EP2441686A2 - Device for producing and/or packaging products in the tobacco industry, preferably cigarettes and/or cigarette packs - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has sensor devices (39,40) with measuring feeder, with which operating parameter of the device or a production parameter or a parameter of the basic materials required for packing products is measured during operation of the device. The sensor device has a transmitter unit, with which particularly electromagnetic signals are transmitted wireless to a remote receiving unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for producing and / or packaging products of the tobacco industry, preferably cigarettes and / or cigarette packs, wherein the device has at least one sensor device with sensor, with at least one operating parameter of the device during operation of the device and / or at least one product parameter and / or at least one parameter of the starting materials necessary for the production and / or packaging of the product can be measured.

In such devices, such as cigarette packaging machines, a variety of parameters are monitored during operation. For this purpose, sensor devices are used which are operated with electrical energy or electric current. The power is supplied to the sensors via suitable power supply lines from central power sources. For this purpose, at least sections of conventional cable lines are usually used. However, these tend to break during prolonged operation. In sensor devices which are arranged on moving components, such as rotating turrets or the like, there are particular problems. The power supply from central, stationary power sources to the moving parts is often done by means of sliding contacts. These are expensive to produce or wear out relatively fast. Frequently, monitoring of moving components or parameters associated with these components is therefore completely dispensed with.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention to further develop the device of the type mentioned. In particular, the most reliable possible monitoring of the aforementioned parameters should be possible and / or monitoring of previously unmonitored parameters possible.

An apparatus for achieving this object has the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that the sensor device has a transmitting unit, with which, in particular, electromagnetic signals can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote receiver and a separate, self-sufficient energy supply with an energy converter, with the existing during the operation of the device or thermal, mechanical, magnetic and / or radiant energy into electrical energy for supplying at least one component of the sensor device is convertible. Preferably, at least the sensor and / or the transmitting unit to be supplied with the electric current.

An advantage of this solution is that such a sensor device does not require any complicated galvanic power supply lines and without elaborately laid data lines. The energy required for the power supply is generated by the energy converter. The measured data or information can be forwarded wirelessly by means of the transmission unit. As a result, the sensor device can be used at various points in or on the device. In particular, it can also be used at positions of the machine or the device where previously no parameter monitoring had taken place, since the galvanic current and data line feed would have been too costly.

According to the invention, the autonomous power supply of the sensor devices, together with the wireless data transmission, provides the information or measured values measured by the sensor for highly flexible use thereof. As a rule, the energy converter will supply power to all components of the sensor device that require power for their operation. It can of course be provided that the sensor device has suitable memory for storing electrical energy, such as accumulators, capacitors or the like. In this case, a power supply of the sensor device would be ensured at times in which for the energy converter there is not enough primary energy available to convert it into electricity.

For the purpose of linguistic simplification, the term "device" is used below instead of the "device for producing and / or packaging tobacco industry products". Such a device may be, for example, a packaging machine for packaging cigarettes in cigarette packs (packer), a cigarette maker (maker), a bar or carton packer, a machine for wrapping cigarette packs in foil (cello), an entire production line of such machines or the like more.

The products may be, for example, cigarettes, cigarette packs, including only partially finished (pre) products still in the manufacturing process. The products may in particular also be package contents, for example cigarette blocks with inner wrapping or the like. The product may also be a cigarette group or another component of the cigarette pack.

Energy converters that can convert the above-mentioned forms of energy into electrical energy are known in the art. They can be based on a variety of principles. Thus, the use of energy converters is conceivable that use the piezoelectric effect to generate electrical energy, so-called piezo transducers. Next rotation converters can be used, convert the rotational energy into electrical energy. Thermowinders exploit the thermoelectric effect. Solar converters generate radiant energy, for example light energy or generally electromagnetic energy, electrical energy.

As a sensor all conceivable designs can be used. Thus, pressure transducers, accelerometers, temperature sensors or the like can be used. The measuring principles of such sensors are known in the art and therefore need not be explained herein.

Conveniently, the energy converter for supplying these components with the generated electrical energy via suitable power lines at least connected to the sensor and / or the transmitting unit. As a rule, all components of the sensor devices which require electrical energy are connected via power lines to the energy converter.

Preferably, all components of the sensor device, such as the sensor and the energy converter, are arranged inside and / or on a common housing of the sensor device. However, this does not have to be the case.

Preferably, the values measured with the sensor are transmitted by means of the transmitter unit of the sensor device for the purpose of evaluating them wirelessly, in particular by radio, to a remote receiver unit of the device.

Preferably, the transmitting unit of the sensor device and / or the remote receiving unit are able to communicate bidirectionally. In this case, they would each be designed as a transmitting and receiving unit.

The receiving unit forwards the measured values to a control device of the device. This analyzes the measured values. For this purpose, the control device is designed to compare the measured values with stored values or with measured values of other measuring sensors, wherein the control device optionally triggers a signal, in particular an error signal, depending on the result of the comparison.

For example, it can be provided that the control device compares the measured values with stored limit values. It can be provided that when the limit value is reached or exceeded, the control device generates a signal, in particular an error signal.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the control device compares the measured values with stored desired or reference values. Again, in the case of a deviation from the desired or reference values, a signal can be generated, in particular an error signal. It is also conceivable that tolerance values stored in the comparison between the reference or reference value and the measured value (actual value) are taken into account. In such a case, the signal would (only) be generated when the measured value reaches or exceeds certain tolerance values dependent on the reference value.

It is also conceivable for the control device to compare measured values originating from different sensors. In the case of deviations of the measured values from one another or in the case of deviations that lie outside predetermined tolerances, the control device generates a signal, in particular an error signal.

It is also conceivable to record the measured values several times at different times and to generate signals for specific value changes.

As the person skilled in the art recognizes, various methods are conceivable for the analysis or evaluation of the values measured by the respective sensor.

The abovementioned reference values or the tolerance values are expediently stored in a memory assigned to the control device, in particular a database.

As far as the energy converter of the sensor device used is concerned, it is preferably arranged on a component of the device which is moved at least temporarily during operation of the device. It may be, for example, rotating components or components that move back and forth, preferably in a straight line, as is the case with vibration or vibration movements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the energy converter of the sensor device is arranged on or adjacent to a component of the device which emits heat during operation, wherein the energy converter converts the heat energy of the heat-emitting component into electrical energy.

The energy converter of the sensor device is preferably arranged at a position of the device, at a position of a product or a position of a starting material in which mechanical force or pressure is exerted directly or indirectly on the energy converter during operation of the device. The energy converter would then be designed to convert the corresponding mechanical energy transmitted to it into electrical energy. The mechanical force or the mechanical energy which is transferred to the energy converter may originate from a component of the device, from a partially or completely finished product, from a starting material and / or from a fluid used during operation.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the sensor device is assigned to a device for fixing a product in a receptacle for the product, which in the region of at least one wall of the receptacle acts on a fluid, pneumatically or hydraulically operating member for fixing the product in the receptacle having. The aforementioned fixing device is part of Device according to the invention. In such a receptacle for a product is usually a bag, such as a bag inside a revolver of a packaging machine.

The energy converter of the sensor device is in this case positioned and configured such that the fluid can transmit mechanical energy to the energy converter, which converts this into the electrical energy for supplying the sensor device. The sensor device further has a suitably positioned sensor, with which the pressure exerted by the fluid on the organ pressure or the pressure of the fluid in the immediate vicinity of the organ can be measured. In other words, the fluid pressure in this case, on the one hand exploited as an energy reservoir for the sensor device, on the other hand measured directly.

The recorded pressure readings allow conclusions about the functionality of the fixation device. For example, a measured sudden drop in pressure may indicate a leak within the fluid line leading to the pneumatically or hydraulically operating organ or a leak in the fixation device of the fixator. Such a fixing member may for example be a movable membrane through the fluid, which presses the product against one or more walls of the receptacle. With the aforementioned sensor device leaks of this membrane can be detected.

In another advantageous development of the invention, the sensor device is associated with a conveying device for conveying products along a conveying path, which has a conveying element against which at least one product to be conveyed rests during the conveying movement. With a suitable sensor, the sensor device can then measure mechanical force or mechanical pressure, for example during operation of the conveyor, which the product, which bears against the conveyor element, exerts on the conveyor during the conveying movement. Pressure values, for example, which deviate from predetermined reference values or lie outside prescribed limits, can then indicate that the product is faulty. The mechanical force or the mechanical energy which the conveying device, in particular the conveying member, on which the product bears, transmits or transmits, can furthermore be used to supply a correspondingly positioned energy transducer of the sensor device with mechanical energy, which the latter in FIG converts electrical energy.

In this case, it can be provided that, in the case of a group of individual products to be conveyed, which abut the conveyor element together during operation of the device, each product of the group is assigned its own sensor device, each with a sensor and a transmitter unit. The sensor of the respective sensor device is positioned in such a way that it can in each case measure the pressure originating from the product assigned to it. For example, in a group of cigarettes that is transported by a corresponding conveying member, such as a driver, each cigarette or cigarette end would be assigned such a sensor device and thus such a sensor. For example, a pressure value (in particular pressure value zero) measured by a single sensor of a specific sensor device and significantly lower than the pressure values measured by the sensors of other sensor devices may indicate that no fault is present at the position of the conveyor element corresponding to the relevant sensor . is available.

Each product of the group to which a sensor device, in particular a sensor, is assigned, an energy converter of the respective sensor device is assigned, which is positioned and configured such that the respective product on the respective energy converter mechanical energy, in particular pressure, can transmit this turn into the necessary electrical energy.

Such a group of sensor devices is not only useful in connection with a conveyor. Thus, it can also be provided to associate such a sensor device with a receptacle or pocket for the product group. For example, such sensor devices can be integrated into the wall of the receptacle surrounding the product group. With them can then be detected in a similar manner as in the aforementioned conveyor, if a product is missing from the group. This lack of product would ultimately lead to measured values of the sensor device or the corresponding sensor assigned to the respective product, which deviate significantly from reference values for the group or at least from the values of the other sensors.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to associate the group of products with only one sensor unit with only one transmitter unit, but in this case the sensor unit has a number of sensors corresponding at least to the number of products. In the manner described above, each product would then be assigned a separate sensor of the sensor device. The measured values All sensors would be transmitted via the single transmitter unit. The sensor device would also have at least one energy converter in this case. Preferably, however, at least as many energy converters would be used as there are products in the group. Each product would then in turn each be assigned an energy converter.

In concrete implementation of the abovementioned embodiments of the invention, the sensor device associated with the respective product can have a measuring sensor arranged on the conveyor element with which the mechanical force can be measured during operation of the conveyor device from the product to the conveyor element or vice versa.

As far as the conveying member is concerned, this is preferably a driver arranged on a traction means, in particular a toothed belt, of a conveyor designed as an endless conveyor.

In this case, the sensor device can have a sensor which is assigned to the driver and preferably arranged thereon, with which an unintentional detachment of the driver from the traction means can be measured. Such a sensor is in particular arranged in the region of the connection of driver and traction means Zugkraftaufnehmer.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor device can have a sensor arranged on the carrier, in particular a pressure sensor, with which during operation of the conveyor of the conveyed products on the driver or vice versa acting force can be measured.

In a further important embodiment of the invention, the device has a sensor device which is assigned to a bearing of a component which is at least temporarily moved during operation of the device. In this case, the sensor device has a suitably positioned sensor for measuring the heat output and / or the temperature and / or the particular accelerated movement of the bearing. The energy converter of the sensor device is designed and positioned such that kinetic energy and / or heat originating from the bearing can be transferred to the energy converter, which then converts it into the electrical energy required for the sensor device.

In another alternative of the invention, the sensor device of the device is assigned to a valve of the device according to the invention, in particular a glue valve, wherein the sensor device has a suitably positioned sensor for measuring the temperature and / or the viscosity of the glue. The energy converter is then designed and positioned so that heat energy of the glue can be transferred to it, which converts it into the required electrical energy.

According to a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, the sensor device is associated with a knife roller of the device according to the invention, wherein the sensor device has a suitably positioned sensor for measuring the wear of the knife roller, in particular a pressure sensor. The energy converter is designed and positioned so that mechanical energy can be transferred to the energy converter during the cutting process, which converts it into the necessary electrical energy.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor device is assigned to a region of the device according to the invention, in which a product or a product group transversely to a blank held by a holding member taking along the blank and U-shaped folding promoted by the product or the product group becomes. In this case, a suitably positioned and trained transducer is assigned to the holding member for measuring the force exerted by the product / product group on the blank force. The energy converter of the sensor device is in this case designed and positioned, preferably on the holding member, that mechanical energy of the product / product group can be transferred to the energy converter during the movement of the product / product group, which converts it into electrical energy.

Fig. 1

eine Einzelheit einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung und/oder Verpackung von Zigaretten, nämlich eine Blocktasche bzw. Faltbühne zum Zuführen eines Stanniolblocks zu einem Faltrevolver,

Fig. 2

die Einzelheit I aus Fig. 1 in vergrößertem Maßstab,

Fig. 3

einen Vertikalschnitt entlang der Schnittlinie III-III aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

einen Vertikalschnitt entlang der Schnittlinie IV-IV aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

einen Vertikalschnitt entlang der Schnittlinie II-II aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

die Einzelheit V aus Fig. 5 in vergrößertem Maßstab,

Fig. 7

eine weitere Einzelheit der Vorrichtung, nämlich eine Messerwalze zum, Schneiden von Kragen für Zigarettenpackungen,

Fig. 8

eine weitere Einzelheit der Vorrichtung, nämlich ein Leimventil zum Beleimen von Zuschnitten,

Fig. 9

eine Einzelheit einer Vorrichtung zum Einhüllen von Zigaretten mit Folie, in der Zigarettenpackungen unter Mitnahme eines Folienzuschnitts in eine Tasche eines Revolvers geführt werden,

Fig. 10

Kraft-Weg-Diagramme von Bauteilen des Einrichtung aus Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

Beschleunigung-Weg-Diagramme von Bauteilen der Einrichtung aus Fig. 9,

Fig. 12

ein Schrumpfrevolver zur Versiegelung von Folien von Zigarettenpackungen.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the appended subclaims, the following description of preferred embodiments and from the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a detail of a device for producing and / or packaging cigarettes, namely a block pocket or folding stage for feeding a Stanniolblocks to a folding turret,

Fig. 2

the detail I off Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 3

a vertical section along the section line III-III Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4

a vertical section along the section line IV-IV Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5

a vertical section along the section line II-II Fig. 1 .

Fig. 6

the detail V out Fig. 5 on an enlarged scale,

Fig. 7

a further detail of the device, namely a knife roller for, cutting collar for cigarette packs,

Fig. 8

a further detail of the device, namely a glue valve for gluing blanks,

Fig. 9

a detail of a device for wrapping cigarettes with foil, in which cigarette packets are carried along with a foil blank into a pocket of a revolver,

Fig. 10

Force-displacement diagrams of components of the device Fig. 9 .

Fig. 11

Acceleration-displacement diagrams of components of the device Fig. 9 .

Fig. 12

a shrinking revolver for sealing foil from cigarette packs.

The Fig. 1-12 relate to individual components or assemblies of components of machines for packaging cigarettes. The components or assemblies of the machines shown are monitored with special sensor devices with autonomous power supply and wireless measured value transmission. In detail:

The Fig. 1-6 are concerned with a portion of a packaging machine for packaging cigarettes in cigarette packs (packer) in which a group 14 of cigarettes 14a wrapped in an inner blank 10, preferably made of tinfoil, is transferred by a circulating conveyor 11 to a so-called folding platform 12. The contents of the package, together with the inner blank 10, form a so-called Stanniol block 13. After leaving the folding stage 12, the Stanniol block 13 becomes as described in FIGS DE-A 24 40 006 promoted in the radial direction to a folding turret, not shown. The folding turret serves as part of the packaging machine to fold individual blanks for receiving the Stanniolblocks 13. For this purpose, a corresponding Cut each inserted into pockets of the folding turret and then folded around the supplied Stanniolblock 13.

In the in Fig. 1 shown transport phase of the cigarette group 14 enveloping inner blank 10 is finished folded in the rear in the transport direction end face. In addition, a collar 15 is fed to the Stanniolblock 13 as a further part of the later cigarette pack. Regarding the details of this process is on the DE-A-31 50 447 to which reference is made for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention and the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application.

The Stanniolblock 13 is previously passed over the conveyor 11 to the folding platform 12. To transport the Stanniolblocks 13 engage the conveyor 11 arranged driver 16 in the rear in the transport direction end face in the open inner blank 10 of the Stanniolblocks 13 a.

After the transfer of Stanniolblocks 13 to the folding stage 12 is in the from DE-A-31 50 447 known manner, the folding of the inner blank 10 completed by the contents of the package or to the cigarette group 14 in the region of the rear end face. This is done by a lower folder 17, a Oberfalter 18 and two Seitenfalter 19, 20. In addition, a circumferential conveyor 21 for the transverse transport of the collar 15 is provided. The conveyor 21 has drivers 22, which abut the collar 15 during transport.

Further, a driver 23 is provided for placing the collar 15 on the Stanniolblock 13th

To bridge the distance between the folding turret, not shown, and the conveyor 11, the folding platform 12 is reciprocated in a known manner by a suitable drive in the horizontal direction, as shown by the double arrow 24 in the Fig. 1 is indicated.

During transport of the Stanniolblocks 13 from the conveyor 11 to the folding turret, not shown, this recording is in a formed in the folding stage 12 receptacle 25 or pocket 25. The pocket 25 is bounded by at least two walls, namely at least by a bottom wall 26 and a top wall 27th Furthermore, preferably Side walls 110, 111 may be provided. In the transport direction, the pocket 25 is open in the region of the end faces.

The bag 25 is associated with a device 28 for fixing the Stanniolblocks in the pocket 25. Details of this facility are in DE 10 2006 021 125 A1 to which the present application is made and the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference. The fixing device 28 has a fixing device 29 operating pneumatically in the present case, namely a membrane, in order to exert a fixing force or fixing pressure on the stanniol block 13 or the contents of the package.

The bottom wall 26 of the pocket has, in the region of the fixing element 29, at least one opening 30, through which the fixing element 29 can extend. Below the opening 30, the fixing member 29 is connected via a feed line 31, a connected to the supply line 31 connector 32 and a outgoing from the connector 32 hose 33 with a compressed air source, not shown.

The machine control controls - possibly via a local control - the fixing device 29 supplied compressed air. Depending on the set pressure, the fixing member 29 and the diaphragm 29 is pressed either up through the opening 30 in the interior of the pocket 25, so that the Stanniolblock 13 is fixed there, or the diaphragm 29 is (at lower pressure) from the Move back the interior of the bag down and no longer fix the Stanniolblock 13 accordingly.

The fixing member 29 or the diaphragm 29 presses in the fixing case on a large-area rear side of the Stanniolblocks 13, whereby it is pressed against the opposite upper wall 27 and fixed in this way in the pocket 25.

The control of the force acting on the fixing member 29 compressed air can be done in many ways, compare the DE 10 2006 021 125 A1 ,

• Zum einen wird der an dem Fixierorgan 29 anliegende Luftdruck überwacht. Hierzu ist auf der Druckseite des Fixierorgans 29 eine Sensoreinrichtung 34 angeordnet, nämlich eingelassen in eine Verschlussplatte 35, die den Durchbruch 30 in der Bodenwand 26 unterseitig verschließt.

In a special way, a monitoring of individual, in the Fig. 1 to 6 shown organs or assemblies:

• On the one hand, the air pressure applied to the fixing element 29 is monitored. For this purpose, a sensor device 34 is arranged on the pressure side of the fixing member 29, namely embedded in a closure plate 35, which closes the opening 30 in the bottom wall 26 on the underside.

The sensor device 34 has a transmitting and receiving unit, which is not explicitly shown, with which signals can be transmitted via radio to a central transmitting and receiving unit 36 connected to a central controller or can be received by the latter.

The sensor device 34 also has a measuring sensor, also not shown, with which the air pressure applied in the supply line 31 or on the pressure side of the fixing element 29 can be measured. Furthermore, the sensor device 34 has an energy converter, which converts the applied pressure into electrical energy. Such energy converters are known per se. The electrical energy generated by the energy converter supplies all the components of the sensor device 34 with the necessary electrical energy or current.

The sensor device 34 can measure the pressure conditions prevailing in the feed line 31 or the pressure conditions on the pressure side of the fixing element 29 and send the corresponding measured values wirelessly to the transmitting and receiving unit 36. The latter then sends these signals to the central controller. The central control system evaluates the signals.

For example, it may be provided to compare the measurement signals with stored reference signals. In case of deviations or deviations outside a certain tolerance interval, it can be concluded that the fixing device 28 is defective. Compared with reference values for low pressure values, for example, it is possible to conclude that the diaphragm 29 has been damaged or pressure losses at the lines 31, 33 or at the compressed-air source. Accordingly, the control device can generate a signal, in particular an error signal. Depending on the error signal, various measures can be taken, for example, the operation of the machine can be interrupted. For the evaluation of the measurement results of the sensor device 34 as well as for such an evaluation optionally subsequent measures, there are a variety of ways.

Since the sensor device 34 has its own or self-sufficient power supply, such a sensor device 34 can be used at various positions of the packaging machine, in which previously either no or only very limited sensors could be used.

The described use of the sensor device 34 on the folding platform 12 would be difficult to realize with sensors with conventional galvanic connection to a central power source. Because the oscillating movement of the folding platform 12 in the directions of the double arrow 24 would make it necessary to provide consuming sliding contacts on which coming from a central power source cables end and over which the mounted on the folding stage sensor device power can be supplied.

• An dem Förderorgan 16 bzw. Mitnehmer 16 des Förderers 11 sind mehrere Sensoreinrichtungen 37 angeordnet. Genauer gesagt sind die Sensoreinrichtungen 37 an dem Mitnehmerkopf 16a angebracht. Die Sensoreinrichtungen 37 sind an dem Mitnehmerkopf 16a in einer Formation angeordnet, die der Formation der Zigarettengruppe 14 entspricht, die der Mitnehmerkopf 16a während der Förderbewegung in Richtung der Faltbühne 12 fördert.

The conveyor 11 is also associated with sensor devices with autonomous power supply:

• On the conveyor member 16 and driver 16 of the conveyor 11 a plurality of sensor devices 37 are arranged. More specifically, the sensor devices 37 are attached to the cam head 16a. The sensor devices 37 are arranged on the driving head 16a in a formation which corresponds to the formation of the cigarette group 14, which conveys the driving head 16a during the conveying movement in the direction of the folding stage 12.

Each cigarette 14a of the cigarette group 14 is in each case assigned to a sensor device 37. The respective sensor device 37 and the respective associated cigarette 14a are positioned coaxially one behind the other. Accordingly, during the conveying movement, each cigarette 14a has one of its two ends, namely, in the present case, the filter end, against the respectively assigned sensor device 37 and exerts pressure on it.

Each sensor device 37 is analogous to the sensor device 34 Fig. 2 in each case via a sensor, an energy converter and a transmitting and receiving unit for communicative connection with the central transmitting and receiving unit 36.

Each energy converter is capable of converting mechanical pressure, which the respective cigarette 14a exerts on the respective sensor device 37, into electrical energy for supplying the respective sensor device 37. The respective sensors are adapted to measure the pressure applied to them by the cigarettes 14a. The measured pressure values are then transmitted via radio to the central transmitting and receiving unit 36, which in turn transmits them to the central controller.

As part of an evaluation of the measurement results by the central control device of the machine, the measured values can each be compared with stored reference values become. If, for example, during the transport of the Stanniol block 13 pressure measured values are recorded which lie below reference values or below certain tolerance values, it can be concluded that no or one faulty cigarette 14a is present at the respective position of the cigarette group 14. Accordingly, the controller may generate an error message.

In a particularly special way, the cigarette group 14 or the cigarette formation is monitored with sensor devices with self-sufficient energy supply when it is in the pocket 25 of the folding stage 12.

In the top wall 27 and in the bottom wall 26 of the folding stage 12 each corresponding sensor devices 38 are inserted. The sensor devices 38 in the bottom wall 26 are positioned such that each sensor device 38 faces a respective cigarette 14 a of the lower row of the cigarette group 14. The sensor devices 38 of the top wall 27 are similarly positioned such that each sensor device 38 is in each case opposite a cigarette 14a of the upper row of the cigarette group 14.

The sensor devices 38 are constructed in a similar manner as the sensor devices 37. They also each have a sensor for measuring pressure, a transmitting and receiving unit for communication with the central transmitting and receiving unit 36 and an energy converter for converting pressure into electrical energy. The cigarettes 14a of the upper and lower rows of the cigarette group 14 each exert pressure on the respective associated sensor devices 38 in the normal case. This pressure is measured and compared in the central control device, for example with stored reference values.

Deviations of the measured values from the stored reference values arise in particular if one or more cigarettes of the cigarette formation 14 are missing. In Fig. 4 are missing at two positions of the cigarette group cigarettes, namely in the middle row. As a result, the cigarettes 14a of the upper and lower rows, which are each arranged directly above or below the relevant cigarette vacancy, exert less or no pressure on the respectively associated sensor device 38. This recognizes the control device and would accordingly generate an error message.

Even a mistake in which the inner blank 10 is missing or defective from Stanniol would be recognized accordingly. Even in this error situation, different measured values would result from stored reference values.

Naturally, a comparison of the measured values with stored limit values can also be made in order to detect the errors. Furthermore, it is conceivable to compare the measured values originating from the individual sensor devices 38.

In turn, completely analogous manner as in the sensor devices 37 off Fig. 3 For example, the electrical energy for supplying the individual components of the individual sensor devices 38 is generated by the respective energy converters of the respective sensor devices 38. These convert the pressure applied to them into electrical energy.

The conveyor 11 is associated with a further sensor device with autonomous power supply, namely a sensor device 112. This is associated with a bearing 113, by means of which a rotating gear 114 is mounted, which leads a toothed belt 115 of the conveyor 11 and optionally drives. On the toothed belt 115, the driver 16 are arranged.

The sensor device 112 rotates with the gear 114. The sensor of the sensor device 112 can measure a heating of the bearing 113 during operation. The resulting heat is used by a sensor of the sensor device 112 to generate the electrical supply energy for the sensor device 112. A transmitting and receiving unit of the sensor device 112 sends the measured values via the central transmitting and receiving unit 36 to the central control device. As part of the evaluation of the measurement results, too much bearing warming can be detected, which may indicate excessive wear of the bearing 113.

The FIGS. 5 and 6 show further examples of the use of sensor devices with autonomous power supply and with appropriate transmitting and receiving unit. As in particular from Fig. 6 can be seen, each driver 22 of the collar conveyor 21 are each associated with two sensor devices 39 and 40 respectively.

The sensor devices 39 each have a sensor that can measure tensile forces. The respective sensor is in the region of the connection of the driver 22 with a toothed belt 41 of the conveyor 21, on which the driver 22nd are mounted, arranged so that it can measure a detachment of the driver 22 of the toothed belt 41. Specifically, the tensile forces are measured, which act in particular during the transport of the collar 15 on the driver 22. A detachment of the driver 22 or a tearing off of the toothed belt 41 would lead to a change in the measured tensile forces. As soon as such a change is registered or changes outside a certain tolerance range, the central control device, to which the measured values transmitted by the transmitting and receiving unit of the sensor device are transmitted, can generate a corresponding error message.

By contrast, the sensor device 40 has a sensor for measuring pressure. The sensor or the sensor device 40 is positioned on the carrier 22 in such a way that the collar 15 exerts pressure on the sensor or on the sensor device 40 during the transport of the carrier. The pressure generated is measured and recorded deviations, such as deviations resulting from the fact that erroneously no collar 15 is transported. The central control device also recognizes corresponding errors and generates suitable error messages.

The energy converters of the sensor devices 39 and 40, which are likewise positioned on the drivers 22, in turn convert train or pressure into electrical energy acting on them to supply the components of the sensor devices 39 and 40.

Fig. 7 shows another component group of the packaging machine for cigarettes, namely a device 42 for cutting the collar 15 of a material web 43. The device 42 includes a so-called collar knife roller 44, the cutting elements distributed over its circumference, in the present case knife cutting. Two opposing conveyor rollers 46, 47 promote the web 43 along the collar blade roller 44. Opposite the collar blade roller 44, a guide roller 48 is arranged with a smooth, cylindrical shell. The material web 43 is performed between the collar blade roller 44 and guide roller 48. The guide roller 48 is arranged and positioned in such a way that the knife roller 44 can cut the material web 43 with the knife edges 45 while it rests against the guide roller 48. The guide roller 48 serves as a counter-pressure member.

In the course of operation of the cutting device 42, the cutting members 45 take advantage. Correspondingly, the pressure which acts on the material web 43 from the worn cutting elements 45 and vice versa as counterpressure on the knife roller 44 increases. For measurement This pressure sensor devices 49 are provided which are arranged in cavities or free grooves 50 of the knife roller.

The cavities 50 are each arranged opposite the cutting members 45, in particular on the respective radial which passes through the respective cutting member 45. The sensor devices 49 have pressure transducers for measuring the cutting pressure. As with the sensor devices 34, 37 to 40 described above, the measured values recorded are transmitted wirelessly via respective transmitting and receiving units of the sensor devices 49 to the central transmitting and receiving unit 36 and transmitted from here to the central control device of the packaging machine.

The measured pressure values can be correspondingly evaluated by the control device. Should the pressure values, for example, move outside of certain tolerances during the operation of the cutting device 42, this indicates an insufficient cutting pressure due to wear of the cutting elements 45. The control device can then generate a corresponding error signal.

Fig. 8 shows another example of a component of the packaging machine, in which a sensor device with a self-sufficient power supply can be used. The illustrated component is a valve, in the present case a so-called glue valve 51. Such a glue valve 51 is preferably used for the transmission of glue portions on folding flaps of cigarette packs or on other blanks. Such a glue valve is shown and described inter alia in the WO 2008/155117 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. Only the most important components of the glue valve 51 will be described below.

The valve 51 has a glue connection 53, via which the glue valve 51 can be fed from a glue source, not shown, to be metered glue. The glue flows via the glue connection into a glue channel 54 and two connecting channels 54a and 54b following this glue channel 54 flow into a valve chamber 55.

The valve chamber 55 is bounded below by a funnel-shaped valve seat 56 with valve opening 57. The valve opening 57 is closed in the closed state of the valve 51 by a closure means, namely a ball 58. This is in the closed position of the valve to the conical valve seat surfaces of the valve seat 56.

The closure means 58 or the ball 58 is arranged on a closure member 59, namely on a lower shaft 60 of the closure member 59. The closure member 59 is movably disposed within the valve chamber 55. It is held in the closed position by magnetic force. For this purpose, a first permanent magnet 62 is attached to a metallic piston piece 61 of the closure member 59. The first permanent magnet 62 is arranged opposite a second, in the Fig. 8 unrecognizable permanent magnet. This is attached to the valve housing 52, more precisely in the end region of a threaded bolt 63.

The oppositely arranged magnets are positioned so that the same poles are facing each other, z. B. the North Pole. Due to the permanent magnets thereby a repulsive force is permanently transmitted to the closure member 59, so that it is held in the closed position.

To open the glue valve 51, this repulsive magnetic force must be overcome. For this purpose, the glue valve 51 has an electromagnet 64 which has a coil carrier 65 and a coil 65a wound on a cylindrical surface thereof. The coil 65 surrounds the closure member 59 at least in sections. The closure member 59 acts within the coil 65a as the core of the electromagnet 64. With a suitable power supply to the coil 65a transmits this a resultant magnetic force on the metallic piston piece 61 of the closure member 59, whereby the closure member 59 moves a total of the closed position to an open position is, in which the glue can escape from the valve opening 57.

The valve further has a plug connection 66, via which the electromagnet 64 can be supplied with current.

The glue valve 51 is usually supplied (already) in heated form, namely so-called hot glue. Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided to heat the glue within the glue valve 51.

It is particularly important now that the glue valve 51 is assigned a sensor device 67 with a self-sufficient power supply. The sensor device 67 is arranged on the metallic piston piece 61 or inserted in a recess thereof. However, the sensor device 67 can also be positioned at other positions of the glue valve 51.

The sensor device 67 is designed to measure the heat or temperature of the glue present in the glue valve 51. The viscosity of the glue depends directly on the temperature of the same. The glue temperature can be used as a parameter in the control of the glue valve. For example, depending on the glue temperature and thus dependent on the viscosity of the glue, the opening time of the glue valve 51 can be controlled. Thus, with a comparatively high glue temperature and thus high flowability of the glue, the opening time of the glue valve 51 can be selected to be comparatively shorter than that of a lower glue temperature in order to produce one and the same glue proportion or amount of glue.

In order to be able to measure the glue temperature, the sensor device 67 has a temperature or heat meter. Furthermore, the sensor device 67 has a likewise arranged on the piston piece 61 energy converter, which can convert thermal energy into electricity, which in turn serves to supply the sensor device 67. On a connection of the sensor device 67 with cables or the like can therefore be dispensed with. The sensor device 67 also has a transmitting and receiving unit which can communicate with the central transmitting and receiving unit 36 wirelessly.

Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device 67 may comprise an accelerometer, with which the acceleration of the closure member 59 during the closing or opening movement is measured. The measured values can also be used to determine or measure the viscosity of the glue. Because the acceleration of the closure member 59 is dependent on the viscosity. In this case, the energy converter of the sensor device 67 may also be arranged on the closure member 59 and be designed to convert the corresponding kinetic energy of the closure member 59 into electrical energy.

The measured acceleration values also allow conclusions about the functionality of the coil 65a. With a defective coil 65a, the acceleration values would be significantly lower than in the reference case, or possibly the acceleration is even zero.

Another aggregate in which sensor devices with self-sufficient energy supply can be profitably used is in Fig. 9 shown. It shows sections of an aggregate or device 69 for wrapping cigarette packets an outer wrapping of foil. The unit is part of a corresponding machine for wrapping cigarette packs in foil (cello).

Such an outer wrapper is customary in particular with cigarette packs of the Hinge-Lid type. The in the in Fig. 9 shown manufacturing stage otherwise finished cigarette packs are provided with a thin, usually transparent film as Au βenumhüllung. Before putting the pack into use, the outer wrapper, which is usually equipped with a tear thread, is removed.

The cigarette packs 70, which are finished except for the outer casing, are fed on a horizontal path to a folding turret 71 for folding the outer casing. In this case, the packs 70 arriving at intervals from one another pass through a cutting unit 72. This cuts off blanks 73 of the outer wrapper from a continuous material web (not shown). The blanks are held in an upright plane across the package web by an upright cut conveyor 74 of the trimming unit 72 such that the blank 73 is folded in a U shape around the package 70 conveyed along the package web. The package 70 is transferred with the blank 73 to the folding turret 71. This is equipped with a plurality of pockets 71 a, in which the packages 70 are inserted together with the blank 73.

For holding the blanks 73, the trimming unit 72 has a holding member or mouthpiece 75, which cooperates with an upright conveyor belt 76 of the conveyor 74. The mouthpiece 75 has two vertically spaced-apart guide parts 77a, 77b. These guide members 77a, 77b each have along a common vertical plane extending guide surfaces which extend at a small distance to the conveyor belt 76, such that the blanks 73 between the vertical guide surfaces on the one hand and the conveyor belt 76 on the other hand held and upon movement of the conveyor belt 76 in Vertical direction can be carried. On the other hand, they have horizontal and parallel spaced-apart guide or folding surfaces. The distance between the horizontal guide surfaces corresponds approximately to a cigarette pack thickness.

The cigarette packs 70 must pass through the mouthpiece 75 before they are inserted into the respective pocket 71 a of the conveyor 71, taking along the respective blank 73, which in front of the between the horizontal guide surfaces the guide members 77a, 77b devoted lateral opening of the mouthpiece is stretched or held.

In other words, the respective blank 73 is stretched by the conveyor belt 76 on the one hand and the vertical guide surfaces of the mouthpiece 75 on the other hand perpendicular to the conveying path of the cigarette pack 70 before the opening of the mouthpiece or held there ready. In the course of an insertion movement of the cigarette pack 70 in the pocket 71 a of the conveyor 71, the package 70 is pressed with its front side first against the currently held upright blank 73. Subsequently, the package 70 is passed through the mouthpiece 75, wherein the blank 73 during this further movement of the pack 70 is withdrawn from the vertical guide surfaces of the mouthpiece 75 and carried along the conveyor track. The parallel guide surfaces of the mouthpiece 75 provide for a folding of the blank 73, so that the blank rests against the packaging surfaces opposite the horizontal guide surfaces.

The conveying movement of the packs 70 or the insertion thereof into the pockets 71a, taking along the blank 73, is produced by a push-in device 78. This has a slide-in member 79 which is horizontally reciprocally movable, see double arrow 80a, and pushes the respective pack 73 forward in the direction of the arrow 80b.

The insertion device 78 has a drive mimic with a drive lever 81, a hinged thereto at a rotary joint 82 gear member 83 and a hinged to the gear member 83 via a bearing 84 gear member 85. The further details of the drive mimic is not present here, so on their representation is omitted. As a result, the drive lever 81 is driven by a drive shaft driven by a motor. The rotational movement of the drive shaft is converted by the drive mimic into a horizontal reciprocating movement of the insertion member 79th

The enveloping device 69 is associated with various sensor devices with autonomous power supply, with which components thereof or certain operating parameters can be detected and monitored. The 10 and 11 show diagrams of measured values that can be measured with the sensor devices.

The cutting unit 72, namely the mouthpiece 75, is associated with two sensor devices 86, with which the tension or the pressure transmitted from the prepared blank 73 to the sensor device 86 can be measured. For this purpose, pressure sensors of the sensor devices 86 are respectively positioned on the guide parts 77a, 77b in the region of the opening of the mouthpiece 75.

In addition, the sensor devices 86 each have an energy converter arranged adjacent to the measuring sensors, likewise in the region of the mouthpiece opening, which can convert the pressure transmitted to it by the blank 73 into electrical energy for supplying the sensor devices 86, and via a respective transmitting and receiving unit for wireless communication with the central transmitting and receiving unit 36.

In the Fig. 10 Curve 87a represents an ideal course of force which the two sensor devices 86 record while a package 70 extracts a blank 73 from the mouthpiece 75 without error. The measured force curve F is shown as a function of the distance S the cigarette packet 70 advances during the insertion process. Before the cigarette packet 70 strikes the blank 73, the sensor devices 86 do not measure any force acting on the blank 73. As soon as the cigarette packet 70 strikes the blank 73 or carries the blank 73 in the further course, the sensor devices 86 measure increasing pressure forces F, which reach a peak at a certain value S and become lower again as the feed progresses. When the blank 73 has left the region of the sensor devices 86, no further forces are measured.

Curve 87b shows a force curve deviating from ideal curve 87a in the case of another blank 73. The differing force required compared with the ideal curve may be due to the fact that the entrained blank 73 may have been unevenly pulled off the vertical guide surfaces of mouthpiece 75.

The central control device of the machine to which the measured values are transmitted can detect the deviations between the curves 87a and 87b and generate an error message.

Also, the insertion member 79 has a sensor device, namely the sensor device 88. This is on the pack to be inserted 70 opposite end of the insertion member 79, that is, at the end, which bears against the package 70 during the conveying movement. It serves to measure the pressure which the pack 70 exerts on the slide 79 during the insertion process. Accordingly, the sensor device 88 has a pressure measuring transducer and an energy converter, which converts the mechanical energy generated during insertion into electrical energy for supplying the components of the sensor device 88. In addition, the sensor device 88 has a transmitting and receiving unit for communication with the central transmitting and receiving unit 36.

The curve 89a in Fig. 10 shows an ideal force curve, as it occurs in error-free operation. In contrast, the curve 89b shows a force curve, as would occur, for example, in the case of the accidental use of a blank 73 which is too thick compared to a blank having the desired thickness. In this case, the back pressure that the cigarette pack 70 exerts on the insertion member 79 would be significantly higher than when using a planned blank 73 with the desired thickness. The central control device can in turn detect the deviations and initiate appropriate measures.

The insertion member 79 is associated with a further sensor device 90. This includes not only the transmitting and receiving unit but also an accelerometer. It serves to detect a so-called packing crash. In the event of a crash, i. if, for some reason, a cigarette packet 70 jams during delivery, such as at the mouthpiece 75, and can not be pushed further, the insertion member 79 automatically recoils, i. the forward movement is not completed, but converted into a return movement. The details of the drive simulation, with which this automatic movement reversal is achieved, will not be discussed here.

The decisive factor is that the accelerometer can measure the acceleration of the slide-in member 79. In Fig. 11 the curve 91a shows an ideal course of acceleration of the insertion member 79 as a function of the path S, by which the insertion member 79 is moved. The reciprocation of the slide member 79 is reflected in the corresponding transitions from negative acceleration values to positive acceleration values and vice versa in the curve 91a.

The curve 91 b shows the acceleration profile of the insertion member 79 in a crash. Since the slide-in member 79 in this case, due to the clamping situation does not progress further or is not further accelerated in the forward direction, the acceleration value A up to the value S _1, the value zero. Subsequently, the automatically triggered reversal of movement of the insertion member 79 takes place. The curve (only) at the value S ₁ in the ideal course of the return movement over.

The control device, which transmits the measured values of the sensor device 90, can therefore detect a crash by suitable evaluation of the signals and generate corresponding error messages. The electrical energy relates to the sensor device 90 from a suitable energy converter, with which the kinetic energy of the insertion member 90 is converted into electrical energy.

Finally, the bearing 84 of the drive simulation is still associated with a sensor device 92. This is designed in a similar manner as the sensor device 90. It therefore also includes an accelerometer, a suitable energy converter and the transmitting and receiving unit. By the sensor device 92, the acceleration of the bearing 84 can be measured. The curve 93a shows an acceleration course at the bearing 84, as occurs when there is bearing damage. Ideally, the acceleration profile at the bearing 84 would have to coincide with the curve 93b. The deviations can be detected by the control device and appropriate measures can be initiated.

Fig. 10 shows a further unit of a device for the production of cigarette packaging, namely a so-called shrinking revolver 94. Such Schrumpfrevolver 94 can be used in particular in connection with continuously running packaging machines. They serve to heat-treat cigarette packs 96 provided with an outer wrapper 95 of preferably foil during the continuous rotation of the revolver 94. This heat treatment serves to shrink the outer sheath 95 made of shrinkable material so that the outer sheath 95 wraps the package 96 wrinkle-free and under tension. Details are in the DE 10 2005 059 620 A1 which is incorporated herein by reference for purposes of disclosure.

The shrinking revolver 94 is provided with a plurality of distributed over its circumference pockets or receptacles 97 for each one pack 96. In the area of the receptacle 97, the pack 96 is subjected during the transport of the heat treatment. In this case, heat is transferred to the large-area packet sides 98, 99, ie to the front side and the rear side. The heat elements are designed as heat plates 100 and 101, respectively. They are dimensioned such that the relevant package pages are covered over their entire surface are. The heating plates 100, 101 are movable transversely to the packs 96 and the package sides 98, 99 to be loaded. Each heat plate 100, 101 is attached to a pivot lever 102, 103, respectively.

The kinematics for the heat plates 100, 101 is due to the design, design and storage of the pivot lever 102, 103 chosen so that each heat plate 100, 101 in the heating position over the entire surface of the associated pack side. In the cuboidal packing 96, therefore, the heat plates 100, 101 are directed parallel to each other in this functional position. For receiving and releasing a pack, the heat plates 100, 101 are pivoted into an outwardly diverging open position.

Furthermore, each receptacle 97 is associated with movable holding members 104, namely pivotable holding jaws. These are actuated independently of the heat plates 100, 101 and detect the pack 96 on not covered by the heat plates 100, 101, transverse pack sides, here in the region of the front and bottom surface of the pack 96. The holding jaws also serve to take over the packs 96th from a feed conveyor, not shown. Next, they serve to position the packs 96 in the receptacle 97 and for later transfer to a discharge conveyor, also not shown. The holding jaws 104 are accordingly movable. Each holding jaw 104 is associated with a respective pivoting arm 105. This pivot arm 105 is pivotally mounted on a carrier 106, which in turn is also pivotally mounted on the turret 94.

Each receptacle 97 or each heating element 100, 101 are associated with sensor devices 107 with which the temperature or heat output of the heat elements 100, 101 can be measured. By monitoring the temperature, the functionality of the heat elements 100, 101 can be detected. If, for example, the temperature drops below a certain value or deviates from reference values, this indicates a defect of the corresponding heat source.

Furthermore, the heat elements 100, 101 are assigned sensor devices 108. These have pressure transducers that can measure pressure applied to them. Thus, while the heat elements 100, 101 abut the package 96, the pressure that is transferred to the package 96 can be measured. If there are deposits on the heat elements 100, 101, the measured pressure would deviate from setpoints or reference values. The same applies to the case that other materials, for example other slides are used than those actually intended in the process. Other material properties also lead to different pressure ratios that can be detected in this way.

The sensor devices 107, 108 have suitable energy converters that use the resulting heat or pressure to generate electrical energy for operating the sensor devices 107, 108. Furthermore, the sensor devices 107, 108 are again assigned transmitting and receiving units which transmit the generated signals either to the central transmitting and receiving unit 36 or to a transmitting and receiving unit 109 which is arranged on the revolver 94.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

inner blank

11

promoter

12

folding platform

13

tin foil

14

cigarette group

14a

Cigarette

15

collar

16

takeaway

16a

driving head

17

under Falter

18

upper folder

19

side folders

20

side folders

21

promoter

22

takeaway

23

takeaway

24

double arrow

25

bag

26

bottom wall

27

upper wall

28

fixing

29

fixing member

30

breakthrough

31

supply

32

connector

33

tube

34

sensor device

35

closing plate

36

central transmitting and receiving unit

37

sensor device

38

sensor device

39

sensor device

40

sensor device

41

toothed belt

42

Facility

43

web

44

Collar knife roll

45

knife organ

46

conveyor roller

47

conveyor roller

48

guide roller

49

sensor device

50

cavity

51

glue valve

52

valve housing

53

Adhesive connection

54

glue channel

54a

connecting channel

54b

connecting channel

55

valve chamber

56

valve seat

57

valve opening

58

Bullet

59

closure member

60

shaft

61

Kolb piece

62

permanent magnet

63

threaded bolt

64

electromagnet

65

coil carrier

65a

Kitchen sink

66

connection

67

sensor device

69

Facility

70

pack

71

folding turret

71a

bag

72

cutting unit

73

cut

74

blank conveyor

75

mouthpiece

76

conveyor belt

77a

guide part

77b

guide part

78

insertion device

79

slide-organ

80a

double arrow

80b

arrow

81

drive lever

82

swivel

83

transmission member

84

camp

85

transmission member

86

sensor device

87a

Curve

87b

Curve

88

sensor device

89a

Curve

89b

Curve

90

sensor device

91a

Curve

91b

Curve

92

sensor device

93a

Curve

93b

Curve

94

shrinking revolver

95

foil

96

pack

97

bag

98

pack page

99

pack page

100

hotplate

101

hotplate

102

pivoting lever

103

pivoting lever

104

holding member

105

swivel arm

106

carrier

107

sensor device

108

sensor device

109

Transmitting and receiving unit

110

Side wall

111

Side wall

112

sensor device

113

camp

114

gear

115

toothed belt

Claims (17)

Device for producing and / or packaging products of the tobacco industry, preferably cigarettes and / or cigarette packs, wherein the device has at least one sensor device (34, 37-40, 49, 67, 86, 88, 90, 92, 107, 108, 112 ) with measuring transducer, with which at least one operating parameter of the device and / or at least one product parameter and / or at least one parameter of the starting materials necessary for the production and / or packaging of the product can be measured during operation of the device, characterized in that the sensor device ( 34, 37-40, ...) has a transmitting unit, with which, in particular, electromagnetic signals can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote receiving unit (36, 109) of the device as well as a separate, self-sufficient energy supply with an energy converter, with which during operation of the device existing or arising thermal, mechanical, magnetic and / or radiant energy in elektrisc Energy for supplying at least one component of the sensor device (34, 37-40, ...) is convertible, preferably at least the sensor and / or the transmitting unit. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy converter of the sensor device (34, 37-40,...) Is arranged on a component of the device which is at least temporarily moved during operation of the device, the energy converter being designed such that it generates kinetic energy of the device moving component can convert into electrical energy, and / or that the energy converter of the sensor device (34, 37-40, ...) is arranged on or adjacent to a component of the device which emits heat during operation, wherein the energy converter is designed such that he can convert the heat energy of the heat-emitting component into electrical energy, and / or that the energy converter of the sensor device (34, 37-40, ...) is arranged at a position in the operation of the device, in particular by a component of the device , is applied by a partially or completely finished product, by a starting material and / or by a fluid used in the operation, directly or indirectly mechanical force on the energy converter, wherein the energy converter is designed such that it converts the corresponding mechanical energy into electrical energy can. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (34) is associated with a device (28) for fixing a product (13) in a receptacle (25) for the product (13), in particular a bag which In the region of at least one wall (26) of the receptacle (25), a pneumatically or hydraulically operated member (29) for fixing the product (13) in the receptacle (25) can be acted upon by a fluid, wherein the energy converter of the sensor device (34 ) is positioned and configured such that the fluid can transfer mechanical energy to the energy converter that converts it into electrical energy, and wherein the sensor device (34) has a suitably positioned sensor for directing the fluid through the fluid onto the organ (29 ) pressure or the pressure of the fluid in the immediate vicinity of the organ (29) is measurable, and / or that the sensor device (37, 39, 40) of a F associated device for conveying products (13, 15) along a conveying path, which has a conveying member (16, 22) on which at least one product to be conveyed (13, 15) during the conveying movement, wherein the energy converter of the sensor device (37, 39, 40) is positioned and configured in such a way, preferably on the conveyor organ, that during operation of the conveyor device (11, 21) mechanical energy of the conveyor device (11, 21), in particular of the conveyor member (16, 22) to which energy converters can be transferred, which converts them into electrical energy. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor device (37, 39, 40) via a on the conveying member (16, 22) arranged sensor, with the in operation of the conveyor (11, 21) of the Product (13, 15) on the conveying member (16, 22) or reversely acting mechanical force is measurable. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the conveying member (16, 22) on a traction means (41, 115), in particular a toothed belt, arranged carrier designed as an endless conveyor conveyor (11, 21). Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the sensor device (39, 40) via a driver (22) associated, preferably arranged at this, suitably positioned sensor has, with the unintentional detachment of the driver (22) of the traction means (41) is measurable, in particular in the region of the connection of driver (22) and traction means (41) arranged Zugkraftaufnehmer, and / or that the sensor device (39, 40) has a on the driver (22) arranged sensor, in particular a Pressure sensor, with which in the operation of the conveyor (21) by the promoted products (15) on the driver (22) or vice versa acting force can be measured. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more sensor devices (37, 38) is assigned to a group (14) of individual products (14a) which, as a group (14), operate on a device Receiving (25) for the group (14) or at one holding the group (14) holding member or on a promotional this conveying member (16) at least temporarily, each sensor device (37, 38) has a respective sensor or a sensor device via a plurality of sensors, which are each arranged on the receptacle (25), on the holding member or on the conveying member (16), wherein each sensor is in each case associated with a product (14a) such that it from the product (14) to the sensor can measure acting pressure. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that each product (14a) of the group (14), which is associated with a sensor, further associated with an energy converter, which is positioned and designed such that the respective product (14a) to the respective Energy converter can transmit mechanical energy, which converts this into electrical energy. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (92, 112) is assigned to a bearing (84, 113) of a component (11, 78) moving at least temporarily during operation of the device, wherein the sensor device (92, 112) has a suitably positioned sensor for measuring the heat emission and / or the temperature and / or the particular accelerated movement of the bearing (84, 113), and wherein the energy converter of the sensor device (92, 112) is formed and positioned, preferably on Bearings (84, 113) that kinetic energy and / or heat from the bearing (84, 113) can be transferred to the energy converter, which converts this into electrical energy. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (67) is associated with a valve (51), in particular a glue valve, wherein the sensor device (67) has a suitably positioned sensor for measuring the temperature and / or the viscosity the glue supplied to the valve (51), and / or the accelerated movement of a closure member (59) of the valve (51), and wherein the energy converter is designed and positioned, preferably on the closure member (59) of the valve (51) Heat energy of the glue can be transferred to the energy converter, which converts this into electrical energy. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (49) is associated with a knife roller (44), wherein the sensor device (49) has a suitably positioned sensor for measuring the wear of the knife roller (44), in particular a pressure sensor , and wherein the energy converter is designed and positioned, preferably in cavities (50) of the knife roller (44), that mechanical energy can be transferred to the energy converter during the cutting process, which converts this into electrical energy. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (86) is assigned to a region of the device, in which a product (70) or a product group in each case transversely to a blank (73) held by a holding member, taking along the Blank (73) and in particular U-shaped folding of the same about the product (70) / the product group is conveyed, wherein the holding member is assigned a suitably positioned and trained transducer for measuring the product (70) / the product group on the blank (73) applied force, and wherein the energy converter of the sensor device (86) is designed and positioned, preferably on the holding member that during the movement of the product (70) / the product group on the energy converter mechanical energy of the product (70) / product group can be transmitted, which converts this into electrical energy. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (88, 90) is associated with a slide-in member (79) of a slide-in device (69) for inserting a product (70) into a pocket (71a) of a turret (71) wherein the insertion member (79) is associated with a suitably positioned and trained sensor for measuring the pressure acting on the sensor from the product (70) and / or a sensor for measuring the particular accelerated movement of the insertion member (79), and wherein the energy converter the sensor device (88, 90) is designed and positioned in such a way, in particular on the insertion member (79), that it can convert the pressure exerted on the product (70) or kinetic energy of the insertion member (79) into elastic energy. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the transmitting unit of the sensor, measured values representing signals to the remote receiving unit (36, 109) of the device can be transmitted, wherein the device has a control device with which the signals or measured values can be evaluated. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the control device is designed to compare the measured values with stored values, in particular limit values or reference values and / or with measured values of other sensors, wherein the control device optionally triggers a signal depending on the result of the comparison an error signal. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy converter is connected via power lines to the sensor and / or the transmitting unit of the sensor device (34, 37-40, ...), so that the electrical energy generated by the energy converter the sensor and / or to the transmitting unit can be transmitted. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the sensor and the energy converter, preferably all components of the sensor device (34, 37-40, ...), within or on a common housing of the sensor device (34, 37-40). 40, ...) are arranged.

Images