High-position material supplementing device in cigarette production

Abstract

The utility model discloses a high-position material supplementing device in cigarette production, which comprises a cigarette packet temporary storage bin, a conveyor located at the outlet of the cigarette packet temporary storage bin, and a cigarette packet pushing hand mechanism, the conveyor sequentially forms a horizontal conveying track and a curve conveying track, and the curve conveying track passes through a plurality of sections of arc-shaped tracks to form a horizontal conveying track and a curve conveying track which are far away from the cigarette packet temporary storage bin. The curve conveying track is provided with a protection cavity in a sleeved mode, and an auxiliary conveying mechanism penetrates through the protection cavity. The cigarette packet pushing hand mechanism is connected with a conveying opening of the conveyor, and the cigarette packet pushing hand mechanism is connected with an existing cigarette packet channel through a confluence conveying mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cigarette technology, specifically relating to a high-level feeding device in cigarette production. Background Technology

[0002] In cigarette production, the density of cigarette packs on the main conveyor belt may be insufficient, requiring replenishment. Since the main conveyor belt is often high off the ground, replenishment is typically done manually. To complete this task, workers must constantly bend over and kneel, leading to fatigue and low efficiency. Furthermore, replenishment requires precise control of material spacing to ensure smooth transport, preventing blockages and gaps. This demands significant effort, leaving little time for other tasks (such as production line inspection and monitoring). Each conveyor line requires workers for replenishment, consuming substantial human and material resources, yet the results are insufficient to meet production demands.

[0003] Therefore, it is essential to design a high-level feeding device to draw materials into the main channel. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-level feeding device for cigarette production, which draws cigarette packs into the main channel to complete the feeding operation from low to high level.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is to propose a high-level feeding device in cigarette production, including a cigarette pack buffer bin, a conveyor located at the outlet of the cigarette pack buffer bin, and a cigarette pack pusher mechanism. The conveyor sequentially forms a horizontal conveying trajectory and a curved conveying trajectory. The curved conveying trajectory forms a conveying trajectory that is far away from the cigarette pack buffer bin and higher than the cigarette pack buffer bin through several arc-shaped trajectories. A protective cavity is sleeved on the curved conveying trajectory, and an auxiliary conveying mechanism is provided through the protective cavity. The cigarette pack pusher mechanism is connected to the conveyor inlet of the conveyor, and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism is connected to the existing cigarette pack channel through a converging conveying mechanism.

[0006] Furthermore, the conveyor includes a first conveyor forming a horizontal conveying trajectory and a second conveyor forming a curved conveying trajectory. The output port of the first conveyor is connected to the input port of the second conveyor, and the first conveyor is equipped with a guard rail.

[0007] Furthermore, both the first and second conveyors include at least two synchronous pulleys and a synchronous belt covering the outer periphery of the synchronous pulleys to form a closed cavity, and the synchronous belt on the second conveyor forms the curved transmission trajectory.

[0008] Furthermore, the two ends of the guard rail are respectively mounted on the protective cavity and the mounting shell, and the two sides of the mounting shell are provided with rollers that contact the cigarette pack.

[0009] Furthermore, the second conveyor has a plurality of push blocks on the synchronous belt. As the synchronous belt rotates, the push blocks push the tobacco packs to rotate along the synchronous belt to achieve tobacco pack transportation.

[0010] Furthermore, the auxiliary conveying mechanism is a rotating wheel embedded in the protective cavity. As the rotating wheel rotates, it forms a circular trajectory within the protective cavity that moves in the same direction as the curved conveying trajectory.

[0011] Furthermore, the initial end of the conveyor is located below the cigarette pack buffer chamber, which is a vertical chamber, and the cigarette packs fall onto the initial end of the conveyor by gravity.

[0012] Furthermore, the outlet of the cigarette pack pusher mechanism is located above the existing cigarette pack channel, and the projection of the outlet of the cigarette pack pusher mechanism covers the projection of a portion of the existing cigarette pack channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the converging and conveying mechanism forms an inclined slope trajectory, and the cigarette pack, pushed by the cigarette pack pusher mechanism, moves along the inclined slope trajectory in combination with gravity into the existing cigarette pack channel; the converging and conveying mechanism also includes a support portion fixed to the outer shell of the existing cigarette pack channel and the bottom of the cigarette pack pusher mechanism respectively, and the support portion forms a guide portion of the existing cigarette pack channel.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a detection module and a control system. The control system is electrically connected to the conveyor and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism. The detection module is used to detect the arrangement of the cigarette packs on the existing cigarette pack channel. The control system is used to drive the cigarette pack pusher mechanism and the conveyor to replenish materials according to the detection results of the detection module.

[0015] The detection module can be located below the cigarette pack pusher mechanism, facing the existing cigarette pack channel (main channel), and can acquire images to obtain the arrangement of cigarette packs on the main channel.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] This utility model proposes a high-level feeding device for cigarette production, which performs feeding operations on the main channel at a high level, saving manpower and material resources; freeing up manpower, allowing workers to focus on production line inspection and monitoring.

[0018] The detection module detects the materials on the main channel, making the replenishment operation orderly and ensuring that when the cigarette packs flow into the main channel, they can merge smoothly with the cigarette packs on the main channel without causing jams or blockages.

[0019] The conveyor system enables both horizontal and curved conveying paths, allowing for dual horizontal and vertical material transport. This frees up more space for production, and allows for material replenishment of cigarette packs at greater distances. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In these drawings, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar elements. The drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments. Other drawings will be readily available to those skilled in the art based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a high-level feeding device in cigarette production according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 100, cigarette pack buffer bin; 200, conveyor; 210, horizontal conveyor track; 220, curved conveyor track; 230, first conveyor; 231, guard rail; 232, synchronous pulley; 233, synchronous belt; 240, second conveyor; 250, assembly shell; 251, roller; 300, protective cavity; 400, auxiliary conveying mechanism; 410, rotating wheel; 500, cigarette pack pusher mechanism; 600, converging conveyor mechanism; 610, support section; 700, existing cigarette pack channel; 800, cigarette pack. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model and the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort. Furthermore, the design orientation only indicates the relative positional relationship between the components, not the absolute positional relationship.

[0024] This utility model embodiment provides a high-level feeding device for cigarette production. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1It mainly includes a cigarette pack buffer 100, a conveyor 200 located at the outlet of the cigarette pack buffer 100, and a cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500. The conveyor 200 sequentially forms a horizontal conveying trajectory 210 and a curved conveying trajectory 220. The curved conveying trajectory 220 forms a conveying trajectory that is far away from the cigarette pack buffer 100 and higher than the cigarette pack buffer 100 through several arc-shaped trajectories. A protective cavity 300 is fitted on the curved conveying trajectory 220, and an auxiliary conveying mechanism 400 is provided through the protective cavity 300. The cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 is connected to the conveying port of the conveyor 200, and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 is connected to the existing cigarette pack channel 700 through a converging conveying mechanism 600.

[0025] See attached document Figure 1 As shown in this application, by setting two conveying trajectories, a horizontal section is first transported to bring the cigarettes from a distance to the vicinity of the replenishment location. Then, a curved conveying path is used for further transport. At the end of the curved conveying trajectory, a cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 is added, which connects to the conveyor inlet of the conveyor 200. The cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 is also connected to the existing cigarette pack channel 700 via a converging conveyor mechanism 600. When replenishment is needed, the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 activates, pushing the replenished cigarette pack into the existing cigarette pack channel to achieve the replenishment effect.

[0026] To facilitate efficient transport, the curved transport trajectory in this embodiment includes at least a transition transport section, a height transport section, and a jacking transport section connected sequentially from bottom to top. All three transport sections have relatively gentle curves and slow transport, ensuring effective transport from low to high. The transition transport section, in particular, forms a slow initial stage from low to high, while the height transport section is primarily responsible for height transfer, and the jacking transport section prepares for the subsequent pushing action of the cigarette pack pusher mechanism.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, the conveyor 200 includes a first conveyor 230 forming a horizontal conveying trajectory and a second conveyor 240 forming a curved conveying trajectory. The output port of the first conveyor 230 is connected to the input port of the second conveyor 240, and a guard rail 231 is provided on the first conveyor 230. At this time, the guard rail 231 and the second conveyor 240 at the bottom form a limiting trajectory, making the conveying of the cigarette pack 800 more stable and preventing it from easily falling off. In this embodiment, the guard rail 231 can be made of flexible material, forming a compression layer. Its width is smaller than the width of the cigarette pack, thus only partially limiting and partially exposed, making it convenient for operators to observe whether the conveyed replenishment cigarette packs are following the set trajectory and whether they are qualified cigarette packs.

[0028] For example, both the first conveyor 230 and the second conveyor 240 include at least two synchronous pulleys 232 and a synchronous belt 233 covering the outer periphery of the synchronous pulleys 232 to form a closed cavity. The synchronous belt 233 on the second conveyor 240 forms a curved transport trajectory. In this embodiment, synchronous pulley and synchronous belt technology are used, only the positions of the synchronous pulleys and synchronous belts are different, thus forming a cyclical transport with different trajectories. The curved transport trajectory here can be adjusted by the position of the synchronous pulleys. Adding a synchronous pulley will add a curve, and the relative position between the synchronous pulleys can also be adjusted in direction. In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, some synchronous pulleys are obscured, but the synchronous pulleys and synchronous belts are structures commonly used in the prior art.

[0029] See attached document Figure 1 As shown, the guard rail 231 is mounted on the protective cavity 300 and the mounting shell 250 at both ends, respectively. Rollers 251 that contact the cigarette pack 800 are provided on both sides of the mounting shell 250. In this embodiment, the rollers 251 can contact the cigarette pack, thereby assisting in the conveying of the cigarette pack on the first conveyor. Their rotation direction is the same as that of the cigarettes, thus aiding in the conveying process. Furthermore, they can also generate pressure, making the surface of the cigarette packs passing through during transport smoother.

[0030] In this embodiment, the synchronous belt 233 of the second conveyor 240 is equipped with several push blocks (not shown in the figure). As the synchronous belt 233 rotates, the push blocks push the cigarette pack 800 to rotate along the synchronous belt to achieve cigarette pack transportation. During this process, when the cigarette pack on the first conveyor 230 is transported to the connection point of the two conveyors, the cigarette pack has no power to continue to be transported and can only be between the two conveyors. At this time, the push blocks are added, and the cigarette pack is just stuck on the push blocks. Then the second conveyor rotates, and the cigarette pack will move along the second conveyor with the push blocks. At this time, even if the second conveyor needs to move to a higher position, the cigarette pack can only move with it due to the presence of the push blocks and is not easily affected by gravity, thereby improving the efficiency of feeding from low to high.

[0031] In this embodiment, the pusher block can be a plate structure, and the cigarette pack is relatively lightweight, so that the pusher block and the cigarette pack can be transported well along with the second conveyor.

[0032] In this embodiment, the auxiliary conveying mechanism 400 is specifically a rotating wheel 410 embedded in the protective cavity 300. As the rotating wheel 410 rotates, it forms a circular trajectory within the protective cavity 300 that moves in the same direction as the curved conveying trajectory. At this time, the rotating wheel 410 generates a certain rotational auxiliary force, which gives the tobacco packs moving upwards on the curved trajectory more power, resulting in a better upward feeding effect.

[0033] In this embodiment, for ease of assembly, the initial end of the conveyor 200 is located below the cigarette pack buffer chamber 100, which is a vertical chamber. The cigarette packs 800 fall onto the initial end of the conveyor 200 by gravity. In this embodiment, the vertical structure allows the cigarette packs to have a certain weight, which causes them to automatically fall into the conveyor through the outlet without much external intervention.

[0034] To protect the existing tobacco pack channel 700, the outlet of the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500 is located above the existing tobacco pack channel 700, and the projection of the outlet of the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500 overlaps the projection of a portion of the existing tobacco pack channel 700. At this time, the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500 is relatively wide, and the existing tobacco pack channel is partially covered and protected, preventing excessive impurities from entering.

[0035] To fully utilize gravity, the converging and conveying mechanism 600 forms an inclined trajectory. The tobacco packs 800, pushed by the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500, move along the inclined trajectory and, combined with gravity, into the existing tobacco pack channel 700. At this point, the force from the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500 on the tobacco packs is relatively small, which may make it difficult to complete long-distance transport. The inclined surface provides some gravity, which can better assist in transporting the tobacco packs from high to low. In this embodiment, the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500 can be a push rod structure for direct pushing.

[0036] Specifically, the converging and conveying mechanism 600 also includes a support portion 610 fixed to the outer shell of the existing tobacco pack channel 700 and the bottom of the tobacco pack pusher mechanism 500, respectively. The support portion 610 forms a guide portion for the existing tobacco pack channel 700. At this time, the support portion 610 supports the entire converging and conveying mechanism, making it form an inclined surface, but it also forms a enclosure cavity, protecting the regular existing tobacco pack channel 700.

[0037] See attached document Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the feeding device utilizes a curved conveying trajectory achieved by a second conveyor 240 equipped with an S-shaped flexible chain plate (containing baffles). During system operation, the S-shaped flexible conveyor pushes the cigarette packs out from the bottom of the hopper and lifts them to the designated workstation via the conveyor belt (i.e., the second conveyor 240). During this lifting process, the cigarette packs 800 are pushed by the spacers (i.e., pushers) on the flexible chain. When the merging conditions are met, the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 is activated, pushing the cigarette packs into the converging conveyor mechanism 600. Under gravity, the packs then slide into the main channel (i.e., the existing cigarette pack channel 700) through the converging conveyor mechanism to complete the feeding operation. Before being pushed into the converging device, the cigarette packs must be pre-tested and assessed to ensure smooth merging with the main channel, preventing cigarette jamming or blockage.

[0038] The feeding device of this application is used as follows:

[0039] First, manual replenishment of cigarette packs 800 is performed, filling the cigarette pack buffer bin 100. The buffer bin 100 is vertically designed, allowing the packs to fall freely under their own weight into the conveyor 200. The S-shaped flexible baffle conveyor mainly consists of a flexible chain plate with baffles, guard rails 231, a servo motor drive unit, and other components. The lifting of the cigarette packs 800 along the curve is achieved by pushers on the flexible chain. The servo motor drive unit controls the synchronous belts and pulleys in the two conveyors to complete the conveying process. A cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 is located at the exit of the S-shaped conveyor. This mechanism pushes the cigarette packs into a chute-type converging conveyor mechanism, where they then merge by self-sliding. The entire system uses servo motors as the power source.

[0040] Compared to the main channel, the height of the cigarette pack buffer bin 100 is reduced, allowing the cigarette packs 800 to be filled in a fixed position. At the same time, workers do not need to stay there for a long time, and the feeding device can automatically perform feeding operations.

[0041] In this application, a detection module and a control system can be configured. The control system is electrically connected to the conveyor 200 and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500. The detection module is used to detect the arrangement of cigarette packs on the existing cigarette pack channel 700. The control system is used to drive the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 and the conveyor 200 to replenish materials according to the detection results of the detection module.

[0042] When a large gap appears in the arrangement of the cigarette packs, the control system can drive the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500 to perform a replenishment operation. The real-time position of the gap can be calculated based on the running speed of the main channel, and the timing of replenishment can be calculated based on the distance between the detection module and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500, so that the replenished cigarette packs can be stably merged into the gap.

[0043] For example, the detection module can be located below the cigarette pack pusher mechanism 500, with the detection end facing the existing cigarette pack channel (main channel), and can acquire images to obtain the arrangement of cigarette packs on the main channel. Specifically, the detection module can be a camera, video recorder, etc.

[0044] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0045] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production, characterized in that, The device includes a cigarette pack buffer compartment (100), a conveyor (200) located at the outlet of the cigarette pack buffer compartment (100), and a cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500). The conveyor (200) sequentially forms a horizontal conveying trajectory (210) and a curved conveying trajectory (220). The curved conveying trajectory (220) forms a conveying trajectory that is far away from the cigarette pack buffer compartment (100) and higher than the cigarette pack buffer compartment (100) through several arc-shaped trajectories. A protective cavity (300) is fitted on the curved conveying trajectory (220), and an auxiliary conveying mechanism (400) is provided through the protective cavity (300). The cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500) is connected to the conveying port of the conveyor (200), and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500) is connected to the existing cigarette pack channel (700) through a converging conveying mechanism (600).

2. The high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor (200) includes a first conveyor (230) forming a horizontal conveying trajectory (210) and a second conveyor (240) forming a curved conveying trajectory (220). The output port of the first conveyor (230) is connected to the input port of the second conveyor (240). The first conveyor (230) is provided with a guard rail (231).

3. The high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first conveyor (230) and the second conveyor (240) each include at least two synchronous pulleys (232) and a synchronous belt (233) covering the outer periphery of the synchronous pulleys (232) to form a closed cavity. The synchronous belt (233) on the second conveyor (240) forms the curved transmission trajectory.

4. The high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guard rail (231) is mounted on the protective cavity (300) and the mounting shell (250) at both ends respectively. The mounting shell (250) has rollers (251) on both sides that contact the cigarette pack (800).

5. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second conveyor (240) has a number of push blocks on the synchronous belt (233). When the synchronous belt (233) rotates, the push blocks push the tobacco pack to rotate along the synchronous belt (233) to realize the tobacco pack transportation.

6. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary conveying mechanism (400) is a rotating wheel (410) embedded in the protective cavity (300). When the rotating wheel (410) rotates, it forms a circular trajectory in the protective cavity (300) that moves in the same direction as the curved conveying trajectory (220).

7. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The initial end of the conveyor (200) is located below the cigarette pack buffer bin (100), which is a vertical bin, and the cigarette packs fall onto the initial end of the conveyor (200) by gravity.

8. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500) is located above the existing cigarette pack channel (700), and the projection of the outlet of the cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500) covers the projection of a portion of the existing cigarette pack channel (700).

9. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 8, characterized in that, The converging and conveying mechanism (600) forms an inclined slope trajectory. The tobacco pack, pushed by the tobacco pack pusher mechanism (500), moves along the inclined slope trajectory and into the existing tobacco pack channel (700) under the combined force of gravity. The converging and conveying mechanism (600) also includes a support portion that is fixed to the outer shell of the existing tobacco pack channel (700) and the bottom of the tobacco pack pusher mechanism (500), respectively. The support portion forms a guide portion of the existing tobacco pack channel (700).

10. A high-level feeding device for cigarette production according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a detection module and a control system. The control system is electrically connected to the conveyor (200) and the cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500). The detection module is used to detect the arrangement of the cigarette packs on the existing cigarette pack channel (700). The control system is used to drive the cigarette pack pusher mechanism (500) and the conveyor (200) to replenish materials according to the detection results of the detection module.

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