Code scanning auxiliary device

Abstract

A code scanning auxiliary device is used for code scanning of tobacco packages and comprises a group arranging and positioning mechanism (10) which is configured to sequentially arrange a preset number of tobacco packages in a first direction (x) to form a tobacco package group and position the tobacco package group; the code scanning mechanism (20) is arranged adjacent to the tobacco package grouping mechanism and is used for scanning and reading the image codes on the tobacco packages; wherein the code scanning mechanism (20) is provided with a code scanning lens (21) and is arranged at a position where the image code of each tobacco package in the positioned tobacco package group is located in a view finding range of the code scanning lens (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of tobacco production, and in particular to a code scanning auxiliary device. Background Art

[0002] According to national and market traceability requirements for the cigarette production process, various cigarette packages (including cigarette packs, cigarette rods, and cigarette boxes) need to be accompanied by QR codes, and in the same box of cigarettes, the QR codes of the cigarette boxes, cigarette rods, and cigarette packs need to be interrelated.

[0003] In the actual production process, some situations make it impossible for the production workshop to automatically pack cigarette cartons. For example, some special brands of equipment lack a packing and sealing conveyor line or the packing and sealing equipment fails and stops. In this case, operators are required to manually pack and seal the cigarette boxes. In the current manual packing and sealing, operators use a scanner to scan the QR code on the cigarette cartons. Utility Model Content

[0004] Research has found that manual packing and sealing operations can usually only scan one cigarette at a time and require manual triggering, which is inefficient. There is also a risk of errors in the packing process causing the arrangement order to be inconsistent with the scanning order, which is not conducive to a stable production order.

[0005] In view of this, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a code scanning auxiliary device that can improve the scanning efficiency of tobacco packages.

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a code scanning auxiliary device for scanning tobacco packages, comprising: a group positioning mechanism, configured to arrange a predetermined number of tobacco packages in sequence in a first direction to form a tobacco package group, and to position the tobacco package group; and a code scanning mechanism, disposed adjacent to the tobacco package grouping mechanism, for scanning and reading image codes on the tobacco packages; wherein the code scanning mechanism has a code scanning lens, and is disposed at a position such that the image codes of each tobacco package in the positioned tobacco package group are within the field of view of the code scanning lens.

[0007] In some embodiments, the row group positioning mechanism includes: a blocking member configured to block and position at least one end of a predetermined number of tobacco packages in the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the group positioning mechanism further includes: a photoelectric sensing component configured to perform photoelectric sensing on the tobacco packages blocked by the blocking member to determine that a predetermined number of tobacco packages are arranged into the tobacco package group.

[0009] In some embodiments, the photoelectric sensing assembly includes a first photoelectric switch and a second photoelectric switch arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the first photoelectric switch and the second photoelectric switch are respectively configured to sense one end and the other end of a predetermined number of tobacco packages in the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the code scanning auxiliary device further includes: a first bracket, on which the code scanning mechanism is movably mounted; and a second bracket, which is relatively fixed to the position of the first bracket, and on which the row group positioning mechanism is mounted.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first bracket includes a first vertical beam, a second vertical beam and a cross beam, the first vertical beam and the second vertical beam are arranged at intervals along the first direction, and both extend along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the cross beam extends along the first direction, and both ends are fixedly connected to the top of the first vertical beam and the top of the second vertical beam respectively, and the code scanning mechanism is arranged on the cross beam through a position adjustment component.

[0012] In some embodiments, the position adjustment assembly includes a slider, an L-shaped rod and a mounting block, the slider is slidably disposed on the beam along the first direction, the L-shaped rod includes a first rod segment and a second rod segment bent at right angles, the first rod segment extends along a third direction and is slidably disposed on the slider along the third direction, the second rod segment extends along the second direction, the mounting block is slidably disposed on the second rod along the second direction, and the code scanning mechanism is rotatably mounted on the mounting block.

[0013] In some embodiments, the code scanning auxiliary device further includes: a light shielding member, which is disposed on the first bracket and is used to shield light from an external light source when the code scanning mechanism scans a code.

[0014] In some embodiments, the shading member is movably disposed on the beam.

[0015] In some embodiments, the code scanning auxiliary device also includes a base plate, the second bracket and the first bracket are both fixedly arranged on the upper surface of the base plate, the second bracket has a mounting groove extending along the first direction, the array positioning mechanism includes a photoelectric sensing component, the photoelectric sensing component includes a first photoelectric switch and a second photoelectric switch arranged at intervals along the first direction, and the first photoelectric switch and the second photoelectric switch are movably arranged in the mounting groove along the first direction.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a predetermined number of tobacco packages are arranged in sequence in a first direction by a grouping and positioning mechanism to form a tobacco package group, and the tobacco package group is positioned. When the tobacco package group is positioned, the image code of each tobacco package is located within the field of view of the scanning lens of the scanning mechanism. In this way, the image codes of multiple tobacco packages can be read synchronously by scanning through the scanning mechanism to realize batch scanning, thereby effectively improving the scanning efficiency of tobacco packages and reducing the risk of scanning errors, which is conducive to achieving a stable production order. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] The present disclosure may be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figures 1 to 3 They are schematic diagrams of the structures of some embodiments of the code scanning auxiliary device disclosed in the present invention at different viewing angles.

[0020] It should be understood that the size of each part shown in the accompanying drawings is not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. In addition, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and to fully express the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the components and steps, the composition of the materials, the numerical expressions and the numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limiting.

[0022] The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different parts. The words "include" or "comprise" and similar words mean that the elements before the word include the elements listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of including other elements. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0023] In the present disclosure, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intermediate device between the specific device and the first device or the second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other device without an intermediate device, or may not be directly connected to the other device but have an intermediate device.

[0024] All terms (including technical terms or scientific terms) used in the present disclosure have the same meanings as those understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries, such as general dictionaries, should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0025] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0026] In the current manual packing and sealing process, operators hold a barcode scanner to scan the QR code on the cigarette strips. Studies have found that manual packing and sealing operations can usually only scan one cigarette at a time and require manual triggering, which is inefficient and has the risk of errors in the packing process causing the arrangement order to be inconsistent with the scanning order, which is not conducive to a stable production order.

[0027] In view of this, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a code scanning auxiliary device that can improve the scanning efficiency of tobacco packages.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 They are schematic diagrams of structures of some embodiments of the code scanning auxiliary device according to the present disclosure at different viewing angles. Figure 1 The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a code scanning auxiliary device for scanning codes of tobacco packages. The tobacco packages here can be cigarette rods, cigarette packs or cigarette boxes. For cigarette rods, their specifications can include one of regular specifications, medium cigarette specifications and slim cigarette specifications.

[0029] The code scanning auxiliary device includes a row group positioning mechanism 10 and a code scanning mechanism 20. The row group positioning mechanism 10 is configured to sequentially arrange a predetermined number of tobacco packages in a first direction x to form a tobacco package group, and to position the tobacco package group. The predetermined number here is generally more than two, and when the tobacco packages are sequentially arranged, adjacent tobacco packages are in contact with each other, for example, the large surfaces of the tobacco rods are close to each other. The first direction x can be set to a direction perpendicular to the large surface of the tobacco package, for example, a direction perpendicular to the large surface of the tobacco rod.

[0030] The code scanning mechanism 20 is arranged adjacent to the tobacco package arrangement mechanism, and is used to scan and read the image code on the tobacco package. The image code may include a QR code, or a bar code or other forms of image code. The image code may be arranged on the side where the narrow edge of the tobacco rod is located. The scanned image code may be used to associate with the code of further packaging, for example, the QR code of the scanned tobacco rod is associated with the QR code of the cigarette box to be loaded, so that a cigarette box QR code is associated with the QR code of a preset number (e.g., 50) of cigarette rods loaded into the cigarette box.

[0031] The code scanning mechanism 20 is a code scanning device having a code scanning lens 21. The code scanning device may include an industrial-grade camera or a CCD / CMOS sensor. The code scanning lens captures an image and parses the image to obtain information corresponding to the image code. The code scanning operation of the code scanning mechanism 20 may be performed manually by an operator or triggered by a device instruction.

[0032] The code scanning mechanism 20 is set at a position where the image codes of each tobacco package in the positioned tobacco package group are all located within the framing range of the code scanning lens 21. When setting the code scanning mechanism 20, the operator adjusts the position of the code scanning mechanism 20 so that the framing range of the code scanning lens 21 accommodates the image codes of all tobacco packages in the tobacco package group.

[0033] In this embodiment, a predetermined number of tobacco packages are arranged in sequence in a first direction by a grouping and positioning mechanism to form a tobacco package group, and the tobacco package group is positioned. When the tobacco package group is positioned, the image code of each tobacco package is located within the field of view of the scanning lens of the scanning mechanism. In this way, the image codes of multiple tobacco packages can be read synchronously by scanning through the scanning mechanism to realize batch scanning, thereby effectively improving the scanning efficiency of tobacco packages, and reducing the risk of scanning errors, which is conducive to achieving a stable production order.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the grouping and positioning mechanism 10 includes a blocking member 11. The blocking member 11 is configured to block and position at least one end of a predetermined number of tobacco packages in the first direction x. The blocking member 11 can provide a starting position for grouping tobacco packages by blocking and positioning the tobacco packages, and cooperate with the operator to continue placing tobacco packages from the side of the arranged tobacco packages away from the blocking member 11, or cooperate with the tobacco packages output from the packaging machine outlet, which can effectively reduce the risk of the arranged tobacco packages being loose.

[0035] In order to improve the accuracy of group positioning and reduce the reliance on manual observation and judgment, refer to Figure 1In some embodiments, the arrangement and positioning mechanism 10 further includes a photoelectric sensing component 12. The photoelectric sensing component 12 is configured to perform photoelectric sensing on the tobacco packages blocked by the blocking member 11 to determine that a predetermined number of tobacco packages are arranged into the tobacco package group.

[0036] The photoelectric sensing component 12 can judge the presence of tobacco packages by the blocking effect of tobacco packages on the detection light. With the blocking effect of the blocking member 11, the photoelectric sensing component 12 can sense that a sufficient number of tobacco packages are in place according to the number or width of the pre-determined group of tobacco packages, for example, when 10 or 20 tobacco strips are pre-determined in a group. The sensing result can be prompted to the operator through an alarm terminal, a display or other means, and can also be transmitted to other devices.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some embodiments, the photoelectric sensing assembly 12 includes a first photoelectric switch 121 and a second photoelectric switch 122 arranged at intervals along the first direction x, and the first photoelectric switch 121 and the second photoelectric switch 122 are respectively configured to sense one end and the other end of a predetermined number of tobacco packages in the first direction x. In this way, when the receiving ends of the first photoelectric switch 121 and the second photoelectric switch 122 are both blocked from light, it can be confirmed that a sufficient number of tobacco packages have been grouped in place.

[0038] In order to facilitate the adjustment of the position of the code scanning mechanism 20 relative to the row group positioning mechanism 10, so as to adapt to the requirements of different tobacco packaging code scanning. Figure 1-Figure 3 In some embodiments, the code scanning auxiliary device further includes: a first bracket 31 and a second bracket 32. The code scanning mechanism 20 is movably mounted on the first bracket 31, the second bracket 32 ​​is relatively fixed to the first bracket 31, and the row group positioning mechanism 10 is mounted on the second bracket 32.

[0039] The code scanning mechanism 20 can adjust its position and posture relative to the first bracket 31, so as to meet the requirement that the image code of each tobacco package in the positioned tobacco package group is located within the framing range of the code scanning lens 21. When the code scanning auxiliary device is applied to tobacco packages of other specifications, the position and posture of the code scanning mechanism 20 need to be adjusted according to factors such as the size of the tobacco package and the position of the image code, so as to effectively perform batch scanning.

[0040] refer to Figure 1-Figure 3In some embodiments, the first bracket 31 includes a first vertical beam 311, a second vertical beam 312 and a cross beam 313, the first vertical beam 311 and the second vertical beam 312 are arranged at intervals along the first direction x, and both extend along a second direction z perpendicular to the first direction x, the cross beam 313 extends along the first direction x, and both ends are fixedly connected to the top of the first vertical beam 311 and the second vertical beam 312, respectively, and the code scanning mechanism 20 is arranged on the cross beam 313 through a position adjustment component 40. The code scanning mechanism 20 is arranged at a position with a certain height through the first vertical beam 311, the second vertical beam 312 and the cross beam 313 of the first bracket 31, so as to obtain more sufficient adjustment space.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the position adjustment component 40 includes a slider 41, an L-shaped rod 42 and a mounting block 43. The slider 41 is slidably disposed on the beam 313 along the first direction x. The L-shaped rod 42 includes a first rod segment 421 and a second rod segment 422 bent at a right angle. The first rod segment 421 extends along a third direction y and is slidably disposed on the slider 41 along the third direction y. The second rod segment 422 extends along the second direction z. The mounting block 43 is slidably disposed on the second rod along the second direction z. The code scanning mechanism 20 is rotatably mounted on the mounting block 43.

[0042] The slider 41, the L-shaped rod 42 and the mounting block 43 can be tightened by screws or bolts after adjustment, and can be adjusted accordingly when the screws or bolts are loosened. After the screws or bolts of the code scanning mechanism 20 on the mounting block 43 are loosened, the code scanning mechanism 20 can be rotated in an oblique upward or oblique downward direction, thereby adjusting the shooting angle of the code scanning lens 21.

[0043] The slider 41, the L-shaped rod 42 and the mounting block 43 respectively provide adjustment mechanisms for the photoelectric sensing component 12 in three orthogonal directions, and also realize a rotatable connection between the mounting block and the photoelectric sensing component 12 at the mounting position, so that the photoelectric sensing component 12 can also rotate to adjust the posture of the code scanning lens 21.

[0044] Considering that the code scanning auxiliary device is usually used for box scanning in the workshop, and the upper side of the workshop is usually equipped with a brighter light source, it may affect the scanning effect of the code scanning mechanism 20. For example, the light source forms a highlight area on the transparent paper on the side of the cigarette rod, resulting in an incomplete QR code image being scanned. Figure 1 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the code scanning auxiliary device further includes a shading member 50. The shading member 50 is disposed on the first bracket 31 and is used to block light from an external light source when the code scanning mechanism 20 scans a code. The shading member 50 can be a shading plate or a shading block made of an opaque material, such as a metal plate or an opaque plastic plate to achieve a shading effect.

[0045] In order to match different light source positions and code scanning area positions, in some embodiments, the shading member 50 is movably disposed on the crossbeam 313. The shading member 50 can be adjusted in position by installing and removing a plurality of screws.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the code scanning auxiliary device also includes a base plate 33, the second bracket 32 ​​and the first bracket 31 are both fixedly arranged on the upper surface of the base plate 33, the second bracket 32 ​​has a mounting groove 321 extending along the first direction x, the array positioning mechanism 10 includes a photoelectric sensing component 12, the photoelectric sensing component 12 includes a first photoelectric switch 121 and a second photoelectric switch 122 arranged at intervals along the first direction x, and the first photoelectric switch 121 and the second photoelectric switch 122 are movably arranged in the mounting groove 321 along the first direction x.

[0047] The position of the first photoelectric switch 121 and the second photoelectric switch 122 and their distance can be conveniently achieved through the mounting groove 321 on the second bracket 32, so as to meet the needs of group positioning of tobacco packages of different specifications.

[0048] So far, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed here.

[0049] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified or some technical features may be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A code scanning auxiliary device for scanning codes of tobacco packages, characterized in that: include: A grouping and positioning mechanism (10) is configured to sequentially arrange a predetermined number of tobacco packages in a first direction (x) to form a tobacco package group, and to position the tobacco package group; and A code scanning mechanism (20), arranged adjacent to the tobacco package arrangement mechanism, and used for scanning and reading the image code on the tobacco package; The code scanning mechanism (20) has a code scanning lens (21) and is arranged at a position where the image code of each tobacco package in the positioned tobacco package group is located within the viewing range of the code scanning lens (21).

2. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The row group positioning mechanism (10) comprises: The blocking member (11) is configured to block and position at least one end of a predetermined number of tobacco packages in the first direction (x).

3. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The row group positioning mechanism (10) also includes: The photoelectric sensing component (12) is configured to perform photoelectric sensing on the tobacco packages blocked by the blocking member (11) to determine that a predetermined number of tobacco packages are arranged into the tobacco package group.

4. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The photoelectric sensing component (12) comprises a first photoelectric switch (121) and a second photoelectric switch (122) arranged at intervals along the first direction (x), and the first photoelectric switch (121) and the second photoelectric switch (122) are respectively configured to sense one end and the other end of a predetermined number of tobacco packages in the first direction (x).

5. The code scanning auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A first bracket (31), the code scanning mechanism (20) being movably mounted on the first bracket (31); and The second bracket (32) is fixed relative to the first bracket (31), and the row group positioning mechanism (10) is installed on the second bracket (32).

6. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first bracket (31) comprises a first vertical beam (311), a second vertical beam (312) and a cross beam (313); the first vertical beam (311) and the second vertical beam (312) are arranged at intervals along the first direction (x) and both extend along a second direction (z) perpendicular to the first direction (x); the cross beam (313) extends along the first direction (x) and has two ends fixedly connected to the top ends of the first vertical beam (311) and the second vertical beam (312), respectively; and the code scanning mechanism (20) is arranged on the cross beam (313) via a position adjustment component (40).

7. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The position adjustment assembly (40) comprises a slider (41), an L-shaped rod (42) and a mounting block (43); the slider (41) is slidably arranged on the crossbeam (313) along the first direction (x); the L-shaped rod (42) comprises a first rod segment (421) and a second rod segment (422) bent at a right angle; the first rod segment (421) extends along a third direction (y) and is slidably arranged on the slider (41) along the third direction (y); the second rod segment (422) extends along the second direction (z); the mounting block (43) is slidably arranged on the second rod along the second direction (z); and the code scanning mechanism (20) is rotatably mounted on the mounting block (43).

8. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: A light shielding member (50) is arranged on the first bracket (31) and is used to shield light from an external light source when the code scanning mechanism (20) scans a code.

9. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The shading member (50) is movably arranged on the crossbeam (313).

10. The code scanning auxiliary device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a bottom plate (33), the second bracket (32) and the first bracket (31) are both fixedly arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate (33), the second bracket (32) has a mounting groove (321) extending along the first direction (x), the array positioning mechanism (10) comprises a photoelectric sensing component (12), the photoelectric sensing component (12) comprises a first photoelectric switch (121) and a second photoelectric switch (122) arranged at intervals along the first direction (x), and the first photoelectric switch (121) and the second photoelectric switch (122) are movably arranged in the mounting groove (321) along the first direction (x).

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