A large capacity buffer conveying device and a conveying method

Abstract

This invention discloses a large-capacity buffer conveying device and method, relating to the field of logistics conveying equipment technology. It includes a spiral-type first-in-first-out (FIFO) storage device with the inlet at the top and the outlet at the bottom. At least one conveying device is connected to both the inlet and outlet of the storage device via conveying channels. Conveying devices located on either side of the storage device are connected to an upstream and downstream machine installed externally via conveying channels, respectively. A first tensioning mechanism adjusts the slack of the cantilevered conveyor chain plate, ensuring that the conveying devices are arranged around the storage device while forming a stable conveying chain for filter rods connected via a single conveying channel. The layout is flexible, allowing for positional adjustments based on actual needs, thus minimizing the area occupied. For filter rods with long curing times, where a large conveying capacity is not required, simply increasing or decreasing the number of conveying devices can improve the device's applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of logistics conveying equipment technology, and in particular to a large-capacity buffer conveying device and conveying method. Background Technology

[0002] Online buffer conveying devices are crucial equipment in logistics transportation, especially in the production of cigarette sticks or filter rods. Buffering and conveying materials are indispensable for connecting upstream and downstream continuous production. In some material production and conveying processes, not only are storage devices needed to regulate the speed differences between upstream and downstream machines, but also a long conveying time is required to allow the material's inherent properties to fully integrate and stabilize.

[0003] Materials like filter rods require a certain curing time to solidify before they can enter the transmitter. This time varies depending on the curing agent used for the filter rods. To maximize production capacity, a large-capacity buffer conveying device is needed for this purpose.

[0004] However, existing large-capacity conveying and buffering systems are composed of elevators, conveying channels, cabinet-type buffering devices, and cabinet-type conveying devices. The length and number of cabinets determine the curing time. Such equipment has the following technical problems when used: (1) The equipment is designed as an integrated structure, resulting in an excessively large footprint; (2) The layout of the integrated structure is too limited and inflexible; (3) The traditional cabinet-type storage method requires turning at each layer, resulting in too many turns and severe squeezing of the filter rods; (4) For filter rods with long curing times, equipment with a large conveying capacity is required, resulting in low versatility of the traditional cabinet-type conveying device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of traditional cabinet-type conveying devices having a large footprint, inflexible adjustment, and inability to adapt to filter rods with different curing times, and to propose a large-capacity buffer conveying device and conveying method.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technology: a large-capacity buffer conveying device, comprising a spiral first-in-first-out storage device with the inlet at the top and the outlet at the bottom, wherein at least one conveying device is connected to the inlet and outlet of the storage device through a conveying channel, and the conveying devices located on both sides of the storage device are respectively connected to an upstream machine and a downstream machine installed externally through a conveying channel.

[0007] The spiral conveying mechanism installed inside the conveying device includes a cylinder and a cantilever conveying chain plate spirally arranged around the cylinder to form a closed loop. The inner side of the cantilever conveying chain plate is slidably arranged on the corresponding spiral groove on the outer wall of the cylinder. The upper and lower ends pass through the corresponding through holes on the cylinder wall and extend inward to slide and connect with the chain plate fixed guide rail inside the cylinder until they are connected to the first tensioning mechanism and the bottom damping wheel mechanism at the bottom of the drive mechanism inside the cylinder.

[0008] The slack of the cantilever conveyor chain plate is adjusted by the first tensioning mechanism and the bottom damping roller mechanism, ensuring that the conveying device is placed around the storage device while forming a conveyor chain that can stably convey the filter rods through a single conveying channel.

[0009] Further description of the above scheme:

[0010] The storage device is connected to a conveying device at its upper and lower ends via conveying channels, forming a vertical path from feeding to storage and then discharging to another conveying device.

[0011] The cantilever conveyor chains in adjacent conveying devices rotate in opposite directions, while the cantilever conveyor chains in conveying devices located on both sides of the storage device rotate in the same direction.

[0012] Further description of the above scheme:

[0013] The drive mechanism includes a chain wheel that mates with a cantilevered conveyor chain, the chain wheel being connected to the output shaft of a reducer inside the cylinder, and the input shaft of the reducer being connected to a first power unit.

[0014] The first tensioning mechanism includes a fixed support plate installed inside the cylinder. A set of slide rails and sliders matching the slide rails are fixed on the fixed support plate. An arc-shaped fixed guide rail is fixed to the set of sliders through a connected support seat. Fixed columns are installed on both the fixed support plate and the support seat. A spring is fixed between two fixed columns.

[0015] Further description of the above scheme:

[0016] The damping wheel mechanism includes a bracket and a chain plate wheel mounted on the bracket via a fixed shaft, and a damper is installed inside the chain plate wheel.

[0017] Further description of the above scheme:

[0018] The conveying channel is equipped with a conveying mechanism, which includes a first horizontal plate and a second horizontal plate fixedly installed in the channel. A power mechanism, a fixed wheel, and a second tensioning mechanism are installed on the horizontal plate. A conveyor belt is sleeved on the drive wheel, the fixed wheel, and the output wheel of the second tensioning mechanism.

[0019] A method for conveying a large-capacity buffer conveying device includes the following steps:

[0020] S1. The conveying device is placed in different positions, and the filter rods from the upstream machine are transferred to the conveying device through the conveying channel, then transferred to the storage device through the conveying device, and then transferred to the next conveying device through the storage device, so as to realize the chain conveying of the filter rods.

[0021] S2. By utilizing the cooperation of the drive mechanism, the first tensioning mechanism, and the damping wheel mechanism, the cantilever conveyor chain plate slides stably in the corresponding spiral groove, thereby achieving smooth operation of the filter rod.

[0022] In summary, due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technology in a large-capacity buffer conveying device and conveying method, the beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] By placing conveyor devices in different positions, filter rods from the upstream machine are transferred through conveyor channels to the conveyor devices, then to the storage devices, and finally to the next conveyor device, achieving chain-like conveying of the filter rods. Since the position of each conveyor device can be flexibly arranged, forming a chain-like conveying path, the layout is more flexible compared to traditional integrated conveying equipment composed of cabinet-type buffer devices and cabinet-type conveyor devices. The positions can be adjusted according to actual needs, minimizing the area occupied. For filter rods with long curing times, where larger conveying capacity is not required, simply increasing or decreasing the number of conveyor devices expands the application range of this conveyor system. Furthermore, the use of cantilevered conveyor chain plates sliding within corresponding spiral grooves minimizes the number of turns during the entire conveying process, reducing filter rod crushing. Combined with the first tensioning mechanism and damping pulley mechanism, chain skipping or derailment is prevented, achieving multi-stage stable conveying of materials and improving conveying efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 Top view layout of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cylindrical structure of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a front view of the conveying channel of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6This is a top view of the conveying channel of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a front view of the conveying channel of the present invention, including the transition plate.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a top view of the power mechanism in the conveying channel of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 9 This is the second top view layout of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 Top view layout of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0034] Figure 11 Top view layout of the present invention Figure 4 ;

[0035] Figure 12 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A;

[0036] Figure 13 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B;

[0037] Figure 14 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged view of point C;

[0038] Figure 15 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged view of point D;

[0039] Figure 16 For the present invention Figure 7 Enlarged view of point E;

[0040] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the driving mechanism of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the first tensioning mechanism of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the damping wheel mechanism of the present invention.

[0043] Legend:

[0044] 1. Upstream machine; 11. Downstream machine; 2. Conveying channel; 21. Conveyor belt; 22. Power mechanism; 221. Drive wheel; 24. Fixed wheel; 25. Passing wheel; 26. Second tensioning mechanism; 27. First horizontal plate; 28. Second horizontal plate; 3. Conveying device; 31. Cylinder; 311. Spiral chute; 32. Spiral conveying mechanism; 321. Cantilever conveyor chain plate; 322. Chain plate fixed guide rail; 323. Drive Mechanism; 3231, chain wheel; 3232, reducer; 3233, first power machine; 324, first tensioning mechanism; 3241, spring; 3242, slider; 3243, slide rail; 3244, fixed column; 3245, arc-shaped fixed guide rail; 3246, fixed support plate; 325, damping pulley mechanism; 3251, bracket; 3252, chain wheel; 3253, damper; 5, storage device. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following will describe, with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, a large-capacity buffer conveying device and conveying method of the present invention clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0046] like Figures 1-3 , Figures 9-12 As shown, the present invention provides a large-capacity buffer conveying device, including a spiral first-in-first-out storage device 5 with the inlet at the top and the outlet at the bottom. At least one conveying device 3 is connected to the inlet and outlet of the storage device 5 through a conveying channel 2. The conveying devices 3 located on both sides of the storage device 5 are respectively connected to an upstream machine 1 and a downstream machine 11 installed externally through the conveying channel 2.

[0047] The spiral conveying mechanism 32, located inside the storage device 5 and the conveying device 3, includes a cylinder 31 and a cantilevered conveying chain plate 321 spirally arranged around the cylinder 31 to form a closed loop. The inner side of the cantilevered conveying chain plate 321 is slidably disposed on the spiral groove 311 corresponding to the outer wall of the cylinder 31. The upper and lower ends pass through the corresponding through holes on the wall of the cylinder 31 and extend inward to slide and connect with the chain plate fixing guide rail 322 inside the cylinder 31 until they are connected to the first tensioning mechanism 324 at the lower part of the drive mechanism 323 at the bottom of the cylinder 31 and the damping wheel mechanism 325 at the bottom. The storage device 5, compared to a conventional conveying device, has a different mechanism for conveying. As for the conveying device 3, the cylinder 31 has two spiral conveying mechanisms 32 with opposite directions. Specifically, refer to the spiral first-in-first-out storage device disclosed in the prior art CN117326260A. As the upper and lower spiral conveying mechanisms 32 with opposite spiral directions rotate, the material is continuously stored from bottom to top on the upper and lower spiral conveying mechanisms 32 until they are full. When discharging, the material on the upper and lower spiral conveying mechanisms 32 is gradually emptied from bottom to top by the descent of the lifting feed transition conveying mechanism and the rise of the lower discharge transition conveying mechanism inside, thereby completing the first-in-first-out of the material.

[0048] For further details, such as Figures 1-4 , Figures 12-17 As shown, the drive mechanism 323 includes a chain wheel 3231 that is coupled to the cantilever conveyor chain 321. The chain wheel 3231 is connected to the output shaft of the reducer 3232 inside the cylinder 31. The input shaft of the reducer 3232 is connected to a first power unit 3233. The cooperation between the first power unit 3233 and the reducer 3232 can adjust the rotational speed of the chain wheel 3231, thereby realizing the speed adjustment of the cantilever conveyor chain 321, so that the cantilever conveyor chain 321 can smoothly convey materials and play a primary buffering effect on material conveying.

[0049] For further details, such as Figures 1-4 and Figure 17As shown, the first tensioning mechanism 324 includes a fixed support plate 3246 installed inside the cylinder 31. A set of slide rails 3243 and sliders 3242 matching the slide rails 3243 are fixed on the fixed support plate 3246. The sliders 3242 are fixed to an arc-shaped fixed guide rail 3245 via a connected support base. Fixed posts 3244 are installed on both the fixed support plate 3246 and the support base. A spring 3241 is fixed between two of the fixed posts 3244. The sliders 3242 slide on the slide rails 3243, allowing the fixed posts 3244 to stretch or compress the springs 3241. The stretching or compression of the springs allows the arc-shaped fixed guide rails 3245 to adapt to different degrees of slack in the cantilevered conveyor chain 321. The springs 3241 connect the moving base and the fixed posts 3244, automatically adjusting the chain tension through elastic deformation to compensate for length changes caused by wear or thermal expansion and contraction, preventing slippage or jamming. It also buffers impact loads during operation, reduces component wear, and extends service life. It provides a secondary buffering effect for material conveying.

[0050] In this process, the cantilevered conveyor chain plate 321 slides within the corresponding spiral groove 311, which prevents the filter rod from making too many turns during the entire conveying process, reduces the crushing of the filter rod, and improves the conveying efficiency.

[0051] For further details, such as Figures 1-4 and Figure 19 As shown, the damping wheel mechanism 325 includes a bracket 3251 and a chain plate wheel 3252 mounted on the bracket 3251 via a fixed shaft. A damper 3253 is installed inside the chain plate wheel 3252.

[0052] As a guiding component of the chain drive system, the chain plate pulley 3252 is prone to severe vibration due to the instantaneous impact force of the chain during high-speed or heavy-load operation. The damper 3253 absorbs the kinetic energy transmitted by the chain through internal friction or viscous resistance, converting it into heat dissipation, thereby reducing impact noise and mechanical wear between the chain and the pulley. When the chain experiences inertial impact due to sudden load changes or start-stop actions, the damper 3253 can suppress the instantaneous acceleration of the chain plate pulley 3252, preventing chain skipping or derailment. The damping pulley mechanism 325 provides a three-stage buffering effect for material conveying.

[0053] The slack of the cantilever conveyor chain plate 321 is adjusted by the first tensioning mechanism 324 and the bottom damping roller mechanism 325, ensuring that the conveying device 3 is placed around the storage device 5 while forming a conveyor chain that can stably convey the filter rods through a single conveying channel 2.

[0054] like Figures 1-2 , Figures 8-11As shown, the upper and lower ends of the storage device 5 are connected to the conveying device 3 through the conveying channel 2, forming a vertical path from feeding to storage and then discharging to another conveyor.

[0055] Among them, the cantilever conveyor chain plates 321 in adjacent conveying devices 3 rotate in opposite directions, and the cantilever conveyor chain plates 321 in conveying devices 3 located on both sides of storage device 5 rotate in the same direction; the conveying device 3 connected to the inlet of storage device 5 is a left-hand spiral, its inlet height is the same as the outlet height of upstream machine 1, and its outlet height is the same as the inlet height of spiral first-in-first-out storage device 5; the conveying device 3 connected to the outlet of storage device 5 is also a left-hand spiral, its inlet height is the same as the outlet height of spiral first-in-first-out storage device 5, and its outlet height is the same as the inlet height of the third conveying device 3, or if there is no third conveying device 3, it is the same as the inlet height of downstream machine 11; the third conveying device 3 is a right-hand spiral, its inlet height is the same as the outlet height of the previous conveying device 3, and its outlet height is the same as the inlet height of downstream machine 11, forming a vertical path of feeding to storage and then discharging to another conveyor.

[0056] By placing the conveying device 3 in different positions, the filter rods from the upstream machine 1 are transferred to the conveying device 3 via the conveying channel 2, then to the storage device 5 via the conveying device 3, and finally to the next conveying device 3 via the storage device 5, thus realizing the chain conveying of the filter rods. Since the position of each conveying device 3 can be flexibly arranged to form a chain-like conveying path, the layout is more flexible compared to the traditional integrated conveying equipment composed of cabinet-type buffer devices and cabinet-type conveying devices. The position can be adjusted according to actual needs, so that it does not occupy a large area. For filter rods with long curing time, there is no need for equipment with a large conveying capacity. It is only necessary to increase or decrease the number of conveying devices 3, thereby increasing the application range of the conveying device 3.

[0057] like Figures 1-2 , Figures 5-7 and Figure 16 The conveying channel 2 is equipped with a conveying mechanism, which includes a first horizontal plate 27 and a second horizontal plate 28 fixedly installed in the channel. A power mechanism 22, a fixed wheel 24 and a second tensioning mechanism 26 are installed on the horizontal plate. A conveyor belt 21 is sleeved on the drive wheel 221 on the power mechanism 22, the fixed wheel 24 and the through wheel 25 of the second tensioning mechanism 26.

[0058] In more detail, the interior of the conveying channel 2 also includes a transition plate installed on the first horizontal plate 27 and the second horizontal plate 28. The transition plate serves to support and transition the material. The transition plate is connected to the cantilever conveying chain plate 321 of the conveying device 3. The end of the conveying channel 2 without the transition plate is connected to the spiral first-in-first-out storage device 5 and the outlet or inlet of the upstream machine 1 and the downstream machine 11.

[0059] like Figures 1-8 As shown in further detail, the power mechanism 22 includes a drive unit, a power unit, a support plate, and a transmission belt. The drive unit includes a transmission pulley, a rotating shaft, a bearing housing, a drive wheel 221, and a support block. The transmission pulley, bearing housing, and drive wheel 221 are mounted on the rotating shaft and, via the support plate and support block, on the first horizontal plate 27 of the channel. The power unit includes a third power unit, a reducer, and a transmission pulley. The third power unit and the transmission pulley are respectively mounted on the input and output shafts of the reducer. The reducer is mounted on the first horizontal plate 27 of the channel via the support plate. The third power unit acts on the drive wheel 221 through the reducer and the transmission belt, driving the conveyor belt 21 to move.

[0060] A method for conveying a large-capacity buffer conveying device includes the following steps:

[0061] S1. Place the conveying device 3 in different positions, and transfer the filter rods from the upstream machine 1 through the conveying channel 2 to the conveying device 3, then through the conveying device 3 to the storage device 5, and then through the storage device 5 to the next conveying device 3, so as to realize the chain conveying of the filter rods.

[0062] S2. By utilizing the cooperation of the drive mechanism 323, the first tensioning mechanism 324 and the damping wheel mechanism 325, the cantilever conveyor chain plate 321 slides stably in the corresponding spiral groove 311, so as to achieve smooth operation of the filter rod.

[0063] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the present invention's technology, to provide a large-capacity buffer conveying device and conveying method and its inventive concept, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-capacity buffer conveying device, comprising a spiral first-in-first-out storage device (5) with the inlet at the top and the outlet at the bottom, characterized in that, The storage device (5) has at least one conveying device (3) connected to its inlet and outlet via a conveying channel (2), and the conveying devices (3) located on both sides of the storage device (5) are connected to the upstream machine (1) and the downstream machine (11) installed on the outside via the conveying channel (2); The spiral conveying mechanism (32) installed inside the conveying device (3) includes a cylinder (31) and a cantilever conveying chain plate (321) spirally arranged around the cylinder (31) to form a closed loop. The inner side of the cantilever conveying chain plate (321) is slidably arranged on the spiral groove (311) corresponding to the outer wall of the cylinder (31). The upper and lower ends pass through the corresponding through holes on the wall of the cylinder (31) and extend inward to slide and connect with the chain plate fixing guide rail (322) inside the cylinder (31) until it is connected to the first tensioning mechanism (324) at the bottom of the drive mechanism (323) and the damping wheel mechanism (325) at the bottom of the cylinder (31). The slack of the cantilever conveyor chain plate (321) is adjusted by the first tensioning mechanism (324) and the bottom damping wheel mechanism (325), ensuring that the conveying device (3) is placed around the storage device (5) while forming a conveyor chain that can stably convey the filter rods through a single conveying channel (2).

2. The high-capacity buffer conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage device (5) is connected to the conveying device (3) at its upper and lower ends through the conveying channel (2) to form a vertical path from feeding to storage and then discharging to another conveying device.

3. The high-capacity buffer conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cantilever conveyor chain plates (321) in adjacent conveying devices (3) rotate in opposite directions, and the cantilever conveyor chain plates (321) in conveying devices (3) located on both sides of storage device (5) rotate in the same direction.

4. The high-capacity buffer conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (323) includes a chain wheel (3231) that mates with a cantilever conveyor chain (321). The chain wheel (3231) is connected to the output shaft of a reducer (3232) inside the cylinder (31). The input shaft of the reducer (3232) is connected to a first power unit (3233).

5. A high-capacity buffer conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first tensioning mechanism (324) includes a fixed support plate (3246) installed inside the cylinder (31). A set of slide rails (3243) and a slider (3242) matching the slide rails (3243) are fixed on the fixed support plate (3246). An arc-shaped fixed guide rail (3245) is fixed to the set of sliders (3242) through a connected support seat. Fixed columns (3244) are installed on both the fixed support plate (3246) and the support seat. A spring (3241) is fixed between two fixed columns (3244).

6. A high-capacity buffer conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The damping wheel mechanism (325) includes a bracket (3251) and a chain plate wheel (3252) mounted on the bracket (3251) via a fixed shaft. A damper (3253) is installed inside the chain plate wheel (3252).

7. A high-capacity buffer conveying device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveying channel (2) is equipped with a conveying mechanism, which includes a first horizontal plate (27) and a second horizontal plate (28) fixedly installed in the channel. A power mechanism (22), a fixed wheel (24), and a second tensioning mechanism (26) are installed on the horizontal plate. A conveyor belt (21) is sleeved on the drive wheel (221) on the power mechanism (22), the fixed wheel (24), and the through wheel (25) at the output end of the second tensioning mechanism (26).

8. A conveying method for a large-capacity buffer conveying device, employing a large-capacity buffer conveying device as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Place the conveying device (3) in different positions, and transfer the filter rods from the upstream machine (1) through the conveying channel (2) to the conveying device (3), then through the conveying device (3) to the storage device (5), and through the storage device (5) to the next conveying device (3) to realize the chain conveying of the filter rods. S2. By utilizing the cooperation of the drive mechanism (323), the first tensioning mechanism (324), and the damping wheel mechanism (325), the cantilever conveyor chain plate (321) slides stably in the corresponding spiral groove (311) to achieve smooth operation of the filter rod.

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