Tobacco shred foreign matter removing device

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of cigarette equipment, and discloses a cut tobacco foreign matter removing device which comprises a conveying mechanism, a detecting mechanism, a removing mechanism and a control assembly. The conveying mechanism comprises a vibration groove, the vibration groove can convey tobacco shreds in the first direction, and a detection area is arranged on the vibration groove. The detection mechanism comprises a lighting element and a camera, the camera and the lighting element are both arranged above the detection area, a lens of the camera faces the detection area of the vibration groove, the camera can recognize foreign matter in the tobacco shreds, and the lighting element irradiates the detection area so that the detection area can have enough brightness. The removing mechanism comprises a manipulator and a recoverer, the control assembly is in communication connection with the camera and the manipulator, the camera can transmit a detection signal of recognized foreign matters to the control assembly, and the control assembly controls the manipulator to clamp the foreign matters to the recoverer according to the detection signal. The foreign matters in the tobacco shreds can be accurately removed by clamping the foreign matters in the tobacco shreds through the manipulator, and the loss of the tobacco shreds is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cigarette making equipment, and in particular to a tobacco foreign matter removal device. Background Art

[0002] During the tobacco shred production process, non-tobacco foreign matter, such as plastic fragments and paper scraps, often mixes into the shredded tobacco after the shredding process. Currently, the industry generally uses manual sorting to remove these foreign matter. Operators visually identify foreign matter on a vibrating conveyor and manually open a valve to release the foreign matter. After manual sorting, the tobacco is then mixed back into the production line. However, manual sorting can easily lead to missed inspections or improper handling of discovered foreign matter, causing it to be transported to subsequent processes.

[0003] In order to improve the efficiency of foreign body removal, the prior art uses a high-frequency pulse air beam foreign body removal device to remove foreign bodies. The device detects foreign bodies through an X-ray imager and removes foreign bodies from the tobacco through a compressed air nozzle.

[0004] However, compressed air nozzles also remove some tobacco when removing foreign matter from tobacco, resulting in significant tobacco loss. This requires the conveyor to be retrofitted with pneumatic seals to control tobacco loss, which is costly. Furthermore, using compressed air nozzles to remove foreign matter from tobacco can easily cause tobacco and foreign matter to be blown off the vibrating conveyor, potentially contaminating the working environment. Furthermore, X-ray imaging equipment is expensive and emits radiation, making it unsuitable for food-grade processing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a tobacco foreign body removal device that can accurately remove foreign matter from tobacco, ensure low tobacco loss, and prevent tobacco and foreign matter from contaminating the working environment. At the same time, it has low cost and is suitable for food-grade processing.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] Provided is a tobacco foreign body removal device, comprising:

[0008] A conveying mechanism, the conveying mechanism comprising a vibration trough, the vibration trough being capable of conveying tobacco in a first direction, and a detection area being provided on the vibration trough;

[0009] a detection mechanism, the detection mechanism comprising a lighting element and a camera, the camera and the lighting element being both disposed above the detection area, the camera lens facing the detection area of ​​the vibration groove, the camera being capable of identifying foreign matter in the tobacco, and the lighting element illuminating the detection area;

[0010] A rejecting mechanism, comprising a manipulator and a recycler, wherein the manipulator is capable of clamping foreign matter in the tobacco in the detection area and transferring it to the recycler;

[0011] A control component is communicatively connected to the camera and the manipulator, the camera can transmit a detection signal of a foreign object to the control component, and the control component controls the manipulator to clamp the foreign object to the recycler according to the detection signal.

[0012] Optionally, the conveying mechanism further includes a material guide plate, which is arranged at the input end of the vibration groove and extends along the second direction, and both ends of the material guide plate along the second direction are connected to the side walls of the vibration groove.

[0013] Optionally, the vibration groove includes a first sub-vibration groove and a second sub-vibration groove, the output end of the first sub-vibration groove is connected to the input end of the second sub-vibration groove, the material guide plate is arranged in the first sub-vibration groove, and the detection area is arranged in the second sub-vibration groove.

[0014] Optionally, the tobacco foreign matter removal device further includes a background plate, which is installed in the detection area and the tobacco can pass over the background plate.

[0015] Optionally, the conveying mechanism further includes a turning plate, which is arranged at the input end of the vibration trough, and an end of the turning plate away from the detection area is provided with an upwardly inclined flange.

[0016] Optionally, one end of the tipping plate close to the detection area is overlapped with the background plate, and the other end is tilted downward and abuts against the bottom of the vibration groove.

[0017] Optionally, the control component includes a computer and a programmable logic controller, the computer and the programmable logic controller are communicatively connected, and the camera and the manipulator are both communicatively connected to the computer.

[0018] Optionally, the tobacco foreign body removal device further includes an alarm, and the control component further includes a serial relay. The alarm is communicatively connected to the serial relay, and the serial relay is communicatively connected to the computer.

[0019] Optionally, the tobacco foreign matter removal device further includes a support assembly, and the camera and the lighting element are mounted on the support assembly.

[0020] Optionally, the camera is communicatively connected to the lighting element, and the camera can be turned on and off synchronously with the lighting element.

[0021] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0022] The present invention provides a device for removing foreign matter from tobacco shreds, comprising a conveying mechanism, a detection mechanism, a removal mechanism, and a control assembly. The conveying mechanism comprises a vibration trough, which is capable of conveying tobacco shreds along a first direction, and a detection area is provided on the vibration trough. By vibrating the vibration trough to convey tobacco shreds, the tobacco shreds in the vibration trough can be evenly spread, the thickness of the tobacco shreds layer can be more uniform, and the thickness of the tobacco shreds layer can be reduced, thereby making foreign matter in the tobacco shreds easier to detect. The detection mechanism comprises a lighting element and a camera, both of which are arranged above the detection area, with the lens of the camera facing the detection area of ​​the vibration trough. The camera can identify foreign matter in the tobacco shreds, and the lighting element illuminates the detection area so that the detection area has sufficient brightness, making it easier for the camera to identify foreign matter in the tobacco shreds. In addition, the cost of the camera is relatively low, and identifying foreign matter in tobacco shreds by the camera is more suitable for food-grade processing. The removal mechanism includes a manipulator and a recycler. The manipulator can pick up foreign matter from tobacco within the detection zone and transfer it to the recycler. The control component is connected to the camera and manipulator. The camera transmits a detection signal of foreign matter to the control component, which then controls the manipulator to pick up the foreign matter and transfer it to the recycler based on the detection signal. Having the manipulator pick up foreign matter from the tobacco can accurately remove it, reducing tobacco waste. Furthermore, picking up foreign matter from the tobacco and transferring it to the recycler prevents tobacco and foreign matter from contaminating the working environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the tobacco foreign matter removal device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the control principle of the tobacco foreign matter removal device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the picture:

[0026] 1. Conveying mechanism; 11. Vibration trough; 111. First sub-vibration trough; 112. Second sub-vibration trough; 12. Material guide plate; 13. Material turning plate;

[0027] 2. Detection mechanism; 21. Lighting element; 22. Camera; 3. Rejection mechanism; 31. Robot; 32. Recycler;

[0028] 4. Control component; 41. Computer; 42. Programmable logic controller; 43. Serial relay;

[0029] 5. Background board; 6. Alarm; 7. Support assembly; 71. First support rod; 72. Second support rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0032] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0033] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meanings.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a tobacco foreign body removal device, comprising a conveying mechanism 1, a detection mechanism 2, a removal mechanism 3, and a control assembly 4. The conveying mechanism 1 includes a vibrating trough 11, which is capable of conveying tobacco in a first direction. A detection zone is provided on the vibrating trough 11. Vibrating the tobacco by the vibrating trough 11 can evenly spread the tobacco within the trough 11, making the thickness of the tobacco layer more uniform and reducing the thickness of the tobacco layer, thereby making foreign matter in the tobacco easier to detect. The detection mechanism 2 includes a lighting element 21 and a camera 22. Both the camera 22 and the lighting element 21 are positioned above the detection zone. The lens of the camera 22 faces the detection zone of the vibrating trough 11. The camera 22 is capable of identifying foreign matter in the tobacco. The lighting element 21 illuminates the detection zone, providing sufficient brightness in the detection zone, making it easier for the camera 22 to identify foreign matter in the tobacco. Furthermore, the cost of the camera 22 is relatively low, and using the camera 22 to identify foreign matter in tobacco is more suitable for food-grade processing. The removal mechanism 3 includes a manipulator 31 and a recycler 32. The manipulator 31 is capable of picking up foreign matter from the tobacco within the detection zone and transferring it to the recycler 32. The control component 4 is communicatively connected to the camera 22 and the manipulator 31. The camera 22 transmits a detection signal of foreign matter to the control component 4, which then controls the manipulator 31 to pick up the foreign matter and transfer it to the recycler 32 based on the detection signal. The manipulator 31 can accurately remove foreign matter from the tobacco, reducing tobacco waste. Furthermore, picking up foreign matter from the tobacco and transferring it to the recycler 32 prevents tobacco and foreign matter from contaminating the working environment.

[0035] Specifically, the first direction is the length direction of the vibration trough 11, and the second direction is the width direction of the vibration trough 11. The vibration frequency range of the vibration trough 11 is 3-8HZ. The detection area is located on the side away from the input end of the vibration trough 11 to ensure that the tobacco can be evenly spread. The detection area is rectangular, and the length of the detection area along the second direction is equal to the width of the vibration trough 11, ensuring that all tobacco can pass through the detection area to avoid missed detection due to tobacco not passing through the detection area. The camera 22 corresponds to the center position of the detection area, and the lighting element 21 is a light strip extending along the second direction. The recycler 32 is a recycling box, which is installed on the outer wall of one side of the vibration trough 11. The manipulator 31 is located on the same side as the recycler 32. The manipulator 31 is provided with a support part and a clamping part. The support part is used to fix the manipulator 31, and the clamping part is movably connected to the support part. The clamping part can clamp foreign matter in the tobacco in the detection area to the recycler 32. Among them, the manipulator 31 is a spider-arm robot. The specific movement method of the manipulator 31 refers to the existing technology and will not be elaborated in this application.

[0036] Alternatively, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the control assembly 4 includes a computer 41 and a programmable logic controller 42. The computer 41 and the programmable logic controller 42 are communicatively connected, and the camera 22 and the manipulator 31 are also communicatively connected to the computer 41. Through the coordinated action of the computer 41 and the programmable logic controller 42, the movement position of the manipulator 31 can be precisely controlled, thereby improving the accuracy of the manipulator 31 in grasping.

[0037] Specifically, the computer 41 is arranged on the side of the vibration trough 11 facing away from the manipulator 31. The programmable logic controller 42 and the manipulator 31 are respectively connected to the computer 41 via Ethernet. Among them, the computer 41 is provided with an independent graphics card capable of performing deep neural network inference, which is used to communicate with the camera 22, the manipulator 31 and the programmable logic controller 42. When the vibration trough 11 is running, the camera 22 is controlled to turn on by the programmable logic controller 42. When the vibration trough 11 stops running, the camera 22 is controlled to turn off by the programmable logic controller 42, so that the vibration trough 11 and the camera 22 run synchronously. The computer 41 is also provided with image recognition software, which processes the image information collected by the camera 22 and converts it into control instructions of the programmable logic controller 42, and controls the manipulator 31 through the programmable logic controller 42 to accurately clamp foreign objects in the tobacco and place them in the recycler 32. Among them, the computer 41 and the programmable logic controller 42 are both existing technologies in this field, and this application will not be repeated here.

[0038] Furthermore, the tobacco foreign matter removal device also includes an alarm 6, and the control component 4 also includes a serial port relay 43. The alarm 6 is communicatively connected to the serial port relay 43, and the serial port relay 43 is communicatively connected to the computer 41. When the camera 22 recognizes foreign matter in the tobacco, the alarm 6 is controlled by the serial port relay 43 to send an alarm message so that the staff can be informed of the presence of foreign matter in the tobacco and can check it.

[0039] Specifically, alarm 6 is an audible and visual alarm, mounted on top of computer 41. A serial port relay 43 and computer 41 are both equipped with USB interfaces, and the two are connected via a data cable with USB connectors at both ends. Computer 41 transmits the recognition results of the image recognition software to serial port relay 43. If a foreign object is detected in the tobacco, serial port relay 43 controls alarm 6 to emit an audible and visual alarm signal. Both serial port relay 43 and the audible and visual alarm are prior art in this field, and this application will not elaborate on them here.

[0040] Optionally, the camera 22 is communicatively connected to the lighting element 21, and the camera 22 can be turned on and off synchronously with the lighting element 21. When the camera 22 is on, the camera 22 controls the lighting element 21 to turn on; when the camera 22 is off, the camera 22 controls the lighting element 21 to turn off. The camera 22 and the lighting element 21 can be turned on or off synchronously, which can ensure the brightness when the camera 22 is detecting.

[0041] Optionally, the conveying mechanism 1 further includes a guide plate 12, which is disposed at the input end of the vibration trough 11 and extends along the second direction, with both ends of the guide plate 12 along the second direction connected to the side walls of the vibration trough 11. The guide plate 12 can make the tobacco layer thinner and more uniform, making it easier for the camera 22 to identify foreign matter in the tobacco.

[0042] Specifically, the guide plate 12 is elongated and extends along the second direction, perpendicular to the bottom of the vibration trough 11. The guide plate 12 is symmetrically arranged about the center along the second direction, and the height of the middle portion of the guide plate 12 is greater than the height of the ends, allowing the tobacco to spread toward the ends, further reducing the thickness of the tobacco layer. The guide plate 12 can be secured to the sidewalls of the vibration trough 11 by welding or screws, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0043] Optionally, the vibration trough 11 includes a first sub-vibration trough 111 and a second sub-vibration trough 112, and the output end of the first sub-vibration trough 111 is connected to the input end of the second sub-vibration trough 112, so as to facilitate the processing and manufacturing of the vibration trough 11. The guide plate 12 is arranged in the first sub-vibration trough 111, and the detection area is arranged in the second sub-vibration trough 112. There is a certain distance between the guide plate 12 and the detection area to ensure that the tobacco delivered to the detection area is evenly spread. Specifically, the guide plate 12 is arranged at one end of the first sub-vibration trough 111 away from the second sub-vibration trough 112, so as to increase the distance between the guide plate 12 and the detection area. The first sub-vibration trough 111 and the second sub-vibration trough 112 can be fixed by welding.

[0044] Optionally, the tobacco foreign body removal device further comprises a background plate 5, which is installed in the detection area, and the tobacco can pass over the background plate 5. Through the background plate 5, foreign bodies in the tobacco are more easily identified by the camera 22.

[0045] Specifically, the size of the background plate 5 is the same as the size of the detection area, so that the background plate 5 can completely block the detection area. Wherein, the background plate 5 is a tan acrylic plate. In other embodiments, the background plate 5 can also be an acrylic plate or plastic plate of other colors.

[0046] Optionally, the conveying mechanism 1 also includes a flipping plate 13, which is arranged at the input end of the vibration trough 11. The end of the flipping plate 13 away from the detection area is provided with an upward inclined flange. When the tobacco passes through the flipping plate 13, the tobacco can be flipped by the action of the flange and further spread evenly, so that foreign matter in the tobacco is more easily located on the upper side of the tobacco material layer, thereby being more easily detected by the camera 22.

[0047] Furthermore, one end of the flipping plate 13 close to the detection area is overlapped with the background plate 5, and the other end is tilted downward and abuts against the bottom of the vibration groove 11. Since the flipping plate 13 is tilted, the tobacco is transported upward to the background plate 5 after being flipped and turned over, further reducing the thickness of the tobacco material layer.

[0048] Optionally, the tobacco foreign body removal device further comprises a support assembly 7, and the camera 22 and the lighting element 21 are mounted on the support assembly 7. The support assembly 7 is used to fix the camera 22 and the lighting element 21, and at the same time, can also fix the data line connected to the control assembly 4.

[0049] Specifically, the support assembly 7 includes a first support rod 71 and a second support rod 72. The first support rod 71 extends vertically and is fixed to the side wall of the computer 41 facing the vibration tank 11. The second support rod 72 is perpendicularly connected to the first support rod 71 and extends in a second direction to above the vibration tank 11. The camera 22 and the lighting element 21 are both mounted on the second support rod 72.

[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tobacco foreign body removal device, characterized in that: include: A conveying mechanism (1), the conveying mechanism (1) comprising a vibration groove (11), the vibration groove (11) being capable of conveying tobacco shreds along a first direction, and a detection area being provided on the vibration groove (11); A detection mechanism (2), the detection mechanism (2) comprising a lighting element (21) and a camera (22), the camera (22) and the lighting element (21) both being arranged above the detection area, the lens of the camera (22) facing the detection area of ​​the vibration groove (11), the camera (22) being capable of identifying foreign matter in the tobacco, and the lighting element (21) illuminating the detection area; A rejection mechanism (3), the rejection mechanism (3) comprising a manipulator (31) and a recycler (32), the manipulator (31) being capable of clamping foreign matter in the tobacco in the detection area to the recycler (32); A control component (4) is communicatively connected to the camera (22) and the manipulator (31), wherein the camera (22) is capable of transmitting a detection signal of identifying a foreign object to the control component (4), and the control component (4) controls the manipulator (31) to clamp the foreign object to the recycler (32) based on the detection signal.

2. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism (1) further comprises a material guide plate (12), the material guide plate (12) being arranged at the input end of the vibration groove (11) and extending along a second direction, and both ends of the material guide plate (12) along the second direction being connected to the side walls of the vibration groove (11).

3. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vibration groove (11) comprises a first sub-vibration groove (111) and a second sub-vibration groove (112), the output end of the first sub-vibration groove (111) is connected to the input end of the second sub-vibration groove (112), the material guide plate (12) is arranged on the first sub-vibration groove (111), and the detection area is arranged on the second sub-vibration groove (112).

4. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tobacco foreign body removal device further comprises a background plate (5), wherein the background plate (5) is installed in the detection area, and the tobacco can pass over the background plate (5).

5. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The conveying mechanism (1) further comprises a turning plate (13), wherein the turning plate (13) is arranged at the input end of the vibration trough (11), and an upwardly inclined flange is provided at one end of the turning plate (13) away from the detection area.

6. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 5, characterized in that: One end of the turning plate (13) close to the detection area overlaps the background plate (5), and the other end tilts downward and abuts against the bottom of the vibration groove (11).

7. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control component (4) includes a computer (41) and a programmable logic controller (42), wherein the computer (41) and the programmable logic controller (42) are communicatively connected, and the camera (22) and the manipulator (31) are both communicatively connected to the computer (41).

8. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The tobacco foreign body removal device further comprises an alarm (6), and the control component (4) further comprises a serial port relay (43). The alarm (6) is communicatively connected to the serial port relay (43), and the serial port relay (43) is communicatively connected to the computer (41).

9. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The tobacco foreign body removal device further comprises a support assembly (7), and the camera (22) and the lighting element (21) are mounted on the support assembly (7).

10. The tobacco foreign matter removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The camera (22) is communicatively connected to the lighting element (21), and the camera (22) can be turned on and off synchronously with the lighting element (21).

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