Tobacco rod forming device

Abstract

The application provides a tobacco rod forming device, which comprises a base, at least one section of sequentially-communicating feeding mechanism, forming mechanism and transmission device. Each section of the feeding mechanism comprises a plurality of first petals, each of which is movably mounted on the base, and the plurality of first petals enclose a containing groove for accommodating a paper strip and a base rod placed on the paper strip. The forming mechanism comprises a plurality of second petals, each of which is movably mounted on the base, and the plurality of second petals enclose a forming groove which is coaxial with the containing groove. The transmission device is configured to drive the paper strip and the base rod to be output from an output end of the containing groove and then to be input into the forming groove from an input end of the forming groove, so that the paper strip is wrapped on the base rod and the two sides of the paper strip parallel to the transmission direction of the transmission device are adhered together to form a tobacco rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] At least one embodiment of this application relates to the field of tobacco manufacturing equipment, and more specifically, to a tobacco rod forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Tobacco rods consist of an inner base rod and an outer covering paper strip. The paper strip is wrapped around the outer periphery of the base rod during the forming process to form the tobacco rod. In related technologies, tobacco rod forming equipment is limited to producing tobacco rods of a single specification, with both the feeding channel and the forming cavity having fixed inner diameters.

[0003] When producing tobacco rods of different diameters, the entire feeding channel and forming cavity components must be disassembled and replaced, requiring a single specification changeover that takes several hours and disrupts production continuity. Furthermore, repeated disassembly and reassembly make it difficult to ensure the coaxiality of the newly installed feeding channel and forming cavity, which can easily cause jamming in the base rod feed, paper tape deviation or wrinkling, resulting in uneven diameter and surface of the finished rods, thus reducing the product qualification rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address at least one of the above-mentioned and other technical problems in the prior art, embodiments of this application provide a tobacco rod forming apparatus that can be adapted to the production of tobacco rods of different diameters, ensuring the coaxiality of feeding and forming.

[0005] According to an embodiment of this application, a tobacco rod forming apparatus includes a base, at least one sequentially connected feeding mechanism, forming mechanism, and conveying device. Each feeding mechanism includes a plurality of first segments, each movably mounted on the base, forming a receiving groove to receive a paper strip and a base rod placed on the paper strip. The forming mechanism includes a plurality of second segments, each movably mounted on the base, forming a forming groove coaxial with and communicating with the receiving groove. The conveying device is configured to drive the paper strip and the base rod out from the output end of the receiving groove and then into the forming groove from the input end of the forming groove, such that the paper strip covers the base rod and the two sides of the paper strip parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device are bonded together to form a tobacco rod.

[0006] According to an embodiment of this application, the tobacco rod forming apparatus further includes a first driving assembly, a covering device, and a heating mechanism. The first driving assembly is configured to drive a first segment to move radially along a receiving groove, such that the inner diameter of the receiving groove matches the outer diameter of the base rod. The covering device is located at the input end and includes two covering mechanisms and an adhesive coating mechanism. The two covering mechanisms are configured to cover both sides of the paper strip onto the base rod. The adhesive coating mechanism is configured to movably pass through one of the covering mechanisms near the output end of the receiving groove in the radial direction of the forming groove and spray adhesive between the two sides of the paper strip to form a preliminary rod. The heating mechanism is configured to movably pass through two adjacent second segments in the radial direction of the forming groove and heat the adhesive, thereby forming the preliminary rod into a tobacco rod.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this application, each first petal includes a first main body and a first protrusion extending radially outward. The inner side of each first main body facing the base rod is formed as an arc surface. For each feeding mechanism: multiple first petals are distributed in parallel and symmetrically. The inner sides of multiple first main bodies enclose an arc-shaped receiving groove. After the paper tape enters the receiving groove, it is pressed into a U-shape by the groove wall to partially conform to the outer periphery of the base rod, and both sides of the paper tape extend out of the receiving groove. Multiple first petals are arranged at intervals and form a first open space at the top.

[0008] According to an embodiment of this application, the conveying device includes a conveyor belt, a first guide block, a second guide block, a drive wheel, and a motor. The first guide block is located at the feed end of the receiving groove away from the forming groove, and the first guide block has a first guide groove flush with the receiving groove. The second guide block is located at the discharge end of the forming groove away from the receiving groove, and the second guide block has a second guide groove flush with the forming groove. The conveyor belt is wound around the drive wheel and passes sequentially through the first guide groove, the receiving groove, the forming groove, and the second guide groove. The motor is configured to drive the drive wheel to rotate, causing the conveyor belt to move axially through the first guide groove, the receiving groove, the forming groove, and the second guide groove.

[0009] According to an embodiment of this application, the opening width of the first guide groove gradually decreases along the axial direction of the receiving groove so that the two sides of the paper strip gradually bend upwards. The tobacco rod forming device also includes a paper feeding mechanism and a robotic arm feeding end. The paper feeding mechanism includes a paper storage tray and a guide wheel. The paper strip is wound around the paper storage tray. The guide wheel is located at the feeding end and upstream of the first guide block in the conveying direction of the paper strip. The paper strip released from the paper storage tray passes around the guide wheel and attaches to the conveyor belt so that the conveyor belt drives the paper strip from the first guide groove into the receiving groove. The robotic arm feeding end is movably disposed above the feeding mechanism. The lower end of the robotic arm feeding end is provided with multiple suction heads to pick up multiple base rods from the storage bin of base rods and place the multiple base rods sequentially onto the paper strip from top to bottom through the first open space.

[0010] According to an embodiment of this application, the first drive assembly includes at least one first drive mechanism and at least one pair of first wrenches. At least one first drive mechanism is mounted on a base. Each pair of first wrenches is slidably mounted at both ends of a corresponding feeding mechanism segment. Each first wrench includes a first drive arm and a first arcuate portion located at a first end of the first drive arm. The first arcuate portion is provided with a plurality of first connecting grooves, which are respectively fitted onto the ends of the first protrusions. At least one first drive mechanism is respectively connected to the second end of the first drive arm and is configured to drive each first petal to move by synchronously driving the first arcuate portion to rotate, thereby adjusting the inner diameter of the receiving groove.

[0011] According to the embodiments of this application, each feeding mechanism further includes two opposing first support frames. Each first support frame is provided with a plurality of radially extending first limiting grooves. The first protrusion extends slidably into the first connecting groove through the first limiting groove, so that the first limiting groove guides the first petal to move in the radial direction.

[0012] According to an embodiment of this application, each second flap includes a second main body and a radially outwardly extending second protrusion. The inner side of each second main body facing the preliminary rod is formed as an arc surface. The plurality of second flaps include a plurality of main flaps, a first covering flap, and a second covering flap. The plurality of main flaps form the lower portion of the forming groove and have the same cross-section as the receiving groove. The first covering flap and the second covering flap are located above the two upper edges of the lower portion of the forming groove. Two covering mechanisms are respectively formed at the ends of the first covering flap and the second covering flap adjacent to the output end of the receiving groove. The first covering flap and the second covering flap serve as two adjacent second flaps and form a second open space for the heating mechanism to enter.

[0013] According to an embodiment of this application, the tobacco rod forming apparatus further includes a second driving assembly. The second driving assembly is configured to drive the second segment to move radially along the forming groove, such that the inner diameter of the forming groove matches the outer diameter of the tobacco rod. The second driving assembly includes a second driving mechanism and two second wrenches. The second driving mechanism is mounted on a base. The two second wrenches are slidably mounted at both ends of the forming mechanism. Each second wrench includes a second driving arm and a second arcuate portion located at the second end of the second driving arm. The second arcuate portion is provided with a plurality of second connecting grooves, which are respectively sleeved on the ends of the second protrusions. The second driving mechanism is connected to the second end of the second driving arm and is configured to drive each second segment to move by synchronously driving the second arcuate portion to adjust the inner diameter of the forming groove.

[0014] According to an embodiment of this application, the molding mechanism further includes two opposing second support frames, each of which is provided with a plurality of radially extending second limiting grooves. The second protrusion extends slidably into the second connecting groove through the second limiting groove, so that the second limiting groove guides the second petal to move in the radial direction.

[0015] According to the tobacco rod forming apparatus of this application embodiment, a receiving groove is formed by multiple first petals movably mounted on the base, enabling continuous adjustment of the inner diameter of the receiving groove. This allows for the adaptation to base rods of different outer diameters, ensuring that the inner diameter of the receiving groove matches the outer diameter of the base rod and preventing lateral movement of the base rod within the receiving groove. Similarly, a forming groove is formed by multiple second petals movably mounted on the base, enabling continuous adjustment of the inner diameter of the forming groove. This allows the inner diameter of the forming groove to match the outer diameter of the desired tobacco rod, thus enabling the forming of tobacco rods of different outer diameters. Through the coaxial structure of the receiving groove and the forming groove, a conveying device drives the paper tape and base rod sequentially through the receiving groove and the forming groove. During continuous conveying, the paper tape naturally wraps around the base rod and completes the bonding on both sides, achieving continuous production of tobacco rods. This ensures that the base rod and paper tape remain coaxially aligned throughout the entire conveying process from feeding to forming, avoiding jamming, offset, and paper tape wrinkling problems during conveying. Therefore, the tobacco rod forming device can accommodate preliminary rods with different outer diameters and produce tobacco rods with different target diameters, thereby improving production efficiency, equipment versatility, and product forming consistency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this application will become clearer from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This schematic diagram illustrates a perspective view of a tobacco rod forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0018] Figure 2 Schematic illustration Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown;

[0019] Figure 3 Schematic illustration Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tobacco rod forming device shown from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 4 A perspective view of a base and a feeding mechanism according to an embodiment of this application is schematically shown;

[0021] Figure 5 Schematic illustration Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part E shown;

[0022] Figure 6 The schematic diagram illustrates the principle of the paper tape wrapping process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 7 The illustration schematically shows a perspective view of a plurality of first lobes according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 8 Schematic illustration Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first lobe from another perspective;

[0025] Figure 9 Schematic illustration Figure 7 The left view;

[0026] Figure 10 Schematic illustration Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tobacco rod forming device shown from another perspective;

[0027] Figure 11 Schematic illustration Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of part D shown;

[0028] Figure 12 Schematic illustration Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part F shown;

[0029] Figure 13 Schematic illustration Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B shown;

[0030] Figure 14 The illustration shows the removal Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure;

[0031] Figure 15 Schematic illustration Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C shown;

[0032] Figure 16 Schematic illustration in Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure including the first support frame;

[0033] Figure 17 Schematic illustration in Figure 16 Add a corresponding 3D diagram of a first wrench;

[0034] Figure 18 The illustration schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a plurality of second lobes according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 19 Schematic illustration Figure 18The left view;

[0036] Figure 20 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a main lobe body;

[0037] Figure 21 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first covering valve in the middle;

[0038] Figure 22 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second covering valve body in the middle;

[0039] Figure 23 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the supporting valve body in the middle;

[0040] Figure 24 Schematic illustration Figure 10 A top view of the tobacco rod forming apparatus shown;

[0041] Figure 25 Schematic illustration Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the middle section of the structure along the AA direction;

[0042] Figure 26 Schematic illustration in Figure 18 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure with the second support frame added from another perspective;

[0043] Figure 27 Schematic illustration in Figure 26 Add a corresponding three-dimensional diagram of a second wrench;

[0044] Figure 28 This schematically illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the elastic component and the second support frame according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 29 Schematic illustration in Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the addition of multiple connecting rods;

[0046] Figure 30 The illustration shows a perspective view of the retaining mechanism combined with the second covering valve according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, the meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:

[0048] 1. Base; 11. Base plate; 12. Support leg; 10. Paper tape; 100. Base rod; 101. Guide roller; 102. Robot arm feeding end; 103. Suction head; 110. Fastener; 2. Feeding mechanism; 21. First petal; 211. First main body; 212. First protrusion; 22. Receiving groove; 23. First open space; 24. First support frame; 241. First limiting groove; 3. Forming mechanism; 31. Second petal; 311. Second main body; 312. Second protrusion 313. Main valve body; 314. First covering valve body; 315. Second covering valve body; 316. Support valve body; 317. Holding mechanism; 318. Mounting part; 319. Enclosing part; 32. Forming groove; 33. Second open space; 34. Second support frame; 341. Second limiting groove; 4. Transmission device; 41. Conveyor belt; 42. First guide block; 421. First guide groove; 43. Second guide block; 431. Second guide groove; 44. Drive wheel; 45. Motor; 5. First drive assembly; 51. First drive mechanism; 511. First cylinder; 512. First piston; 513. First connecting rod; 52. First wrench; 521. First drive arm; 522. First arc-shaped portion; 523. First connecting groove; 6. Coating device; 61. Coating mechanism; 62. Glue application mechanism; 63. Support portion; 7. Heating mechanism; 8. Second drive assembly; 81. Second drive mechanism; 811. Second cylinder; 812. Second piston; 813. Second connecting rod; 82. Second wrench; 821. Second drive arm; 822. Second arc-shaped part; 823. Second connecting groove; 9. Elastic component; 910. Mounting block; 91. Bolt; 92. Spring; 902. Threaded hole; 93. Adjusting nut; 90. Connecting rod; 900. Connector; 901. Protrusion; 920. First plate; 930. Second plate; 940. Third plate; 950. Connector; 903. First mounting hole; 904. Second mounting hole; 905. Mounting nut. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0051] All terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0052] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C," the expression should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or systems having A, B, and C. Similarly, when using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, or C," the expression should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or systems having A, B, and C.

[0053] It should also be noted that the directional terms mentioned in the embodiments, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," and "right," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Throughout the drawings, the same elements are represented by the same or similar reference numerals. Conventional structures or constructions will be omitted where they may cause confusion in understanding this application.

[0054] The tobacco rod forming apparatus provided in this application is applied to the rod forming process in the cigarette manufacturing industry. During the tobacco rod forming process, a pre-prepared base rod is composited with a paper strip used to wrap the base rod. The paper strip is then firmly wrapped around the entire outer surface of the base rod under uniform tension. The adhesive is then cured by heating to form a complete tobacco rod with a uniform diameter and a smooth appearance. The base rod, as a component of the tobacco rod, can be made of different materials depending on the product requirements. For example, the base rod used to form the combustion section of a cigarette can be made from shredded tobacco shreds through combing, gathering, and pressing to form a tobacco shred bundle; the base rod used to form the filter section of a cigarette can be made from cellulose acetate or polypropylene fiber tow to form a filter fiber rod; and the base rod used to form the composite functional section of a cigarette can integrate functional components such as flavor capsules, activated carbon particles, and flavor threads to impart a special aroma, taste, or filtering effect to the cigarette. The formed tobacco rod can be cut into different lengths as needed and used as a cigarette stick section, filter section, or composite functional section.

[0055] In tobacco rod forming production, the feeding mechanism carries the base rod and forming paper tape so that the conveying device can stably and accurately transport the paper tape and base rod to the downstream forming mechanism. The forming mechanism completes the wrapping of the base rod with the paper tape, ensuring that the formed tobacco rod reaches the target diameter required for the product. Related technologies use a fixed-size cavity structure for the forming device and its feeding mechanism, resulting in a single set of equipment being used to produce tobacco rods of one or a limited number of specific diameters. With the continuous development of the tobacco market and the increasing diversification of consumer demands, tobacco manufacturers need to frequently switch between producing tobacco rods of different diameters. However, each time production specifications are switched, the equipment must be stopped, and then professional technicians must disassemble and replace the entire set of forming cavity components, including the forming mold, guide plate, heating block, etc. This process takes several hours, affecting production efficiency and the effective utilization rate of the equipment. Furthermore, repeated disassembly and reassembly make it difficult to ensure the coaxiality of the newly installed feeding channel and forming cavity, which can easily cause jamming of the base rod conveyor, deviation or wrinkling of the paper tape, resulting in uneven diameter and uneven surface of the finished rods, thus reducing the product qualification rate.

[0056] Figure 1 The illustration shows a perspective view of a tobacco rod forming apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 Schematic illustration Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A shown. Figure 3 Schematic illustration Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tobacco rod forming device from another perspective.

[0057] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the tobacco rod forming apparatus includes a base 1, at least one sequentially connected feeding mechanism 2, forming mechanism 3, and conveying device 4. Each feeding mechanism 2 includes a plurality of first segments 21, each first segment 21 being movably mounted on the base 1. The plurality of first segments 21 form a receiving groove 22 to receive a paper strip 10 and a base rod 100 placed on the paper strip 10. The forming mechanism 3 includes a plurality of second segments 31, each second segment 31 being movably mounted on the base 1. The plurality of second segments 31 form a forming groove 32 that is coaxial with and communicates with the receiving groove 22. The conveying device 4 is configured to drive the paper strip 10 and the base rod 100 out from the output end of the receiving groove 22 and then into the forming groove 32 from the input end of the forming groove 32, such that the paper strip 10 covers the base rod 100 and the two sides of the paper strip 10 parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device 4 are bonded together to form a tobacco rod.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the number of feeding mechanisms 2 can be set to a single segment according to the conveying length requirements of the base rod 100, or the number of feeding mechanisms 2 can be set to multiple segments, such as three-segment feeding mechanisms 2. When multiple-segment feeding mechanisms 2 are set, the multiple-segment feeding mechanisms 2 are arranged coaxially and sequentially along the length direction of the base 1, so that the multiple receiving slots 22 of the multiple-segment feeding mechanisms 2 are sequentially connected to form a continuous conveying channel along the conveying direction. By setting the feeding mechanism 2, the base rod 100 and paper tape 10 can be pre-arranged and smoothly and accurately conveyed to the input end of the forming tank 32, providing a good foundation for subsequent coating and forming processes.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the base 1 serves as the supporting structure for the feeding mechanism 2 and the forming mechanism 3. The base 1 includes a base plate 11 and support legs 12. The base plate 11 is a plate-like structure and is elongated. The base 1 extends along the conveying direction of the base rod 100. Multiple base plates 11 are arranged in a row with their lengths aligned. Adjacent base plates 11 are connected, for example, by bolts. The number of base plates 11 matches the number of feeding mechanisms 2 and forming mechanisms 3. Each segment of the feeding mechanism 2 is mounted on a corresponding base plate 11, and the forming mechanism 3 is also mounted on a corresponding base plate 11. Support legs 12 are provided at the bottom of the base plates 11. Multiple support legs 12 are evenly distributed at the bottom of the multiple base plates 11. For example, two adjacent base plates 11 are supported by the same support leg 12. By providing support legs 12, the alignment of two adjacent base plates 11 is aided, the installation of connecting components is facilitated, and the connection reliability of the two base plates 11 is enhanced.

[0060] According to the above embodiments of this application, a receiving groove 22 is formed by multiple first petals 21 movably mounted on the base 1, enabling continuous adjustment of the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22. This allows for the adaptation to accommodate base rods 100 with different outer diameters, ensuring that the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 matches the outer diameter of the base rod 100 and preventing lateral movement of the base rod 100 within the receiving groove 22. Similarly, a forming groove 32 is formed by multiple second petals 31 movably mounted on the base 1, enabling continuous adjustment of the inner diameter of the forming groove 32. This allows the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 to match the outer diameter of the desired tobacco rod, thus enabling the adaptation to form tobacco rods with different outer diameters. Through the coaxial structure of the receiving groove 22 and the forming groove 32, the paper strip 10 and the base rod 100 are driven by the conveying device 4 to pass through the receiving groove 22 and the forming groove 32 in sequence. This allows the paper strip 10 to naturally wrap around the base rod 100 and complete the bonding on both sides during continuous conveying, achieving continuous production of tobacco rods. This ensures that the base rod 100 and the paper strip 10 remain coaxially aligned throughout the entire conveying process from feeding to forming, avoiding jamming, offset, and paper strip wrinkling problems during conveying. Therefore, the tobacco rod forming device can accommodate preliminary rods of different outer diameters and produce tobacco rods of different target diameters, improving production efficiency, equipment versatility, and product forming consistency.

[0061] Figure 4 A perspective view of a base and a feeding mechanism according to an embodiment of this application is shown schematically. Figure 5 Schematic illustration Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part E shown. Figure 6 The schematic diagram illustrates the principle of the paper tape wrapping process according to an embodiment of this application.

[0062] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the tobacco rod forming apparatus also includes a first drive assembly 5, a covering device 6, and a heating mechanism 7. The first drive assembly 5 is configured to drive the first flap 21 to move radially along the receiving groove 22, such that the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 matches the outer diameter of the base rod 100. The covering device 6 is located at the input end and includes two covering mechanisms 61 and an adhesive application mechanism 62. The two covering mechanisms 61 are configured to cover both sides of the paper strip 10 onto the base rod 100. The adhesive application mechanism 62 is configured to movably pass through one of the covering mechanisms 61 near the output end of the receiving groove 22 in the radial direction of the forming groove 32 and spray adhesive between the two sides of the paper strip 10 to form a preliminary rod. The heating mechanism 7 is configured to movably pass through two adjacent second flaps 31 in the radial direction of the forming groove 32 to heat the adhesive, thereby forming the preliminary rod into a tobacco rod.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, each first petal 21 is movably mounted on the base 1, and the first drive assembly 5 is mounted on the base 1. When conveying the base rod 100 and the paper tape 10, for example, the first drive assembly 5 synchronously drives multiple first petals 21 in each feeding mechanism 2 to move in the radial direction of the receiving groove 22, so as to synchronously change the size of the receiving groove 22 of each feeding mechanism 2 and keep the cross section of the receiving groove 22 in a roughly semi-circular arc shape, so that the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 of each feeding mechanism 2 is simultaneously adjusted to match the outer diameter of the base rod 100 to be conveyed. Increasing the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 can prevent the base rod 100 and the paper tape 10 from moving and getting stuck or deformed. Decreasing the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 can prevent the base rod 100 from moving laterally in the receiving groove 22 and improve the adhesion between the paper tape 10 and the base rod 100.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, the covering device 6 is positioned at the input end of the forming groove 32. During the process of the base rod 100 and the paper tape 10 entering the forming groove 32, it bends and covers both sides of the paper tape 10 onto the outer surface of the base rod 100, while simultaneously spraying adhesive between the overlapping areas of the paper tape 10, thus adhering the paper tape 10 to the base rod 100 to form a preliminary rod. Please refer to... Figure 6 As shown, the wrapping process of paper tape 10 is divided into four stages. Figure 6 Part (a) shows the preforming stage, in which the paper strip 10 is pressed into a U-shape in the receiving groove 22 of the feeding mechanism 2, the base rod 100 is placed at the bottom of the U-shaped paper strip 10, and the two sides of the paper strip 10 extend upward to form a first side and a second side, respectively. Figure 6 Part (b) shows the first side covering stage, when the base rod 100 and the paper tape 10 are conveyed by the conveying device 4 to the input end of the forming trough 32, a covering mechanism 61 in the covering device 6 first bends the first side of the paper tape 10 and covers it to the upper surface of the base rod 100. Figure 6 Part (c) shows the adhesive application stage, after the first side of the paper tape 10 is wrapped onto the base rod 100, the adhesive application mechanism 62 immediately sprays adhesive onto the outer surface of the first side of the paper tape 10 and / or the inner surface of the second side. Figure 6 Part (d) shows the second side covering stage. After the adhesive is applied, another covering mechanism 61 in the covering device 6 bends the second side of the paper strip 10 and covers it onto the outer surface of the first side, so that the two sides of the paper strip 10 overlap. The adhesive glues the two sides of the paper strip 10 together to form a preliminary rod.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 5As shown, the forming trough 32 is connected to and coaxial with the receiving trough 22. The conveying device 4 drives the paper strip 10 and the base rod 100 output from the receiving trough 22 into the forming trough 32. Two coating mechanisms 61 are arranged sequentially along the conveying direction of the paper strip 10. One coating mechanism 61 is located near the first side of the paper strip 10, and the other coating mechanism 61 is located near the second side of the paper strip 10. The end nozzle of the glue coating mechanism 62 can pass through the coating mechanism 61 near the first side to apply glue to the paper strip 10. The heating mechanism 7 is movably disposed above the forming trough 32 in the conveying direction of the paper strip 10, downstream of the two coating mechanisms 61. The heating mechanism 7 is configured to heat the initially coated and bonded rod to cure the adhesive, ensuring that the paper strip 10 firmly wraps the base rod 100 to form a tobacco rod.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, each second lobe 31 can move independently along the radial direction of the forming groove 32. When all the second lobe 31 move simultaneously toward the central axis of the forming groove 32, the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 decreases; when all the second lobe 31 move simultaneously away from the central axis of the forming groove 32, the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 increases. In this way, the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 can be continuously adjusted, allowing it to be matched with base rods 100 and tobacco rods of different outer diameters.

[0067] Figure 7 The illustration schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a plurality of first lobes according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 Schematic illustration Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of the first lobe from another perspective. Figure 9 Schematic illustration Figure 7 The left view. Figure 10 Schematic illustration Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the tobacco rod forming device from another perspective. Figure 11 Schematic illustration Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of part D is shown.

[0068] like Figures 7-11 As shown, each first petal 21 includes a first main body 211 and a radially outwardly extending first protrusion 212. The inner side of each first main body 211 facing the base rod 100 is formed as an arc surface. For each feeding mechanism 2, multiple first petals 21 are distributed in parallel and symmetrically. The inner sides of multiple first main bodies 211 enclose an arc-shaped receiving groove 22. After the paper tape 10 enters the receiving groove 22, it is pressed into a U-shape by the groove wall of the receiving groove 22 to partially conform to the outer periphery of the base rod 100, and both sides of the paper tape 10 extend out of the receiving groove 22. Multiple first petals 21 are arranged at intervals and a first open space 23 is formed at the top.

[0069] Figure 12 Schematic illustration Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part F shown. Figure 13 Schematic illustration Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part B is shown. Figure 14 The illustration shows the removal Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of part of the structure.

[0070] like Figure 1 as well as Figures 12-13 As shown, the conveying device 4 includes a conveyor belt 41, a first guide block 42, a second guide block 43, a drive wheel 44, and a motor 45. The first guide block 42 is located at the feed end of the receiving groove 22 away from the forming groove 32, and the first guide block 42 has a first guide groove 421 flush with the receiving groove 22. The second guide block 43 is located at the discharge end of the forming groove 32 away from the receiving groove 22, and the second guide block 43 has a second guide groove 431 flush with the forming groove 32. The conveyor belt 41 is wound around the drive wheel 44 and passes sequentially through the first guide groove 421, the receiving groove 22, the forming groove 32, and the second guide groove 431. The motor 45 is configured to drive the drive wheel 44 to rotate so that the conveyor belt 41 moves axially through the first guide groove 421, the receiving groove 22, the forming groove 32, and the second guide groove 431.

[0071] According to an embodiment of this application, the opening width of the first guide groove 421 gradually decreases along the axial direction of the receiving groove 22 towards the receiving groove 22, so that the two sides of the paper strip 10 gradually bend upward. The tobacco rod forming device also includes a paper feeding mechanism and a robotic arm feeding end 102. The paper feeding mechanism includes a paper storage tray and a guide wheel 101. The paper strip 10 is wound around the paper storage tray. The guide wheel 101 is disposed at the feeding end and is located upstream of the first guide block 42 in the conveying direction of the paper strip 10. The paper strip 10 released from the paper storage tray passes around the guide wheel 101 and is attached to the conveyor belt 41 so that the conveyor belt 41 drives the paper strip 10 from the first guide groove 421 into the receiving groove 22. The robotic arm unloading end 102 is movably disposed above the feeding mechanism 2. The lower end of the robotic arm unloading end 102 is provided with multiple suction heads 103 to pick up multiple base rods 100 from the storage bin of base rods 100, and place multiple base rods 100 sequentially onto the paper tape 10 from top to bottom through the first open space 23.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of first petals 21 in each feeding mechanism 2 are arranged circumferentially at intervals perpendicular to the conveying direction of the base rod 100, and the length direction of each first petal 21 is parallel to the conveying direction of the base rod 100. In each feeding mechanism 2, the inner sides of the plurality of first petals 21 together form a receiving groove 22 extending along the conveying direction, and the inner side of each first petal 21 facing the base rod 100 is formed as an arc surface so that the groove wall of the receiving groove 22 is formed as an arc shape adapted to the shape of the base rod 100. The conveyor belt 41 passes through the receiving groove 22 and the forming groove 32 of each feeding mechanism 2. The conveyor belt 41 is located at the bottom of the receiving groove 22 and the forming groove 32, and the conveyor belt 41 can move cyclically along the extending direction of the receiving groove 22 and the forming groove 32.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 As shown, in each feeding mechanism 2, the number of first petals 21 is, for example, five. The arrangement range of the first petals 21 does not cover the upper region of the base rod 100 in the conveying direction. That is, multiple first petals 21 are evenly and symmetrically distributed in the lower, left and right positions of the base rod 100 in the conveying direction, so that the upper part of the receiving groove 22 surrounded by multiple first petals 21 is open. The cross-sectional shape of the receiving groove 22 is, for example, a semi-circle, so as to provide space for operators or robots to put the base rod 100 into the receiving groove 22 and other operations.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figures 11-12 As shown, after the paper tape 10 enters the receiving groove 22, which has a roughly semi-circular cross-sectional profile, the arc-shaped groove wall of the receiving groove 22 presses the paper tape 10 into a roughly U-shape so that the paper tape 10 partially adheres to the outer periphery of the base rod 100. Both sides of the paper tape 10 extend from the receiving groove 22 so that the subsequent forming mechanism 3 can wrap the paper tape 10 around the outer surface of the base rod 100. The robotic arm feeding end 102 is also configured to grip the fastener 110 to place the fastener 110 onto the surface of the paper tape 10 on the conveyor belt 41. The fastener 110 is placed between two base rods 100. The fastener 110 may contain granules such as popping beads or support the formed rod.

[0075] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 8 , Figure 14 As shown, the length direction of the first main body 211 is parallel to the conveying direction of the base rod 100. The inner wall of the first main body 211 is an arc surface. The first main body 211s of multiple first petals 21 are arranged circumferentially at intervals to jointly enclose and form the inner cavity of the receiving groove 22. The two side walls connecting the inner and outer walls of the first main body 211 are non-parallel so that the width of the cross-section taken in the extending direction of the first main body 211 gradually decreases radially inward along the receiving groove 22.

[0076] Figure 15Schematic illustration Figure 10 An enlarged schematic diagram of section C is shown. Figure 16 Schematic illustration in Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure including the first support frame. Figure 17 Schematic illustration in Figure 16 Add a corresponding 3D diagram of a first wrench.

[0077] like Figures 15-17 As shown, the first drive assembly 5 includes at least one first drive mechanism 51 and at least one pair of first wrenches 52. At least one first drive mechanism 51 is mounted on the base 1. Each pair of first wrenches 52 is slidably mounted on both ends of a corresponding feeding mechanism 2. Each first wrench 52 includes a first drive arm 521 and a first arcuate portion 522 located at the first end of the first drive arm 521. The first arcuate portion 522 is provided with a plurality of first connecting grooves 523, which are respectively sleeved on the ends of the first protrusions 212. At least one first drive mechanism 51 is respectively connected to the second end of the first drive arm 521 and is configured to drive each first petal 21 to move by synchronously driving the first arcuate portion 522 to adjust the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22.

[0078] According to the embodiments of this application, each feeding mechanism 2 further includes two opposing first support frames 24. Each first support frame 24 is provided with a plurality of radially extending first limiting grooves 241. The first protrusion 212 passes through the first limiting groove 241 and slidably extends into the first connecting groove 523, so that the first limiting groove 241 guides the first petal 21 to move in the radial direction.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the first connecting groove 523 extends obliquely along the circumferential direction of the first arcuate portion 522, and each first connecting groove 523 has a first end and a second end. The vertical distance between the first end of the first connecting groove 523 and the central axis of the receiving groove 22 is less than the vertical distance between the second end of the first connecting groove 523 and the central axis of the receiving groove 22, such that the first connecting groove 523 extends obliquely along the circumferential direction of the first arcuate portion 522. Figure 17 In a clockwise direction, it gradually approaches the central axis of the receiving tank 22.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the first protrusion 212 protrudes integrally from the outer wall of the first main body 211 along the radial direction of the receiving groove 22. Cylindrical connectors 900 are mounted at both ends of the first protrusion 212. When both ends of the first protrusion 212 pass through the corresponding first limiting grooves 241, the connectors 900 can extend into the corresponding first connecting grooves 523. This allows the first connecting grooves 523 to move the connectors 900 when the first arcuate portion 522 rotates, and the connectors 900 to move the first protrusion 212 and the first main body 211 synchronously. During this process, the extension direction of the first limiting groove 241 is consistent with the radial direction of the receiving groove 22, and the opening width of the first limiting groove 241 is consistent with the width of both ends of the first protrusion 212 so that the groove wall of the first limiting groove 241 blocks the first protrusion 212 from moving circumferentially along the receiving groove 22, so that the first protrusion 212 slides in the extension direction of the first limiting groove 241. Therefore, when the first arc-shaped part 522 rotates, each first petal 21 is driven to move radially inward or outward toward the receiving groove 22 so that the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 decreases or increases.

[0081] According to the above embodiments of this application, by providing a radially extending first limiting groove 241 to constrain the movement direction of the first protrusion 212, it is ensured that the first petal 21 moves in the radial direction along the receiving groove 22, thus preventing the first petal 21 from circumferentially swaying. The symmetrical arrangement of the two first support frames 24 simultaneously forms guiding constraints on both ends of the first petal 21, further preventing the first petal 21 from tilting during movement, ensuring that the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 remains consistent along the axial direction, and improving the stability of the base rod 100 conveying.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 15As shown, the base 1 also includes multiple mounting brackets suitable for mounting the first drive mechanism 51. These mounting brackets are spaced apart on the same side of the base 1 and arranged in a row parallel to each other along the length of the base 1 to provide stable support for the first drive mechanism 51. The first cylinders 511 are mounted on the mounting brackets one-to-one. One end of the first piston 512 is located inside the first cylinder 511, and the other end extends out of the first cylinder 511. The first piston 512 can reciprocate linearly under the drive of the first cylinder 511 to extend or retract into the first cylinder 511, with the direction of movement perpendicular to the conveying direction of the base rod 100. The first connecting rod 513 is a cylindrical elongated strip. The length of the first connecting rod 513 is parallel to the axial direction of the first segment 21, and the length of the first connecting rod 513 is adapted to the axial length of the corresponding feeding mechanism 2. The middle part of the first connecting rod 513 is connected to one end of the first piston 512 that extends out of the first cylinder 511, so that the first piston 512 can drive the first connecting rod 513 to move synchronously in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first valve body 21. The two ends of the first connecting rod 513 are respectively connected to the second end of the first drive arm 521 of the corresponding first wrench 52 through a hinge structure, so that during the movement of the first connecting rod 513, it can simultaneously drive the two first drive arms 521 to swing synchronously, thereby driving the two first arc-shaped parts 522 to rotate synchronously in the same direction.

[0083] According to the above embodiments of this application, the linear reciprocating motion of the first piston 512 drives the first connecting rod 513 to move, causing the first connecting rod 513 to drive the two first drive arms 521 to swing synchronously. This achieves synchronous and unidirectional rotation of the two first arc-shaped portions 522 at both ends of the feeding mechanism 2, ensuring that the first petals 21 at both ends of the feeding mechanism 2 can synchronously complete radial movement, avoiding deviations in the amount of movement at both ends of the first petals 21, and ensuring the consistency of the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 along the axial direction. The structure of driving the first wrenches 52 at both ends to move synchronously by a single first cylinder 511 simplifies the drive structure, reduces the control difficulty of the equipment, and ensures the synchronicity of the drive actions at both ends, avoiding the problem of asynchronous adjustment of the inner diameter at both ends.

[0084] Figure 18 The illustration schematically shows a three-dimensional view of a plurality of second lobes according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 19 Schematic illustration Figure 18 The left view. Figure 20 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of one of the main lobe bodies. Figure 21 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first encapsulated valve in the middle. Figure 22 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the second covering valve in the diagram. Figure 23 Schematic illustration Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the supporting valve body. Figure 24 Schematic illustration Figure 10 A top view of the tobacco rod forming apparatus shown. Figure 25 Schematic illustration Figure 24 A cross-sectional view of the middle part of the structure along the AA direction.

[0085] like Figures 18-25 As shown, each second lobe 31 includes a second main body 311 and a radially outwardly extending second protrusion 312. The inner side of each second main body 311 facing the preliminary rod is formed as an arc surface. The plurality of second lobes 31 include a plurality of main lobes 313, a first covering lobe 314, and a second covering lobe 315. The plurality of main lobes 313 form the lower portion of the forming groove 32 and have the same cross-section as the receiving groove 22. The first covering lobe 314 and the second covering lobe 315 are located above the two upper edges of the lower portion of the forming groove 32. Two covering mechanisms 61 are respectively formed at the ends of the first covering lobe 314 and the second covering lobe 315 adjacent to the output ends of the receiving groove 22. The first covering lobe 314 and the second covering lobe 315 serve as two adjacent second lobes 31 and form a second open space 33 for the heating mechanism 7 to enter.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the second main body portion 311 is elongated, and its length direction is aligned with the axial direction of the forming groove 32. The inner surface of the second main body portion 311 is an arc surface, and the inner surfaces of multiple second main body portions 311 together form the groove wall of the forming groove 32. The two side walls connecting the inner and outer walls of the second main body portion 311 are non-parallel, so that the width of the cross-section taken in the extending direction of the second main body portion 311 gradually increases radially outward along the forming groove 32, ensuring that the second main body portion 311 has sufficient strength and rigidity. The second protrusion 312 is integrally formed extending radially outward from the outer surface of the second main body portion 311 opposite to the forming groove 32. The length of the second protrusion 312 is less than the length of the second main body portion 311, and the cross-sectional shape of the second protrusion 312 is approximately rectangular.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, the plurality of second valve bodies 31 include a plurality of main valve bodies 313, a first covering valve body 314, and a second covering valve body 315. The plurality of main valve bodies 313 form the lower portion of the forming groove 32, and one end of the second main body portion 311 of the plurality of main valve bodies 313 is aligned to form the input end of the forming groove 32. The number of main valve bodies 313 is, for example, four to six; for example, when the number of second valve bodies 31 is seven, the number of main valve bodies 313 is five. The plurality of main valve bodies 313 are evenly distributed at intervals on the circumference of the lower half of the forming groove 32, serving to support the weight of the base rod 100 and the paper tape 10, and to provide radial constraint to their lower half. The first covering valve body 314 and the second covering valve body 315 are respectively located above the two upper edges of the lower portion of the forming groove 32, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the central axis of the forming groove 32. Please refer to... Figure 25 As shown, the first covering petal 314 and the second covering petal 315 serve as two adjacent second petals 31, and their inner surfaces are also arc-shaped, forming the complete groove wall of the forming groove 32 together with the inner surface of the main petal 313. A certain gap is left between the first covering petal 314 and the second covering petal 315 to form a second open space 33 for the heating mechanism 7 to enter. The width of the second open space 33 is slightly larger than the width of the end of the heating mechanism 7 to ensure that the end of the heating mechanism 7 can smoothly pass through the second open space 33 into the interior of the forming groove 32, while not being too large to affect the radial constraint of the forming groove 32 on the initial rod.

[0088] According to the above embodiments of this application, by dividing the multiple second petals 31 into main petals 313, first covering petals 314, and second covering petals 315, and forming a second open space 33 between the first covering petals 314 and the second covering petals 315, it is ensured that the forming groove 32 has a complete groove wall structure, which can effectively constrain the base rod 100 and the preliminary rod material. It also provides a channel for the heating mechanism 7 to enter the interior of the forming groove 32, allowing the heating mechanism 7 to directly heat and cure the adhesive on the preliminary rod material, thus improving heating efficiency and heating uniformity. Simultaneously, the first covering petals 314 and the second covering petals 315 can also move radially synchronously with the multiple main petals 313, ensuring that the position and size of the second open space 33 can be adjusted according to the change in the inner diameter of the forming groove 32, matching the end of the heating mechanism 7.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the plurality of main flaps 313 further include a supporting flap 316, the second main body portion 311 of the supporting flap 316 extending upward in a vertical plane and forming a support portion 63 facing the first covering flap 314. The support portion 63 is adapted to prevent the paper tape 10 from moving radially outward during the application of adhesive by the adhesive applicator 62. Please refer to Figure 18As shown, the support portion 63 is integrally formed with the second main body portion 311 of the support petal 316. The inner wall of the second main body portion 311 of the support petal 316 surrounds the inner wall of the second main body portion 311 of the second covering petal 315, and the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 abuts against the end of the support portion 63 away from the output end.

[0090] In some exemplary embodiments, at the end of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 facing the output end, the upper edge of the arcuate wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 continuously approaches the central axis of the forming groove 32 in an axial direction away from the output end, so that the upper edge of the arcuate wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 continuously approaches the inner wall of the support portion 63 facing the forming groove 32. The first covering petal 314 is provided with two clearance holes and between the two clearance holes. The upper edge of the arc-shaped wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 is a straight line parallel to the central axis of the forming groove 32. A gap is left between the upper edge of the arc-shaped wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 and the inner wall of the support 63 so that the outer side of the first side has an exposed portion when the arc-shaped wall presses against the outer side of the first side so that the nozzle of the glue application mechanism 62 can pass through the clearance holes to apply glue to the outer side of the first side and / or the inner side of the second side.

[0091] Figure 26 Schematic illustration in Figure 18 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure with the second support frame added from another perspective. Figure 27 Schematic illustration in Figure 26 Add a corresponding three-dimensional diagram of a second wrench. Figure 28 The illustration shows a perspective view of a portion of the structure of the elastic component and the second support frame according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 29 Schematic illustration in Figure 9 A schematic diagram after adding multiple connecting rods.

[0092] like Figures 26-29As shown, the tobacco rod forming apparatus also includes a second drive assembly 8, which is configured to drive the second segment 31 to move radially along the forming groove 32, such that the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 matches the outer diameter of the tobacco rod. The second drive assembly 8 includes a second drive mechanism 81 and two second wrenches 82. The second drive mechanism 81 is mounted on the base 1. The two second wrenches 82 are slidably mounted at both ends of the forming mechanism 3. Each second wrench 82 includes a second drive arm 821 and a second arcuate portion 822 located at the second end of the second drive arm 821. The second arcuate portion 822 is provided with a plurality of second connecting grooves 823, which are respectively sleeved on the ends of the second protrusions 312. The second drive mechanism 81 is connected to the second end of the second drive arm 821 and is configured to drive each second segment 31 to move by synchronously driving the second arcuate portion 822 to adjust the inner diameter of the forming groove 32.

[0093] According to the embodiments of this application, the molding mechanism 3 further includes two opposing second support frames 34, each second support frame 34 having a plurality of radially extending second limiting grooves 341, the second protrusion 312 passing through the second limiting grooves 341 and slidably extending into the second connecting groove 823, so that the second limiting grooves 341 guide the second petal 31 to move in the radial direction.

[0094] In some exemplary embodiments, the second connecting groove 823 extends obliquely along the circumferential direction of the second arcuate portion 822, and each second connecting groove 823 has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The vertical distance between the first end of the second connecting groove 823 and the central axis of the molding groove 32 is less than the vertical distance between the second end of the second connecting groove 823 and the central axis of the molding groove 32.

[0095] In some exemplary embodiments, the second protrusion 312 integrally protrudes outward radially from the outer wall of the second main body 311 along the molding groove 32, and cylindrical connectors 900 are mounted at both ends of the second protrusion 312. Please refer to... Figure 20 As shown, the end of the connector 900 passes through the first mounting hole 903, and the mounting nut 905 enters the interior of the second mounting hole 904 and is threaded into the end of the connector 900.

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, after the two ends of the second protrusion 312 pass through the corresponding second limiting groove 341, the connector 900 can extend into the corresponding second connecting groove 823 so that when the second arcuate part 822 rotates, the second connecting groove 823 drives the connector 900 to move, and the connector 900 drives the second protrusion 312 and the second main body part 311 to move synchronously. During this process, the extension direction of the second limiting groove 341 is consistent with the radial direction of the forming groove 32, and the opening width of the second limiting groove 341 is consistent with the width of the two ends of the second protrusion 312 so that the groove wall of the second limiting groove 341 blocks the second protrusion 312 from moving circumferentially along the forming groove 32, so that the second protrusion 312 slides in the extension direction of the second limiting groove 341. Therefore, when the second arcuate part 822 rotates, each second petal 31 is driven to move radially inward or outward toward the forming groove 32 so that the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 decreases or increases.

[0097] According to the above embodiments of this application, by setting a radially extending second limiting groove 341 to constrain the movement direction of the second protrusion 312, it is ensured that multiple second petals 31 move synchronously along the radial direction of the forming groove 32, avoiding circumferential sway. The inner diameter of the forming groove 32 can be adjusted by the second wrench 82 to adapt to base rods 100 of different diameters, ensuring that the two covering mechanisms 61 are coaxially aligned with the forming groove 32 when moving synchronously with the corresponding second petals 31, so as to accurately and smoothly cover the first side and the second side of the paper tape 10 onto the base rod 100 of the corresponding diameter.

[0098] In some exemplary embodiments, the second cylinder 811, second piston 812, second connecting rod 813, second wrench 82, and second drive arm 821 of the second drive mechanism 81 have the same structure as the first cylinder 511, first piston 512, first connecting rod 513, first wrench 52, and first drive arm 521 of the first drive mechanism 51. The number of second connecting grooves 823 in the second arc-shaped portion 822 is greater than the number of first connecting grooves 523 in the first arc-shaped portion 522, the surface area of ​​the second arc-shaped portion 822 is greater than the surface area of ​​the first arc-shaped portion 522, and the opening width at the top of the second arc-shaped portion 822 is smaller than the opening width at the top of the first arc-shaped portion 522, so that the first wrench 52 is adapted to the first open space 23 and the second wrench 82 is adapted to the second open space 33. In addition, the opening width at the top of the second support frame 34 is smaller than the opening width at the top of the first support frame 24, so that the first support frame 24 is adapted to the first open space 23 and the second support frame 34 is adapted to the second open space 33.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 12As shown, each first support frame 24 includes a first plate 920 and a second plate 930. Each second support frame 34 includes a first plate 920 and a third plate 940. The second plate 930 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the petal body and is mounted on the base 1. A first limiting groove 241 is formed in the second plate 930, and the second plate 930 is parallel to the first plate 920 and mounted on the base 1. Please refer to... Figure 26 , Figure 28 As shown, the third plate 940 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the petal body and is mounted on the base 1. The second limiting groove 341 is formed in the third plate 940. The third plate 940 is parallel to the first plate 920 and is mounted on the base 1. The first plate 920 and the second plate 930 are connected by a connector 950, and the first plate 920 and the third plate 940 are also connected by a connector 950.

[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 17 , Figure 27 As shown, the top and bottom of the second plate 930 and the third plate 940 are each provided with protrusions 901 extending toward the first plate 920. A first arcuate portion 522 is located between the first plate 920 and the second plate 930. A first drive arm 521 extends a first support frame 24 from the first arcuate portion 522 between two adjacent protrusions 901, thus restricting the rotation range of the first arcuate portion 522. A second arcuate portion 822 is located between the first plate 920 and the third plate 940. A second drive arm 821 extends a second support frame 34 from the second arcuate portion 822 between two adjacent protrusions 901, thus restricting the rotation range of the second arcuate portion 822.

[0101] According to the above embodiments of this application, the protrusion 901 on the second plate 930 limits the swing stroke of the first drive arm 521, thereby precisely limiting the rotation range of the first arc-shaped portion 522. This facilitates limiting the maximum and minimum adjustment values ​​of the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22, preventing the first petal 21 from moving beyond its travel range. Similarly, the protrusion 901 on the third plate 940 limits the swing stroke of the second drive arm 821, thereby precisely limiting the rotation range of the second arc-shaped portion 822. This facilitates limiting the maximum and minimum adjustment values ​​of the inner diameter of the forming groove 32, preventing the second petal 31 from moving beyond its travel range.

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, each first support frame 24 and each second support frame 34 further includes a plurality of mounting blocks 910 and a plurality of elastic components 9. The plurality of mounting blocks 910 protrude from the side of the first plate 920 opposite to the first arcuate portion 522 at intervals. The plurality of elastic components 9 are elastically connected to the mounting blocks 910 and abut against the first petal 21 or the second petal 31, respectively. Rotation of the first arcuate portion 522 causes the first petal 21 to move against the elastic force of the elastic components 9, and rotation of the second arcuate portion 522 causes the second petal 31 to move against the elastic force of the elastic components 9.

[0103] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 28 As shown, each elastic component 9 includes a bolt 91, an adjusting nut 93, and a spring 92. The bolt 91 extends perpendicularly to the first protrusion 212 or the second protrusion 312, passes through the mounting block 910, and engages with a threaded hole 902 on the outer side of the first protrusion 212 away from the receiving groove 22 or on the outer side of the second protrusion 312 away from the forming groove 32. The adjusting nut 93 is threadedly engaged with the bolt 91 on the outer side of the mounting block 910 away from the first protrusion 212 or the second protrusion 312. The spring 92 is sleeved on the bolt 91 and located between the mounting block 910 and the adjusting nut 93. The spring force of the spring 92 is adjusted by rotating the adjusting nut 93 to move away from or towards the center of the receiving groove 22 or the forming groove 32.

[0104] According to the above embodiments of this application, an elastic force is applied to the first petal 21 by the elastic component 9 in a direction away from the central axis of the receiving groove 22. When the first arc-shaped portion 522 rotates and drives the first petal 21 to move towards the central axis, the first petal 21 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic component 9 and moves inward, causing the inner diameter of the receiving groove 22 to slowly shrink to accommodate the base rod 100, preventing the base rod 100 from moving laterally but without squeezing the base rod 100. An elastic force is applied to the second petal 31 by the elastic component 9 in a direction away from the central axis of the forming groove 32. When the second arc-shaped portion 822 rotates and drives the second petal 31 to move inward, the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 changes slowly and smoothly, preventing the inner diameter of the forming groove 32 from being smaller than the target inner diameter during the rotation of the second arc-shaped portion 822, and avoiding the base rod 100 and the initial rod being squeezed by the forming groove 32, resulting in the outer diameter being lower than the target value required for the forming of the tobacco rod. By setting the protrusion 901, the swing stroke of the first drive arm 521 or the second drive arm 821 can be limited, so as to avoid the first petal 21 or the second petal 31 moving too inward, causing the base rod 100 to be squeezed and deformed, or moving too outward, making it difficult for the paper tape 10 to accurately adhere to the base rod 100 and for the two covering mechanisms 61 to complete effective covering.

[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, please refer to Figure 14 as well as Figure 29 As shown, a plurality of connecting rods 90 are provided between the two first support frames 24 of the feeding mechanism 2, and a plurality of connecting rods 90 are provided between the two second support frames 34 of the forming mechanism 3. The length direction of the connecting rods 90 is parallel to the length direction of the first petal 21 and the second petal 31. The plurality of connecting rods 90 are distributed parallel to each other and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the receiving groove 22, and the plurality of connecting rods 90 are distributed parallel to each other and spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the forming groove 32. The connecting rods 90 are spaced apart from the first protrusion 212 or the second protrusion 312 and are located on the outside of the first protrusion 212 or the second protrusion 312 away from the receiving groove 22 or the forming groove 32, so as to avoid interfering with the movement of the first petal 21 or the second petal 31.

[0106] Specifically, for example, four connecting rods 90 are provided in a feeding mechanism 2. The two ends of the connecting rods 90 are respectively installed on two second plates 930. Each connecting rod 90 is distributed between two corresponding first protrusions 212. The two second plates 930 are connected by the connecting rods 90 to improve the positional stability of the second plates 930 and provide reliable installation support and motion guidance for the first petal 21. Similarly, four connecting rods 90 are provided in the forming mechanism 3. The two ends of the connecting rods 90 are respectively installed on two third plates 940. Each connecting rod 90 is distributed between two corresponding second protrusions 312 of the main petal 313. The two third plates 940 are connected by the connecting rods 90 to improve the positional stability of the third plates 940 and provide reliable installation support and motion guidance for the second petal 31.

[0107] Figure 30 The illustration shows a perspective view of the retaining mechanism combined with the second covering valve according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0108] like Figure 18 , Figure 21 as well as Figure 30 As shown, the first covering valve 314 also includes a retaining mechanism 317, which is arranged opposite to the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering valve 315. The side wall of the second main body portion 311 of the first covering valve 314 has a downwardly recessed portion, in which a threaded hole 902 is provided so that the retaining mechanism 317 can be connected by bolts 91. The retaining mechanism 317 includes an integrally formed mounting portion 318 and a surrounding portion 319. The mounting portion 318 is connected parallel to the side wall of the main body portion of the first covering valve 314, and the inner wall of the surrounding portion 319 facing the forming groove 32 is formed as an arcuate wall that matches the outer diameter of the base rod 100.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 is integrally formed with the main body of the second covering petal 315. The curvature of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 and the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 in the circumferential direction of the forming groove 32 is greater than the curvature of the second main body 311 located downstream of the covering mechanism 61 on the first covering petal 314 and the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 in the conveying direction of the paper tape 10. At the end of the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 facing the support portion 63, the arcuate wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 continuously approaches the central axis of the forming groove 32 in the axial direction away from the support portion 63, such that the upper edge of the arcuate wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 continuously approaches the outer wall of the enclosure portion 319 opposite to the forming groove 32. The upper edge of the arcuate wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 can reach above the outer wall of the enclosure portion 319, so that while the arcuate wall of the mechanism 317 is pressed against the outside of the first side, the outside of the second side is pressed against the arcuate wall of the covering mechanism 61 on the second covering petal 315 so that the second side is covered and adhered to the outside of the first side.

[0110] The embodiments of this application have been described above. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application. Although various embodiments have been described above, this does not mean that the measures in the various embodiments cannot be used advantageously in combination. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various substitutions and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this application, and all such substitutions and modifications should fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A tobacco rod forming device, characterized in that, include: Base (1); At least one feeding mechanism (2) connected in sequence, each feeding mechanism (2) includes a plurality of first petals (21), each first petal (21) is movably mounted on the base (1), and the plurality of first petals (21) form a receiving groove (22) to receive the paper tape (10) and the base rod (100) placed on the paper tape (10). The forming mechanism (3) includes a plurality of second valves (31), each of which is movably mounted on the base (1), and the plurality of second valves (31) form a forming groove (32) that is connected to and coaxial with the receiving groove (22). The conveying device (4) is configured to drive the paper tape (10) and the base rod (100) to exit from the output end of the receiving groove (22) and then enter the forming groove (32) from the input end of the forming groove (32), such that the paper tape (10) covers the base rod (100) and the two sides of the paper tape (10) parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying device (4) are bonded together to form a tobacco rod.

2. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first drive assembly (5) is configured to drive the first petal (21) to move radially along the receiving groove (22) such that the inner diameter of the receiving groove (22) matches the outer diameter of the base rod (100); A coating device (6), located at the input end, includes two coating mechanisms (61) and an adhesive coating mechanism (62). The two coating mechanisms (61) are configured to coat the two sides of the paper tape (10) onto the base rod (100). The adhesive coating mechanism (62) is configured to movably pass through one of the coating mechanisms (61) near the output end of the receiving groove (22) in the radial direction of the forming groove (32) and spray adhesive between the two sides of the paper tape (10) to form a preliminary rod. The heating mechanism (7) is configured to move movably through the two adjacent second petals (31) in the radial direction of the forming groove (32) to heat the adhesive, so that the preliminary rod forms a tobacco rod.

3. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first valve bodies (21) includes a first body portion (211) and a radially outwardly extending first protrusion (212), the inner side of each first body portion (211) facing the base rod (100) is formed as an arc surface, for each of the feeding mechanisms (2): Multiple first petal bodies (21) are distributed in parallel and symmetrically. The inner sides of multiple first main body parts (211) enclose an arc-shaped receiving groove (22). After the paper strip (10) enters the receiving groove (22), it is pressed into a U-shape by the groove wall of the receiving groove (22) to partially fit the outer periphery of the base rod (100). Both sides of the paper strip (10) extend out from the receiving groove. Multiple first lobes (21) are arranged at intervals and form a first open space (23) at the top.

4. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission device (4) includes: Conveyor belt (41); The first guide block (42) is located at the feed end of the receiving groove (22) away from the forming groove (32), and the first guide block (42) is provided with a first guide groove (421) flush with the receiving groove (22). The second guide block (43) is located at the discharge end of the forming groove (32) away from the receiving groove (22), and the second guide block (43) is provided with a second guide groove (431) flush with the forming groove (32). The drive wheel (44) is wrapped around the drive wheel (44) and passes through the first guide groove (421), the receiving groove (22), the forming groove (32) and the second guide groove (431) in sequence. The motor (45) is configured to drive the drive wheel (44) to rotate so that the conveyor belt (41) moves axially in the first guide groove (421), the receiving groove (22), the forming groove (32) and the second guide groove (431).

5. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opening width of the first guide groove (421) decreases continuously along the axial direction of the receiving groove (22) towards the receiving groove (22) so that the two sides of the paper strip (10) gradually bend upwards. The tobacco rod forming device further includes: The paper feeding mechanism includes a paper storage tray and a paper guide wheel (101). The paper strip (10) is wound around the paper storage tray. The paper guide wheel (101) is located at the feed end and upstream of the first guide block (42) in the conveying direction of the paper strip (10). The paper strip (10) released from the paper storage tray passes around the paper guide wheel (101) and then attaches to the conveyor belt (41) so that the conveyor belt (41) drives the paper strip (10) from the first guide groove (421) into the receiving groove (22). The robotic arm feeding end (102) is movably disposed above the feeding mechanism (2). The lower end of the robotic arm feeding end (102) is provided with a plurality of suction heads (103) to pick up a plurality of the base rods (100) from the hopper storing the base rods (100) and place the plurality of base rods (100) sequentially onto the paper tape (10) from top to bottom through the first open space (23).

6. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first driving component (5) includes: At least one first drive mechanism (51) is mounted on the base (1); and At least one pair of first wrenches (52) are slidably mounted on both ends of a corresponding feeding mechanism (2). Each first wrench (52) includes a first drive arm (521) and a first arc-shaped portion (522) located at the first end of the first drive arm (521). The first arc-shaped portion (522) is provided with a plurality of first connecting grooves (523). The first connecting grooves (523) are respectively sleeved on the end of the first protrusion (212). At least one first drive mechanism (51) is respectively connected to the second end of the first drive arm (521) and is configured to drive each first petal (21) to move by synchronously driving the first arc-shaped portion (522) to rotate, so as to adjust the inner diameter of the receiving groove (22).

7. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each feeding mechanism (2) further includes two opposing first support frames (24), each of which is provided with a plurality of radially extending first limiting grooves (241). The first protrusion (212) extends slidably through the first limiting grooves (241) into the first connecting groove (523), so that the first limiting grooves (241) guide the first petal (21) to move in the radial direction.

8. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the second petals (31) includes a second body portion (311) and a radially outwardly extending second protrusion (312), the inner side of each second body portion (311) facing the preliminary rod is formed as an arc surface, and the plurality of second petals (31) include: Multiple main lobe bodies (313) form the lower part of the forming groove (32) and have the same cross-section as the receiving groove (22); The first covering valve (314) and the second covering valve (315) are located above the two upper edges of the lower part of the forming groove (32). The two covering mechanisms (61) are respectively formed at the ends of the first covering valve (314) and the second covering valve (315) adjacent to the output end of the receiving groove (22). The first covering valve (314) and the second covering valve (315) serve as two adjacent second valves (31) and form a second open space (33) for the heating mechanism (7) to enter.

9. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second drive assembly (8), which is configured to drive the second petal (31) to move radially along the forming groove (32) such that the inner diameter of the forming groove (32) matches the outer diameter of the tobacco rod. The second driving component (8) includes: The second drive mechanism (81) is mounted on the base (1); and Two second wrenches (82) are slidably mounted on both ends of the forming mechanism (3). Each second wrench (82) includes a second drive arm (821) and a second arc-shaped portion (822) located at the second end of the second drive arm (821). The second arc-shaped portion (822) is provided with a plurality of second connecting grooves (823). The second connecting grooves (823) are respectively sleeved on the end of the second protrusion (312). The second drive mechanism (81) is connected to the second end of the second drive arm (821) and is configured to drive each second petal (31) to move by synchronously driving the second arc-shaped portion (822) to rotate, so as to adjust the inner diameter of the forming groove (32).

10. The tobacco rod forming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, The forming mechanism (3) also includes two opposing second support frames (34), each of which is provided with a plurality of radially extending second limiting grooves (341). The second protrusion (312) slides through the second limiting groove (341) into the second connecting groove (823), so that the second limiting groove (341) guides the second petal (31) to move in the radial direction.

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