A cigarette rod boxing apparatus, control system and production control method
By designing automated cigarette packing equipment and control system, the problem of low packing efficiency of existing equipment in small-batch production and rework of cigarettes has been solved, realizing a fast and accurate cigarette packing process and improving packaging efficiency and accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HONGTA TOBACCO (GROUP) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing cigarette packing equipment struggles to achieve fast and accurate packing operations in small-batch production, reworked cigarettes, and cigarette inspection. Manual packing is inefficient and prone to errors, and existing mechanical equipment is insufficient in efficiency and accuracy in these scenarios.
A cigarette packing device was designed, including a cigarette stacking platform, a cigarette conveyor belt, a cigarette stacking mechanism, a packing power output mechanism, a cigarette barcode scanner, and a cigarette box barcode scanner. The control system realizes the automated process of cigarette stacking, barcode scanning, and packing. The lifting plate, lifting positioning plate, and positioning mechanism ensure the stable conveying and stacking of cigarettes, and the pushing mechanism ensures the accurate pushing of cigarettes into the cigarette box.
It enables automated and rapid packing of small-batch cigarette production, reworked cigarettes, and cigarettes for unpacking and inspection, improving packaging efficiency and accuracy, reducing human error, and featuring a simple and modular structure suitable for various scenarios.
Smart Images

Figure CN118514923B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco equipment technology, and in particular to a cigarette packing equipment, control system, and production control method. Background Technology
[0002] In tobacco packaging and production, tobacco shreds are rolled into cigarette sticks. These cigarette sticks then need to be packaged into small boxes, which are further packaged into cigarette cartons. For ease of transport, the cigarette cartons are then boxed into cigarette boxes. Throughout the packaging process, the production of cigarette cartons into cigarette boxes typically involves manually or mechanically stacking the cigarette cartons into small piles, then feeding them layer by layer into cigarette boxes. Once the boxes are full, they are sealed and packaged for transport.
[0003] In the production process of packaging cigarette cartons into cigarette boxes, existing technologies often employ mechanical equipment for stacking and packing, and this equipment is typically a complete packaging line from cigarettes to cigarette boxes. During production, due to industry requirements, the QR codes on the individual packs, carton, and cigarette boxes must be conditionally linked. While existing production lines can handle this barcode association for normally produced cigarettes, small-batch production, reworked cigarettes, and cigarettes requiring inspection after opening the box have already skipped previous production steps, making it inconvenient or even impossible to package them using the production line. This necessitates separate packaging. Current technologies often employ manual packaging, but manual packaging is inefficient in terms of both packaging efficiency and barcode scanning efficiency, and is prone to errors. Some people have tried to improve efficiency by disassembling the stacking equipment from the production line and using it separately. However, most existing stacking equipment uses robotic arms for suction, while others use pallet dropping or lifting. Regardless of the method, these methods are not effective for fast and accurate packing operations in small-batch production of cigarettes, rework of cigarettes, or unpacking and inspection of cigarettes. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a cigarette packing equipment, a control system, and a production control method.
[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a cigarette packing device, comprising a second support, a cigarette stacking platform, a cigarette conveyor belt, and a cigarette stacking mechanism; the cigarette stacking platform is connected to the second support, and the cigarette conveyor belt is embedded in the cigarette stacking platform; the cigarette stacking mechanism includes a bearing seat, a rotating shaft, a lifting plate, and a packing power output mechanism; the packing power output mechanism includes a reducer, a motor, and a gearbox; the output end of the motor is connected to the reducer, and gearboxes are symmetrically connected to both sides of the reducer via rotating shafts, with the output end of the gearboxes connected to the rotating shaft;
[0006] The first support is connected to the second support of the cigarette conveyor belt as a whole, and the first support and the second support are a column-shaped support; a cigarette stacking mechanism for neatly stacking cigarettes is set on the first support and connected to the cigarette conveyor belt.
[0007] A cigarette packing docking transition mechanism is set on the first support on one side of the cigarette stacking mechanism, and a cigarette box placement docking mechanism for placing cigarette boxes and receiving cigarettes is set on one side of the docking transition mechanism.
[0008] A stacking tobacco pushing mechanism is provided on the first support on the other side of the tobacco stacking mechanism to push the stacked tobacco into the tobacco box;
[0009] A cigarette bar bar scanner is installed on the first support of the cigarette bar stacking mechanism, and a cigarette box bar scanner is installed on the first support above the cigarette box placement and docking mechanism.
[0010] The portion of the rotating shaft between the bearing housing and the gearbox is square;
[0011] The lifting plate is L-shaped, and the back of the lifting plate is flush with the surface of the rotating shaft;
[0012] Four lifting plates are arranged symmetrically in the circumferential direction, and multiple plates are spaced apart axially. The axial distance between any two lifting plates is equal to half the width of the cigarette strip.
[0013] Optionally, a lifting positioning plate for lateral positioning of the cigarette stack is inserted between the gaps of the two lifting plates. The lifting positioning plate includes a limiting plate and a horizontal plate. The limiting plate is inserted into the gap between the lifting plates and is flush with the highest point when the rotating shaft rotates. The horizontal plate is suspended on the top of the lifting plate and is connected to the first bracket.
[0014] The square rotating shaft is equipped with a cigarette bar stacking and positioning mechanism on both sides. The cigarette bar stacking and positioning mechanism includes a side baffle and a feed baffle, which are connected and mounted on the first support. The feed baffle is L-shaped and is located at the end of the cigarette bar conveyor belt.
[0015] Optionally, the distance between the bottom of the lifting positioning plate and the lowest point when the rotating shaft rotates is not greater than the height of a single cigarette bar; a roller is installed on the outer side of the corner of the lifting plate.
[0016] Optionally, a docking transition mechanism is provided on the side of the lifting positioning plate. The docking transition mechanism includes an embedded sleeve and a sliding transition sleeve. The embedded sleeve is a square ring adapted to the cigarette box opening. The sliding transition sleeve is a square sleeve connected to the embedded sleeve. The sliding transition sleeve is a conical square sleeve. A step is provided on the outside of the connection between the sliding transition sleeve and the embedded sleeve.
[0017] Optionally, a cigarette box placement and docking mechanism is provided on one side of the embedded sleeve. The cigarette box placement and docking mechanism includes a positioning bracket, a cigarette box frame, a cigarette box first telescopic shaft, and a cigarette box placement plate. The cigarette box frame is rotatably mounted on the top of the positioning bracket, a slide rail is provided on the cigarette box frame, and the cigarette box placement plate is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The cigarette box first telescopic shaft is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the positioning bracket, and the other end of the cigarette box first telescopic shaft is rotatably mounted on the cigarette box frame.
[0018] Optionally, a crossbeam is suspended at the top of the cigarette stacking mechanism and connected to the first support, and a cigarette stacking pushing mechanism is suspended below the crossbeam of the first support. The cigarette stacking pushing mechanism includes a pushing support, a pushing slide rail, a pushing telescopic shaft, a rotation positioning connecting shaft, a rotation drive connecting shaft, and a pushing plate.
[0019] The push slide rail is connected to the crossbeam, and an L-shaped push bracket is slidably mounted on the push slide rail. One end of the push bracket is connected to a push telescopic shaft, and the other end of the push bracket is connected to a rotation positioning connecting shaft. The other end of the rotation positioning connecting shaft is connected to a push plate, and a rotation drive connecting shaft is mounted on the push slide rail. The rotation drive connecting shaft is mounted on the push telescopic shaft.
[0020] Optionally, the push bracket is a telescopic bracket, and the push telescopic shaft is located at the telescopic end of the push bracket.
[0021] Optionally, a contact sensor is provided on the push plate and connected to the controller.
[0022] Optionally, a control system for a cigarette packing device, applied to the cigarette packing device, further includes an absolute encoder; a baffle is provided on the side of the cigarette packing conveyor belt, and a contact sensor is provided on the baffle and connected to the controller; the motor of the cigarette packing conveyor belt is connected to the controller; an absolute encoder is provided at the bearing seat and connected to the controller; the motor is a stepper motor and connected to the controller; a contact sensor on the push plate is connected to the controller; a second telescopic shaft of the cigarette box is provided between the cigarette box placement plate and the cigarette box frame; the second telescopic shaft and the first telescopic shaft of the cigarette box are electric telescopic shafts and connected to the controller; the push telescopic shaft is an electric telescopic shaft and connected to the controller; a screw-slider mechanism is provided on the push slide rail and connected to the controller; a push bracket is fixedly provided on the slider; a contact sensor is provided on the side baffle and connected to the controller; a contact sensor is provided on the cigarette box placement plate and connected to the controller.
[0023] Optionally, a production control method for a cigarette packing equipment uses a control system for the cigarette packing equipment to control the cigarette packing equipment to perform cigarette packing production. The control system of the cigarette bar scanning and packing device controls the production control method of the cigarette bar scanning and packing device. After the equipment is powered on and reset, cigarette boxes are conveyed to the cigarette box placement plate. When the contact sensor on the cigarette box placement plate is triggered, it indicates that the cigarette box placement plate has cigarette boxes ready. The controller controls the first telescopic shaft of the cigarette box to extend and align the cigarette box end with the transition sleeve.
[0024] When the first telescopic shaft extends to the set telescopic length, it indicates that the cigarette box has been leveled and aligned with the sliding transition sleeve. The controller then controls the second telescopic shaft of the cigarette box to retract to the set length, so that the opening of the cigarette box fits into the insert sleeve.
[0025] When the controller retracts the second telescopic shaft of the cigarette box to the set length, it indicates that the cigarette box placement and docking mechanism is ready for subsequent operations.
[0026] The cigarette sticks are placed on the cigarette stick conveyor belt. When multiple contact sensors on the cigarette stick conveyor belt are triggered, it indicates that one layer of stacked cigarette sticks has been prepared. The controller controls the motor of the cigarette stick conveyor belt to start and transport the cigarette sticks to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism.
[0027] When the tobacco stick is fed to the tobacco stick stacking mechanism, it triggers the contact sensor on the side baffle or after a set time interval, indicating that the tobacco stick has been completely fed to the tobacco stick stacking mechanism. The controller controls the motor to rotate and lift the tobacco stick. At the same time, an absolute encoder is set at the bearing housing to provide feedback to the controller on the rotation angle of the shaft.
[0028] When multiple contact sensors on the side panel are triggered, or when the absolute encoder provides feedback on the angle of the rotating shaft...
[0029] Or, when the contact sensor on the push plate is triggered for the first time, it indicates that the cigarette stacking mechanism has stacked a set stack. The controller controls the motor to stop moving and at the same time controls the stacking cigarette push mechanism to push the cigarette stack into the cigarette box.
[0030] After the controller stops the motor, multiple contact sensors on the side baffle are triggered, or when the absolute encoder feeds back the angle of the shaft as the pushing angle, the controller controls the pushing slide rail to move to the leftmost position.
[0031] After the controller moves the push slide rail to the far left, it indicates that the stacking cigarette stick push mechanism is ready. At this time, the controller controls the push telescopic shaft to extend to the set length so that the push plate stands upright. Then, the controller controls the push slide rail to move to the right until the set moving length is reached to push the cigarette stick into the cigarette box.
[0032] After the controller moves the slide rail to the set moving length on the right and waits for the set time, it indicates that the tobacco sticks have been pushed into the tobacco box. At this time, the controller controls the stacking tobacco stick pushing mechanism to return to its original position. At the same time, the controller controls the tobacco box placement docking mechanism to return to its original position and the tobacco box is transported away manually or mechanically. The controller controls the tobacco box placement docking mechanism to return to its original position to wait for material. At the same time, the controller controls the tobacco stick conveyor belt and the tobacco stick stacking mechanism to continue working while waiting for material.
[0033] This invention has one of the following advantages:
[0034] This invention enables the construction of a complete packing device using a cigarette pack conveyor belt, a cigarette pack stacking mechanism, a docking transition mechanism, and a stacked cigarette pack pushing mechanism. Combined with cigarette pack barcode scanners and cigarette box barcode scanners, it can be used independently for automated, rapid, and accurate packing operations in small-batch cigarette production, rework cigarette production, and cigarette box inspection. It can also be used as an intermediate step in the production line. This equipment is not only simple in structure and easy to operate and use, but also highly modular, allowing for disassembly and reassembly as needed. Furthermore, during operation, it provides limit positioning and fixation for the conveying, stacking, and pushing of cigarette packs, as well as the fixing of cigarette boxes, resulting in more stable and smoother equipment operation.
[0035] This device stacks cigarettes using a cigarette stacking mechanism and scans them with a cigarette barcode scanner during the stacking process. At the same time, a cigarette box scanner is installed on the first bracket above the cigarette box placement and docking mechanism to scan the cigarette box. The two are connected within the same system to achieve the scanning association function.
[0036] This device uses a cigarette pack conveyor to transport cigarette packs, a cigarette pack stacking mechanism to stack them, a cigarette box placement and docking mechanism to dock the cigarette boxes and cigarette packs, and a stacked cigarette pack pushing mechanism to push the cigarette packs into the cigarette boxes. The entire process can be automated by a controller to achieve parallel operation of packing and barcode scanning, which solves the problem of low efficiency and error-proneness in the existing technology where operators manually scan the cigarette packs and corresponding cigarette boxes one by one with a handheld barcode scanner to complete the association and then manually pack them.
[0037] This device aligns the backs of the lifting plates on both sides with the surface of the rotating shaft, limiting the gap between the lifting plates. Simultaneously, limiting plates are installed at the gaps, ensuring that the tobacco sticks are well positioned and restricted on both sides during transport, resulting in smooth and jam-free transport. Furthermore, the limiting plates create positioning and restriction on the ejection square, ensuring smooth and jam-free ejection of the tobacco sticks. Finally, a tobacco stick stacking positioning mechanism is installed in the transport direction to position and limit the transport direction. This ensures that the tobacco sticks are positioned and limited in four directions throughout the stacking process, except for the transport direction and the ejection square, resulting in neat, smooth, and jam-free tobacco stick transport and stacking. Attached Figure Description
[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 3 This is a side view of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 4 This is a top view of the present invention.
[0043] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation positions of the cigarette stacking mechanism, cigarette box placement and docking mechanism, and stacked cigarette pushing mechanism of the present invention on the support.
[0044] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and connection structure of the packing power output mechanism and the cigarette stacking mechanism of the present invention.
[0045] Figure 7 This is a side view showing the position and connection structure of the packing power output mechanism and the cigarette stacking mechanism of the present invention.
[0046] Figure 8 This is a side sectional view of the cigarette stacking mechanism of the present invention.
[0047] In the diagram, the components are: first support (1), second support (2), cigarette stacking platform (3), cigarette conveyor belt (4), packing power output mechanism (5), cigarette stacking mechanism (6), cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7), docking transition mechanism (8), cigarette barcode scanner (9), cigarette box barcode scanner (10), cigarette stacking positioning mechanism (11), stacked cigarette pusher mechanism (12), motor (51), gearbox (52), bearing seat (61), rotating shaft (62), and lifting plate (63). Positioning bracket (71), cigarette box frame (72), cigarette box first telescopic shaft (73), cigarette box second telescopic shaft (74), cigarette box placement plate (75), embedding sleeve (81), sliding transition sleeve (82), lifting positioning plate (83), side baffle (111), feeding baffle (112), pushing bracket (121), pushing slide rail (122), pushing telescopic shaft (123), rotating positioning connecting shaft (124), rotating drive connecting shaft (125), pushing plate (126). Detailed Implementation
[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0049] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.
[0050] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustrated cigarette packing equipment includes a second support 2, a cigarette stacking platform 3, a cigarette conveyor belt 4, and a cigarette stacking mechanism 6. In this invention, the cigarette stacking platform 3 is connected to the second support 2 to stack or connect the conveyed cigarettes. The cigarette conveyor belt 4 is embedded in the cigarette stacking platform 3 to transport the cigarettes to the cigarette stacking mechanism 6. This invention provides a specific cigarette stacking mechanism 6, including a bearing seat 61, a rotating shaft 62, a lifting plate 63, and a packing power output mechanism 5. The packing power output mechanism 5 includes a reducer, a motor 51, and a gearbox 52. The output end of the motor 51 is connected to the reducer via a coupling or other connecting components to provide rotational power for the stacking of the cigarettes in the cigarette stacking mechanism 6. Gearboxes 52 are symmetrically connected to both sides of the reducer via rotating shafts for synchronous steering transmission. The output end of the gearbox 52 serves as the transmission conveying end and is connected to the rotating shaft 62 via a coupling or other connecting components.
[0052] The aforementioned connecting transmission part is not difficult to design in some existing mechanical equipment and can be considered a conventional transmission method. The improvement of this invention lies in the fact that the first support 1 is fixedly connected to the second support 2 of the cigarette conveyor belt 4 by screws or directly welded to it as a whole. In this way, the stability and support of the support are stronger. The first support 1 and the second support 2 are a column-shaped support, which can reduce material waste and lighten the weight of the equipment while ensuring the support strength. Specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 1 As shown, the bracket of this application is designed to facilitate the installation of the equipment and make reasonable use of space to arrange the components. The integrated bracket of this device mainly includes two frame-shaped support frames. The two supports are fixed together by two crossbeams below the cigarette conveyor belt 4. Then, an inverted L-shaped support column beam, which is the crossbeam mentioned later, is set on the bracket at one end of the cigarette stacking mechanism. At the same time, two similar inverted L-shaped support column beams are set on the other side and fixedly connected to another inverted L-shaped support column beam to form the structure shown in the figure. The structure as a whole is a frame beam type bracket, which can install other components on each beam and column and also has sufficient support strength.
[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, this device has a tobacco stacking mechanism 6 that neatly stacks tobacco sticks, connected to the tobacco stick conveyor belt 4 on the first support 1. Figure 4 As shown, a cigarette packing docking transition mechanism 8 is provided on the first support 1 on one side of the cigarette packing mechanism 6, and a cigarette box placement docking mechanism 7 is provided on one side of the docking transition mechanism 8 for placing cigarette boxes and receiving cigarette packs. A cigarette packing pushing mechanism 12 is provided on the first support 1 on the other side of the cigarette packing mechanism 6 to push the stacked cigarette packs into the cigarette boxes. In this device, the cigarette pack conveyor belt 4 transports the cigarette packs onto the cigarette packing mechanism 6 for stacking, while the cigarette boxes are placed and fixed on the cigarette box placement docking mechanism 7. When the stack reaches a set height, the cigarette packing pushing mechanism 12 pushes the stacked cigarette packs into the cigarette box on the cigarette box placement docking mechanism 7. During the pushing process, the cigarette box placement docking mechanism 7 serves as both a positioning and fixing mechanism for the cigarette box and a transition mechanism for the sliding of the cigarette packs, thus enabling the cigarette packing pushing mechanism 12 to quickly and smoothly push the cigarette packs into the cigarette box.
[0054] In this device, to facilitate the scanning and association of cigarette sticks and boxes during the conveying process, a cigarette stick barcode scanner 9 is installed on the first support 1 of the cigarette stick stacking mechanism 6. For convenient installation of the cigarette stick barcode scanner 9, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, a T-shaped frame is connected and fixed to an inverted L-shaped support column beam. The cigarette bar barcode scanner 9 is then installed on the T-shaped frame. If necessary, the connection between the T-shaped frame and the cigarette bar barcode scanner 9 can be made adjustable, for example, by using clamps or bolts for fastening, thus facilitating adjustments when needed. Simultaneously, a cigarette box barcode scanner 10 is installed on the first support 1 above the cigarette box placement and docking mechanism 7, that is, on the beam at the top of the inverted L-shaped support column beam.
[0055] like Figure 6 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in order to facilitate accurate positioning of the tobacco sticks and to facilitate control of the entire working process, the portion of the rotating shaft 62 between the bearing seat 61 and the gearbox 52 is square to avoid inaccurate positioning in the conveying direction during tobacco stick transport. The lifting plate 63 is L-shaped, with its back side flush with the surface of the rotating shaft 62. Four lifting plates 63 are symmetrically arranged circumferentially, with multiple plates spaced axially. The axial distance between any two lifting plates 63 is equal to half the width of the tobacco stick, which prevents the tobacco stick from hitting the gap and getting stuck during forward transport, resulting in better positioning.
[0056] This device, consisting of a cigarette pack conveyor belt 4, a cigarette pack stacking mechanism 6, a docking transition mechanism 8, and a stacked cigarette pack pushing mechanism, forms a complete boxing equipment. Combined with cigarette pack barcode scanners 9 and 10, it can be used independently for automated, fast, and accurate boxing operations in small-batch cigarette production, reworked cigarette production, and cigarette inspection. It can also be used as an intermediate step in the production line. This equipment is not only simple in structure and easy to operate and use, but also highly modular, allowing for disassembly and reassembly as needed. Furthermore, during operation, it provides limit positioning and fixation for the conveying, stacking, and pushing of cigarette packs, as well as the securing of cigarette boxes, ensuring more stable and smooth operation.
[0057] In one embodiment, Figure 6 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in order to facilitate positioning on both sides and vertical positioning during lifting, a lifting positioning plate 83 for lateral positioning of the cigarette stack is inserted between the gaps of the lifting plates 63 on both sides. The lifting positioning plate 83 includes a limiting plate and a horizontal plate. The limiting plate is inserted into the gap between the lifting plates 63 and is flush with the highest point when the rotating shaft 62 rotates. The horizontal plate is suspended on the top of the lifting plate 63 and is connected to the first bracket 1.
[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, to prevent inaccurate positioning of the cigarette sticks during conveying, cigarette stick stacking positioning mechanisms 11 are provided on both sides of the square rotating shaft 62. Each cigarette stick stacking positioning mechanism 11 includes a side baffle 111 and a feed baffle 112, which are connected and mounted on the first support 1. The feed baffle 112 is L-shaped and positioned at the end of the cigarette stick conveyor belt 4. Thus, during conveying, the length and position of the conveyed cigarette sticks can be positioned by the cigarette stick stacking positioning mechanism 11, limiting the position of the cigarette sticks and ensuring that they remain consistent during stacking.
[0059] This device aligns the backs of the lifting plates 63 on both sides with the surface of the rotating shaft 62, limiting the gap between the lifting plates 63. Simultaneously, a limiting plate is placed at the gap, ensuring that the two sides of the cigarette pack are well positioned and restricted during transport, resulting in smooth and jam-free transport. The limiting plate also forms a positioning and limiting mechanism on the ejection square, ensuring smooth and jam-free ejection of the cigarette pack. Finally, a cigarette pack stacking positioning mechanism is installed in the transport direction to position and limit the transport direction. This ensures that the cigarette pack is positioned and limited in four directions throughout the stacking process, except for the transport direction and the ejection square, resulting in neat, smooth, and jam-free cigarette pack transport and stacking.
[0060] In one embodiment, in order to ensure that the limiting piece can both assist in the positioning of the side and not affect the normal rotation of the rotating shaft 62, the distance between the bottom of the lifting positioning plate 83 (that is, the bottom of the limiting piece) and the lowest point of the rotating shaft 62 when it rotates is no greater than the height of a single cigarette bar.
[0061] In one embodiment, to reduce friction when the cigarette stick is ejected, one method is to install a roller on the outer side of the corner of the lifting plate 63.
[0062] In one embodiment, for easier control, a contact sensor is provided on the side baffle 111 and connected to the controller.
[0063] In one embodiment, for accurate ejection control, an absolute encoder is provided at the bearing housing 61 and connected to the controller, and the motor 51 is a stepper motor and connected to the controller.
[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown in Figure 5, in order to facilitate the smooth pushing of the tobacco sticks into the tobacco box, a docking transition mechanism 8 is provided on the side of the lifting positioning plate 83. The docking transition mechanism 8 includes an insert sleeve 81 and a sliding transition sleeve 82. The insert sleeve 81 is a square ring adapted to the opening of the tobacco box. The sliding transition sleeve 82 is a square sleeve and is connected to the insert sleeve 81. The sliding transition sleeve 82 is a conical square sleeve to facilitate the retraction when the tobacco sticks are spread out. A step is provided on the outside of the connection between the sliding transition sleeve 82 and the insert sleeve 81 to facilitate the opening of the tobacco box to be fitted into it for positioning and pressing.
[0065] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, in order to facilitate the docking, positioning and pressing of the cigarette box, a cigarette box placement and docking mechanism 7 is provided on one side of the embedded sleeve 81. The cigarette box placement and docking mechanism 7 includes a positioning bracket 71, a cigarette box frame 72, a cigarette box first telescopic shaft 73, and a cigarette box placement plate 75. The cigarette box frame 72 is rotatably set on the top of the positioning bracket 71, a slide rail is set on the cigarette box frame 72, and the cigarette box placement plate 75 is slidably set on the slide rail. The cigarette box first telescopic shaft 73 is rotatably set on the bottom of the positioning bracket 71, and the other end of the cigarette box first telescopic shaft 73 is rotatably set on the cigarette box frame 72.
[0066] In one embodiment, to facilitate the conveying of cigarette sticks, a crossbeam is suspended at the top of the cigarette stick stacking mechanism 6 and connected to the first support 1. A stacking cigarette stick pushing mechanism 12 is suspended below the crossbeam of the first support 1. The stacking cigarette stick pushing mechanism 12 can be a conventional starting pushing device, an electric pushing device, or other pushing devices. A specific stacking cigarette stick pushing mechanism 12 includes a pushing support 121, a pushing slide rail 122, a pushing telescopic shaft 123, a rotation positioning connecting shaft 124, a rotation drive connecting shaft 125, and a pushing plate 126. A push rail 122 is connected to the crossbeam. An L-shaped push bracket 121 slides on the push rail 122. One end of the push bracket 121 is connected to a push telescopic shaft 123, and the other end of the push bracket 121 is connected to a rotation positioning connecting shaft 124. The other end of the rotation positioning connecting shaft 124 is connected to a push plate 126. A rotation drive connecting shaft 125 is mounted on the push plate 126, and the rotation drive connecting shaft 125 is mounted on the push telescopic shaft 123. While maintaining the pushing function, this device also allows the push plate 126 to be retracted into a horizontal position, thus ensuring it does not obstruct the barcode scanner 9 when horizontal.
[0067] In another embodiment, the pusher 121 is a telescopic support, and the push telescopic shaft 123 is disposed at the telescopic end of the pusher 121, so that it can be adjusted to adapt to different heights of cigarette stacks when being pushed.
[0068] In another embodiment, a contact sensor is provided on the push plate 126 and connected to the controller to facilitate subsequent control or detection.
[0069] In one embodiment, to facilitate automatic control of the entire device, the present invention provides a control system for a cigarette packing device, which includes an absolute encoder. Specifically, a baffle is provided on the side of the cigarette packing conveyor belt 4, and a contact sensor is provided on the baffle and connected to the controller. The motor of the cigarette packing conveyor belt 4 is connected to the controller. An absolute encoder is provided at the bearing seat 61 and connected to the controller. The motor 51 is a stepper motor and connected to the controller. A contact sensor on the push plate 126 is connected to the controller. A second telescopic shaft 74 of the cigarette box is provided between the cigarette box placement plate 75 and the cigarette box frame 72. The second telescopic shaft 74 and the first telescopic shaft 73 of the cigarette box are electric telescopic shafts and connected to the controller. The push telescopic shaft 123 is an electric telescopic shaft and connected to the controller. A screw-slider mechanism is provided on the push slide rail 122 and connected to the controller. The push bracket 121 is fixedly mounted on the slider. A contact sensor is provided on the side baffle 111 and connected to the controller. A contact sensor is provided on the cigarette box placement plate 75 and connected to the controller.
[0070] In this embodiment, control signals are triggered by setting corresponding contact sensors on each power output component and actuating component. A controller then performs unified control actions, allowing the entire device to be automatically controlled via a programmable logic controller (PLC), thus freeing up manual labor. Replacing manual labor with automated mechanical control reduces errors during operation. Combined with the aforementioned equipment, it minimizes issues such as conveying jerks, stacking disorder, and inaccurate positioning during the stacking process, ensuring a smooth, accurate, and efficient workflow.
[0071] In one embodiment, a production control method for a cigarette packing device uses a control system for the cigarette packing device to control the device in cigarette packing production. Specifically, this invention provides a specific production control method combining the aforementioned equipment and control system, which includes:
[0072] After the equipment is powered on and reset, the cigarette box is conveyed to the cigarette box placement plate 75. When the contact sensor on the cigarette box placement plate 75 is triggered, it indicates that the cigarette box placement plate 75 has a cigarette box ready. The controller controls the first telescopic shaft 73 of the cigarette box to extend and slide the cigarette box end flat into the transition sleeve 82.
[0073] When the controller controls the first telescopic shaft 73 to extend to the set telescopic length, it indicates that the cigarette box has been leveled and aligned with the sliding transition sleeve 82. The controller then controls the second telescopic shaft 74 of the cigarette box to retract to the set length, so that the opening of the cigarette box fits into the insert sleeve 81.
[0074] When the controller retracts the second telescopic shaft 74 of the cigarette box to the set length, it indicates that the cigarette box placement and docking mechanism 7 is ready to proceed with subsequent operations.
[0075] The cigarette sticks are placed on the cigarette stick conveyor belt 4. When multiple contact sensors on the cigarette stick conveyor belt 4 are triggered, it indicates that one layer of stacked cigarette sticks has been prepared. The controller controls the motor of the cigarette stick conveyor belt 4 to start and transport the cigarette sticks to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism 6.
[0076] When the cigarette stick is fed to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism 6, it triggers the contact sensor on the side baffle 111 or after a set time interval, indicating that the cigarette stick has been completely fed to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism 6. The controller controls the motor 51 to rotate and lift the cigarette stick. At the same time, an absolute encoder is set at the bearing seat 61 to provide feedback to the controller on the rotation angle of the shaft.
[0077] When multiple contact sensors on the trigger side baffle 111 are triggered, or when the absolute encoder provides feedback on the angle of the rotating shaft, or when the contact sensor on the push plate 126 is triggered for the first time, it indicates that the tobacco stacking mechanism 6 has stacked a set stack. The controller controls the motor 51 to stop moving and simultaneously controls the stacking tobacco push mechanism 12 to push the tobacco stack into the tobacco box.
[0078] After the controller stops the motor 51, multiple contact sensors on the side baffle 111 are triggered, or when the absolute encoder feedbacks that the angle of the shaft is the pushing angle, the controller controls the push slide 122 to move to the leftmost position.
[0079] After the controller controls the push slide rail 122 to move to the far left, it indicates that the stacking cigarette stick push mechanism 12 is ready. At this time, the controller controls the push telescopic shaft 123 to extend to a set length so that the push plate 126 stands upright. Then, the controller controls the push slide rail 122 to move to the right until the set moving length is reached to push the cigarette stick into the cigarette box.
[0080] After the controller controls the slide rail 122 to move to the set moving length on the right and waits for the set time, it indicates that the tobacco sticks have been pushed into the tobacco box. At this time, the controller controls the stacking tobacco stick pushing mechanism 12 to return to its original position. At the same time, the controller controls the tobacco box placement docking mechanism 7 to return to its original position and the tobacco box is transported away manually or mechanically. The controller controls the tobacco box placement docking mechanism 7 to return to its original position to wait for material. At the same time, the controller controls the tobacco stick conveyor belt 4 and the tobacco stick stacking mechanism 6 to continue working while waiting for material.
[0081] In this invention, multiple sensors are installed on the cigarette conveyor belt 4, each corresponding to one cigarette stick. This allows for accurate measurement of the number of single-layer cigarette sticks being conveyed to the cigarette stacking mechanism 6, preventing under-packing. Multiple contact sensors on the side baffle 111 accurately measure the number of stacked layers during the upward stacking process, also preventing under-packing. The pusher plate 126 has two functions: one is to assist in triggering and recording the baseline number of stacked cigarette stick layers, and the other is to calibrate the absolute encoder. Specifically, this is achieved by comparing the height of the stacked cigarette layers with the time detection of the absolute encoder. If a discrepancy is found, it indicates that the absolute encoder is fluctuating or has errors, requiring manual calibration. Alternatively, it can be programmed for automatic calibration. The use of the pusher plate 126 can be selected according to actual needs.
[0082] This method combines the aforementioned equipment and control system to control each step of the production process. It enables those skilled in the art to design suitable automatic control programs based on this method, ultimately using a controller to uniformly control the actions. This allows the entire equipment to be automatically controlled through a programmable logic controller (PLC), freeing up manual labor. Replacing manual labor with automated mechanical control reduces errors during the work process. Combined with the aforementioned equipment, it minimizes issues such as conveying interruptions, stacking disorder, and inaccurate positioning during the stacking of cigarette packs, ensuring a smooth, accurate, and efficient process.
[0083] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A cigarette packing device, comprising a second support (2), a cigarette stacking platform (3), a cigarette conveyor belt (4), and a cigarette stacking mechanism (6); the cigarette stacking platform (3) is connected to the second support (2), and the cigarette conveyor belt (4) is embedded in the cigarette stacking platform (3); the cigarette stacking mechanism (6) comprises a bearing seat (61), a rotating shaft (62), a lifting plate (63), and a packing power output mechanism (5); the packing power output mechanism (5) comprises a reducer, a motor (51), and a gearbox (52); the output end of the motor (51) is connected to the reducer, and the two sides of the reducer are symmetrically connected to the gearbox (52) via rotating shafts, and the output end of the gearbox (52) is connected to the rotating shaft (62); characterized in that: The first support (1) is connected to the second support (2) of the cigarette conveyor belt (4) as a whole, and the first support (1) and the second support (2) are a column-shaped support; a cigarette stacking mechanism (6) for neatly stacking cigarettes is set on the first support (1) and connected to the cigarette conveyor belt (4). A cigarette packing docking transition mechanism (8) is set on the first support (1) on one side of the cigarette packing mechanism (6), and a cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7) for placing cigarette boxes and receiving cigarette packs is set on one side of the docking transition mechanism (8). A stacking tobacco stick pushing mechanism (12) for pushing stacked tobacco sticks into the tobacco box is provided on the first support (1) on the other side of the tobacco stick stacking mechanism (6). A cigarette bar bar scanner (9) is installed on the first bracket (1) of the cigarette bar stacking mechanism (6), and a cigarette box bar scanner (10) is installed on the first bracket (1) above the cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7). The portion of the rotating shaft (62) between the bearing housing (61) and the gearbox (52) is square; The lifting plate (63) is L-shaped, and the back of the lifting plate (63) is flush with the surface of the rotating shaft (62); The lifting pieces (63) are arranged in four circumferential axis symmetrically, and are spaced in multiple axial intervals. The axial interval between any two lifting pieces (63) is the same as the width of the lifting piece (63), which is half the width of the cigarette bar. A lifting positioning plate (83) for lateral positioning of the cigarette stack is inserted between the gaps of the two lifting plates (63). The lifting positioning plate (83) includes a limiting plate and a horizontal plate. The limiting plate is inserted into the gaps of the lifting plates (63) and is flush with the highest point when the rotating shaft (62) rotates. The horizontal plate is suspended on the top of the lifting plate (63) and is connected to the first bracket (1). A cigarette bar stacking positioning mechanism (11) is provided on both sides of the square rotating shaft (62). The cigarette bar stacking positioning mechanism (11) includes a side baffle (111) and a feed baffle (112). The side baffle (111) and the feed baffle (112) are connected and set on the first support (1). A contact sensor is provided on the side baffle (111) and connected to the controller. The feed baffle (112) is set in an L shape and is set at the end of the cigarette bar conveyor belt (4).
2. The cigarette packing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the bottom of the lifting positioning plate (83) and the lowest point of the rotating shaft (62) when it rotates is not greater than the height of a single cigarette bar; a roller is set on the outer side of the corner of the lifting plate (63).
3. A cigarette packing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A docking transition mechanism (8) is provided on the side of the lifting positioning plate (83) on one side. The docking transition mechanism (8) includes an embedded sleeve (81) and a sliding transition sleeve (82). The embedded sleeve (81) is a square ring adapted to the cigarette box opening. The sliding transition sleeve (82) is a conical square sleeve and is connected to the embedded sleeve (81). A step is provided on the outside of the connection between the sliding transition sleeve (82) and the embedded sleeve (81).
4. The cigarette packing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: A cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7) is provided on one side of the embedded sleeve (81). The cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7) includes a positioning bracket (71), a cigarette box frame (72), a cigarette box first telescopic shaft (73), and a cigarette box placement plate (75). The cigarette box frame (72) is rotated on the top of the positioning bracket (71), a slide rail is provided on the cigarette box frame (72), and the cigarette box placement plate (75) is slidably mounted on the slide rail. The cigarette box first telescopic shaft (73) is rotated on the bottom of the positioning bracket (71), and the other end of the cigarette box first telescopic shaft (73) is rotated on the cigarette box frame (72).
5. The cigarette packing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A crossbeam is suspended at the top of the cigarette stacking mechanism (6) and connected to the first support (1). A stacking cigarette pushing mechanism (12) is suspended below the crossbeam of the first support (1). The stacking cigarette pushing mechanism (12) includes a pushing support (121), a pushing slide rail (122), a pushing telescopic shaft (123), a rotation positioning connecting shaft (124), a rotation drive connecting shaft (125), and a pushing plate (126). A push slide rail (122) is connected to the crossbeam. An L-shaped push bracket (121) is slidably mounted on the push slide rail (122). A push telescopic shaft (123) is connected to one end of the push bracket (121). A rotation positioning connecting shaft (124) is connected to the other end of the push bracket (121). A push plate (126) is connected to the other end of the rotation positioning connecting shaft (124). A rotation drive connecting shaft (125) is mounted on the push plate (126). The rotation drive connecting shaft (125) is connected to the push telescopic shaft (123).
6. The cigarette packing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: The push bracket (121) is a telescopic bracket, and the push telescopic shaft (123) is located at the telescopic end of the push bracket (121).
7. The cigarette packing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: A contact sensor is provided on the push plate (126) and connected to the controller. The push telescopic shaft (123) is an electric telescopic shaft and is connected to the controller.
8. A control system for a cigarette packing device, applied to the cigarette packing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes an absolute encoder; a baffle is provided on the side of the conveyor belt of the cigarette pack conveyor belt (4), a contact sensor is provided on the baffle and connected to the controller, and the motor of the cigarette pack conveyor belt (4) is connected to the controller; an absolute encoder is provided at the bearing seat (61) and connected to the controller, and the motor (51) is a stepper motor and connected to the controller; a contact sensor on the push plate (126) is connected to the controller, and a second telescopic shaft (74) of the cigarette box is provided between the cigarette box placement plate (75) and the cigarette box frame (72), and the second telescopic shaft (74) and the first telescopic shaft (73) of the cigarette box are electric telescopic shafts and connected to the controller, a screw slider mechanism is provided on the push slide rail (122) and connected to the controller, and a push bracket (121) is fixedly provided on the slider, and a contact sensor is provided on the cigarette box placement plate (75) and connected to the controller.
9. A production control method for a cigarette packing equipment, comprising using a control system for a cigarette packing equipment as described in claim 8 to control a cigarette packing equipment as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 to perform cigarette packing production, characterized in that: After the equipment is powered on and reset, the cigarette box is transported to the cigarette box placement plate (75). When the contact sensor on the cigarette box placement plate (75) is triggered, it indicates that the cigarette box placement plate (75) has a cigarette box ready. The controller controls the first telescopic shaft (73) of the cigarette box to extend and slide the cigarette box end flat into the transition sleeve (82). When the first telescopic shaft (73) of the cigarette box extends to the set telescopic length, it indicates that the cigarette box has been leveled and aligned with the sliding transition sleeve (82). The controller controls the second telescopic shaft (74) of the cigarette box to retract to the set length, so that the opening of the cigarette box fits into the insert sleeve (81). When the controller controls the second telescopic shaft (74) of the cigarette box to retract to the set length, it indicates that the cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7) is ready to proceed with subsequent operations. The cigarette sticks are placed on the cigarette stick conveyor belt (4). When multiple contact sensors on the cigarette stick conveyor belt (4) are triggered, it indicates that a layer of stacked cigarette sticks has been prepared. The controller controls the motor of the cigarette stick conveyor belt (4) to start and transport the cigarette sticks to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism (6). When the cigarette stick is fed to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism (6) and the contact sensor on the side baffle (111) is triggered or after a set time interval, it indicates that the cigarette stick has been completely fed to the cigarette stick stacking mechanism (6). The controller controls the motor (51) to rotate and lift the cigarette stick. At the same time, an absolute encoder is set at the bearing seat (61) to feed back the angle of the shaft rotation to the controller. When multiple contact sensors on the trigger side baffle (111) are triggered, or when the absolute encoder provides feedback on the angle of the shaft... Or when the contact sensor on the push plate (126) is triggered for the first time, it indicates that the cigarette stacking mechanism (6) has stacked a set stack. The controller controls the motor (51) to stop moving and at the same time controls the stacking cigarette push mechanism (12) to push the cigarette stack into the cigarette box. After the controller stops the motor (51), multiple contact sensors on the side baffle (111) are triggered, or when the absolute encoder feedbacks that the angle of the rotating shaft is the pushing angle, the controller controls the pushing slide (122) to move to the leftmost position. After the controller controls the push slide rail (122) to move to the far left, it indicates that the stacking cigarette stick push mechanism (12) is ready. At this time, the controller controls the push telescopic shaft (123) to extend to the set length so that the push plate (126) stands upright. Then, the controller controls the push slide rail (122) to move to the right until the set moving length is reached to push the cigarette stick into the cigarette box. After the controller controls the pusher slide (122) to move to the set moving length on the right and waits for the set time, it indicates that the cigarette stick has been pushed into the cigarette box. At this time, the controller controls the stacking cigarette stick pushing mechanism (12) to return to its original position. At the same time, the controller controls the cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7) to return to its original position and the cigarette box is transported away manually or mechanically. The controller controls the cigarette box placement docking mechanism (7) to return to its original position to wait for material. At the same time, the controller controls the cigarette stick conveyor belt (4) and the cigarette stick stacking mechanism (6) to continue working while waiting for material.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Stacking device of cigarette carton loading and sealing machine
CN107161401A
Cigarette box and smoke box code-scanning association method capable of eliminating cumulative error
CN111348271A
Cigarette carton auxiliary boxing and sealing machine
CN219487849U
Cigarette bar code scanning and boxing equipment
CN221938568U