Metering tank material level distribution adjusting method and device and cigarette making machine

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of cigarettes, and particularly discloses a metering tank material level distribution adjusting method and device and a cigarette making machine, and the metering tank material level distribution adjusting method comprises the steps that a metering tank is partitioned, and a first partition, a second partition and a third partition which are sequentially arranged in the vertical direction of the material conveying direction are formed. And the heights of the materials in the first subarea, the second subarea and the third subarea are obtained, and the current distribution state of the materials is determined. And obtaining a target distribution state of the material. According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, air is blown to the materials in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the materials, the current distribution state is made to be consistent with the target distribution state, the situation of uneven material distribution is recognized in time, the change of the material distribution state can be rapidly responded, material distribution is adjusted in time through air blowing, and the material distribution efficiency is improved. Material distribution is accurately controlled, waste of materials such as tobacco shreds caused by uneven distribution is avoided, the single-cigarette gram weight standard deviation of cigarettes is effectively reduced, and empty ends or cigarette running of the cigarettes is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cigarettes, and in particular to a method and device for adjusting material level distribution in a metering trough and a cigarette making machine. Background Art

[0002] The efficient and stable operation of cigarette making machines is crucial to the product quality and production efficiency of tobacco. In the cigarette production process, the metering trough, as the core part of the feeding device, is responsible for accurately controlling the supply of tobacco to ensure the uniform distribution of tobacco in the cigarette, thereby ensuring the weight accuracy and consistency of the cigarette. However, when the tobacco is unevenly distributed in the metering trough, that is, abnormal forms such as high on the left and low on the right, low on the left and high on the right, high in the middle and low on the left and right, or low in the middle and high on the left and right appear, this will directly affect the transportation efficiency of tobacco and the quality stability of cigarettes. Specifically, the uneven distribution of tobacco will lead to an increase in the standard deviation (SD value) of the weight of a single cigarette, which may cause empty cigarettes and running cigarettes, and even lead to reduced efficiency and product quality of the entire production line.

[0003] In the related art, the material level control of the metering trough mainly relies on the material level monitor to monitor the height of the tobacco shreds, and maintains the stability of the material level by adjusting the speed of the conveyor belt motor. The material level monitor of the metering trough usually adjusts the material level according to the amount of obstruction by the material level monitor. However, this material level adjustment method can only cope with the regulation of the total amount of tobacco shreds, and lacks an effective solution for the uneven lateral distribution of tobacco shreds in the metering trough, that is, the height difference of tobacco shreds in the left, middle and right directions. This lateral uneven distribution is more significant, especially when the tobacco supply is large or the production line speed fluctuates, which makes it difficult for the related methods to adjust the material level in a timely and accurate manner, thereby affecting the production quality of cigarettes. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for adjusting the material level distribution in a metering trough and a cigarette making machine, so as to solve the problem of uneven lateral distribution of shredded tobacco in a metering trough of a cigarette making machine in the related art.

[0005] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for adjusting material level distribution in a metering tank, comprising:

[0007] The metering trough is divided into zones to form a first zone, a second zone and a third zone arranged in sequence in a vertical direction along the conveying direction of the material;

[0008] Obtaining material heights in the first partition, the second partition, and the third partition to determine a current distribution state of the material;

[0009] Obtain the target distribution status of materials;

[0010] According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, the material is blown in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material to make the current distribution state consistent with the target distribution state.

[0011] In one embodiment, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0012] When the current distribution state is the first partition oblique height state, the material is blown from the first partition toward the third partition, wherein the first partition oblique height state is that the material height of the first partition is greater than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is greater than the material height of the third partition;

[0013] When the current distribution state is consistent with the target distribution state, no air is blown to the material, wherein the target distribution state is that the height difference of the material between the first partition, the second partition and the third partition is within a preset height difference range;

[0014] When the current distribution state is the third partition oblique height state, the material is blown from the third partition toward the first partition, wherein the third partition oblique height state is that the material height of the first partition is less than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is less than the material height of the third partition.

[0015] In one embodiment, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0016] When the current distribution state is the convex state of the second partition, the material is blown from the first partition toward the third partition, or the material is blown from the third partition toward the first partition;

[0017] The convex state of the second partition is that the material height of the first partition is less than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is greater than the material height of the third partition.

[0018] In one embodiment, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0019] When the current distribution state is a concave state of the second partition, the materials are blown together from the first partition toward the third partition and from the third partition toward the first partition;

[0020] The concave state of the second partition is that the material height of the first partition is greater than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is less than the material height of the third partition.

[0021] In one embodiment, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0022] When the current distribution state is inconsistent with the target distribution state, and when the current distribution state lasts for a preset duration, blowing air to the material again;

[0023] When the blowing of the material is completed, the current distribution state of the material is acquired again, and when the current distribution state acquired again lasts for a preset interval time, the material is blown again.

[0024] In one embodiment, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0025] When the current distribution state is the first partition oblique high state or the third partition oblique high state, the material is blown with the first blowing time;

[0026] When the current distribution state is the second partition convex state, the material is blown with a second blowing time, and the second blowing time is greater than the first blowing time;

[0027] When the current distribution state is the second partition concave state, the material is blown with a third blowing time, and the third blowing time is less than the first blowing time.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a metering tank material level distribution adjustment device for adjusting the material level distribution in the metering tank, the metering tank material level distribution adjustment device comprising:

[0029] A material level monitoring component is arranged in the metering tank, and the material level monitoring component is used to obtain the material height in the metering tank and determine the current distribution state of the material;

[0030] At least two blowing assemblies are provided on the metering trough, and at least two of the blowing assemblies are respectively provided on both sides of the material level monitoring assembly. The blowing assembly comprises a connected blowing part and a switch valve, and the blowing part can blow the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material in the metering trough, and the switch valve can control the blowing part to be opened or closed.

[0031] In one embodiment, the material level monitoring component includes a plurality of phototubes, and the plurality of phototubes are arranged in a matrix. When the material is in a target distribution state, the phototubes in the top row are all higher than the falling surface of the material, and the blowing end of the blowing member is arranged at the height position of the phototubes in the top row.

[0032] In one of the embodiments, a pressure regulating valve is provided at the air inlet end of the switch valve, and the pressure regulating valve is used to adjust the blowing air pressure of the blowing member.

[0033] In one of the embodiments, the metering tank material level distribution adjustment device includes a control component, and the material level monitoring component and the blowing component are both communicatively connected to the control component.

[0034] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a cigarette making machine, comprising a metering trough and the metering trough material level distribution regulating device in any of the above schemes, wherein the metering trough material level distribution regulating device is arranged on the metering trough.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0036] The present invention provides a metering trough material level distribution adjustment method, device and cigarette making machine. The metering trough material level distribution adjustment method can be implemented in the normal dynamic working process of material falling in the metering trough. The metering trough material level distribution adjustment method can timely identify the uneven distribution of materials such as tobacco by dividing the metering trough into zones and monitoring the distribution status of materials such as tobacco in real time, and can quickly respond to changes in the distribution status of materials such as tobacco, adjust the distribution of materials such as tobacco by blowing in time, accurately control the distribution of materials such as tobacco, avoid waste of materials such as tobacco due to uneven distribution, achieve dynamic balance of the height of materials such as tobacco in the metering trough, thereby improving the uniformity of the supply of materials such as tobacco, effectively reducing the standard deviation of the gram weight of a single cigarette, avoiding the phenomenon of empty ends or missing cigarettes, and enhancing the stability of the cigarette production process and the consistency of product quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 Flow chart of the material level distribution adjustment method of the metering tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of a material level distribution regulating device for a metering tank in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the material level distribution in the metering tank in the embodiment of the present invention when it is in the target distribution state;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the material level distribution in the metering tank in the embodiment of the present invention when it is in the first partition inclined high state;

[0041] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the material level distribution in the metering tank in the embodiment of the present invention when it is in the third zone inclined high state;

[0042] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the material level distribution in the metering tank in the embodiment of the present invention when it is in the convex state of the second subarea;

[0043] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the material level distribution in the metering trough in the embodiment of the present invention when it is in the concave state of the second partition.

[0044] In the figure:

[0045] 1. Material level monitoring component; 11. Photoelectric tube;

[0046] 2. Blowing assembly; 21. Blowing part; 22. Switching valve; 23. Pressure regulating valve;

[0047] 3. Measuring tank; 31. First partition; 32. Second partition; 33. Third partition;

[0048] 4. Control parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only parts related to the present invention, rather than all structures, are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0050] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0051] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include that the first and second features are in direct contact, or may include that the first and second features are not in direct contact but are in contact through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" and "above" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" and "below" a second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0052] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and other directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operate in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish in the description and have no special meaning.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides a method for adjusting material level distribution in a metering tank, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0054] Step 100, the metering trough 3 is divided into zones to form a first zone 31, a second zone 32 and a third zone 33 arranged in sequence in the vertical direction of the material conveying direction, so as to facilitate independent monitoring of the material height in different zones. The metering trough 3 can be applied to machinery such as cigarette making machines or food processing equipment to store and convey materials so that the materials fall evenly and enter the subsequent process.

[0055] Step 200, obtaining the material heights in the first partition 31, the second partition 32 and the third partition 33, and determining the current distribution state of the materials, wherein the material height is the pile height of the tobacco and other materials in each partition of the metering trough 3, and is a key parameter for determining the distribution state of the tobacco. The current distribution state refers to the actual distribution of the tobacco and other materials in the metering trough 3.

[0056] Step 300 , obtaining a target distribution state of the material, wherein the target distribution state is a preset ideal distribution state of the material according to production requirements and standards, for example, the material is evenly distributed in the metering tank 3 .

[0057] Step 400: According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, the material is blown in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material to make the current distribution state consistent with the target distribution state.

[0058] With such arrangement, the material level distribution adjustment method of the metering trough can be implemented during the normal dynamic working process of material falling in the metering trough 3. The material level distribution adjustment method of the metering trough can timely identify the uneven distribution of materials such as tobacco by dividing the metering trough 3 and monitoring the distribution status of materials such as tobacco in real time, and can quickly respond to changes in the distribution status of materials such as tobacco, adjust the distribution of materials such as tobacco by blowing in time, accurately control the distribution of materials such as tobacco, avoid waste of materials such as tobacco due to uneven distribution, achieve a high degree of dynamic balance of materials such as tobacco in the metering trough 3, and thus improve the uniformity of the supply of materials such as tobacco, effectively reduce the standard deviation of the single-piece weight of cigarettes, avoid empty or running cigarettes, enhance the stability of the cigarette production process and the consistency of product quality, and solve the problem of uneven lateral distribution of tobacco in the metering trough of the cigarette making machine in the related technology.

[0059] Optionally, after obtaining the material heights in the first partition 31, the second partition 32 and the third partition 33, the material height difference in the first partition 31, the second partition 32 and the third partition 33 can be obtained. According to the material height difference in the first partition 31, the second partition 32 and the third partition 33 and the difference between the current distribution state and the target distribution state, the amount of material that needs to be blown from the first partition 31 to the second partition 32 and the third partition 33 can be calculated, or the amount of material that needs to be blown from the third partition 33 to the second partition 32 and the first partition 31 can be calculated. The blowing time and the blowing pressure can be set according to the material amount. The blowing time and the blowing pressure can be different each time. The blowing process can be divided into multi-stage blowing. During the multi-stage blowing process, when blowing for the first time, the blowing time and the blowing pressure can be set to a larger value. When blowing again, the blowing time and the blowing pressure can be gradually weakened until the current distribution state is consistent with the target distribution state.

[0060] Optionally, in order to improve the efficiency of blowing adjustment, the blowing direction can also be designed to be adjustable. According to the difference between the current tobacco distribution state and the target distribution state, the specific partition of the material that needs to be moved from high to low is determined. According to the fluidity characteristics of materials such as tobacco, the direction and blowing angle of the blowing piece 21 can be adjusted in the vertical direction of the material conveying direction to improve the adjustment efficiency of the material moving from high position to low position.

[0061] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, in some embodiments, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in the vertical direction of the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0062] When the current distribution state is the oblique height state of the first partition 31, the material is blown from the first partition 31 toward the third partition 33, wherein the oblique height state of the first partition 31 is that the material height of the first partition 31 is greater than the material height of the second partition 32, and the material height of the second partition 32 is greater than the material height of the third partition 33. This situation indicates that there is a distribution deviation of high on the left and low on the right of the material in the metering trough 3. The blowing component 2 on the side of the first partition 31 is started to blow toward the third partition 33, prompting the material to move from left to right, thereby balancing the distribution of the material in the metering trough 3.

[0063] When the current distribution state is consistent with the target distribution state, the material is not blown, wherein the target distribution state is that the material height difference between the first partition 31, the second partition 32 and the third partition 33 is within the preset height difference range, which indicates that the material distribution has approached or reached the target distribution state. At this time, no blowing is performed to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and possible material distribution fluctuations caused by excessive adjustment.

[0064] When the current distribution state is the inclined height state of the third partition 33, the material is blown from the third partition 33 toward the first partition 31, wherein the inclined height state of the third partition 33 is that the material height of the first partition 31 is less than the material height of the second partition 32, and the material height of the second partition 32 is less than the material height of the third partition 33. This situation indicates that there is a distribution deviation of the material in the metering trough 3, which is high on the right and low on the left. By starting the blowing component 2 on the side of the third partition 33 to blow toward the first partition 31, the material is prompted to move from right to left to achieve a balanced distribution effect.

[0065] This embodiment can more accurately adjust the distribution of materials in the metering tank 3 by dynamically blowing according to different distribution states, avoiding production problems caused by uneven material distribution, such as empty cigarettes and missing cigarettes, and significantly improving the quality of cigarettes. By timely responding and accurately adjusting material distribution, production line adjustments due to material distribution problems during production are reduced, and the continuity and overall efficiency of the production process are improved.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in the vertical direction of the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0067] When the current distribution state is that the second partition 32 is in a convex state, the material is blown from the first partition 31 toward the third partition 33 , or the material is blown from the third partition 33 toward the first partition 31 .

[0068] The convex state of the second partition 32 means that the material height of the first partition 31 is less than the material height of the second partition 32 , and the material height of the second partition 32 is greater than the material height of the third partition 33 .

[0069] This situation shows that the distribution of the material in the metering trough 3 is high in the middle and low on both sides. In order to balance the material distribution, according to the difference between the current distribution state of the material and the target distribution state, it is selected to blow the material from the first partition 31 toward the third partition 33, so that the material first partially moves to the third partition 33, presenting a slanted high state of the third partition 33, and then the material is blown from the third partition 33 toward the first partition 31 through the above-mentioned blowing method in the slanted high state of the third partition 33, and further adjusted until the material distribution reaches the target distribution state. Alternatively, it is selected to blow air from the third partition 33 toward the first partition 31, so that the material is first partially moved to the first partition 31, presenting an inclined high state of the first partition 31, and then the material is blown from the first partition 31 toward the third partition 33 through the blowing method in the inclined high state of the first partition 31, and further adjusted until the material distribution reaches the target distribution state, which effectively solves the problem of uneven material distribution in the convex state of the second partition 32, ensures the uniform distribution of the material in the metering trough 3, improves the consistency of cigarette quality, and avoids the situation where the blowing on the first partition 31 side and the second partition 32 side cancel each other out and cannot be adjusted or irregularly disturbs the material in the second partition 32.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in the vertical direction of the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0071] When the current distribution state is the concave state of the second partition 32 , the materials are blown together from the first partition 31 toward the third partition 33 and from the third partition 33 toward the first partition 31 .

[0072] The concave state of the second partition 32 means that the material height of the first partition 31 is greater than the material height of the second partition 32 , and the material height of the second partition 32 is less than the material height of the third partition 33 .

[0073] This indicates that the material height of the second partition 32 is significantly lower than that of the first partition 31 and the third partition 33, forming a distribution feature of high on both sides and low in the middle. The first partition 31 and the third partition 33 simultaneously blow air toward each other, and through coordinated operation, the tobacco is moved from both sides to the middle area to quickly compensate for the shortage of tobacco in the concave part of the second partition 32, balance the distribution of tobacco, and thus improve the production efficiency and product quality of cigarettes.

[0074] In some embodiments, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0075] When the current distribution state is inconsistent with the target distribution state, and when the current distribution state lasts for a preset duration, the material is blown;

[0076] When the blowing of the material is completed, the current distribution state of the material is obtained again, and when the current distribution state obtained again lasts for a preset interval time, the material is blown again.

[0077] The preset duration refers to the time that the system delays starting the air blowing operation after detecting that the current distribution state is inconsistent with the target distribution state. The preset interval time refers to the shortest time that the system waits before starting the air blowing operation again after completing a air blowing operation.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the current distribution state is detected to be different from the target distribution state, the blowing will not be started immediately, but a preset duration, such as 1 second, 2 seconds or longer, is waited for. The specific time is set according to the production line speed and material characteristics to evaluate whether the natural flow of the material can adjust the distribution state by itself. If the material distribution state still does not reach the target distribution state after the preset duration, the corresponding blowing strategy is started to adjust the material to avoid misoperation.

[0079] After each blowing operation, the changes in the material distribution state still need to be monitored in real time. Only when the re-evaluated material distribution state continues for a preset interval, such as 5 seconds or 6 seconds, and still does not reach the target distribution state, will the blowing be performed again, avoiding frequent blowing operations and reducing energy consumption. At the same time, it also prevents the blowing operation from excessively interfering with the material distribution, and interfering with the material in the falling process, causing material falling deviation, thus ensuring the stability and efficiency of the production process.

[0080] By setting the blowing delay and interval time, this embodiment can more accurately determine when to start blowing, avoid unnecessary blowing operations caused by natural flow of materials or changes in production conditions, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of material distribution adjustment. By controlling the starting conditions and intervals of the blowing operation, the number and duration of the blowing operation can be significantly reduced, reducing energy consumption and production costs, and can also avoid excessive interference of the blowing operation on the production process, maintain the stable operation of the production line, and reduce production interruptions or product quality problems caused by improper material distribution adjustment.

[0081] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, according to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing the material in the vertical direction of the conveying direction of the material includes:

[0082] When the current distribution state is the oblique height state of the first partition 31 or the oblique height state of the third partition 33, the material is blown with the first blowing time. When it is detected that the material height of the first partition 31 or the third partition 33 is significantly higher than that of other adjacent partitions, forming an oblique height state, the preset first blowing time is used for blowing. The setting of the first blowing time is based on the material distribution adjustment requirements in the oblique height state. In this state, the material distribution deviation is small, and the amount of material required to be blown is moderate. Therefore, the set first blowing time is relatively short. The purpose is to quickly balance the material distribution through moderate blowing operations, while avoiding excessive material movement and energy waste caused by too long blowing time.

[0083] When the current distribution state is the convex state of the second partition 32, the material is blown with the second blowing time, and the second blowing time is greater than the first blowing time. When it is monitored that the material height of the second partition 32 is significantly higher than that of the first partition 31 and the third partition 33, forming a convex state, the second blowing time is used for blowing. The second blowing time is set to be greater than the first blowing time because the material distribution deviation in the convex state is large, and the amount of material required to be blown is large, requiring a longer blowing operation to balance the material distribution and ensure the uniformity of the material in the lateral distribution. At the same time, the setting of the second blowing time also takes into account factors such as material fluidity and production line speed to achieve efficient material distribution adjustment.

[0084] When the current distribution state is the concave state of the second partition 32, the material is blown with the third blowing time, and the third blowing time is less than the first blowing time. When it is monitored that the material height of the second partition 32 is significantly lower than that of the first partition 31 and the third partition 33, forming a concave state, the third blowing time is used for blowing. The third blowing time is set to be less than the first blowing time because the tobacco distribution deviation in the concave state is smaller and the moving distance of the tobacco in the lateral distribution is relatively small. Therefore, a too long blowing operation is not required. Through fast and precise blowing operations, tobacco shortages in the second partition 32 can be avoided, while reducing energy consumption and the impact on production efficiency.

[0085] This embodiment can more accurately control the material distribution adjustment process by setting the blowing time for different distribution states, avoiding low adjustment efficiency caused by improper blowing time, and improving production efficiency. It can also more accurately adjust the material distribution deviation, avoiding excessive movement or uneven distribution of materials, thereby ensuring the uniformity of material supply in the production process of equipment such as cigarette making machines, improving the consistency of product quality, and reducing unnecessary energy consumption and production costs while ensuring the material distribution adjustment effect.

[0086] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention provides a metering tank material level distribution adjustment device, which is used to adjust the material level distribution in the metering tank 3. The metering tank material level distribution adjustment device includes a material level monitoring component 1 and at least two blowing components 2. The material level monitoring component 1 is arranged in the metering tank 3. The material level monitoring component 1 is used to obtain the material height in the metering tank 3 and determine the current distribution state of the material. The blowing component 2 is arranged on the metering tank 3, and at least two blowing components 2 are arranged on both sides of the material level monitoring component 1. The blowing component 2 includes a connected blowing member 21 and a switch valve 22. The blowing member 21 can blow the material in the metering tank 3 in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material, and the switch valve 22 can control the blowing member 21 to open or close.

[0087] The blowing assembly 2 can be arranged on the side wall plate of the metering tank 3 and located on the side of the material level monitoring assembly 1. The blowing member 21 is used to blow along the vertical direction of the material conveying direction, and the switch valve 22 is used to control the start and stop of the blowing process. The blowing direction of the blowing member 21 is perpendicular to the material conveying direction. The purpose is to promote the movement of materials from the high material level area to the low material level area through the blowing operation, so as to achieve balanced material distribution, convenient force operation and high adjustment efficiency.

[0088] With such a configuration, the metering tank material level distribution adjustment device in this embodiment can be used to implement the metering tank material level distribution adjustment method in any of the above embodiments, and the height information of the tobacco shreds is obtained in real time through the material level monitoring component 1. When the current distribution state of the material is inconsistent with the target distribution state, the switch valve 22 on the corresponding side can be opened, and the blowing member 21 blows in the vertical direction of the material conveying direction, which can quickly blow the material, making the material surface more uniform and flat, reducing the uneven distribution of the material in the metering tank 3, ensuring the uniformity and stability of the tobacco shreds supply, and thus improving the quality of cigarettes. In addition, through real-time monitoring and blowing feedback adjustment, the material distribution adjustment process is made more automated and intelligent, reducing manual intervention, and improving production efficiency and automation level.

[0089] Since the above-mentioned method for adjusting the material level distribution in a metering tank can be implemented, the device for adjusting the material level distribution in a metering tank according to the embodiment of the present invention has all the advantages and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0090] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in some embodiments, the material level monitoring component 1 includes a plurality of photoelectric tubes 11, and the plurality of photoelectric tubes 11 are arranged in a matrix. When the material is in the target distribution state, the photoelectric tubes 11 in the top row are all higher than the material falling surface, and the blowing end of the blowing member 21 is arranged at the height position of the photoelectric tubes 11 in the top row. The photoelectric tubes 11 are distributed in rows and columns to form a dense detection network, which can cover the entire width of the material in the metering tank 3 and realize comprehensive monitoring of the distribution state of the tobacco. The top row of photoelectric tubes 11 refers to the row of photoelectric tubes 11 closest to the top of the metering tank 3 in the matrix arrangement of the photoelectric tubes 11. When the tobacco is in the target distribution state, the detection height of this row of photoelectric tubes 11 is higher than the tobacco falling surface, which can effectively avoid the monitoring error caused by the tobacco blocking, and can also reflect the uniformity and flatness of the material surface through the exposure of this row of photoelectric tubes 11.

[0091] This embodiment can monitor the material height in real time from multiple positions through the matrix arrangement of the photoelectric tubes 11, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of material level distribution monitoring. The height design of the photoelectric tubes 11 ensures that when the tobacco is in the target distribution state, the material level can be accurately identified. Once the material level changes, the photoelectric tubes 11 can respond immediately and provide data support in time, so that the blowing component 2 can respond quickly and adjust the material distribution. Since the top row of photoelectric tubes 11 is higher than the material falling surface, this design avoids the monitoring error caused by the material blocking the photoelectric tubes 11, and improves the accuracy of material distribution monitoring. This embodiment can more accurately control the blowing adjustment by improving the accuracy and reliability of material distribution monitoring, and avoid the influence of uneven material distribution on product quality and production efficiency. The blowing end of the blowing member 21 is set at the height position of the top row of photoelectric tubes 11, that is, the blowing end of the blowing member 21 can be flush with the top row of photoelectric tubes 11 or slightly deviate, and can accurately and efficiently blow the material surface. Among them, the photoelectric tubes 11 can be arranged in multiple columns and each column can be arranged in multiple rows.

[0092] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in some embodiments, a pressure regulating valve 23 is provided at the air inlet end of the switch valve 22, and the pressure regulating valve 23 is used to adjust the blowing pressure of the blowing member 21. The pressure regulating valve 23 refers to a valve body used to adjust the pressure of compressed air or gas, and controls the air inlet pressure by changing the valve opening to achieve dynamic adjustment of the blowing pressure of the blowing member 21. The pressure regulating valve 23 can accurately control the blowing pressure of the blowing assembly 2 according to actual needs, so that the blowing operation is more energy-saving and efficient while ensuring uniform distribution of materials. The pressure regulating valve 23 is arranged at the air inlet end of the switch valve 22, between the compressed air source and the blowing member 21, to adjust the air pressure entering the blowing member 21. With such an arrangement, through the dynamic adjustment of the pressure regulating valve 23, the blowing member 21 can accurately control the blowing pressure according to the material distribution state, ensuring that the blowing operation not only achieves the goal of balanced material level, but also avoids the negative impact of excessive blowing on material distribution. The use of the pressure regulating valve 23 reduces unnecessary energy consumption and lowers production costs. The addition of the pressure regulating valve 23 makes the blowing adjustment process more intelligent and can be dynamically adjusted according to production needs.

[0093] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the metering tank material level distribution adjustment device includes a control component 4, and the material level monitoring component 1 and the blowing component 2 are both connected to the control component 4 in communication. The control component 4 can be, but is not limited to, a programmable logic controller, a microprocessor, a computer, or any electronic device that can process data and issue control instructions. The control component 4 establishes a communication connection with the material level monitoring component 1 and the blowing component 2 to achieve real-time data exchange and precise execution of control commands. The material level monitoring component 1 is responsible for collecting the distribution status of the tobacco in the metering tank 3 and transmitting the data to the control component 4 through the communication connection; and the control component 4 analyzes the distribution of the tobacco according to the received data, and sends a corresponding control signal to the blowing component 2 to adjust the blowing pressure and time, so as to achieve balanced distribution of the tobacco. This integrated control mechanism ensures the automation and intelligence of the tobacco material level distribution adjustment process, and improves the efficiency of the cigarette production process and the consistency of product quality.

[0094] Among them, the information transmission method between the control component 4 and the material level monitoring component 1 and the blowing component 2 can be a wired connection, such as using industrial communication protocols such as CAN bus, or a wireless connection, such as using wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth. The communication connection ensures the timely transmission of data and the immediate response of control commands.

[0095] In this embodiment, through the communication connection between the control component 4 and the material level monitoring component 1 and the blowing component 2, the system can monitor the tobacco distribution status in real time and respond quickly to achieve precise adjustment of the tobacco material level distribution, improve the efficiency of the material level distribution adjustment, ensure the uniformity of the tobacco distribution, and thus improve the production efficiency of cigarettes and the consistency of product quality.

[0096] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention provides a cigarette making machine, comprising a metering trough 3 and the metering trough material level distribution adjusting device in any of the above embodiments, the metering trough material level distribution adjusting device being arranged on the metering trough 3, the addition of the metering trough material level distribution adjusting device ensures the uniformity and stability of the distribution of shredded tobacco in the metering trough 3, avoids shutdown adjustment and reduction in production efficiency due to uneven distribution of shredded tobacco, and at the same time improves the quality consistency of cigarettes, reduces the abnormality of the SD value of the single gram weight of cigarettes, and avoids the occurrence of problems such as empty ends and missing cigarettes.

[0097] In summary, taking a cigarette making machine as an example, the method for adjusting the material level distribution of the metering trough is explained as follows:

[0098] The material level monitoring component 1 may include 9 photoelectric tubes 11 arranged in a 3×3 matrix, and one row of photoelectric tubes 11 corresponds to monitoring the material height at one partition. Specifically, the three photoelectric tubes 11 at the first partition 31 are numbered ①-③ from bottom to top, the three photoelectric tubes 11 at the second partition 32 are numbered ④-⑥ from bottom to top, and the three photoelectric tubes 11 at the third partition 33 are numbered ⑦-⑨ from bottom to top. The blowing component 2 is arranged on the side walls of the metering groove 3 on the left and right sides of the material level monitoring component 1, and the blowing member 21 can be arranged to be flush with the photoelectric tubes 11 numbered ③, ⑥ and ⑨. The blowing component 2 arranged on the side of the first partition 31 is the first blowing component 2, and the blowing component 2 arranged on the side of the third partition 33 is the second blowing component 2.

[0099] When the photoelectric tube 11 of No. ③ is blocked by the material, and the photoelectric tubes 11 of No. ⑧ and No. ⑨ are not blocked, it indicates that the current distribution state is the oblique high state of the first partition 31. This situation lasts for 1 second, and the first blowing component 2 is turned on and blows for 0.5 seconds, and the tobacco is blown from the high position on the left to the low position on the right to balance the tobacco material level on both sides. If the first blowing component 2 is operated once, and the material still remains unbalanced with the left high and the right low, this situation is delayed for 5 seconds, and the first blowing component 2 is adjusted to open and blow for 0.5 seconds until the material level on the surface of the material is balanced and reaches the target distribution state.

[0100] When the photoelectric tube 11 No. 9 is blocked by tobacco, and the photoelectric tubes 11 No. 2 and 3 are not blocked, it indicates that the current distribution state is the oblique high state of the third partition 33. This situation lasts for 1 second, and the second blowing component 2 is turned on and blows for 0.5 seconds, and the tobacco is blown from the high position on the right to the low position on the left, so that the tobacco material level on both sides is balanced. If the second blowing component 2 is operated once, and the material still remains unbalanced with the right high and the left low, this situation is delayed for 5 seconds, and the second blowing component 2 is adjusted to open and blow for 0.5 seconds until the material level on the surface of the material is balanced and reaches the target distribution state.

[0101] When the ⑥ photoelectric tube 11 is blocked by tobacco, and the ②, ③, ⑧ and ⑨ photoelectric tubes 11 are not blocked, it indicates that the current distribution state is the convex state of the second partition 32. This situation lasts for 1 second, then the first blowing component 2 is controlled to blow for 1 second, and the tobacco is blown from the high position on the left to the low position on the right, so that the tobacco material level is low on the left and high on the right. If the first blowing component 2 is operated once and still maintains an imbalance of high in the middle and low on the left and right, then after a delay of 5 seconds, the first blowing component 2 is controlled to work for 1 second, and the action is repeated until the material level is low on the left and high on the right, and then subsequent adjustments are made according to the blowing steps in the above-mentioned third partition 33 oblique high state. Similarly, when the current distribution state is the convex state of the second partition 32, the second blowing component 2 can also be controlled to blow, and the tobacco is blown from the high position on the right to the low position on the left, so that the tobacco material level is low on the right and high on the left. It can also be selected according to the usage.

[0102] When the photoelectric tubes 11 of No. ③ and No. ⑨ are blocked by tobacco, and No. ⑤ and No. ⑥ are not blocked, and this situation lasts for 1 second, the first blowing assembly 2 and the second blowing assembly 2 are controlled to blow together for 0.3 seconds, and the tobacco is dropped from the high position on both sides to the low position in the middle, so that the tobacco material level on both sides is balanced. If the first blowing assembly 2 and the second blowing assembly 2 act in sequence, and the imbalance between the middle high and the left and right low is still maintained, after a delay of 5 seconds, the first blowing assembly 2 or the second blowing assembly 2 is adjusted to work for 0.3 seconds, and the action is repeated until the material level is balanced.

[0103] Since the metering trough material level distribution regulating device is included, the cigarette making machine of the embodiment of the present invention has all the advantages and beneficial effects of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0104] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting material level distribution in a metering tank, characterized in that: include: The metering trough is divided into zones to form a first zone, a second zone and a third zone arranged in sequence in a vertical direction along the conveying direction of the material; Obtaining material heights in the first partition, the second partition, and the third partition to determine a current distribution state of the material; Obtain the target distribution status of materials; According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, the material is blown in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the material to make the current distribution state consistent with the target distribution state.

2. The method for adjusting material level distribution of a metering tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing air to the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material comprises: When the current distribution state is the first partition oblique height state, the material is blown from the first partition toward the third partition, wherein the first partition oblique height state is that the material height of the first partition is greater than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is greater than the material height of the third partition; When the current distribution state is consistent with the target distribution state, no air is blown to the material, wherein the target distribution state is that the height difference of the material between the first partition, the second partition and the third partition is within a preset height difference range; When the current distribution state is the third partition oblique height state, the material is blown from the third partition toward the first partition, wherein the third partition oblique height state is that the material height of the first partition is less than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is less than the material height of the third partition.

3. The method for adjusting material level distribution of a metering tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing air to the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material comprises: When the current distribution state is the convex state of the second partition, the material is blown from the first partition toward the third partition, or the material is blown from the third partition toward the first partition; The convex state of the second partition is that the material height of the first partition is less than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is greater than the material height of the third partition.

4. The method for adjusting material level distribution of a metering tank according to claim 3, characterized in that: According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing air to the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material comprises: When the current distribution state is a concave state of the second partition, the materials are blown together from the first partition toward the third partition and from the third partition toward the first partition; The concave state of the second partition is that the material height of the first partition is greater than the material height of the second partition, and the material height of the second partition is less than the material height of the third partition.

5. The method for adjusting material level distribution in a metering tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing air to the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material comprises: When the current distribution state is inconsistent with the target distribution state, and when the current distribution state lasts for a preset duration, blowing air to the material again; When the blowing of the material is completed, the current distribution state of the material is acquired again, and when the current distribution state acquired again lasts for a preset interval time, the material is blown again.

6. The method for adjusting material level distribution of a metering tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: According to the current distribution state and the target distribution state, blowing air to the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material comprises: When the current distribution state is the first partition oblique high state or the third partition oblique high state, the material is blown with the first blowing time; When the current distribution state is the second partition convex state, the material is blown with a second blowing time, and the second blowing time is greater than the first blowing time; When the current distribution state is the second partition concave state, the material is blown with a third blowing time, and the third blowing time is less than the first blowing time.

7. A metering tank material level distribution adjustment device, used to adjust the material level distribution in the metering tank, characterized in that: The metering tank material level distribution regulating device comprises: A material level monitoring component is arranged in the metering tank, and the material level monitoring component is used to obtain the material height in the metering tank and determine the current distribution state of the material; At least two blowing assemblies are provided on the metering trough, and at least two of the blowing assemblies are respectively provided on both sides of the material level monitoring assembly. The blowing assembly comprises a connected blowing part and a switch valve, and the blowing part can blow the material in a direction vertical to the conveying direction of the material in the metering trough, and the switch valve can control the blowing part to be opened or closed.

8. The metering tank material level distribution adjustment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The material level monitoring component includes multiple photoelectric tubes, which are arranged in a matrix. When the material is in a target distribution state, the photoelectric tubes in the top row are all higher than the material falling surface, and the blowing end of the blowing member is set at the height position of the photoelectric tubes in the top row.

9. The metering tank material level distribution adjustment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air inlet end of the switch valve is provided with a pressure regulating valve, and the pressure regulating valve is used to adjust the blowing air pressure of the blowing member.

10. The metering tank material level distribution adjustment device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The metering tank material level distribution regulating device comprises a control component, and the material level monitoring component and the air blowing component are both in communication connection with the control component.

11. A cigarette making machine, characterized in that: It comprises a metering trough and the metering trough material level distribution regulating device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the metering trough material level distribution regulating device is arranged on the metering trough.

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