Heated cigarette end sealing device and method

Abstract

The application discloses a heating cigarette end sealing device and method. The end sealing device comprises a fixing seat, a pushing mechanism and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps a heating cigarette. The fixing seat is provided with a channel. One end of the channel is fixed with a sealing film, and the sealing film is arranged opposite to one end of a tobacco section of the heating cigarette. The output end of the pushing mechanism is arranged corresponding to the heating cigarette and pushes the heating cigarette to move, so that one end of the tobacco section abuts against the sealing film, and the heating cigarette and the sealing film pass through the channel. In the end sealing device, the pushing mechanism pushes the heating cigarette, one end of the tobacco section can abut against the sealing film, and the heating cigarette and the sealing film pass through the channel by continuous pushing. The sealing film can be sealed on the end face of the tobacco section. If the sealing film is provided with an extension part, the extension part can wrap the end part of the tobacco section, and the technical problem that the sealing film is displaced when a mechanical arm retreats and even causes the heating cigarette to be arranged in disorder in the prior art is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heated cigarette sealing technology, and in particular to a heated cigarette sealing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Heated tobacco products, as an important branch of novel tobacco products, have developed rapidly in recent years. When smoking heated cigarettes, a tobacco segment needs to be inserted into the heating chamber of a heating device. The tobacco segment is heated by a heating element, thereby generating an aerosol. However, existing heated cigarette technologies generally suffer from a problem: because the ends of the tobacco segment are open, when the cigarette is removed from the heating chamber after smoking, tobacco from the segment easily falls into the heating chamber, requiring the user to clean the heating device, thus affecting the user experience. To solve this problem, the industry has proposed various end-sealing technologies.

[0003] Some existing sealing technologies use pre-folded tipping paper, where the extended portion of the tipping paper is bent to cover one end of the tobacco segment during rolling. Other technologies use a separate sealing film; after the pre-cut sealing film is glued, a robotic arm pushes it to one end of the tobacco segment for sealing. After pushing the sealing film, the robotic arm needs to retract to begin the next cycle. During this retraction, unintended contact or adhesion can easily occur between the robotic arm and the heated cigarette or sealing film, causing the already positioned sealing film to shift, or even dragging the entire heated cigarette away. This results in misaligned sealing film, disordered cigarette arrangement, and severely impacts production efficiency and product yield. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a heating cigarette sealing device and method to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the sealing film is misaligned or even causes the heating cigarettes to be arranged in a disordered manner.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a heated cigarette sealing device, comprising a fixing base, a pushing mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps a heated cigarette. A channel is formed on the fixing base. A sealing film is fixed to one end of the channel and is arranged opposite to one end of a tobacco segment on the heated cigarette. The output end of the pushing mechanism is correspondingly arranged with the heated cigarette and pushes it to move so that one end of the tobacco segment abuts against the sealing film and the heated cigarette and the sealing film pass through the channel.

[0006] Furthermore, the fixing base includes a base and a negative pressure unit. The channel is formed on the base and a gap is formed between the channel and the base. The sealing film is placed at one end of the channel. The negative pressure unit is installed on the base and communicates with the gap to adsorb and fix the sealing film.

[0007] Furthermore, the diameter of the sealing film is larger than the aperture of the channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the sealing film includes a central area and a petal area, the petal area being disposed around the central area; one end of the tobacco segment is aligned with the central area, and the pushing mechanism pushes the heated cigarette through the channel so that the petal area covers the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment.

[0009] Furthermore, the diameter of the channel is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm larger than the diameter of the heated cigarette.

[0010] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism includes a guide rail, a slider, and a positioning seat. The slider is slidably mounted on the guide rail, and the positioning seat is fixed on the slider. A groove is formed on the positioning seat for placing the heated cigarette.

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the groove is equal to the diameter of the heated cigarette.

[0012] Furthermore, the center line of the groove coincides with the center line of the channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism includes an electric push rod, which is disposed on the positioning seat and moves along the groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the heated cigarette sealing device includes an adhesive application mechanism located on one side of the fixing base and / or the clamping mechanism to apply adhesive to one end of the sealing film and / or the tobacco shred segment.

[0015] Furthermore, the heated cigarette sealing device includes a curing mechanism located on one side of the fixing base and / or the clamping mechanism to cure the adhesive on the sealing film and / or the adhesive at one end of the tobacco shred segment.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for sealing a heated cigarette using the sealing device described above, comprising the following steps: placing the heated cigarette on the clamping mechanism; placing the sealing film on one end of the channel on the fixing base, such that one end of the tobacco segment on the heated cigarette is positioned opposite to the sealing film; using the pushing mechanism to push the heated cigarette so that one end of the tobacco segment abuts against the sealing film and continuing to push until the heated cigarette and the sealing film pass through the channel.

[0017] Furthermore, the step also includes: using the negative pressure unit on the fixing seat to adsorb the sealing film to fix the position of the sealing film.

[0018] Furthermore, the steps also include: applying adhesive to one end of the sealing film and / or the tobacco segment using an adhesive applicator, so that the tobacco segment adheres to the sealing film when it comes into contact with it, and that the extension of the sealing film covers the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment during the passage of the heated cigarette and the sealing film through the channel.

[0019] The heated cigarette sealing device provided by this invention utilizes a clamping mechanism to hold the heated cigarette, a fixing seat to fix the sealing film, and a pushing mechanism to push the heated cigarette so that one end of the tobacco segment first abuts against the sealing film. Then, it continues to move, allowing the heated cigarette and sealing film to pass through a channel together. In this case, the sealing film can seal the end face of the tobacco segment. If the sealing film has an extension, the extension can wrap around the end of the tobacco segment, avoiding the technical problem in the prior art where the sealing film shifts or even causes the heated cigarettes to scatter when the robotic arm retracts. The above sealing device has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heated cigarette sealing device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A sectional view; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle.

[0022] Figure label: 10. Fixing base; 11. Base; 11a. Channel; 11b. Gap; 12. Negative pressure unit; 20. Push notification organizations; 30. Clamping mechanism; 31. Guide rail; 32. Slider; 33. Positioning seat; 33a. Groove; 40. Sealing film; 50. Heated cigarettes. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly set on the other component; when a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to the other component.

[0025] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and 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 this application.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" or "several" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings of this specification are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the conditions under which this application can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application, provided that they do not affect the effects and purposes that this application can produce.

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, in a first aspect of this application, a heated cigarette sealing device is provided, including a fixing base 10, a pushing mechanism 20, and a clamping mechanism 30. The clamping mechanism 30 clamps a heated cigarette 50. A channel 11a is formed on the fixing base 10. A sealing film 40 is fixed to one end of the channel 11a and is arranged opposite to one end of the tobacco segment on the heated cigarette 50. The output end of the pushing mechanism 20 is correspondingly arranged with the heated cigarette 50 and pushes it to move so that one end of the tobacco segment abuts against the sealing film 40 and the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 pass through the channel 11a.

[0029] In this embodiment, the sealing film 40 is fixed to one end of the channel 11a, and one end of the tobacco segment on the heated cigarette 50 is positioned opposite the sealing film 40. A pushing mechanism pushes the heated cigarette 50 so that one end of the tobacco segment can abut against the sealing film 40, and then continues to push, allowing the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 to pass through the channel 11a together. In this case, the sealing film 40 can seal the end face of the tobacco segment. If the sealing film 40 has an extension, the extension can wrap around the end of the tobacco segment, avoiding the technical problem in the prior art where the sealing film 40 shifts or even causes the heated cigarette 50 to scatter when the robotic arm retracts. The above-mentioned sealing device has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has low cost.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fixing base 10 includes a base 11 and a negative pressure unit 12. A channel 11a is formed on the base 11 and a gap 11b is formed between the channel 11 and the base 11. The sealing film 40 is placed at one end of the channel 11a. The negative pressure unit 12 is installed on the base 11 and communicates with the gap 11b to adsorb and fix the sealing film 40.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 A channel 11a is formed on the base 11, and a gap 11b is provided between the channel 11a and the base 11. A negative pressure unit 12 communicates with the gap 11b, and the negative pressure unit 12 generates a negative pressure in the gap 11b, thereby adsorbing and fixing the sealing film 40 to one end of the channel 11a. Further, a stepped portion is formed at the end of the gap 11b on the base 11 for placing the sealing film 40. Figure 2 As shown, when the sealing film 40 is placed, it abuts against the end face and stepped portion of the channel 11a and is fixed by negative pressure adsorption. This negative pressure adsorption fixation of the sealing film 40 allows for easier fixing of the sealing film 40, even when the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 need to pass through the channel 11a, and ensures compatibility with the overall structure of the base 11. Specifically, the diameter of the sealing film 40 is larger than the aperture of the channel 11a.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sealing film 40 includes a central area and a petal area, with the petal area disposed around the periphery of the central area; one end of the tobacco segment is aligned with the central area, and the pushing mechanism 20 pushes the heated cigarette 50 through the channel 11a so that the petal area covers the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment.

[0033] In this embodiment, the sealing film 40 is designed in an aesthetically pleasing petal shape, and the size of its central area can be matched with the end face size of the tobacco segment. One end of the tobacco segment is aligned with its central area so that the heated cigarette 50 can smoothly enter the channel 11a. As the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 pass through the channel 11a together, the petal area can wrap around the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment, further increasing the stability of the seal.

[0034] Understandably, the diameter of channel 11a cannot be too large or too small. If the diameter is too large, the petal area of ​​the sealing film 40 cannot be folded and pressed against the periphery of the tobacco segment end when the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 pass through channel 11a; if the diameter is too small, the heated cigarette 50 will not easily enter channel 11a. Specifically, the diameter of channel 11a is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm larger than the diameter of the heated cigarette 50.

[0035] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 30 includes a guide rail 31, a slider 32, and a positioning seat 33. The slider 32 is slidably mounted on the guide rail 31, and the positioning seat 33 is fixed on the slider 32. A groove 33a is formed on the positioning seat 33 for placing the heated cigarette 50.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 In this embodiment, the guide rail 31 can be directly mounted on the operating table or fixed together with the fixed seat 10 on a base plate. The positioning seat 33 is fixed on the slider 32 and can move under the drive of the slider 32 to increase the distance between the positioning seat 33 and the fixed seat 10, so as to place the heated cigarette 50 in the clamping mechanism 30; it also makes it easier to move the positioning seat 33 closer to the fixed seat 10, which is beneficial to push the heated cigarette 50 into the channel 11a.

[0037] Furthermore, the groove 33a is used to support the heated cigarette 50, which facilitates the conveying and placement of the heated cigarette 50 and also improves the positioning of the heated cigarette 50 between it and the channel 11a. Further, the diameter of the groove 33a is equal to the diameter of the heated cigarette 50. The centerline of the groove 33a coincides with the centerline of the channel 11a.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pushing mechanism 20 includes an electrically driven push rod disposed on the positioning seat 33 and movable along the groove 33a. (See also...) Figure 2 The electric push rod moves along the groove 33a to push the heated cigarette 50. Due to the restriction of the groove 33a, the movement of the electric push rod is more stable and reliable.

[0039] In some embodiments, the heated cigarette sealing device includes an adhesive application mechanism located on one side of the fixing base 10 and / or the clamping mechanism 30 to apply adhesive to one end of the sealing film 40 and / or the tobacco segment. In embodiments of this application, the sealing device may also include an adhesive application mechanism that can apply adhesive to the sealing film 40, the end face of the tobacco segment, or both simultaneously, so that the sealing film 40 adheres to the end face of the tobacco segment, resulting in a more secure seal. Furthermore, the petal-shaped area of ​​the sealing film 40 is more easily wrapped and adhered to the periphery of the tobacco segment end.

[0040] In some embodiments, the heated cigarette sealing device includes a curing mechanism located on one side of the fixing base 10 and / or the clamping mechanism 30 to cure the adhesive on the sealing film 40 and / or the adhesive at one end of the tobacco segment. This embodiment corresponds to the adhesive application mechanism described above. When the heated cigarette 50 comes into contact with the sealing film 40, the adhesive applied to the sealing film 40 and / or the end face of the tobacco segment is rapidly cured, resulting in a stronger bond. The curing mechanism can be a UV curing lamp, a hot air dryer, a cooling and shaping device, etc.

[0041] A second aspect of this application provides a sealing method for the above-mentioned heated cigarette sealing device, comprising the following steps: placing a heated cigarette 50 on a clamping mechanism 30; placing a sealing film 40 on one end of a channel 11a on a fixing base 10, such that one end of the tobacco segment on the heated cigarette 50 is positioned opposite to the sealing film 40; using a pushing mechanism 20 to push the heated cigarette 50 so that one end of the tobacco segment abuts against the sealing film 40 and continuing to push until the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 pass through the channel 11a.

[0042] The sealing method of this application embodiment uses a pushing mechanism 20 to push the heated cigarette 50 against the sealing film 40, and continues to push the heated cigarette 50 and sealing film 40 through the channel 11a on the fixing seat 10, so that the sealing film 40 can seal the end face of the tobacco segment. If the sealing film 40 is provided with an extension, the extension can wrap around the end of the tobacco segment, avoiding the technical problem in the prior art where the sealing film 40 shifts when the robotic arm retracts, or even causes the heated cigarette 50 to be arranged in a disordered manner. The above sealing method is simple to operate and highly efficient.

[0043] In some embodiments, the above steps further include: using the negative pressure unit 12 on the fixing seat 10 to adsorb the sealing film 40 to fix the position of the sealing film 40. In the embodiments of this application, the negative pressure adsorption fixation of the sealing film 40 can more easily fix the sealing film 40 under the premise that the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 need to pass through the channel 11a, and matches the overall structure of the fixing seat 10.

[0044] In some embodiments, the above steps further include: applying adhesive to one end of the sealing film 40 and / or the tobacco segment using an adhesive applicator, so that the tobacco segment adheres to the sealing film 40 when it comes into contact with it, and ensuring that the extension of the sealing film 40 covers the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment during the passage of the heated cigarette 50 and the sealing film 40 through the channel 11a. In the embodiments of this application, the adhesive applicator can apply adhesive to the sealing film 40, the end face of the tobacco segment, or both simultaneously, so that the sealing film 40 adheres to the end face of the tobacco segment, making the seal more secure. In addition, the extension of the sealing film 40 (such as the petal area) is also more easily wrapped and adhered to the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment.

[0045] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for sealing the end of heated cigarettes, characterized in that: The device includes a fixing base, a pushing mechanism, and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism clamps a heated cigarette. A channel is formed on the fixing base. A sealing film is fixed to one end of the channel, and the sealing film is positioned opposite to one end of the tobacco segment on the heated cigarette. The output end of the pushing mechanism is positioned corresponding to the heated cigarette and pushes it to move so that one end of the tobacco segment abuts against the sealing film and the heated cigarette and the sealing film pass through the channel.

2. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing base includes a base and a negative pressure unit. The channel is formed on the base and a gap is formed between the channel and the base. The sealing film is placed at one end of the channel. The negative pressure unit is installed on the base and communicates with the gap to adsorb and fix the sealing film.

3. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the sealing film is larger than the aperture of the channel.

4. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing film includes a central area and a petal area, with the petal area disposed around the periphery of the central area; one end of the tobacco segment is aligned with the central area, and the pushing mechanism pushes the heated cigarette through the channel so that the petal area covers the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment.

5. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the channel is 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm larger than the diameter of the heated cigarette.

6. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes a guide rail, a slider, and a positioning seat. The slider is slidably mounted on the guide rail, and the positioning seat is fixed on the slider. The positioning seat has a groove for placing the heated cigarette.

7. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The diameter of the groove is equal to the diameter of the heated cigarette.

8. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The centerline of the groove coincides with the centerline of the channel.

9. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pushing mechanism includes an electric push rod, which is mounted on the positioning seat and moves along the groove.

10. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The heated cigarette sealing device includes an adhesive application mechanism located on one side of the fixing base and / or the clamping mechanism to apply adhesive to one end of the sealing film and / or the tobacco shred segment.

11. The heated cigarette end-sealing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The heated cigarette sealing device includes a curing mechanism located on one side of the fixing base and / or the clamping mechanism to cure the adhesive on the sealing film and / or the adhesive at one end of the tobacco shred segment.

12. A method for sealing the end of a heated cigarette, using the sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The heated cigarette is placed on the clamping mechanism; Place the sealing film at one end of the channel on the fixed base, so that one end of the tobacco section on the heated cigarette is opposite to the sealing film; The pushing mechanism is used to push the heated cigarette so that one end of the tobacco segment comes into contact with the sealing film, and the pushing continues until the heated cigarette and the sealing film pass through the channel.

13. The method for sealing the heated cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that, The steps also include: using the negative pressure unit on the fixing seat to adsorb the sealing film in order to fix the position of the sealing film.

14. The method for sealing the heated cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that, The steps further include: applying adhesive to one end of the sealing film and / or the tobacco segment using an adhesive applicator, so that the tobacco segment adheres to the sealing film when it comes into contact with it, and the extension of the sealing film covers the periphery of the end of the tobacco segment during the passage of the heated cigarette and the sealing film through the channel.

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