Suction bar module

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction bar module for sucking in gas, comprising a number of suction openings through each of which a sub-flow of the gas is sucked in, wherein the individual sub-flows entering through the suction openings are brought together synchronously within the suction bar module at a specific point in time in such a way that they are guided out of the suction bar module largely simultaneously via a common outlet opening at a later point in time.

Description

[0001] Suction strip module

[0002] The present invention relates to a suction bar module for drawing in a gas to be tested from the environment of a package filled with protective gas. If the protective gas escapes from the (then defective) package through a leak, it is drawn in from the package environment by the suction bar module and supplied to an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can detect the protective gas contained therein by analyzing the drawn-in gas stream and, for example, taking into account certain reference values, allow conclusions to be drawn about a defective package. Alternatively, a test gas specifically used for leak testing can be filled in, or a gas can be used for detection that only forms inside the package after sealing.

[0003] This quality control principle is well-known and applied to packaged products that are conveyed along a production line in a product stream. For example, food products can be packaged in pouches filled with CO2 as a protective gas. The filled and sealed packages are then subjected to pressure in a testing device to force the protective gas out of any potential leaks and detect them. Alternatively, the gas can be drawn in along with the surrounding air (hereinafter also referred to as gas) via suitable devices and fed to a sensor. If the sensor detects an unacceptably high concentration of the respective protective gas, the package, thus identified as defective, can subsequently be removed from the product stream.

[0004] Preferably, the inspection of the packaging is carried out dynamically, i.e. during transport through the transport route at high cycle rates of, for example, 50 - 100 packages per minute.

[0005] A known disadvantage of current technology is that, due to slow measurement speeds, either the product spacing (gap) between successive products must be correspondingly large and / or the transport speed correspondingly low. The distance between the measuring point and the ejector position must also be sufficiently large (taking the conveyor speed into account) to compensate for the slow evaluation speed. This increases the required overall length of the device and results in a correspondingly low throughput of the production line.

[0006] The object of the invention was therefore to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to create an improved method for supplying aspirated gas to a sensor. This object is achieved by a suction bar module according to claim 1, an inspection device according to claim 16, and a method according to claim 20. Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention addresses the need to supply the aspirated gas to the sensor as quickly as possible and to evaluate its results in order to sort out the product, which is being conveyed in the meantime, in a timely manner before the next processing step. The faster a decision can be made as to whether sorting is necessary, the closer an ejector can be positioned to the inspection area, resulting in a shorter overall device length. Furthermore, with shorter evaluation times, the product distance can also be reduced, as the risk of incorrectly attributing a detected leak to a subsequent package is lowered. Product throughput can therefore be increased. In particular, it is important to supply the gas aspirated at various points near the package to the sensor in such a way that any detected excessively high inert gas concentration can be clearly attributed to a specific package.

[0008] The invention is based on the understanding that a particularly short and precise analysis of the gas flow can be achieved using a suction bar module by synchronously combining the partial flows or gas components drawn into the suction bar module at different positions and via different intake openings near the packing at a specific intake time tE into a common total flow. These gas components then exit the suction bar module largely simultaneously at a later outlet time U ("largely" here means that technically unavoidable time shifts of individual partial flows due to unavoidable operational and manufacturing tolerances are considered acceptable and still within the scope of the invention). The gas flows thus synchronously combined can be fed together to a sensor for evaluation or inspection.This solution ensures that the partial flows drawn in near the package by a suction bar module do not reach the sensor at different times due to varying flow paths or flow resistances, thus preventing difficulties in evaluating and assigning the measurement results to a specific package or leak location. Instead, at least some, preferably all, partial flows drawn in at different positions of the suction bar module at a given time within the package environment reach the sensor essentially simultaneously. Even at high conveying velocities within a conveying path, knowing the velocity allows the sensor to unambiguously assign a protective gas concentration detected by the sensor to a specific package.Furthermore, when a protective gas is drawn in through several intake openings and combined in the overall flow according to the invention, it leads to a simultaneous and therefore significantly more measurable increase in concentration. Even small leaks in a package can thus be easily detected.

[0009] The term "inspection" here includes, among other things, the identification of a specific gas and / or the determination of its concentration. Further physical or chemical characteristics of the gas stream supplied to the sensor (e.g., pressure, temperature, composition, flow rate, humidity, etc.) can also be recorded as part of an inspection.

[0010] A suction strip module according to the invention, considered individually, is designed to combine at least four partial flows synchronously. This can be done, for example, in several stages, with the number of partial flows being reduced by half in each stage. Preferably, not only at least four, but all partial flows entering the suction strip module are combined synchronously. However, it is also conceivable to route further partial flows through the suction strip module independently of the at least four partial flows combined synchronously, or to combine them with other partial flows synchronously or with a time delay. A partial total flow contains all partial flows of a module that have been combined synchronously, and in doing so, the partial total flow transports any escaping protective gas at the highest possible concentration. The total flow of a module thus contains one or more partial total flows.This total flow can be combined with total flows from other suction strip modules, either synchronously or with a time delay, to form a new total flow.

[0011] In addition to the synchronous merging of the partial flows, it is also desirable to minimize the time interval between the intake time tE and the outlet time U. Therefore, preferably the flow resistance of a suction bar module according to the invention is as low as possible, while simultaneously the volume flow rate or flow velocity is selected to be as high as possible, taking into account the detection capability of the protective gas sensor. This sensor uses, for example, laser light to measure the concentration of escaping protective gas in the intake ambient air. The measured value can be integrated directly or over a predetermined time and compared with a reference value. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to consider the profile of the concentration value and, for example, to evaluate a gradient, independently of or in conjunction with predefinable absolute concentration values.The height and / or width of a peak in the temporal signal profile (sudden increase in gas concentration) can be evaluated and also allow statements about the size of a leak.

[0012] The suction strip module according to the invention comprises a base body extending in a thickness direction X, a longitudinal direction Y orthogonal to the thickness direction X, and a height direction Z orthogonal to both directions X and Y. The base body comprises a number (n) of individual suction openings Ei, E2... E n , which are trained to each carry a partial current Ti , T2... T nThe intake manifold module is designed to draw in a gas under investigation. For example, the individual intake openings can be arranged longitudinally, preferably in a straight line. The gas under investigation is, for instance, the ambient air surrounding a package transported along the production line. This air would contain an unacceptably high proportion of a protective gas if the package, filled with the protective gas, is leaking and therefore must be removed from production. The intake manifold module also includes an outlet opening. The partial flows are combined via channels within the base body to form a total flow TA, which exits the intake manifold module through the common outlet opening and can, for example, be fed to a protective gas sensor for analysis. The entire path from a selected intake opening to the common outlet opening can also be referred to as the connecting channel.

[0013] According to the invention, the base body is designed to combine at least four, preferably all, of the individual partial flows synchronously, so that the gas particles flowing into the individual intake openings simultaneously with the individual partial flows at an intake time tE exit the base body together or largely simultaneously through the outlet opening at an outlet time tA. This is ensured by appropriate design of the path and / or the flow cross-sections of each of these connecting channels. The path refers to the route of the connecting channel (length, deflections, bends, flow obstructions, divisions, throttles, etc.), while the flow cross-section, according to the continuity equation, determines the flow velocity in particular via its cross-sectional area.Time-synchronous merging can be achieved or supported, for example, by ensuring that the individual connecting channels are of largely the same length. Alternatively, time-synchronous merging of the partial flows can also be enforced by precisely selecting the flow cross-sections of one or more connecting channels within the main body such that the resulting flow resistance, in conjunction with the path length of a connecting channel, causes the gas particles to exit the outlet at the same time. For example, a first connecting channel could be designed to be longer than a second connecting channel, either by design or intentionally. The resulting differences in flow times through the respective connecting channels could then be equalized (synchronized) by, for example, making the second connecting channel...The connecting channel is designed with a higher flow resistance than the first connecting channel through appropriate design measures. The material or surface finish (e.g., roughness) of the channels can also influence the respective flow resistance and must be taken into account. Of course, the aforementioned measures can also be combined (the path layout and flow cross-section are adjusted so that approximately the same flow duration is generated for each connecting channel from its respective intake opening to the common outlet opening).

[0014] Preferably, in a particularly simple embodiment, connecting channels with identically long and virtually identically shaped (symmetrical) paths are used to achieve time-synchronous merging. An example of this is shown in Fig. 2a.

[0015] The individual partial flows or volume flows into the suction strip module and out to the outlet can be generated by a suitable intake device coupled to the outlet of the suction strip module. For example, a line could lead from the outlet to a protective gas sensor with an intake device located downstream of the sensor. This intake device would draw all partial flows into the individual intake openings, through the respective connecting channels of the suction strip module to the common outlet, and from there through the protective gas sensor. Of course, the intake device could also be located upstream of the sensor with respect to the flow direction.For the sake of simplicity, it can be assumed that at least one suction device can be provided for the operation of one or more interconnected suction bar modules, which ensures that several partial flows or a total flow are conveyed through a protective gas sensor.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the main body provides for the merging of individual partial flows in several stages (i, ii, iii...). Starting from the intake openings, a number (p) of supply channels (which can be individually specified for each stage and preferably apply to the entire stage) are combined into a common discharge channel in each stage. The respective partial flows are thus combined in a cascade-like manner, preferably symmetrically, to form a new, larger partial flow. A discharge channel of a stage either forms a supply channel for an immediately subsequent stage or it directs the partial flows of all intake openings, which have already been completely merged in this channel, as a single flow directly to the outlet opening. Preferably, two supply channels are combined into a common discharge channel (p = 2).Depending on the number of stages planned, for example, with eight intake openings, three stages (i, ii, and iii) are created within the main body, through which the partial flows entering at the intake openings are gradually combined into a single overall flow. However, a different number (p) of feed channels to be combined is also conceivable for each stage, for example, three or four (p = 3 or p = 4).

[0017] The merging of two partial flows (p = 2) could be achieved, in particular, via T-shaped or Y-shaped channel configurations. Preferably, the number (p) of feed channels to be merged applies to an entire stage, i.e., to all channels present in that stage. However, it is also conceivable to combine individual feed channels within a stage into a single discharge channel in varying numbers. For example, within a stage, ten feed channels could be combined into four discharge channels by combining two sets of three feed channels and two sets of two feed channels into a single discharge channel. This allows for individual adjustment of the flow conditions.

[0018] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​a discharge channel is equal to the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all associated supply channels, so that the overall flow velocity does not change when the respective partial flows are combined. If, for example, the channels are essentially designed with a circular cross-section, then a discharge channel receiving two partial flows via two supply channels would have a diameter approximately 1.4 times larger than that of each of the two supply channels. In this way, the flow velocities from one stage to the next (or, if this principle is implemented for all stages, also throughout the entire suction bar module) remain constant (other flow resistances are disregarded), and the partial flows entering the base body via the intake opening at a specific intake time tE all reach the outlet opening at approximately the same time at an outlet time U.

[0019] The intake openings of the base body can be arranged essentially one-dimensionally, i.e., linearly one behind the other in one direction. A two-dimensional distribution, such as a planar or matrix-like arrangement of individual intake openings, is also conceivable, for example, to adapt to the packaging geometry. A spatial (three-dimensional) distribution of the intake openings is also provided in one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base body has the shape of a preferably rectangular, flat plate extending substantially in the longitudinal and vertical directions Y, Z. Individual channels are formed within the plate for guiding and combining the volume flows, the channels preferably extending substantially along an imaginary plane from the inlet openings to the outlet opening, i.e., in the longitudinal direction Y and vertical direction Z. The inlet openings are preferably located in a narrow end face of the base body, and the common outlet opening is also preferably located in an end face of the base body, most preferably on the plate end face opposite the inlet openings. Depending on space requirements, the outlet opening, as well as some or all of the inlet openings, can be located on one of the plate surfaces instead of an end face.A plate-shaped suction bar module is particularly well-suited for placement along a production line. For example, the plate can be positioned with its narrow end face, containing the suction openings, perpendicular to the conveying direction above a conveyor belt, or at the level of a conveying plane between two deflection rollers of two adjacent conveyor belts, or below an air-permeable transport belt. While the package under test is conveyed, ambient air can be drawn in near the package through the suction openings, which are arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction, and supplied for analysis. Such a compact plate-shaped suction bar module can also be inclined or tilted relative to the conveying plane to allow its suction openings to reach as close as possible to the package, bypassing other components of the testing device.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, a plate with its end face containing the suction openings can also be oriented vertically, for example, to the side of or above a conveyor belt or above the conveyor level, so that the suction openings are located laterally and one above the other next to the package while it is being transported. Suction can then occur laterally next to the product, whereby, here too, a protective gas drawn in simultaneously at several suction openings can be synchronously combined and supplied to the sensor. Two suction bar modules arranged vertically on either side of the conveyor belt could also have their respective total flows combined synchronously and then supplied to the sensor.

[0022] The suction bar module can be rigid or flexible. The suction openings are preferably arranged one behind the other along a straight line in the longitudinal direction Y. It is also conceivable to adapt the suction bar module specifically to the packing geometry. For example, the end face with its suction openings could have a curved profile in the YZ plane along the longitudinal direction Y. This would allow the individual suction openings to be better adapted to, for example, a bulging packing or to be positioned at a uniform distance from it. Additionally or alternatively, the suction bar module could be curved or angled in the XZ plane when viewed in the vertical direction Z, in order to position its end face as close as possible to the area where a pressure element contacts the packing in confined installation situations. The suction bar module, especially in a plate-shaped design, can also be angled at multiple points, even around differently oriented axes (X, Y, Z).A flexible, reversibly deformable design of the suction strip module allows its use for different installation situations and packing geometries.

[0023] Preferably, the thickness of the base body is adapted to the flow cross-sections of the channels in such a way that the base body can be made flatter in the area of ​​many channels with smaller cross-sections (especially in the area of ​​individual intake openings) than where individual feed channels are combined to form new discharge channels with larger flow cross-sections. In these areas, the thickness of the plate must also increase. However, in the area of ​​the intake openings, the plate can be made particularly narrow or flat and requires little installation space, so that the intake openings can be positioned as close as possible to the product and / or to a pressure element of an inspection device.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the base body of the suction bar module comprises several adjacent partial plates, with grooves, recesses, or similar features for forming the channels provided in at least one of the partial plates. A second partial plate, covering the first partial plate and its grooves, then forms the further channel wall, so that a preferably cascade-like channel system is created between two partial plates, within which several partial flows are combined in stages. Advantageously, in the base body formed from partial plates, the intake openings are located on a first end face and the common outlet opening on an opposite second end face of the plate body thus formed. This allows the total flow to be easily extracted on the side of the base body facing away from the intake openings (and the packing) and fed to a sensor.It is also conceivable to design two essentially symmetrical sub-plates such that each sub-plate contains grooves and recesses which, when both sub-plates are assembled, combine to form complete channels. The sub-plates can be connected or clamped together, for example, by positive-locking insertion, by magnets on or in the plates, by screws, or with other connecting means, preferably without tools. A magnetic connection could, for example, be particularly easily released by a relative displacement of the plates relative to each other caused by an eccentric.

[0025] More than two sub-plates can be assembled to form the base body, with at least one sub-plate having grooves and recesses for the subsequent formation of channels. For example, a central plate with channel-forming recesses could be covered on both sides—preferably symmetrically—by another plate. Alternatively, several plates, each with fully formed channels and intake openings, could be placed next to each other to create a suction strip module with multiple rows of intake openings, e.g., offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. This would allow for the creation of an end face with a high number of intake openings in a confined space. Plates with different functions (e.g., intake openings for drawing in ambient air on the one hand, and exhaust openings for creating an air curtain on the other) can also be combined.

[0026] Although in the simplest embodiment the stepwise merging of the individual partial flows or channels is essentially two-dimensional, i.e., along a plane (see, for example, Fig. 2a), the merging can also be three-dimensional. For example, the partial flows from several rows of parallel, adjacent intake openings can be gradually merged into fewer or only one row and simultaneously or subsequently merged within a single row.

[0027] The basic body or its individual parts can be manufactured, for example, by casting, injection molding, machining, especially milling, or by means of additive manufacturing (3D printing) or combinations thereof.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the suction bar module is at least partially transparent, so that potential contamination and blockages in individual channels can be easily detected. Alternatively or additionally, means for pressure measurement can be provided to detect potential flow obstructions in at least one channel by evaluating the pressure measured there. Such monitoring of individual channels can also be carried out during the regular operation of the suction bar module.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the suction bar module can, in addition to the intake openings, have at least one adjacent outlet opening through which an airflow can be directed to generate an air curtain. The air curtain creates a separation in the immediate vicinity of the packing from the wider environment in order to prevent the mixing of the ingested gas with components from the wider environment and thus avoid falsifying the measurement result. The outlet opening could be designed as an elongated slot. Several separate outlet openings are also conceivable. The base body is provided with a corresponding connection for generating the air curtain, through which, for example, compressed air can be blown through the base body and out of the outlet opening(s).The connection can preferably be located on the side of the base body opposite the outflow openings, on which the outlet opening for the total flow is also preferably arranged.

[0030] Depending on the arrangement of one or more suction bar modules, an air curtain can be generated, for example, in front of and / or behind or to one or both sides of a product, in order to prevent the mixing of the immediate ambient air of the package with disruptive influences from beyond the air curtains, such as the breathing air of an operator.

[0031] Furthermore, the airflow from the outlet openings could be supplied with a test gas in a test operation and drawn in by the adjacent intake openings in order to check, for example, the proper function of the suction strip module or all of its connecting channels.

[0032] Finally, a suction bar module according to the invention could also be used as a blow ejector by selectively emitting a blast of air from the suction openings and directing it towards a product to separate it from a product stream. In the "reverse" operation, air is fed into the common outlet opening, which then distributes itself evenly across all suction openings, enabling particularly effective air pressure on the package to be sorted.

[0033] Preferably, in addition to the intake openings, the exhaust openings are also integrated into the base body, for example by creating separate grooves or recesses in one half of the plate to form dedicated channels for supplying the exhaust openings. Following the aforementioned example of two partial plates, the second partial plate can simultaneously cover the channels for the air curtain.

[0034] It is also conceivable to provide at least one closable reference test channel in addition to the connecting channels, through which a test gas can be fed into at least one channel of the base body, for example, to direct the test gas towards the outlet opening for instrument or plausibility testing. This allows for easy verification of the correct function of the measuring instrument (here: gas sensor). Furthermore, the flow characteristics of individual channels or entire connecting channels (from the inlet to the outlet opening) can be specifically tested. By feeding a (e.g., colored or visible) test gas into a discharge channel that combines at least two inlet channels, it can also be visually verified, for example, by observing its exit from the inlet openings, whether the test gas is distributed evenly or synchronously towards all upstream inlet channels at the respective stages.The introduction of compressed air via such a channel could also be used for the targeted removal of contaminants in specific channel areas if the alternative compressed air supply at the outlet opening appears unsuitable for this purpose. Preferably, other channels or intake openings are temporarily closed before the introduction of compressed air or test gas in order to restrict the flow only to the intended areas or channels.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one channel or a group of preferably adjacent or alternately arranged channels of the suction bar module, in particular a channel directly adjoining an inlet opening, can be selectively closed manually or automatically. This makes it possible to adapt the operation of the suction bar module to different package widths or to the position of a package in the longitudinal direction Y, for example by selectively changing the number and position of the inlet openings to be used. Advantageously, the channels to be closed are selected such that the inventive principle of synchronous partial flow merging is maintained. For example, it would be conceivable to close one of each pair of feed channels to be merged (p = 2) at a selected stage. The volumes of the individual partial flows, orThe synchronous flow conditions sought according to the invention would not be altered. The channels can be closed, for example, by manually or electromagnetically actuated valves, which are preferably integrated into the base body. Alternatively or additionally, intake openings could be selectively covered or blocked, e.g., by inserting strips of sheet metal into or in front of the openings. Furthermore, means for fine adjustment can be provided with which, for example in conjunction with calibration, the dimensions of the intake openings can be adjusted in order to individually set each intake opening or each connecting channel connected to it and thus adjust the synchronicity of the partial flows to be merged.

[0036] The suction strip module described above combines at least four partial flows, which are drawn in through at least four separate intake openings, into a total flow or partial total flow, preferably in a cascade manner over several stages, with a number (p) of partial flows being combined in each stage. Preferably, at least two such stages (i and ii, a "second-order" suction strip module) are provided in a suction strip module, so that, for example, the partial flows from a total of four intake openings are combined in a first stage (i) into two total flows and in a further stage (ii) into a single total flow or partial total flow. In this example, (p = 2) applies to each stage. Higher-order suction strip modules are also conceivable, i.e., with more than two stages (iii, iv, v...) and / or a varying number of partial flows to be combined in each stage (p = 3, 4, 5...).Even within a single stage, it is conceivable to select different numbers of the partial flows to be combined. The suction bar module according to the invention, with at least four partial flows to be combined, represents a smallest unit for gas intake, which can be manufactured as a separate component and used modularly.

[0037] Several suction strip modules according to the invention can also be combined in a common base body; they do not need to be physically separate from one another. A suction strip module is essentially defined by having several intake openings which, according to the principle of synchronous merging of the partial flows according to the invention, each lead to exactly one outlet opening for a total flow or partial total flow. Figure 2a shows, for example, one half of a single sixth-order suction strip module with 32 intake openings. Within this suction strip module, however, eight third-order suction strip modules can also be defined, for example.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, several suction bar modules, for example as the smallest physical units, can be combined as desired and assembled into a suction bar, arranged in a common body, or even formed integrally. For example, two third-order suction bar modules (iii), each with eight suction openings in the longitudinal direction Y, could be arranged one behind the other, with the number of channels being halved in each stage (p=2). The suction bar then offers a total of two separate outlet openings. This makes it easy, for example, to accommodate different conveyor track widths.

[0039] From these two individual outlet openings, hose connections could, for example, lead to individual shielding gas sensors to evaluate the gas flows. The two individual partial flows (in this case, partial total flows) could also be combined into a single total flow via these hose connections in a further stage. It is advantageous to ensure that the hose connections comply with the inventive principle of synchronously combining the individual volume flows.

[0040] Instead of connecting the two outlet openings via hoses, an alternative solution provides to couple a correspondingly larger dimensioned first-order suction bar module (i) with (p = 2) with two intake openings to the two outlet openings of the suction bar in order to synchronously combine the two partial total flows into a single common total flow, continuing the principle according to the invention.

[0041] Advantageously, suction bar modules of the same stage can be arranged side by side and connected to form a suction bar, creating a continuous line of consecutive suction openings, for example, positioned transversely above a conveyor belt for conveying the packages. Preferably, the suction bar also includes connecting means for combining it with further suction bar modules or even additional suction bars that form one or more further stages of the overall arrangement, in order to combine the individual partial flows. Here, too, for example, with a transversely arranged suction bar, the outer suction bar modules can be shut off by valves for narrower packages to prevent the intake of air from the surrounding area of ​​the package or the system, as this would otherwise only reduce the concentration of any protective gas that may be present.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one suction bar module or at least one suction bar is provided with a protective gas sensor integrated into or mounted on one or more channels. Such a suction bar or suction bar module can then be used as a completely self-contained unit for combining and analyzing a gas flow. Preferably, all partial flows within the arrangement are combined into a single total flow, which is then fed to the gas sensor. In addition to or as an alternative to the gas sensor, one or more flow sensors could also be provided, which detect the volumetric flow rate of a partial or total flow for measurement and / or testing purposes. Such a flow sensor could also be positioned downstream of the outlet opening.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, an inspection device described above is equipped with at least one suction bar module of the aforementioned type. The inspection device extends in a conveying direction Xf, a transverse direction Yf orthogonal to this direction (preferably horizontal), and a vertical direction Zf orthogonal to both directions. It also includes conveying means for transporting packages in the conveying direction Xf and is designed for inspecting packages for escaping protective gas. Preferably, at least one pressure element is also provided as a means for applying a pressure force to a package filled with protective gas while the package is being conveyed. By means of the pressure element pressing on the package, the pressure inside the package is increased so that any existing leak causes the protective gas to be forced out of the package more effectively.The pressure element can, for example, comprise one or more rollers or wheels, or one or two lateral or an upper conveyor belt, so that the product lying on the lower conveyor belt is subjected to a pressure force on its upper side by the roller or conveyor belt during transport. Preferably, the distance between the pressure element and the suction bar module and the conveyor belt is adjustable manually or automatically, particularly depending on the product, and most preferably even during operation and from package to package.

[0044] According to the invention, the device further comprises at least one suction bar module as described above, arranged near the pressure means, and at least one protective gas sensor to which the gas flowing through the outlet opening of the at least one suction bar module can be supplied for inspection. The at least one suction bar module is arranged with respect to the packing or the pressure element a) in the conveying direction (Xf) in front of and / or behind it, and / or b) in the transverse direction (Yf) on one or both sides thereof, and / or c) in the vertical direction (Zf) above and / or below it.

[0045] In the case of a round or arc-shaped pressure element such as a roller, the preferably plate-shaped suction bar module can be inclined or tilted relative to the conveying plane so that its suction openings are as close as possible to the point where the pressure element presses on the packaging.

[0046] Preferably, at least one suction strip module or suction strip is completely modular and can be removed or replaced from the device without tools. Alternatively or additionally, the distances between individual suction strip modules, between them, a conveyor belt transporting the products, or a pressure element can be adjusted, for example, by means of a manually releasable and adjustable fixing. This allows for quick adaptation to different product geometries. The suction strip module or suction strip could also form a modularly interchangeable head together with the pressure element, so that both components can be replaced together. In this case, the pressure element can be fully configured for a specific product geometry simultaneously with the suction strip module and inserted or replaced as needed.

[0047] To leverage synergies, the inspection device can be designed to simultaneously acquire other measured variables. Advantageously, the same components can be used for various quality assurance tasks (especially measurement and inspection, sorting, marking, etc.). The inspection device can also include a control unit that processes, evaluates, or displays the data from one or more of the device's sensors. In this way, the inspection device could have a modular design and be implemented as an all-in-one system. It could include, in particular, the following components: a conveyor system, a display for visualization and operation, a control unit, a protective enclosure or other housing components, a rack, an ejector, an X-ray inspection device, a metal detector, label dispensers, or other components typical of a production line.This saves on component costs and installation space, enabling a compact design. In particular, the inspection device can also include a weighing device, such as a load cell, to determine the weight of the package. Alternatively or additionally, the load cell can also be configured to measure the contact force applied to the package. This solution is applicable regardless of the use of a previously described suction bar module or the associated method. It allows multiple inspection tasks (weight determination, contact force measurement) to be performed using the same components (load cell, transport system, display, control), thereby saving costs and installation space. The weight of the package can be determined before or after the contact force measurement. For contact force measurement, the contact element should be positioned as centrally as possible above the load application point of the load cell.

[0048] Furthermore, a control unit could be used to actuate the pressure element, for example to generate a minimum pressure or to prevent excessive pressure. Any air curtain generated could be switched off during the package weight measurement to prevent inaccurate readings.

[0049] If no additional weight measurement is required, or even independently thereof, the contact force can also be measured using a sensor attached to the pressure element or its mounting. Problems in a previous process or significant defects in packages can thus be detected through abnormal behavior in the contact force measurement. For example, a package not properly filled with protective gas would exhibit a contact force that differs significantly from that of correctly filled packages, either in magnitude or timing. Even if no protective gas leakage from the package can be detected, the package could still be rejected as defective.

[0050] A suction strip module according to the invention creates a synchronous merging of individual partial flows within the suction strip module. However, it is conceivable to combine several individual suction strip modules of the same or different types in such a way (for example, to form a suction strip) that the partial total flows exiting the outlet openings of the various suction strip modules deliberately do not exit synchronously, for example, by having one suction strip module have a deliberately higher flow resistance or by intentionally making the flow paths behind the outlet openings of the individual suction strip modules of different lengths before these flows are also merged.Although this suction strip module fulfills the inventive synchronous merging of at least four of its partial flows, its total flow exits its outlet opening sooner or later than the total flow of at least one of the other suction strip modules (not fully synchronous or partially time-synchronous merging).

[0051] This non-synchronous merging is also conceivable within a single suction bar module according to the invention. In this case, for example, several groups of simultaneously entering partial flows are each synchronously merged to form a partial total flow. However, this merging occurs at different speeds or with time delays for some or all groups. Alternatively or additionally, the partial total flows already formed (synchronously or with time delay) for each group can themselves be merged with a time delay and directed to the outlet opening (e.g., due to different path lengths between the groups). Thus, the individual partial total flows of each group leave the suction bar module through the outlet opening with a time delay. Such a non-synchronous merging allows for the spatial localization of leaks, particularly those perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0052] For example, an arrangement of 32 intake openings could be formed by four adjacent intake bar modules, each with eight intake openings. The two middle intake bar modules are specifically designed so that their partial total flow exits the respective outlet opening at a later time than that of the two outer intake bar modules. This would mean that a shielding gas drawn in more towards the center of the intake bar would reach the sensor as a signal peak somewhat later (for example, a few milliseconds) than would be the case if the shielding gas were drawn in at one of the two ends of the intake bar. If necessary, supported by empirically determined parameters, the time at which the shielding gas sensor detects an increased shielding gas concentration can then be used to infer whether the leak is located more towards the center or the edge of the package. This may require determining the exact position of the package.Their movement due to the conveying velocity is included in the evaluation to make a reliable statement about the location of the leak. The non-fully synchronous merging can also be used to create a single, particularly clear peak, as illustrated by the following example: In a suction manifold with several suction manifold modules arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, the flow resistances or path lengths could be gradually reduced both within the individual suction manifold modules and between the individual suction manifold modules from the upstream beginning in the conveying direction to the downstream end of the suction manifold (whereby the minimum number of four partial flows to be synchronously merged per suction manifold module remains unchanged).If shielding gas were to escape from a packing moving along the intake openings of the suction bar, it would be drawn in by the individual suction bar modules at different times, but due to the different flow resistances or path lengths, it would nevertheless be synchronously brought together and discharged from the common outlet opening of the last stage. This would make even a small leak in the packing particularly easy to detect.

[0053] The non-fully synchronous merging described above can also be performed independently of a previously described suction bar module or suction bar, as long as the principle of time-synchronous merging of at least four partial flows is taken into account. The crucial aspect here is the procedure of merging at least four partial flows of a gas flow under investigation in a time-synchronous manner, and then further merging some or all of the resulting total flows in such a way that at least one partial flow is selectively merged with the other partial flows at a time offset (partial time synchronicity). This method allows leaks in packings to be reliably detected according to their location.

[0054] Individual suction bar modules can also be connected to each other via hoses. The flow resistance or a desired flow time can then be adjusted by varying the hose lengths between the individual suction bar modules, preferably taking into account the conveying speed of the package. Although the above always refers to exactly one package being tested, several packages, for example, transported in parallel or in multiple rows in product conveying tracks, can also be tested simultaneously using one or more suction bar modules according to the invention. A suction bar module can also extend over several tracks.Alternatively, a separate module with its own sensor can be used for each lane, or a single sensor can be used for both lanes. The defective package can also be identified, similar to the leak location determination described above, by analyzing total flows assigned to each package at different times. For this purpose, each product flow lane is assigned its own separate group of suction openings. The suction openings assigned to a lane can also extend across several suction bar modules (module boundary advantageously being the same as lane boundary).

[0055] If a detected defect cannot be clearly attributed to any one of these multiple packages, all packages conveyed in parallel during an inspection can be sorted out if a leak is detected, and the actually defective package can be identified in a separate station. Alternatively, the sorted-out packages can be manually or automatically, e.g., via conveyor belts, reintroduced to the inspection device (recirculation) and, for example, tested individually. Another possibility would be to buffer the air drawn in at one lane using suitable storage media, i.e., to temporarily store it for analysis at a later time. This would allow for the sequential inspection of air drawn in simultaneously at different intake openings for packages conveyed in parallel.It would also be conceivable to apply pressure to products conveyed in parallel at different times and / or locations using a pressure element, so that protective gas only escapes from the package being pressurized and can be detected. In this case, the ambient gases drawn in from all tracks and combined into a single flow can also be tested by a single gas sensor.

[0056] The simultaneous testing of several packages being conveyed in parallel, and optionally their recirculation, can be performed independently of a suction bar module described above. Crucially, a separate total flow or partial total flow is initially generated for each of the packages being tested in parallel. This flow can be directed to a separate sensor. Alternatively, the resulting partial total flows can be combined synchronously or with a time delay into a single total flow encompassing all packages. This combined flow can then be analyzed to detect leaks in at least one of the packages, preferably with unambiguous identification of the affected package(s).

[0057] A suction strip module according to the invention, or the method underlying it, is also suitable for calibration tasks. This is important for checking the module for defects or contamination, especially if a suction strip module is fully monolithic and opaque, and defects are not easily visible. Unintentionally drawn-in air, for example due to leaks in a module (e.g., one made of plates), should also preferably be detected.

[0058] Calibration of one, several, or all connection channels of a suction bar module and / or a suction bar could be achieved, for example, by introducing a test gas into one or more connection channels at a predetermined time and / or location, either through one or more intake openings or through other openings suitable or provided for this purpose, and by conveying the test gas to a suitable gas sensor that analyzes the incoming gas flow. By comparing the measurement results with a predefined reference value, a statement can be made about the proper functioning of the module or the correct execution of the procedure. For example, the width and / or height of the measurement pulse (peak), the response time, and / or the integrated area under a pulse signal curve can be evaluated. At least one of these parameters, especially the response time, can be a measure of the flow resistance.Values ​​determined empirically or experimentally for different conditions can be stored in a suitable database as a reference or for further use, e.g. grouped by type of product and / or depending on the size of a leak.

[0059] By comparing one or more measured values ​​obtained during calibration with one or more predefined reference values, a statement can be made about the synchronicity, i.e., the degree of simultaneity of the partial flows that are deliberately synchronized. This measure can also serve as a characteristic value or quality attribute for a specific suction strip module or suction strip. If the characteristic value or quality attribute does not meet certain predefined or, for example, customer-specific requirements, the corresponding module may or must be reworked, replaced, or cleaned.

[0060] An inspection device as described above can be designed to preferably perform such a calibration automatically.

[0061] The invention will be explained in more detail below using examples of figures.

[0062] This shows

[0063] Figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a device according to the invention.

[0064] suction strip module;

[0065] Figures 2a, 2b show the principle underlying the invention of the synchronous merging of partial flows within a suction bar module;

[0066] Figure 3 shows a suction strip comprising several suction strip modules;

[0067] Figure 4 shows an arrangement of several Y-connectors using the method according to the invention;

[0068] Figures 5a and 5b show an inspection device with a suction bar module and a load cell with conveyor belt.

[0069] Fig. 6 shows an arrangement of two parallel and interconnected suction strip modules according to the invention.

[0070] Fig. 7 shows a suction bar module adapted to the contour of a package, and

[0071] Fig. 8 shows the use of a suction strip module according to the invention on a multi-lane inspection device. Figure 1 shows a simplified perspective view of a suction strip module M according to the invention. The suction strip module M comprises a base body G, which extends in a thickness direction X, a longitudinal direction Y orthogonal to it, and a height direction Z orthogonal to both directions. The base body G comprises two equally sized flat partial plates Gi and G2, which lie adjacent to each other in the thickness direction X and are connected to each other by means not shown in detail.

[0072] In a magnified section of an upper end face R of the base body G, a series of identical intake openings Ei, E2, E3... arranged longitudinally Y can be seen. Each of these intake openings is designed to draw in a partial flow of a gas under investigation from the immediate vicinity of this end face of the base body G. The large number of intake openings illustrates the goal of drawing in the individual partial flows as uniformly as possible along the entire length of the intake bar module. Each intake opening leads into a channel initially assigned only to that specific opening, which is not visible in Figure 1.

[0073] Figure 2a shows the subplate G1 in an unobstructed view. It can be seen how, starting from the intake openings Ei, E2, E3... at the upper edge of subplate G1, individual channels extend in the vertical direction Z, which are combined in pairs over several stages until finally a common outlet opening A leads out of subplate G1 at the lower edge. From each intake opening, exactly one connecting channel, comprising a series of individual channels K that transition into one another in stages, leads to the outlet opening A. Subplate G1 is designed as a mirror image of subplate G2 shown in Figure 1, so that the two subplates G1 and G2, which are congruent according to Figure 1, form the channels between them. In each stage, two channels or partial flows are combined to form a new channel or partial flow.The cross-sectional areas of the individual channels are selected such that each channel has the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the two upstream channels, in order to ensure a constant flow velocity along all connecting channels. At the same time, all individual connecting channels are of the same length. According to the invention, this ensures that the partial flows entering the individual intake openings at a specific intake time tE are synchronously combined via the individual stages and therefore exit the suction bar module M via the outlet opening A essentially simultaneously.

[0074] Figure 2b illustrates the principle of the individual stages using a schematic section of a suction bar module. It shows that for a given stage (here designated by example i, ii, iii, iv...), several pairs of feed channels Kzi are combined into a common discharge channel KAI. The discharge channel of one stage simultaneously forms a feed channel for the immediately following stage (KAI = KZÜ, KÜ = Kzüi, etc.). This principle continues until all channels, as shown in Figure 2a, merge into a single total flow and exit the suction bar module through a common outlet opening.

[0075] Figure 3 shows a suction bar Q composed of several (in the illustrated case, six) individual suction bar modules Mi, M2... Me, each with eight suction openings (not all reference numerals have been repeated for each suction bar module). The number of suction bar modules can, for example, depend on a predetermined conveyor belt width or packaging width. The individual suction openings, not identified in detail in this figure, are located at the upper edge of the suction bar Q, all arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction Y, each in the end face R of a suction bar module. Each of the individual suction bar modules Mi, M2... Me has its own outlet opening Ai, A2... Ae, to which, in the illustrated case, an unspecified hose is already connected. This hose combines the individual partial flows in a manner not shown and directs them to a protective gas sensor, also not shown.

[0076] Instead of the hoses connected to the individual outlet openings Ai, A2... Ae, at least one further suction bar module could also be coupled to the suction bar Q, which has a correspondingly positioned intake opening for some or all of the outlet openings Ai, A2... Ae in order to receive the corresponding partial flows and combine them via further stages into a total flow, which either combines all partial flows of the suction bar or only a part of them, which can then be combined into a total flow in one or more further stages by means of one or more further suction bar modules or suction bars. Figure 4 describes the inventive process principle of the time-synchronous merging of individual volume flows via several stages, independent of a specially designed intake module M.In this process, a gas to be examined is drawn in through several separate intake openings E (8 in the example of Figure 4) into channels that are merged in several stages, for example via the hoses S shown in Figure 4. The channels and hoses are dimensioned such that the gas components entering all or at least four of the intake openings E at a specific intake time are merged synchronously in such a way that they pass through the outlet opening A in a total flow essentially simultaneously at a later outlet time.

[0077] Figures 5a and 5b show a schematic side view of an inspection device V extending in a conveying direction Xf, a vertical direction Zf orthogonal to it, and a transverse direction Yf orthogonal to both directions. A package D enters an inspection zone U via a conveyor belt B and enters the effective area of ​​a pressure element F, which exerts pressure on the package D as it is conveyed under the pressure element F in the direction of the arrow. Adjacent to the pressure element F, which is designed, for example, as a roller, a suction bar module M according to the invention is arranged to draw in any protective gas that may escape from the package D along with the ambient air surrounding the package and supply it to a protective gas sensor (not shown).The suction bar module M is slightly curved at its lower end, where the suction openings are located, in order to adapt in a space-saving manner to the pressure element F designed as a roller and to bring its suction openings as close as possible to the contact area between pressure element F and packing D, as also illustrated in Fig. 5b.

[0078] Below the conveyor belt B, a load cell W is arranged for measuring the package weight (Figure 5a) and / or for determining or controlling the contact force applied to the package D by the pressure element F (Figure 5b). The contact force measurement should be performed as centrally as possible below the pressure element by means of the load application point of the load cell W positioned there, in order to avoid corner loads and torques due to off-center loading. The contact force is generally greater than the weight force and places an additional load on the load cell.

[0079] Figure 6 shows two suction bars Qi, Ch arranged parallel to each other, based on the model of Figure 3, wherein each suction bar Qi, Ch comprises an unspecified number of suction bar modules M according to the invention, which are formed integrally with the respective suction bar. The two suction bars are oriented with their end faces Ri, R2 downwards (opposite the vertical direction Z) and fixed to each other in the X-direction at a predefinable and adjustable distance. At the upper end, each suction bar is provided with an outlet opening Ai, A2, from which the total flow generated within the respective suction bar is discharged. Via hose or pipe connections (not shown), these two total flows can be combined again, either synchronously or with a desired time delay, and fed to a sensor for evaluation.

[0080] The space formed in the X direction between the two suction bars can accommodate a pressure element F, which can pressurize a packing D in the opposite direction to the Z direction. Any existing leakage can thus force protective gas out of the packing, be drawn in by the suction bars, and detected.

[0081] Figure 7 shows a simplified representation of a package D transported on a conveyor belt (in the direction of the viewer). Above the package D, a plate-shaped suction bar module M according to the invention is arranged, the lower end face R of which, facing the package D, has a plurality of suction openings (not specified in detail). The end face R is adapted to the curved contour of the package D, so that the suction openings are largely equidistant from the package. The suction bar module can be adapted to the package contour by, for example, extending its edge region laterally next to the package down to just above the belt, in order to simultaneously draw in air from the top of the package and its side surfaces. This allows any gas flow escaping from the package to be drawn into the suction bar module M even more reliably and precisely. Figure 8 shows a simplified top view of a two-lane inspection system.Along two parallel conveyor belts B, products D are transported in the direction of the arrow. They pass under a pressure element F, provided separately for each lane, which applies a pressure force to the respective package D towards the respective conveyor belt B. A suction bar module M according to the invention, with an unspecified number of suction openings, is positioned across both lanes close to the two pressure elements F to draw in ambient air from the surroundings of the packages transported on both lanes. Individual suction openings of the suction bar module M, e.g., in the area between the two lanes, could also be selectively closed to prevent their use. The suction bar module M guides all

[0082] The partial streams are combined into a single total stream and directed to a gas sensor (not shown) for analysis.

[0083] The two pressure elements can also be arranged offset from each other in the conveying direction Xf. Advantageously, each pressure element is then assigned its own suction bar module, or a suction bar module spanning both tracks, or a suction bar could be guided over both tracks in order to position its suction openings as close as possible to the respective pressure element.

[0084] Reference symbol list

[0085] A, Ai, A2 outlet

[0086] B Conveyor belt, transport belt D Packaging

[0087] E, Egg, E2... Intake opening

[0088] F Pressure element

[0089] G Basic body

[0090] Gi, G2 partial plates

[0091] Channel i, ii, iii... Stage number

[0092] K zi Supply channel of a stage i

[0093] K Ai Drainage channel of a stage i

[0094] M, Mi, M2... Suction strip module n Total number of suction openings of a suction strip module m Number of time-synchronously combined partial flows as part of the total number (n)

[0095] P Number of feed channels to be merged

[0096] Q suction strip consisting of several suction strip modules (M)

[0097] R Front

[0098] S hose

[0099] Ti, T2... Partial current t E Entry time t A Release time

[0100] T A Total current

[0101] V Inspection device

[0102] U inspection zone w load cell

[0103] X Thickness direction

[0104] Xf Conveying direction of the inspection device (V)

[0105] Y Longitudinal direction

[0106] Yfy transverse direction of the inspection device (V) z vertical direction

[0107] Zf Vertical direction of the inspection device (V)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Suction bar module for drawing in a gas to be tested, in particular from the vicinity of at least one package (D) filled with protective or test gas for checking its tightness (quality test), comprising a base body (G) extending in a thickness direction (X), a longitudinal direction (Y) orthogonal to the thickness direction (X) and in a height direction (Z) orthogonal to both directions (X, Y), a) wherein the base body (G) has a number (n) of at least four individual suction openings (E1, E2... E2). n ) to draw in a partial stream (Ti, T2... T) n ) of the gas to be investigated, as well as an outlet opening (A), b) wherein the partial flows (Ti , T2... T n ) via channels (K) within the base body (G) in several stages (i, ii, iii...) are combined in such a way that all partial flows (Ti, T2... T n) in a common total flow (TA) through an outlet opening (A), characterized in that c) the base body (G) is designed to accommodate a number (m) of at least four partial flows (Ti, T2... T m ), preferably all (n) partial streams, to be combined synchronously in time, so that the flow at a given intake time (t E ) with these partial currents (Ti, T2... T m ) into their respective intake openings (Ei , E2... E m ) the simultaneously flowing gas components leave the base body (G) together and largely simultaneously through the outlet opening (A) at a later outlet time (tA), d) by adjusting the path and / or the flow cross-sections of each connecting channel, each of which is fed by one of these (m) intake openings (Ei, E2... E m ) to the outlet opening (A) is chosen such that the The resulting flow resistance, together with the path length of the connecting channel within the connecting channel, ensures the largely time-synchronous exit of the gas particles of all (m) partial flows (Ti , T2... T ). m ) at the outlet opening (A).

2. Suction strip module (M) according to claim 1, characterized in that within the base body (G), starting from suction openings (Ei , E2... E) n ) and via several stages (i, ii, iii...), at least one individually specified number (p) of feed channels (Kzi) of a stage (i) to be combined leads into a common discharge channel (KAI), wherein a discharge channel (KAI) of a stage (i) simultaneously forms a feed channel (Kzn) of an immediately subsequent stage (ii) or leads directly into the outlet opening (A), so that the respective partial flows are combined in a cascade-like, preferably symmetrical, manner to form a new, larger partial flow.

3. Suction strip module (M) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flow cross-sectional area of ​​at least one discharge channel (KAI) of a stage (i) is equal to the sum of the flow cross-sectional areas of all associated supply channels (Kzi).

4. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (G) has the shape of a preferably rectangular, flat plate which extends substantially in the longitudinal and vertical directions (Y, Z), wherein the suction openings (Ei , E2... E n ) in one of the narrow end faces (R) of the plate and the outlet opening (A) is preferably also located on an end face (R), most preferably on one of the intake openings (Ei , E2... E ). n ) opposite end face of the plate.

5. Suction strip module (M) according to the preceding claim, wherein the end face (R) with its suction openings along the longitudinal direction (Y) has a non-straight, in particular stepped and / or curved shape adapted to the packing geometry of a package to be examined.

6. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the The base body (G) in the thickness direction (X) preferably adapts the respective flow cross-sections of the channels inside the plate at least to the extent that the thickness in the area of ​​the intake openings (Ei , E2... E ) n ) is lower than in the area of ​​the outlet opening (A).

7. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a) the suction strip module (M) is manufactured by casting, injection molding, machining or by means of additive manufacturing (3D printing) or combinations thereof, and / or b) the suction strip module (M) is made of plastic, metal (in particular aluminum) or composite material, and / or c) the suction strip module (M) is either at least partially transparent and / or equipped with means for pressure measurement in at least one channel in order to detect flow obstructions in at least one channel without having to disassemble the suction strip module (M), and / or d) the suction strip module (M) is arcuate and / or angled along its height direction (Z) in the XZ plane, and is thereby adapted to a pressure element of an inspection device.

8. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two adjacent partial plates (G1 , G2), wherein recesses are formed in at least one of the partial plates (G1, G2) which, by covering with another partial plate (G2, G1), form the channels at least partially, preferably completely, wherein the partial plates are preferably connectable without tools.

9. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in addition to the suction openings (Ei , E2... E n ) adjacent outlet openings are provided through which an airflow can be discharged to generate an air curtain, the outlet openings together with the intake openings (Ei , E2... E n ) are integrated into the preferably plate-shaped base body (G).

10. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in addition to the connecting channels, a closable reference test channel is provided through which a test gas can be introduced into at least one selected channel (K) in order to direct the test gas for measuring instrument or plausibility testing in the direction of the outlet opening (A) and / or in the direction of one or more inlet openings (Ei , E2... E ). n ) to direct, preferably while simultaneously closing off other predetermined channels.

11. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein within the suction strip module (M) several groups of simultaneously into the suction openings (Ei , E2... E) n) incoming partial flows are each combined separately according to claim 1 in a time-synchronous manner to form a respective partial total flow, and wherein a) the combining within one group is faster or slower compared to another group, and / or b) wherein the further combining of at least two partial total flows of the individual groups is deliberately not simultaneous (partial time synchronization), so that the individual total flows of the individual groups, which are completely combined in the suction strip module (M), leave the suction strip module (M) through the outlet opening (A) at different times.

12. Suction strip module (M) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel, preferably each individual suction opening, or a group of suction openings, can be manually or automatically selectively closed in order to direct an associated partial flow through the respective channel or suction opening (Ei , E2... E ). n to prevent this.

13. Suction strip (Q), comprising at least two suction strip modules (Mi, M2) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Suction strip (Q) according to the preceding claim, wherein the respective Outlet openings (Ai, A2) of at least two of the intake manifold modules (Mi, M2) a) at least two intake openings (Ei , E2... E n ) a further suction strip module of the aforementioned type, dimensioned appropriately for this purpose, is connected directly or via hose or pipe connections, or b) is led via hose or pipe connections to a common outlet channel.

15. Suction strip module (M) according to one of claims 1 to 12 or suction strip (Q) according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a sensor integrated into or mounted on the suction strip module (M) or the suction strip (Q) for inspecting shielding gas or test gas escaping from a package (shielding gas sensor).

16. Inspection device (V) extending in a conveying direction (Xf), a transverse direction (Yf) orthogonal thereto, preferably horizontal, and a vertical direction (Zf) orthogonal to both directions, comprising conveying means for single- or multi-lane conveying of packages (D) in the conveying direction (Xf) through an inspection zone (II) and configured for inspecting the packages (D) in the inspection zone (II) for escaping protective gas or test gas, wherein the inspection device (V) further comprises: a) at least one suction bar module (Mi, M2...) arranged in the inspection zone (II) according to one of claims 1 to 12, b) and at least one protective gas sensor to which the gas flowing through the outlet opening (A) of the at least one suction bar module (Mi, M2...) can be supplied for inspection.

17. Inspection device (V) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a pressure element (F) arranged in the inspection zone (II) for applying a pressure force to a package (D) filled with protective gas.

18. Inspection device (V) according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one suction bar module (Mi, M2...) is connected to the package (D) or a pressure element (F) a) in the direction of conveyance (Xf) in front of and / or behind it, and / or b) in the transverse direction (Yf) to one or both sides of it, and / or c) in the vertical direction (Zf) above and / or below it.

19. Inspection device with at least one suction bar module according to claims 1 to 12 or at least one suction bar according to claim 13 or 14, wherein several partial total flows i) within at least one suction bar module (M), or ii) are further combined downstream of several suction bar modules (M) of a suction bar (Q) with a time offset, in order to largely compensate for a) package transport and the associated time-off suction through suction openings located one behind the other in the transport direction and / or b) to evaluate the resulting time offset of the measurement results of the protective gas sensor and thus to locate the point on the package where the protective gas escapes from the package.

20. Method for combining a number (n) of at least four partial streams (Ti , T2... T ). m), preferably all (n) partial streams of a gas to be tested, which is drawn from the environment of at least one package (D) filled with protective or test gas for checking the tightness (quality test) of the package, to a common total stream (TA), a) wherein the gas to be tested is drawn via several separate Suction openings (egg, E2... E n ) in respective substreams (Ti, T2... T n ) is drawn into channels (K), and b) wherein a number (m) of at least four of the partial streams (Ti , T2... Tm) are drawn into the respective intake openings (Ei, E2... E) at an intake time (tE). m ) simultaneously flowing gas components are combined along connecting channels via several stages (i, ii, iii...) in a cascade-like and time-synchronous manner and as a total flow (TA) or partial total flow to a point after the inlet time (t E) at the venting time (tA) are largely simultaneously fed to a protective gas sensor via a common vent opening (A).

21. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the original separate partial streams (Ti, T2... T) are used to produce m ) in each stage (i, ii, iii...) a number (p) of individual supply flows, individually specified for each stage, are combined into a common discharge flow, and wherein a discharge flow thus formed constitutes a supply flow to an immediately subsequent stage (ii, iii, iv... ) or the total volume flow (TA), and wherein the time-synchronous merging is ensured by the routing and / or the flow cross-sections of each connecting channel, each of which is fed by one of these (m) intake openings (Ei , E2... E ). m) to the outlet opening (A), is chosen such that the resulting flow resistance together with the path length of the connecting channel ensures the largely time-synchronous exit of the gas particles of all (m) partial flows (Ti, T2... T m ) at the outlet opening (A).

22. Method according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that for the stepwise merging of the (m) partial streams (Ti , T2... T m ) at least one suction strip module (M) according to claim 1-12 or at least one suction strip according to claim 13 or 14 is used.

23. Method for calibrating one, several or all connection channels of a suction strip module according to one of claims 1 to 12 and / or one Suction bar according to claim 13 or 14, in the case of locally and / or temporally predetermined injection of a test gas into one or more intake openings, characterized in that the measurement results of a test gas sensor with regard to measurement pulse width and / or height and / or reaction time and / or integrated area under the pulse signal curve are compared with a predefined reference value.

24. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising the creation of at least one quality characteristic or characteristic value derived from the comparison as a measure of the synchronicity of several or all connection channels of a suction strip module (M) or a suction strip (Q).

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