A cigarette case absence detection method based on negative pressure detection principle

Abstract

A cigarette case missing detection method and device based on negative pressure detection principle. The method detects whether the packaged cigarette case is complete and arranged correctly by monitoring the change of air pressure in the cavity of the cigarette case push plate during packaging. When ten cigarette cases are transported to the packaging station, the ten air holes on the surface of the cavity of the cigarette case push plate are blocked, the negative air pressure in the cavity reaches the normal value, and the system confirms that the cigarette case is complete and arranged correctly according to the angle. If the cigarette case is not complete or arranged incorrectly, the ten air holes on the surface of the cavity of the cigarette case push plate are not completely blocked, the negative pressure in the cavity of the cigarette case push plate is released due to the air holes, and the negative air pressure in the cavity cannot reach the normal value, so that the cigarette case is determined to be not complete or arranged incorrectly. Compared with the traditional method, the present application has the advantages of high sensitivity and simple mechanism, and can ensure that each cigarette contains the correct number of cigarette cases and ensure product quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cigarette production and testing technology, specifically relating to a method for detecting missing cigarette boxes based on the principle of negative pressure detection. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette production and packaging industry, ensuring that each carton contains the correct number of cigarette packs has always been a crucial task. Traditional packaging machines typically employ weighing-type missing pack detection devices. These devices use load cells to measure the weight of each cigarette pack and compare it to a preset standard weight to determine if any packs are missing. While this method is relatively simple in principle and requires high-resolution and repeatable load cells, it still suffers from the following problems in practical applications: 1. Fixed baseline value issue: Traditional methods rely on a fixed standard weight as a baseline value, which can lead to false positives or false negatives when the standard weights of different brands or types of cigarette packs vary significantly. 2. Zero-point drift issue: Due to external environmental factors or equipment aging, load cells may experience zero-point drift, affecting the stability of the device's performance. 3. High adjustment and maintenance requirements: To ensure accuracy, weighing-type missing pack detection devices require regular maintenance and calibration, demanding a high level of skill to troubleshoot and adjust the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cigarette box missing detection method based on the negative pressure detection principle. By introducing a pressure sensor and an intelligent control system, the automation level of the cigarette packaging inspection process is improved, human intervention is reduced, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of the production line, helping to reduce resource waste and packaging error rate, improve product quality, and improve the cigarette production and packaging process.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application employs the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for detecting missing cigarette boxes based on the principle of negative pressure detection, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1. Determine the pressure value range of the pressure sensor from the moment the cigarette box is pushed into the baffle and contacts the cigarette box assembly to the moment each cigarette pack enters the carton packaging box and the subsequent packaging process through testing, and save it to the intelligent control system.

[0007] S2. During the production process, the pressure value of step S1 is detected for each action of pushing the cigarette box into the baffle, and the detected instantaneous pressure value and the instantaneous pressure value of the subsequent packaging process are transmitted to the intelligent control system, which makes judgments accordingly.

[0008] S3. At the moment the cigarette box push-in baffle contacts the cigarette box assembly, does the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the air hole corresponding to each cigarette pack change? If it changes, it means that there is a cigarette pack at each position and there is no missing cigarette pack.

[0009] If the pressure value of the pressure sensor for a certain air vent does not change, it indicates that there is doubt as to whether the cigarette pack corresponding to that air vent is missing. The intelligent control system determines whether the pressure value of that air vent changes when the cigarette pack push-in baffle pushes the cigarette pack assembly towards the carton packaging box a set distance. If there is a change, it is determined that the cigarette pack at that position is not missing, and the cigarette pack push-in baffle continues to push the cigarette pack assembly towards the carton packaging box. If there is no change, it is determined that the cigarette pack at that position is missing, and proceeds to step S4.

[0010] S4. The intelligent control system sends a stop pushing signal, the cigarette box is pushed into the baffle to stop pushing and returns to the original position, and the cigarette box conveyor belt drives the cigarette box group to the next position.

[0011] Preferably, the cigarette box set consists of ten packs of cigarettes, arranged in two rows, one above the other.

[0012] Preferably, the cigarette box push-in baffle is provided with two rows of air holes, one above the other, which correspond one-to-one with the cigarette packs in the cigarette box assembly.

[0013] Preferably, a pressure sensor is installed in each air vent, and the pressure sensor is electrically connected to the intelligent control system.

[0014] Preferably, in step S3, if the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes and it is determined that there is no missing cigarette pack, if the change in pressure value is less than the set range, it is determined that the cigarette in the cigarette pack is missing or that the cigarette has an empty tube, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0015] Preferably, in step S3, if the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes and it is determined that there is no missing cigarette pack, if the change in pressure value is greater than the set range, it is determined that the position or arrangement of the cigarette pack is incorrect, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0016] Preferably, in step S4, after the cigarette box assembly reaches the next position, if there is a missing cigarette pack or the position or arrangement of the cigarette packs is incorrect, the corrected cigarette box assembly is returned to the packaging production line after replenishing the cigarette packs and adjusting their position or arrangement.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] This technical solution, based on the pressure detection principle, improves the automation and accuracy of cigarette pack missing detection devices. It is highly adaptable, capable of handling different brands, models, and specifications of cigarette packs without frequent adjustments or maintenance, reducing operational complexity and the need for manual intervention. This solution also features real-time monitoring and control capabilities; once a missing cigarette pack is detected, the intelligent control system immediately triggers an alarm and stops the packaging process for that cigarette pack, ensuring timely response to problems and reducing the production of defective products. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of the cigarette box push-in baffle of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a left view of the cigarette box push-in baffle of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of the cigarette box push-in baffle of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 1. Hollow cavity; 2. Support plate; 3. Air vent. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely exemplary and can only be used to explain and illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the technical solution of the present invention.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the technical solution of this application involves a packaging machine that, when packaging a carton, pushes a total of ten packs of cigarettes from the upper and lower layers into the carton packaging box via a cigarette box push-in baffle. The cigarette box push-in baffle is a component required by all current packaging machines when packaging a carton.

[0026] This technical solution only improves the internal structure of the cigarette box pushing baffle of the packaging machine, without improving the external structure. Specifically, the cigarette box pushing baffle is improved into a hollow cavity 1, with two rows of ten air holes 3 distributed on the surface of the cavity. The air holes correspond one-to-one with the upper and lower rows of cigarette packs consisting of ten packs that are about to be pushed into the packaging box. In addition, a pressure sensor is installed in each air hole, and the pressure sensor is connected to the intelligent control system by electrical signal.

[0027] Under normal operating conditions, a certain degree of vacuum is continuously drawn into the cavity of the cigarette pack push-in baffle. When the cigarette pack push-in baffle is not in contact with the cigarette pack assembly, the ten air holes release pressure to the atmosphere. At this time, the pressure value detected by each pressure sensor in the cavity is atmospheric pressure.

[0028] This application provides a method for detecting missing cigarette boxes based on the principle of negative pressure detection, which includes the following steps:

[0029] S1. Determine the pressure range of the pressure sensor from the moment the cigarette box is pushed into the packaging box by the baffle to the moment each cigarette pack enters the carton packaging box and the subsequent packaging process through testing, and save the value to the intelligent control system. This step is the calibration step, which is to repeatedly test the pressure range from the moment of contact when the cigarette box is pushed into the carton packaging box by the baffle to the moment of contact during the subsequent packaging process, and save this standard range value to the intelligent control system.

[0030] S2. During the production process, the pressure value of step S1 is detected with each movement of the cigarette box pushing baffle. The detected instantaneous pressure value and the pressure value of the subsequent packaging process are transmitted to the intelligent control system, which makes judgments accordingly. When the cigarette box pushing baffle performs the pushing operation, all ten cigarette packs in the cigarette box group are in place and correctly arranged. If no cigarette packs are missing, all the air holes of the cigarette box pushing baffle are in contact with the outer surface of the cigarette packs, forming a negative pressure value inside the cavity that is close to the supply vacuum pressure. When there are missing cigarette packs or irregular arrangement, the corresponding air holes are not completely blocked. In this case, air continues to permeate into the air holes, and the corresponding air holes cannot reach the set negative pressure threshold.

[0031] S3. At the moment the cigarette box push-in baffle contacts the cigarette box assembly, does the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the air hole corresponding to each cigarette pack change? If it changes, it means that there is a cigarette pack at each position and there is no missing cigarette pack.

[0032] If the pressure value of the pressure sensor for a certain air vent does not change, it indicates that there is doubt as to whether the cigarette pack corresponding to that air vent is missing. The intelligent control system determines whether the pressure value of that air vent changes when the cigarette pack push-in baffle pushes the cigarette pack assembly towards the carton packaging box a set distance. If there is a change, it is determined that the cigarette pack at that position is not missing, and the cigarette pack push-in baffle continues to push the cigarette pack assembly towards the carton packaging box. If there is no change, it is determined that the cigarette pack at that position is missing, and proceeds to step S4.

[0033] This step also includes the following:

[0034] If the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes, and it is determined that there is no missing cigarette pack, if the change in pressure value is less than the set range, it is determined that the cigarette in the cigarette pack is missing or that the cigarette has an empty tube, and proceed to step S4.

[0035] If the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes and it is determined that there are no missing cigarette packs, if the change in pressure value is greater than the set range, it is determined that the position or arrangement of the cigarette packs is incorrect, and the process proceeds to step S4.

[0036] S4. The intelligent control system sends a stop pushing signal, the cigarette box is pushed into the baffle to stop pushing and returns to its original position, and the cigarette box conveyor belt moves the cigarette box assembly to the next position. This also includes issuing alarm signals and the alarm counter accumulating counts.

[0037] At present, when problems such as missing or substandard cigarette packs are detected, the usual approach is to send an alarm signal and stop the machine. The operator then manually resolves the issue before restarting the equipment. However, stopping and restarting the packaging equipment can affect packaging efficiency.

[0038] In this technical solution, when the intelligent control system sends a stop pushing signal, the cigarette box pusher stops pushing and returns to its original position. The cigarette box conveyor belt then moves the cigarette box group to the next position. This next position can be the downstream set position for carton packaging, or it can be the position where the problematic cigarette box group is connected to the cigarette box conveyor belt. In this way, the cigarette box conveyor belt does not need to stop running, but the next cigarette box group is transported over for carton packaging, thus not affecting the normal working speed of the production line.

[0039] At this point, if there are no issues such as missing cigarette packs, incorrect position or arrangement of cigarette packs in the subsequent defective cigarette pack group, the cigarette pack group can be manually or automatically supplemented or adjusted to become a qualified cigarette pack group and then returned to the production line for continued packaging. For cigarette packs that are judged to have problems with the cigarettes inside, they are manually removed and then new cigarette packs are added to form a qualified cigarette pack group and returned to the production line for continued packaging.

[0040] After the cigarette pack assembly is pushed into the carton packaging box, the carton packaging box is folded and wrapped with transparent paper through subsequent processes, and then placed on the finished cigarette conveyor belt. The cigarette pack missing detection in this application occurs during the process of the cigarette pack pushing baffle pushing the cigarette pack assembly consisting of ten cigarette packs into the carton packaging box, specifically:

[0041] The cigarette box is pushed in through the baffle:

[0042] When the cigarette box assembly, consisting of ten packs of cigarettes, is completely pushed into the carton packaging, all air vents are blocked, causing a decrease in internal pressure. Pressure sensors at the air vents monitor this pressure in real time. If a pack of cigarettes is missing, the pressure inside the vent drops to a set range, at which point the intelligent control system determines that the cigarette box assembly is correctly packaged and proceeds to the next round of packaging. If a pack of cigarettes is missing, the pressure at that vent remains essentially unchanged, consistent with atmospheric pressure, and the intelligent control system determines that the packaging is abnormal.

[0043] The cigarette pack is pushed into the baffle and then retracted:

[0044] During the retraction of the cigarette pack after the baffle is pushed in, the pressure value detected by the intelligent control system will be close to atmospheric pressure because there is no cigarette pack blocking the air vent. If the detected pressure is less than the set self-test pressure value, it may be that the air vent is abnormally blocked. The intelligent control system will then alarm and shut down, indicating a pressure self-test abnormality fault.

[0045] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application discloses preferred embodiments as described above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application using the disclosed technical content are equivalent to equivalent implementation cases and fall within the scope of the technical solution.

Claims

1. A method for detecting missing cigarette boxes based on the principle of negative pressure detection, characterized in that, By setting air holes corresponding to each cigarette box on the cigarette box push-in baffle, and installing pressure sensors in each air hole, a certain degree of vacuum is drawn from each air hole during operation. The following steps are adopted: S1. Determine the pressure value range of the pressure sensor from the moment the cigarette box is pushed into the baffle and contacts the cigarette box assembly to the moment each cigarette box enters the packaging box and the subsequent packaging process through testing, and save it to the intelligent control system. S2. During the production process, the pressure value of step S1 is detected for each action of pushing the cigarette box into the baffle, and the detected instantaneous pressure value and the instantaneous pressure value of the subsequent packaging process are transmitted to the intelligent control system, which makes judgments accordingly. S3. At the moment the cigarette box push-in baffle contacts the cigarette box assembly, does the pressure value of the pressure sensor of the air hole corresponding to each cigarette box change? If it changes, it means that there is a cigarette box at each position and there is no missing cigarette box. If the pressure value of the pressure sensor of a certain air hole does not change, it indicates that there is doubt whether the cigarette box corresponding to that air hole is missing. The intelligent control system determines whether the pressure value of the air hole changes when the cigarette box push-in baffle pushes the cigarette box group to move a set distance towards the packaging box. If there is a change, it is determined that the cigarette box at that position is not missing. The cigarette box push-in baffle continues to push the cigarette box group to move towards the packaging box. If there is no change, it is determined that the cigarette box at that position is missing, and proceed to step S4. S4. The intelligent control system sends a stop pushing signal, the cigarette box is pushed into the baffle to stop pushing and returns to the original position, and the cigarette box conveyor belt drives the cigarette box group to the next position. In step S3, if the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes and it is determined that there is no missing cigarette box, if the change in pressure value is less than the set range, it is determined that there is a missing cigarette in the cigarette box or that there is an empty tube in the cigarette, and then proceed to step S4. In step S3, if the pressure value of the pressure sensor changes and it is determined that there is no missing cigarette box, if the change in pressure value is greater than the set range, it is determined that the position or arrangement of the cigarette box is incorrect, and the process proceeds to step S4.

2. The cigarette box missing detection method based on negative pressure detection principle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cigarette pack set consists of ten cigarette packs, arranged in two rows, one above the other.

3. The cigarette box missing detection method based on negative pressure detection principle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cigarette box push-in baffle has two rows of air holes, one above the other, which correspond to the cigarette boxes in the cigarette box assembly.

4. The cigarette box missing detection method based on negative pressure detection principle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is electrically connected to the intelligent control system.

5. The cigarette box missing detection method based on negative pressure detection principle according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step S4, after the cigarette box assembly reaches the next position, if there are missing cigarette boxes or the position or arrangement of the cigarette boxes is incorrect, the cigarette box assembly is returned to the packaging production line after replenishing the cigarette boxes and adjusting their position or arrangement.

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