Filter rod buffer pusher device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of tobacco machinery technology and discloses a filter rod buffer pusher device. The device includes a conveyor belt, a fixed base, a buffer assembly, and a pressure sensing unit. The conveyor belt transports the filter rods, and the fixed base is disposed on the conveyor belt with a through hole. A thrust member is slidably disposed on the fixed base and slidably engages with the conveyor belt, pushing the filter rods. A guide member passes through the through hole and is connected to the thrust member. An elastic member is sleeved on the guide member, with both ends connected to the fixed base and the thrust member, respectively, achieving a flexible buffering effect on the filter rods. The pressure sensing unit is disposed on the fixed base and can contact the thrust member to detect the pressure exerted by the thrust member on the filter rods. Once the detected pressure value exceeds a safety threshold, overload protection is triggered, causing the conveyor belt to automatically decelerate or even stop, effectively preventing equipment damage and filter rod deformation caused by rigid collisions. Timely shutdown before filter rod damage improves the filter rod pass rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco machinery technology, and more particularly to a filter rod buffer pusher device. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette filter rod production process, the solidification storage and conveying device is usually equipped with a buffer layer to temporarily store the solidified filter rods. A reciprocating pushing mechanism then pushes the filter rods from the buffer layer to the downstream conveyor belt or packaging process in an orderly manner. The pusher plate in this pushing mechanism is usually rigidly connected to the synchronous toothed belt. The synchronous toothed belt is driven by a servo motor or stepper motor to reciprocate, thereby driving the pusher plate to push the filter rods out row by row or column by column.

[0003] However, in actual production, issues frequently arise along the push path, such as misaligned filter rods, tilted individual filter rods, accidental foreign objects falling into the buffer layer, or temporary blockages in downstream equipment. In these situations, because the pusher plate and the synchronous toothed belt are rigidly connected, the pusher plate cannot sense changes in resistance and continues to move forward according to the preset stroke and thrust, causing the filter rod end faces to experience abnormally high compressive forces. This rigid collision directly causes wrinkles, splitting, or permanent end deformation of the filter rods, severely affecting the product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a filter rod buffer pusher device to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the filter rod pushing process in related technologies.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The filter rod buffer pusher device includes:

[0007] Conveyor belts are used to transport filter rods;

[0008] A fixed base is provided on the conveyor belt, and the fixed base has a through hole;

[0009] A buffer assembly includes a thrust member, a guide member, and an elastic member. The thrust member is slidably disposed on the fixed seat and slidably engaged with the conveyor belt. The thrust member is used to push the filter rod. The guide member passes through the through hole and is connected to the thrust member. The elastic member is sleeved on the guide member, and both ends of the elastic member are respectively connected to the fixed seat and the thrust member.

[0010] A pressure sensing unit is disposed on the fixed base. The pressure sensing unit can contact the thrust member and is used to detect the pressure of the thrust member on the filter rod.

[0011] As an optional technical solution, the pressure sensing unit includes a housing, a sensor, a controller, and a wireless communication module. The housing is disposed on the fixed base. The sensor, the wireless communication module, and the controller are all located inside the housing. The wireless communication module is integrated with the sensor. The sensor is electrically connected to the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the drive source of the conveyor belt to open or close.

[0012] As an optional technical solution, the pressure sensing unit further includes a battery, which is disposed inside the housing and electrically connected to the sensor and the wireless communication module.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the pressure sensing unit further includes a moving contact and a fixed contact. The fixed contact is disposed on the thrust member, and the moving contact is disposed on the sensor. The moving contact can abut against the fixed contact, so that the sensor can detect the pressure of the thrust member on the filter rod in real time.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the thrust member includes a thrust portion and a sliding portion. The sliding portion is connected to the thrust portion and is used to push the filter rod. The fixed seat is provided with a groove, the sliding portion is located in the groove, and the sliding portion can slide along the extension direction of the groove.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the thrust portion is provided with a buffer layer, and the surface shape of the buffer layer is a concave curved structure.

[0016] As an optional technical solution, the buffer assembly further includes a rotating component, which is rotatably disposed on the sliding part and is tactilely connected to the slide groove.

[0017] As an optional technical solution, a limiting member is also included. The limiting member is disposed at one end of the guide member and can abut against the fixed seat, so that the guide member always slides through the through hole.

[0018] As an optional technical solution, the guide member includes a guide portion and a connecting portion. The guide portion slides through the through hole, and the thrust member has a connecting hole. The connecting portion is connected to the connecting hole.

[0019] As an optional technical solution, there are multiple guide members, and the multiple guide members are spaced apart along the width direction of the conveyor belt.

[0020] The filter rod buffer pusher device provided by the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] The filter rod buffer pusher device includes a conveyor belt, a fixed base, a buffer assembly, and a pressure sensing unit. The conveyor belt transports the filter rods, and the fixed base is mounted on the conveyor belt with a through hole. The buffer assembly includes a thrust member, a guide member, and an elastic member. The thrust member is slidably mounted on the fixed base and slides in cooperation with the conveyor belt, pushing the filter rods. The guide member passes through the through hole and is connected to the thrust member. The elastic member is sleeved on the guide member, with its two ends connected to the fixed base and the thrust member, respectively, providing a flexible buffering effect for the filter rods. The pressure sensing unit is mounted on the fixed base and can contact the thrust member to detect the pressure exerted by the thrust member on the filter rods. Once the detected pressure value exceeds a safety threshold, overload protection is triggered, causing the conveyor belt to automatically slow down or even stop, effectively preventing equipment damage and filter rod deformation caused by rigid collisions. Timely shutdown before filter rod damage improves the filter rod yield rate. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the filter rod buffer pusher device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the filter rod buffer pusher device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] 100. Filter rod;

[0026] 1. Conveyor belt;

[0027] 2. Fixing base; 21. Through hole; 22. Slide groove;

[0028] 3. Buffer assembly; 31. Thrust member; 311. Thrust part; 312. Sliding part; 313. Buffer layer; 32. Guide member; 321. Guide part; 322. Connecting part; 33. Elastic member; 34. Rotating member;

[0029] 4. Pressure sensing unit; 41. Sensor; 42. Moving contact; 43. Fixed contact;

[0030] 5. Limiting components. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a filter rod buffer pusher device, which includes a conveyor belt 1, a fixed base 2, a buffer assembly 3, and a pressure sensing unit 4. The conveyor belt 1 is used to convey the filter rod 100, and the fixed base 2 is disposed on the conveyor belt 1, with a through hole 21. The buffer assembly 3 includes a thrust member 31, a guide member 32, and an elastic member 33. The thrust member 31 is slidably disposed on the fixed base 2 and slidably engaged with the conveyor belt 1, and is used to push the filter rod 100. The guide member 32 passes through the through hole 21 and is connected to the thrust member 31. The elastic member 33 is sleeved on the guide member 32, and its two ends are respectively connected to the fixed base 2 and the thrust member 31. The pressure sensing unit 4 is disposed on the fixed base 2, and can contact the thrust member 31 to detect the pressure exerted by the thrust member 31 on the filter rod 100.

[0036] The conveyor belt 1 is a synchronous toothed belt, and the filter rods 100 are stacked on the conveyor belt 1. The fixed seat 2 is fixedly installed on the conveyor belt 1 by several bolts and serves as a power input end to receive the driving force transmitted by the conveyor belt 1. That is, the fixed seat 2 can move synchronously with the conveyor belt 1.

[0037] The thrust member 31 is configured as a push plate, and the guide member 32 is configured as a guide rod. One end of the guide member 32 is fixedly connected to the thrust member 31, and the other end of the guide member 32 slides through the through hole 21 of the fixed seat 2. The thrust member 31 can slide relative to the fixed seat 2 under the action of the guide member 32. At the same time, the thrust member 31 can slide relative to the conveyor belt 1 to move closer to or further away from the fixed seat 2. During the conveying process of the conveyor belt 1, several stacked filter rods 100 continuously press against the thrust member 31, that is, the thrust member 31 can push the stacked filter rods 100.

[0038] The pressure sensing unit 4 is set as a miniature column-type wireless pressure sensor 41, which adopts high-sensitivity strain gauge technology. When the pressure sensing unit 4 comes into contact with the thrust member 31, the pressure sensing unit 4 can linearly sense the pressure change of the thrust member 31 on the filter rod 100. Once the detected pressure value exceeds the safety threshold, it will trigger overload protection, causing the conveyor belt 1 to automatically slow down or even stop.

[0039] The elastic element 33 is configured as a spring, and the guide 32 is fitted with the elastic element 33. The elastic element 33 is located between the thrust member 31 and the fixed seat 2 and is subjected to a pre-compression force. Under the action of the elastic element 33, the thrust member 31 moves backward relative to the conveyor belt 1 and compresses the elastic element 33 to absorb energy, preventing the filter rod 100 from deforming or breaking due to excessive instantaneous extrusion pressure, thus achieving a flexible buffering effect on the filter rod 100. The magnitude of the pre-compression force of the elastic element 33 is determined through calculation and analysis, so that the thrust member 31 and the pressure sensing unit 4 can remain separated. When the pressure of the thrust member 31 pushing the filter rod 100 exceeds the pre-compression force of the elastic element 33, the thrust member 31 can overcome the resistance of the elastic element 33 and come into contact with the pressure sensing unit 4. The pressure is transmitted to the pressure sensing unit 4, which detects the magnitude of the pressure of the thrust member 31 on the filter rod 100 in real time.

[0040] When the pressure value is within the set safety threshold range, conveyor belt 1 continues to operate normally. When the pressure value approaches the limit compression force of the elastic element 33, overload protection is triggered, and the pressure sensing unit 4 sends a signal to the drive source of conveyor belt 1 to decelerate, causing conveyor belt 1 to slow down. When the pressure value exceeds the safety threshold, overload protection is triggered again. Predicting that the filter rod 100 will become clogged or severely jammed, the pressure sensing unit 4 sends a signal to the drive source of conveyor belt 1 to stop, causing conveyor belt 1 to stop, preventing the elastic element 33 from being fully compressed and causing a rigid impact between the thrust member 31 and the fixed seat 2. This effectively prevents equipment damage and filter rod 100 deformation caused by rigid collisions, directly measures the linear thrust of the thrust member 31, and stops the machine in time before the filter rod 100 is damaged, improving the pass rate of the filter rod 100.

[0041] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The pressure sensing unit 4 includes a housing, a sensor 41, a controller, and a wireless communication module. The housing is mounted on the fixed base 2. The sensor 41, the wireless communication module, and the controller are all located inside the housing. The wireless communication module is integrated with the sensor 41. The sensor 41 is electrically connected to the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the drive source of the conveyor belt 1 to open or close.

[0042] The controller is a PLC controller, and the pressure sensing unit 4 is divided into a pressure sensing layer, a wireless transmission layer, a signal conversion layer, and a logic control layer. Sensor 41 is the pressure sensing layer, employing high-sensitivity strain gauge technology to linearly sense real-time pressure changes of the thrust member 31 on the filter rod 100. Sensor 41 has a built-in wireless communication module, which is a low-power Bluetooth gateway with strong anti-interference capabilities and good penetration. Sensor 41 encrypts the collected pressure data and transmits it wirelessly to the wireless communication module, eliminating the need for cable connections and avoiding wire breakage and wear. The internal algorithm of the wireless communication module is the signal conversion layer. When the wireless communication module receives a wireless signal, it parses it using its internal algorithm and converts it into a 4-20mA analog current signal in real time. The controller is the logic control layer; the converted analog signal is directly connected to the controller, which performs logical judgments based on the real-time current value.

[0043] When the pressure of the thrust member 31 on the filter rod 100 detected by the sensor 41 in real time is within the set safety threshold range, a normal operation signal is sent to the controller via the wireless communication module. The controller can then control the conveyor belt 1 to continue operating normally. When the pressure value detected by the sensor 41 approaches the limit compression force of the elastic member 33, a deceleration signal is sent to the controller via the wireless communication module. The controller can then control the drive source of the conveyor belt 1 to decelerate, keeping the conveyor belt 1 running at a low speed. When the pressure value detected by the sensor 41 exceeds the safety threshold, overload protection is triggered. The system anticipates that the filter rod 100 will become clogged or severely jammed, and a shutdown signal is sent to the controller via the wireless communication module. The controller can then control the drive source of the conveyor belt 1 to stop, i.e., the conveyor belt 1 stops running directly, preventing the elastic member 33 from being fully compressed and causing a rigid impact between the thrust member 31 and the fixed seat 2. Preferably, the controller utilizes unique ID encoding technology to instantly pinpoint the source of the fault in complex scenarios where multiple filter rod buffer pusher devices operate in parallel, significantly shortening the downtime for troubleshooting.

[0044] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The pressure sensing unit 4 also includes a battery, which is housed within the housing and electrically connected to the sensor 41 and the wireless communication module. The battery, a button cell, powers the sensor 41 and the wireless communication module. This eliminates the need for cables, avoiding wire breakage and wiring wear, reducing maintenance costs, and improving the reliability of equipment operation.

[0045] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The pressure sensing unit 4 also includes a moving contact 42 and a fixed contact 43. The fixed contact 43 is disposed on the thrust member 31, and the moving contact 42 is disposed on the sensor 41. The moving contact 42 can abut against the fixed contact 43, so that the sensor 41 can detect the pressure of the thrust member 31 on the filter rod 100 in real time.

[0046] The fixed contact 43 is installed on the side of the thrust member 31 near the sensor 41, and the moving contact 42 is installed on the end of the sensor 41 near the thrust member 31. When the thrust member 31 begins to push a small number of filter rods 100, under the action of the elastic member 33, the thrust member 31 always maintains a distance from the fixed seat 2. At this time, the fixed contact 43 and the moving contact 42 do not contact each other, and the sensor 41 cannot obtain a pressure value, indicating that the filter rods 100 are in a safe state. When the thrust member 31 pushes more and more filter rods 100, the elastic member 33 gradually compresses, and the thrust member 31 gradually approaches the fixed seat 2 until the fixed contact 43 and the moving contact 42 contact and abut. The pressure of the fixed contact 43 on the moving contact 42 is transmitted to the sensor 41. The sensor 41 can detect the pressure of the thrust member 31 on the filter rods 100 in real time, and control whether the conveyor belt 1 decelerates or even stops based on the pressure conditions described above.

[0047] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The thrust member 31 includes a thrust portion 311 and a sliding portion 312. The sliding portion 312 is connected to the thrust portion 311. The thrust portion 311 is used to push the filter rod 100. The fixed seat 2 is provided with a groove 22. The sliding portion 312 is located in the groove 22 and can slide along the extension direction of the groove 22. The sliding portion 312 matches the size of the groove 22. During the process of the thrust portion 311 pushing the stacked filter rod 100, under the action of the guide member 32, the sliding portion 312 can slide in the groove 22, so that the thrust portion 311 can slide relative to the conveyor belt 1 to gradually approach the fixed seat 2.

[0048] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The thrust portion 311 is provided with a buffer layer 313, the surface of which is a concave curved structure. The thrust portion 311 is used to push the filter rods 100 stacked on the conveyor belt 1. As more and more filter rods 100 are stacked on the conveyor belt 1, the number of filter rods 100 pushed by the thrust portion 311 increases, and more and more filter rods 100 roll on the concave curved surface of the buffer layer 313. The buffer layer 313 can play a buffering role, preventing the filter rods 100 from deforming or breaking, and achieving a flexible buffering and protection effect for the filter rods 100.

[0049] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The buffer assembly 3 also includes a rotating member 34, which is rotatably disposed on the sliding part 312 and is tactilely connected to the slide groove 22.

[0050] The rotating component 34 is configured as a roller, and there are multiple rotating components 34. These multiple rotating components 34 are rotatably connected to both sides of the sliding part 312, and are located on the two inner sidewalls of the slide groove 22 and are in a rolling connection. Under the action of the rotating components 34, the sliding part 312 can slide smoothly within the slide groove 22, avoiding jamming. Optionally, the sliding part 312 is fixedly connected to a connecting rod, and the connecting rod is fitted with a rolling bearing. The inner ring of the rolling bearing is rotatably engaged with the connecting rod, and the outer ring of the rolling bearing is rotatably engaged with the slide groove 22, allowing the sliding part 312 to slide within the slide groove 22.

[0051] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 The filter rod buffer pusher device also includes a limiting member 5, which is located at one end of the guide member 32. The limiting member 5 can abut against the fixed seat 2, so that the guide member 32 always slides through the through hole 21.

[0052] The guide member 32 includes a guide portion 321 and a connecting portion 322. The guide portion 321 slides through the through hole 21, and the thrust member 31 has a connecting hole. The connecting portion 322 is connected to the connecting hole. The connecting portion 322 is provided with external threads, and the connecting hole is provided with internal threads. The connecting portion 322 and the connecting hole are threadedly engaged, so that the end of the guide portion 321 is connected to the thrust member 31. The connection is detachable, which facilitates replacement and maintenance.

[0053] The limiting member 5 is set as a retaining ring, which is fixedly connected to the other end of the guide part 321 by a snap pin. The guide part 321 can slide back and forth along the axial direction of the through hole 21. The limiting member 5 plays the role of axial limiting, preventing the guide part 321 from disengaging from the through hole 21, thereby ensuring that the thrust member 31 is always in a sliding fit with the fixed seat 2.

[0054] Furthermore, continue to refer to Figures 1-2 There are multiple guide members 32, which are spaced apart along the width direction of the conveyor belt 1. In this embodiment, there are two guide members 32, which are spaced apart. The thrust member 31 can slide smoothly relative to the fixed seat 2 under the action of the two guide members 32, and the sliding is not easy to jam. Multiple guide members 32 can play a better guiding role.

[0055] 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. Filter rod cushion pusher plate apparatus characterised in that, include: Conveyor belt (1) for conveying filter rods (100); A fixed seat (2) is provided on the conveyor belt (1), and the fixed seat (2) has a through hole (21); The buffer assembly (3) includes a thrust member (31), a guide member (32), and an elastic member (33). The thrust member (31) is slidably disposed on the fixed seat (2) and slidably engaged with the conveyor belt (1). The thrust member (31) is used to push the filter rod (100). The guide member (32) passes through the through hole (21) and is connected to the thrust member (31). The elastic member (33) is sleeved on the guide member (32), and the two ends of the elastic member (33) are respectively connected to the fixed seat (2) and the thrust member (31). A pressure sensing unit (4) is disposed on the fixed base (2). The pressure sensing unit (4) can contact the thrust member (31) and is used to detect the pressure of the thrust member (31) on the filter rod (100).

2. A filter rod cushion push plate apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that, The pressure sensing unit (4) includes a housing, a sensor (41), a controller, and a wireless communication module. The housing is disposed on the fixed base (2). The sensor (41), the wireless communication module, and the controller are all located inside the housing. The wireless communication module is integrated with the sensor (41). The sensor (41) is electrically connected to the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the drive source of the conveyor belt (1) to open or close.

3. A filter rod cushioning push plate apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that, The pressure sensing unit (4) also includes a battery, which is disposed inside the housing and is electrically connected to the sensor (41) and the wireless communication module.

4. The filter rod cushion push plate device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure sensing unit (4) further includes a moving contact (42) and a fixed contact (43). The fixed contact (43) is disposed on the thrust member (31), and the moving contact (42) is disposed on the sensor (41). The moving contact (42) can abut against the fixed contact (43), so that the sensor (41) can detect the pressure of the thrust member (31) on the filter rod (100) in real time.

5. The filter rod buffer pusher device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thrust member (31) includes a thrust portion (311) and a sliding portion (312). The sliding portion (312) is connected to the thrust portion (311). The thrust portion (311) is used to push the filter rod (100). The fixed seat (2) is provided with a groove (22). The sliding portion (312) is located in the groove (22) and can slide along the extension direction of the groove (22).

6. The filter rod buffer pusher device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thrust portion (311) is provided with a buffer layer (313), and the surface shape of the buffer layer (313) is a concave curved structure.

7. The filter rod buffer pusher device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The buffer assembly (3) further includes a rotating member (34), which is rotatably disposed on the sliding part (312) and is rolledly connected to the slide groove (22).

8. The filter rod buffer pusher device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting member (5), which is disposed at one end of the guide member (32). The limiting member (5) can abut against the fixed seat (2) so that the guide member (32) always slides through the through hole (21).

9. The filter rod buffer pusher device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide member (32) includes a guide portion (321) and a connecting portion (322). The guide portion (321) slides through the through hole (21). The thrust member (31) has a connecting hole, and the connecting portion (322) is connected to the connecting hole.

10. The filter rod buffer pusher device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are multiple guide members (32), and the multiple guide members (32) are spaced apart along the width direction of the conveyor belt (1).

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