement is relatively static. This eliminates the need for short, high-intensity light pulses, which are technically difficult to implement. Furthermore, a very small distance between the sensor and the product can be achieved, which is made possible by CIS technology. This technology has very little aberration and is particularly effective at measuring small distances between objects to be inspected. A particularly preferred embodiment uses the so-called "transmitted-light method." This means that, unlike the complete CIS sensor module—consisting of illumination and image sensor array—only the image sensor array is integrated into the conveyor segment, and illumination is provided outside the conveyor segment and assigned to it.The length of the object to be inspected can then be detected on the image sensor line that is still integrated into the conveyor segment, since the object to be inspected shades the externally generated light on the image sensor line.
[0065] The objects to be inspected can be, in particular, multi-segment packages, where a defined distance between the individual segments must be maintained before wrapping to form a package. In addition to the position and length of the segments, this distance can be determined particularly accurately using the sensor device designed as a contact image sensor.
[0066] According to the invention, each conveyor segment is assigned its own sensor device, namely both the transmitter and the receiver. The present invention also encompasses cases in which the detection is influenced from outside the conveyor device. For example, an illumination source mounted outside a conveyor drum is conceivable, provided that the transmitter and receiver of the sensor device for the property to be tested are assigned to the conveyor segment according to the invention, in particular are mounted in or on it. However, preferred embodiments are those in which only the sensor device assigned to the conveyor segment is required to detect the property to be tested.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor device is designed and configured to record spectra or partial spectra in the near infrared range (NIR).
[0068] In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor device is designed and configured to record spectra or partial spectra in the mid-infrared range (MIR).
[0069] MIR refers to the mid-infrared region with wavenumbers in the range between 100 cm -1 and 6000 cm -1 or preferably between 500 and 4000 cm -1 In the range of higher wavenumbers of about 4000 cm -1 up to 13,000 cm -1 This is referred to as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR). Applications in the NIR range are used in particular to determine the moisture content of products or the presence of aqueous ingredients (e.g., glue).
[0070] Objects to be tested often contain additives, particularly of an organic nature. For example, products from the tobacco processing industry contain additives such as triacetin, nicotine, menthol, and / or glycerin. These are sometimes added to filters or nicotine products to improve the function or taste of the product. Glycerin, for example, can be the carrier material for flavorings and is particularly used in HNB products for aerosol generation. Triacetin is used in the manufacture of filters. By means of the present invention, the concentration of such additives in the products can be determined during the production process, for example, to adapt the production process to material fluctuations or to generally assess the quality of the additive.The integration of MIR spectroscopy into the conveyor segments of a conveyor system enables a particularly close distance between the sensor and the object to be tested and significantly extended measurement time. Both factors (distance and time) have a positive effect on the accuracy of the measurement and the feasibility of an application.
[0071] To date, the characterization of additives in the MIR range in production machines has not been common practice. While it is state-of-the-art and a standard procedure for analyzing ingredients in laboratories, adaptation to production machines, particularly in the tobacco processing industry, has not yet been possible. While there are applications installed in machines in the NIR wavelength range, the NIR range is not suitable for determining additional or multiple different ingredients simultaneously in addition to the measurement of aqueous ingredients mentioned above, since the excitable molecular movements of non-aqueous substances are difficult to detect in the spectra. MIR spectroscopy, on the other hand, uses the so-called "fingerprint range," where spectra provide much clearer clues to the ingredients. This explains its widespread use in laboratory analysis.Since MIR spectroscopy is sensitive to the chemical properties of additives, with a suitable sensor design, different ingredients can be measured independently of one another. The present invention makes it possible to transfer the MIR analysis commonly used in the laboratory to the realm of online measurement within production machines.
[0072] In this embodiment, the sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver, each configured and designed to record spectra or partial spectra in the mid-infrared range. The interaction of the chemical substance to be detected with the mid-infrared light results in a characteristic spectrum, which is caused by wavenumber-dependent absorption. The analysis of the spectrum thus provides information about the chemical composition of a substance, since the intensity ratio of the spectral ranges shifts depending on the presence of different molecules and their concentration.
[0073] There are various ways to implement the sensor, all of which consist of at least one transmitter and one receiver. The transmitter generates a broadband MIR spectrum or several individual wavelengths that interact with the object being tested or its contents. The receiver consists of at least one receiving unit that spectrally resolves the broadband light from the transmitter or evaluates the intensity of the individual wavelengths. By comparing wavenumber ranges with a reference wavenumber range, intensity fluctuations can be assigned to specific molecules and their concentration. The arrangement is achieved by fully integrating the sensor into the conveyor segments of the conveyor system.This enables very precise concentration determination, as the measurement accuracy increases proportionally with the measurement duration, and an object to be tested can be measured throughout its entire transport path along the conveyor system. Since the distance and angle between the sensor device and the object to be tested remain constant and a short distance between the sensor device and the object to be tested can be achieved, the signal quality can be significantly improved.
[0074] The transmitter and receiver can be arranged in such a way that a measurement is taken in reflection, or in such a way that a measurement is taken in transmission. A broadband light source can be used, or a light source with one or more clearly defined wavelength bands. Depending on the selection of the number and wavelengths of the detected light bands, the sensor device can be designed for different additives. In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the at least one property of the objects to be tested is an authentication feature of the objects to be tested. For an increasing number of objects, it is becoming necessary to be able to ensure their authenticity. This is the case, for example, in the medical field when it must be guaranteed that a product actually contains the stated ingredients or when a printer requires a specific toner composition to ensure image quality.Another application is products that rely on refills, and where manufacturers want to ensure that their products are only used with original refill cartridges or packs. Here, it is possible to design the products in such a way that the refill cartridge, pack, or other unit only works with the product if a specific authentication feature has been identified in a preliminary test. Otherwise, the product will not function as intended. Especially in such cases, it is important to ensure that these refill units correspond flawlessly with the product in every case. Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the refill unit, regular checks must be performed to ensure that the authentication feature is present on the item without errors.
[0075] In a further advantageous embodiment, alignment elements are arranged in or on the conveyor segments. These facilitate the positioning and / or alignment of the object to be tested in the conveyor segment and ensure a defined positioning and / or alignment of the object to be tested relative to the sensor device. Possible designs include, for example, mechanical holders or stops. If the object to be tested is magnetic or has a magnetic component, the alignment element can be designed as one or more magnets. Another design is recesses through which the object to be tested is sucked in. This allows the object to be tested to be positioned and also secured.
[0076] Particularly preferably, a separate evaluation device is furthermore mounted in or on each conveyor segment. In this case, the conveyor segment therefore contains not only the complete sensor device, but also the evaluation device, so that the analog signals detected by the sensor device are converted into digital signals or digital data in the conveyor segment, which significantly simplifies transmission, since more transmission paths are available for digital data than is the case with analog signals. In the test device according to the invention, the sensor devices are preferably controlled by means of a switching network. In this case, a switching network can be centrally responsible for all sensor devices of the conveyor device, but it is also possible and advantageous for the switching network to be divided into sub-networks, each of which controls some of the sensor devices.For example, the sensor devices can be grouped together, each controlled by a subnetwork. This allows the electronics to be modularized, making it possible, for example, to perform different measurements simultaneously.
[0077] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching network is designed and configured to always effect detection by the sensor devices at the same position of the conveyor segments and thus at a time interval. The pulse to start detection is thus always given at a specific position of the conveyor segment along its conveying path. In this embodiment, the measurements are performed sequentially. Here, the sensor units and their electronics are controlled via a switching matrix such that, during operation, all sensors measure at the same location, but one after the other.
[0078] In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching network is designed and configured to effect detection by means of the sensor devices simultaneously for at least two of the sensor devices, particularly preferably simultaneously for at least three, very particularly preferably for at least five, and especially for at least ten sensor devices. In this way, multiple measurements on several objects in parallel are possible. It is even possible to measure all objects located in the conveyor device simultaneously.
[0079] It is also possible to measure empty conveyor segments. This can be done, for example, when an item to be tested has just been released and a new one has not yet been picked up. Such a measurement can be used to calibrate the testing device.
[0080] Furthermore, the testing device preferably has a control unit arranged in the stationary part of the testing device. The data measured by the sensor devices and possibly already evaluated by the evaluation devices are transmitted to this control or monitoring unit in the stationary part of the testing device.
[0081] Preferably, the signal connection between the sensor devices provided in or on the conveyor segments and, if applicable, evaluation devices and the control unit is established via a sliding contact device, wirelessly, or via Bluetooth. Transmission via wireless or Bluetooth is possible if the data measured by the sensor devices has already been converted into digital signals by the evaluation devices.
[0082] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the sensor devices are of the type provided in a device used, during intended use, for authenticating the objects to be tested. It is therefore possible to use, or at least simulate, the same measurement method and the same measurement setup during the manufacturing process for testing as will later be used for the purpose of authentication in the product. This eliminates errors caused by different measurement methods. The reliability of the authentication process can thus be significantly increased.
[0083] The testing device of the present invention can be integrated, in particular, into a production or processing facility in the tobacco processing industry. Thus, the testing device of the present invention can be used particularly preferably in the testing of rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry. Such rod-shaped articles are tested in various respects, e.g., for the absence of foreign bodies, which can be done by scanning the article to be tested.
[0084] The problem is further solved by a test method for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the test method is integrated into a production or processing process of the objects to be tested, wherein the test method is carried out using a test device as described above. Such a test method allows, among other things, an increased amount of time available for the measurement, which makes some types of measurement possible in the first place, while improving the quality of the measurement in others.
[0085] Particularly preferred is to perform multiple measurements simultaneously on several objects to be tested. The method according to the invention makes it possible to perform multiple measurements on several objects simultaneously. Even all objects in the conveyor system can be measured over time.
[0086] Particularly preferably, the test method comprises measuring the change in a measurand over time. An example of this is measuring the decay behavior of a chemical marker.
[0087] Furthermore, the testing method particularly preferably comprises a step of applying a marking element to the objects to be tested, wherein the marking element has the at least one property to be tested. Before the property to be tested is recorded, a marking element is applied to the object to be tested. This can in particular be a label, a barcode, an RFID label, or a chemical or physical marker for distinguishing genuine products from counterfeit ones, such as fluorescent or phosphorescent substances. Thus, it is not necessary for the property to be recorded to be inherent in the object to be tested; rather, it can also be added to the object.
[0088] The dependent claims are directed to the aforementioned and other expedient and advantageous embodiments of the invention. Only particularly expedient and advantageous embodiments and possibilities are described in more detail in the following description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawings. Each individual or detailed design described within an exemplary embodiment is to be understood as a structurally independent detailed example of other embodiments and designs falling within the scope of the invention that are not described or not fully described.
[0089] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a test device in cross section
[0090] Fig. 2a and 2b each show an embodiment of a conveyor segment with sensor device in cross section
[0091] Fig. 3a-3c each show an embodiment of a conveyor segment with sensor device in longitudinal section
[0092] Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a test device with a switching network
[0093] Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a test device with several sub-switching networks
[0094] Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of a test device in cross section with several sub-switching networks
[0095] Fig. 7a-7c each show a further embodiment of a conveyor segment with sensor device in cross-section and longitudinal section
[0096] Fig. 8a and 8b each show a further embodiment of a conveyor segment with sensor device in cross-section and longitudinal section
[0097] Fig. 9a-9c each show a further embodiment of a conveyor segment with sensor device in cross-section and longitudinal section, respectively, and
[0098] Fig. 10 shows yet another embodiment of a conveyor segment with sensor device in cross section.
[0099] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a testing device 1 of the present invention. Such a testing device 1 can be arranged at any point in the production process of an object 2 to be tested. The only prerequisite is that the property to be tested is already present and can be tested in the desired manner.
[0100] Fig. 1 shows the testing device 1 in a sectional view with a section orthogonal to a rotation axis 14 of a conveyor device 13 in the plane of first sensor devices 6, 7. The conveyor device 3 is designed in the form of a conveyor drum which is rotatably mounted on an axle element 8 so that it rotates about the rotation axis 14 during operation.
[0101] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows that a plurality of trough-shaped conveyor segments 4 are arranged on the radially outer surface of the drum-shaped conveyor device 3, each of which is designed and configured to receive the object 2 to be tested. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the objects to be tested are rod-shaped articles. In Fig. 1, two conveyor segments 4 are shown as an example, occupied by rod-shaped articles 2. During normal operation, all or at least most of the conveyor segments 4 are occupied with objects 2 to be tested. The individual conveyor segments 4 are each structurally separated from one another by a wall 15, wherein the walls 15 are aligned parallel to a rotation axis 14 of the conveyor device 3. By rotating the conveyor device 3 about the axis element 8, the objects 2 to be tested can be moved on a circular path.The conveyor device 2 can be rotated continuously or discontinuously by means of a drive unit (not shown).
[0102] The test device 1 comprises a plurality of measuring devices 10, which include sensor devices 6, 7 and evaluation devices (not shown). The measuring devices 10 can, for example, be configured and designed to measure a frequency spectrum. Of course, measuring devices 10 with which other parameters can be measured are also conceivable. The sensor devices 6, 7 consist of a transmitter 6 and a receiver 7.
[0103] The measuring devices 10 are connected to a switching network 11, which controls the sensor devices 6, 7 and their electronics. This makes it possible for all sensor devices to measure at the same location during operation, but one after the other. The switching network 11 also enables the simultaneous measurement of the objects 2 to be tested contained in different trough-shaped conveyor segments 4.
[0104] The measuring devices 10 with sensor devices 6, 7 and evaluation devices (not shown), as well as the switching network 11 together with the conveyor device 3 with conveyor segments 4, are part of a moving part 13 of the testing device. In contrast, the axle element 8 and the monitoring / control unit 12 are part of a stationary part 5 of the testing device 1, which therefore does not rotate with the conveyor device 3.
[0105] Fig. 1 shows how an object 2 to be tested, a rod-shaped article from the tobacco processing industry, is placed in a conveyor segment 4 of the conveyor drum 3. The object 2 to be tested is provided with a marker substance which, after excitation, displays a typical emission spectrum. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the conveyor segment 4 is trough-shaped. At the bottom of the conveyor segment 4 is the sensor device 6, 7, comprising transmitter 6 and receiver 7. In the embodiment shown, the sensors 6, 7 are optical sensors and are arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent of the rod-shaped article 2. The object 2 to be tested and the sensor device 6, 7 are located in the same conveyor segment 4. During the measurement, the object 2 to be tested remains in the conveyor segment the entire time.In this way, a static recording of the property to be tested of the object 2 to be tested is possible, because the object 2 to be tested and the sensor device 6, 7 are static with respect to one another, i.e. they do not move relative to one another. Overall, a movement takes place, namely the circular movement of the conveyor drum 3. In response to a command from the switching network 11, the transmitter 6 of the sensor device 6, 7 emits radiation which excites the marker substance applied to the object to be tested. The marker substance then emits radiation with a characteristic emission spectrum. This emission spectrum is detected by the receiver 7 of the sensor device 6, 7. The received signals are forwarded to the evaluation device (not shown), which evaluates them and converts them into digital signals. These are passed on via Bluetooth to a control unit 12 which is arranged in the stationary part 5 of the testing device 1.
[0106] In another variant, the object 2 to be tested is provided with a barcode. This barcode is read using the optical sensor device 6, 7. The testing device and the testing sequence are as described in the previous section "Sensor".
[0107] In yet another variant, the object 2 to be tested is provided with an RFID transponder. The test device and the test sequence are as described in the penultimate paragraph for the optical sensor. However, in this case, the sensor device 6, 7 is a magnetic sensor device in which the transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are spatially coincident and as described below with reference to Figs. 2b and 3c. The transmitter 6 generates a high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field to which the RFID transponder is exposed. The microchip in the RFID tag decodes the commands sent by the transmitter 6. The RFID transponder encodes and modulates the response into the radiated electromagnetic field by field attenuation in a contactless short circuit or by antiphase reflection of the field emitted by the transmitter. The RFID transponder thus transmits, for example, its serial number and, if applicable, other data of the object 2 to be tested.
[0108] Fig. 2a shows, in cross-section through a conveyor device 3, an embodiment of the sensor device 6, 7 in the form of an optical sensor with a transmitter 6 and a receiver 7, which are embedded in a conveyor segment 4. Also shown in the conveyor segment 4 is an object 2 to be tested, which is arranged in the conveyor segment 4 at a distance from the sensor device 2. The transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are spatially separated from one another and aligned transversely to the object 2 to be tested.
[0109] Fig. 2b shows another embodiment of the sensor device 6, 7—also in cross-section through a conveyor device 3—embedded in a conveyor segment 4, in the form of a non-optical sensor such as a microwave sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a magnetic sensor. Transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are located close together.
[0110] Fig. 3a to 3c each show a sensor device 6, 7 in the conveyor drum cross-section. Fig. 3a shows an optical sensor in which the transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are arranged along the longitudinal extent of the rod-shaped object 2 to be tested; Fig. 3b shows an optical sensor in which the transmitter 6 and receiver 7 are arranged transversely to the longitudinal extent of the rod-shaped object 2 to be tested; and Fig. 3c shows a non-optical sensor in which the sensor 6, 7 is arranged perpendicular to the rod-shaped object 2 to be tested.
[0111] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a testing device with a switching network. The n sensor devices 6, 7 and their switching electronics 16 are controlled by the switching network 11 such that, during operation, all sensor devices 6, 7 measure at the same location, but one after the other. The switching network 11 also enables the simultaneous measurement of different conveyor segments 4. An empty conveyor segment, in particular after the object 2 to be tested has been released and before a new object 2 to be tested has been picked up, can be measured for calibration purposes. An evaluation device 9, which is also integrated, controls the measurements, collects the recorded data and evaluates it. This data is transmitted contactlessly via radio or Bluetooth or by means of a slip ring (not shown) to the static area 5 of the testing device 1.
[0112] The switching network 11 can also be divided into several subnetworks. One such embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. The configuration corresponds to that described for the embodiment in Fig. 4, with the only difference being that the n sensors are divided into 2m sensors, with each sub-switching network 1T being responsible for m sensors.
[0113] The further embodiment of a test device 1 shown in cross section in Fig. 6 corresponds to the test device shown in Fig. 1 and described above with reference to Fig. 1. In addition to or deviating from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 has several sub-switching networks 1T, 11", which communicate with one another via interconnections 16. One sub-switching network 11" is the master board, while the other sub-switching networks 1T are slave boards. Data, switching and clock signals are transmitted to the stationary part 5 of the test device 1 via a slip ring 17.
[0114] Fig. 7a shows a further embodiment of a conveyor segment 4 with sensor devices 6, 7 in cross-section. In this embodiment, the object 2 to be tested has an integrated metallic component 2a. The object 2 to be tested is located in the conveyor segment 4 of the conveyor device 3, which is designed as a trough. The sensor devices 6, 7 are designed as magnetic field-sensitive sensors. A supporting coil can also be integrated into the trough.
[0115] In addition to the sensor device 6, 7, electromagnets can also be added, which either support the measurement with the sensor device 6, 7 or enable the alignment of a metal strip in the product or of the metal strip together with the product. The electromagnets themselves can also be part of a sensory measurement. The object 2 to be tested lies in a conveyor segment 4 of the conveyor device 3 above the sensor device 6, 7 integrated into the conveyor device 3. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7a, this consists of a magnetic field-sensitive sensor 6, 7.
[0116] Fig. 7b is a longitudinal section of an object 2 to be tested with a sensor device 6, 7 in the form of electromagnets (coils) arranged at the ends of the object 2 to be tested. In this transmit-receive geometry consisting of two coils, a signal is induced in the metal strip of the object 2 to be tested by the first coil 6, which is measured by the second coil 7. A supporting (quasi-)static field can be used. The magnetization dynamics of the object 2 to be tested can be excited with the first coil 6 and directly measured by the second coil 7. It is also possible to integrate another sensor or a measuring coil, neither of which is shown here, into the trough.
[0117] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7c, an alignment element 20 designed as a coil is shown below the object 2 to be tested, which is arranged below the object 2 to be tested in the trough of the conveyor device 3. Interaction of the metal strip of the object 2 to be tested with the alignment element 20 aligns the object 2 to be tested. Likewise, the coil 20 can be used to define the magnetic configuration within the metallic component contained in the element 20 to be tested prior to measurement.
[0118] Alignment element 20 and sensor device 6, 7 of Fig. 7a to 7c can be combined with each other in any desired manner.
[0119] Fig. 8a and 8b show a schematic representation of the mechanical structure of conveyor segments 4 of the testing device 1 according to the invention, in which the sensor device 6, 7 is designed as a strain gauge and by means of which the weight of the object to be tested can be determined. Fig. 8a is a cross-section through a section of the conveyor device 3, Fig. 8b is a longitudinal section through a section of the conveyor device 3. The objects 2 to be tested are held in the conveyor segment 4, designed as a trough, by means of negative pressure applied through the suction holes 21. A material taper 22 connects the trough 4 to the rest of the conveyor device 3, designed as a drum. The strain gauges 6, 7 are mounted at the location of this material taper 22. The strain gauges 6, 7 are designed to measure the acting force in the radial direction.The weight of the object 2 to be tested is determined from the centrifugal force, eliminating the influence of the gravitational force and the suction force applied by means of negative pressure.
[0120] Figures 9a to 9c show an embodiment in which the sensor device 6, 7 is designed as a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) module for determining the length of an object to be inspected. The object 2 to be inspected is arranged in the conveyor segment 4, designed as a trough, of the conveyor device 3, designed as a drum. The sensor device 6, 7, consisting of the CIS sensor (receiver) 7 and one or more illumination units (transmitters) 6, is mounted in the trough 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9a, the sensor 7 is mounted below the product between two illumination units 6 attached to its sides. In the embodiment of Fig. 9b, the illumination unit 6 and sensor 7 are positioned decentrally in the trough 4. In Fig. 9c, the illumination unit is not shown for the sake of simplicity. For example, the objects 2 to be inspected are multi-segment packages that are inspected for their position, arrangement, or the distance between two segments.The CIS sensor 7 located beneath the objects 2 to be tested measures their length. This reliably determines the distances between two objects 2 to be tested, even if they are small.
[0121] The embodiment of Figure 10 shows the setup for an MIR spectroscopic measurement to determine ingredients, in particular additives, of an object 2 to be tested. Transmitter 6 generates a broadband MIR spectrum or several individual wavelengths which, after passing through lens 61, interact with the object 2 to be tested, which is located in a conveyor section 4 designed as a trough. The broadband light of transmitter 6 is reflected by the object 2 to be tested and, after passing through lens 71, is spectrally resolved by receiver 7, or the intensity of the individual wavelengths is evaluated. By comparing wavenumber ranges with a reference wavenumber range, intensity fluctuations can be assigned to specific molecules and the concentration in which they are present. The complete sensor device 6, 7, 61, 67 is integrated into the conveyor device 3 designed as a drum.Since the object to be tested can be measured throughout its entire transport path across the drum and the measurement accuracy increases proportionally with the measurement time, a very precise determination of the concentration of ingredients in the object to be tested is possible.
Claims
Claims 1. Testing device (1) for testing at least one property of objects (2) to be tested, wherein the testing device (1) is integrated into a production or processing plant for the objects to be tested, with sensor devices (6, 7) for detecting the at least one property of the objects (2) to be tested, a conveyor device (3) for conveying the objects (2) to be tested, wherein the conveyor device (3) comprises at least two conveyor segments (4), wherein the conveyor segments (4) are movable by a movement of the conveyor device (3) relative to a stationary part (5) of the testing device (1), wherein each conveyor segment (4) is designed and configured to receive an object (2) to be tested, characterized in that each conveyor segment (4) is assigned its own sensor device (6, 7), which has a transmitter (6) and a receiver (7), for detecting, in particular for static detection,is assigned to at least one property of the object (2) to be tested located in the conveyor segment (4).
2. Testing device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor devices (6, 7) assigned to each conveyor segment (4) are mounted in or on the conveyor segment (4).
3. Testing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor devices (6, 7) are designed and arranged to determine the temporal course of a measured variable.
4. Testing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the conveyor device (3) is an endless conveyor, in particular a rotatably mounted conveyor drum.
5. Testing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it further comprises a supplementary conveyor device with at least two conveyor segments, which is assigned to the conveyor device (3), wherein each conveyor segment is designed and configured to receive the object (2) to be tested.
6. Testing device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each conveyor segment of the supplementary conveyor device is assigned its own sensor device, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the object (2) to be tested located in the conveyor segment.
7. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the conveying device (3) has a delivery point for delivery and a receiving point for receiving the products to be tested, wherein the delivery and receiving points are identical.
8. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the detection by the sensor devices (6, 7) can be carried out without contact.
9. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensor device (6, 7) is an electromagnetic sensor, in particular an optical sensor, a microwave sensor or an infrared sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an inductive sensor or a magnetic sensor.
10. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor device (6, 7) is a Hall sensor or an FMR spectrometer.
11. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the sensor device (6, 7) interacts with a susceptor.
12. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor device (6, 7) is designed and configured to record spectra or partial spectra in the mid-infrared range.
13. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor device (6, 7) comprises a strain gauge for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the object (2) to be tested located in the conveyor segment (4).
14. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor device (6, 7) is designed as a contact image sensor, wherein the transmitter (6) is arranged in the conveyor segment (4) or assigned to the conveyor segment (4) outside the conveyor segment (4) on the conveyor device (3).
15. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one property of the objects (2) to be tested is an authentication feature of the objects (2) to be tested.
16. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the objects to be tested (2) are made entirely or partially of metal or contain a metal component (2a).
17. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that alignment elements (20) are arranged in or on the conveyor segments (4).
18. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that in or on each conveyor segment (4) a separate evaluation device (9) is further mounted.
19. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the sensor devices (6, 7) are controlled by means of a switching network (11), wherein the switching network can be divided into sub-networks (11', 11"), each of which controls some of the sensor devices (6, 7).
20. Testing device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the switching network (11) is designed and arranged to detect by means of the Sensor devices (6, 7) always in the same position of the conveyor segments (4) and thus at different times.
21. Testing device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the switching network (11) is designed and arranged to effect the detection by means of the sensor devices (6, 7) simultaneously for at least two of the sensor devices (6, 7).
22. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the testing device (1) further comprises a control unit (12), wherein the control unit (12) is arranged in the stationary part (5) of the testing device (1).
23. Testing device (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that the signal connection between the sensor devices (6, 7) arranged in the conveyor segments (4) and - if present - evaluation devices (9) as well as the control unit (12) is made by means of a sliding contact device, by radio or via Bluetooth.
24. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the sensor devices (6, 7) are of the type provided in a device used for the authentication of the objects (2) to be tested when used as intended.
25. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the objects (2) to be tested are rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.
26. Testing method for testing at least one property of objects (2) to be tested, wherein the testing method is integrated into a production or processing method of the objects (2) to be tested, characterized in that the testing method is carried out with a testing device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 25.
27. Testing method according to claim 26, characterized in that multiple measurements are performed simultaneously on several objects (2) to be tested.
28. Testing method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the testing method comprises measuring the change in a measurand as a function of time.
29. Testing method according to one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the method comprises a step of applying a marking element to the objects (2) to be tested, wherein the marking element has the at least one property to be tested.