Feeding device and tobacco processing system

Abstract

The utility model provides a feeding device and a tobacco processing system, the feeding device comprises a storage device, a nozzle, a nozzle valve, a feeding pipeline and a backflow pipeline, the storage device stores feed liquid, the nozzle is connected with the nozzle valve and sprays the feed liquid to tobacco, and the feeding pipeline and the backflow pipeline are connected between the nozzle valve and the storage device; when the nozzle valve is opened, the nozzle is communicated with the feeding pipeline, so that feed liquid in the storage equipment can flow to the nozzle through the feeding pipeline, and when the nozzle valve is closed, the backflow pipeline is communicated with the feeding pipeline, so that the feed liquid in the feeding pipeline can flow back to the storage equipment through the backflow pipeline; the backflow pipeline comprises a detection pipeline, the included angle between the detection pipeline and the vertical direction is larger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees, and a non-contact sensor for detecting the material liquid flow is arranged on the outer wall of the detection pipeline. The liquid backflow phenomenon is found by detecting the flow of the backflow pipeline, the structure is simple and convenient, the accuracy and the sensitivity are high, the feeding precision can be improved, and the tobacco product quality is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco processing technology, and in particular to a feeding device and a tobacco processing system. Background Technology

[0002] In tobacco industry production lines (such as tobacco processing lines in cigarette manufacturing), the feeding process uses a feeding system to evenly apply liquid to tobacco leaves or shredded tobacco according to the formula requirements, in order to improve the aroma characteristics of tobacco, mask off-flavors, and enhance the aroma.

[0003] The accuracy of tobacco addition has a significant impact on the quality of tobacco products. If backflow of the tobacco liquid occurs during the addition process, it indicates that some or all of the liquid has returned to the mobile container via the return pipe, meaning that the liquid was not applied to the tobacco leaves or shreds in the exact proportions required by the formula. This will greatly affect the accuracy of addition, and consequently, the quality of tobacco products (such as cigarettes). Utility Model Content

[0004] In related technologies, the feeding accuracy is not high. The inventors discovered through research that this is due to the backflow of liquid material during production.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a solution that is simple in structure, has good accuracy and sensitivity, and can promptly detect liquid backflow.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a feeding device is provided, characterized in that it includes a storage device, a nozzle, a nozzle valve, a feeding pipe, and a return pipe. The storage device is used to store liquid material. The nozzle is connected to the nozzle valve and is used to spray the liquid material onto tobacco. The feeding pipe and the return pipe are connected between the nozzle valve and the storage device. The nozzle valve is configured to, when open, connect the nozzle to the feeding pipe, allowing the liquid material in the storage device to flow to the nozzle via the feeding pipe, and to, when closed, connect the return pipe to the feeding pipe, allowing the liquid material in the feeding pipe to flow back to the storage device via the return pipe. The return pipe includes a detection pipe, the angle between the detection pipe and the vertical direction being greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. A non-contact sensor is provided on the outer wall of the detection pipe, the non-contact sensor being configured to detect the flow rate of the liquid material in the return pipe.

[0007] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor is configured as a capacitive sensor, which is mounted abuttingly on the outer wall of the detection pipe.

[0008] In some embodiments, the capacitive sensor is mounted on the lower surface of the detection pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor is installed in the middle section of the detection pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the detection conduit is made of a non-metallic material.

[0011] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor is mounted on the detection pipe using a non-metallic clamp.

[0012] In some embodiments, the return conduit includes two vertical pipe sections and the detection conduit, the detection conduit being connected between the two vertical pipe sections.

[0013] In some embodiments, the return pipe includes a horizontal pipe and the detection pipe, wherein the length of the horizontal pipe is less than a preset threshold.

[0014] In some embodiments, the feeding device further includes an alarm device for outputting an alarm prompt when the nozzle valve is open for a preset duration and the liquid flow rate detected by the sensor is greater than a preset threshold.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a tobacco processing system, the tobacco processing system including the feeding device described in any of the above embodiments, the feeding device being used to apply liquid material to tobacco.

[0016] In the technical solutions of this utility model, firstly, the non-contact sensor can accurately and sensitively detect the flow rate of liquid in the return pipe. Using a non-contact sensor for detection is beneficial for timely detection of liquid backflow.

[0017] Secondly, compared to installing the sensor inside the detection pipe, the non-contact sensor in this invention is installed on the outer wall of the detection pipe, which is simpler in structure and easier to install.

[0018] Finally, the above embodiments take into account that if the detection pipe is vertical, the liquid may flow down from the center of the pipe instead of along the pipe wall, which would prevent the non-contact sensor from accurately measuring the liquid flow rate. If the detection pipe is horizontal, the liquid may stagnate in the detection pipe, also preventing the non-contact sensor from accurately measuring the flow rate. Therefore, setting the angle α between the detection pipe and the vertical direction to be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees is beneficial to improving the accuracy of flow detection.

[0019] In summary, the feeding device of this utility model has a simple structure, is easy to install, and has high accuracy and sensitivity in detecting liquid backflow, which helps to improve feeding precision and thus ensure the quality of tobacco products (such as cigarettes). The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

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

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a feeding device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the feeding process according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this invention.

[0025] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0026] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0027] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a feeding device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the feeding device includes a storage device 9, a nozzle 8, a nozzle valve 1, a feeding pipe, and a return pipe. In some embodiments, the return pipe is also referred to as the return liquid pipe after the nozzle valve or the return liquid pipe.

[0031] Storage device 9 is used to store liquid materials, and storage device 9 is, for example, a mobile tank.

[0032] Nozzle 8 is connected to nozzle valve 1 and is used to spray the liquid onto the tobacco. The feeding pipe and return pipe connect nozzle valve 1 to the storage device 9. The feeding path is as follows: Figure 1 The red dashed lines indicate the feeding pipes, including those corresponding to the feeding path. Figure 1 As shown by the blue dotted lines, the return pipe includes, for example, the pipe corresponding to the return path. Nozzle 8 is, for example, a dual-media nozzle.

[0033] The nozzle valve 1 is configured to connect the nozzle 8 to the feeding pipe when the nozzle valve 1 is open, allowing the liquid material in the storage device 9 to flow to the nozzle 8 via the feeding pipe, and to connect the return pipe to the feeding pipe when the nozzle valve 1 is closed, allowing the liquid material in the feeding pipe to flow back to the storage device 9 via the return pipe. The nozzle valve 1 is, for example, a three-way valve.

[0034] The return pipe includes a detection pipe 5, the angle α between the detection pipe 5 and the vertical direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and a non-contact sensor 6 is provided on the outer wall of the detection pipe 5. The non-contact sensor 6 is configured to detect the flow rate of the liquid in the return pipe.

[0035] In the above embodiments, firstly, the non-contact sensor 6 can accurately and sensitively detect the flow rate of the liquid in the return pipe. Using the non-contact sensor 6 for detection is beneficial for timely detection of the liquid backflow phenomenon.

[0036] Secondly, compared to installing the sensor inside the detection pipe, the non-contact sensor 6 in this invention is installed on the outer wall of the detection pipe, which is simpler in structure and easier to install.

[0037] Finally, the above embodiments take into account that if the detection pipe 5 is vertical, the liquid may flow down from the center of the pipe instead of along the pipe wall, which would prevent the non-contact sensor 6 from accurately measuring the liquid flow rate. If the detection pipe 5 is horizontal, the liquid may stagnate in the detection pipe 5, also preventing the non-contact sensor 6 from accurately measuring the flow rate. Therefore, setting the angle α between the detection pipe 5 and the vertical direction to be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees is beneficial to improving the accuracy of flow detection.

[0038] In summary, the feeding device of this invention has a simple structure, is easy to install, and has high accuracy and sensitivity in detecting liquid backflow, which helps to improve feeding precision and thus ensure the quality of tobacco products (such as cigarettes).

[0039] The backflow of feed liquid may be caused by a malfunction of nozzle valve 1. Malfunctions of nozzle valve 1 include one or more of the following: malfunction of operation, malfunction of detection, and damage to the valve core seal. Malfunction of operation indicates that the feeding system requires nozzle valve 1 to open, but nozzle valve 1 is in the closed state or not fully opened. Malfunction of detection indicates that nozzle valve 1 is in the open state, but is detected to be currently in the closed state.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor 6 is configured as a capacitive sensor, that is, the non-contact sensor 6 is a non-contact capacitive sensor (also called a non-contact capacitive liquid sensor). The non-contact capacitive sensor is mounted abuttingly on the outer wall of the detection pipe 5. The non-contact capacitive sensor can accurately and sensitively measure the flow rate of the liquid, which helps to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the liquid flow rate measurement.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor 6 is mounted on the lower surface of the detection pipe 5. When the liquid flows through the detection pipe 5, it may not contact the upper surface of the detection pipe 5, but only the lower surface. Compared to mounting the non-contact sensor 6 on the upper surface of the detection pipe 5, mounting it on the lower surface improves the accuracy of liquid flow detection, thereby enabling timely detection of liquid backflow.

[0042] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor 6 is installed in the middle section of the detection pipe 5.

[0043] In some embodiments, the detection conduit 5 is made of a non-metallic material. Compared to detection conduits made of metallic materials, detection conduits 5 made of non-metallic materials are advantageous in ensuring the detection accuracy of non-contact sensors (e.g., non-contact capacitive liquid sensors) 6.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor 6 is mounted on the detection pipe 5 using a non-metallic clamp. Using a non-metallic clamp for mounting helps ensure the detection accuracy of the non-contact sensor 6 (e.g., a non-contact capacitive liquid sensor).

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the return pipe includes two vertical pipe sections (e.g., vertical pipe 2 and vertical pipe 3) and a detection pipe 5, which is connected between the two vertical pipe sections.

[0046] In some embodiments, the return pipe includes a horizontal pipe 10 and a detection pipe 5, wherein the length of the horizontal pipe 10 is less than a preset threshold. The shorter length of the horizontal pipe 10 helps to prevent excessive liquid from remaining in the horizontal pipe 10, thereby ensuring feeding accuracy.

[0047] In some embodiments, the feeding device further includes an alarm device (not shown in the figure). The alarm device is used to output an alarm prompt when the nozzle valve 1 is open for a preset time and the liquid flow rate detected by the non-contact sensor 6 is greater than a preset threshold.

[0048] In the above embodiments, an alarm is generated promptly upon detection of material backflow, which can remind operators to stop the machine for inspection and maintenance in a timely manner, ensuring that the feeding accuracy meets the process standards.

[0049] Furthermore, the above embodiments take into account that a pre-filling operation is usually performed before the feeding begins, so that the liquid flows along... Figure 1 The green path shown (i.e., the pre-filling path) fills the pipeline and circulates continuously along it under the action of the pump. Within a preset time after feeding begins (i.e., after nozzle valve 1 opens), a portion of the pre-filled liquid will flow into the storage device 9 via the return pipe due to gravity. This is normal and not considered liquid backflow, so no alarm is needed. If, after nozzle valve 1 has been open for the preset time, liquid flow still exceeds a preset threshold through the return pipe, then liquid backflow has occurred. In the above embodiment, an alarm is output when nozzle valve 1 has been open for the preset time and the liquid flow detected by the non-contact sensor 6 exceeds the preset threshold, rather than outputting an alarm as soon as the liquid flow detected by the non-contact sensor 6 exceeds the preset threshold. This helps avoid false detections.

[0050] In some embodiments, the feeding device further includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) 7. The PLC 7 is configured to process the analog signal output by the non-contact sensor 6 to obtain the current flow rate of the liquid in the return pipe.

[0051] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the feeding process according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, production begins in step S210.

[0053] In step S220, the feeding system enters the "feeding" state. For example, the feeding system changes from "waiting for feeding" to "feeding". In some embodiments, in the "feeding" state, the nozzle valve 1 opens, and the liquid is applied to the tobacco leaves or shredded tobacco through the nozzle 8.

[0054] In step S230, PLC 7 collects the liquid flow rate of the return pipe (i.e., the return pipe mentioned above). It should be understood that step S230 is a step that can be continuously executed during the production process, that is, the liquid flow rate of the return pipe can be continuously collected during the production process.

[0055] In step S240, the program timer is enabled.

[0056] In step S250, the timer starts counting.

[0057] In step S260, it is determined whether the delay time (i.e., the preset duration mentioned above) has been reached. If the determination result is no, then proceed to step S250. The timer continues counting. If the determination result is yes, then proceed to step S270.

[0058] In step S270, it is determined whether the flow rate of the return liquid pipe exceeds a preset threshold. If the determination result is yes, then step S280 is executed. If the determination result is no, then step S290 is executed.

[0059] In step S280, an alarm is generated, indicating that there is a backflow of liquid.

[0060] In step S290, it is determined whether production has ended. If production has ended, step S300 is executed. If production has not ended, step S270 is executed.

[0061] In step S300, production ends.

[0062] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the tobacco processing system embodiments, since they basically correspond to the feeding device embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0063] This utility model embodiment also provides a tobacco processing system. The tobacco processing system includes the feeding device described in any of the above embodiments, the feeding device being used to apply liquid feed to tobacco.

[0064] The various embodiments of this utility model have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this utility model, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0066] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that one or more flows in the flowchart and / or one or more blocks in the block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, generate instructions for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0067] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0068] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0069] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A feeding device, characterized in that, The device includes a storage device, a nozzle, a nozzle valve, a feeding pipe, and a return pipe. The storage device is used to store liquid material. The nozzle is connected to the nozzle valve and is used to spray the liquid material onto tobacco. The feeding pipe and the return pipe are connected between the nozzle valve and the storage device. The nozzle valve is configured to, when open, connect the nozzle to the feeding pipe, allowing liquid in the storage device to flow to the nozzle via the feeding pipe; and, when closed, connect the return pipe to the feeding pipe, allowing liquid in the feeding pipe to flow back to the storage device via the return pipe; and The return pipe includes a detection pipe, the angle between the detection pipe and the vertical direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and a non-contact sensor is provided on the outer wall of the detection pipe. The non-contact sensor is configured to detect the flow rate of the liquid in the return pipe.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-contact sensor is configured as a capacitive sensor, which is mounted close to the outer wall of the detection pipe.

3. The feeding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The capacitive sensor is installed on the lower surface of the detection pipe.

4. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The non-contact sensor is installed in the middle section of the detection pipeline.

5. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The detection pipeline is made of non-metallic materials.

6. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The non-contact sensor is mounted on the detection pipe using a non-metallic clamp.

7. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The return pipe includes two vertical pipe sections and the detection pipe, with the detection pipe connected between the two vertical pipe sections.

8. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The return pipe includes a horizontal pipe and the detection pipe, and the length of the horizontal pipe is less than a preset threshold.

9. The feeding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm device, which outputs an alarm prompt when the nozzle valve is open for a preset time and the liquid flow detected by the sensor is greater than a preset threshold.

10. A tobacco processing system, characterized in that, The tobacco processing system includes a feeding device as described in any one of claims 1-9, the feeding device being used to apply liquid to tobacco.

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