A multi-channel feeding device for a paperless filter rod of a cigarette

Abstract

The application provides a multi-channel type feeding device for cigarette paperless filter rods, and relates to the technical field of tobacco processing equipment. The device comprises a stock bin assembly, a stirring rod assembly, a rubbing rod assembly, a pushing rod assembly and a driving assembly. The driving assembly is connected with the stirring rod assembly, the rubbing rod assembly and the pushing rod assembly respectively, and is used for driving the stirring rod assembly to rotate, stirring the movement of the paperless filter rods on the distribution plates, making the paperless filter rods enter above the filter rod conveying channels after being arranged, driving the rubbing rod assembly to push the arranged paperless filter rods into the upper ends of the filter rod conveying channels, and driving the pushing rod assembly to push out the paperless filter rods conveyed to the lower ends of the filter rod conveying channels. The application has the beneficial effect of greatly reducing the high-frequency relative friction frequency and contact area between the filter rods and between the filter rods and the bin wall, eliminating structural damage defects such as the surface fuzzing, tooth tip abrasion, corner blunting and hole wall deformation of the paperless filter rods from the root cause, completely avoiding the disordered friction and extrusion damage of the filter rods, and greatly improving the forming quality of the paperless filter rods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent relates to the field of tobacco processing equipment technology, specifically to a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of cigarette and filter rod forming and processing equipment, the hopper system of the composite filter rod forming machine is the core feeding unit. Its core function is to standardize and guide the filter rods of different specifications and types, and ensure that the filter rods fall accurately into the circumferential groove on the outer circumference of the slitting hub. It is a key structure to ensure the continuous and stable operation of the filter rod slitting process.

[0003] For example, the composite filter rod molding process or equipment disclosed in Chinese patents CN211794293U, CN213523847U, and CN111011916A for manufacturing paperless filter rods generally adopts a composite conveying structure with anti-pinch rollers and a stirring mechanism in the composite filter rod hopper: the filter rods are driven by the anti-pinch rollers and the stirring mechanism to circulate clockwise inside the hopper cavity and gradually converge towards the discharge area on the right side of the hopper; during the feeding process, only a small number of filter rods arranged on the far right of the discharge end are passively pushed into the circumferential groove of the cutting hub by the pressure of the filter rods accumulating in the hopper, while the remaining filter rods continue to circulate and reciprocate inside the hopper cavity. This traditional feeding structure has been verified through long-term industrial application and has the following inherent technical defects: Firstly, the filter rods experience disordered backflow within the hopper, resulting in severe frictional losses. This conveying mode relies on mixing, stacking, and extrusion to push materials, making it impossible for the filter rods to achieve unidirectional orderly directional conveying. Instead, they are constantly in a reciprocating cycle and bidirectional movement state, with high-frequency relative sliding friction continuously generated between the filter rods and between the filter rods and the inner wall of the hopper.

[0004] Secondly, the surface of the paperless special filter rod has significant damage defects. For example... Figure 9 As shown, paperless filter rods, typically represented by Collins filter rods, are made of cellulose acetate bundles. The outer periphery has a toothed grooved structure, and a through-hole is formed axially. The rod body lacks a protective layer of cigarette paper. While these filter rods have strong overall rigidity, their surface wear resistance is weak, and they are prone to deformation under pressure. Under the current continuous reflux and extrusion conditions in the silo, the filter rod surface is highly susceptible to surface and structural damage such as fuzzing, tooth wear, and blunting of edges and corners, directly degrading the quality of subsequent filter rod composite and molding processes.

[0005] Third, the controllability of the compression-type passive feeding is poor, and the slitting operation is unstable. Traditional silos rely solely on the extrusion pressure of stacked filter rods to achieve material feeding and discharge. They lack independent quantity control and posture correction mechanisms, making it impossible to accurately control the number and placement posture of filter rods entering the slitting hub groove. This results in frequent malfunctions such as multiple filter rods getting stuck due to stacking and the grooves being empty and lacking material, causing the slitting process to be disordered and significantly increasing the frequency of abnormal equipment shutdowns.

[0006] Fourth, the structure has poor adaptability and cannot meet the requirements for low-damage conveying of rigid, irregularly shaped filter rods. For paperless filter rods with fine structures and complex shapes, such as those with toothed outer walls and central through holes, traditional silos are not equipped with dedicated flow limiting, directional guidance, and buffering and unloading mechanisms, making it difficult to achieve continuous and stable feeding under low-friction and low-extrusion damage conditions.

[0007] In summary, the existing composite filter rod hopper structure is not well-suited for the feeding scenarios of paperless filter rods, especially Collins filter rods with toothed grooves on the outer wall and axial through-hole configuration. It has unavoidable structural shortcomings. The industry urgently needs to develop a new filter rod feeding system that can achieve orderly material diversion, precise single-piece discharge, and low-friction, lossless conveying to overcome the various problems existing in the current technology. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention aims to solve the problems of surface fuzzing and structural damage in existing composite filter rod hopper structures. This invention patent provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods.

[0009] This invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods, comprising: The hopper assembly includes a filter rod storage bin, multiple filter rod conveying channels, and multiple diverter plates. Each filter rod conveying channel is spaced apart within the filter rod conveying channel. Each filter rod conveying channel is used to allow a single paperless filter rod to pass through. Each diverter plate is located between two adjacent filter rod conveying channels, and two adjacent diverter plates form a V-shaped feed inlet above a filter rod conveying channel. A stirring rod assembly, comprising multiple stirring rod plates, each of which is rotatably disposed within the feed inlet; The filter rod assembly is located at the upper end of each filter rod conveying channel; A lever assembly, which is located at the lower end of each filter rod conveying channel; and The drive assembly, which is connected to the stirring rod assembly, the rubbing rod assembly and the prying rod assembly respectively, is used to drive each stirring rod plate to rotate, agitate the paperless filter rods to move on each diverting plate, so that the paperless filter rods are sorted and enter the upper part of each filter rod conveying channel; drive the rubbing rod assembly to pry the sorted paperless filter rods into the upper part of each filter rod conveying channel; and drive the prying rod assembly to pry out the paperless filter rods that have been conveyed to the lower part of each filter rod conveying channel.

[0010] Furthermore, the stirring rod assembly also includes at least one crank-connecting rod mechanism, each crank-connecting rod mechanism connecting the two stirring rod plates to drive the two stirring rod plates to rotate.

[0011] Furthermore, the crank-connecting rod mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a third connecting rod, and a fourth connecting rod. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are arranged opposite to each other, and the two ends of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod on the same side are respectively fixedly connected to two stirring plates, and the two ends on the other side are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the third connecting rod. One end of the fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to one end of the first connecting rod, and the other end is connected to the drive assembly. The drive assembly drives the fourth connecting rod to rotate, so as to drive the crank-connecting rod mechanism to reciprocate.

[0012] Furthermore, the rubbing assembly includes multiple rubbing rollers, with a gap formed between adjacent rubbing rollers that allows a single paperless filter rod to pass through. The gap is aligned with the filter rod conveying channel. The drive assembly connects each rubbing roller to drive adjacent rubbing rollers to rotate in opposite directions, thereby actuating the sorted paperless filter rod into the upper end of the filter rod conveying channel.

[0013] Furthermore, each diverter plate is located above two adjacent rubbing rollers, and the two ends of the diverter plate are close to but do not contact the two adjacent rubbing rollers.

[0014] Furthermore, the push rod assembly includes multiple push rod rollers, each with multiple push rod teeth on its surface. The filter rod storage bin is located at the lower end of each filter rod conveying channel and has an arc-shaped discharge trough. The push rod rollers are rotatably mounted in the discharge trough. The drive assembly connects to each push rod roller to drive the push rod rollers to rotate, thereby using the push rod teeth to sequentially push the paperless filter rods entering the discharge trough along the discharge trough until they are discharged.

[0015] Furthermore, the bottom of the discharge trough is provided with a discharge port, and one side of the discharge port is provided with an inwardly inclined fork. When the fork roller moves the paperless filter rod to the discharge port, the paperless filter rod is guided outward by the fork so that the paperless filter rod is discharged.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a motor, a belt drive mechanism, a first gear mechanism, and a second gear mechanism. The motor is connected to the belt drive mechanism, which is connected to both the first and second gear mechanisms. The first gear mechanism is connected to the stirring rod assembly and the rubbing rod assembly, and the second gear mechanism is connected to the lever assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, the filter rod conveying channel includes two parallel guide plates, the distance between which is equal to the diameter of the paperless filter rod.

[0018] Furthermore, the diverter plate is an inverted V-shaped plate.

[0019] This patent has the following beneficial effects: 1. The present invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods. Through the combination of a diverter plate and an independent limiting filter rod conveying channel, it abandons the traditional feeding mode of overall circulation and stacking of filter rods in the hopper, completely blocking the disordered reciprocating motion and multi-layer stacking and extrusion of filter rods in the hopper. Each filter rod is independently diverted and vertically conveyed through a separate channel, which greatly reduces the frequency and contact area of ​​high-frequency relative friction between filter rods and between filter rods and the hopper wall. It eliminates structural damage defects such as surface fuzzing, tooth tip wear, blunting of edges and corners, and deformation of pore walls from the structural root, completely avoiding disordered friction and extrusion damage to filter rods, and greatly improving the forming quality of paperless filter rods. It is especially suitable for the characteristics of Collins paperless filter rods, which are paperless, finely structured, and have weak friction and extrusion resistance, effectively ensuring the consistency and quality of products in subsequent filter rod compounding, slitting, and forming.

[0020] 2. The present invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods, which adopts a linkage matching design between the limiting conveying channel and the rolling rod assembly. The spacing of the conveying channel is strictly adapted to the outer diameter of a single filter rod. Combined with the flexible unidirectional rolling and limiting effect of the paired rolling rod rollers, it can strictly limit only one paperless filter rod to fall into the conveying channel and complete the discharge at a time, realizing true "single rod, quantitative, and posture controllable" feeding. It completely solves the process defects caused by the inability to control the number and posture of filter rods discharged by traditional extrusion feeding, such as multiple rod stacking, channel jamming, empty material in the wheel groove, and misaligned discharge. It realizes single rod quantitative controllable feeding throughout the entire process, eliminates abnormal feeding defects, significantly improves the feeding accuracy and slitting matching degree of filter rods, and ensures the uniformity of the slitting process rhythm.

[0021] 3. The multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods of the present invention relies on the reciprocating oscillating agitation function of the crank connecting rod of the stirring rod assembly, combined with the periodic flexible feeding action of the rolling rod assembly, to form a continuous and orderly dynamic material guiding state in the feeding area of ​​the hopper. This effectively breaks up problems such as filter rod accumulation, jamming, and bridging at the feeding port, eliminates the dead zones of material stagnation in traditional hoppers, and ensures that the filter rods in the hopper always maintain an orderly guiding and layer-by-layer feeding flow. The entire process of material connection is smooth, and the feeding cycle is uniform and stable, effectively avoiding the problem of process interruption caused by intermittent material shortages and blockages, significantly improving the continuous operation capability and production efficiency of the filter rod forming production line, and greatly improving the stability of continuous equipment operation.

[0022] 4. The present invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods. The hopper assembly can be adjusted to effectively adapt to different lengths through a positioning structure. The guide spacing of the filter rod conveying channel can be precisely customized to fit different diameter paperless filter rods. At the same time, the pusher roller adopts a replaceable structure design, which can match the corresponding pusher tooth structure according to different filter rod structures and sizes. Compared with the traditional integrated non-adjustable hopper structure, the present invention can quickly complete the production changeover adaptation of paperless filter rods of different specifications without the need for overall equipment disassembly. The changeover operation is convenient and the adaptation range is wide. The equipment versatility and changeover convenience are greatly improved, effectively reducing the equipment modification cost and changeover time for the production of multiple types of filter rods.

[0023] 5. This invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods. Each functional component is clearly zoned, and the transmission path is simple and clear. Synchronous linkage is achieved through belt drive and gear mechanism, resulting in strong transmission stability and low impact load, effectively reducing abnormal noise during equipment operation and fatigue wear of components. Simultaneously, the core transmission components adopt an adjustable tension design, making disassembly, maintenance, and replacement of key operating components convenient. The overall failure rate of the equipment is far lower than that of traditional mixing and extrusion feeding equipment. This effectively reduces the frequency of abnormal equipment downtime, lowers subsequent maintenance labor costs and spare parts wear costs, and significantly improves the overall equipment uptime and the economic efficiency of industrial production. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this patent, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this patent and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front side of a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rear side of a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is an internal structural diagram of a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the silo assembly; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the hopper assembly; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring rod assembly; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rolling pin assembly; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the lever assembly; Figure 9This is a cross-sectional view of a paperless filter rod.

[0026] In the picture: 1. Silo assembly; 11. Filter rod storage compartment; 111. Right side panel; 112. Back panel; 113. Cover plate; 114. Left side panel; 115. Positioning rod; 12. Diverter plate; 13. Filter rod conveying channel; 14. Feed inlet; 15. First deflector; 16. Second deflector; 2. Stirring rod assembly; 21. Stirring plate; 22. First link; 23. Second link; 24. Third link; 25. Fourth link; 3. Rubbing rod assembly; 31. Roller roller; 311. Roller shaft; 32. Second bearing; 4. Pulley assembly; 41. Digging roller; 411. Pulley shaft; 412. Third bearing; 42. Discharge chute; 43. Pulley fork; 5. Driver components; 51. Electric motor; 52. Belt drive mechanism; 521. Synchronous belt; 522. Drive pulley; 523. Driven pulley; 524. First tensioning pulley; 525. Second tensioning pulley; 53. First gear mechanism; 531. First input gear; 532. First output gear; 533, First Input Axis; 534. First bearing; 535. First cap; 536. Second cap; 537. Eccentric shaft; 538. Bearing housing; 54. Second gear mechanism; 541. Second input gear; 542. Second output gear; 543. Second input axis; 544. Fourth bearing; 545. Gearbox; 100. Paperless filter rods. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The detailed features and advantages of this application are described below in the specific embodiments. The content of this description is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this application and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this application.

[0028] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. While specific structures and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done merely for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other structures and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can also be used in a variety of other applications.

[0029] In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined to have the following meanings: The singular forms “a” and “” include their corresponding plural forms. “At least one” means one or more, and “more” means two or more. “At least one of the following” or 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, or c can be expressed as: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0030] All figures used to represent component amounts, properties (e.g., molecular weight), reaction conditions, etc., should be considered to be modified in all cases by the terms "within the unavoidable margin of error" or "about". Therefore, the numerical values ​​set forth herein are approximate and may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. The principles of equivalents, which are applied to a minimum and not intended to limit the scope of the claims, should be applied, for example, each value should be interpreted at least according to the reported significant digits and by applying conventional rounding techniques.

[0031] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects, but it can also represent an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for a more accurate understanding.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "bottom", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product is usually placed during use. 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.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, the following abbreviations have the following meanings, and any other abbreviations used herein but not defined have their generally accepted standard meanings: All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in particular meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solutions of the invention can be implemented after reading the claims, specification and drawings.

[0034] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this invention, those skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this invention.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will first choose to read the claims, specification, and drawings of this invention to reasonably interpret the terms; secondly, they will choose to refer to the relevant definitions in other documents published by the applicant before the filing date to reasonably interpret the terms; thirdly, they will choose the references cited in this invention to reasonably interpret the terms; and finally, they will choose to combine the technical dictionaries, technical manuals, reference books, textbooks, national or industry technical standards, etc., commonly used by those skilled in the art to reasonably interpret the terms.

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following will describe in detail its implementation methods in conjunction with the specific structure and working process of the device of the present invention.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 and 2 The present invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods, which is specifically adapted to the feeding conditions of Collins-type paperless filter rods 100 with toothed grooves on the outer wall and a through circular hole in the center. It can effectively solve the technical problems of disordered feeding of existing traditional silos, large friction damage of filter rods, uncontrollable feeding posture, and high failure rate of jammed empty slots. It achieves the working effect of orderly diversion of paperless filter rods 100, precise single-rod conveying, and low-damage continuous feeding.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8 The present invention provides a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods, which mainly includes a hopper assembly 1, a stirring rod assembly 2, a rubbing rod assembly 3, a pushing rod assembly 4, and a driving assembly 5. The components cooperate with each other and work together to complete the storage, sorting, diversion, conveying and precise discharge of the paperless filter rods 100.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The hopper assembly 1, as the main storage and diversion conveying structure of this device, mainly includes a filter rod storage bin 11, multiple filter rod conveying channels 13, and multiple diversion plates 12. Each filter rod conveying channel 13 is spaced apart within the filter rod conveying channel 13, and each filter rod conveying channel 13 is used for a single paperless filter rod 100 to pass through. Each diversion plate 12 is disposed between two adjacent filter rod conveying channels 13, and two adjacent diversion plates 12 form a V-shaped feed inlet 14 above a filter rod conveying channel 13.

[0040] The filter rod storage chamber 11 has an open top for feeding paperless filter rods 100. After feeding, the paperless filter rods 100 accumulate above the filter rod conveying channels 13. The shape of the filter rod storage chamber 11 can be flexibly configured according to the actual application scenario. For example, the filter rod storage chamber 11 is approximately "funnel-shaped," specifically including a left side plate 114, a back plate 112, a right side plate 111, and a cover plate 113. The left side plate 114, back plate 112, and right side plate 111 form a funnel groove. The cover plate 113 is hinged to the left side plate 114, and a handle is provided on the outer surface of the cover plate 113 for opening and closing the filter rod storage chamber 11 by pushing and pulling the cover plate 113. The cover plate 113 is preferably a transparent acrylic cover, allowing direct observation of the feeding situation inside the filter rod storage chamber 11 from the outside.

[0041] In some embodiments, the edge of the back plate 112 is provided with a plurality of positioning rods 115, each positioning rod 115 is fixed on the frame, and the back plate 112 is movably connected to the positioning rods 115, such as by bolts. By adjusting the position of the back plate 112 relative to the positioning rods 115, the distance between the back plate 112 and the cover plate 113 can be adjusted to adapt the storage compartment to the length specification change of the paperless filter rod 100.

[0042] Multiple filter rod conveying channels 13 are arranged in a fan shape, with each filter rod conveying channel 13 spaced apart and each filter rod conveying channel 13 being independent. Preferably, the filter rod conveying channels 13 are evenly spaced, that is, the corresponding central angles between any two adjacent filter rod conveying channels 13 are the same.

[0043] The passage size of each filter rod conveying channel 13 is adapted to a single paperless filter rod 100, allowing only a single paperless filter rod 100 to maintain a horizontal state for vertical passage. This achieves independent material distribution and orderly conveying of multiple channels from the structural source, eliminating the problems of stacking and jamming of multiple filter rods in traditional structures.

[0044] For example, each filter rod conveying channel 13 is formed by two parallel guide plates. The distance between the two guide plates is precisely matched with the outer diameter of the paperless filter rod 100. The gap is equal to the diameter of the paperless filter rod 100. This can not only accurately limit and correct the conveying posture of the paperless filter rod 100, preventing the filter rod from tilting or deviating, but also minimize the contact friction between the filter rod and the guide plate, adapting to the poor wear resistance and easy deformation of the paperless filter rod 100.

[0045] The diversion plate 12 is fixed on the back plate 112. Multiple diversion plates 12 are arranged one-to-one between two adjacent filter rod conveying channels 13. In this embodiment, the diversion plate 12 adopts an inverted V-shaped plate structure, which is structurally stable and has excellent flow guiding effect. Two adjacent diversion plates 12 cooperate with each other to form a V-shaped feed inlet 14 above the corresponding filter rod conveying channel 13. The feed inlet 14 has a flow guiding structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. It can automatically gather and divert the paperless filter rods 100 piled up in the filter rod storage bin 11, and orderly guide the randomly piled paperless filter rods 100 to the inlet area of ​​each filter rod conveying channel 13, so as to achieve uniform material distribution in multiple channels and avoid local material accumulation and material shortage.

[0046] In some embodiments, a first guide plate 15 and a second guide plate 16 are respectively provided near the left side plate 114 and the right side plate 111. The first guide plate 15 and the second guide plate 16 are both inclined. The first guide plate 15 and the second guide plate 16 cooperate with the two diverting plates 12 located at the edge to make the paperless filter rods 100 falling into the left and right edges of the filter rod storage chamber 11 gather towards the filter rod conveying channel 13.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6The stirring rod assembly 2 is a filter rod pretreatment and sorting structure used to dynamically stir and sort the paperless filter rods 100 that are piled up or stuck at the feed inlet 14, ensuring that the filter rods fall smoothly into the conveying channel. The stirring rod assembly 2 includes multiple stirring rod plates 21, each of which is rotatably set inside the feed inlet 14. Each stirring rod plate 21 is rotatably embedded inside the V-shaped feed inlet 14 formed by the diversion plates 12, and an independent stirring rod structure is configured for each feed inlet 14 to specifically complete the sorting operation of the filter rods in each channel's feed area.

[0048] In some embodiments, the stirring rod assembly 2 further includes at least one crank-connecting rod mechanism, each crank-connecting rod mechanism connecting the two stirring rod plates 21 to drive the two stirring rod plates 21 to rotate.

[0049] For example, each crank-connecting rod mechanism is synchronously connected to two stirring plates 21, which can synchronously drive the two stirring plates 21 to perform reciprocating rotation, realizing synchronous combing at two stations and improving feeding efficiency. Specifically, the crank-connecting rod mechanism includes a first connecting rod 22, a second connecting rod 23, a third connecting rod 24, and a fourth connecting rod 25. The first connecting rod 22 and the second connecting rod 23 are arranged opposite to each other, and the two ends of the first connecting rod 22 and the second connecting rod 23 on the same side are respectively fixedly connected to the two stirring plates 21, and the two ends on the other side are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the third connecting rod 24. One end of the fourth connecting rod 25 is rotatably connected to one end of the first connecting rod 22, and the other end is connected to the drive assembly 5. The drive assembly 5 drives the fourth connecting rod 25 to rotate, thereby driving the crank-connecting rod mechanism to reciprocate.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first link 22, the second link 23 and the fourth link 25 are all spherical bearings. The first link 22 and the second link 23 are respectively hinged to both ends of the third link 24, and one end of the fourth link 25 is hinged to one end of the first link 22.

[0051] In some embodiments, the longitudinal section of the stirring plate 21 is approximately spindle-shaped. The middle part of the stirring plate 21 is rotatably mounted on the back plate 112. When the stirring plate 21 rotates, the two ends of the stirring plate 21 push the paperless filter rods 100 accumulated in the feed inlet 14, so that the disordered paperless filter rods 100 slide smoothly and are arranged in an orderly manner on the surface of the diverter plate 12. The orderly arranged paperless filter rods 100 are in a horizontal state.

[0052] The rubbing rod assembly 3 is positioned at the upper feeding position of each filter rod conveying channel 13, receiving the paperless filter rods 100 combed by the stirring rod assembly 2, thus achieving precise single-rod feeding.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, the paper filter rod assembly 3 includes multiple paper filter rod rollers 31. A gap is formed between adjacent paper filter rod rollers 31 to allow a single paperless filter rod 100 to pass through. The gap is aligned with the filter rod conveying channel 13 to ensure that the filter rod enters the filter rod conveying channel 13 vertically and smoothly. The drive assembly 5 is connected to each paper filter rod roller 31 to drive adjacent paper filter rod rollers 31 to rotate in opposite directions, thereby actuating the paperless filter rod 100 after it has been prepared to enter the upper end of the filter rod conveying channel 13.

[0054] The two adjacent rubbing rollers 31 always maintain a state of synchronous rotation in opposite directions. After being shaped by the stirring rod assembly 2, the paperless filter rod 100 falls into the gap between the two sets of rubbing rollers 31. Relying on the reverse rotation friction of the rubbing rollers 31, the filter rod is gently rubbed and its posture is corrected, accurately feeding the single paperless filter rod 100 vertically into the filter rod conveying channel 13 below. Compared with the traditional extrusion feeding method, the rubbing roller 31's flexible rubbing feeding method has no hard extrusion or severe friction, which can effectively protect the surface grooves and end face structure of the paperless filter rod 100 and completely eliminate quality defects such as fuzzing, deformation, and wear.

[0055] In some embodiments, the lower end of each diverter plate 12 is mounted above two adjacent rubbing rollers 31, and the two ends of the diverter plate 12 maintain a small gap with the surface of the adjacent rubbing rollers 31 and do not contact each other. This can form a stable support structure based on the rubbing rollers 31, ensure the diverter plate 12's flow guiding accuracy, and prevent the paperless filter rod 100 from entering the space below the diverter plate 12 and getting stuck. It can also prevent the diverter plate 12 from interfering with the movement and friction wear between the rubbing rollers 31, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the lever assembly 4 is located at the lower end of each filter rod conveying channel 13 and at the discharge position of each filter rod conveying channel 13. It is used to accurately and orderly pull out the paperless filter rods 100 that have been conveyed into place in the filter rod conveying channel 13 to complete the final feeding process.

[0057] The agitator assembly 4 includes multiple agitator rollers 41, each with multiple teeth evenly distributed circumferentially on its surface. A filter rod storage chamber 11 is located at the lower end of each filter rod conveying channel 13 and has an arc-shaped discharge trough 42. The agitator rollers 41 are rotatably mounted within the discharge trough 42, and the teeth on the surface of the agitator rollers 41 and the inner wall of the discharge trough 42 form a movable chamber capable of accommodating a single paperless filter rod 100. The drive assembly 5 connects to each agitator roller 41 to drive its rotation. The teeth fit snugly against the arc-shaped inner wall of the discharge trough 42, allowing for stable rotation along an arc-shaped trajectory. This, in turn, sequentially agitates the paperless filter rods 100 entering the discharge trough 42, propelling them along the trough until they are discharged.

[0058] The size of the teeth is adapted to the outer diameter of the paperless filter rod 100, which can accurately hold a single paperless filter rod 100. After the paperless filter rod 100 slides vertically down the filter rod conveying channel 13 into the arc-shaped discharge groove 42, the drive component 5 drives the pusher roller 41 to rotate continuously. The teeth on the surface of the roller body push the paperless filter rods 100 in the discharge groove 42 one by one, driving the filter rods to slide smoothly along the arc-shaped discharge groove 42, realizing the orderly discharge of single rods, effectively preventing faults such as multiple rods being stacked, empty grooves, and jamming.

[0059] In some embodiments, the bottom of the discharge trough 42 is provided with a discharge port for discharging the filter rod. An inwardly inclined fork 43 is provided on one side of the discharge port. When the pusher roller 41 moves the paperless filter rod 100 to the discharge port, the paperless filter rod 100 is guided outward by the fork 43 to discharge. For example, an inwardly inclined fork 43 is integrally provided on the inner side of the discharge port. When the pusher roller 41 moves the paperless filter rod 100 to the discharge port position, the inclined fork 43 can precisely guide and limit the filter rod, assisting it to smoothly disengage from the pusher teeth and discharge outward, accurately falling into the circumferential groove of the rear cutting hub, ensuring uniform discharge posture and stable discharge rhythm.

[0060] The drive assembly 5 is connected to the stirring rod assembly 2, the rubbing rod assembly 3, and the prying rod assembly 4 respectively. It is used to drive each stirring rod plate 21 to rotate, agitate the paperless filter rod 100 to move on each diverting plate 12, so that the paperless filter rod 100 is sorted and enters the upper part of each filter rod conveying channel 13; drive the rubbing rod assembly 3 to pry the sorted paperless filter rod 100 into the upper end of each filter rod conveying channel 13; and drive the prying rod assembly 4 to pry out the paperless filter rod 100 that has been conveyed to the lower end of each filter rod conveying channel 13.

[0061] The drive assembly 5 provides a unified power output for all moving parts of the device, enabling synchronous linkage and coordinated operation of all components. Specifically, it includes a motor 51, a belt drive mechanism 52, a first gear mechanism 53, and a second gear mechanism 54. Among them, the motor 51 is the core power source. The output end of the motor 51 is connected to the belt drive mechanism 52, which splits the power and connects it to the first gear mechanism 53 and the second gear mechanism 54 respectively, thus completing the layered power output.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first gear mechanism 53 is connected to the stirring rod assembly 2 and the rubbing rod assembly 3, and synchronously transmits power to the crank connecting rod mechanism and each rubbing rod roller 31, so as to realize the synchronous operation of the reciprocating stirring of the stirring rod plate 21 and the rotation of the rubbing rod roller 31, ensuring the rhythm matching of the front-end filter rod combing and feeding process; the second gear mechanism 54 is independently connected to the lever assembly 4, providing stable power for the rotation of each lever roller 41 to discharge material, and realizing independent and controllable speed adjustment of the rear-end discharge process.

[0063] For example, the belt drive mechanism 52 includes a synchronous belt 521, a first tension pulley 524, a second tension pulley 525, a driving pulley 522, and a driven pulley 523. The first tension pulley 524 and the second tension pulley 525 are fixedly mounted on the mounting plate on the outside of the back plate 112. The driving pulley 522 is connected to a first gear mechanism 53, and the driven pulley 523 is connected to a second gear mechanism 54. The synchronous belt 521 is sleeved on the driving pulley 522 and the driven pulley 523 after the tension pulley, and passes over the first tension pulley 524 and the second tension pulley 525. The motor 51 is a servo motor 51 with an integrated reducer. The servo motor 51 is connected to the driving pulley 522 to drive the driving pulley 522 to rotate, and drives the driven pulley 523 to rotate through the synchronous belt 521.

[0064] The first gear mechanism 53 includes a bearing housing 538, multiple first input gears 531, and multiple first output gears 532. The number of first output gears 532 is the same as the number of rolling rollers 31, and the number of first input gears 531 is one less than the number of first output gears 532. The bearing housing 538 is fixedly mounted on the back of the back plate 112. Multiple first bearings 534 and multiple second bearings 32 are installed inside the bearing housing 538. Each rolling roller 31 has a rolling shaft 311 at its rear end, and the rear end of the rolling shaft 311 passes through the second bearing 32 inside the bearing housing 538. Each first output gear 532 is sleeved on the rear end of the rolling shaft 311 and locked by a first pressure cap 535. Each first input gear 531 is sleeved on a first input shaft 533 and locked by a second pressure cap 536. The first input shaft 533 passes through the first bearing 534. Each first input gear 531 is located above each first output gear 532, and each first input gear 531 meshes in sequence, and each first output gear 532 meshes in sequence. Each input gear and its two adjacent first output gears 532 mesh. The first input shaft 533 of one of the first input gears 531 is connected to the drive pulley 522. The rotation of the drive pulley 522 can drive each first input gear 531 and each first output gear 532 to mesh and drive, thereby driving the two adjacent rolling rollers 31 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0065] Furthermore, some of the first input shafts 533 have an eccentric shaft 537 at their front ends. Each eccentric shaft 537 is connected to the fourth connection of the crank-connecting rod mechanism. When the first input shaft 533 rotates, it can also drive the fourth connection to rotate, thereby driving the crank-connecting rod mechanism to reciprocate, so that the stirring plate 21 moves the paperless filter rods 100 piled up at the feed port 14.

[0066] The second gear mechanism 54 includes a gearbox 545, multiple second input gears 541, and multiple second output gears 542. The number of second output gears 542 is the same as the number of lever rollers 41, and the number of second input gears 541 is one less than the number of second output gears 542. The gearbox 545 is fixedly mounted on the back of the back plate 112. A lever shaft 411 is provided at the rear end of the lever roller 41. The lever shaft 411 is rotatably mounted inside the gearbox 545 via a third bearing 412, so that the lever roller 41 is located at the front of the gearbox 545. Each second output gear 542 is sleeved on the rear end of a lever shaft 411 and located inside the gearbox 545. The second input gears 541 are sleeved on the second input shaft 543. The second input shaft 543 is rotatably mounted on the gearbox 545 via a fourth bearing 544, so that the second input gears 541 are located inside the gearbox 545. The second output gears 542 are not meshed with each other, and the second input gears 541 are not meshed with each other. Each second input gear 541 is located between two adjacent second output gears 542 and meshes with both adjacent second output gears 542 simultaneously. The second input shaft 543 of one of the second input gears 541 is connected to the driven pulley 523. The rotation of the driven pulley 523 can drive the second input gear 541 to rotate, which in turn drives the second input gears 541 and the second output gears 542 to mesh and drive each lever roller 41 to rotate in the same direction.

[0067] In this embodiment, the drive component 5 uses a combination of belt drive and gear drive, which provides smooth transmission, low noise, and low power loss. It can precisely control the movement rhythm of each component, so that the entire process of filter rod combing, feeding, conveying and discharging is connected in an orderly manner and the rhythm is unified. This completely solves the problems of disordered process and unstable rhythm in the feeding process of traditional equipment, and greatly reduces the downtime failure rate of the equipment.

[0068] When the multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods of the present invention is in operation, the paperless filter rods 100 are first stored in the filter rod storage chamber 11. Under the guiding action of the inverted V-shaped diverter plate 12, the paperless filter rods 100 are evenly distributed in the areas of each V-shaped feed inlet 14. Then, the drive assembly 5 is started, and the stirring plate 21 is driven to rotate back and forth through the crank connecting rod mechanism to stir and comb the filter rods accumulated in the feed inlet 14, break the filter rod accumulation and blockage, and complete the regularization and diversion of the filter rods. The combed filter rods fall into the rolling rod assembly 3. In the area, adjacent rubbing rollers 31 rotate in opposite directions, using a flexible rubbing motion to precisely guide a single filter rod into the filter rod conveying channel 13; the filter rod slides smoothly and vertically along the limiting guide plate, completing low-friction orderly conveying; finally, the filter rod enters the lower arc-shaped discharge trough 42, and the pusher roller 41 pushes the filter rod one by one through the surface pusher teeth, with the guiding action of the inclined pusher fork 43, so that the single paperless filter rod 100 is accurately and stably discharged and falls into the slitting hub groove, completing a single feeding process, and repeating the cycle to achieve continuous automated low-damage feeding operation.

[0069] This invention discloses a multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods. Through the coordinated operation of a multi-channel independent diversion structure, a flexible rod feeding structure, a dynamic stirring and combing structure, and a precise feeding and discharging structure, it fundamentally changes the traditional filter rod hopper extrusion-type and disordered circulation feeding mode. It achieves orderly diversion, single-rod conveying, low friction and low loss, controllable posture, and stable feeding effect for paperless filter rods 100. It is especially suitable for the processing conditions of paperless filter rods 100 with toothed grooves and central through holes, effectively improving the composite quality of filter rod molding, reducing equipment failure rate, and possessing extremely high industrial promotion value.

[0070] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices, apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways.

[0071] For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0072] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0073] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0074] In this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "a specific implementation" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / specific implementation is included in at least one embodiment / specific implementation of the invention. Therefore, the phrase "in one embodiment / specific implementation" appearing in various places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / setting, but rather to potentially different embodiments. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more embodiments / settings in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0075] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of exemplary embodiments / specific implementations of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes combined in a single embodiment / specific implementation or its figures and description, with the aim of simplifying the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various aspects of the invention. However, except for expressly stated instructions to the contrary or obvious technical contradictions or exclusions, the method of description in this patent should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed features of the invention are more than those expressly stated in each claim.

[0076] Conversely, the inventive aspect reflected in the claims lies in not all the features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment / specification. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated herein, each claim existing independently as a separate embodiment / specification of the invention.

[0077] Furthermore, while some embodiments / specific implementations described herein include, but are not limited to, other features included in other embodiments / specific implementations, combinations of features from different embodiments / specific implementations are intended to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments / specific implementations, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, embodiments / specific implementations of any claim can be used in any combination.

[0078] The terms and expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. In using these terms and expressions, it is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features or portions thereof shown, but rather to recognize that various modifications may be possible within the scope of the invention.

[0079] Therefore, it should be understood that although the invention has been specifically disclosed through preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, those skilled in the art may take variations or modifications of the concepts disclosed herein, and such variations and modifications are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0080] The specific embodiments given in this specification are examples of useful implementations of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented using many variations of the devices, device components, and method steps disclosed in this specification.

[0081] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully discloses the general features of the present invention, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without conducting excessive experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present invention.

[0082] Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and is not intended to be limiting; thus, the wording or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing teachings and guidance.

[0083] Furthermore, the scope of the invention should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but only to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods, characterized in that, include: The hopper assembly includes a filter rod storage bin, multiple filter rod conveying channels, and multiple diverting plates. Each filter rod conveying channel is spaced apart within the filter rod conveying channel. Each filter rod conveying channel is used to allow a single paperless filter rod to pass through. Each diverting plate is disposed between two adjacent filter rod conveying channels, and two adjacent diverting plates form a V-shaped inlet above a filter rod conveying channel. A stirring rod assembly, comprising a plurality of stirring rod plates, each of the stirring rod plates being rotatably disposed within the feed inlet; A rubbing rod assembly is disposed at the upper end of each of the filter rod conveying channels; A lever assembly, which is disposed at the lower end of each of the filter rod conveying channels; and A drive assembly, which is connected to the stirring rod assembly, the rubbing rod assembly, and the prying rod assembly respectively, is used to drive each of the stirring rod plates to rotate, agitate the paperless filter rods on each diverting plate, so that the paperless filter rods are sorted and enter the upper part of each of the filter rod conveying channels; drive the rubbing rod assembly to pry the sorted paperless filter rods into the upper part of each of the filter rod conveying channels; and drive the prying rod assembly to pry out the paperless filter rods conveyed to the lower part of each of the filter rod conveying channels.

2. The multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring rod assembly further includes at least one crank-connecting rod mechanism, each of which connects to the two stirring rod plates to drive the two stirring rod plates to rotate.

3. The multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 2, characterized in that: The crank-connecting rod mechanism includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a third connecting rod, and a fourth connecting rod. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are arranged opposite to each other, and the two ends of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod on the same side are respectively fixedly connected to the two stirring plates, and the two ends on the other side are respectively rotatably connected to the two ends of the third connecting rod. One end of the fourth connecting rod is rotatably connected to one end of the first connecting rod, and the other end is connected to the drive assembly. The drive assembly drives the fourth connecting rod to rotate, thereby driving the crank-connecting rod mechanism to reciprocate.

4. The multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rubbing assembly includes multiple rubbing rollers, with a gap formed between two adjacent rubbing rollers to allow a single paperless filter rod to pass through. The gap is aligned with the filter rod conveying channel. The driving assembly is connected to each of the rubbing rollers to drive two adjacent rubbing rollers to rotate in opposite directions, thereby actuating the sorted paperless filter rod into the upper end of the filter rod conveying channel.

5. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the flow dividers is located above two adjacent rollers, and the two ends of the flow divider are close to but do not contact the two adjacent rollers.

6. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The agitator assembly includes multiple agitator rollers, each with multiple teeth on its surface. The filter rod storage bin is located at the lower end of each filter rod conveying channel and has an arc-shaped discharge trough. The agitator rollers are rotatably disposed within the discharge troughs. The drive assembly is connected to each agitator roller to drive the rollers to rotate, thereby causing the paperless filter rods entering the discharge troughs to move along the discharge troughs until they are discharged, via the teeth.

7. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 6, characterized in that: The bottom of the discharge trough is provided with a discharge port, and one side of the discharge port is provided with an inwardly inclined fork. When the pusher roller moves the paperless filter rod to the discharge port, the paperless filter rod is guided outward by the pusher fork so that the paperless filter rod is discharged.

8. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a motor, a belt drive mechanism, a first gear mechanism, and a second gear mechanism. The motor is connected to the belt drive mechanism, and the belt drive mechanism is connected to the first gear mechanism and the second gear mechanism. The first gear mechanism is connected to the stirring rod assembly and the rubbing rod assembly, and the second gear mechanism is connected to the prying rod assembly.

9. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter rod conveying channel includes two parallel guide plates, and the distance between the two guide plates is equal to the diameter of the paperless filter rod.

10. A multi-channel feeding device for paperless cigarette filter rods according to claim 1, characterized in that: The diverter plate is an inverted V-shaped plate.

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