A method for online automatic metering control of stem removal amount

Abstract

The application relates to an online automatic metering control method for stem and thread removal, which comprises the following steps: step one: zeroing the scale table; the removed stem and thread in a cigarette machine is conveyed to a weighing hopper by a built-in vibration chute, and feeding is stopped after the system reaches a set feeding time; step two: after stabilization, the scale table reads and records weight data; step three: a negative pressure dust removal wind is connected, and the dust removal wind removes the stem and thread in the weighing hopper within a set time; and step four: step one is repeated. The stem and thread can be weighed in real time, the opening degree of a damper can be automatically adjusted according to real-time stem and thread removal amount, real-time feedback and real-time adjustment without hysteresis can be achieved, and closed-loop control is realized to ensure product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cigarette processing technology, and more specifically to an online automatic metering and control method for the amount of stems and twigs removed. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the stem removal amount on the ZJ118 cigarette machine is manually controlled by adjusting the opening of the stem baffle. This manual adjustment is inherently uncertain, as the baffle opening parameters cannot be accurately fed back. Furthermore, different brands of tobacco have different stem removal requirements. The same cigarette machine produces different brands of tobacco depending on demand, leading to frequent baffle adjustments. There is no real-time tracking and feedback of the removal amount during production. Operators must wait for inspectors to take samples and weigh them after adjusting the baffle opening to determine the removal amount. Adjusting the baffle based on these parameters cannot guarantee that the adjusted parameters will meet process requirements.

[0003] Based on the above, a scale strip was installed on the baffle plate adjustment rod. The purpose was to provide a scale parameter that could meet the stem removal requirements of different grades of tobacco. However, in actual operation, it was found that even with the same baffle plate scale, the stem removal amount varied significantly when producing the same grade of tobacco.

[0004] Using a graduated strip to position the air regulating plate introduces errors. Practical experience shows that even very small adjustments to the opening result in significant errors in the amount of stems removed. This is also related to the fact that the removal rates for different brands are quite similar. Two brands with similar removal rates have rates of 60g / min and 70g / min, respectively.

[0005] The differences are due to several factors. Material buildup on the inner wall of the blower during prolonged operation reduces its cavity area and airflow, making extended shutdowns for maintenance impossible during production. Material accumulation in the air delivery pipeline also affects the air separation effect. Furthermore, changes in local pressure within the air separation area significantly impact the amount of material removed during maintenance, such as adjusting the baffle plate opening and taking samples. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an online automatic measurement and control method for the amount of stem tag removal, so as to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] A method for online automatic measurement and control of stem tag removal quantity includes:

[0008] Step 1: Zero the weighing platform. The stems and skewers removed from the cigarette machine are conveyed to the weighing hopper by its built-in vibrating trough. Feeding stops after the feeding time set by the system is reached.

[0009] Step 2: After stabilization, the weighing platform reads and records the weight data;

[0010] Step 3: Activate the negative pressure dust removal fan. The dust removal fan will remove the sticks from the weighing hopper within the set time.

[0011] Step 4: Repeat step 1.

[0012] In some embodiments, the weighing hopper has a feed inlet at the top, an air inlet on one side, and an air outlet on the other side.

[0013] In some embodiments, the weighing hopper is a strip-shaped shell with a through cavity along the direction of the air inlet and the air outlet, and the feed inlet is opened on the strip-shaped shell and located between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, step three involves: activating the negative pressure dust removal airflow, which removes the sticky residue from the weighing hopper within a set time period; this is achieved through an air supply unit, which provides negative pressure airflow to the outlet of the weighing hopper and does not contact the weighing hopper.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air supply unit includes a partition and a duct unit. The partition has a clearance hole and is fitted onto the weighing hopper through the clearance hole, and the partition does not contact the weighing hopper. The duct unit is fitted onto the air outlet side of the weighing hopper, one end of the duct unit is connected to the partition, and the duct unit is not connected to the weighing hopper.

[0016] In some embodiments, the duct unit includes an air delivery duct, a makeup air duct, and a three-way valve. One end of the air delivery duct is sleeved on the air outlet side of the weighing hopper. One end of the air delivery duct is connected to the partition plate and does not contact the weighing hopper. The other end of the air delivery duct is connected to negative pressure air. The makeup air duct is connected to the air delivery duct. The three-way valve is disposed inside the air delivery duct and is used to connect the two ends of the air delivery duct or the makeup air duct to the end of the air delivery duct connected to negative pressure air. Attached Figure Description

[0017] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an online automatic metering system for the amount of cigarette stems removed from a cigarette machine, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an online automatic metering and control method for stem tag removal provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] In the picture:

[0021] 1-Weighing hopper, 2-Weighing platform, 3-Air inlet, 4-Guide hopper, 5-Baffle, 6-Air conveying pipe, 7-Second gap, 8-First gap, 9-Air outlet, 10-Make-up air pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying the quantity or order of the indicated technical features relative to their importance. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship or movement of the components in a specific orientation (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific orientation changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0026] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be intervening elements. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intervening elements. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementations.

[0028] The following will combine Figure 1 This application provides a detailed description of an online automatic metering and control method for removing stalk tags, as described in the embodiments of this application. It is worth noting that the following embodiments are merely illustrative of this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0029] In such Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, an online automatic metering and control method for removing stem tags includes:

[0030] The system startup signal is associated with the high-speed operation signal of the cigarette machine. The system starts when the cigarette machine enters the high-speed operation mode.

[0031] Step 1: Close the three-way valve, zero the weighing platform, and the stems and sticks removed from the cigarette machine will be conveyed to the weighing hopper by its built-in vibrating groove. Feeding will stop after the feeding time set by the system is reached.

[0032] Step 2: After stabilizing for 1 second, the weighing platform reads and records the weight data;

[0033] Step 3: Open the three-way valve. The dust removal air will remove the sticks from the weighing hopper within the set time. After the timer ends, close the three-way valve. Once the valve is completely closed, zero the weighing platform.

[0034] Step 4: Repeat step 1.

[0035] The online automatic metering and control method for the amount of stems and twigs removed can be realized through an online automatic metering system for the amount of stems and twigs removed from a cigarette machine. This system can include: a weighing hopper 1, a weighing platform 2, and an air supply unit. The top of the weighing hopper 1 has a feed inlet, which is opposite to the built-in discharging vibration groove of the cigarette machine, so that the stems and twigs removed in the cigarette machine can be transported to the weighing hopper 1 through the feed inlet via the built-in vibration groove.

[0036] The weighing hopper 1 has an air inlet 3 on one side and an air outlet 9 on the other side; the weighing platform 2 is used to weigh the skewer inside the weighing hopper 1; the air supply unit is used to provide negative pressure air to the air outlet 9 of the weighing hopper 1, and the air supply unit does not contact the weighing hopper 1.

[0037] The stems and skewers removed from the cigarette machine are conveyed to weighing hopper 1 via its built-in vibrating trough. Feeding stops after the system-set feeding time. After stabilizing for 1 second, weighing platform 2 reads and records the weight data. The air supply unit activates negative pressure dust removal air to remove the stems and skewers from weighing hopper 1. Then, feeding, weighing, and removal are repeated. The weight data recorded for each weighing during system operation is converted to g / min by the control program. The batch output index in g / min can be set. This method uses multiple weighings to calculate the average value, and the air damper is automatically adjusted by the angle actuator to gradually bring the output of the cigarette machine closer to the set value.

[0038] During the weighing process, the weighing hopper 1 must not come into contact with the air supply unit to avoid inaccurate weighing data.

[0039] In some embodiments, the weighing hopper 1 is a strip-shaped shell with a through cavity along the direction of the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 9. The feed inlet is opened on the strip-shaped shell and located between the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 9. The strip-shaped shell configuration of the weighing hopper 1 with openings at both ends is a key feature of the technical solution of this application. It does not affect the weighing measurement, but allows the weighed sticks to be removed, forming continuous weighing measurement. Then, through data analysis, the average value is calculated, and the air damper is automatically adjusted by an angle actuator to gradually bring the number of sticks dispensed by the cigarette machine closer to the set value. The location of the feed inlet between the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 9 is also crucial, ensuring that the sticks falling into the weighing hopper 1 through the feed inlet are carried away by the air entering from the air inlet 3 and exiting from the air outlet 9.

[0040] In some embodiments, the weighing hopper 1 further includes a guide hopper 4, which is connected to the feed inlet and is used to guide the stems and skewers removed from the cigarette machine into the weighing hopper 1. The main function of the guide hopper 4 is to facilitate the smooth transport of the stems and skewers removed from the cigarette machine to the weighing hopper 1 via its built-in vibration groove, preventing the stems and skewers from falling outside the weighing hopper 1 during the process, which could lead to inaccurate measurement.

[0041] In some embodiments, the air supply unit includes a partition 5 and a duct unit. The partition 5 has a clearance hole and is fitted onto the weighing hopper 1 through the clearance hole, without contacting the weighing hopper 1. The duct unit is fitted onto the air outlet 9 side of the weighing hopper 1, with one end connected to the partition 5 and not connected to the weighing hopper 1. The duct unit includes an air supply pipe 6, a makeup air pipe 10, and a three-way valve. One end of the air supply pipe 6 is fitted onto the air outlet 9 side of the weighing hopper 1 and connected to the partition 5, without contacting the weighing hopper 1. The other end of the air supply pipe 6 is connected to negative pressure air. The makeup air pipe 10 is connected to the air supply pipe 6. The three-way valve is located inside the air supply pipe 6 and is used to connect both ends of the air supply pipe 6 or the makeup air pipe 10 to the end of the air supply pipe 6 connected to negative pressure air.

[0042] The placement of the partition 5 is crucial because this application aims to ensure that the duct unit does not contact the weighing hopper 1, while still allowing the weighing hopper 1 to be connected to the air delivery duct 6. Therefore, the air delivery duct 6 needs to be connected to the partition 5, but it also needs to partially cover the weighing hopper 1 without contacting it. Furthermore, the partition 5 must not contact the weighing hopper 1. The weighing hopper 1, except for contact with the weighing platform 2, does not contact any other part of the system. To ensure accurate weighing data, the weighing hopper 1 must be placed on the weighing platform in a completely free state; the air delivery duct 6 cannot be rigidly connected to it.

[0043] A first gap 8, 5-10 mm, is provided between the clearance hole of the partition 5 and the weighing hopper 1. A second gap 7, 5-10 mm, is provided between the air delivery pipe 6 and the weighing hopper 1. When dust removal air passes through it, due to the very small gap between the weighing hopper 1 and the sleeve, the air pressure in the gap will be very high, and most of the air volume will pass through the weighing hopper 1. This device can deliver the stalks in the weighing hopper 1 pneumatically while ensuring the accuracy of the weighing data.

[0044] Of course, as another preferred implementation, the significance of the three-way valve in the duct unit is as follows: Weighing hopper 1 cannot be left unloaded for extended periods, as this would cause skewer buildup on the feeding trough. To ensure that the skewer in weighing hopper 1 is removed and the damper is closed as soon as possible for the next weighing cycle, rapid switching means that the skewer after passing through the air conveying pipe 6 does not have sufficient air conveying time to enter the main pipe and then the dust collection room. This embodiment uses a three-way valve to switch to the make-up air inlet while closing the air intake of weighing hopper 1, ensuring sufficient air conveying time and thus guaranteeing the normal transport of the skewer after passing through the air conveying pipe 6. In other words, a single three-way valve achieves both the feeding of material into weighing hopper 1 and the normal transport of the skewer after passing through the air conveying pipe 6, allowing both to occur simultaneously. This improves production cycle time and efficiency.

[0045] Before production begins, set the damper parameters corresponding to the amount of stems to be removed. The removed stems fall through the damper and are conveyed into the weighing hopper 1 by the discharging vibrating trough. When the weight of the stems in the weighing hopper reaches the set value, the vibrating trough stops feeding and opens the three-way valve. After the stems in the weighing hopper 1 are blown away by the air, the three-way valve is closed. The weighing platform 2 is zeroed through the program and the vibrating trough is fed again.

[0046] While the system is running, the cigarette machine's output per minute is calculated by weighing the cigarette sticks in each cycle. This data is then compared with the process parameters, and the opening of the angle actuator in the air regulating device is adjusted to ensure the cigarette machine's output meets the process specifications.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the angle actuator opening in the air conditioning device is controlled and fed back to the damper opening via an analog signal. The analog output is a percentage of the damper opening. The damper opening is adjusted by inputting a percentage value on the touchscreen, and the actual percentage data of the damper opening is simultaneously received and displayed on the screen in real time. Alternatively, this parameter can be automatically controlled by a program to gradually bring the amount of twig removal closer to the set value.

[0048] Installing the metering system of this embodiment inside the cigarette machine enables real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of the amount of stems and twigs removed, making this process indicator visible. Different stem and twig removal indicators can be set according to different tobacco grades, and the amount of stems and twigs removed from the cigarette machine can be monitored in real time during the production process. There is no need to stop the operation of the cigarette machine or to manually sample and inspect it, which improves the level of automation and optimizes production management.

[0049] In some embodiments, the weighing hopper 1 is provided with a filter screen on one side of the air inlet 3. The filter screen can allow air to enter while preventing irrelevant impurities from being sucked in.

[0050] The online automatic metering system for removing cigarette stems provided in this embodiment has advantages over existing technologies, including but not limited to:

[0051] (1) The amount of stems and sticks removed is automatically detected in real time during the operation of the cigarette machine, without the need to open the maintenance door for manual sampling.

[0052] (2) The static weighing mode is adopted, and the weighing accuracy is high.

[0053] (3) The damper opening can be automatically adjusted according to the real-time removal of stubble, which can achieve real-time feedback and real-time adjustment without lag, and realize closed-loop control to ensure product quality.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for online automatic control of the amount of stem removal, characterized in that, The application relates to a tobacco stem and leaf separation device. Step one: zeroing the scale, the tobacco stems and leaves removed from a cigarette machine are conveyed to a weighing hopper by a built-in vibration chute, and feeding is stopped after the system reaches the set feeding time; Step two: reading and recording the weight data after the scale is stabilized; Step three: connecting the negative pressure dust removal wind, and the dust removal wind removes the tobacco stems and leaves in the weighing hopper within the set time; Step four: repeating step one; The top of the weighing hopper is provided with a feeding port, one side of the weighing hopper is provided with an air inlet, and the other side of the weighing hopper is provided with an air outlet; The step three: connecting the negative pressure dust removal wind, and the dust removal wind removes the tobacco stems and leaves in the weighing hopper within the set time; is realized by a blowing unit, the blowing unit is used for providing negative pressure wind to the air outlet of the weighing hopper, and the blowing unit is not in contact with the weighing hopper; The blowing unit comprises a partition plate and an air pipe unit, the partition plate is provided with an avoiding hole, the partition plate is sleeved on the weighing hopper through the avoiding hole, and the partition plate is not in contact with the weighing hopper; The air pipe unit is sleeved on the air outlet side of the weighing hopper, one end of the air pipe unit is connected with the partition plate, and the air pipe unit is not connected with the weighing hopper; The air pipe unit comprises a blowing pipe, a supplementary air pipe and a three-way valve, one end of the blowing pipe is sleeved on the air outlet side of the weighing hopper, one end of the blowing pipe is connected with the partition plate, the blowing pipe is not in contact with the weighing hopper, the other end of the blowing pipe is connected with negative pressure wind, the supplementary air pipe is connected with the blowing pipe, and the three-way valve is arranged in the blowing pipe and used for connecting two ends of the blowing pipe or the supplementary air pipe with the end of the blowing pipe connected with negative pressure wind.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the amount of skewer pieces is performed by a camera. The weighing hopper is a strip-shaped shell provided with a through cavity along the direction of the air inlet and the air outlet, and the feeding port is arranged on the strip-shaped shell and located between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Images