Prefabricated module for a testing apparatus, and testing apparatus for testing at least one property of objects to be tested

Abstract

The invention relates to a prefabricated module (10) for a testing apparatus (1) for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the testing apparatus (1) is integrated into a production or processing system of the objects to be tested, comprising: a testing device (1), which has, as components (2), sensor devices for detecting the at least one property of the objects to be tested, signal processing means, amplifier means, control means, evaluation means, cables (23), printed circuit boards (22) and plugs (24); and a rotatably mounted conveying drum (3) having at least one annular body (31), on which at least two conveying troughs (32) are arranged, and each conveying trough (32) has its own sensor device, which comprises a transmitter and a receiver, for detecting the at least one property of the object to be tested located in the conveying trough (32), wherein the prefabricated module (10) houses at least two components (2) of the testing device and is designed and configured for insertion into a recess (4) in the conveying drum (3). The prefabricated module makes it possible to accommodate the necessary components of the testing device in the small space present in the conveying drum, in order to thus provide a sensor device in each conveying trough (32).

Description

[0001] Körber Technologies GmbH

[0002] Körber Technologies GmbH, Kurt-A.-Körber-Chaussee 8-32, 21033 Hamburg

[0003] Pre-assembled module for a test device and test device for testing at least one property of objects to be tested.

[0004] The present invention relates to a pre-assembled module for a test device for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the test device is integrated into a production or processing plant of the objects to be tested, with a test unit comprising as components sensor devices for detecting, in particular for static detection, the at least one property of the objects to be tested, signal processing means, amplifier means, control means, evaluation means, cables, connectors and circuit boards, and a rotatably mounted conveyor drum for conveying the objects to be tested, wherein the conveyor drum has at least one ring body on which two conveyor troughs are arranged, wherein the conveyor troughs, in particular each conveyor trough, are designed and configured to receive an object to be tested, wherein the conveyor troughs or each conveyor trough has its own sensor device,which has a transmitter and a receiver, is assigned to detect at least one property of the object to be tested located in the conveying trough, and such a test device with such a module.

[0005] It is common practice for production and processing procedures to include facilities for checking the quality of the produced or processed items. This is done to identify items that do not meet certain desired criteria and remove them from the process, in particular for rework, repurposing, or disposal.

[0006] Ideally, such inspections are performed during the ongoing process; that is, the items are inspected as they move through the production or processing plant to avoid delays. The inspection is carried out regularly using stationary inspection equipment located at one or more points in the process. Depending on the speed at which the 35 items move through the production or processing plant, the time available for inspection may be only a fraction of a second.

[0007] The verification of manufactured or processed items is of particular importance if these items are subject to an authentication procedure 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 refills and that the product's functionality is contingent upon successful authentication. Tobacco heaters (also known as "heat-not-burn" products) are one example. Here, it is crucial that the items undergoing this authentication procedure are actually recognized as genuine during use.

[0008] Various testing devices are known for such purposes and are described, for example, in EP 4087415 A1, EP 2715320 B1, and 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 under test. The testing device described in EP 2715320 B1 includes a high-speed detector comprising an IR laser diode that also excites a substance applied to the object under test at its absorption frequency, and a sensor tuned to receive light at the emission frequency of the applied substance.

[0009] DE 102012211648 A1 Finally, a transmitter is integrated into the recesses of a conveyor drum, which sends signals through the object to be tested, which are received by a receiver outside the drum.

[0010] These testing devices have in common that at least part of the sensor assembly is located outside the conveyor system and fixed in place, while the conveyor system moves the objects to be tested past this fixed sensor assembly or part thereof. In conventional testing methods, the object being tested moves relative to the sensor, so that, for example, the distance and beam angle change over time. This is a disadvantage when measuring the temporal evolution of a signal because these changes must be taken into account and factored out. Furthermore, positioning the sensor assembly, or at least part of it, outside the conveyor system generally results in relatively large distances to the object being tested. This is disadvantageous because the signal strength often drops sharply with increasing distance from the object being tested.Finally, due to the relative movement of the object being tested and the sensor (part) to each other, the maximum measurement time is limited and depends on the speed of the conveying device.

[0011] Due to the disadvantages described, the measurement often does not correspond to the testing procedure that will later be used for the authentication process. In particular, the short measurement duration and the change in measurement conditions caused by moving the object under test past the measuring device are problematic.

[0012] This disadvantage was addressed with a test device in which each conveyor trough is equipped with its own sensor unit, comprising a transmitter and a receiver, for detecting, particularly for static detection, at least one property of the object under test located in the conveyor trough. This test device approximates the test conditions during production as closely as possible to those of intended use, allows for an extension of the test duration, and enables the most consistent possible conditions during measurement.

[0013] However, it has proven very difficult to accommodate the necessary test electronics in such test devices due to the extremely limited installation space. For example, numerous circuit boards must be installed and cables with connectors routed through the ring bodies. Particularly when the drum is closely spaced, i.e., when a large number of conveying troughs are accommodated with little spacing, there is no practical way to route the required number of cables.

[0014] The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a way to accommodate the necessary components of the testing device in the limited space available in the conveyor drum, in order to enable the provision of a sensor device in each conveyor trough. The stability of the conveyor drum must be maintained, as it must withstand the loads during operation.

[0015] This task is solved with a pre-assembled module of the type mentioned above, in that the pre-assembled module houses at least two components of the testing device and is designed and set up for insertion into a recess in the conveyor drum.

[0016] This approach allows for the space-saving integration of the necessary test electronics within the conveyor drum and the efficient routing of the required number of circuit boards and cables. Multiple components can be pre-assembled and interconnected on the modules, minimizing the number of component connections required after insertion into the conveyor drum. Instead of individual components, only the modules themselves need to be connected. This also significantly simplifies the replacement of defective components. Individual modules can be easily removed and replaced with new ones. Furthermore, the modules enable precise positioning, as they are specifically designed and configured to fit the recess into which they are inserted.The pre-assembled module is preferably designed to fit the recess in the conveyor drum in a form-fitting manner. The module can also be locked in the desired position by means of one or more positioning pins, ensuring secure orientation of the module and that all components are positioned correctly. In a further advantageous embodiment, the pre-assembled module is designed to be plugged in. This allows for very easy attachment and removal.

[0017] For secure mounting, fixing, and alignment, the conveying troughs of the conveyor drum can have suction air bores. In an advantageous embodiment, the pre-assembled module also has at least one suction air channel. This allows the module to fulfill an additional function by serving to direct the suction air. This enables further compaction of the test device, as a separate suction air line can be eliminated.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the at least two components are cables, and the pre-assembled module has a module body designed to receive, and in particular secure, the cables. Laying cables in a conveyor drum, especially when a large number of troughs are to be equipped with a sensor device, presents a significant challenge, as both the power supply and data transmission for each individual sensor device must be reliably ensured. Combining several cables in a pre-assembled module provides defined, bundled, and therefore space-saving cable routes. The module body preferably has rounded cable passages. This prevents kinking of the sensitive cables and avoids damage to them. In an advantageous embodiment, the module can also include one or more connectors.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the components is a circuit board. The test setup requires numerous circuit boards, including those for signal processing, communication, and power supply. These must also be accommodated on the test setup. By inserting them in the form of a pre-assembled module, circuit boards can be configured for predefined sensor devices.

[0020] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, at least one component housed on the pre-assembled module according to the invention is a sensor device or a part thereof. The entire sensor device can be arranged on the module, or only a part of it, such as the transmitter or the receiver. It is also possible for the sensor device to use optical fibers, so that the transmitter and receiver are not directly attached to or in the conveying trough, but rather transmit and / or receive the signals via optical fibers. Such optical fibers can also be mounted on the pre-assembled module as part of the sensor device. Furthermore, connectors, cables, control means, signal processing means, amplifier means, and / or evaluation means can advantageously be provided on such a pre-assembled module.

[0021] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention is achieved by designing the pre-assembled module as a ring-shaped sub-module with trough-shaped recesses on its upper surface for insertion into a recess in the ring body. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, two or more of the ring-shaped sub-modules can form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. In this way, the sensor devices, in particular, can be mounted on the conveyor drum in a simple and easily replaceable manner. The ring-shaped sub-modules can be mounted modularly on the circumference of the conveyor drum. They comprise sensor devices and can also accommodate other components such as amplifiers, circuit boards, connectors, or cables.Since the ring body sub-modules are much more accessible than the conveyor drum itself, even small components can be easily pre-assembled outside the conveyor drum and then inserted into the conveyor drum in a pre-assembled form.

[0022] A sensor device can be arranged in each trough-shaped recess. However, it is particularly preferred that a sensor device is arranged in some of the trough-shaped recesses, especially in every second trough-shaped recess. This is particularly advantageous if the conveyor drum is a drum with so-called AB troughs, i.e., two different types of troughs and two conveying paths. On one path, the A troughs are used, and on the other path, the B troughs are used. Such a conveyor drum is described, for example, in EP 3677 128 B1. One type of conveying trough can then be equipped with a sensor device, while the other type is not.

[0023] The sensor devices are preferably arranged axially in the central region of the annular sub-modules, while shell-shaped covers are provided on both sides. This provides particularly good protection for the sensor devices. This is especially true if the sensor devices are offset downwards relative to the trough-shaped recesses. Furthermore, a cover can be provided over the sensor modules to protect them; this cover is expediently translucent to ensure good detection by the sensor devices. The interaction of the shell-shaped covers on the sides and the cover on the top enables dust-free encapsulation and thus good protection of the sensor devices. Additional components, such as circuit boards and / or cables, can be housed in the annular sub-module below the sensor devices.An evaluation device can also be provided in the ring body sub-module.

[0024] The ring-shaped sub-module is preferably designed to be axially mirror-symmetric and radially non-mirror-symmetric. This allows the ring-shaped sub-module to be installed in two ways, which differ from each other by rotating the installation position by 180°. The radial non-mirror-symmetric design of the ring-shaped sub-module is due to the sensor elements not being arranged exactly in the center in the axial direction, but rather offset from the center. Thus, when measuring objects located in the recesses, different areas of the objects can be examined depending on the installation of the ring-shaped sub-modules. A further variation is possible by incorporating a spacer plate into the ring-shaped sub-module, which can be attached to either side and thereby further alter the position of the sensor elements in the axial direction.

[0025] The ring-shaped sub-modules are preferably provided with a bore through which a screw can be inserted to attach the ring-shaped sub-module to the conveyor drum. For precise positioning, additional bores can be provided in which positioning pins ensure the exact installation position. In another preferred embodiment, the ring-shaped sub-modules have one or more connectors on their underside that are inserted into a corresponding port in the ring-shaped body, so that the entire ring-shaped sub-module can simply be plugged in.

[0026] The ring-shaped sub-modules can have a varying number of trough-shaped recesses. The number depends on the number of conveying troughs on the ring body of the conveyor drum and the number of ring-shaped sub-modules required to form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. For example, if the conveyor drum has eighty conveying troughs and eight ring-shaped sub-modules are needed to form a ring-shaped sub-module ring, each ring-shaped sub-module will have ten trough-shaped recesses. It is also possible for the ring-shaped sub-module to have nine full trough-shaped recesses and a half-trough-shaped recess at each of its two ends. If every second trough-shaped recess is equipped with a sensor, this means that each ring-shaped sub-module will have five sensor devices.

[0027] The object of the present invention is also achieved with a test device for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the test device is integrated into a production or processing plant of the objects to be tested, with a test unit comprising as components sensor devices for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the objects to be tested, signal processing means, amplifier means, control means, evaluation means, cables and circuit boards, and a rotatably mounted conveyor drum for conveying the objects to be tested, wherein the conveyor drum has at least one ring body on which at least two conveyor troughs are arranged, wherein the conveyor troughs, in particular each conveyor trough, are designed and configured to receive an object to be tested, wherein the conveyor troughs or each conveyor trough has its own sensor device,which has a transmitter and a receiver, for the detection, in particular for static detection, of at least one property of the object to be tested located in the conveying trough, in which at least one pre-assembled module according to the invention is inserted or can be inserted in the conveying drum in a recess adapted to receive the respective pre-assembled module.

[0028] Such a test fixture allows for space-saving accommodation of the electronic components while simultaneously ensuring sufficient stability of the conveyor drum. The available volume is utilized to its fullest potential, maximizing the number of easily accessible, well-sealed electronic installation spaces while maintaining a similar mass to a standard conveyor drum. This also facilitates the simple installation of even the smallest components in hard-to-reach areas of the conveyor drum, as these components can first be mounted on an easily accessible module before being inserted as a pre-assembled unit into the inaccessible area.

[0029] The pre-assembled modules can be mounted in various areas of the conveyor drum; that is, recesses adapted to accommodate each pre-assembled module can be provided in different areas of the conveyor drum. In a preferred embodiment, the recess adapted to accommodate the pre-assembled module extends from an end face of the conveyor drum into the drum itself. Modules with pre-assembled cables, as well as other components such as circuit boards or control elements, can be inserted into such recesses. In another preferred embodiment, the recess designed to accommodate the pre-assembled module is located on the drum's circumference. This is particularly well-suited for arranging modules with circuit boards that, for example, form part of the test electronics or evaluation electronics.These modules may also include, in particular, plugs and cables.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one ring body can be formed in one piece. The ring body sub-modules are then attached to one side of the ring body. For receiving the ring body sub-modules, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one ring body is formed in multiple parts in the axial direction, especially in two parts, wherein the parts of the ring body are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, forming an insertion recess. The insertion recess created in this way enables a particularly protected arrangement of the ring body sub-modules, since they are shielded from the environment on both sides by the parts of the ring body and are particularly well protected against mechanical damage, such as that which can occur, for example, during maintenance when the conveyor drum is lying on a workbench.

[0031] The conveying troughs of the ring body can be continued through the trough-shaped recesses in the ring body sub-modules, so that an essentially continuous support surface can be formed for the objects that are picked up in the conveying drum.

[0032] The number of ring-shaped sub-modules that can be inserted into the recess depends on their size. At least two ring-shaped sub-modules are required to form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. Advantageously, more than two, in particular more than three, preferably four, six, or especially eight ring-shaped sub-modules form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. On the one hand, it is advantageous to have as few individual modules as possible, since each module must be positioned and secured. On the other hand, excessively large modules are more difficult to handle. Furthermore, in the event of a replacement, if a component on a module fails, significantly more still-functional components are removed along with the single failed component in the case of large modules than is the case with smaller modules, which have correspondingly fewer components.

[0033] The conveying troughs in the conveyor drum have regularly spaced suction air holes. This facilitates the picking up of the objects arranged in the troughs. Furthermore, the objects can be secured and aligned within the troughs. These suction air holes are connected to suction air ducts through which air is drawn from the troughs to create the negative pressure that holds the objects in place. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the pre-assembled modules also have at least one suction air duct. Thus, in addition to providing space-saving accommodation for electronic components, the module fulfills another function by being used to conduct the suction air. This eliminates the need for a separate suction air line.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Furthermore, with the present invention it is possible to test properties of an object to be tested, which otherwise could only be determined outside the manufacturing process and thus were not usually carried out for every object to be tested, but were only carried out on a few exemplary objects by taking samples, for every object in the manufacturing process.

[0036] Preferably, the detection is carried out in the form of a static detection, i.e. the object to be tested is also static relative to the sensor device, i.e. all distances and angles from the object to be tested to the sensor device remain constant during the measurement process.

[0037] “Static detection” means that the object being 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.

[0038] Alternatively, the sensor device and the object being tested can move together in the conveying direction and at the same conveying speed, while the object being tested performs an additional movement. This could be, in particular, a rotational movement of the object being tested around its own axis, allowing it to be rotated within the conveying trough and inspected from all sides or completely. It is also possible for the object being tested to move perpendicular to the conveying direction within the trough. This makes it possible, for example, to inspect the object in its entirety, even if the sensor device cannot capture the entire object in a single step. For this purpose, the object being tested can be guided past the sensor device perpendicular to the conveying direction.As explained above, there is no relative movement between the sensor device and the object being tested in the conveying direction; the object being tested and the sensor device move together at the same conveying speed.

[0039] In another advantageous embodiment, the transmitter and receiver move within the conveyor trough, e.g., back and forth, while the object to be tested remains fixed. This variant allows, for example, the object to be moved along the conveyor, as may be necessary for scanning. In this case as well, the transmitter and receiver remain within the conveyor trough.

[0040] The at least one property of the items to be tested can be an inherent property of the item, such as its size, weight, a specific property of the material from which the item is made, such as its light or radiation absorption or reflection behavior, its density, or surface texture. Furthermore, the property can be one or more compounds of which the item to be tested is composed, such as one or more constituents. This also includes determining the moisture content of the item to be tested. The property can also involve checking for the presence or absence of unwanted foreign bodies or substances in the item.However, the property can also be an additional substance or other marker applied to the item 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.

[0041] The sensor devices are particularly preferably designed and configured to determine the temporal profile of a measured quantity. An example of this is the decay behavior of a chemical marker.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to test a single property of the object under test. It is equally possible, however, to test several properties of each object under test and to derive a result from the sum of the tests. The conveying drum of the present invention comprises at least two conveying troughs. Preferably, the conveying drum comprises more than three, more than four, more than ten, particularly preferably more than twenty, and most preferably more than forty conveying troughs. Both an even and an odd number of conveying trough segments are possible. Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the number of conveying troughs is not a multiple of three and / or five, especially if it is a prime number. Particularly preferably, the conveying device further comprises at least eight, more preferably more than 16, and particularly more than 24 conveying troughs.The wording that "each conveying trough is assigned its own sensor device" implies that empty troughs without a sensor device may be provided without this falling outside the scope of protection of the present invention. Empty troughs may be provided, for example, because some items are intentionally left unchecked or because certain troughs are not filled with items during the process.

[0043] Particularly preferred are the sensor devices assigned to each conveying trough mounted in or on the conveying trough. This ensures that the respective sensor device moves at the same speed as the object being tested; the sensor device and the conveying trough are fixed together. A static detection of at least one property of the object being tested in the conveying trough is thus ensured. It is also possible to arrange the sensor device on the bottom of the conveying trough. Furthermore, it is possible to shield the sensor device from external influences by means of a cover. In such an embodiment, the object being tested is inserted laterally into the conveying trough.

[0044] It is possible that part of the sensor device, in particular the receiver, is arranged in or on the conveying trough, while the other part, in particular the transmitter, is mounted in or on the conveying trough on the conveying device. In either case, the principle of the present invention is realized, 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 mounted on the conveying trough on the conveying device, it is also possible for one transmitter to operate several, in particular adjacent, conveying troughs. This case also falls within the scope of the present invention, namely that each conveying trough is assigned its own sensor device. However, the embodiment in which each conveying trough is assigned its own transmitter and its own receiver is particularly preferred.

[0045] The testing device according to the invention can be integrated into the production or processing plant of the items to be tested in various ways. The conveyor drum of the testing device has a receiving point and a discharge point for the item to be tested. At the receiving point, the conveyor drum takes the item to be tested from the conveying device located upstream in the transport flow; at the discharge point, it releases the item to be tested to the conveying device located downstream in the transport flow. The receiving and discharge points can be located at different positions on the conveyor drum. For example, the receiving and discharge points can be located at opposite positions on the drum. In this case, the conveyor drum is only half-filled, i.e., only the conveying troughs on one half of the drum contain items to be tested, while the conveying troughs of the other half of the drum are empty.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conveyor drum has a discharge point for dispensing and a receiving point for receiving the items to be tested, with the discharge and receiving points being identical. This ensures that the conveyor troughs on the entire circumference of the drum are filled with items to be tested. In this way, the full rotation of the drum can be used for testing, and the time available for testing or measurement is therefore particularly long. The dwell time of an item to be tested on the conveyor can be further extended by filling not every, but only every second or third, etc., conveyor trough of the conveyor drum of the testing device with an item to be tested.By adjusting the number of conveying troughs on the conveyor drum accordingly, each item to be tested remains on the conveyor drum not just for one revolution, but for two, three or the corresponding number of revolutions, thereby extending the dwell time and thus the time available for testing and / or measurement.

[0047] When placing objects into the conveyor troughs, it may be intended that the objects remain in the same position for the entire duration of their stay in the trough. However, it is also possible to change the position and / or orientation of the objects. In this way, it is possible to present different sections of the object being tested to the sensor device and thus measure different sections of the object. A round or cylindrical object, for example, can be rotated. This can be done by any angle and in any number of sections.

[0048] Particularly advantageous is the contactless detection of at least one property of the objects being tested. This means that the object does not need to be in contact with the sensor, but rather does not need to touch it. This prevents, for example, contamination of the sensor. Contactless detection is especially beneficial. The distance between the sensor and the product being tested can be very small. This is advantageous compared to conventional testing setups where the sensor is located (at least partially) outside the conveyor system.

[0049] Suitable sensor devices include electromagnetic sensors, in particular optical sensors, microwave sensors or infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, inductive sensors or magnetic sensors. These can detect a wide variety of properties of the object under test.

[0050] In the case of sensors where the transmitter and receiver are spatially separated, as is the case, for example, with optical sensors, the transmitter and receiver can be arranged in various ways relative to the object being tested, in particular transversely or longitudinally to the object being tested.

[0051] In a particularly suitable embodiment, the items to be tested are made entirely or partially of metal or contain a metal component. For example, rod-shaped articles in the tobacco processing industry, such as cigarettes or heat-not-burn (HNB) products, contain metal strips that serve, among other things, for the inductive heating of the cigarettes or HNB products. The quality and orientation of the metal strip are important for the quality of the overall product, so that characterization and / or testing of this metal strip is desirable and usually carried out as part of the manufacturing process. To date, characterizing the metal strip within a machine is not common practice.The metal strip is usually examined outside the machine because, with conventional testing devices, the increasing distance between the sensor and the product has made measurement very difficult, and the movement of the product relative to the sensor is also problematic.

[0052] According to the invention, each conveying trough is assigned its own sensor device, including both the transmitter and the receiver. The present invention also encompasses cases in which the detection is influenced from outside the conveying device. For example, a light source located outside a conveying drum is conceivable, provided that, according to the invention, the transmitter and receiver of the sensor device for the property to be tested are assigned to the conveying trough, in particular mounted in or on it. However, embodiments in which only the sensor device assigned to the conveying trough is required for detecting the property to be tested are preferred.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least one property of the items to be tested is an authentication feature. For an increasing number of items, it is becoming necessary to ensure their authenticity. This is the case, for example, in the medical field, where it must be ensured that a product actually contains the stated ingredients, or, in the case of a printer, that a specific toner composition is required to guarantee image quality. Another application involves products that rely on refilling, where manufacturers want to ensure that their products are used only with original refill cartridges or packaging. Here, it is possible to design the products in such a way that the refill cartridge, packaging, or other unit only works with the product if a specific authentication feature has been detected in a preliminary check.Otherwise, the product will not function as intended. Especially in such cases, it must be ensured that these refill units correspond flawlessly with the product in every instance. Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the refill unit, it must be regularly checked that the authentication feature is correctly present on the item.

[0054] In a further advantageous embodiment, alignment elements are arranged in or on the conveying troughs. These facilitate the positioning and / or alignment of the object to be tested in the conveying trough 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 embodiment involves recesses through which the object to be tested is drawn in by suction. This allows the object to be positioned and also fixed in place.

[0055] It is particularly advantageous to have a separate evaluation unit installed in or on each conveying trough. In this case, the conveying trough contains not only the complete sensor system but also the evaluation unit, so that the analog signals detected by the sensor system are converted into digital signals or digital data directly in the conveying trough. This significantly simplifies transmission, as more transmission paths are available for digital data than for analog signals.

[0056] In the test device according to the invention, the sensor devices are preferably controlled by means of a switching network. A single switching network can be centrally responsible for all sensor devices of the conveyor system; however, it is also possible and advantageous for the switching network to be divided into sub-networks, each controlling some of the sensor devices. In this way, the sensor devices can be grouped together, each controlled by a sub-network. This allows the electronics to be modularized. For example, this makes it possible to perform various measurements simultaneously.

[0057] In a further particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching network is designed and configured to ensure that the sensor devices always detect the material at the same position of the conveying troughs, and thus at sequential intervals. The impulse to start the detection is therefore always given at a specific position of the conveying trough along its 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 sequentially.In another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switching network is configured and set up to simultaneously enable detection by means of the sensor devices for at least two of the sensor devices, particularly preferably simultaneously for at least three, most preferably for at least five, and particularly preferably for at least ten sensor devices. In this way, multiple measurements on several objects are possible in parallel. It is even possible to measure all objects located in the conveyor drum simultaneously.

[0058] It is also possible to measure empty conveyor modules. This can be done, for example, when an item to be tested has just been dispensed and a new one has not yet been received. Such a measurement can be used to calibrate the testing device.

[0059] Furthermore, the test device preferably includes a control unit located in the stationary part of the test device. The data measured by the sensor devices and, if applicable, already evaluated by the evaluation devices, are transmitted to this control unit in the stationary part of the test device.

[0060] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the sensor devices are of the type provided in a device used for authenticating the items to be tested during normal use. It is therefore possible to use, or at least simulate, the same measuring method and measuring arrangement during the manufacturing process as will later be used for authentication in the product. This eliminates errors caused by different measuring methods. The reliability of the authentication process can thus be significantly increased.

[0061] The testing device of the present invention can be integrated, in particular, into a production or processing plant of the tobacco processing industry. The testing device of the present invention can thus be used especially preferably for testing rod-shaped articles of 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 X-raying the object to be tested.

[0062] In a further advantageous embodiment, the testing device according to the invention can additionally comprise a testing and cleaning system that individually checks and cleans the sensor devices during machine operation. The sensor devices can be calibrated in this way, which can further improve the measurement result.

[0063] To minimize interference from ambient and process light, it is particularly preferred if the test device has light protection devices in the test areas that shield the sensor devices.

[0064] The dependent claims are directed to the aforementioned and other suitable and advantageous embodiments of the invention. Only particularly suitable and advantageous forms and possibilities of design are described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawing. Each described individual or detailed design 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.

[0065] They show

[0066] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a test device in perspective view.

[0067] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 without covers, with visible pre-assembled modules.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 without covers and without pre-assembled modules with visible cutouts.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a section of the test device of Fig. 1 with a pre-assembled module inserted. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pre-assembled module.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a pre-assembled module and

[0071] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the pre-assembled module shown in Fig. 6 with the upper shell removed.

[0072] Figures 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a test device 1 of the present invention, each in perspective view. Such a test device 1 can be arranged at any point in the production process of an object to be tested. The only requirement is that the property to be tested already exists and can be tested in the desired manner.

[0073] The test device 1 comprises a conveyor drum 3 on which the items to be tested (not shown) are arranged in conveyor troughs 32. Figures 1 to 3 differ in the parts shown in and on the conveyor drum 3, in addition to the basic elements. The components provided for the rotational drive of the conveyor drum 3 and for testing and cleaning sensor devices 21 used in the test device are also shown in Figure 1, as are pre-assembled modules 10, 13, some of which are fitted with covers 52.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 without covers 52 with visible pre-assembled modules 10, 12, 13 and Fig. 3 shows the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 without covers and without pre-assembled modules, so that recesses 4, 41, 42, 43 for receiving the pre-assembled modules 10, 11, 12, 13 are visible.

[0075] The test device 1 comprises a conveyor drum 3 with two ring bodies 31 and several conveyor troughs 32 arranged radially on the two ring bodies 31 for receiving the items to be tested, which are (not shown) rod-shaped articles from the tobacco processing industry. The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a conveyor drum with A / B troughs, i.e., two types of conveyor troughs 32, arranged alternately. Each first conveyor trough 32 is equipped with a sensor device 21. Each second conveyor trough 32 is a trough without a sensor device. The test device also includes a control flange 33 and a rotary joint 34, which is screwed to the end face of the conveyor drum 3. The cable routing to the rotary joint 34 and the torque transmission are achieved by means of a torque support 35.Reference numeral 36 designates a testing and cleaning system that individually checks and cleans the sensor devices 21 during machine operation. Such testing is possible because the conveyor drum 3 shown in Fig. 1 is installed in a (not shown) test tower, and only every second conveyor trough 32 is occupied during operation. In the right-hand area of ​​Fig. 1, the product flow does not pass over the conveyor troughs 32 equipped with sensor devices 21, but rather over those conveyor troughs 32 that do not have a sensor device 21. To minimize interference from ambient and process light, light shielding devices 37 are provided in the test areas.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 3, the conveyor drum 3 has various recesses 4 for receiving the pre-assembled modules 10 according to the invention. At the end face, there are end face recesses 41 for receiving cable modules 11 described below. On the circumference, eight circumferential recesses 42 are provided in the central region and four circumferential recesses 42 at one end of the conveyor drum. Finally, insertion recesses 43 are formed in the ring bodies.

[0077] The two ring bodies 31 of the test device 1 shown in Fig. 1 are each formed in two parts and comprise the two parts 31a, 31b of the ring body, wherein the parts 31a, 31b of the ring body are arranged spaced apart from each other in the axial direction to form the insertion recess 43.

[0078] In Fig. 2, the circumferential recesses 42 are fitted with pre-assembled modules 10, namely circumferential modules 12. The circumferential modules 12 comprise as components 2 circuit boards 22, cables 23 and connectors 24.

[0079] Figure 2 further shows a ring-shaped sub-module 13 inserted into the test device 1. For receiving the ring-shaped sub-modules 13, the ring bodies 31 are formed in two parts in the axial direction, with parts 31a and 31b of the ring body 31 being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, each forming an insertion recess 43. The insertion recess 43 formed in this way enables a particularly protected arrangement of the ring-shaped sub-modules 13, as they are shielded from the environment on both sides by parts 31a and 31b of the ring body 31 and are thus particularly well protected against mechanical damage.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a section of the test device of Fig. 1 with a pre-assembled cable module 11 inserted. The cable module 11 is shown separately in Fig. 5.

[0081] Figure 4 shows a section of one of the two-part ring bodies 31 with conveying troughs 32. The insertion recess 43 is formed between the two parts of the ring body 31. Circumferential recesses 42 are visible on both sides of the ring body 31. The cable module 11 allows pre-assembled cables to be inserted as a whole through the ring body 31. The cable module 11 has rounded cable passages 111, which prevent the delicate cables from being unnecessarily kinked and thus damaged. The cable module 11 has a positioning pin 113, which ensures secure orientation in the end-face recess. The cable module 11 is fixed by means of a threaded pin 114, which is pushed through the mounting hole 112 to secure the cable module 11.

[0082] The conveying troughs 32 of the conveying drum 3 have conveying trough suction bores 321. To ensure that these can be continuously supplied with suction air, the cable modules 11 also have corresponding suction bores 115, which, after the cable modules 11 have been inserted into the conveying drum, come into contact with the conveying trough suction bores 321 and thus enable a free flow of suction air.

[0083] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a pre-assembled module, namely an annular body sub-module 13. Fig. 7 shows the annular body sub-module in a perspective view with the upper shell removed. The annular body sub-module 13 comprises a lower shell 131, an upper shell 132, adapter electronics 136, and a translucent cover 133, which encapsulates the sensor devices 21, which are arranged in trough-shaped recesses 134 of the annular body sub-module 13, and thus protects them against contamination.

[0084] The conveying troughs 32 of the ring body 31 can be continued through the trough-shaped recesses 134 in the ring body sub-modules 13, so that a substantially continuous support surface can be formed for the objects that are picked up in the conveying drum 3. The lower and upper shells 131, 132 are connected and fixed to each other by means of a screw 137. Preferably, positioning pins 138 ensure that the ring body sub-module 13 can be inserted in the desired position in the ring body 31 and can be held in the desired position.

[0085] The ring-shaped sub-module 13 can be used in two directions rotated 180° relative to each other. By positioning the sensor devices 21 off-center in the axial direction of the ring-shaped sub-module 13, different areas of the objects to be tested can be examined. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, a spacer plate 135 is also provided, which can be attached to both sides of the ring-shaped sub-module, thus enabling further variation in the measuring range.

[0086] The ring body sub-modules 13 are inserted into the insertion recess 43 between parts 31a and 31b of the ring body 31, screwed in place, and connected with a corresponding plug (not shown). Alternatively, the ring body sub-modules 13 can have one or more plugs on their underside and be attached to the conveyor drum 3 by inserting them into a corresponding receptacle in the insertion recess 43 and securing them in the ring body 31. Due to their position between ring body parts 31a and 31b, the ring body sub-modules 13 are particularly well protected against mechanical damage.

[0087] The number of ring-shaped sub-modules 13 that can be inserted into the insertion recess 43 depends on their size. At least two ring-shaped sub-modules 13 are required to form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. Advantageously, more than two, in particular more than three, preferably four, six, or especially eight ring-shaped sub-modules 13 form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. In the embodiment shown in the present figures, eight ring-shaped sub-modules 13 form a ring-shaped sub-module ring. This ensures that, in the event of a replacement, if a component on a module fails, not many still functional components are unnecessarily removed along with the one that failed.

Claims

Claims 1. Pre-assembled module (10) for a test device (1) for testing at least one property of articles to be tested, wherein the test device (1) is integrated into a production or processing plant of the articles to be tested, with a test apparatus (1) comprising as components (2) sensor devices (21) for detection, in particular for static detection, of at least one property of the objects to be tested, signal processing means, amplifier means, control means, evaluation means, cables (23), circuit boards (22) and connectors (24), and a rotatably mounted conveyor drum (3) for conveying the items to be tested, wherein the conveyor drum (3) has at least one ring body (31) on which at least two conveyor troughs (32) are arranged, wherein the conveyor troughs (32), in particular each conveyor trough (32), are designed and equipped to receive an item to be tested, wherein the conveyor troughs or each conveyor trough (32) is assigned its own sensor device (21) comprising a transmitter and a receiver for detecting at least one property of the item to be tested located in the conveyor trough (32), characterized by the fact that the pre-assembled module (10) contains at least two components (2) of the test device and is designed and equipped for insertion into a recess (4) in the conveyor drum (3).

2. Pre-assembled module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pre-assembled module (10) is designed to fit the recess (4) in the conveyor drum (3) in a form-fitting manner.

3. Pre-assembled module (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pre-assembled module is designed to be pluggable.

4. Pre-assembled module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pre-assembled module (10) comprises at least one suction air channel (115).

235. Pre-assembled module (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least two components (2) are cables (23) and the pre-assembled module (10) has a module body designed to receive the cables (23).

6. Pre-assembled module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the module body has rounded cable passages (111).

7. Pre-assembled module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the components (2) is a circuit board (22).

8. Pre-assembled module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one component (2) is a sensor device (21) or a part thereof.

9. Pre-assembled module (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the pre-assembled module (10) is designed as an annular body sub-module (13) with trough-shaped recesses (134) on its upper side for insertion into a recess (4) in the annular body (31), wherein preferably two or more of the annular body sub-modules (13) can form an annular body sub-module ring.

10. Pre-assembled module (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that a sensor device (21) is arranged in at least one part of the trough-shaped recesses (134), in particular in every second trough-shaped recess (134).

11. Pre-assembled module (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the ring body sub-module (13) is axially mirror-symmetric and radially non-mirror-symmetric.

12. Pre-assembled module (10) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the ring body sub-module (13) has a spacer plate (135).

13. Test device (1) for testing at least one property of objects to be tested, wherein the test device (1) is integrated into a production or processing plant of the objects to be tested, with a test apparatus comprising as components sensor devices (21) for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the objects to be tested, signal processing means, amplifier means, control means, evaluation means, cables (23), connectors (24) and circuit boards (22), and a rotatably mounted conveyor drum (3) for conveying the items to be tested, wherein the conveyor drum (3) has at least one ring body (31) on which at least two conveyor troughs (32) are arranged, wherein the conveyor troughs (32), in particular each conveyor trough (32), are designed and configured to receive an item to be tested, wherein the conveyor troughs (32) or each conveyor trough (32) is assigned its own sensor device (21), which has a transmitter and a receiver, for detecting, in particular for static detection, at least one property of the item to be tested located in the conveyor trough (32), characterized in that in the conveyor drum (3) at least one pre-assembled module (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11 is inserted or can be inserted in a recess (4) adapted to receive the respective pre-assembled module (10).

14. Test device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the recess (4, 41) adapted for receiving the pre-assembled module (10) extends from an end face of the conveyor drum (3) into the latter, wherein the pre-assembled module is preferably designed to be slidable into the recess.

15. Test device (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the recess (4, 42) designed to receive the pre-assembled module (10) is formed on the drum circumference.

16. Test device (1) according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the ring body (31) is formed in multiple parts in the axial direction, in particular in two parts, wherein the parts (31a, 31b) of the ring body (31) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the axial direction forming an insertion recess (43).

17. Test device according to claim 16, characterized in that at least two, in particular eight, ring body sub-modules (13) according to one of claims 8 to 11 are inserted or can be inserted into the insertion recess (43) between the ring body parts (31a, 31b) in the ring body (31) to form a ring body sub-module ring.

18. Test device (1) according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the sensor devices (21) assigned to each conveying trough (32) are attached in or on the conveying trough (32).

19. Testing device (1) according to one or more of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the items (2) to be tested are rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry.

20. Test device (1) according to one or more of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that it further comprises a test and cleaning system (36) which individually checks and cleans the sensor devices (21) during machine operation.

21. Test device (1) according to one or more of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that it has light protection devices (37) in the test areas.

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