Control system and control method for turnover feeding machine

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of tobacco processing, and particularly discloses a control system and a control method for a turnover feeding machine. The system comprises a conveyor, a feeding machine and a box turning machine, the conveyor is used for driving the smoke box to move to or out of the material taking position; the feeding machine is provided with a bottom belt which selectively drives materials to move in the working direction, the materials are made to move from the input end of the feeding machine to the output end of the feeding machine, and three feeding bin detection units are arranged on the feeding machine and are defined as a cabinet head grating detection piece, a cabinet middle grating detection piece and a cabinet tail grating detection piece which are used for monitoring the input end, the middle and the output end of the feeding machine respectively. The feeding bin detection unit comprises a correlation type grating, wherein the plane where the correlation type grating is located is perpendicular to the working direction. The box turning machine is used for moving materials from the interior of the smoke box to the input end of the feeding machine, the box turning machine can rotate relative to the feeding machine and pass through the turning-back position, and the box turning machine located at the turning-back position selectively fixes the smoke box. According to the system, the specific structure is optimally designed, so that the detection efficiency and accuracy of the feeding machine are improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of tobacco processing, in particular to a control system and control method of a box-turning feeder. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of tobacco processing, the threshing and redrying process is a key link to ensure the quality of tobacco leaves. The box-turning feeder system is mainly used to provide uniform and continuous material flow for the subsequent control-type electronic scale, thereby ensuring the stable operation of the production line and the consistency of the product. The traditional box-turning feeder system is usually composed of a box-turning feeder, a feeding bin, and an elevator, etc. In the prior art, the operation of the feeder mainly relies on manual control: the operator needs to manually operate the box-turning machine according to experience to turn the material from the tobacco box to the inlet of the feeding bin. At the same time, a single photoelectric detection switch is used in the feeding bin to monitor the material state, and the turning action of the box-turning machine and the subsequent supply of material are controlled according to the output signal of the switch to maintain the stability of the material level in the feeding bin and ensure the uniform flow of the subsequent process.

[0003] However, this traditional control method has many defects, which seriously affects the efficiency and reliability of the system. First of all, the manual control of the box-turning machine leads to low operating efficiency and insufficient reliability. Human intervention is affected by the skill level, attention state, and fatigue factors of the operator, which can easily cause action delay or misoperation, and cannot achieve precise timing control, thereby restricting the improvement of the overall production automation level and increasing the risk of production interruption caused by human error.

[0004] Secondly, the traditional photoelectric detection switch uses a single light beam detection principle, which has poor anti-interference ability and is easily affected by environmental factors to produce false signals. In the actual production environment of the threshing and redrying process, there are often impurities such as tobacco scraps, dust, flying insects, or box attachments in the feeding bin. These impurities may accidentally block the photoelectric light beam, causing the system to misjudge the material level. For example, when the light beam is blocked, it may incorrectly indicate that the material is sufficient, causing the box-turning machine to stop feeding, resulting in an empty feeding bin. Conversely, it may mistakenly trigger the box-turning machine to move, causing material overflow or abnormal operation of the equipment. Such false triggering not only disrupts the continuous supply of material, but also can cause frequent start-stop of the equipment, reducing the service life and increasing maintenance costs.

[0005] In addition, since the detection point is single, the photoelectric switch cannot comprehensively cover the material distribution in the feeding bin. The material in the bin may form local accumulation or cavities due to uneven flowability, and a single detection point can only reflect the material level at a specific location, and cannot monitor the material state of the entire bin in real time, which is prone to missed detection or false detection. This further exacerbates the instability of material supply, making it difficult for the system to achieve continuous and uniform feeding, ultimately affecting the accurate measurement of the subsequent control-type electronic scale and the process quality.

[0006] In summary, existing control methods based on manual operation and single-point photoelectric detection have significant shortcomings in terms of efficiency, reliability, and automation, and cannot meet the demands of the modern tobacco industry for high-precision and high-stability production. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control system and control method for a box-turning feeder, so as to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the feeder detection.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] The control system for the tilting and feeding machine includes a conveyor, a feeder, and a tilting machine. The conveyor moves the smoke box to or out of the material collection position, and the smoke box is used to collect materials. The feeder has a bottom belt that selectively moves the material along the working direction, moving the material from the input end to the output end of the feeder. The feeder is equipped with three feeding bin detection units, each including a through-beam grating. The plane of the through-beam grating is perpendicular to the working direction. The three feeding bins... The detection units are defined as a cabinet head grating detection unit, a cabinet middle grating detection unit, and a cabinet tail grating detection unit. The cabinet head grating detection unit is used to monitor the input end of the feeder, the cabinet middle grating detection unit is used to monitor the middle part of the feeder, and the cabinet tail grating detection unit is used to monitor the output end of the feeder. The box-turning machine is used to move the material from the inside of the tobacco box to the input end of the feeder. The box-turning machine can rotate relative to the feeder and pass through the flip-back position. The box-turning machine at the flip-back position selectively fixes the tobacco box.

[0010] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the through-beam grating includes a emitter, a receiver, and a transmitter. The emitter and the receiver are respectively arranged on both sides of the bottom belt in the width direction of the feeder. The emitter has M light source elements, all of which are evenly spaced along the arrangement direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the feeder and the working direction. The light source elements are used to emit light beams, and the receiver is used to receive the light beams. The transmitter is communicatively connected to the receiver to obtain the number of light beams received by the receiver. The feeding bin detection unit has two working states: a no-material state and a material-containing state. When the quantity is less than N, the feeding bin detection unit is determined to be in the material-containing state. When the quantity is greater than or equal to N, the feeding bin detection unit is determined to be in the no-material state. M and N are both positive integers, and M is greater than N.

[0011] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the control system further includes a control device and a bottom belt drive unit. The bottom belt drive unit is used to drive the bottom belt. The control device is communicatively connected to all the transmitters to monitor the working status of the cabinet head grating detector, the cabinet middle grating detector, and the cabinet tail grating detector. The control device is communicatively connected to the bottom belt drive unit to control the start and stop of the bottom belt.

[0012] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, 2N is greater than or equal to M.

[0013] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the through-beam grating also includes two U-shaped frames, which are respectively located on both sides of the bottom belt. Both ends of the U-shaped frames are fixed to the feeder. The light emitter is fixed to the middle of one U-shaped frame, and the light receiver is fixed to the middle of the other U-shaped frame.

[0014] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the distance between two adjacent light sources is 18 mm to 22 mm.

[0015] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the feeder is equipped with a box-turning drive unit, which is used to drive the box-turning machine to swing between the flip-back position and the stationary position. When the box-turning machine is in the stationary position, the material in the cigarette box falls to the input end of the feeder.

[0016] As an optional technical solution for the control system of the box-turning feeder, the control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device, which is communicatively connected to the box-turning drive unit to control the swing direction and swing speed of the box-turning machine.

[0017] As an optional technical solution for the box-turning feeder control system, the box-turning machine, which swings between the turning-back position and the dwell position, passes through the turning-back deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine. The box-turning feeder control system also includes a turning-back deceleration switch communicatively connected to the control device. When the box-turning machine, moving towards the turning-back position, passes through the turning-back deceleration position, the turning-back deceleration switch notifies the control device to reduce the rotation speed of the box-turning machine. And / or, when the box-turning machine, which swings between the turning-back position and the dwell position, passes through the turning-back deceleration position, the control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine. The box-turning feeder control system also includes a turning-back deceleration switch communicatively connected to the control device. When the box-turning machine, moving towards the dwell position, passes through the turning-back deceleration position, the turning-back deceleration switch notifies the control device to reduce the rotation speed of the box-turning machine.

[0018] The control method for the box-turning feeder, applicable to the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system, includes the following steps:

[0019] S10: Monitor the position of the box-turning machine, and after determining that the box-turning machine is in the turning position, control the conveyor to transport the cigarette box;

[0020] S20: After the smoke box moves to the material picking position, monitor the grating detection device at the cabinet head and the grating detection device in the cabinet;

[0021] S30: Once both the cabinet head grating detector and the cabinet in the cabinet are in the material-free state, control the box-turning machine to move the material in the cigarette box to the feeder.

[0022] S40: Control the box-turning machine to move back to the turning position, control the conveyor to move the cigarette box out of the box-turning feeder control system, control the feeder to move the material from the input end of the feeder to the output end of the feeder, until the cabinet tail grating detector is in the material state, control the feeder to stop conveying the material, and then return to S10.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] This box-turning feeder control system utilizes optical grating detectors at the head, middle, and tail of the feeding bin, forming a multi-point area array detection zone with through-beam gratings. This comprehensively covers the input, middle, and output areas of the feeding bin, enabling comprehensive, three-dimensional, and real-time monitoring of the material status within the bin. The area array detection zone is perpendicular to the working direction, ensuring effective beam blocking during material movement. This overcomes the blind spot problem of traditional single photoelectric switches, significantly improving detection accuracy and reliability. This multi-detection-point layout effectively avoids missed detections, ensuring continuous material supply from inlet to outlet. Simultaneously, the area array detection zone reduces accidental triggering caused by small foreign objects (such as dust or smoke fragments), preventing malfunctions due to partial obstruction or uneven material distribution, thus improving overall reliability and stability. This provides a precise data foundation for subsequent uniform material flow control. Furthermore, the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system integrates the conveyor, feeder, and box-turning machine, achieving automated processes, reducing manual intervention, and improving overall efficiency.

[0025] This box-turning feeder control method automates the entire process based on grating detection status, achieving fully automated operation of the box-turning feeder. From box conveying and turning operations to material conveying, each step makes decisions based on multi-grating detection status. This method employs a step-by-step control approach, monitoring the box-turning machine's position, judging grating status, and controlling the bottom belt, to ensure the continuity and uniformity of material supply through multi-condition judgments. This avoids the problems of empty or excessive material caused by false triggering in traditional box-turning feeder control systems. The logically rigorous steps of the box-turning feeder control method improve the response speed and reliability of the control system, reduce manual intervention, and achieve efficient and stable production operation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box-turning feeder control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box-turning feeder control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention, excluding the smoke box;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light emitter and the U-shaped frame provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method for the box-turning feeder provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Cigarette box; 2. Conveyor; 3. Box-turning machine; 4. Box-turning drive unit; 5. Feeder; 6. Cabinet head grating detection component; 7. Cabinet middle grating detection component; 8. Cabinet tail grating detection component; 9. First support; 10. First elbow; 11. Light emitter; 12. Crossbar; 13. Second elbow; 14. Second support; 15. RFID reader; 16. Cigarette box side positioning detection component; 17. Cigarette box front positioning detection component; 18. Box-turning back positioning detection component; 19. Box-turning back positioning deceleration switch; 20. Box-turning positioning deceleration switch; 21. Box-turning machine positioning detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "under," and "below" the first feature in relation to the second feature includes the first feature directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, this invention provides a control system for a box-turning feeder, including a conveyor 2, a feeder 5, and a box-turning machine 3; the conveyor 2 is used to move the cigarette box 1 to or out of the material collection position, and the cigarette box 1 is used to collect materials; the feeder 5 has a bottom belt, which selectively drives the material to move along the working direction, so that the material moves from the input end of the feeder 5 to the output end of the feeder 5; the feeder 5 is equipped with three feeding bin detection units, each feeding bin detection unit including a through-beam grating, the plane of which the through-beam grating is perpendicular to the working direction, and the three... Each feeding bin detection unit is defined as a cabinet head grating detector 6, a cabinet middle grating detector 7, and a cabinet tail grating detector 8. The cabinet head grating detector 6 is used to monitor the input end of the feeder 5, the cabinet middle grating detector 7 is used to monitor the middle part of the feeder 5, and the cabinet tail grating detector 8 is used to monitor the output end of the feeder 5. The box-turning machine 3 is used to move the material from the inside of the smoke box 1 to the input end of the feeder 5. The box-turning machine 3 can rotate relative to the feeder 5 and pass through the flip-back position. The box-turning machine 3 in the flip-back position selectively fixes the smoke box 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, tobacco leaves are used as an example of the material.

[0038] The control system of this box-turning feeder utilizes a multi-point area array detection area formed by setting up optical grating detectors 6 at the head of the box, 7 in the middle of the box, and 8 at the tail of the box, and employing through-beam optical gratings to comprehensively cover the input, middle, and output areas of the feeding bin. This enables comprehensive, three-dimensional, and real-time monitoring of the material status within the feeding bin. The area array detection area is perpendicular to the working direction, ensuring that the light beam is effectively blocked when the material moves, overcoming the detection blind spot problem of traditional single photoelectric switches. This significantly improves the accuracy and reliability of the detection. This multi-detection point layout effectively avoids missed detections, ensuring continuous material supply from inlet to outlet. Simultaneously, the area array detection area reduces false triggering caused by occasional obstruction from small foreign objects (such as dust or smoke fragments), and avoids malfunctions due to partial obstruction or uneven material distribution, improving overall reliability and stability. This lays a precise data foundation for subsequent uniform control of material flow. Furthermore, the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system integrates the conveyor 2, the feeder 5, and the box-turning machine 3, achieving automated processes, reducing manual intervention, and improving overall efficiency.

[0039] In this embodiment, the through-beam grating includes a light emitter 11, a light receiver, and a transmitter. The light emitter 11 and the light receiver are respectively disposed on both sides of the bottom belt in the width direction of the feeder 5. The light emitter 11 is provided with M light source elements, all of which are evenly spaced along the arrangement direction, which is perpendicular to the width direction of the feeder 5 and the working direction. The light source elements are used to emit light beams, the light receiver is used to receive light beams, and the transmitter is communicatively connected to the light receiver to obtain the number of light beams received by the light receiver. The working state of the feed bin detection unit has a no-material state and a material-containing state. When the quantity is less than N, it is determined that the feed bin detection unit is in the material-containing state. When the quantity is greater than or equal to N, it is determined that the feed bin detection unit is in the no-material state. M and N are both positive integers, and M is greater than N.

[0040] High-precision material detection is achieved by defining the specific structure of the through-beam grating and using state judgment logic based on a beam number threshold. Furthermore, the presence of material is only determined when the number of blocked beams reaches a preset threshold. This trigger condition of simultaneous blocking of multiple beams allows the tipping feeder control system to distinguish between real material and small foreign objects (such as dust, insects, or objects attached to the box), significantly reducing false triggers caused by single-point blocking and fundamentally eliminating malfunctions. Due to the wide beam coverage, the area array detection ensures that a sufficient number of beams are blocked when material enters the detection area, avoiding missed detections and ensuring high accuracy, anti-interference capability, and reliability. Simultaneously, the flexible setting of parameters M and N allows adaptation to different material characteristics and environmental conditions, improving the adaptability and accuracy of the tipping feeder control system.

[0041] Furthermore, the control system of the box-turning feeder also includes a control device and a bottom belt drive unit. The bottom belt drive unit is used to drive the bottom belt. The control device is communicatively connected to all the transmitters to monitor the working status of the head grating detector 6, the middle grating detector 7, and the tail grating detector 8. The control device is also communicatively connected to the bottom belt drive unit to control the start and stop of the bottom belt. Specifically, the bottom belt drive unit is a servo motor, and the control device is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0042] By introducing a control device and a bottom belt drive unit, and establishing a communication connection between the control device and the grating detection unit, real-time monitoring of the grating detection status and automatic control of the bottom belt's start and stop are achieved, facilitating automated control of material conveying in the feeding bin. The control device intelligently controls the start and stop of the bottom belt based on the real-time status of the gratings at the head, middle, and tail of the bin, ensuring a continuous supply of material in the feeding bin and allowing for uniform material flow, avoiding problems such as empty or accumulated material due to detection errors. This closed-loop control reduces manual intervention, improves production efficiency and control accuracy, and simultaneously reduces the risk of downtime due to human error through automated response, enhancing the stability of the tipping feeder control system.

[0043] In this embodiment, 2N is greater than or equal to M.

[0044] By limiting the condition that 2N is greater than or equal to M, the detection threshold was further optimized, ensuring that the feeder control system only determines that there is material when most of the light beams are blocked. This condition significantly enhances anti-interference capabilities because small foreign objects are unlikely to block more than half of the light beams simultaneously, thus greatly reducing the probability of false triggering and ensuring that the action is only triggered when actual material enters. Simultaneously, since materials are typically large enough to effectively block most of the light beams, the detection accuracy of actual material is not affected, thereby optimizing the performance of grating detection and improving the reliability and accuracy of the feeder control system.

[0045] For example, the through-beam grating also includes two U-shaped frames, which are respectively located on both sides of the base belt. Both ends of the U-shaped frames are fixed to the feeder 5. A light emitter 11 is fixed to the middle of one U-shaped frame, and a light receiver is fixed to the middle of the other U-shaped frame. Specifically, the middle of the U-shaped frame has a crossbar 12, and both ends of the U-shaped frame include a first bend 10, a second bend 13, a first bracket 9, and a second bracket 14. One end of the crossbar 12 is connected to the first bracket 9 through the first bend 10, and the other end of the crossbar 12 is connected to the second bracket 14 through the second bend 13. The first bracket 9 and the second bracket 14 are respectively fixed to the feeder 5 with bolts. The light emitter 11 is fixed to the crossbar 12 with connecting bolts, and the light receiver is fixed to the crossbar 12 with connecting bolts.

[0046] The use of a U-shaped frame to mount the through-beam grating provides a robust mechanical structure, ensuring the stable fixation and alignment of the emitter 11 and the receiver on both sides of the feed bin. This design reduces the risk of grating misalignment caused by vibration of the feeder 5 or external interference, guarantees the long-term stability and accuracy of the detection surface, and reduces maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the U-shaped frame structure is simple, easy to install and maintain, and reduces the operation and maintenance costs of the tipping feeder control system.

[0047] In this embodiment, the spacing between two adjacent light sources is 18 mm to 22 mm. Specifically, the spacing between two adjacent light sources is 20 mm.

[0048] By limiting the spacing between adjacent light sources, the beam density is controlled, optimizing the resolution and usability of the detection surface. A spacing range of 18 mm to 22 mm balances detection sensitivity and cost, ensuring that common materials (such as smoke sheets) can effectively block multiple beams, preventing the missed detection of small-sized materials due to excessive spacing. It also avoids increased costs and unnecessary sensitivity caused by overly dense spacing, reducing false triggering caused by small foreign objects due to insufficient spacing. This ensures sufficient coverage of the detection surface, improving detection accuracy and making the box-turning feeder control system suitable for various material conditions in industrial environments.

[0049] For example, the feeder 5 is equipped with a box-turning drive unit 4, which drives the box-turning machine 3 to swing between a flip-back position and a stationary position. When the box-turning machine 3 is in the stationary position, the material in the smoke box 1 falls to the input end of the feeder 5. Specifically, the box-turning drive unit 4 is a servo motor.

[0050] By setting up the box-turning drive unit 4, automatic swing control of the box-turning machine 3 is achieved, eliminating the need for manual operation of the machine. This ensures a smooth and reliable transfer of materials from the smoke box 1 to the feeder 5, reducing the risk of material spillage or blockage and improving the efficiency and consistency of the box-turning process. This enhances the efficiency and reliability of the box-turning process, reduces human error and downtime, and improves the overall level of automation.

[0051] Furthermore, the control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning drive unit 4 to control the swing direction and swing speed of the box-turning machine 3.

[0052] Through communication between the control device and the box-turning drive unit 4, precise control of the swing direction and speed of the box-turning machine 3 is achieved. This control allows the box-turning feeder control system to adjust the box-turning action according to real-time needs, such as increasing the speed when the material volume is large or decelerating when approaching the position, thereby reducing mechanical impact and structural wear, extending service life, and ensuring the accuracy, uniformity and consistency of material transfer, thus improving the safety and efficiency of the entire box-turning feeder control system.

[0053] In one embodiment of this invention, the box-turning machine 3, which swings between the flip-back position and the stop position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position. The control device is communicatively connected to the box-turning machine 3. The box-turning feeder control system also includes a flip-back deceleration switch 19, which is communicatively connected to the control device. When the box-turning machine 3, which is moving towards the flip-back position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position, the flip-back deceleration switch 19 notifies the control device to reduce the rotation speed of the box-turning machine 3. Furthermore, when the box-turning machine 3, which swings between the flip-back position and the stop position, passes through the flip-back deceleration position, the box-turning feeder control system also includes a box-turning deceleration switch 20, which is communicatively connected to the control device. When the box-turning machine 3, which is moving towards the stop position, passes through the box-turning deceleration position, the box-turning deceleration switch 20 notifies the control device to reduce the rotation speed of the box-turning machine 3.

[0054] By introducing the reversing deceleration switch 19 and the box-turning deceleration switch 20, deceleration control is achieved when the box-turning machine 3 approaches the target position. This buffer control avoids structural wear, vibration, or material splashing caused by a hard stop of the box-turning machine 3, ensuring a smooth stop, reducing inertial impact and positioning errors, guaranteeing operational stability and safety, improving the positioning accuracy and operational stability of the box-turning feeder control system, and reducing noise and wear. The linkage between the deceleration switches and the control device ensures precise timing of actions, further optimizing the reliability of the box-turning process.

[0055] In other embodiments of this example, only the flip-back deceleration switch 19 or the flip-box-to-position deceleration switch 20 is provided.

[0056] In this embodiment, the cigarette box tipping and feeding machine control system is equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader 15, a side positioning detection device 16, and a front positioning detection device 17. The RFID reader 15 is used to read the information in the tag on the cigarette box 1. The side positioning detection device 16 is used to detect whether the side of the cigarette box 1 is in position, and the front positioning detection device 17 is used to detect whether the front of the cigarette box 1 is in position. Only when the RFID reader 15, the side positioning detection device 16, and the front positioning detection device 17 are all triggered will the cigarette box tipping and feeding machine control system determine that the cigarette box 1 is in position and ready to be tipped. The above design ensures the operational safety of the cigarette box tipping machine 3.

[0057] For example, the control system of the box-turning feeder is equipped with a box-turning machine arrival detection element 21 and a box-turning back-to-position detection element 18. The box-turning machine arrival detection element 21 is used to detect whether the cigarette box 1 has moved to the stopping position. When the box-turning machine 3 triggers the box-turning machine arrival detection element 21, the box-turning machine 3 stops moving and stops for three seconds. After the unloading is completed, the box-turning machine 3 flips back. The box-turning back-to-position detection element 18 is used to detect whether the cigarette box 1 has moved to the flipped-back position. When the box-turning machine 3 triggers the box-turning back-to-position detection element 18, the box-turning machine 3 stops moving.

[0058] In the prior art, the RFID reader 15, the cigarette box side positioning detection component 16, the cigarette box front positioning detection component 17, the cigarette box turning machine positioning detection component 21, and the turning back positioning detection component 18 are all conventional settings in the art. Their specific structures and working principles are common knowledge in the art and are well known to those skilled in the art. They are not the focus of this embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for a box-turning feeder, applicable to the aforementioned box-turning feeder control system, comprising the following steps:

[0060] Step 1: Monitor the position of the box-turning machine 3. After confirming that the box-turning machine 3 is in the flipping position, control the conveyor 2 to transport the cigarette box 1.

[0061] Step 2: After the smoke box 1 moves to the material picking position, monitor the grating detection component 6 at the top of the cabinet and the grating detection component 7 in the cabinet.

[0062] Step 3: Once both the cabinet head grating detector 6 and the cabinet middle grating detector 7 are in a material-free state, control the box-turning machine 3 to move the material in the cigarette box 1 to the feeder 5.

[0063] Step 4: Control the box-turning machine 3 to move back to the turning position, control the conveyor 2 to move the cigarette box 1 out of the box-turning feeder control system, control the feeder 5 to move the material from the input end of the feeder 5 to the output end of the feeder 5 until the cabinet tail grating detection element 8 is in the material state, control the feeder 5 to stop conveying the material, and then return to step 1.

[0064] This box-turning feeder control method automates the entire process based on grating detection status, achieving fully automated operation of the feeder 5's box-turning mechanism. From box conveying 1 and box-turning operation to material conveying, each step makes decisions based on multi-grating detection status. This method employs a step-by-step control approach, monitoring the position of the box-turning machine 3, judging grating status, and controlling the bottom belt, to ensure the continuity and uniformity of material supply through multi-condition judgments. This avoids the problems of empty or excessive material caused by false triggering in traditional box-turning feeder control systems. The logically rigorous steps of the box-turning feeder control method improve the response speed and reliability of the control system, reduce manual intervention, and achieve efficient and stable production operation.

[0065] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control system for a box unstacker feeder, characterized in that, The invention relates to a box feeding machine control system, which comprises: a conveyor (2) for driving a tobacco box (1) to move to or out of a material taking position, wherein the tobacco box (1) is used for containing material; a feeder (5) having a bottom belt for selectively driving the material to move along a working direction from an input end of the feeder (5) to an output end of the feeder (5), wherein three feeder bin detection units are arranged on the feeder (5), each of the feeder bin detection units comprises a light barrier, and a plane of the light barrier is perpendicular to the working direction, wherein the three feeder bin detection units are defined as a head cabinet light barrier detection unit (6), a middle cabinet light barrier detection unit (7) and a tail cabinet light barrier detection unit (8), the head cabinet light barrier detection unit (6) is used for monitoring the input end of the feeder (5), the middle cabinet light barrier detection unit (7) is used for monitoring a middle part of the feeder (5), and the tail cabinet light barrier detection unit (8) is used for monitoring the output end of the feeder (5); a box turning machine (3) for moving the material from an inside of the tobacco box (1) to the input end of the feeder (5), wherein the box turning machine (3) is rotatable relative to the feeder (5) and passes through a turning back position, and the box turning machine (3) at the turning back position selectively fixes the tobacco box (1).

2. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light barrier comprises a light emitter (11), a light receiver and a signal transmitter, the light emitter (11) and the light receiver are respectively arranged on both sides of the bottom belt in a width direction of the feeder (5), the light emitter (11) is provided with M light source units, all the light source units are uniformly distributed along an arrangement direction, the arrangement direction is perpendicular to the width direction of the feeder (5), and the arrangement direction is perpendicular to the working direction, the light source units are used for emitting light beams, the light receiver is used for receiving the light beams, and the signal transmitter is communicatively connected with the light receiver to obtain a number of the light beams received by the light receiver; a working state of the feeder bin detection unit has a no-material state and a material state, when the number is less than N, it is determined that the feeder bin detection unit is in the material state, and when the number is greater than or equal to N, it is determined that the feeder bin detection unit is in the no-material state; M and N are positive integers, and M is greater than N.

3. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The box turning feeder control system further comprises a control device and a bottom belt driving unit, the bottom belt driving unit is used for driving the bottom belt, the control device is communicatively connected with all the signal transmitters to monitor working states of the head cabinet light barrier detection unit (6), the middle cabinet light barrier detection unit (7) and the tail cabinet light barrier detection unit (8), and the control device is communicatively connected with the bottom belt driving unit to control start and stop of the bottom belt.

4. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder according to claim 2, wherein, 2N is greater than or equal to M.

5. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder as set forth in claim 2, wherein, The light barrier further comprises two U-shaped frames, the two U-shaped frames are respectively arranged on both sides of the bottom belt, both ends of the U-shaped frame are fixedly connected to the feeder (5), the light emitter (11) is fixedly connected to a middle part of one of the U-shaped frames, and the light receiver is fixedly connected to a middle part of the other U-shaped frame.

6. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder according to claim 2, wherein, A distance between two adjacent light source units is 18-22 mm.

7. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder according to claim 2, wherein, The feeding machine (5) is provided with a box turning driving unit (4), which is used to drive the box turning machine (3) to swing between a turning back position and a staying position, when the box turning machine (3) is located at the staying position, the material in the tobacco box (1) falls to the input end of the feeding machine (5).

8. The control system for a de-box feeder as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The box turning feeding machine control system further comprises a control device, which is in communication connection with the box turning driving unit (4), so as to control the swinging direction and swinging speed of the box turning machine (3).

9. The control system for a box unstacker and feeder as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The box turning machine (3) swings between the turning back position and the staying position, passes through a turning back deceleration position, the control device is in communication connection with the box turning machine (3), the box turning feeding machine control system further comprises a turning back to position deceleration switch (19) in communication connection with the control device, when the box turning machine (3) moving towards the turning back position passes through the turning back deceleration position, the turning back to position deceleration switch (19) informs the control device to reduce the rotating speed of the box turning machine (3); and / or, The box turning machine (3) swings between the turning back position and the staying position, passes through a box turning deceleration position, the control device is in communication connection with the box turning machine (3), the box turning feeding machine control system further comprises a box turning to position deceleration switch (20) in communication connection with the control device, when the box turning machine (3) moving towards the staying position passes through the box turning deceleration position, the box turning to position deceleration switch (20) informs the control device to reduce the rotating speed of the box turning machine (3).

10. A method of controlling a tipping feeder, characterized in that The box turning feeding machine control system suitable for any one of claims 2-9, comprising the following steps: S10: monitoring the position of the box turning machine (3), after determining that the box turning machine (3) is located at the turning back position, controlling the conveyor (2) to convey the tobacco box (1); S20: after the tobacco box (1) moves to the material taking position, monitoring the cabinet head grating detection piece (6) and the cabinet middle grating detection piece (7); S30: after the cabinet head grating detection piece (6) and the cabinet middle grating detection piece (7) are both in the no material state, controlling the box turning machine (3) to move the material in the tobacco box (1) to the feeding machine (5); S40: controlling the box turning machine (3) to move back to the turning back position, controlling the conveyor (2) to move the tobacco box (1) out of the box turning feeding machine control system, controlling the feeding machine (5) to move the material from the input end of the feeding machine (5) to the output end of the feeding machine (5), after the cabinet tail grating detection piece (8) is in the material state, controlling the feeding machine (5) to stop conveying the material, and then returning to S10.

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