Real-time detection and sorting equipment and method for cigarette production line suction resistance

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of cigarette production line suction resistance real-time detection and sorting equipment and method, belong to tobacco machinery automation field.The equipment includes positionable rotary table, negative pressure suction arm, detection sealed cavity, gas path switching valve, PLC control system and recovery device.Its core is that through single gas path system, the suction, detection, sorting, recovery integration closed-loop control of cigarette is realized: negative pressure suction arm is suctioned cigarette from production line, rotates to detection sealed cavity and carries out suction resistance detection;PLC controls gas path switching valve according to detection result, qualified product is returned to production line by negative pressure, unqualified product is switched to positive pressure, when rotating to different work station, high pressure airflow is used to blow away tobacco and empty cylinder in turn, realize tobacco recovery and waste separation.The application solves the problem of detection and waste treatment disconnection, low efficiency and raw material waste in the prior art, realizes nondestructive sampling, automatic grading and resource recovery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco machinery automation technology, and more specifically, to a device and method integrated into a cigarette production line for real-time online detection of cigarette draw resistance, automatic sorting of qualified and unqualified products based on the detection results, and simultaneous recycling of tobacco shreds and separation of empty cigarette tubes from unqualified products. Background Technology

[0002] Draw resistance is one of the key physical indicators for measuring the quality of cigarette products, directly affecting the consumer's smoking experience. In the traditional cigarette production process, draw resistance testing is mostly carried out through random sampling and offline testing. This method is not only inefficient and labor-intensive, but also the test results lag far behind the production process, making it impossible to provide real-time feedback and guide production adjustments, thus disrupting the continuity and stability of production.

[0003] With the development of automation technology, the industry has gradually introduced online suction resistance testing equipment. However, existing testing equipment typically only performs the functions of detection and marking; that is, after detecting defective products, it marks the cigarettes, and subsequent removal and processing still require manual labor or other independent equipment. This separate processing mode not only increases equipment costs and floor space, but more importantly, the tobacco inside the rejected defective products cannot be effectively recycled, resulting in a large waste of raw materials. Especially on continuous production lines, how to achieve non-destructive testing, real-time sorting, and efficient and clean recycling of tobacco from defective products has long been a pressing technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a real-time detection and sorting device and method for the suction resistance of cigarette production lines that integrates detection, sorting and recycling, so as to solve the problems of disconnect between online detection and waste treatment and waste of raw materials.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0006] In the first aspect, a real-time suction resistance detection and sorting device for a cigarette production line includes: a positionable rotary table, at least one negative pressure suction arm, a detection sealing chamber, an air path switching valve, a tobacco shred recovery hopper, an empty cylinder discharge chute, and a PLC control system.

[0007] The positionable rotary table is the central control unit of this equipment, capable of precisely rotating and positioning itself to a preset workstation. At least one negative pressure suction arm is mounted on the positionable rotary table, with a negative pressure nozzle at its end for sucking up cigarettes from the production line under negative pressure or releasing cigarettes under positive pressure. The detection sealing chamber is located on the rotation path of the positionable rotary table for detecting the suction resistance of the delivered cigarettes. Therefore, the gas path switching valve and its connection method are key concepts of this invention. This gas path switching valve is a multi-port valve; its first port is connected to the factory's central gas source; its second port is connected via a pipeline to a negative pressure generator to generate negative pressure; its third port is connected via a pipeline to a positive pressure storage tank to store and provide a stable positive pressure airflow; and its fourth port is connected to the internal gas path of the negative pressure suction arm via a rotary sealing structure. Therefore, by controlling the different states of the air path switching valve, the nozzle of the negative pressure suction arm can be flexibly switched between negative and positive pressure values ​​as needed on the same air path channel, thereby achieving the integration of at least three functions: suction, detection and pressure holding, and blowing / releasing.

[0008] Additionally, the tobacco shred collection hopper and the empty tube discharge chute are sequentially arranged on the rotation path of the positionable rotary table and located below the rotation radius of the negative pressure suction arm to receive the defective components being processed.

[0009] Furthermore, the PLC control system, as the control core of the equipment, is electrically connected to the drive motor of the positionable rotary table, the pressure sensor that detects the sealed cavity, and the air circuit switching valve, etc. It is responsible for receiving detection data, making logical judgments, and issuing control commands according to the preset program.

[0010] Based on the above, in a second aspect, the present invention also provides a method for detecting and sorting cigarette draw resistance using the above-mentioned equipment, mainly including the following steps:

[0011] The positionable rotary table drives the negative pressure suction arm to rotate to the material picking position of the production line. The PLC control system commands the air path switching valve to switch to the negative pressure end, and the negative pressure suction arm generates negative pressure to accurately suck up cigarettes from the conveyor belt.

[0012] A positionable rotary table drives a negative pressure suction arm holding the cigarette to rotate to the detection sealing chamber position. The cylinder in the detection sealing chamber drives the sealing head to clamp both ends of the cigarette, forming a sealed air passage that only passes through the inside of the cigarette;

[0013] Subsequently, the detection system introduces a standard flow of air into the cigarette, and the built-in pressure sensor measures the pressure difference between the cigarette filter end and the combustion end in real time. This pressure difference value is the suction resistance value, which is sent to the PLC control system in real time.

[0014] The PLC control system compares the received pull-in resistance value with the preset process standard:

[0015] If the inspection is qualified, the positioning rotary table can continue to drive the cigarettes to the material picking position on the production line. At this time, the gas path switching valve switches to the negative pressure end again, and the negative pressure suction arm uses continuous negative pressure to accurately put the cigarettes back into the original empty position on the conveyor belt.

[0016] If the inspection fails, the positioning rotary table will drive the cigarette into the waste processing process. Optionally, it will first rotate to directly above the tobacco recycling hopper, and the PLC control system will instruct the gas path switching valve to switch to the positive pressure end instantly. The high-pressure airflow from the positive pressure gas tank will be ejected from the nozzle of the negative pressure suction arm for a certain period of time, blowing all the tobacco inside the cigarette into the tobacco recycling hopper below. Subsequently, the positioning rotary table will drive the empty paper tube still being sucked by the nozzle to continue rotating to above the empty tube outlet slide. The gas path switching valve will switch to positive pressure again briefly, blowing the empty tube into the empty tube outlet slide, from which it will be discharged into the waste bin.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this invention integrates multiple processes such as cigarette absorption, draw resistance detection, qualified product return, and unqualified product dismantling and recycling into a single device through a single-air-path dual-mode switching design, forming a complete closed-loop processing flow. This greatly simplifies the production line layout and improves automation and production efficiency. Specifically, for unqualified products, a pneumatic dismantling method is used, employing high-pressure positive airflow to completely separate the tobacco and empty cigarette paper tubes. The tobacco falls into a recycling hopper for easy reuse, thereby significantly reducing raw material loss; and the empty cigarette paper tubes are collected separately, facilitating subsequent processing.

[0018] Furthermore, the PLC control system, in conjunction with a pressure sensor with a predetermined sampling frequency, ensures that the detection cycle of a single cigarette is controllable, fully meeting the real-time detection requirements of a high-speed production line; while the negative pressure suction arm, driven by a positionable rotary table, has high homing accuracy, ensuring that qualified products can be returned to the conveyor belt without damage and accurately, avoiding secondary damage.

[0019] Furthermore, in some possible implementations of the present invention, by setting a pressure relief compensation chamber in the gas path, the pressure shock generated when the gas path switching valve switches between negative and positive pressure at high speed is effectively absorbed, ensuring the stability of the gas source pressure, extending the service life of the sensor and valve body, and also making the action of blowing away the tobacco with positive pressure more stable and powerful, avoiding tobacco splashing caused by sudden pressure changes.

[0020] Furthermore, the inclined design of the recycling hopper and the Teflon coating on the inner wall, as well as the wide-mouth design of the empty cylinder discharge chute, ensure smooth material flow, effectively prevent tobacco or empty cylinders from remaining and clogging inside the equipment, and reduce the frequency of equipment downtime for maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the real-time suction resistance detection and sorting equipment for a cigarette production line provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a positionable rotary table provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Viewing window, 2-Negative pressure suction arm, 3-Positionable rotating table, 31-Negative pressure suction arm base, 32-Rotating shaft, 33-Positioning mechanism, 34-Motor, 4-Tobacco shred collection hopper, 5-Empty cylinder discharge slide, 6-Detection sealing cavity, 8-Display screen, 9-Power switch, 100-Cigarette conveyor belt. Detailed Implementation

[0025] 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.

[0026] This invention proposes a real-time suction resistance detection and sorting device for cigarette production lines, specifically, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it is installed on one side of the cigarette conveyor belt 100, and contacts the cigarettes on the conveyor belt through the viewing window 1. The core operating mechanism of the equipment is a positionable rotary table 3 driven by a servo motor. Multiple negative pressure suction arms 2 are evenly installed on the positionable rotary table 3 along the circumference. Specifically, the base 31 of the negative pressure suction arm is placed on the rotating shaft 32 of the positionable rotary table, and the upper end of the rotating shaft 32 is connected to a positioning mechanism 33, while the lower end is connected to a motor 34 for driving the rotation. Each of the aforementioned negative pressure suction arms 2 has a single airflow channel inside, one end of which is a suction nozzle for sucking up cigarettes, and the other end is connected to the equipment's air circuit control system through a rotary sealing joint at the center of the positionable rotary table 3. This multi-arm rotating and positioning design allows the equipment to process multiple processes in parallel; that is, while one arm is performing inspection, another arm can simultaneously pick up or unload materials, greatly improving processing efficiency.

[0027] The pneumatic control system provided in this embodiment of the invention mainly includes a three-position five-way solenoid valve (such as the SMCVQC2000 series), a negative pressure generator based on the Venturi principle (made of 304 stainless steel), a positive pressure storage tank with a volume of 1L and a pressure resistance of 1MPa, a pressure relief compensation chamber with a silencer (Φ50×80mm), and a piezoresistive pressure sensor with a range of ±100kPa, used to monitor the pneumatic pressure supplied to the negative pressure suction arm 2 in real time.

[0028] The inlet of the solenoid valve (e.g., port P) is connected to 0.5-0.6MPa compressed air supplied by the workshop. One working port of the solenoid valve (e.g., port A) is connected to the inlet of the negative pressure generator. The vacuum port of the negative pressure generator is connected to the rotary seal joint via a pipeline, providing a negative pressure of -80kPa to the negative pressure suction arm 2. The other working port of the solenoid valve (e.g., port B) is connected to the inlet of the positive pressure storage tank. The outlet of the positive pressure storage tank is also connected to the rotary seal joint via a pipeline. Preferably, in other embodiments, the pressure relief compensation chamber can be connected in parallel to the main air path near the rotary seal joint. When the PLC control system issues a detection command, the solenoid valve coil is energized, causing port PA to conduct, the negative pressure generator to work, and the negative pressure suction arm 2 obtains negative pressure. When the PLC control system issues a sorting command for positive pressure blowing, the solenoid valve coil is de-energized or switched, causing port PB to conduct. The high-pressure gas stored in the positive pressure storage tank is adjusted to 0.3MPa by the pressure reducing valve and instantly released to the negative pressure suction arm 2, achieving powerful blowing. As a better implementation method, during the switching moment, the buffer space and silencer in the aforementioned pressure relief compensation chamber can effectively absorb the pressure peak, avoid impacting the sensor and pipeline, and ensure the stability and lifespan of the system.

[0029] Therefore, the specific steps of the workflow of the above-described device embodiment can be referred to as follows:

[0030] The positionable rotary table 3 rotates, aligning an idle negative pressure suction arm 2 with the material collection position at the viewing window 1. The PLC control system controls the solenoid valve to switch to negative pressure mode, generating negative pressure in the suction arm 2 to draw the filter end of a cigarette from the conveyor belt into the mouthpiece. Subsequently, the positionable rotary table 3 rotates 90° clockwise, sending the cigarette into the detection sealing chamber 6. The detection sealing chamber 6 closes under the drive of a cylinder, sealing both ends of the cigarette. At this time, a precision flow controller introduces a standard airflow of 17.5 mL / s into the cigarette, and a pressure sensor detects the pressure difference between the two ends of the cigarette in real time, sending the suction resistance value to the PLC control system.

[0031] The PLC control system compares the measured suction resistance value with the preset process standard, such as 900-1400Pa in this embodiment. If the suction resistance value is 1200Pa, which is within the acceptable range, the rotating table 3 can be positioned to continue rotating. When the negative pressure suction arm 2 returns to the material picking position, the PLC control system again instructs the solenoid valve to switch to negative pressure mode. This is because the material picking position also needs negative pressure to maintain the cigarettes. At this time, the negative pressure of the negative pressure suction arm 2 disappears, which is achieved by switching to the middle position for pressure relief or by briefly venting to the atmosphere. The cigarettes rely on gravity and are guided by a slight negative pressure to accurately fall back to the original empty position on the conveyor belt, completing the return without damage.

[0032] Continuing from the previous text, if the measured suction resistance value is 1600Pa, exceeding the upper limit, it is judged as a defective product; at this time, the rotating stage 3 can be positioned to continue rotating, entering the waste processing path:

[0033] First, the negative pressure suction arm 2 carries the substandard cigarette and rotates it to directly above the tobacco recycling hopper 4. At this moment, the PLC control system issues a command, and the solenoid valve instantly switches to positive pressure mode (PB port is open). The 0.3MPa high-pressure gas in the gas tank is delivered directly to the mouthpiece through the air path, forming a strong pulse airflow (lasting 0.5 seconds), which blows away all the tobacco inside the cigarette and causes it to fall into the tobacco recycling hopper 4 below. Preferably, the inner wall of the tobacco recycling hopper 4 is coated with a food-grade Teflon coating, and the hopper wall angle is 50°, ensuring that the tobacco can smoothly slide into the recycling bin at the bottom without sticking or residue.

[0034] After the tobacco is dispersed, the cigarette is left with only an empty paper tube held by the mouthpiece. The positionable rotary table 3 continues to rotate, moving the empty tube above the empty tube outlet slide 5. Then, the PLC control system briefly switches the solenoid valve to positive pressure, spraying out an airflow that blows the empty tube away from the mouthpiece, causing it to fall into the empty tube outlet slide 5. It can be added that, in some preferred embodiments, the empty tube outlet slide 5 also adopts a stainless steel structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with a smooth inner wall, allowing the empty tube to slide smoothly into the waste bin below by gravity.

[0035] Thus, the power switch 9 controls the power supply to the above-mentioned equipment to start its operation. Under the coordination of the PLC control system, multiple negative pressure suction arms 2 cyclically execute the above steps, realizing high-frequency, uninterrupted real-time sampling and automatic sorting and recycling of cigarettes on the production line. In practical applications, the detection data, equipment status and parameter settings can also be displayed in real time through the display screen 8 connected to the PLC. This invention will not elaborate on or limit these aspects.

[0036] In summary, this invention, through ingenious structural design and gas path control, successfully achieves perfect coupling between cigarette draw resistance detection and waste treatment. This not only improves the automation level of the production line but also creates significant economic benefits through efficient tobacco recycling, demonstrating extremely high industrial application value.

[0037] In this invention, when directional terms are mentioned, they are relative concepts based on the embodiments. Furthermore, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent the existence of A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" and similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, and c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0038] The above description of the structure, features, and effects of the present invention is based on the embodiments shown in the figures. However, the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the technical features involved in the above embodiments and their preferred methods can be reasonably combined and matched by those skilled in the art to form a variety of equivalent solutions without departing from or changing the design concept and technical effects of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the scope of implementation shown in the figures. Any changes made in accordance with the concept of the present invention, or modifications to equivalent embodiments, that do not exceed the spirit covered by the specification and figures, should be within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A real-time suction resistance detection and sorting device for a cigarette production line, characterized in that, include: A positionable rotary table (3); At least one negative pressure suction arm (2) is disposed on the positionable rotary table (3) for sucking up or releasing cigarettes; A detection sealed cavity (6) is set on the rotation path of the positionable rotary table (3) for detecting the suction resistance of cigarettes; A gas path switching valve has its first port connected to a central gas source, its second port connected to a negative pressure generator, its third port connected to a positive pressure gas storage tank, and its fourth port connected to the gas path of the negative pressure suction arm (2) through a rotary sealing structure. A tobacco recycling hopper (4) and an empty tube discharge chute (5) are sequentially arranged on the rotation path of the positionable rotary table (3) and located below the negative pressure suction arm (2); A PLC control system is electrically connected to the positionable rotary table (3), the detection sealing cavity (6) and the air path switching valve, for receiving detection signals and controlling the execution of actions.

2. The real-time suction resistance detection and sorting equipment for cigarette production lines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air path inside the negative pressure suction arm (2) is a single air path channel. By switching the air path switching valve, it can be selectively connected to the negative pressure generator or the positive pressure storage tank to realize the function of sucking up cigarettes or blowing away tobacco and releasing empty tubes.

3. The real-time suction resistance detection and sorting equipment for cigarette production lines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection sealing cavity (6) includes a sealing head driven by a cylinder and a built-in pressure sensor; The sealing head is used to clamp both ends of the cigarette to form a sealed air passage; The pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure difference between the two ends of a cigarette when a standard flow of air is introduced.

4. The real-time suction resistance detection and sorting equipment for cigarette production lines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the tobacco shred recycling hopper (4) is coated with a food-grade Teflon coating, and the angle between the hopper wall and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to 45 degrees to prevent tobacco shreds from sticking together or remaining.

5. The real-time suction resistance detection and sorting equipment for cigarette production lines according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The device also includes a pressure relief compensation chamber, which is connected to the air circuit and is used to absorb the pressure fluctuations generated when the air circuit switching valve switches between negative and positive pressure modes.

6. A method for detecting and sorting cigarette draw resistance using the device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The positionable rotary table drives the negative pressure suction arm to rotate to the material picking position on the production line, and the air circuit switching valve connects to the negative pressure generator, so that the negative pressure suction arm generates negative pressure to pick up the cigarettes to be tested from the production line. A positionable rotary table drives a negative pressure suction arm holding a cigarette to rotate to the position of the detection sealing cavity. The detection sealing cavity is closed, the suction resistance of the cigarette is detected, and the detection value is sent to the PLC control system. The PLC control system compares the detected values ​​with the preset process standards as follows: If the test value is qualified, the rotating table can be positioned to rotate the cigarettes to the material picking position, and the air circuit switching valve will switch to negative pressure to accurately put the cigarettes back into the production line. If the test value is not up to standard, the rotating platform can be positioned to rotate the cigarettes sequentially to the top of the tobacco recycling hopper and the empty tube discharge chute. When rotated to the top of the tobacco recycling bin, the air path switching valve instantly switches to positive pressure, and high-pressure airflow is ejected from the mouthpiece of the negative pressure suction arm, blowing the tobacco inside the cigarette into the tobacco recycling bin. Next, when rotated to the top of the empty cylinder outlet slide, the air path switching valve switches to positive pressure again, blowing the remaining empty cylinder into the empty cylinder outlet slide.

7. The cigarette draw resistance detection and sorting method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The specific steps of the draw resistance detection process include: after the detection sealing cavity is closed, a preset standard flow rate of air is introduced into the inside of the cigarette, and the pressure difference between the cigarette filter end and the combustion end is recorded by a pressure sensor as the draw resistance value.

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